bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Return to work after thoracic organ transplantation in a clinically‐stable population
Authors: Petrucci Lucia , Ricotti Susanna , Michelini Ilaria , Vitulo Patrizio , Oggionni Tiberio , Cascina Alessandro , D'Armini Andrea M. , Goggi Claudio , Campana Carlo , Viganò Mario , Dalla‐Toffola Elena , Tinelli Carmine , Klersy Catherine 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the rate of return to work after transplantation and its determinants in a clinically‐stable population of patients transplanted and followed‐up at a single institution in Italy.Methods151 thoracic organ transplant recipients (72 lung, 79 heart) were examined. Patients were asked about daily activities, level of education, employment and clinical condition. A six‐minute walking test was performed with measurement of dyspnoea using the Borg scale. Quality of Life was evaluated with the SF‐36 and GHQ questionnaires.ResultsBefore transplantation 131 patients (87%), (70 heart and 61 lung) worked. After transplantation, 51 patients (39%) went back to work and 3 more started working. We found that younger age, a better quality of life (mainly in the mental domain), having had an occupation previously (particularly as an entrepreneur/freelancer), and having been off work for less than 24months, were independent predictors of return to work.ConclusionsConsidering their good, objective and subjective, functional status, some patients who could have returned to work, chose not to. Identifying factors which affect return to work might help health professionals to adopt the best course of treatment and psychological support in order to fulfil this goal; however, return to work should not be considered as the only expression of a patient's real psychophysical condition.
Neurohumoral effects of the new orally active renin inhibitor, aliskiren, in chronic heart failure
Authors: Seed Alison , Gardner Roy , McMurray John , Hillier Chris , Murdoch David , MacFadyen Robert , Bobillier Alain , Mann Jessica , McDonagh Theresa 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackgroundSuppression of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is therapeutically valuable in chronic heart failure (CHF). RAAS inhibition can be achieved in a number of ways though an orally active renin inhibitor (RI) has never been studied before. We describe the neurohumoral effects of an RI.Methods and results27 patients with NYHA class II or III CHF and an ejection fraction ≤0.35, were randomised to placebo, the ACE inhibitor ramipril or the RI aliskiren for 1week after a 5–7day washout period following ACE inhibitor withdrawal. Thereafter, patients were treated with either ramipril (target dose 10mg qd) or aliskiren (target dose 300mg qd) for a further 5weeks. Plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II, aldosterone and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured at baseline (pre‐randomisation), after one week and at two week intervals thereafter. The mean changes (%) at the end of the study (6weeks), compared with baseline, were: PRA 164.9 (SD 149)% ramipril, −60.1 (24)% aliskiren (between groups p value<0.0001); angiotensin II 39.7 (138)% ramipril, −51.4 (40)% aliskiren (p<0.05); aldosterone −0.94 (67)% ramipril, 4.74 (60)% aliskiren (p=n.s.); BNP‐7.51 (38)% ramipril, −1.79 (43)% aliskiren (p=n.s.).ConclusionsAliskiren appeared to suppress the RAAS as effectively as ramipril in the short term. RIs may offer an alternative therapeutic approach to the blockade of the RAAS.
Effect of ascorbic acid on microcirculation in patients with Type II diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study
Authors: LU Qing , BJÖRKHEM Ingemar , WRETLIND Bengt , DICZFALUSY Ulf , HENRIKSSON Peter , FREYSCHUSS Anna 
Published: November 2007

Manifestations of vascular disease, including microvascular changes, constitute the major part of the morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Oxidative stress has been suggested to play an important role in the vascular dysfunction of diabetic patients. Furthermore, epidemiological observations indicate a beneficial effect of an increased dietary intake of antioxidants. The present study tested the hypothesis that the antioxidant ascorbic acid influences microcirculatory function in patients with Type II diabetes. Patients with Type II diabetes were treated with 1 g of ascorbic acid three times a day for 2 weeks in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over design. Microvascular reactivity was assessed by vital capillaroscopy and PRH (post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia). hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-1ra (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) and ox-LDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein) were analysed. The results showed no significant change in microvascular reactivity assessed after 2 weeks of ascorbic acid treatment. TtP (time to peak) was 12.0±3.3 s before and 11.2±3.5 s after ascorbic acid (n=17). In comparison, TtP was 11.5±2.9 s before and 10.6±2.8 s after placebo (not significant). IL-1ra, IL-6, hs-CRP and ox-LDL did not change significantly after ascorbic acid, neither as absolute or relative values. In conclusion, in contrast with some studies reported previously, we could not demonstrate an effect of continuous oral treatment with ascorbic acid on microvascular reactivity assessed at the level of individual capillaries. Furthermore, we found no indication of an effect on inflammatory cytokines or ox-LDL.
Inhibitory effect of pitavastatin (NK-104) on the C-reactive-protein-induced interleukin-8 production in human aortic endothelial cells
Authors: KIBAYASHI Etsuko , URAKAZE Masaharu , KOBASHI Chikaaki , KISHIDA Mika , TAKATA Michiyo , SATO Akira , YAMAZAKI Katsuya , KOBAYASHI Masashi 
Published: November 2007

Recent data have indicated that CRP (C-reactive protein) plays a role in atherosclerosis, in addition to being a marker for inflammatory diseases. IL-8 (interleukin-8), a CXC chemokine, is present in human coronary atheroma and promotes monocyte–endothelial cell adhesion. In the present study, we examined the effect of pitavastatin (NK-104), a synthetic statin (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor), on IL-8 production induced by CRP in human AoEC (aortic endothelial cells). We also investigated whether CRP can induce IL-8 production and if the activation of signalling pathways are functionally related. The concentrations of IL-8 in the media after stimulation with CRP were measured by ELISA, and the expression of IL-8 mRNA was assessed by Northern blot. The phosphorylation of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) was determined by Western blot. The production of IL-8 induced by CRP (10 μg/ml) was enhanced significantly and was inhibited by pitavastatin. The expression of IL-8 mRNA was increased in a dose-dependent manner after stimulation with CRP (1–100 μg/ml), whereas expression of IL-8 mRNA induced by CRP (50 μg/ml) was significantly diminished by 5 μM pitavastatin. Furthermore, specific MAPK inhibitors (PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125) inhibited the expression of IL-8 mRNA induced by CRP (50 μg/ml). The phosphorylation of all three MAPKs [ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase), p38 MAPK and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)] induced by CRP (10 μg/ml) was also significantly inhibited by pitavastatin. Our results suggest that CRP may play a role in atherosclerosis via IL-8 production and pitavastatin may prevent the progression of atherosclerosis not only by lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but also by suppressing IL-8 production in endothelial cells through the inhibition of MAPK (ERK, p38 MAPK and JNK) pathways.
Relative risks of the metabolic syndrome according to the degree of insulin resistance in apparently healthy Korean adults
Authors: PARK Seung-Ha , LEE Won-Young , RHEE Eun-Jung , JEON Woo-Kyu , KIM Byung-Ik , RYU Seung-Ho , KIM Sun-Woo 
Published: November 2007

A new simple criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome was proposed in the third report of the NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program). In the present study, we analysed the association between metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance to investigate the effects of the latter on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome based on the new criteria recommended in the ATP (Adult Treatment Panel) III report. A total of 7057 participants (4472 men and 2585 women), who underwent medical screening at the Sungkyunkwan University Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, were investigated. Fasting insulin levels were measured and components of the metabolic syndrome as defined by the ATP III report were determined. We also applied the criteria for abdominal obesity as defined by APC-WC (Asia–Pacific criteria for waist circumference). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome as defined by ATP III was 5.3% (5.0% in men and 5.8% in women) and 8.9% (8.1% in men and 10.3% in women) by APC-WC. The odds ratio for the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in subjects with higher insulin resistance than in those with lower insulin resistance. The mean levels of HOMA (homoeostatic model assessment) and fasting insulin were significantly higher in those with more of the components of the metabolic syndrome. A high HOMA (≥2.56) and fasting insulin concentration (≥9.98 μIU/ml; where IU is international unit) were found to be independent risk factors of the metabolic syndrome by multiple regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (P&lt;0.001). These results show that the metabolic syndrome is significantly correlated with the insulin resistance index, and that appropriate values of HOMA and fasting insulin concentration may serve as a helpful guide for the management of metabolic syndrome.
Influence of central inhibition of sympathetic nervous activity on myocardial metabolism in chronic heart failure: acute effects of the imidazoline I1-receptor agonist moxonidine
Authors: Mobini Reza , Fu Michael , Jansson Per-Anders , Bergh Claes-Håkan , Scharin Täng Margareta , Waagstein Finn , Andersson Bert 
Published: November 2007

Although β-adrenergic blockade is beneficial in heart failure, inhibition of central sympathetic outflow using moxonidine has been associated with increased mortality. In the present study, we studied the acute effects of the imidazoline-receptor agonist moxonidine on haemodynamics, NA (noradrenaline) kinetics and myocardial metabolism. Fifteen patients with CHF (chronic heart failure) were randomized to a single dose of 0.6 mg of sustained-release moxonidine or matching placebo. Haemodynamics, NA kinetics and myocardial metabolism were studied over a 2.5 h time period. There was a significant reduction in pulmonary and systemic arterial pressures, together with a decrease in cardiac index in the moxonidine group. Furthermore, there was a simultaneous reduction in systemic and cardiac net spillover of NA in the moxonidine group. Analysis of myocardial consumption of substrates in the moxonidine group showed a significant increase in non-esterified fatty acid consumption and a possible trend towards an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption compared with the placebo group (P=0.16). We conclude that a single dose of moxonidine (0.6 mg) in patients already treated with a β-blocker reduced cardiac and overall sympathetic activity. The finding of increased lipid consumption without decreased myocardial oxygen consumption indicates a lack of positive effects on myocardial metabolism under these conditions. We suggest this might be a reason for the failure of moxonidine to prevent deaths in long-term studies in CHF.
Side-effects of L-dopa on venous tone in Parkinson's disease: a leg-weighing assessment
Authors: Wolf Jean-Pierre , Bouhaddi Malika , Louisy Francis , Mikehiev Andrei , Mourot Laurent , Cappelle Sylvie , Vuillier Fabrice , Andre Pierre , Rumbach Lucien , Regnard Jacques 
Published: November 2007

In the present study, the effects of L-dopa treatment on cardiovascular variables and peripheral venous tone were assessed in 13 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–4. Patients were investigated once with their regular treatment and once after 12 h of interruption of L-dopa treatment. L-Dopa intake significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline in both the supine and upright (60°) positions. A significant reduction in stroke volume and cardiac output was also seen with L-dopa. The vascular status of the legs was assessed through thigh compression during leg weighing, a new technique developed in our laboratory. Healthy subjects were used to demonstrate that this technique provided reproducible results, consistent with those provided by strain gauge plethysmography of the calf. When using this technique in patients with PD, L-dopa caused a significant lowering of vascular tone in the lower limbs as shown, in particular, by an increase in venous distensibility. Combined with the results of the orthostatic tilting, these findings support that the treatment-linked lowering of plasma noradrenaline in patients with PD was concomitant with a significant reduction in blood pressure, heart rate and vascular tone in the lower limbs. These pharmacological side-effects contributed to reduce venous return and arterial blood pressure which, together with a lowered heart rate, worsened the haemodynamic status.
TNF-α levels are associated with skin capillary recruitment in humans: a potential explanation for the relationship between TNF-α and insulin resistance
Authors: Ijzerman Richard G. , Voordouw Jasper J. , Van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , Yudkin John S. , Serné Erik H. , Delemarre-Van De Waal Henriette A. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. 
Published: November 2007

The mechanism by which TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α) may cause insulin resistance is not clear. On the basis of experiments in rats, TNF-α has been suggested to cause defects in capillary function, with a decreased access of insulin and glucose to tissues. To test this hypothesis in humans, we assessed serum TNF-α concentrations, skin capillary recruitment and insulin sensitivity in a group of 37 healthy adults. In addition, we measured these variables in 21 of their prepubertal children. Serum TNF-α levels were measured by sandwich enzyme immunoassay, and insulin sensitivity was assessed with the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp technique. Capillary recruitment during post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia was evaluated by videomicroscopy. In the adults, serum TNF-α levels were associated with both capillary recruitment (r=−0.40, P=0.02) and insulin sensitivity (r=−0.33, P=0.05). In addition, capillary recruitment was associated with insulin sensitivity (r=0.34, P=0.04). Regression analysis showed that the association between TNF-α and insulin sensitivity [−0.527 mg·kg−1 of body weight·min−1 per pmol/l per pg/ml TNF-α (95% confidence interval, −1.066 to 0.011); P=0.05] decreased by 30% after adjustment for capillary recruitment. In the children, neither capillary recruitment (r=0.33, P=0.2) nor insulin sensitivity (r=−0.24, P=0.4) was significantly associated with TNF-α. In conclusion, in adults, but not in children, serum TNF-α levels are associated with capillary recruitment during post-occlusive hyperaemia, which, in part, can explain the relationship between TNF-α and insulin resistance. Our data suggest that these relationships are initiated during growth from childhood to adulthood.
A comparison between active- and reactive-hyperaemia-induced brachial artery vasodilation
Authors: Padilla Jaume , Harris Ryan A. , Fly Alyce D. , Rink Lawrence D. , Wallace Janet P. 
Published: November 2007

The measurement of brachial artery vasodilation in response to a hyperaemic stimulus has been used extensively to assess changes in endothelial function. However, whether or not similar changes occur in response to an active hyperaemic stimulus is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to compare brachial artery vasodilation in response to an active compared with a reactive hyperaemic stimulus following a known perturbation of endothelial function. Eight apparently healthy adults were assigned to four treatment conditions in a counter-balanced design: (i) low-fat meal with active hyperaemic stimulus (LFM-A), (ii) high-fat meal with active hyperaemic stimulus (HFM-A), (iii) low-fat meal with reactive hyperaemic stimulus (LFM-R), and (iv) high-fat meal with reactive hyperaemic stimulus (HFM-R). Meals were ingested at 08:00 hours on each treatment day. Brachial artery vasodilation was assessed via ultrasound 4 h after ingestion of each meal. The active hyperaemic stimulus was induced by 5 min of rhythmic handgrip exercise, whereas reactive hyperaemia was induced by 5 min of forearm occlusion. Brachial artery vasodilation was expressed as the percentage change in diameter from baseline to post-active/reactive hyperaemia. Using a 2×2 repeated measures ANOVA, a significant stimulus×meal interaction (P=0.025) was found. Simple main effects revealed no difference (P=0.541) in brachial artery vasodilation between LFM-A (5.75±1.64%) and HFM-A (6.39±1.45%); however, a significant decrease (P=0.014) in brachial artery vasodilation was found in the HFM-R (4.29±1.64%) compared with the LFM-R (7.18±1.13%) treatment. In conclusion, the measurement of brachial artery vasodilation in response to active hyperaemia did not detect a change in endothelial function following a single perturbation meal, whereas reactive hyperaemia did.
Modelling vortex-induced fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Benaroya Haym , Gabbai Rene D 
Published: November 2007

The principal goal of this research is developing physics-based, reduced-order, analytical models of nonlinear fluid–structure interactions associated with offshore structures. Our primary focus is to generalize the Hamilton's variational framework so that systems of flow-oscillator equations can be derived from first principles. This is an extension of earlier work that led to a single energy equation describing the fluid–structure interaction. It is demonstrated here that flow-oscillator models are a subclass of the general, physical-based framework. A flow-oscillator model is a reduced-order mechanical model, generally comprising two mechanical oscillators, one modelling the structural oscillation and the other a nonlinear oscillator representing the fluid behaviour coupled to the structural motion.
Reduced-order analytical model development continues to be carried out using a Hamilton's principle-based variational approach. This provides flexibility in the long run for generalizing the modelling paradigm to complex, three-dimensional problems with multiple degrees of freedom, although such extension is very difficult. As both experimental and analytical capabilities advance, the critical research path to developing and implementing fluid–structure interaction models entails

formulating generalized equations of motion, as a superset of the flow-oscillator models; and

developing experimentally derived, semi-analytical functions to describe key terms in the governing equations of motion.

The developed variational approach yields a system of governing equations. This will allow modelling of multiple d.f. systems. The extensions derived generalize the Hamilton's variational formulation for such problems. The Navier–Stokes equations are derived and coupled to the structural oscillator. This general model has been shown to be a superset of the flow-oscillator model. Based on different assumptions, one can derive a variety of flow-oscillator models.
From flying solo to playing as a team
Authors: Doskatsch Irene 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain why and how the University of South Australia Library changed its academic outreach model. It discusses the transition from the role of specialist liaison librarian to a team approach to provide support for teaching, learning and research.Design/methodology/approachExamines the strategies used to build collaborative relationships with the university community and observes how these relationships have influenced the development of the role of the academic library services teams.FindingsConcludes that university libraries need to adapt to pedagogic transformations and changes in scholarly communication. Regular and frequent reviews of staffing requirements and the roles of professional librarians are necessary to ensure that the library meets the strategic priorities of the University and responds to the constantly evolving information and resource landscape.Originality/valueProvides strategies for building productive partnerships between the library and the university community and gives examples of collaborative endeavours.
Discourse, practice, policy and organizing: some opening comments
Authors: Oswick Cliff , Keenoy Tom , Beverungen Armin , Ellis Nick , Sabelis Ida , Ybema Sierk 
Published: November 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the interplay between discourse, policy and practice in relation to aspects of organization and processes of organizing.Design/methodology/approachProvides an introduction to the six contributions contained in this special issue and discusses how they relate to the core theme.FindingsHighlights the need for an approach which treats discourses, policies and practices as connected and mutually implicated, rather than discrete, phenomena.Originality/valuePresents an approach to discourse analysis which promotes an engagement with wider aspects of social activity.
Agility drivers, enablers and outcomes
Authors: Vázquez‐Bustelo Daniel , Avella Lucía , Fernández Esteban 
Published: November 2007

PurposeDespite the fact that agile manufacturing has been frequently promoted as a means of improving business competitiveness, little empirical evidence exists in the literature validating its positive link with business performance. The purpose of this research paper is to analyse agile manufacturing in Spain and study whether it is a critical factor for success in different industries.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model is drawn up, based on the literature and a previous case study, to relate turbulence in the environment with agile manufacturing practices and business performance. The model is tested on a large sample of Spanish manufacturers using a survey methodology to obtain information and a structural equation model to analyse the data.FindingsThe results obtained show that, in turbulent environments, the integrated use of agile manufacturing practices promotes manufacturing competitive strength, leading to better operational, market and financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has two main limitations. First, it is difficult to determine the most suitable unit of analysis when studying agile manufacturing. Second, single respondent bias may be considered a limitation.Practical implicationsManagers should consider the integrated implementation of agile manufacturing practices in order to develop manufacturing strength and to outperform competitors in turbulent business environments.Originality/valueThis study adopts a systematic approach to the analysis of agile manufacturing, considering various agility practices or enablers in an integrated way and relating them not only to environmental characteristics but also to business performance. This approach is especially interesting because most of the literature on agile manufacturing deals with agility strategies or techniques in an isolated way. The study also tests the suitability of agile manufacturing in real organisations – for the first time in the Spanish context.