Alcohol abuse has a negative impact on human health; however, epidemiological studies show that moderate consumption of ethanol (EtOH) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac death, and ischemic stroke. The mechanisms for these reductions in cardiovascular disease are not well established. Using cultured coronary artery vascular smooth muscle cells, we found that moderate levels of EtOH (10 and 20 mM) caused dose-related increases in both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA (Northern blot) expression (1.9- and 2.6-fold) and VEGF protein (ELISA) expression (19 and 68%) compared with control (P < 0.05). EtOH at 0.25 g. kg(-1). day(-1) (7 days) increased VEGF mRNA expression by 1.48-fold over control, and increased vessel length density from 3.9 +/- 0.7 (control) to 6.0 +/- 0.3 mm/mm(2) (P < 0.05) in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). We conclude that moderate levels of ethanol can induce VEGF expression and stimulate angiogenesis in chick CAM. Therefore, the results provide a theoretical basis for speculating that the cardiovascular-protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption may be partly mediated through VEGF-induced angiogenesis.
Researchers in the past, such as Jeon-Ellis, Debski, and Wigglesworth (2005), have successfully utilized CALL and Project-Based Learning in language education to motivate students through collaboration and sociocultural methodologies, yet little EFL research has been written about the incorporation of Project-Based Learning and Web 2.0 tools. This action research was conducted over an 8-week period to addresses whether or not the combination of Project-Based Learning and Web 2.0 technologies is an effective methodology for promoting collaboration and motivation in a Pai Chai University EFL Tourism course in South Korea. The results were inconclusive, as the sampling, data collection tools and participants were inadequate, but the students’ feelings towards the methodology, Web 2.0 tools and the Social Network System Ning showed promise for future application.
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