bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal P-glycoprotein Expression is Multimodally Regulated by Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Terada Yusuke , Ogura Jiro , Tsujimoto Takashi , Kuwayama Kaori , Koizumi Takahiro , Sasaki Shunichi , Maruyama Hajime , Kobayashi Masaki , Yamaguchi Hiroaki , Iseki Ken 
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have multiple physiological effects that are amount-dependent. ROS are one of the causes of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we investigated whether the amount of ROS and the degree of intestinal I/R injury affect the expression level of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Methods. We used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as ROS in in vitro experiments. Intestinal I/R model rats, which were subjected 15-min ischemia (I/R-15), were used in in vivo experiments. Results. P-gp expression in Caco-2 cells was increased in response to 1 µM of H2O2 but decreased upon exposure to 10 mM of H2O2. We previously reported that P-gp expression is decreased after intestinal I/R with 30-min ischemia (I/R-30), which time a large amount of ROS is generated. I/R-15 induced slightly less mucosal and oxidative injury than did I/R-30. P-gp expression in the jejunum was increased at 1 h after I/R-15, and ileal paracellular permeability was increased. The blood concentration of tacrolimus, a P-gp substrate, was lower during 0-20 min but was higher during 40-90 min post-administration compared with that in the sham-operated rats. P-gp expression in the ileum was decreased at 6 h after I/R-15, due to abnormal localization of P-gp, resulting in a high blood tacrolimus concentration in rats reperfused for 6 h. Conclusions. ROS multimodally regulate P-gp expression depending on its amount. This is important for understanding the pattern of P-gp expression after intestinal I/R. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Hantzsch-Type Dihydropyridines and Biginelli-Type Tetra-hydropyrimidines: A Review of their Chemotherapeutic Activities
Authors: Sepehri Saghi , Sanchez Horacio Perez , Fassihi Afshin 
Published: March 2016

Years after the first report on 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines (1,2,3,4-THPMs) appeared, they are revisited as plausible therapeutic agents. This is mainly due to the convenient methods that exist for their synthesis and the diverse pharmacologic properties that these scaffolds present. 1,4-Dihydropyridines and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines are usually regarded as analogous in several aspects. They are both prepared in multi-component reactions using very similar starting materials and synthesis protocols. This leads to common structural features between 1,4-DHPs and 1,2,3,4-THPMs, as well several related biological effects. For example, they share many pharmacological features such as analgesic, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antibacterial, cardiovascular and adrenoceptor blocking activities. Numerous reviews have been devoted to the chemistry and cardiovascular effects of these compounds. However, the lack of a comprehensive literature overview on the chemotherapeutic ability of these scaffolds is behind the present attempt to provide a detailed survey of 1,4-DHPs and 1,2,3,4-THPMs and their structural features as chemotherapeutic agents.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Research Advances in the Intervention of Inflammation and Cancer by Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Huang Yinghong , Cai Tiange , Xia Xi , Cai Y , Wu Xiao Yu 
Published: March 2016

A large body of evidence has shown that inflammation and cancer are strongly related. Thus anti-inflammatory agents have been investigated for cancer prevention and treatment in preclinical and clinical studies, including the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, there exist a wide range of biologically active substances, such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, phenylpropanoids, and quinones. Many of these active ingredients have been reported to inhibit inflammation, activate inflammatory immune response, and/or inhibit cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. Given the potential role of inflammation in cancer initiation and progression, the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, the cross-talks between inflammatory and cancer cells, and multitargeting activities of some TCM compounds, we summarize the current knowledge on the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of ingredients of TCM together with their underlying mechanisms in an integrated way. We hope to provide a reliable basis and useful information for the development of new treatment strategies of inflammation and cancer comprehensively using TCM and their active ingredients. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Adverse Effects of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: An Update of Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular and Renal Complications
Authors: Harirforoosh Sam , Asghar Waheed , Jamali Fakhreddin 
Published: March 2016

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used chronically to reduce pain and inflammation in patients with arthritic conditions, and also acutely as analgesics by many patients. Both therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs are due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. NSAIDs are classified as non-selective and COX-2-selective inhibitors (COXIBS) based on their extent of selectivity for COX inhibition. However, regardless of their COX selectivity, reports are still appearing on the GI side effect of NSAIDs particularly on the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the harmful role of their controlled release formulations. In addition, previously unpublished data stored in the sponsor’s files, question the GI sparing properties of rofecoxib, a COXIB that has been withdrawn due to cardiovascular (CV) side effects. Presently, the major side effects of NSAIDs are the GI complications, renal disturbances and CV events. There is a tendency to believe that all NSAIDs are associated with renal and CV side effects, a belief that is not supported by solid evidence. Indeed, lower but still therapeutics doses of some NSAIDs may be cardioprotective. In this review, we briefly discuss the GI toxicity of the NSAIDs and assess their renal and CV adverse effects in more detail. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Safranal Treatment Improves Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Samarghandian Saeed , Borji Abasalt , Delkhosh Mohammad Bagher , Samini Fariborz 
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Clinical research has confirmed the efficacy of several plant extracts in the modulation of oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus. Findings indicate that safranal has antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of possible protective effects of safranal against oxidative damage in diabetic rats. Methods. In this study, the rats were divided into the following groups of 8 animals each: control, untreated diabetic, three safranal (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 mg/kg/day)-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. STZ was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 60 mg/kg for diabetes induction. Safranal (intraperitoneal injection) was administered 3 days after STZ administration; these injections were continued to the end of the study (4 weeks). At the end of the 4-week period, blood was drawn for biochemical assays. In order to determine the changes of cellular antioxidant defense systems, antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in serum. Moreover we also measured serum nitric oxide (NO) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation. Results. STZ-induced diabetes caused an elevation (p < 0.001) of blood glucose, MDA, NO, total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol, with reduction of GSH level and CAT and SOD activities. The results indicated that the significant elevation in the blood glucose, MDA, NO, total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and reduction of glutathione level and CAT and SOD activity were ameliorated in the safranal–treated diabetic groups compared with the untreated groups, in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05, p<0.01, p < 0.001). Conclusion. These results suggest that safranal has antioxidant properties and improves chemically-induced diabetes and its complications by modulation of oxidative stress. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Activates Proliferation and Calcification
Authors: Liu Guirong , Deng Jing , Zhang Qiang , Song Wenbin , Chen Shulan , Lou Xiuxiu , Zhang Pengmei , Pan Keqing 
Published: March 2016

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is a major etiologic agent of periodontitis, whose virulence has been attributed to different factors, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Vascular ectopic calcification as a well‐known major risk factor for adverse cardiovascular diseases is a highly prevalent vascular pathophenotype, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an important role in mediating vascular calcification. It was hypothesized that Pg‐LPS may stimulate vascular calcification through a direct effect on VSMC function. To test this hypothesis, the effect of Pg‐LPS on VSMC calcification was determined.Methods: Primary cultures of VSMCs were obtained and identified by immunochemistry in vitro. The proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of VSMCs were measured using a cell counting kit and an ALP activity test. Mineral deposition was examined using alizarin red staining. Gene (e.g. ALP, core binding factor α1 [Cbfα1], bone sialoprotein [BSP], and osteopontin [OPN]) expression levels altered by Pg‐LPS were determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction array.Results: Pg‐LPS could increase the proliferation of VSMCs at different times and enhance ALP activity of VSMCs after 1 day. Alizarin red staining and quantification showed that, with Pg‐LPS treatment, VSMCs displayed more obvious calcification nodules. When stimulated with Pg‐LPS, the expression of specific osteogenic genes (e.g., ALP, Cbfα1, BSP, and OPN) was significantly promoted in the presence or absence of mineralization‐inducing medium, whereas the expression of the OPN gene was inhibited in the mineralization induction group at day 7.Conclusion: Pg‐LPS can stimulate VSMC calcification, which results in vascular calcification, further proving the precise relationship between periodontitis and vascular calcification.
Internationalization Modules Of The Higher Education System In Iraq
Authors: Mohamed Basil K. 
Published: March 2016

The internationalization of higher education is a natural result of the internationalization of the worlds material and intellectual development, which means the modern types of organizations that could maintain worldwide cooperation and competition of commerce, industry and education. The education institutions in developing countries like Iraq are controlled primarily by national authorities, while internationalization could accept education objectives which are not defined by national views, but by international scope of scientific developments and multicultural enhancement. This research reviews the various aspects of the higher education system in Iraq and highlights the internationalization modules that enhance vital connections between Iraqi educational institutions and international organizations. In order to address the academic viewpoints toward internationalization in Iraq, a field survey was conducted using a questionnaire list. The research sample selected for the survey included high-level professional personnel to identify key problems and how the higher education system practically implemented the internationalization modulus in different activities, such as international curricula, international students, admission standards, international scholarships, collaborative student programs, intercultural communications, languages, textbooks, conferences, and workshops. The data collected were analyzed and the results were shown diagrammatically. It focuses on the evaluation of the internationalization contents in higher education and in teaching practices. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities to identify the promising teaching practices that could be achieved.
Cant We All Use An Angel?
Authors: Presby Leonard 
Published: March 2016

Educational institutions are looking for ways to reach students in a better manner, in the face of increased competition, shifting demographics and tighter budgets. Offering online courses is one of the ways this problem has been approached. As the internet has become integral to our everyday lives, web-based educational course management systems have become more common and more sophisticated. Blackboard, Webct, and ANGEL are three popular ones. The focal point of them is to aid instructors develop important learning experiences and improve learning outcomes They help to promote communication among and between students, support curriculum, assessments and surveys, facilitate team learning and group effort and feedback . This paper will help instructors and instructional designers who are considering course management systems. Results of the study show how one system provides users with superior results.
Pedagogical Strategies For Incorporating Behavioral Finance Concepts In Investment Courses
Authors: Adams Michael , Mullins Terry , Thornton Barry 
Published: March 2016

The traditional approach to teaching a course in investments is predicated upon the efficient market hypothesis, modern portfolio theory, and the assumption that decision-makers are rational, wealth optimizing entities. Recent developments in the arena of behavioral finance (BF) have raised questions about this approach. Although the idea of efficient markets is widely accepted in academic circles, financial markets often fail to behave as predicted by the theory. For the teacher of undergraduate investments, these divergent views create significant pedagogical challenges and opportunities. BF has particular implications for investing in financial markets, where the faith in rational behavior is perhaps the greatest. This paper identifies alternative strategies for dealing with these issues in the classroom.
Web Based Interactive Software In International Business: The Case Of The Global Market Potential System Online (GMPSO)
Authors: Janavaras Basil J. , Gomes Emanuel , Young Richard 
Published: March 2016

This paper seeks to confirm whether students using the Global Market Potential System Online (GMPSO) web based software, (http://globalmarketpotential.com), for their class project enhanced their knowledge and understanding of international business. The challenge most business instructors and practitioners face is to determine how to bring the real world of business into a classroom or training environment. Experts claim that the answer lies in the Project-Based Learning (PBL) method and web based interactive software widely used at universities and businesses around the world. The findings indicate that the GMPSO enhanced the students’ understanding of international business and improved their team working, research and critical thinking skills.
Características de los Comités de Ética en Investigación del Perú autorizados para aprobar ensayos clínicos.
Authors: LECCA GARCIA Leonid , LLANOS-ZAVALAGA Fernando , YGNACIO JORGE Erika 
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: Describir la composición y funcionamiento de los comités de ética en investigación (CEI) que aprueban los aspectos éticos de los ensayos clínicos en el Perú. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, que incluyó a CEI peruanos registrados hasta marzo de 2004 en The Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP). Se empleó un cuestionario estructurado, que incluía preguntas sobre: tipo de CEI (institucional o independiente), año de registro en OHRP, características de los integrantes y datos administrativos. La información se procesó en el software Stata 8.0 y se calcularon estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: La información se obtuvo de mayo a septiembre de 2004. De 19 CEI registrados, 10 respondieron al cuestionario. Todos cumplen con los criterios de estructura (cuentan al menos con 05 miembros, uno de diferente sexo, uno externo a la institución, y uno no científico). Se identificaron 17 profesiones, resaltando la mayor presencia de médicos (34,0%). Sólo 68% participaron en cursos de ética en investigación en los últimos dos años. Además, todos los CEI cuentan con dependencia administrativa, aunque sólo 04/10 tenían personal exclusivo. 04/10 realizan reuniones bimensuales, 09/10 revisan cualquier tipo de investigación, y 06/10 manifestaron haber desaprobado investigaciones. El proceso de revisión continua consiste en supervisiones pasivas (informes escritos) e inspecciones, siendo limitada debido a: falta de recursos humanos y financieros, y de apoyo de la institución a la cual se encuentran adscritas. Conclusión: Si bien los CEI peruanos cumplen con los requisitos de estructura, la mayoría presentan deficiencias y problemas para su funcionamiento, siendo necesario establecer políticas locales que fortalezcan la presencia de estas instancias de protección de participantes en investigación en el Perú.
Concentración mínima inhibitoria y concentración mínima bactericida de ciprofloxacina en bacterias uropatógenas aisladas en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas.
Authors: HORNA QUINTANA Gertrudis , SILVA DIAZ María , VICENTE TABOADA William , TAMARIZ ORTIZ Jesús 
Published: March 2016

La infección urinaria (ITU) es fácilmente manejada por el huésped normal pero puede causar problemas en pacientes inmunosuprimidos, requiriendo antimicrobianos en dosis bactericidas y no solo bacteriostáticas que aseguren tratamientos efectivos. En nuestro medio Ciprofloxacina es un antimicrobiano de uso frecuente en este tipo de infecciones, sin embargo no se evalúa de manera rutinaria el comportamiento de las cepas patógenas con respecto a parámetros microbiológicos como la Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria (CMI), menos aún la Concentración Mínima Bactericida (CMB). Objetivos: Determinar la relación entre la CMI y la CMB de Ciprofloxacina frente a gérmenes aislados a partir de ITU de pacientes hospitalizados y ambulatorios del INEN. Materiales y métodos: Se aislaron 132 cepas de bacilos gramnegativos uropatógenos aislados de consultorio externo y pacientes hospitalizados, se determinó la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de las cepas bacterianas usando la Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria por el método de macrodilución en caldo y posteriormente se determinó la Concentración Mínima Bactericida por el método de dilución en agar. Resultados: Se detectó niveles de resistencia a Ciprofloxacina de 49 % y 73% en cepas aisladas de pacientes de consultorio externo y pacientes hospitalizados, respectivamente. En el estudio se encontró una diferencia altamente significativa entre la CMB y la CMI tanto en cepas de pacientes hospitalizados como en cepas de consultorio externo (p<0.0001). Conclusiones: Resulta necesario implementar en los laboratorios microbiológicos métodos como la CMI y CMB, herramientas importantes para identificar características de la actividad antibacteriana de los antimicrobianos empleados en muestro medio. De igual forma se debería evaluar el uso de las fluoroquinolonas, principalmente Ciprofloxacina en pacientes inmunosuprimidos restringiendo su administración para aquellos casos en que esté confirmada su susceptibilidad in vitro.
La Medicina Ocupacional en los últimos tiempos.
Authors: GOMERO CUADRA Raúl , LLAP YESÁN Carlos 
Published: March 2016

El ámbito de la práctica de la medicina ocupacional ha sufrido cambios importantes en este último siglo, como consecuencia de las expectativas de empleadores y trabajadores, así como de la sociedad y el Gobierno. El papel del médico ocupacional se ha ampliado desde la identificación de las enfermedades ocupacionales hasta la evaluación de la productividad del trabajador referido al absentismo y el presentismo. Las actividades están orientadas a la salud del trabajador, su familia y su comunidad. El énfasis está sobre intervenciones preventivas y políticas más que el tratamiento. El campo de acción de la medicina ocupacional también se ha ampliado desde la práctica en plantas industriales a las universidades, hospitales, clínicas, así como consultorías privadas y del Gobierno. Finalmente, la salud y la productividad son un componente importante de la Salud Ocupacional y Pública, la Seguridad, el manejo empresarial de las pérdidas, evaluación de menoscabo o incapacidad, la promoción de salud, control de materiales peligrosos, etc.
Adicción a internet: Perfil clínico y epidemiológico de pacientes hospitalizados en un instituto nacional de salud mental.
Authors: CRUZADO DÍAZ Lizardo , MATOS RETAMOZO Luis , KENDALL FOLMER Rommy 
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: Conocer las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de “adicción a internet” en el Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental Honorio Delgado – Hideyo Noguchi desde la apertura del servicio de hospitalización el año 2001 hasta febrero del 2006. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y trasversal: se revisaron las historias clínicas de 30 pacientes con el diagnóstico de “adicción a internet” y se les sometió a una breve encuesta durante sus controles por consultorio. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 18,3 ±3,8 años. Los rasgos de personalidad más frecuentes fueron los antisociales (40%). Tres pacientes sufrieron tuberculosis pulmonar durante su adicción. Hubo historia de disfunción familiar en 80% de los pacientes y 56,7% tuvo antecedentes psiquiátricos familiares. El 83,3% de pacientes inició el uso de internet cuando menos dos años antes del ingreso y el 50% se conectaba más de 6 horas diarias. El 90 % de pacientes se abocaba prioritariamente a los juegos en red. Los síntomas principales fueron irritabilidad (80%) y merma de rendimiento académico (76,7%). La mayor comorbilidad se halló con trastornos afectivos (56,7%). Seis (2%) presentaron ideación o intento suicida. Trece (43,3%) tuvieron antecedente de uso excesivo de videojuegos. Conclusiones: Nuestros pacientes con adicción a Internet se caracterizan por su corta edad, elevado tiempo de uso diario de internet, predominancia de uso de juegos en red y marcada frecuencia de conductas psicopáticas. Su adicción redundó en importante deterioro personal, académico y de relaciones familiares. Se requieren estudios prospectivos para precisar mejor las características de esta patología emergente.