bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of PDE4 Pathway Inhibition in Rat Experimental Stroke
Authors: Yang Fan , Sumbria Rachita K , Xue Dong , Yu Chuanhui , He Dan , Liu Shuo , Paganini-Hill Annlia , Fisher Mark 
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: The first genomewide association study indicated that variations in the phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene confer risk for ischemic stroke. However, inconsistencies among the studies designed to replicate the findings indicated the need for further investigation to elucidate the role of the PDE4 pathway in stroke pathogenesis. Hence, we studied the effect of global inhibition of the PDE4 pathway in two rat experimental stroke models, using the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram. Further, the specific role of the PDE4D isoform in ischemic stroke pathogenesis was studied using PDE4D knockout rats in experimental stroke. METHODS: Rats were subjected to either the ligation or embolic stroke model and treated with rolipram (3mg/kg; i.p.) prior to the ischemic insult. Similarly, the PDE4D knockout rats were subjected to experimental stroke using the embolic model. RESULTS: Global inhibition of the PDE4 pathway using rolipram produced infarcts that were 225% (p<0.01) and 138% (p<0.05) of control in the ligation and embolic models, respectively. PDE4D knockout rats subjected to embolic stroke showed no change in infarct size compared to wild-type control. CONCLUSIONS: Despite increase in infarct size after global inhibition of the PDE4 pathway with rolipram, specific inhibition of the PDE4D isoform had no effect on experimental stroke. These findings support a role for the PDE4 pathway, independent of the PDE4D isoform, in ischemic stroke pathogenesis. 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.
Potential Complementary Therapy for Adverse Drug Reactions to Sulfonamides: Chemoprotection Against Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress by TCM Constituents and Defined Mixtures
Authors: Zhang Lee , Chen Dao-feng , Xia Xue Yan , Yip Cindy , Rieder Michael John , Bend John Richard 
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: Our working hypothesis is that bioactive phytochemicals that are important constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and their defined mixtures have potential as complementary therapy for chemoprotection against adverse drug reactions whose toxicity is not related to the pharmacological action of the drug but where oxidative and nitrosative stress are causative factors. METHODS: In this investigation we measured cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and ROS/NOS-mediated changes in the disulfide proteome of Jurkat E6.1 cells resulting from exposure to sulfamethoxazole N-hydroxylamine with or without pre-treatment with low µM concentrations of baicalein, crocetin, resveratrol and schisanhenol alone and in defined mixtures to compare the ability of these treatment regimens to protect against ROS/RNS toxicity to Jurkat E6.1 cells in culture. RESULTS: Each of the Traditional Chinese Medicine constituents and defined mixtures tested had significant chemoprotective effects against the toxicity of ROS/RNS formed by exposure of Jurkat E6.1 cells to reactive metabolites of sulfamethoxazole implicated as the causative factors in adverse drug reactions to sulfa drugs used for therapy. At equimolar concentrations, the defined mixtures tended to be more effective chemoprotectants overall than any of the single constituents against ROS/RNs toxicity in this context. CONCLUSIONS: At low µM concentrations, defined mixtures of TCM constituents that contain ingredients with varied structures and multiple mechanisms for chemoprotection have excellent potential for complementary therapy with sulfa drugs to attenuate adverse effects caused by oxidative/nitrosative stress. Typically, such mixtures will have a combination of immediate activity due to short in vivo half-lives of some ingredients cleared rapidly following metabolism by phase 2 conjugation enzymes; and some ingredients with more prolonged half-lives and activity reliant on phase 1 oxidation enzymes for their metabolic clearance. 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.
Differential Effects of Chrysin on Nitrofurantoin Pharmacokinetics Mediated by Intestinal Breast Cancer Resistance Protein in Rats and Mice
Authors: Kawase Atsushi , Matsumoto Yukako , Hadano Motoshi , Ishii Yui , Iwaki Masahiro 
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: The activities of breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp/ABCG2) as well as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and drug-metabolizing enzymes can be inhibited by several flavonoids or drugs in rats. However, the species, gender and regional differences of effects of flavonoids on Bcrp/ABCG2 in rats and mice remain unclear, although Bcrp, like P-gp, is also important in controlling drug absorption and disposition.
METHODS: We used chrysin as a model flavonoid because it possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and is used as a dietary supplement. We examined the pharmacokinetics of nitrofurantoin, a specific Bcrp substrate, in rats and mice treated with chrysin. Bcrp mRNA levels were measured in liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum and ileum in rats and mice.
RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of nitrofurantoin were increased in rats, but not mice, treated with oral chrysin, compared with untreated controls. Intraperitoneal injection of chrysin into rats or mice had little effect on the elimination of nitrofurantoin, compared with untreated animals.
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that chrysin-nitrofurantoin interactions occur in the small intestine in rats, but not in mice, possibly due to the higher levels of Bcrp expression in the small intestine in rats, compared with those in mice.
Safety of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapies in Arthritis Patients
Authors: Nanau Radu M , Neuman Manuela G 
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Inflammatory and rheumatic arthritis remain leading causes of disability worldwide. The arthritis therapeutic area commands the largest market for the prescription of biological and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Yet biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies conducting research and providing therapeutics in this area frequently face challenges in patient safety. The purpose of our study was to assess safety of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies in arthritis patients. Methods: The present study systematically reviews adverse events of biologicals alone or in the presence of NSAIDs and other immunosuppressant therapeutics such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). We assessed the rheumatology literature that included clinical trials with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologicals and case reports published between 2010 and 2014. Results: Currently approved anti-TNF biologicals in arthritis include the monoclonal antibodies infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol and golimumab, and the fusion protein etanercept. The most frequently-reported adverse event was infection. We grouped the adverse reactions as immune-mediated, hypersensitivity syndrome reactions including cutaneous and hepatic manifestation, neurological, hematological, and malignancy. Discussion: Most adverse events are due to the failure of host immunological control, which involves susceptibility to the drug itself, or de novo infection or reactivation of a latent bacterial or viral infection, often with a different expression of disease. Drug-induced liver injury associated with anti-TNF biologicals must be kept in mind when evaluating patients with increased liver enzymes. Conclusion: Risk assessment in individuals undergoing treatment with biologicals represents a step towards achieving a personalized medicine approach to identify those patients that will safely benefit from this therapeutic approach. Patients and physicians must be alert of anti-TNF agents as potential causes of drug-induced liver injury and monitor the therapies. Personalizing therapeutic pharmacovigilance promises to optimize benefits while minimizing side effects.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.
Curcumin Reduces Tumour Necrosis Factor-Enhanced Annexin V-Positive Microparticle Release in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kam Antony , Li Kong M , Razmovski-Naumovski Valentina , Nammi Srinivas , Chan Kelvin , Grau Georges E , Li George Q 
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: Circulating microparticles have been highlighted as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease state and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin on microparticle release from endothelial cells undergoing TNF-induced cell activation and apoptosis. METHODS: This study evaluated the effects of curcumin on microparticle release, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell adhesion molecule expression and monocyte adhesion in EAhy926 human endothelial cells. RESULTS: The results showed that the numbers of microparticles were increased by tumour necrosis factor (TNF) or the combination of TNF and cycloheximide (CHX). Curcumin attenuated microparticle release caused by TNF or TNF plus CHX treatments. The pretreatment by curcumin not only negated the accelerated cell death and apoptosis caused by TNF and CHX, but also diminished TNF-induced cell activation, as assessed by reduced surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and adhesion of monocytes to endothelial monolayers. CONCLUSION: Curcumin reduced microparticle release from endothelial cells undergoing cell activation and apoptosis, which supports its protective role in TNF-associated endothelial dysfunction, and highlights its potential use as a nutraceutical agent for vascular inflammatory diseases. 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.
Influence of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Observational and Randomized Controlled Trials; A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tabatabaei-Malazy Ozra , Nikfar Shekoufeh , Larijani Bagher , Abdollahi Mohammad 
Published: March 2016

Purpose.There are controversial data regarding the beneficial effects of ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this systematic review, we aimed to criticize the current relevant data from both observational and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods. All observational and RCTs conducted to assess anti-hyperglycemic effects of AA in diabetics, published before January 2013, were included. To obtain all related studies Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, IranMedex, and Magiran web databases were searched. Exclusion criteria were animal studies, and studies conducted in Type 1 DM, children or pregnant women. Main outcome measures were fasting blood sugar (FBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). According to degree of heterogeneity, fixed or random effect models were employed. Meta-analyses were done using Stats Direct software, version 3.0.97. The quality of included articles and publication bias were also assessed. Results. We selected 38 articles; 26 observational studies and 12 RCTs. Due to severe methodological heterogeneity in all observational studies and some of RCTs, we could pool data from only 5 RCTs in a meta-analysis. Single intake of AA versus placebo showed a significant effect on FBS; with the standardized mean difference (SMD): -20.59, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): -40.77 to -0.4 (p= 0.04), but non-significant effect on HbA1c; SMD: -0.46, 95% CI: -1.75 to 0.84 (p= 0.4). Effect of other antioxidants with/without AA supplementation on FBSwere nonsignificant; SMD: -4.26 (p= 0.8), and SMD: -12.04 (p= 0.3), respectively. Also, their effect on HbA1c was non-significant; SMD: 0.53 (p= 0.11), and SMD: 0.28 (p= 0.34), respectively. Conclusions. Our study supports the positive effect of AA in reduction of FBS in diabetics, however, due to insufficient evidence ragarding long term safety of AA supplementation and limited number of RCTs, the long term use of this vitamin for its anti-diabetic properties cannot be strongly recommended. 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.
Primary Teacher Education In Malaysia
Authors: Ching Chin Phoi , Yee Chin Peng 
Published: March 2016

In Malaysia the training of primary school teachers is solely carried out by teacher training institutes which offer the Bachelor of Teaching with Honors (Primary education) program and was first launched in 2007. This program prepares primary school teachers specializing in various subjects or major and is carried out in 27 teacher training institutes. The main aim of this program is to produce quality primary school teachers in terms of knowledge, skills and professional competencies in their respective subjects and in line with the National Philosophy of Education. After a span of five years, has this Bachelor of Teaching program achieve its learning outcomes outlined? Thus this study intends to evaluate this primary teacher education program by focusing on the achievement of learning outcomes (LO) of this four years program. The sample involved in this study is a group of 106 final year student teachers who have completed their 8th semester of study. A questionnaire was administered to check the extent of the learning outcomes being achieved. This questionnaire was developed based on the eight main learning outcomes of this Bachelor of Teaching program. The question items were written individually by referring to the sub outcomes of each main LO. Thus this studys main objectives are to find out to what extent the overall LO was achieved and also to determine the importance of each LO. The results would serve as guidelines for the teaching staff to further improve their teaching practices and guidance given to students in the future.
The Them And Us Syndrome: Some Opportunities And Threats To Be Faced When Teachers Come From Certain Countries And Students Come From Others
Authors: Velo Veronica 
Published: March 2016

Switzerland is a country with particularly strong immigration regulations, which obliges Hospitality Schools to very often restrict their recruitment for instructors to the local labour market. The students, however, mostly come from distant countries. These students naturally bring their own cultural backgrounds and mental programming, which is not necessarily compatible with those of their lecturers. This paper will study potential areas of misunderstandings and communication problems between students and teachers interacting in Swiss Hospitality Management Schools, due to their different cultural backgrounds.
Educators Need To Go Back To The Basics
Authors: Schmidt Stacy M. P. , Ralph David L. , Buskirk Bruce D. 
Published: March 2016

Educators have a responsibility to not only their students as well as their institution but to society as a whole to provide the best education possible for each and every student. The burden placed on educators is heavy but the implications are boundless. Therefore, it is vital for educators to be good at what they do. Surveys of schools across the United States indicate that a substantial group of educators at all levels lack the skills in basic education. It is necessary for educators at all levels to successfully master the five basic guidelines of teaching in order to be successful. The five guidelines for all educators are:#1 Know your Subject, Don’t be a Know it All #2 Be “With It”#3 Be A “Tech-Y” #4 Be in Control of the Class, not Controlling #5 Be Friendly, Not their Friend.
Looking For Niches In All The Right Places: Designing An MBA Program For The Next Decade
Authors: Phelps Raymond A. , Aggarwal Ajay K. , Taylor Patrick A. 
Published: March 2016

In an over-built, mature industry as is graduate management education it is increasingly important that schools find the right niche at which to target their MBA programs. However, the literature is largely silent as to how a school might go about the process of finding the right niche for its MBA. Using gap analysis and data from Occupational Outlook Handbook, we develop a process for identifying future employment trends as a means of identifying promising niches toward which to orient an MBA program. This is an important exercise for those who design MBA programs, especially in light of the AACSB/International’s current focus upon continuous improvement among its member institutions. Even if accreditation standards did not require it, the rapidly changing business climate makes continually upgrading MBA programs a necessity.
Accounting Issues: An Essay Series Part III-Inventory
Authors: Laux Judy 
Published: March 2016

The third in a series of theoretical essays intended to supplement the introductory financial accounting course, this article is dedicated to the treatment of inventory and its related conceptual connections. In addition, this paper addresses inventory measurement dilemmas, describes scandalous accounting episodes that have made the headlines, and offers both theoretical and empirical studies about inventory that might be of interest to both students and professors.
E-Learning, Multiple Intelligences Theory (MI) And Learner-Centred Instruction: Adapting MI Learning Theoretical Principles To The Instruction Of Health And Safety To Construction Managers
Authors: McNamee Paul , Madden Dave , McNamee Frank , Wall John , Hurst Alan , Vrasidas Charalambos , Chanquoy Lucile , Baccino Thierry , Acar Emrah , Onwy-Yazici Ela , Jordan Ann 
Published: March 2016

This paper describes an ongoing EU project concerned with developing an instructional design framework for virtual classes (VC) that is based on the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) (1983). The psychological theory of Multiple Intelligences (Gardner 1983) has received much credence within instructional design since its inception and has been implemented successfully in a wide array of traditional educational settings. Nonetheless, very little research has been carried out on developing frameworks for elevating MI into an e-learning environment. Specifically, the project hopes to adapt and utilize MI theoretical learning principles to create a virtual class specifically designed for instructing health and safety to construction managers. This paper explores the emerging principles from both theory and practice in order to identify the appropriate methodology for the successful incorporation of MI based instructional techniques in the virtual class design. Guidelines are provided on how the MI concept of ‘entry points’ can best be adapted for the specific learners (in this case construction managers) and class content (in this case health and safety). Of particular concern to this papers examination of ‘entry points’ is the potential for the deployment of intelligence profiling research to create a class tailor-made for construction managers while simultaneously adaptive to each learners individual needs. Emerging from this analysis, the paper will provide core recommendations including how to create problem based instructional activities that are directly related to both the participant’s intelligence strengths and to the class content.
Mentoring Undergraduate Researchers: Faculty Mentors Perceptions Of The Challenges And Benefits Of The Research Relationship
Authors: Potter Sharyn J. , Abrams Eleanor , Townson Lisa , Williams Julie E. 
Published: March 2016

In the past decade, college and university officials have tried to formalize avenues that provide undergraduate students with opportunities to conduct research, either in direct collaboration with a faculty member or as independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. Administrators and faculty have worked to institutionalize these programs because they recognize the intrinsic benefits of these faculty student collaborations. Since most faculty balance a wide range of demands, we wanted to understand how faculty members view these partnerships in the larger context of their work. In 2008, as the Undergraduate Research Conference at our midsize public New England University entered its ninth year, the evaluation committee administered a survey to examine faculty members’ attitudes toward undergraduate research endeavors. Our results show that faculty felt overwhelmingly positive about their role as mentors. Full professors indicate more satisfaction in this role than associate and assistant professors.
Asociación de Helicobacter pylori y patología gástrica no neoplásica en una clínica privada de Lima Norte.
Authors: SALAS SANCHEZ Willy Alfredo , BENITES GALVEZ Maria del Rosario , SALINAS CERQUIN César 
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre la infección de Helicobacter pylori (HP) y los hallazgos histológicos de las BGNPN. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó el estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en las BGNPN realizadas por endoscopía digestiva alta en el Servicio de Gastroenterología de la Clínica Médica Cayetano Heredia del 1º de enero de 1999 al 31 de julio del 2002. Resultados: Se revisaron 676 biopsias gástricas negativas a patología neoplásica. La edad promedio fue 45,12 años. No hubo predominio de ningún sexo. Los hallazgos histológicos más frecuentes fueron: Gastritis crónica superficial 498 (73,7%), gastritis activa 464 (68,6%), gastritis crónica profunda 90 (13,3%), gastritis atrófica 93 (13,7%), mucosa gástrica normal 79 (11,7%), daño mucinoso 508 (75,1%), metaplasia intestinal 123 (18,20%), folículos linfoides positivos 372 (55%) y displasia 9 (1,18%). Además se encontró una frecuencia de infección por Helicobacter pylori (HP) de 64,78%. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre infección por HP con gastritis, actividad de gastritis, daño mucinoso y folículos linfoides Conclusiones: El hallazgo histológico más frecuente fue gastritis crónica superficial. Las biopsias gástricas normales se encontraron en baja frecuencia. La frecuencia de infección por HP es similar a las descritas en otros estudios.
Variación del nivel de carboxihemoglobina en corredores aficionados en ambientes con tránsito de vehículos motorizados en el distrito de San Isidro.
Authors: PONCE TERASHIMA Rafael Andrés , PEÑA JAIMES Rocío Lourdes , RAMIREZ YUPANQUI Marco Antonio , VILLENA CHÁVEZ Jorge , ROE BATTISTINI Eduardo , VILLENA CHÁVEZ Jaime 
Published: March 2016

Objetivos: a) Determinar el grado de contaminación por monóxido de carbono en corredores aficionados de áreas urbanas y su variación al correr en horarios de alto y bajo tránsito vehicular, b) Definir periodos del día en los que se puede realizar ejercicio en áreas con tránsito vehicular. Materiales y Métodos: Once corredores aficionados de 23 a 41 años de edad no fumadores, sin historia de cardiopatía ni enfermedades respiratorias; corrieron alrededor del Club “El Golf” en el distrito de San Isidro. Se determinó la concentración sanguínea de carboxihemoglobina de cada corredor antes y después de correr durante 45 minutos en horarios de alto y bajo tránsito vehicular. Simultáneamente se midió la concentración de monóxido de carbono en el aire mediante un analizador portátil en el recorrido. Resultados: En el horario de alto tránsito vehicular se encontró una variación de Carboxihemoglobina estadísticamente significativa (de 0,44% a 0,54%, p=0,039). En el horario de bajo tránsito vehicular no se encontró variación de Carboxihemoglobina estadísticamente significativa (de 0,45% a 0,43%, p=0,722). Al comparar la variación de Carboxihemoglobina de ambos horarios, la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p=0,219). La medición de monóxido de carbono en el aire no mostró concentraciones constantes. Conclusiones: Este estudio demuestra un aumento en los niveles de Carboxihemoglobina durante el horario de alto tránsito vehicular, sin embargo los valores de Carboxihemoglobina permanecieron dentro de valores normales. En esta zona urbana se puede realizar ejercicio físico al aire libre en cualquiera de los dos horarios, sin riesgo de contaminación por monóxido de carbono.