bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term outcome of single‐incision laparoscopic totally extra‐peritoneal inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Wakasugi Masaki , Akamatsu Hiroki , Tori Masayuki , Ueshima Shigeyuki , Omori Takeshi , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Masuzawa Toru , Nishida Toshirou 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe performed single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extra‐peritoneal (SILS‐TEP) repair using a lightweight mesh fixed by absorbable tacks and without balloon dilation. Thirty‐four patients (mean age, 66.5 years) underwent SILS‐TEP repair in our hospital between September 2011 and April 2012; 30 patients had unilateral hernia and 4 had bilateral hernias. Mean operative time was 85.6 min for unilateral hernia and 137.7 min for bilateral hernias. All patients underwent successful SILS‐TEP repair. Mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. Mean duration of follow‐up was 7.1 months. Four seromas were observed, but no recurrences or major complications occurred. SILS‐TEP is an economical and useful method for decreasing postoperative complications, such as neuralgia and recurrence, and it could be an attractive approach for inguinal hernia.
Present and future advanced laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Rivas Homero , Díaz‐Calderón Daniela 
Published: April 2013

AbstractModern laparoscopy, starting with Kurt Semm's insufflators and the first successful appendectomies, has only been around for approximately 30 years. Since those early successes, the technology has grown from the inception of basic laparoscopy to endoscopic surgery through natural orifices, and it continues to evolve by leaps and bounds with computer‐assisted surgery and improved robotics in surgery. Without question, laparoscopy has revolutionized the way we perform standard surgery, especially relative to the techniques that had been used for hundreds of years. Despite the development of multiple novel technologies since the 1980s, very little has changed with regard to basic conceptualizations and practice of laparoscopy. In this review article, we will describe the highlights of recent advanced laparoscopic surgery procedures, their potential applications within the field of surgery, and how these advances may impact and improve future quality and patient outcomes.
Endo‐laparoscopic approach versus conventional open surgery in the treatment of obstructing left‐sided colon cancer: Long‐term follow‐up of a randomized trial
Authors: Tung Karen Lok Man , Cheung Hester Yui Shan , Ng Lawrence Wing Chiu , Chung Cliff Chi Chiu , Li Michael Ka Wah 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionWe previously conducted a randomized trial comparing the endo‐laparoscopic approach (i.e. placing self‐expanding metallic stents followed by laparoscopic resection) and conventional open surgery in the treatment of obstructing left‐sided colon cancer. This study is a follow‐up of the previous randomized trial and aims to report the long‐term outcomes of the two groups.MethodsForty‐eight patients from the randomized trial were followed up in an outpatient clinic with regular monitoring. Patients were compared for clinicopathological variables, disease recurrence and survival rates.ResultsClinicopathological details were comparable between the two groups. During the median follow‐up periods of 32 months for the open group and 65 months endo‐laparoscopic group, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in disease recurrence rate, 5‐year overall survival (27% vs 48%, P = 0.076) and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates (48% vs 52%, P = 0.63).ConclusionBesides being a safe bridge to subsequent elective laparoscopic surgery, preoperative self‐expanding metallic stents insertion does not adversely affect oncological outcomes and patient survival. Based on our data, the endo‐laparoscopic approach is the treatment of choice for patients presenting with malignant left‐sided colonic obstruction.
Reduction of Hippocampal Apoptosis by Intracerebroventricular Administration of Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Protein Kinase and/or p38 Inhibitors in Amyloid Beta Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Involvement of Nuclear‐Related Factor‐2 and Nuclear Factor‐κB
Authors: Ashabi Ghorbangol , Alamdary Shabnam Zeighamy , Ramin Mahmoudreza , Khodagholi Fariba 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn the present study, we examined the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase‐ (ERK) and p38‐specific inhibitors, U0126 and PD169316, respectively, on apoptosis induced by amyloid beta (Aβ) in rats. To investigate the effects of these compounds, we evaluated intracellular signalling pathways of apoptosis, as well as inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, 7 and 20 days after Aβ injection. We found that caspase‐3 and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, two hallmarks of apoptosis, were significantly decreased in the rats pre‐treated with U0126 and PD169316, 7 days after Aβ injection. This observation was in agreement with the results of immunostaining analysis of the hippocampus that showed decreased levels of terminal transferase dUTP nick end labelling positive cells in the hippocampus of U0126 and PD169316 pre‐treated rats, compared with the Aβ‐injected group. We also chased the changes in the levels of calpain‐2 and caspase‐12, two ER factors, in the Aβ‐injected and treatment groups. Decreased levels of calpain‐2 and caspase‐12 in U0126 and PD169316 pre‐treated rats confirmed the protective effects of these inhibitors. Furthermore, we studied the effect of two stress‐sensing transcription factors, nuclear‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor‐кB (NF‐кB), in Aβ‐injected as wells as U0126 and PD169316 pre‐treated rats. U0126 and PD169316 activated Nrf2 and suppressed NF‐кB pathways, 7 days after Aβ injection. These antioxidant and inflammatory pathways restored to the vehicle level within 20 days. Taken together, our findings reinforce and extend the notion of the potential neuroprotective role of ERK and/or p38 inhibitors against the neuronal toxicity induced by Aβ.
Beneficial Pharmacological Effects of Levosimendan on Antioxidant Status of Acute Inflammation Induced in Paw of Rat: Involvement in Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Karakus Emre , Halici Zekai , Albayrak Abdulmecit , Bayir Yasin , Aydin Ali , Unal Deniz , Cadirci Elif , Ferah Irmak , Odaci Ersan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLevosimendan (LEVO) is a new calcium sensitizer with positive inotropic and vasodilating properties that represents a new pharmacological class of inotropic drugs that stimulate elevated cardiac output. The purpose of this study was to examine anti‐inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity of LEVO in a carrageenan (CAR)‐induced inflammatory paw oedema rat model. The CAR‐induced rat groups received LEVO 1, 2 and 3 mg/kg by intraperitonally and indomethacin (IND) 25 mg/kg by oral gavage. LEVO inhibited CAR‐induced paw oedema and suppressed the production of TNF‐α, IL‐1 and IL‐6 at doses of 2 and 3 mg/kg. In contrast to CAR‐injected paws, 2 and 3 mg/kg doses of LEVO and IND increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and also both doses of LEVO, and IND decreased the 8‐isoprostaglandin F2α (8‐ISO) level. A 2 mg/kg dose of LEVO produced 39%, 46%, 61% and 64.7% anti‐inflammatory effects (p < 0.0001) for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th hours, respectively. Other results of our current study have shown that SOD and glutathione for CAR‐injected groups were lower, and 8‐ISO level was higher than those for the healthy rat group. LEVO may be provided as a pharmacological agent in the prevention or treatment of diseases in which acute or chronic inflammation occurs based on a pathogenic factor.
The Effects of Lidocaine Used in Sciatic Nerve on the Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of Ropivacaine in Sciatic Nerve Combined with Lumbar Plexus Blockade: A Double‐Blind, Randomized Study
Authors: Chen Limei , Wang Quanguang , Shi Kejian , Liu Fuli , Liu Le , Ni Jianwu , Fang Xiangyu , Xu Xuzhong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this controlled, randomized, double‐blind study, we compared the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine and staged injection of lidocaine and ropivacaine in a combined lumbar plexus–sciatic nerve block. The experiment was performed in two parts: pharmacodynamics study (Group r, n = 20; Group lr, n = 20) and pharmacokinetics study (Group R, n = 10; Group LR, n = 10). The sciatic nerve blockade was performed using either (1) 10 mL of 2% lidocaine and then 10 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine (Group lr and Group LR) or (2) 10 mL of normal saline (N.S.) and then 10 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine (Group r and Group R). Two kinds of solutions were ‘staged’ injection. The sensory onset time and sensory recovery time were assessed in the pharmacodynamics study. Arterial blood samples were collected for the pharmacokinetics study. Sciatic sensory block onset times were reduced, and the sensory recovery times were decreased in Group lr. Cmax of ropivacaine in Group LR was significantly higher than that in Group R. A significant increase in AUC(0–t) and AUC(0–∞) was observed in Group LR compared with Group R. When 2% lidocaine and 0.75% ropivacaine are used for a combined sciatic nerve–lumbar plexus block by ‘staged’ injection, lidocaine induced faster onset times, decreased the block duration and increased the AUC and Cmax of ropivacaine.
Protective Effects of d‐Limonene on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Murali Ramakrishnan , Karthikeyan Arumugam , Saravanan Ramalingam 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of d‐limonene on the levels of lipid peroxidation by‐products and antioxidant defence systems in the plasma and tissues of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes rats. The experimental diabetes was induced in rats by a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg i.p.) injection, and treatment with d‐limonene was continued for 45 days. After the treatment period, oxidative stress parameters such as lipid peroxidation by‐products; enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione‐S‐transferase; non‐enzymic antioxidants including reduced glutathione, Vitamins C and E were measured in the plasma and tissues of experimental rats. An increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation by‐products and significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes were observed in untreated diabetic rats. Administration of d‐limonene to diabetic rats for 45 days caused a significant reduction in the levels of lipid peroxidation by‐products and an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, when compared with the untreated diabetic group. There was no significant difference in normal treated groups, when compared with normal rats. Biochemical observations were substantiated with the help of histopathological examinations through its antioxidant properties and thereby conferred protection against STZ‐induced diabetic rats. The result of this study indicates that d‐limonene has antioxidant potential in addition to its antidiabetic effect in experimental diabetes.
Up‐regulated GLT‐1 Resists Glutamate Toxicity and Attenuates Glutamate‐induced Calcium Loading in Cultured Neurocytes
Authors: Liu Chun‐hua , Jiao Hong , Guo Zhao‐hui , Peng Ying , Wang Wei‐zhi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGlutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1) plays a dual role in glutamate transportation: both normally devotion to the clearance of glutamate and during some pathological conditions extruding glutamate to the extracellular space. Therefore, it is uncertain whether increased expression of GLT‐1 will actually be helpful against glutamate excitotoxicity. In this study, GLT‐1 up‐regulation was induced by ceftriaxone, and L‐glutamate was added to induce glutamate toxicity in primary cultured rat cortical cells. The results showed that up‐regulated GLT‐1 induced by 1 μM ceftriaxone for 2 days markedly increased cell viability, decreased apoptotic cell death and alleviated ultrastructural damage induced by 50 μM glutamate 15 min. as well as promoted L‐[3H]‐glutamate uptake in cultured cells. GLT‐1 up‐regulation had no effect on the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the resting situation, while relieved intracellular calcium overloading by reducing the elevation and promoting the recovery of [Ca2+]i following stimulation of 50 μM glutamate for 2 min. Applying 100 μM dihydrokainic acid (GLT‐1 antagonist) 30 sec. before glutamate eliminated the above effect of GLT‐1 up‐regulation on [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, GLT‐1 up‐regulation induced by ceftriaxone plays a positive glutamate transporting role against glutamate toxicity in primary cultured rat cortical cells.
Antihyperalgesic Effect of the GABAA Ligand Clobazam in a Neuropathic Pain Model in Mice: A Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Study
Authors: Besson Marie , Daali Youssef , Di Lio Alessandra , Dayer Pierre , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich , Desmeules Jules 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFacilitation of spinal GABAergic inhibition with benzodiazepines (BZDs) reverses pain sensitization in animals; however, the use of BZDs in man is limited by their sedative effect. The antihyperalgesic effects of GABAA agonists are mediated by GABAA receptors containing α2 subunits, whereas sedation is linked to α1 subunit‐containing receptors. α2 and α3 selective GABAA receptor modulators have been tested in animals but are not yet available for use in human beings. Clobazam is a 1,5‐BZD, which exhibits less cognitive side effects than other benzodiazepines. Here, we studied its antihyperalgesic effects in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Clobazam showed a dose‐dependent antihyperalgesic effect in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain, peaking at 1 hr after administration and lasting for 4 hr with no relevant sedation at a dose of 3 mg/kg. At higher doses, the antihyperalgesic effect was stronger, but sedation became significant. The blood and brain kinetics of clobazam were linear over the range of doses tested with a short half‐life of the parent compound and a ready penetration of the blood–brain barrier. Clobazam blood concentrations decreased rapidly, falling below the limit of detection at 120 min. after drug application. Its main metabolite, N‐desmethyl‐clobazam, showed more delayed and prolonged pharmacokinetics, partly explaining why antihyperalgesia persisted when clobazam was no longer detectable in the blood. Considering its therapeutic margin and its pharmacokinetic properties, clobazam would be a valuable compound to assess the role of the GABAergic pathway in pain transmission in human beings.
Impact of Genetic Factors (CYP2C9,VKORC1 and CYP4F2) on Warfarin Dose Requirement in the Turkish Population
Authors: Özer Mahmut , Demirci Yeliz , Hızel Candan , Sarıkaya Sabit , Karaltı İskender , Kaspar Çiğdem , Alpan Serdar , Genç Ece 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWarfarin has a narrow therapeutic index and displays marked person‐to‐person variation in dose requirement. Functional polymorphisms at candidate genes can therefore offer utility as biomarkers to individualize warfarin treatment. The main objective of this study was to determine whether and to what extent variability in warfarin dose requirements was determined by polymorphisms in CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2 (rs2108622) and EPHX1 (rs2292566) in the Turkish population. Patients (n = 107) who had stable doses and international normalized ratio (INRs) at their last three consecutive visits were registered. Their demographic factors, concurrent medications, warfarin‐related bleedings or thromboembolisms, smoking, alcohol intake and weekly green vegetable consumption were recorded. From a blood sample, DNA was isolated and genotyped by real‐time PCR for polymorphisms of CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2 and EPHX1. A regression analysis was used to determine the independent effects of genetic and non‐genetic factors on warfarin dose optimization. In our study, in addition to age, genetic variants of CYP2C9, VKORC1 and CYP4F2 were found to be significant predictor variables for the maintenance dose for warfarin, explaining 39.3% of dose variability. VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes remain predictor variables of the warfarin dose, and we first found that CYP4F2 (rs2108622) contributes to dose variability in the Turkish population as well. These observations may be of benefit to future translation research with a view to global personalized medicine in regions hitherto understudied such as the Turkish population so as to rationalize initial warfarin dose and reduce the burden of frequent INR measurements.
Thrombospondins, Potential Drug Targets for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Mustonen Erja , Ruskoaho Heikki , Rysä Jaana 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe thrombospondin (TSP) family consists of five multimeric, multidomain calcium‐binding glycoproteins that act as regulators of cell–cell and cell–matrix associations as well as interact with other extracellular matrix molecules affecting their function. Increasing interest on cardiac TSP‐1, TSP‐2 and TSP‐4 has emerged, and they have been studied in cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, heart failure, atherosclerosis and aortic valve stenosis. The aim of this MiniReview is to summarize the current knowledge on each TSP in various cardiovascular pathologies. We specifically emphasize the role of TSPs in cardiac remodelling and evaluate TSPs as potential cardiovascular drug targets. Thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) is the most studied TSP, being antiangiogenic and able to activate transforming growth factor‐β. The functions of TSP‐2 and TSP‐4 are linked in maintaining the composition of the matrix of the hypertrophied heart, whereas there is very little knowledge on cardiac TSP‐3 and TSP‐5. TSP‐1, TSP‐2 and TSP‐4 have been shown to affect cardiac remodelling in vivo, for example, by modulating matrix metalloproteinase and transforming growth factor‐β activity, collagen synthesis, myofibroblast differentiation, cell death and stretch‐mediated augmentation of cardiac contractility. The detrimental role for TSPs in cardiovascular pathophysiology has been clearly demonstrated in knockout mouse models, and augmentation of TSP signalling in the heart during stress and haemodynamic overload might be beneficial. In conclusion, the role of TSP‐1, TSP‐2 and TSP‐4 in cardiac hypertrophy, remodelling after myocardial infarction, heart failure, atherosclerosis and aortic valve stenosis encourages further investigation to validate them as potential drug targets.
Religiosity, mood symptoms, and quality of life in bipolar disorder
Authors: Stroppa André , Moreira‐Almeida Alexander 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between religiosity and mood, quality of life, number of hospitalizations, and number of severe suicide attempts among bipolar disorder patients.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study of bipolar disorder outpatients (N = 168), we assessed symptoms of mania [Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)], depression [Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)], religiosity (Duke Religious Index), religious coping (Brief RCOPE), and quality of life [World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief Version (WHOQOL‐BREF)]. Sociodemographic data, number of suicide attempts, and number of hospitalizations were obtained through an interview with the individual and analysis of the patient's medical records. Logistical and linear regressions of the association between the religious indicators and clinical variables were conducted, controlling for sociodemographic variables.ResultsA total of 148 (88.1%) individuals reported some type of religious affiliation. Intrinsic religiosity [odds ratio (OR) = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06–0.57, p = 0.003] and positive religious coping strategies (OR = 0.25, CI: 0.09–0.71, p = 0.01) were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. All four domains of quality of life were directly and significantly correlated with intrinsic religiosity. Positive religious coping was correlated with higher levels of the psychological (β = 0.216, p = 0.002) and environmental (β = 0.178, p = 0.028) quality‐of‐life domains. Negative religious coping was associated with lower scores on the psychological domain of quality of life (β = −0.182, p = 0.025).ConclusionsIntrinsic religiosity and positive religious coping are strongly associated with fewer depressive symptoms and improved quality of life. Negative religious coping is associated with worse quality of life. Religiosity is a relevant aspect of patients' lives and should be taken into consideration by physicians when assessing and managing bipolar disorder patients. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the causality and therapeutic implications of our findings.
HOME MARKET EFFECTS IN THE CHAMBERLINIAN–RICARDIAN WORLD
Authors: Huang Yo‐Yi , Lee Cheng‐Te , Huang Deng‐Shing 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTAccording to conventional home market effects, free trade tends to shrink the market share for a smaller economy in differentiated manufacturing goods, and in the extreme, leads to a complete hollowing out of the industry. Departing from the original Helpman–Krugman modelling assumptions behind the home market effects, we introduce a technology advantage in terms of the difference in fixed cost and/or marginal cost between trading partners and prove that home market effects will be offset and even reverse if a small economy has better technology than another country. With a higher elasticity of substitution, the marginal cost advantage becomes more important if it is to dominate the home market effect. We also show that even with an identical country size, the intra‐industry trade addressed in the existing literature may not occur; it will occur only if the technology differential lies within a certain range that is positively affected by the level of transport cost.
What do parents know about their children's comprehension of emotions? Accuracy of parental estimates in a community sample of pre‐schoolers
Authors: Kårstad S. B. , Kvello Ø. , Wichstrøm L. , Berg‐Nielsen T. S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundParents' ability to correctly perceive their child's skills has implications for how the child develops. In some studies, parents have shown to overestimate their child's abilities in areas such as IQ, memory and language. Emotion Comprehension (EC) is a skill central to children's emotion regulation, initially learned from their parents. In this cross‐sectional study we first tested children's EC and then asked parents to estimate the child's performance. Thus, a measure of accuracy between child performance and parents' estimates was obtained. Subsequently, we obtained information on child and parent factors that might predict parents' accuracy in estimating their child's EC.MethodsChild EC and parental accuracy of estimation was tested by studying a community sample of 882 4‐year‐olds who completed the Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC). The parents were instructed to guess their children's responses on the TEC. Predictors of parental accuracy of estimation were child actual performance on the TEC, child language comprehension, observed parent–child interaction, the education level of the parent, and child mental health.ResultsNinety‐one per cent of the parents overestimated their children's EC. On average, parents estimated that their 4‐year‐old children would display the level of EC corresponding to a 7‐year‐old. Accuracy of parental estimation was predicted by child high performance on the TEC, child advanced language comprehension, and more optimal parent–child interaction.ConclusionParents' ability to estimate the level of their child's EC was characterized by a substantial overestimation. The more competent the child, and the more sensitive and structuring the parent was interacting with the child, the more accurate the parent was in the estimation of their child's EC.