bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased oxidative stress may lead to impaired adaptive cytoprotection in the gastric mucosa of portal hypertensive rat
Authors: Kawano Yuichiro , Ohta Masayuki , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Iwashita Yukio , Inomata Masafumi , Kitano Seigo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimsIn the gastric mucosa of portal hypertensive rats, adaptive cytoprotection against ethanol‐induced damage is impaired. The aim of this study was to determine relation between impaired adaptive cytoprotection and oxidative stress.MethodsPortal hypertension was produced in male Sprague‐Dawley rats by inducing staged portal vein occlusion. Oxidative stress levels were evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde and nitrotyrosine levels in the rat gastric mucosa with or without 10% ethanol pretreatment. Inhibition of oxidative stress by an anti‐oxidant agent was estimated, and glutathione levels were also measured. Adaptive cytoprotection to 70% ethanol treatment was evaluated by measuring the gastric mucosal injury index in the presence or absence of the anti‐oxidant.ResultsThe portal hypertensive gastric mucosa pretreated with 10% ethanol had significantly higher oxidative stress levels than the mucosa not pretreated with 10% ethanol. However, the sham‐operated gastric mucosa pretreated with 10% ethanol had significantly lower oxidative stress levels than the mucosa not pretreated with 10% ethanol. Pretreatment with 10% ethanol increased glutathione levels in the sham‐operated but not in the portal hypertensive gastric mucosa. Administration of the anti‐oxidant agent prior to 10% ethanol pretreatment significantly reduced oxidative stress levels, increased glutathione levels, and decreased the injury index in response to 70% ethanol in the portal hypertensive gastric mucosa.ConclusionIncreased oxidative stress may lead to impaired adaptive cytoprotection in the gastric mucosa of portal hypertensive rats, probably through damage to the system of endogenous anti‐oxidant production.
Direct biliary drainage using transnasal endoscopy for patients with severe‐to‐moderate acute cholangitis
Authors: Lee Yun Nah , Moon Jong Ho , Choi Hyun Jong , Kim Dong Choon , Chung Jong Ho , Lee Tae Hoon , Cha Sang‐Woo , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang‐Heum , Kim Sun‐Joo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic biliary drainage (BD) is an effective palliative treatment for acute cholangitis. Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) using an ultraslim endoscope can be less stressful and has limited hemodynamic effects compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography using a conventional duodenoscope. Here, we evaluate the clinical usefulness of direct BD by TNE in critically ill patients with acute cholangitis who had undergone endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) previously.MethodsTwenty‐three patients with severe‐to‐moderate acute cholangitis who had undergone ES previously were enrolled prospectively. BD was achieved by TNE, using an ultraslim upper endoscope with a 5‐Fr nasobiliary drainage catheter and/or a plastic stent. The technical and clinical success, as well as the safety, of the procedure were investigated.ResultsA total of 23 patients were enrolled, including 17 with bile duct stones. The severity of the cholangitis was severe in nine (39.1%) and moderate in 14 patients (60.9%). The technical success rate was 95.7% (22/23). Nasobiliary drainage was performed in 15 patients, a plastic stent was placed in three, and both treatments were used in four patients. In three patients, direct BD by TNE was achieved in the intensive care unit without fluoroscopy. Direct cholangioscopy for distal common bile duct was performed in nine patients (40.9%), and three patients underwent immediate stone extraction under endoscopic visualization. Clinical improvement was achieved in 20/23 (87.0%) of patients. No significant procedure‐related complications occurred.ConclusionDirect BD by TNE may be useful in critically ill patients with severe‐to‐moderate acute cholangitis who had undergone ES previously.
Immunoexpression of RANK, RANKL, OPG, VEGF, and vWF in radicular and dentigerous cysts
Authors: de Moraes Maiara , de Matos Felipe Rodrigues , de Souza Lélia Batista , de Almeida Freitas Roseana , de Lisboa Lopes Costa Antônio 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundRadicular (RC) and dentigerous cysts (DC) can show a range from little to quite extensive primary/secondary inflammation and it is possible that the variation seen in the fibrous capsule of these cysts might reflect differences in the osteolytic activity. Moreover, the presence of hemorrhagic areas in the fibrous capsule of DC could also contribute to the increase in osteolytic activity. The aim of this study was to compare immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor κappaB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenic index in RC and DC.MethodsThese proteins were evaluated in 20 RC and DC by immunohistochemistry. Angiogenic index was determined by microvessel count (MVC) using anti‐von Willebrand factor antibody.ResultsRANK and RANKL were higher in DC than RC in fibrous capsule. RC showed higher expression of VEGF in the epithelium and capsule. DC exhibited higher MVC than RC.ConclusionsOurs results suggest that RANK and RANKL play an important role in bone resorption in DC and the hemorrhagic areas in the capsule of DC could be explained by increased vessel′s number. The higher VEGF expression in RC might be related to nature of these lesions, where the inflammatory process contributes significantly to these findings.
A clinicopathological study of 338 dentigerous cysts
Authors: Lin Hung‐Pin , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Sun Andy , Chiang Chun‐Pin 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundDentigerous cyst (DC) is one of the most common developmental odontogenic cysts. This hospital‐based retrospective study evaluated the clinical and histopathological features of 338 DCs in Taiwanese patients.MethodsIn this study, 338 consecutive cases of DCs were collected from January 1995 to December 2009. The demographic data and clinicopathological features of these DC cases were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe 338 DCs were taken from 332 patients (212 men and 120 women, mean age 33.0 years, range 5–83 years). There was a significant difference in the mean age between male and female patients (P < 0.05). Of the 338 DCs, 122 were found in the maxilla and 216 in the mandible. The most common site for DCs was the mandibular molar region (169 cases) and the most frequently involved tooth was the mandibular third molar (153 cases). Forty‐six of the 338 DCs were found to be associated with supernumerary teeth. Microscopically, 317 cysts were lined by stratified squamous epithelium, 9 by mucoepidermoid‐typed epithelium, and 12 by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Hyaline bodies of Rushton, odontogenic epithelial rests, cholesterol clefts, foamy histiocytes, hemosiderin‐laden macrophages, and dystrophic calcifications were discovered in 11, 78, 90, 33, 62 and 45 DCs, respectively.ConclusionOur results indicate that DCs of Taiwanese patients have a male predominance and occur more frequently in patients between 10 and 29 years of age. The most commonly affected site for DCs is the mandibular molar region and the most frequently involved tooth is the mandibular third molar.
Effect of research and development outsourcing on new drug approvals in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Banerjee Tannista , Nayak Arnab 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
This paper studies the relationship between the outsourcing of research and development activities in the pharmaceutical industry and the approval of new drug applications by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Methods
We controlled for the unobserved company-specific effect and other econometric issues. Unique company-level pharmaceutical outsourcing data were used for the period from 1995–2006.

Key findings and conclusions
Results show that contemporaneous, one and two periods lagged outsourcing are more helpful than early outsourcing in getting successful new drug applications. The study also shows the importance of the sales figures of a company in relation to its likelihood of introducing a new drug onto the market.
Melatonin induces autophagy via an mTOR‐dependent pathway and enhances clearance of mutant‐TGFBIp
Authors: Choi Seung‐Il , Kim Kyu Seo , Oh Jun‐Young , Jin Jun‐Yup , Lee Ga‐Hyun , Kim Eung Kweon 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe hallmark of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) is the deposit of mutant transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐induced protein (TGFBIp) in the cornea. We have recently shown that there is a delay in autophagic degradation of mutant‐TGFBIp via impaired autophagic flux in GCD2 corneal fibroblasts. We hypothesized that melatonin can specifically induce autophagy and consequently eliminate mutant‐TGFBIp in GCD corneal fibroblasts. Our results show that melatonin activates autophagy in both wild‐type (WT) and GCD2‐homozygous (HO) corneal fibroblast cell lines via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐dependent pathway. Melatonin treatment also led to increased levels of beclin 1, which is involved in autophagosome formation and maturation. Furthermore, melatonin significantly reduced the amounts of mutant‐ and WT‐TGFBIp. Treatment with melatonin counteracted the autophagy‐inhibitory effects of bafilomycin A1, a potent inhibitor of autophagic flux, demonstrating that melatonin enhances activation of autophagy and increases degradation of TGFBIp. Cotreatment with melatonin and rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, had an additive effect on mutant‐TGFBIp clearance compared to treatment with either drug alone. Treatment with the selective melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole did not block melatonin‐induced autophagy. Given its ability to activate autophagy, melatonin is a potential therapeutic agent for GCD2.
A Fresh Look at the Debate on Floating Quantifiers
Authors: Cirillo Robert 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLinguists have for a long time been in two opposing camps regarding how to explain the phenomenon of floating quantifiers, exemplified in the following two sentences:(i) All the students have read the book.(ii) The students have all read the book.The quantifier all in (i) modifies the phrase the students. The question is what enables the quantifier to float away from the phrase that it modifies in (ii). For a long time, many linguists have believed that (i) and (ii) are unrelated. They have assumed that the subject in (i) is “all the students” and that the subject in (ii) is “the students,” with “all” being a kind of adverb located in a typical adverbial position, right next to the verb phrase. This approach is usually called the Adverbial Approach to floating quantifiers. In 1988 a theory was developed whereby (i) and (ii) are the same sentence. Under this approach the subject of both sentences is “all the students,” but in (ii) the phrase “the students” has moved to a higher position in the sentence and has stranded the quantifier next to the verb. This approach, called the Stranding Analysis, generated enthusiasm when it was first presented in 1988, but its success was short‐lived. It was found to have weaknesses, and this caused many linguists to return to various adverbial approaches. Linguists are still very much divided on the subject. The purpose of this article is first of all to explain what the debate on floating quantifiers is all about and secondly to argue that if one updates the Stranding Analysis for more recent developments in generative linguistic theory, and if one considers more data in more languages, one will find that it is too early to write off the Stranding Analysis and declare the Adverbial Approach the winner.
“Cohesion and Pragmatic Theory in Second‐Language Writing Instruction”
Authors: Williams Howard 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTextual coherence is often characterized in English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) writing classes as a function of the presence of overt cohesive elements. A common result of a cohesion emphasis is learner overuse of connective expressions. This paper sketches a rationale, grounded in current pragmatic theory, for a pedagogical approach to connectives that addresses both underuse and overuse in relationship to writer audience. Though textbooks typically supply checklist questions centering on audience, these questions are mainly topic‐specific. The inclusion of additional questions oriented to more general reader comprehension issues is recommended.
Progenitor programming in mammalian nephrogenesis
Authors: O'Brien Lori L , McMahon Andrew P 
Published: December 2012

AbstractNephrogenesis is dependent on the input of several transcriptional regulatory networks. However, the details of how these networks operate and converge to facilitate nephron progenitor specific programmes are largely unknown. To this end, recent studies have focused on identifying the precise regulatory mechanisms that modulate progenitor maintenance and induction. Continued focus on this area of research will help identify nephrogenic programmes which could be manipulated for therapeutic intervention of kidney disease.
Power of metabolomics in biomarker discovery and mining mechanisms of obesity
Authors: Zhang A. , Sun H. , Wang X. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryObesity, the prevalence of which is increasing rapidly worldwide, is recognized as a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and renal disease. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying it have not been well characterized. Fortunately, metabolomics – the systematic study of metabolites, which are small molecules generated by the process of metabolism – has been important in elucidating the pathways underlying obesity. Small‐molecule metabolites have an important role in biological system and represent attractive candidates to understand obesity phenotypes. Metabolomic analysis is a valid and powerful tool with which to further define the mechanisms. Recent attention has focused on identifying biomarkers that would propose a better non‐invasive way to detect or visualize obesity and prevent its events. The discovery of the biomarkers has become a key breakthrough towards a better molecular understanding of obesity. Thus, this review covers how recent metabolomic studies have advanced biomarker discovery and the elucidation of mechanisms underlying obesity and its comorbidities. The importance of identifying metabolic markers and pathways of disease‐associated intermediate phenotypes is also emphasized. These biomarkers would be applicable as diagnostic tools in a personalized healthcare setting and may also open door to biomarker discovery, disease diagnosis and novel therapeutic avenues.
The Role of Fluoroscopic Interlaminar Epidural Injections in Managing Chronic Pain of Lumbar Disc Herniation or Radiculitis: A Randomized, Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: Manchikanti Laxmaiah , Singh Vijay , Cash Kimberly A. , Pampati Vidyasagar , Falco Frank J. E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is continued debate on the effectiveness, indications, and medical necessity of epidural injections in managing pain and disability from lumbar disc herniation, despite extensive utilization. There is paucity of literature on interlaminar epidural injections in managing lumbar disc herniation or radiculitis in contemporary interventional pain management settings utilizing fluoroscopy.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, active‐control trial was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of lumbar interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids for disc herniation and radiculitis. The primary outcome was defined as pain relief and functional status improvement of ≥ 50%. One hundred twenty patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 groups. Group I patients received lumbar interlaminar injections containing a local anesthetic (lidocaine 0.5%, 6 mL), whereas Group II patients received lumbar interlaminar epidural injections of 0.5% lidocaine, 5 mL, mixed with 1 mL of non‐particulate betamethasone.ResultsIn the patients who responded with initial 2 procedures with at least 3 weeks of relief, significant improvement was seen in 80% of the patients in the local anesthetic group and 86% of the patients in the local anesthetic and steroid group. The overall average procedures per year were 3.6 in the local anesthetic group and 4.1 in the local anesthetic and steroid group, with an average relief of 33.7 ± 18.1 weeks in the local anesthetic group and 39.1 ± 12.2 weeks in the local anesthetic and steroid group over a period of 52 weeks in the overall population.ConclusionsLumbar interlaminar epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids might be effective in patients with disc herniation or radiculitis, with potential superiority of steroids compared with local anesthetic alone at 1 year follow‐up.
Analysis of the KRT9 Gene in a Mexican Family with Epidermolytic Palmoplantar Keratoderma
Authors: Lopez‐Valdez Jaime , Rivera‐Vega Maria Refugio , Gonzalez‐Huerta Luz Maria , Cazarin Jorge , Cuevas‐Covarrubias Sergio 
Published: December 2012

AbstractEpidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK), an autosomal‐dominant genodermatosis, is the most frequently occurring hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma. EPPK is characterized by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. Approximately 90% of patients present with mutations in the KRT9 gene, which encodes for keratin 9. Many of these mutations are located within the highly conserved coil 1A region of the alpha‐helical rod domain of keratin 9, an important domain for keratin heterodimerization. The objective was to assess the clinical and molecular characteristics of a Mexican family with EPPK. The clinical characteristics of members of this family were analyzed. The KRT9 gene of affected members was polymerase chain reaction amplified from genomic DNA and sequenced. All affected members of the family had hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles with knuckle pads. The R163W mutation in the KRT9 gene was present in all affected individuals who were tested. Although R163W is the most frequent KRT9 mutation in patients with EPPK, only two families have been reported with knuckle pads associated with this mutation. Our findings indicate that knuckle pads can be associated with EPPK and the R163W mutation in a family with a genetic background different from that described here.
Impetigo‐Like Tinea Faciei Around the Nostrils Caused by Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii Identified Using Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based Sequencing of Crusts
Authors: Kang Daoxian , Ran Yuping , Li Conghui , Dai Yaling , Lama Jebina 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe report a case of Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii (a teleomorph of Trichophyton interdigitale) infection around the nostrils in a 3‐year‐old girl. The culture was negative, so the pathogenic agent was identified using polymerase chain reaction–based sequencing of the crusts taken from the lesion on the nostril. Treatment with oral itraconazole and topical 1% naftifine/0.25% ketoconazole cream after a topical wash with ketoconazole shampoo was effective.
Ethos and Worldview Reconsidered: Geertz, Normativity, and the Comparative Study of Religions
Authors: Lee Jung 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis paper examines Clifford Geertz’s theory of religion in terms of its fruitfulness as a resource for the comparative study of religions. Given the recent spate of critiques that have excoriated Geertz’s theory as theologically driven, epistemologically incoherent, and naïve in regard to the relations of power, its value for comparative work would seem limited at best. I argue that even with its limitations Geertz’s theory of religion, especially his reflections on “ethos” and “worldview,” can help guide contemporary discussions in the comparative study of religions, particularly comparative religious ethics. Although many of the recent critiques, particularly by Asad and Penner and Frankenberry, have taken Geertz to task for his putative metaphysical inclinations and dubious epistemological views, I want to suggest that we can read Geertz more productively by seeing ethos and worldview as part of a unified normative order rather than viewing them as two separate dimensions. To this end, the paper will develop Geertz’s notions of ethos and worldview in the context of an economy of normativity.
Access and Equity in Greenspace Provision: A Comparison of Methods to Assess the Impacts of Greening Vacant Land
Authors: Heckert Megan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis research explores three methods of measuring access to greenspace in Philadelphia and their implications for assessing equity in access based on race and socioeconomic status. These three methods are then used to assess the impacts of a vacant land greening program which turns vacant lots into temporary greenspaces. This research explores the differences between findings when access to greenspace is measured based on distance to any greenspace, total amount of greenspace to which residents have access, or a hybrid measure in which access is determined based on proximity to a threshold amount of greenspace. Not only do assessments of equity differ between the three approaches, but so do determinations of the impact of greening vacant land. Blacks, Hispanics and renters are more likely to live close to a public greenspace than whites or homeowners, but live in proximity to smaller overall amounts of greenspace. Greening vacant land increases the proportion of all residents who live within walking distance of a greenspace and lessens but does not eliminate differences in total greenspace access. The greatest effects of greening vacant land are seen in addressing differences in relative likelihood of having access to a threshold amount of greenspace.
Tuberculous hepatitis in renal transplant recipients following alemtuzumab induction therapy
Authors: Bosch W. , Poowanawittayakom N. , Chaikriangkrai K. , Mendez J. , Hellinger W.C. , Gonwa T.A. , Krishna M. , Pungpapong S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis infection is one of many opportunistic infections in renal transplant recipients, arising either from reactivation of latent infection or de novo infection, occasionally donor derived. M. tuberculosis hepatitis has never been reported in patients who have received alemtuzumab as part of their renal transplant management. We describe 2 patients who underwent deceased‐donor renal transplantation following alemtuzumab induction therapy and presented with a febrile syndrome, subsequently diagnosed as tuberculous hepatitis, one with disseminated disease. Both responded well to treatment without significant side effects, resulting in excellent graft function. The importance of chemoprophylaxis should be emphasized to minimize the risk of developing active tuberculosis in patients with latent tuberculosis infection undergoing solid organ transplantation.