bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Effects of flavocoxid, a dual inhibitor of COX and 5‐lipoxygenase enzymes, on benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Altavilla D , Minutoli L , Polito F , Irrera N , Arena S , Magno C , Rinaldi M , Burnett BP , Squadrito F , Bitto A 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEInflammation plays a key role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eicosanoids derived from the COX and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) pathways are elevated in the enlarging prostate. Flavocoxid is a novel flavonoid–based ‘dual inhibitor’ of the COX and 5‐LOX enzymes. This study evaluated the effects of flavocoxid in experimental BPH.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHRats were treated daily with testosterone propionate (3 mg·kg−1 s.c.) or its vehicle for 14 days to induce BPH. Animals receiving testosterone were randomized to receive vehicle (1 mL·kg−1, i.p.) or flavocoxid (20 mg·kg−1, i.p.) for 14 days. Histological changes, eicosanoid content and mRNA and protein levels for apoptosis‐related proteins and growth factors were assayed in prostate tissue. The effects of flavocoxid were also tested on human prostate carcinoma PC3 cells.KEY RESULTSFlavocoxid reduced prostate weight and hyperplasia, blunted inducible expression of COX‐2 and 5‐LOX as well as the increased production of PGE2 and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), enhanced pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase‐9 and decreased the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 mRNA. Flavocoxid also reduced EGF and VEGF expression. In PC3 cells, flavocoxid stimulated apoptosis and inhibited growth factor expression. Flavocoxid‐mediated induction of apoptosis was inhibited by the pan‐caspase inhibitor, Z‐VAD‐FMK, in PC3 cells, suggesting an essential role of caspases in flavocoxid‐mediated apoptosis during prostatic growth.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSOur results show that a ‘dual inhibitor’ of the COX and 5‐LOX enzymes, such as flavocoxid, might represent a rational approach to reduce BPH through modulation of eicosanoid production and a caspase‐induced apoptotic mechanism.
Medieval Religious, Religions, Religion
Authors: Ames Christine Caldwell 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article sketches the most important shift in medieval religious history over the past few decades: the transition from “church history” to “the history of religious culture.” First, it surveys the field’s expansion of “the religious” beyond a clerical elite to a broad demographic of the faithful, and its interest in devotion and lived experience in ways that have produced more nuanced appreciation of the varieties of Christian orthodoxy. Second, it sketches how the religions falling under the aegis of medieval religious history have increased from Latin Christianity only to Judaism, Islam, Greek Christianity, and even to forms of religiosity identified as pagan. Third, it argues that regardless of the field’s many expansions and changes, scholars have tended not to make explicit the definitions of “religion” with which they work, and considers the ramifications and possible value of doing so.
Missionaries and Indigenous Education in the 19th‐Century British Empire. Part I: Church‐State Relations and Indigenous Actions and Reactions
Authors: Jensz Felicity 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMissionaries were major providers of education in the colonial world, and in many cases were the initial and exclusive agents of education for Indigenous and non‐European people, whom they hoped could be converted to Christianity through religious schooling. However, by the end of the 19th century many governments in colonial lands were keen to take more active roles in providing secular education for their subjects, which, in turn, engendered tensions between missionary groups, governments, and the Indigenous communities for whom education was provided. Although the article of missions has received increasing attention in the last few decades, especially with the advent of postcolonial studies, there are still many aspects of missionary schooling that are understudied. This research overview examines the debates and research directions which are evident in the article of missionaries and their education of Indigenous and non‐European peoples in the 19th century, and focuses particularly upon major themes emerging from the literature: Two of these themes—Church‐State relations and Indigenous action and reaction will be examined in this article, whilst the themes of race, class, and gender will be examined in the second part.
The History of Ghosts in Early Modern Europe: Recent Research and Future Trajectories
Authors: Edwards Kathryn A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAlthough some scholars in the 1970s and 1980s noted the frequent appearance of ghosts in early modern European society, only in the last fifteen years have ghosts received more systematic study and most synthetic works are products of the last five years. Beginning with a definition of “ghost” that considers the early modern context, this article examines ghostly apparitions in a wide variety of fields ranging from the history of crime, drama, and gender to the more expected realms of the history of death and demonology. It also describes how literary scholars have used the concept of the “spectral” or “ghostly” to deconstruct early modern genres and how folklorists have continued their traditional classifications of ghost stories and moved into interpretation of ghosts' generic and psychological roots. Following an analysis of the ghost’s role in modern understandings of demonology and witchcraft, this article concludes by arguing for the need to integrate manuscript, archival, and print material on ghosts and to attempt transnational and transconfessional analysis of European beliefs about apparitions.
C‐reactive protein and seizures in focal epilepsy: A video‐electroencephalographic study
Authors: Alapirtti Tiina , Waris Matti , Fallah Mahdi , Soilu‐Hänninen Merja , Mäkinen Riikka , Kharazmi Elham , Peltola Jukka 
Published: April 2012

SummaryPurpose:  C‐reactive protein (CRP) has been studied extensively in many noninflammatory neurologic conditions, but there has been little study of CRP in the context of seizures or epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to examine CRP concentrations in patients with refractory focal epilepsy who were undergoing video‐electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring compared with healthy controls, and CRP change during 24 h after a seizure.Methods:  CRP levels were measured in serum at the onset of video‐EEG recording (CRP‐0h) and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after index seizure (the first verified localized‐onset seizure) in 31 patients during inpatient video‐EEG monitoring by using high sensitivity measurement of CRP concentration. The patients were categorized into two groups: temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE; n = 15) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (XLE; n = 16). Eighty healthy volunteers served as controls.Key Findings:  CRP‐0h concentration was significantly higher in patients with refractory focal epilepsy than in controls (3.5 vs. 0.7 mg/ml, p < 0.001). All five patients with elevated CRP‐0h (>mean + 2 standard deviations in controls) had TLE (vs. none in XLE; p = 0.018). Index seizure type was associated with CRP increase from baseline to maximum level after index seizure (p = 0.005). The most important predictor of increase in CRP level was secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizure (SGTCS; p = 0.030).Significance:  The higher baseline levels in patients with epilepsy compared with healthy controls demonstrates that CRP concentrations are also affected in refractory epilepsy. Our data suggest that SGTCS stimulates CRP production. These results emphasize the association between inflammation and refractory epilepsy.
Shyness‐Sensitivity, Aggression, and Adjustment in Urban Chinese Adolescents at Different Historical Times
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Chen Xinyin , Li Dan , French Doran 
Published: April 2012

The market‐oriented economic reform in China over the past two decades has resulted in considerable changes in social attitudes regarding youth's behaviors. This study examined the relations of shyness and aggression to adjustment in Chinese adolescents at different historical times. Participants came from two cohorts (1994 and 2008) of adolescents in Shanghai (N = 540 and 728, respectively; M age = 13 years), and data were obtained from multiple sources. Although aggression was associated with adjustment problems in both cohorts, there were significant cross‐cohort differences in the relations between shyness and adjustment. In the 1994 cohort, shyness was positively associated with teacher‐rated competence, leadership, and academic achievement. In the 2008 cohort, however, shyness was negatively associated with peer preference and positively associated with loneliness.
Use of the Ligasure Vessel‐Sealing Device for Thoracoscopic Peripheral Lung Biopsy in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Culp William T.N. , Pascoe Peter J. , Arzi Natasha Vapniasky 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of a bipolar vessel‐sealing device for peripheral lung lobe biopsy in healthy dogs.Study DesignExperimental study.AnimalsMature female hound dogs (n = 6).MethodsThoracoscopic access was obtained by placement of a subxiphoid telescope portal with instrument portals at the right 4–6th intercostal spaces and the left 10th intercostal space. The 10‐mm Ligasure Atlas device was used to collect a biopsy specimen from the periphery of the left cranial lung lobe. Dogs were recovered from anesthesia. Histologic evaluation was used to characterize the effect of biopsy technique on pulmonary tissue. Thoracic radiography was performed at 1, 2, 4, and ∼180 days to evaluate for air leakage or other postoperative complications.ResultsLung specimens were collected without complications. Postoperatively, 1 dog had some residual pneumothorax thought to be secondary to incomplete thoracic evacuation of air postoperatively. No evidence of air leakage was detected at any time point. Histologically, specimens had 3 distinct zones: a crush zone representing the tissue within the jaws of the device, a transition zone of thermally damaged parenchyma, and beyond that a viable zone of normal parenchyma.ConclusionFrom these limited data, it appears that the Ligasure Atlas vessel‐sealing device can be used for peripheral lung biopsy in healthy dogs. Further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of the device in dogs with parenchymal disease.
Endoscopic‐Assisted Electrohydraulic Shockwave Lithotripsy in Standing Sedated Horses
Authors: Röcken Michael , Fürst Anton , Kummer Martin , Mosel Gesine , Tschanz Theo , Lischer Christoph J. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo report use of transendoscopic electrohydraulic shockwave lithotripsy for fragmentation of urinary calculi in horses.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsMale horses (n = 21).MethodsFragmentation of cystic calculi (median, 6 cm diameter; range, 4–11 cm diameter) was achieved by transurethral endoscopy in standing sedated horses using an electrohydraulic shockwave fiber introduced through the biopsy channel of an endoscope. The fiber was advanced until it contacted the calculus. Repeated activation of the fiber was used to disrupt the calculus into fragments <1 cm diameter. Visibility within the bladder was maintained by repeated lavage with saline solution.ResultsComplete calculus removal was achieved in 20 horses (95%) with mean total surgical time of 168.6 minutes (range, 45–450). In the 20 horses with single calculi, 1–6 sessions were required to completely fragment the calculus. Except for 1 horse, in which perineal urethrotomy was eventually performed for complete fragment removal, fragments calculi were excreted via the urethra. Postoperative complications included hematuria because of severe mucosal erosion (n = 2), dysuria because of a trapped urethral fragment (2), small amount of urinary debris (1). One horse was euthanatized because of bladder rupture. Complete clearance of calculi and urinary debris was confirmed endoscopically 20 (3–45) days after the last session. Telephone follow‐up (mean, 18.8 months; range, 7–24 months) revealed that horses had returned to previous activity levels without recurrence of clinical signs.ConclusionsTransendoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy appears to be an effective method for fragmentation of low‐density calcium carbonate cystic calculi in male horses.
The Use of Facebook in an Introductory MIS Course: Social Constructivist Learning Environment*
Authors: Ractham Peter , Kaewkitipong Laddawan , Firpo Daniel 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe major objective of this article is to evaluate via a Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) the implementation of a Social Constructivist learning framework for an introductory Management Information System (MIS) course. Facebook was used as a learning artifact to build and foster a learning environment, and a series of features and activities using this artifact were conducted to utilize the social interactions amongst the system's users to foster constructivist learning. Various pedagogic strategies were used to integrate activities occurring both inside and outside of the classroom setting to achieve social learning. All features utilized were evaluated based upon activities and interactions amongst all users. The research findings show great potential for the implemented features, as well as the activities conducted to take advantage of these features, and suggest possible innovative features for use in similar future studies based on feedback from this study's sample group.
What Does God Know? Supernatural Agents’ Access to Socially Strategic and Non‐Strategic Information
Authors: Purzycki Benjamin G. , Finkel Daniel N. , Shaver John , Wales Nathan , Cohen Adam B. , Sosis Richard 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCurrent evolutionary and cognitive theories of religion posit that supernatural agent concepts emerge from cognitive systems such as theory of mind and social cognition. Some argue that these concepts evolved to maintain social order by minimizing antisocial behavior. If these theories are correct, then people should process information about supernatural agents’ socially strategic knowledge more quickly than non‐strategic knowledge. Furthermore, agents’ knowledge of immoral and uncooperative social behaviors should be especially accessible to people. To examine these hypotheses, we measured response‐times to questions about the knowledge attributed to four different agents—God, Santa Claus, a fictional surveillance government, and omniscient but non‐interfering aliens—that vary in their omniscience, moral concern, ability to punish, and how supernatural they are. As anticipated, participants respond more quickly to questions about agents’ socially strategic knowledge than non‐strategic knowledge, but only when agents are able to punish.
Fournier Gangrene and Unexpected Death
Authors: Bury Danielle , Byard Roger W. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Fournier gangrene represents a rare but progressive perineal infection that may result in rapid death. A 70‐year‐old man with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and alcohol abuse is reported who was found unexpectedly dead. He had last been contacted the night before his death. At autopsy, the most striking finding was deep necrotic ulceration of the scrotum with exposure of underlying deep muscles and testicles, with blood cultures positive for Escherichia coli. Death was, therefore, attributed to necrotic ulceration/gangrene of the perineum (Fournier gangrene) that was due to E. coli sepsis with underlying contributing factors of diabetes mellitus and alcoholism. In addition there was morbid obesity (body mass index 46.9), cirrhosis of the liver, and marked focal coronary artery atherosclerosis with significant cardiomegaly. Fournier gangrene may be an extremely aggressive condition that can result in rapid death, as was demonstrated by the rapid progression in the reported case.
Rural credit and agricultural supply in Brazil
Authors: de Castro Eduardo Rodrigues , Teixeira Erly Cardoso 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study is to determine the financing impact of total expenditure on the use of agriculture inputs (fertilizers, labor, and pesticides), and the output of cotton, rice, beans, corn, soybean, and wheat in Brazil. We study the period 1976–2005. The analysis is based on duality applied to the production theory. The output supplies and conditioned input demands are estimated from a translog multi‐output, multi‐input restricted profit function, where the total production credit is used as proxy of the total expenditure. Farmer expectations with respect to crop prices are incorporated to the estimation based on the quasi‐rational expectation model. The output and input responses to the total expenditure are positive and statistically significant except for cotton, wheat, fertilizer, and pesticides. The short‐run output supply response to own prices is inelastic, except for wheat, which presents elastic response to its price. Acreage has a positive impact on the output supply and it is influenced by land productivity. The main conclusion is that farmers face budget restrictions to purchase inputs, and a government credit program might increase the agricultural supply.
Heat generation during implant placement in low‐density bone: effect of surgical technique, insertion torque and implant macro design
Authors: Marković Aleksa , Mišić Tijana , Miličić Biljana , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis , Aleksić Zoran , Đinić Ana 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the effect of surgical technique, implant macrodesign and insertion torque on bone temperature changes during implant placement.Material and methodsIn the in vitro study, 144 self‐tapping (blueSKY® 4 × 10 mm; Bredent) and 144 non‐self‐tapping (Standard implant® 4.1 × 10 mm; Straumann) were placed in osteotomies prepared in pig ribs by lateral bone condensing or bone drilling techniques. The maximum insertion torque values of 30, 35 and 40 Ncm were used. Real‐time bone temperature measurement during implant placement was performed by three thermocouples positioned vertically, in tripod configuration around every osteotomy, at a distance of 5 mm from it and at depths of 1, 5 and 10 mm. Data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U‐tests and Regression analysis.ResultsSignificant predictor of bone temperature at the osteotomy depth of 1 mm was insertion torque (P = 0.003) and at the depth of 10‐mm implant macrodesign (P = 0.029), while no significant predictor at depth of 5 mm was identified (P > 0.05). Higher insertion torque values as well as non‐self‐tapping implant macrodesign were related to higher temperatures. Implant placement in sites prepared by bone drilling induced significantly higher temperature increase (P = 0.021) compared with bone condensing sites at the depth of 5 mm, while no significant difference was recorded at other depths. Compared with 30 Ncm, insertion torque values of 35 and 40 Ncm produced significantly higher temperature increase (P = 0.005; P = 0.003, respectively) at the depth of 1 mm. There was no significant difference in temperature change induced by 35 and 40 Ncm, neither by implant macrodesign at all investigated depths (P > 0.05).ConclusionsPlacement of self‐tapping implants with low insertion torque into sites prepared by lateral bone condensing technique might be advantageous in terms of thermal effect on bone.
The success rate of immediate implant placement of mandibular molars: a clinical and radiographic retrospective evaluation between 2 and 8 years
Authors: Hayacibara Roberto M. , Gonçalves Camila S. , Garcez‐Filho João , Magro‐Filho Osvaldo , Esper Helen , Hayacibara Mitsue F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundDental implants, indicated for re‐establishing both mastigatory and aesthetic functions, can be placed in the sockets immediately after tooth extraction. Most studies investigate the anterior and upper regions of the dental arch, whereas few examine longitudinal appraisal of immediate implant installation in the mandibular molar region.ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the success rate of immediate dental implants placement in mandibular molars within a follow‐up period as long as 8 years.Materials and methodsSeventy‐four mandibular molar implants after non‐traumatic tooth extraction between 2002 and 2008 were examined in the study. All implants were evaluated radiographically immediately after prosthesis placement, 1 year after implantation, and by the end of the experimental period, in 2010. Clinical evaluation was done according to [Albrektsson et al. (1986) The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 1, 11–25] success criteria for marginal bone loss. The mean bone losses, calculated as the difference between the final evaluation measures and those taken by the end of the first year of implant, were compared using Kruskal–Wallis test with a significance level of 5%.ResultsAll implants presented clinical and radiographic stable conditions, that is, 100% success rate. Significant bone loss was not found between final evaluation and that of the first functional year (P > 0.05).ConclusionImmediate implant placement of mandibular molars proved to be a viable surgical treatment given the high success rate up to 8 years after implantation.
Bone physiology in human grafted and non‐grafted extraction sockets – an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Nahles Susanne , Nack Claudia , Gratecap Kerrin , Lage Hermann , Nelson John J. , Nelson Katja 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the present immunohistological investigation was to define and compare the osteogenic potential with the vascularization of the provisional matrix in grafted and ungrafted extraction sockets after 4 and 12 weeks of healing.MethodsA total of 33 Patients (15 women, 18 men) with 65 extraction sites with a mean age of 54.4 years (30–73 years) participated in this study. After tooth extraction, the sockets were augmented with Bio‐Oss collagen or non‐augmented. At implant placement after 4 or 12 weeks bone biopsies were obtained. Within the specimens the osteogenic and endothelial potential of mesenchymal cells was analyzed in the provisional matrix using immunohistochemical analysis with three monoclonal antibodies Cbfa1/Runx2, Osteocalcin (OC), and CD31. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U‐test, Spearman's rank‐order correlation coefficient, and the two‐factorial analysis for repeated measurements.ResultsOf the 65 extraction sockets, 25 (13 non‐augmented, 12 augmented) sites after 4 weeks healing time and 40 (19 non‐augmented, 21 augmented) sites after 12 weeks healing time were involved in the study. No signs of acute or chronic inflammation were noted in any specimens. After 4 weeks, a median amount of 56% (10–85%) of Cbfa1 positive cells and a median amount of cells expressing OC of 21% (5–42%) were measured. A median CD31 score of 5 was observed. After 12 weeks, a median amount of 61% (19–90%) positive cells expressed by Cbfa1/Runx2 staining a median amount of OC positive cells of 9% (2–17%) was measured. The results at 12 weeks revealed a median score of CD31 positive cells of 3.DiscussionOsteoblastic activity in the provisional matrix was highest after 4 weeks of healing period. The active zone of bone formation is found in the apical region of the extraction socket during the early healing phase, shifting to the coronal region after 12 weeks. A peak of osteoblast activity within the first weeks is followed by a reduction in mature osteoblasts with osteoblasts remaining in an inactive stage. The vascularity changed in likewise fashion to the maturation of osteoblasts within the observation period. The results have shown that with increasing age a decreasing endothelial potential was observed not after 4 weeks, but after 12 weeks, thus it suggests that angiogenesis is diminished in older patients in the later phase of healing in extraction sockets.