bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxygen deprivation inhibits basal keratinocyte proliferation in a model of human skin and induces regio‐specific changes in the distribution of epidermal adherens junction proteins, aquaporin‐3, and glycogen
Authors: Straseski Joely A. , Gibson Angela L. , Thomas‐Virnig Christina L. , Allen‐Hoffmann B. Lynn 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTIt is generally accepted that hypoxia and recovery from oxygen deprivation contribute to the breakdown and ulceration of human skin. The effects of these stresses on proliferation, differentiation and expression of cell–cell adhesion molecules were investigated for the first time in an organotypic model of human skin. Fully stratified tissues were exposed to a time course of oxygen deprivation and subsequent reoxygenation. Regional changes in keratinocyte morphology, glycogen stores and cellular junctions were observed, with more differentiated layers of the epidermis exhibiting the first evidence of oxygen deprivation. Cellular swelling within the granular layer was concurrent with aquaporin‐3 depletion. The keratinocyte adherens junction proteins E‐cadherin and β‐catenin were dramatically decreased in a regio‐specific manner throughout the epidermis following oxygen deprivation. In contrast, P‐cadherin and the desmosomal proteins desmoplakin and desmoglein‐1 were refractory to oxygen deprivation. Relative to normoxic controls, hypoxic tissues exhibited increased mRNA levels of the transcriptional repressor Slug; however, mRNA levels of the related transcriptional factor Snail were unaffected. All cellular and molecular changes were reversible upon reoxygenation. These results show that oxygen deprivation and reoxygenation exert differential effects on epidermal adhesion proteins and suggest a novel role for cadherins, β‐catenin, and Slug in hypoxia‐induced junctional changes occurring in stratified squamous epithelium.
CD4/CD8 T‐Cell Ratio in Peritoneal Dialysis Effluents Predicts the Outcome of Peritonitis in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Griveas Ioannis , Fleva Alexandra , Karanikas Evagellos , Gogos Konstantina , Sakellariou George 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study aimed to clarify the role of peritoneal T‐lymphocytes in peritoneal immune defense mechanisms. This study was designed to examine the changes in T‐cell subpopulations during peritonitis in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our observations were correlated to responses to treatment and with outcomes. The present study was carried out in 20 patients (8 males, 12 females) under CAPD. Peritonitis was diagnosed according to the criteria defined by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Peritonitis Management. Peritoneal dialysate effluent (PDE) samples were collected from our patients, and lymphocyte subsets (CD2+, CD3+, CD3+/4+, CD3+/8+, CD3−/16+56+, CD4/CD8 ratio) were quantitated by using monoclonal antibodies. CD4/CD8 ratio was measured every day during peritonitis until the patients had completely recovered. The serial measurements of the CD4/CD8 ratio made in the PDE during peritonitis followed two patterns: the first pattern was characterized by a progressive increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio. The CD4/CD8 ratios on days 5, 6, and 7 were significantly higher than those on day 1 (P < 0.05). Overall, the patients who exhibited pattern 1 had favorable clinical courses. The second pattern was characterized by high initial CD4/CD8 ratios, which progressively decreased significantly (P < 0.05). This second pattern was associated with a delayed clinical response to treatment. Symptoms and signs of peritonitis persisted beyond 72 h. The pattern of the CD4/CD8 ratio in PDE may determine the outcome of peritonitis in CAPD patients.
CD133+ cell content does not influence recovery time after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jaime‐Pérez José Carlos , Guillermo‐Villanueva Víctor A. , Méndez‐Ramírez Nereida , Chapa‐Rodríguez Adrián , Gutiérrez‐Aguirre Homero , Gómez‐Almaguer David 
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Infusion of an adequate dose of CD34+ mononuclear hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is the single most important variable to assure success in hematopoietic grafting. CD133+ HSCs constitute the CD34+ subgroup with higher differentiation potential. The number of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized CD133+ HSCs administered during hematopoietic grafting and its relationship with the number of days needed to regain hematopoiesis was determined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty‐eight patients with malignant hematologic diseases who received an autologous (n = 15) or allogeneic (n = 23) HSC transplant were prospectively evaluated. G‐CSF was administered for 5 days at 10 µg/kg/day. Hematopoietic progenitors were recovered from peripheral blood on day 5 by leukopheresis. CD34+ and CD133+/CD34+ cell populations were quantified by flow cytometry; the number of days to hematologic recovery was documented.RESULTS: A median dose of 4.56 × 106/kg CD34+ HSCs (range, 1.35 × 106‐14.6 × 106) was recovered and transplanted; of these grafted cells, a median 3.25 × 106 were also CD133+ (range, 1.25 × 106‐14.3 × 106). In the autologous group, the median number of days to reach a platelet (PLT) count of 20 × 109/L or greater was 12, and 15 days to obtain a neutrophil count of 0.5 × 109/L or greater; in the allogeneic group 13 and 16 days, respectively, were required (p > 0.05). A median 76.5% of G‐CSF–mobilized CD34+ HSCs coexpressed the CD133+ antigen (range, 23.1‐97.9).CONCLUSIONS: A higher number of CD133+/CD34+ HSCs in the graft was not clearly associated with a shorter neutrophil or PLT recovery time in either allogeneic or autologous recipients.
Copulas: A Personal View
Authors: Embrechts Paul 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCopula modeling has taken the world of finance and insurance, and well beyond, by storm. Why is this? In this article, I review the early start of this development, discuss some important current research, mainly from an applications point of view, and comment on potential future developments. An alternative title of the article would be “Demystifying the copula craze.” The article also contains what I would like to call the copula must‐reads.
The Credit Rating Agencies and the Subprime Mess: Greedy, Ignorant, and Stressed?
Authors: Rom Mark Carl 
Published: July 2009

The credit rating agencies (CRAs) were an important component of the subprime mess. This article describes what the CRAs are, what they do, what roles they play, and how they fit into the regulatory system. It outlines the types of mortgage securities that the CRAs rate and outlines the evolution of the subprime mess. It then assesses three prime suspects in the CRAs' problems: incentives, ignorance, and stress. The author concludes that all three factors were important, that public officials were slow to react, and that additional safeguards have been put into place to prevent such problems in the future.
I feel that the rating agencies are somewhat of a mystically anointed monopoly, not unlike our good friends Fannie and Freddie, but with even less accountability. —Representative Richard H. Baker, 2005 Everyone assumed the credit agencies knew what they were doing. —Joseph Mason, credit expert at Drexel University, 2008
An Analysis of Individual NYSE Specialist Portfolios and Execution Quality
Authors: Liu Jerry W. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe value of specialist assistance to the trading of low‐volume stocks has important implications in exchange design. We study the relation between the structure of individual specialist portfolios and the transitory volatility of low‐volume stocks in these portfolios under the traditional NYSE auction‐dealer market structure. We find that the trading quality for inactive stocks is positively related to the trading volume of active stocks in the same specialist portfolios. These results are consistent with specialist subsidization of low‐volume stocks in their portfolios and suggest that specialists provide important support to the trading of inactive stocks if they have the resources.
The Halloween Effect in U.S. Sectors
Authors: Jacobsen Ben , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat 
Published: July 2009

AbstractU.S. stock market sectors and industries perform better during winter than summer from 1926 to 2006. In more than two‐thirds of sectors and industries, the difference in summer and winter returns, known as the Halloween effect, is statistically significant. There are, however, large differences across sectors and industries. The effect is almost absent in sectors related to consumer consumption but is strong in production sectors. We find that neither liquidity changes nor well‐known risk factors can explain the anomaly. We illustrate how the differences between sectors and industries can improve the risk‐return tradeoff using sector rotation.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: ZANGWILL STEVEN , HAMILTON ROBERT 
Published: July 2009

Background: Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by ventricular diastolic dysfunction with a clinical course in childhood that is often progressive despite medical therapy.
Methods: A review of the literature and clinical experience was used to summarize the natural history of this oftentimes devastating disease with a focus on diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.
Results: The clinical presentation of restrictive cardiomyopathy can be highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic to overt signs of heart failure with pulmonary hypertension. Emerging noninvasive diagnostic tools are increasingly helpful yet there remains a role for invasive studies including cardiac catheterization with or without endomyocardial biopsy. A significant risk of sudden death exists and may not be limited to those with more pronounced symptoms.
Conclusions: Children with restrictive cardiomyopathy require comprehensive evaluation with careful surveillance. Early listing for cardiac transplantation should be considered.
Evolution of P‐Wave Morphology in Healthy Individuals: A 3‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Havmöller Rasmus , Carlson Jonas , Holmqvist Fredrik , Olsson Bertil , Platonov Pyotr 
Published: July 2009

Background: Orthogonal P‐wave morphology in healthy men and women has been described using unfiltered signal‐averaged technique and holds information on interatrial conduction. The stability of P‐wave morphology in healthy subjects over time is not fully known. Methods: Sixty‐seven healthy volunteers were investigated (29 males, aged 63 ± 14 years, 48 females, 60 ± 13 years). Orthogonal lead data (X, Y, and Z) were derived from standard 12‐lead ECGs (recording length 6 minutes, sampling rate 1kHz, resolution 0.625 μV) recorded at baseline (BL), and 3 years later at follow‐up (FU). P waves were then signal‐averaged and analyzed regarding P‐wave morphology, locations of maxima, minima, zero‐crossings, and P‐wave duration (PWD). Results: No differences of P‐wave variables were observed at FU compared to BL, including PWD (127 ± 12 vs 125 ± 14 ms at BL and FU, respectively, n.s.). In 59 of the 67 subjects (88%), the P‐wave morphology was unaltered at FU. However, in the remaining eight cases a distinctively different morphology was observed. The most common change (P = 0.030) was from negative polarity to biphasic (−/+) in Lead Z (n = 5). In one case the opposite change was observed and in two cases transition into advanced interatrial block morphology was evident at FU. Conclusions: In the majority of healthy subjects, P‐wave morphology is stable at 3‐year FU. Subtle morphological changes, observed principally in Lead Z, suggest variation of interatrial conduction. These changes could not be detected by measuring conventional PWD that remained unchanged in the total population.
Circadian Distribution of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with and without Structural Heart Disease in Untreated State
Authors: Deguchi Yoshiaki , Amino Mari , Adachi Kumiko , Matsuzaki Atsushi , Iwata Osamu , Yoshioka Koichiro , Watanabe Eiichi , Tanabe Teruhisa 
Published: July 2009

Background: This study aimed to compare the circadian distribution of the onset, maintenance and termination of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) between structural and non‐structural heart diseases (SHD and NSHD, respectively) in the untreated state. Subjects and Methods: We included 217 patients with 338 PAF (79 SHD patients with 131 episodes; 138 NSHD patients with 207 episodes). The probabilities for the onset, maintenance and termination of PAF for each hour were analyzed using Holter monitoring data and harmonic models being fitted into a cosinusoidal function. Results: The SHD group had a triphasic circadian pattern at the onset with higher peaks at midnight, in the early morning and in the late afternoon (p < 0.05), whereas the NSHD group showed a single peak at midnight (p < 0.01). The probability of maintenance revealed a single peak during midnight (SHD, p < 0.0001; NHD, p < 0.01). The termination showed a peak at noon in the SHD group (p < 0.05), whereas there was a double peak at 10:00 am and 8:00 pm in the NSHD group (p = 0.06). RR intervals just after the PAF onset showed marked shortening in the daytime initiation PAF as compared to the nighttime initiation PAF in both SHD and NSHD groups (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These observations suggest that the SHD group has very complex onset hours, whereas the NSHD group shows complex termination hours. Reflexly accelerated sympathetic tone just after the PAF onset is suggested in the daytime initiation PAF.
A pre‐event configuration for biological threats: Preparedness and the constitution of biosecurity events
Authors: SAMIMIAN‐DARASH LIMOR 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTDrawing on an inquiry into Israel's preparedness for biological threats, in this article I suggest a new analysis of biosecurity events. A complex and dynamic assemblage emerges to prepare for biological threats, one that I call a “pre‐event configuration.” The assemblage is composed of three core elements—the scientific element, the security element, and the public health element—each of which diagnoses threats and suggests appropriate solutions. This configuration also determines what will be perceived as an event for which preparation is needed and what will remain a nonevent. I maintain that the constitution of an event takes place beyond the actual time of its occurrence and is determined by the pre‐event configuration in the “time of event.” Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of events should combine an examination of actual events and their aftermath with an inquiry into their potentialities as determined by the pre‐event configuration. [biosecurity, preparedness, events, disasters]
A Review of the Federal Guidelines That Inform and Influence Relationships Between Physicians and Industry
Authors: Birkhahn Robert H. , Jauch Edward , Kramer David A. , Nowak Richard M. , Raja Ali S. , Summers Richard L. , Weber Jim Edward , Diercks Deborah B. ,   on behalf of the SAEM Industry Relations Committee, 2008–2009
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe effective delivery and continued advancement of health care is critically dependent on the relationship between physicians and industry. The private sector accounts for 60% of the funding for clinical research and more than 50% of the funding sources for physician education. The nature of the physician–industry relationship and the role of the physician as a gatekeeper for health care make this association vulnerable to abuse if certain safeguards are not observed. This article will review the current federal guidelines that affect the physician–industry relationship and highlight several illustrative cases to show how the potential for abuse can subvert this relationship. The recommendations and “safe harbors” that have been designed to guide business relationships in health care are discussed.
The immune boundaries for stem cell based therapies: problems and prospective solutions
Authors: Abdelkrim Hmadcha , Juan Domínguez‐Bendala , Jane Wakeman , Mohamed Arredouani , Bernat Soria 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Classification and sources of stem cells
Limitations of stem cells
Alternatives to overcome the limitations of stem cells
Histocompatibility and immune rejection
Are ESCs immunogenic or immunoprivileged?
Overcoming the need for immune manipulation to avoid rejection
Manipulating immune tolerance for stem cell‐based therapies
Conclusions
Stem cells have fascinated the scientific and clinical communities for over a century. Despite the controversy that surrounds this field, it is clear that stem cells have the potential to revolutionize medicine. However, a number of significant hurdles still stand in the way of the realization of this potential. Chiefly among these are safety concerns, differentiation efficiency and overcoming immune rejection. Here we review current progress made in this field to optimize the safe use of stem cells with particular emphasis on prospective interventions to deal with challenges generated by immune rejection.
Do the old psychostimulant drugs have a role in managing treatment‐resistant depression?
Authors: Parker G. , Brotchie H. 
Published: July 2009

Parker G, Brotchie H. Do the old psychostimulant drugs have a role in managing treatment‐resistant depression?Objective:  As the authors have observed clinical benefit from the psychostimulants methylphenidate and dexamphetamine for treating resistant melancholic and bipolar depression, those drugs were evaluated in a consecutively recruited sample of 50 such patients.Method:  Patients (27 bipolar, 23 unipolar) received either methylphenidate (n = 44) or dexamphetamine (n = 6), with 30 having it prescribed as an augmenting drug and 20 as monotherapy. At the final review, ranging from 6 weeks to 62 months (mean 57 weeks), 52% were still receiving their psychostimulant.Results:  Thirty‐four per cent reported the psychostimulant as distinctly improving their depression, 30% reported some level of improvement and 36% reported no improvement and/or side‐effects. For improvers, the modal dose of methylphenidate was 20 mg. Significant side‐effects were reported by 18% (including one manic response), switching was rare and limited to the bipolar subjects, and most side‐effects were minor. Any positive response occurred rapidly and loss of efficacy was rare. Testing of tricyclic levels in some patients suggested that stimulant drugs may raise tricyclic levels in those who are rapid metabolizers.Conclusion:  Although this study was not controlled, the high success rate in a diagnostically refined sample implies that the psychostimulants may be efficacious for patients with melancholic and bipolar depression who have failed to respond to orthodox antidepressant drugs.
Failures and complications in patients with birth defects restored with fixed dental prostheses and single crowns on teeth and/or implants
Authors: Krieger Oliver , Matuliene Giedre , Hüsler Jürg , Salvi Giovanni. E , Pjetursson Bjarni , Brägger Urs 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives: To assess retrospectively, over at least 5 years, the incidences of technical and biological complications and failures in young adult patients with birth defects affecting the formation of teeth.Material and methods: All insurance cases with a birth defect that had crowns and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) inserted more than 5 years ago were contacted and asked to participate in a reexamination.Results: The median age of the patients was 19.3 years (range 16.6–24.7 years) when prosthetic treatment was initiated. Over the median observation period of 15.7 years (range 7.4–24.9 years) and considering the treatment needs at the reexamination, 19 out of 33 patients (58%) with reconstructions on teeth remained free from all failures or complications. From the patients with FDPs and single unit crowns (SCs) on implants followed over a median observation period of 8 years (range 4.6–15.3 years), eight out of 17% or 47% needed a retreatment or repair at some point due to a failure or a complication. From the three groups of patients, the cases with amelogenesis/dentinogenesis imperfecta demonstrated the highest failure and complication rates. In the cases with cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLAP) or hypodontia/oligodontia, 71% of the SCs and 73% of the FDPs on teeth (FDP T) remained complication free over a median observation period of about 16 years. Sixty‐two percent of the SCs and 64% of the FDPs on implants remained complication free over 8 years. Complications occurred earlier with implant‐supported reconstructions.Conclusions: Because healthy, pristine teeth can be left unprepared, implant‐supported SCs and FDPs are the treatment choice in young adults with birth defects resulting in tooth agenesis and in whom the edentulous spaces cannot be closed by means of orthodontic therapy. However, the trend for earlier and more frequent complications with implant‐supported reconstructions in young adults, expecting many years of function with the reconstructions, has to be weighed against the benefits of keeping teeth unprepared. In cases with CLAP in which anatomical conditions render implant placement difficult and in which teeth adjacent to the cleft require esthetic corrections, the conventional FDP T still remains the treatment of choice.
Solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes: a morphological variant of reticulohistiocytoma?
Authors: Caltabiano Rosario , Magro Gaetano , Vecchio Giada Maria , Lanzafame Salvatore 
Published: July 2009

We first report a case of granular cell histiocytosis occurring as a solitary polypoid lesion of the nipple in a 15‐year‐old girl. Histologically, the lesion was composed of a dermal population of medium‐ to large‐sized, short spindle‐ to round‐ to epithelioid‐shaped cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm containing numerous and small diastase‐resistant periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) positive granules. No associated inflammatory cells were observed. Immunohistochemical studies, revealing immunoreactivity exclusively to vimentin and CD68, were consistent with their histiocytic profile. Based on clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features, the diagnosis of ‘solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes’ was proposed.The absence of an inflammatory cell component, such as lymphocytes and leucocytes, along with no history of a previous trauma or medical treatment, suggest that the present lesion could fit into the morphological spectrum of the so‐called solitary epithelioid histiocytoma, also known as reticulohistiocytoma. Alternatively, the possibility of a histiocytic reaction to unknown stimuli cannot be completely ruled out. Nevertheless, awareness of solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes is useful to avoid confusion with other dermal tumors, especially ‘granular cell tumor’ and ‘dermal non‐neural granular cell tumor’.Caltabiano R, Magro G, Vecchio GM, Lanzafame S. Solitary cutaneous histiocytosis with granular cell changes: a morphological variant of reticulohistiocytoma?