bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of industry funding with the outcome and quality of randomized controlled trials of drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Khan Nasim A. , Lombeida Juan I. , Singh Manisha , Spencer Horace J. , Torralba Karina D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association of industry funding with the characteristics, outcome, and reported quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched to identify original RA drug therapy RCTs published in 2002–2003 and 2006–2007. Two reviewers independently assessed each RCT for the funding source, characteristics, outcome (positive [statistically significant result favoring experimental drug for the primary outcome] or not positive), and reporting of methodologic measures whose inadequate performance may have biased the assessment of treatment effect. RCTs that were registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and completed during the study years were assessed for publication bias.ResultsOf the 103 eligible RCTs identified, 58 (56.3%) were funded by industry, 19 (18.4%) were funded by nonprofit sources, 6 (5.8%) had mixed funding, and funding for 20 (19.4%) was not specified. Industry‐funded RCTs had significantly more study centers and subjects, while nonprofit agency–funded RCTs had longer duration and were more likely to study different treatment strategies. Outcome could be assessed for 86 (83.5%) of the 103 RCTs studied. The funding source was not associated with a higher likelihood of positive outcomes favoring the sponsored experimental drug (75.5% of industry‐funded RCTs had a positive outcome, compared with 68.8% of non‐industry–funded RCTs, 40% of RCTs with mixed funding, and 81.2% of RCTs for which funding was not specified). Industry‐funded RCTs showed a trend toward a higher likelihood of nonpublication (P = 0.093). Industry‐funded RCTs were more frequently associated with double‐blinding, an adequate description of participant flow, and performance of an intent‐to‐treat analysis.ConclusionIndustry funding was not associated with a higher likelihood of positive outcomes of published RCTs of drug therapy for RA, and industry‐funded RCTs performed significantly better than non–industry‐funded RCTs in terms of reporting the use of some key methodologic quality measures.
CXCR4 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 are key chemokine/adhesion receptors in the migration of cytokine‐activated T cells
Authors: Bryant Jane , Ahern David J. , Brennan Fionula M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the migratory properties of cytokine‐activated T (Tck) cells.MethodsTck cells were generated by culture of peripheral blood T cells in the presence of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor α, and IL‐2. Changes in cell surface phenotype were analyzed by flow cytometry. Chemotactic responsiveness was measured using in vitro chemotaxis assays and transendothelial migration through human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers. Levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1) were measured by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsCytokine stimulation up‐regulated the expression of chemokine receptors and integrins on Tck cells, including CXCR4, very late activation antigen 4 (VLA‐4), and lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1. Increased expression of CXCR4 and VLA‐4 integrin resulted in concentration‐dependent chemotaxis to their ligands, stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF‐1) and VCAM‐1, which could be selectively blocked using a specific CXCR4 inhibitor and antibodies against VLA‐4. Increased expression of VLA‐4 also resulted in increased transendothelial migration of Tck cells, which could be abrogated using blocking antibodies against VLA‐4. Tck cells also showed an increased chemotactic response to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast‐like synoviocytes cultured in vitro, which could be blocked using inhibitors against VLA‐4 and CXCR4.ConclusionThe activated phenotype of Tck cells results in increased migratory responsiveness to SDF‐1 and soluble VCAM‐1, which are among the chemokines and proteins found elevated in the RA synovial joint environment. Cytokine‐dependent activation may contribute to RA pathogenicity by promoting T cell recruitment to and retention in the joint, perpetuating the inflammatory cascade in RA.
Dual‐specificity phosphatase 1–null mice exhibit spontaneous osteolytic disease and enhanced inflammatory osteolysis in experimental arthritis
Authors: Vattakuzhi Youridies , Abraham Sonya M. , Freidin Andrew , Clark Andrew R. , Horwood Nicole J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveBone formation and destruction are usually tightly linked; however, in disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis, elevated osteoclast activity leads to bone destruction. Osteoclast formation and activation are controlled by many signaling pathways, including p38 MAPK. Dual‐specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP‐1) is a factor involved in the negative regulation of p38 MAPK. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Dusp1 deficiency on bone destruction.MethodsPenetrance, onset, and severity of collagen‐induced arthritis were recorded in DUSP‐1+/+ and DUSP‐1−/− mice. Bone destruction was assessed by histologic and micro–computed tomographic examination of the joints. The in vitro formation and activation of osteoclasts from DUSP‐1+/+ and DUSP‐1−/− precursors were assessed in the absence or presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF).ResultsThe formation and activation of osteoclasts in vitro in the presence of TNF were enhanced by Dusp1 gene disruption. DUSP‐1−/− mice exhibited higher penetrance, earlier onset, and increased severity of experimental arthritis, accompanied by greater numbers of osteoclasts in inflamed joints and more extensive loss of bone. A DUSP‐1−/− mouse colony of mixed genetic background also demonstrated striking spontaneous osteolytic destruction of distal phalanges.ConclusionDUSP‐1 is a critical regulator of osteoclast activity and limits bone destruction in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis. Defects in the expression or activity of DUSP1 in humans may correlate with a propensity to develop osteolytic lesions in arthritis.
Cardiac developmental toxicity
Authors: Mahler Gretchen J. , Butcher Jonathan T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCongenital heart disease (CHD) is a highly prevalent problem with mostly unknown origins. Many cases of CHD likely involve an environmental exposure coupled with genetic susceptibility, but practical and ethical considerations make nongenetic causes of CHD difficult to assess in humans. The development of the heart is highly conserved across all vertebrate species, making animal models an excellent option for screening potential cardiac teratogens. This review will discuss exposures known to cause cardiac defects, stages of heart development that are most sensitive to teratogen exposure, benefits and limitations of animal models of cardiac development, and future considerations for cardiac developmental toxicity research. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 93:291–297, 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collagen gel analysis of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in the embryo heart: An in vitro model system for the analysis of tissue interaction, signal transduction, and environmental effects
Authors: Lencinas Alejandro , Tavares André L. P. , Barnett Joey V. , Runyan Raymond B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe cellular process of epithelial–mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) is a critical event in development that is reiterated in adult pathologies of metastasis and organ fibrosis. An initial understanding of the cellular and molecular events of this process emerged from an in vitro examination of heart valve development. Explants of the chick atrioventricular valve‐forming region were placed on collagen gels and removed to show that EMT was regulated by a tissue interaction. Subsequent studies showed that specific TGFβ isoforms and receptors were required and steps of activation and invasion could be distinguished. The assay was modified for mouse hearts and has been used to explore signal transduction and gene expression in both species. The principle advantages of the system are a defined temporal window, when EMT takes place and the ability to isolate cells at various stages of the EMT process. These advantages are largely unavailable in other developmental or adult models. As the mesenchymal cells produced by EMT in the heart are involved in defects found in congenital heart disease, there is also a direct relevance of cardiac EMT to human birth defects. This relationship has been explored in relation to environmental exposures and in a number of genetic models. This review provides both an overview of the findings developed from the assay and protocols to enable the use of the assay by other laboratories. The assay provides a versatile platform to explore roles of specific gene products, drugs, and environmental agents on a critical cellular process. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 93:298–311, 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evidence‐based approach for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: Lessons learned from over 1,000 repairs
Authors: Castorina Sergio , Luca Tonia , Privitera Giovanna , El‐Bernawi Hussein 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this educational article, we aim to provide a literature review on laparoscopic anatomy of the inguinal region. We share the lessons learnt from the 1,194 laparoscopic hernia operations we have performed in 16 years of experience, trying to provide an anatomical and physiological basis for surgeons. The current study reports a personal experience with a transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernioplasty procedure. A literature review using the keywords “hernia,” “laparoscopic approach,” and “hernia repair” was performed using the electronic biomedical database PubMed, Medline Extra, Embase, Biosis, Science Citation Index, Ovid and text books. Between January 1994 and December 2010, a total of 1,194 patients, males and females (average age, 56.7 years), underwent laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair. Following reduction of the hernia sac and creation of the preperitoneal flap, a polypropylene mesh (10 × 16) and four spiral tacks were placed. TAPP is easy to learn and perform. Through this approach, a much better view from the inguinal anatomy is achieved, and the procedure also offers a brief learning curve. Our patients reported minimal postoperative pain and returned to work after 5–10 days, which is in accordance with the general anesthesia series. During the follow‐up period, 10% of seromas, 3% of scrotal hematomas, 1% of hemorrhages, and 3% of recurrent hernias were observed. It should be emphasized that we have not observed abscess formation or acute infection related to the presence of mesh. Clin. Anat. 25:687–696, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peasants' Social Representation of Politicians in a Clientelist Rural Context
Authors: Landini Fernando 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTIn Latin America, political clientelism is one of the main obstacles to the process of sustaining truly democratic practices. Thus, this article proposes to study peasants from the Province of Formosa, Argentina's social representation of politicians, in hopes of shedding light on the relationship between said representations and clientelist practices, with the objective of making a contribution to the development of alternative means towards democratization in the area.The results of this case study show that, at the center of the peasants' social representation of politicians, there lies a tendency to place their expectations for receiving assistance within a context of a personalized and hierarchical relationship framework. Nevertheless, the majority of these farmers consider the assistance received to be insufficient and inadequate, stating that politicians actually look to satisfy their own interests and not those of the general public. In conclusion, the peasants' social representation of politicians favors clientelist practices, even though these small farmers do not identify, via their culture or their expectations, with these practices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral hplc determination and stereoselective pharmacokinetics of tetrahydroberberine enantiomers in rats
Authors: Zhang Yinying , Shi Kuan , Wen Jun , Fan Guorong , Chai Yifeng , Hong Zhanying 
Published: January 2012

AbstractTetrahydroberberine (THB), a racemic mixture of (+)‐ and (−)‐enantiomer, is a biologically active ingredient isolated from a traditional Chinese herb Rhizoma corydalis (yanhusuo). A chiral high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the determination of THB enantiomers in rat plasma. The enantioseparation was carried out on a Chiral®‐AD column using methanol:ethanol (80:20, v/v) as the mobile phase at the flow rate 0.4 ml/min. The ultraviolet detection was set at 230 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.01–2.5 μg/ml for (+)‐THB and 0.01‐5.0 μg/ml for (−)‐THB, respectively. The lower limit of quantification was 0.01 μg/ml for both (+)‐THB and (−)‐THB. The stereoselective pharmacokinetics of THB enantiomers in rats was studied after oral and intravenous administration at a dose of 50 and 10 mg/kg racemic THB (rac‐THB). The mean plasma levels of (−)‐THB were higher at almost all time points than those of (+)‐THB. (−)‐THB also exhibited greater Cmax, and AUC0–∞, smaller CL and Vd, than its antipode. The (−)/(+)‐enantiomer ratio of AUC0–∞ after oral and intravenous administration were 2.17 and 1.43, respectively. These results indicated substantial stereoselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of THB enantiomers in rats. Chirality, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large Eddy simulation for lean premixed combustion
Authors: Bouras Fethi , Si‐Ameur Mohamed , Soudani Azeddine 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn comparison to previous numerical studies interested in the ORACLES benchmark (One Rig for Accurate Comparisons with Large Eddy Simulations), the present study demonstrates the advantages of LES‐WALE model in both inert and reacting flows using the Fluent‐CFD. So, the confirmation is based on the experimental research effort that was involved in the European Union‐funded research program MOLECULES (Modelling of Low Emissions Combustors Using Large Eddy Simulations), for three parameters: longitudinal velocity, longitudinal velocity fluctuation, and length of recirculation zone. In line with what was observed by the experimental reference study, the dynamic model (LES‐WALE) predicts, respectively, as well as the asymmetry and the symmetry, for both inert and reacting flows. In addition, the simulation succeeds to predict the zones of recirculation and shows the differences between the two cases, inert and reacting flows. Moreover, results have been compared with those of the k–ε model performed by Kurenkov and Obserlack [Kurenkov and Obserlack, Flow Turbulence Combustion 74, 387–407 (2005)] study. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Growth, thermophysical and electrical properties of the nonlinear optical crystal BPO4
Authors: Zhao Sangen , Zhang Guochun , Feng Kai , Lu Jun , Wu Yicheng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBulk BPO4 crystals have been successfully grown from high temperature solution of BPO4, Li2O, and MoO3 in the molar ratio of 2.3:1:1.3 by the top‐seeded solution growth (TSSG) method using [101]c orientation seeds. There are no visible scattering centers and impurity of Mo in the as‐grown BPO4 crystals, whose optical homogeneity reaches up to 1.6×10–5/cm. BPO4 possesses a specific heat of 0.50–1.00 J·g–1·K–1 in the temperature range from 298 to 698 K and exhibits strong anisotropic thermal expansion behavior with αa = 14.2 × 10–6 K–1 and αc = ‐4.0 × 10–7 K–1. Moreover, the thermal conductivity coefficients are calculated to be κa = 62.4 W·m–1·K–1 and κc = 51.5 W·m–1·K–1, which are remarkably larger than those of some commonly used borates. The measured dielectric constants, εa and εc, are 4.8 and 6.1, respectively, and the ionic conductivity coefficients, σa = 4.3 × 10–8 S/cm and σc = 9.5 × 10–8 S/cm, are several orders of magnitude lower than that of LiB3O5 (LBO). (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multinationals, CSR and Partnerships in Central African Conflict Countries
Authors: Kolk Ans , Lenfant François 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTAttention has increased for the potential role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in helping address conflict issues and/or furthering peace and reconciliation as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. However, while existing literature emphasises the importance for MNEs to collaborate with various stakeholders, including non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), research on the scope, peculiarities, and impact of such cooperation has been limited, particularly in those countries in Central Africa with a fragile state and weak governance structure. Furthermore, until recently, MNEs and NGOs in conflict countries had antagonistic relationships, which have created impediments for positive engagement. This paper examines MNEs and conflict issues, including interactions with NGOs, and sheds light on possible MNE contributions to peaceful societies by highlighting a few innovative partnerships of MNEs and non‐business partners in Central Africa. Innovative partnerships take the conflict context into account, have a learning or capacity‐building component, are part of a more comprehensive development plan yet are embedded at the community level, and tackle issues directly related to the conflict, such as governance, human rights, artisanal mining, and transparency. The paper also discusses implications of such activities for the role of the state in fragile contexts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Journey of a ‘Green’ Micro‐Enterprise – The Green Planet
Authors: Holt Diane 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThis teaching case explores the longitudinal evolution of a small environmental micro‐enterprise: The Green Planet retail store. Exploring two decades of business history, it analyses the development of this business as sustainability issues and greener consumer goods mainstreamed in society. The case presents one of the first explorations of the individual trade‐offs that owners make between economic, environmental, and social criteria, alongside an exploration of the role that the personal values of the owner plays in the evolution of this business. Also presented is a sample of other environmental enterprises profiled alongside The Green Planet in the early 1990s. This additional dataset provides a rich resource for readers, and a number of indicative discussion themes are identified. Readers interested in topics such as marketing, business strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, and environmental management will find this case a valuable addition to their teaching resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
C. elegans dystroglycan coordinates responsiveness of follower axons to dorsal/ventral and anterior/posterior guidance cues
Authors: Johnson Robert P. , Kramer James M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractNeural development in metazoans is characterized by the establishment of initial process tracts by pioneer axons and the subsequent extension of follower axons along these pioneer processes. Mechanisms governing the fidelity of follower extension along pioneered routes are largely unknown. In C. elegans, formation of the right angle‐shaped lumbar commissure connecting the lumbar and preanal ganglia is an example of pioneer/follower dynamics. We find that the dystroglycan ortholog DGN‐1 mediates the fidelity of follower lumbar commissure axon extension along the pioneer axon route. In dgn‐1 mutants, the axon of the pioneer PVQ neuron faithfully establishes the lumbar commissure, but axons of follower lumbar neurons, such as PVC, frequently bypass the lumbar commissure and extend along an oblique trajectory directly toward the preanal ganglion. In contrast, disruption of the UNC‐6/netrin guidance pathway principally perturbs PVQ ventral guidance to pioneer the lumbar commissure. Loss of DGN‐1 in unc‐6 mutants has a quantitatively similar effect on follower axon guidance regardless of PVQ axon route, indicating that DGN‐1 does not mediate follower/pioneer adhesion. Instead, DGN‐1 appears to block premature responsiveness of follower axons to a preanal ganglion‐directed guidance cue, which mediates ventral‐to‐anterior reorientation of lumbar commissure axons. Deletion analysis shows that only the most N‐terminal DGN‐1 domain is required for these activities. These studies suggest that dystroglycan modulation of growth cone responsiveness to conflicting guidance cues is important for restricting follower axon extension to the tracts laid down by pioneers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
Expression of the rubber‐like protein, resilin, in developing and functional insect cuticle determined using a Drosophila anti‐rec 1 resilin antibody
Authors: Wong Darren C. C. , Pearson Roger D. , Elvin Christopher M. , Merritt David J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground: The natural elastomeric protein, insect resilin, is the most efficient elastic material known, used to store energy for jumping and flight in a variety of insects. Here, an antibody to recombinant Drosophila melanogaster pro‐resilin is used to examine resilin expression in Drosophila and a wider range of insects. Results: Immunostaining of Drosophila embryos reveals anti‐resilin reactivity in epidermal patches that exhibit a dynamic spatial and temporal expression through late embryogenesis. Resilin is also detected in stretch receptors in the embryo. In developing adult Drosophila, resilin pads are described at the base of wings and at the base of flexible sensory hairs in pupae. Resilin is also detected in embryos of the tephritid fruitfly, Bactrocera tryoni, and two well‐known concentrations of insect resilin: the flight muscle tendon of the dragonfly and the pleural arch of the flea. Conclusions: The anti‐Rec1 antibody antibody developed using Drosophila pro‐resilin as antigen is cross‐reactive and is useful for detection of resilin in diverse insects. For the first time, resilin expression has been detected during embryogenesis, revealing segmental patches of resilin in the developing epidermis of Drosophila. Developmental Dynamics 241:333–339, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychometric properties of measures of eating disorder risk in latina college women
Authors: Franko Debra L. , Jenkins Amy , Roehrig James P. , Luce Kristine H. , Crowther Janis H. , Rodgers Rachel F. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjective:Latina college women are at risk for eating disorders (EDs), but assessment is problematic, because the psychometric properties of risk factor measures have not been evaluated with this group.Method:Reliability and validity estimates of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire‐3, and Body Shape Questionnaire were examined in a sample of 173 female Latina college students.Results:Cronbach α coefficients (.75–.96) and intraclass coefficients (.65–.96) indicated good reliability. Most measures were significantly correlated, providing evidence for convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analyses resulted in good fit indices.Discussion:These findings indicate that commonly used measures of ED risk have adequate reliability and validity in Latina college women. Comparison data suggest that ED risk may be similar or even higher in Latina college women relative to Caucasian college women. Prevention efforts with diverse groups are needed. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)