bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking cardiometabolic disorders to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease: a perspective on potential mechanisms and mediators
Authors: Bhat Narayan R. 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 551–562.AbstractThere is increasing evidence that the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is significantly influenced by cardiovascular risk factors in association with a cluster of metabolic diseases including diabetes and atherosclerosis. The shared risk is also reflected in the dietary and lifestyle links to both metabolic disorders and AD‐type cognitive dysfunction. Recent studies with genetic and diet‐induced animal models have begun to illuminate convergent mechanisms and mediators between these two categories of disease conditions with distinct tissue‐specific pathologies. Although it is clear that peripheral inflammation and insulin resistance are central to the pathogenesis of the disorders of metabolic syndrome, it seems that the same mechanisms are also in play across the blood–brain barrier that lead to AD‐like molecular and cognitive changes. This review highlights these convergent mechanisms and discusses the role of cerebrovascular dysfunction as a conduit to brain emergence of these pathogenic processes that might also represent future therapeutic targets in AD in common with metabolic disorders.
Roles of two subtypes of corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor in the corticostriatal long‐term potentiation under cocaine withdrawal condition
Authors: Guan Xiaowei , Wang Lina , Chen Chun‐Lin , Guan Yun , Li Shengnan 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 795–803.AbstractThe roles of two subtypes of corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) receptor in corticostriatal synaptic plasticity under cocaine withdrawal condition were examined in this study. Neither the resting membrane potential and input resistance of striatal neurons nor the long‐term potentiation (LTP) of corticostriatal slices were affected by cocaine withdrawal. CRF dose‐dependently enhancedin vitrocorticostriatal LTP in rats from both cocaine‐withdrawal and saline‐control groups. Yet, the enhancement of corticostriatal LTP by CRF (20, 40, 80 nM) was significantly greater in the cocaine‐withdrawal group than in the control group. CRF1‐selective antagonist (NBI 27914, 100 nM) attenuated the CRF‐induced enhancement of corticostriatal LTP in both groups, whereas the CRF2‐selective antagonist (astression2B, 100 nM) attenuated the enhanced corticostriatal LTP only in the cocaine‐withdrawal group. Importantly, urocortin2 (a CRF2‐selective agonist, 40 nM) selectively increased corticostriatal LTP in the cocaine‐withdrawal group, but not in the saline controls. The urocortin2‐induced enhancement of LTP was totally blocked by astression2B (100 nM). These results suggest that the CRF system modulate neuroadaptive changes in the corticostriatal circuit during cocaine withdrawal, and the CRF2in this area mediate an important mechanism that contributes to the relapse of cocaine addiction.
Photoreceptor rescue and toxicity induced by different calpain inhibitors
Authors: Paquet‐Durand François , Sanges Daniela , McCall Julianne , Silva José , Van Veen Theo , Marigo Valeria , Ekström Per 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 930–940.AbstractPhotoreceptor degeneration is the hallmark of a group of inherited blinding diseases collectively termed retinitis pigmentosa (RP); a major cause of blindness in humans. RP is at present untreatable and the underlying neurodegenerative mechanisms are largely unknown, even though the genetic causes are often established. The activation of calpain‐type proteases may play an important role in cell death in various neuronal tissues, including the retina. We therefore tested the efficacy of two different calpain inhibitors in preventing cell death in the retinal degeneration (rd1) human homologous mouse model for RP. Pharmacological inhibition of calpain activity in rd1 organotypic retinal explants had ambiguous effects on photoreceptor viability. Calpain inhibitor XI had protective effects when applied for short periods of time (16 h) but demonstrated substantial levels of toxicity in both wild‐type and rd1 retina when used over several days. In contrast, the highly specific calpain inhibitor calpastatin peptide reduced photoreceptor cell death in vitro after both short and prolonged exposure, an effect that was also evident after in vivo application via intravitreal injection. These findings highlight the importance of calpain activation for photoreceptor cell death but also for photoreceptor survival and propose the use of highly specific calpain inhibitors to prevent or delay RP.
Negotiated Measurement Rules in Debt Contracts
Authors: LI NINGZHONG 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates contractual definitions of net income and net worth and the cross‐sectional variation in definitions of net income in a large sample of private debt contracts to shed light on the debt contracting demand for accounting numbers. The descriptive evidence indicates that removing transitory earnings is one principal concern in the measurement of earnings but not in the measurement of net worth. In the extreme, contracts are never written on comprehensive income as an earnings concept, whereas accumulated other comprehensive income is included in net worth in most contracts. In contrast, conservative adjustment, in the sense of including certain types of negative earnings but not the corresponding positive earnings, does not seem to be a primary consideration in measuring net income and net worth. Cross‐sectionally, I find that net income is more likely to be defined differently from the GAAP when net income plays a more important role in a contract, when the loan maturity is longer, and when transitory earnings are less useful for debt contracting. Collectively, the evidence shows that debt contracting parties choose contracting variables in a manner consistent with efficient contracting, and that transitory earnings are relatively less useful in measuring firm performance for debt contracting.
Role of 2 Common Variants of 5HT2A Gene in Medication Overuse Headache
Authors: Terrazzino Salvatore , Sances Grazia , Balsamo Francesca , Viana Michele , Monaco Francesco , Bellomo Giorgio , Martignoni Emilia , Tassorelli Cristina , Nappi Giuseppe , Canonico Pier Luigi , Genazzani Armando A. 
Published: August 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1587‐1596)Objective.— The aim of the present study was to evaluate a possible involvement of 2 polymorphisms of the serotonin 5HT2A receptor gene (A‐1438G and C516T) as risk factors for medication overuse headache (MOH) and whether the presence of these polymorphic variants might determine differences within MOH patients in monthly drug consumption.Background.— Despite a growing scientific interest in the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of MOH, few studies have focused on the role of genetics in the development of the disease, as well as on the genetic determinants of the inter‐individual variability in the number of drug doses taken per month.Methods.— Our study was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism on genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood of 227 MOH patients and 312 control subjects. Genotype‐specific risks were estimated as odds ratios with associated 95% confidence intervals by unconditional logistic regression and adjusted for age and gender. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify significant predictors of the number of drug doses taken per month.Results.— No significant association was found between 5HT2A A and 1438G and C516T gene polymorphisms and MOH risk. In contrast, a higher consumption of monthly drug doses was observed among 516T 5HT2A carriers (median 50, range 13‐120) compared to 516CC patients (median 30, range 12‐128) (Mann–Whitney U‐test, P = .018). In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, C516T 5HT2A polymorphism (P = .018) and class of overused drug (P = .047) emerged as significant, independent predictors of the monthly drug consumption in MOH patients.Conclusions.— Although our results do not support a major role of the A‐1438G and C516T polymorphic variants of the 5HT2A gene in the susceptibility of MOH, our findings support an influence of the C516T polymorphism on the number of symptomatic drug doses taken and, possibly, on the drug‐seeking behavior in these patients.
Changes of cytokine levels during granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor stem cell mobilization in healthy donors: association with mobilization efficiency and potential predictive significance
Authors: Lysák Daniel , Hrabětová Marcela , Vrzalová Jindra , Koza Vladimír , Navrátilová Jana , Svoboda Tomáš , Jungová Alexandra , Topolčan Ondřej 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood stem cells are an important source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for allogeneic transplantations. Some allogeneic donors mobilize HSCs poorly in response to the granulocyte—colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). The estimation of the mobilization result in an individual donor is difficult due to the absence of suitable predictive factors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the concentrations and kinetics of certain cytokines induced by G‐CSF in 76 healthy donors and compared them with the mobilization efficiency.RESULTS: The levels of the most cytokines increased after the G‐CSF application: sICAM, sVCAM, MMP‐9, interleukin (IL)‐6, TNF‐α, sE‐selectin, and fibronectin. The concentrations of SDF‐1α and IL‐8 decreased and VEGF and fractalkine remained unchanged. The premobilization concentrations of IL‐6 (p = 0.0093) and TNF‐a (p = 0.0006) correlated with preapheresis CD34+ cell count. The comparison of premobilization cytokine levels between better and worse mobilizers showed a difference for TNF‐α (p = 0.0006) and IL‐6 (p = 0.0682). The TNF‐α level below cutoff of 3.6 pg/mL implied approximately 20 times higher risk of poor mobilization (odds ratio, 19.9; p = 0.0002). The immunophenotyping of CD34+ cells suggested a negative correlation between Day +5 CD34+ count and expression of CD11a (p = 0.0319) and a positive correlation with CD44 antigen expression (p = 0.0096).CONCLUSION: The concentrations of certain cytokines corresponded to the quality of HSC mobilization in healthy donors. Their levels measured before mobilization could probably serve as predictive factors for mobilization efficacy and prospectively detect donors who might profit from new mobilization molecules.
Evaluation of a new cell separator for collection of peripheral blood CD34+ progenitor cells in pediatric patients
Authors: Kim Suk‐Ran , Choung Hae‐Kyoung , Kim Dae‐Won , Sung Ki‐Woong , Kang Eun‐Suk 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the COM.TEC cell separator (Fresenius HemoCare GmbH) for collecting CD34+ cells in pediatric patients who were intended to have autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation, with respect to collection variables, prediction power of CD34+ cell yield, and influence on donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 26 pediatric solid tumor patients who received mobilization chemotherapy and granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor underwent CD34+ cell collection (n = 96) using the COM.TEC auto mononuclear cell (MNC) program. Patients were divided into a neuroblastoma (NBL) group and a brain tumor group according to the intensity of prior chemotherapy regimens. The collection variables, cellular variables of leukapheresis products, and the peripheral blood cell counts of patients were compared with those acquired using the COBE Spectra (GambroBCT). The CD34+ cell collection efficiency (CE) and the percentage ratios of actual to predicted CD34+ cell yield indicating prediction power were analyzed.RESULTS: Using the COM.TEC auto MNC program, the processing rate was higher and the product volume was smaller (p < 0.05) than those of the COBE Spectra. Platelet (PLT) reduction in peripheral blood and PLT contamination of the products were significantly lower (p < 0.01). The median CE was less than 60% in both patient groups (50.0 and 48.4%, respectively). The actual collected CD34+ cell yields were medians of 66.9 and 76.1% of the predicted values in NBL group and brain tumor group, respectively.CONCLUSION: PBPC collections by the COM.TEC cell separator had advantages of high processing rate, low product volume, and low contamination by PLTs of product. Low PLT loss was observed in pediatric patients who need to collect autologous PBPCs. However, applying CD34+ cell yield prediction was not practical for prospective scheduling of the next collection. More specified data need to be accumulated for more accurate prediction of CD34+ cell yield in pediatric patients.
The Role of Contracts on Quality and Returns to Quality in Offshore Software Development Outsourcing
Authors: Gopal Anandasivam , Koka Balaji R. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTIn this study, we examine how the different incentive structures inherent in two primary contract types—time and materials (T&M) and fixed price (FP)—influence the quality provided by the vendor in the software development outsourcing industry. We argue that the incentive structure of FP contracts motivates a vendor to be more efficient in the software development process, which results in higher quality as compared to projects executed under a T&M contract. We thus argue that vendors consistently staff FP projects with better trained personnel because they face the most risk on these contracts, resulting in better outcomes on these projects. We extend our analysis to propose that providing higher quality is associated with higher profit margins for the vendor only for FP contracts. We develop and test these hypotheses on data collected from 100 software projects completed by a leading Indian offshore vendor. The results provide strong support for our fundamental thesis that the drivers of and returns to quality vary by contract type. We discuss the implications of our research for both researchers and practitioners.
The Impact of the Online Channel on Retailers' Performances: An Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Xia Yusen , Zhang G. Peter 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe use of the Internet as an additional sales channel offers traditional retailers opportunities to reach expanded markets while improving the efficiency of their operations. Although the potential benefits of the online channel are clear, there are significant variations in the scope and depth of online channel use among retailers. Drawing from data on more than 100 publicly traded companies, this study examines the impact of online‐channel use on retailers’ performance. The results suggest that the online channel provides significant improvements in sales, cost, inventory, and return on investments. In addition, we find that the timing of online‐channel adoption does not play a significant role in performance improvement, but having a local store presence does.
The Potential for Cannibalization of New Products Sales by Remanufactured Products*
Authors: Guide, Jr. V. Daniel R. , Li Jiayi 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe potential for cannibalization of new product sales by remanufactured versions of the same product is a central issue in the continuing development of closed‐loop supply chains. Practitioners have no fact‐based information to guide practice at firms and academics have no studies available to use as the basis for assumptions in models. We address the cannibalization issue by using auctions to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for both new and remanufactured products. The auctions also allow us to better understand the potential impact of offering new and remanufactured products at the same time, which provides us insights into the potential for new product cannibalization. Our results indicate that, for the consumer and commercial products auctioned, there is a clear difference in WTP) for new and remanufactured goods. For the consumer product, there is scant overlap in bidders between the new and remanufactured products, leading us to conclude that the risk of cannibalization in this case is minimal. For the commercial product, there is evidence of overlap in bidding behavior, exposing the potential for cannibalization.
PTCH promoter methylation at low level in sporadic basal cell carcinoma analysed by three different approaches
Authors: Heitzer Ellen , Bambach Isabella , Dandachi Nadia , Horn Michael , Wolf Peter 
Published: August 2010

Please cite this paper as: PTCH promoter methylation at low level in sporadic basal cell carcinoma analysed by three different approaches. Experimental Dermatology 2010.Abstract:  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. Mutations of the PTCH hallmark gene are detected in about 50–60% of BCCs, which raises the question whether other mechanisms such as promoter methylation can inactivate PTCH. Therefore, we performed methylation analysis of the PTCH promoter in a total of 56 BCCs. The sensitivity of three different methods, including direct bisulphite sequencing PCR, MethyLight and high‐resolution melting (HRM), was applied and compared. We found that HRM analysis of DNA from fresh tissue [rather than formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue (FFPE)] was the most sensitive method to detect methylation. Low‐level methylation of the PTCH promoter was detected in five out of 16 analysed BCCs (31%) on DNA from fresh tissue but only in two (13%) samples on short‐time stored FFPE DNA from the very same tumors. In contrast, we were unable to detect methylation by HRM on long‐time stored DNA in any of the remaining 40 BCC samples. Our data suggest that (i) HRM on DNA extracted from fresh tissue is the most sensitive method to detect methylation and (ii) methylation of the PTCH promoter may only play a minor role in BCC carcinogenesis.
Quantitative detection of melanoma‐associated antigens by multimarker real‐time RT‐PCR for molecular staging: results of a 5 years study
Authors: Gkalpakiotis Spyridon , Arenberger Petr , Kremen Jaromir , Arenbergerova Monika 
Published: August 2010

Please cite this paper as: Quantitative detection of melanoma‐associated antigens by multimarker real‐time RT‐PCR for molecular staging: results of a 5 years study. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 994–999.AbstractIntroduction:  Monitoring of circulating melanoma cells in the peripheral blood is a promising method for identifying a subgroup of patients with minimal residual disease.Objectives:  To evaluate the prognostic impact of melanoma‐associated antigens by multimarker real‐time RT‐PCR for disease‐specific survival time.Methods:  Five melanoma markers: Melan‐A, gp100, MAGE‐3, MIA and tyrosinase were detected by a quantitative multimarker real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR). We included 65 patients with resected melanoma in stage II–III. Peripheral blood samples were examined every 3 months for 2 years. The expression of melanoma markers in 2925 RT‐PCR assays was correlated with clinical staging results in total of 5 years.Results:  Twenty‐seven patients relapsed during the study period and 26 of them revealed positive markers. MAGE‐3 was the most sensitive progression marker in single occurrence or in combination with MIA and gp100. The time distribution of metastases during the screened period was as follows: progression in the first year was observed in 40.7% patients, second year in 25.9%, third year in 18.6%, fourth and fifth year in 7.4% equally.Conclusions:  Statistically significant tumor marker elevation during the first 2 years after the surgical treatment correlates with a worse prognosis of patients. In contrast, the group showing negative real‐time RT‐PCR results in 24 months serial blood testing was associated with prolonged 5‐year disease‐specific survival. Therefore, quantitative detection of melanoma‐specific molecular markers in the presented setting represents a useful tool for selecting patients in a higher risk of disease recurrence.
Hand disinfection in hospitals – benefits and risks
Authors: Kampf Günter , Löffler Harald 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe WHO regards hand hygiene as an essential tool for the prevention of noso‐comial infections. The hygienic hand disinfection has a superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to hand washing and should be performed as the treatment of choice before and after a variety of activities at the point of patient care. Washing hands should be preferred when the hands are visibly soiled. Skin irritation is quite common among healthcare workers and is mainly caused by water, soap and long lasting occlusion. Compliance with hand disinfection in clinical practice is often low. Measures to improve compliance include training, provision of hand rubs where they are needed, and the responsibility of doctors to set a good example. Improved compliance in hand hygiene and targeted use of alcohol‐based hand rubs can reduce the nosocomial infection rate by up to 40 %. The benefit of hand disinfection is therefore much larger than possible risks.
Limited motor performance and minor neurological dysfunction at school age
Authors: Peters Lieke HJ , Maathuis Carel GB , Hadders‐Algra Mijna 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigate the relationship between motor performance and minor neurological dysfunction (MND) at school age.Methods:  Two hundred and fifty‐three children (158 boys, 95 girls; mean age 8 years and 7 months) of whom 167 children received mainstream education and 86 children special education were neurologically examined according to Touwen. Special attention was paid to the severity of MND (simple or complex form) and type of dysfunction. Motor performance was assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC), a parental questionnaire (Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire; DCD‐Q) and a teacher’s questionnaire (Motor Observation Questionnaire for Teachers; MOQ‐T).Results:  Total scores of MABC, DCD‐Q and MOQ‐T were strongly related to the severity of MND and to dysfunctional coordination and fine manipulation. Mild dysfunction in posture and muscle tone was only weakly related to limited motor performance. Children with a MABC score < 5th percentile showed significantly more often complex MND than children with scores between the 5th and 15th percentile or >15th percentile (54% vs 17% and 10%).Conclusion:  Limited motor performance is related to the severity and type of MND. Coordination problems and fine manipulative disability are strongly related to poor motor performance, mild dysfunctions of posture and muscle tone to a lesser extent.
Multidisciplinary Team Developed and Implemented Protocols to Assist Mechanical Ventilation Weaning: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: White Vicki , Currey Judy , Botti Mari 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this review was to determine if ventilation‐weaning protocols developed and implemented by multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation in adult intensive care patients compared to usual care. Method: A systematic review was conducted to review published research studies from January 1999 to June 2009 to identify and analyse the best available evidence on MDT‐based weaning protocols in adult intensive care patients. All relevant studies based on electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were included. Where possible data were pooled and a meta‐analysis performed. A narrative synthesis of data was conducted to provide a critical appraisal of nonrandomised controlled trials included in the review. Results: Three pre‐ and postinterventional studies were identified for inclusion in this review. Results show equivocal support for weaning protocols developed and implemented by MDTs for reducing duration of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Communication and organizational processes must be addressed for multidisciplinary protocols to be effective. Due to methodological limitations of included studies, large randomised controlled trials are required to provide high‐level evidence of the effects of MDT‐based protocols on duration of mechanical ventilation.