bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ageing of enteric neurons: oxidative stress, neurotrophic factors and antioxidant enzymes
Authors: Korsak Kris , Dolatshad Nazanin F , Silva Ayona T , Saffrey M Jill 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Ageing is associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, which can have a major impact on quality of life of the elderly. A number of changes in the innervation of the gut during ageing have been reported, including neuronal loss and degenerative changes. Evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are elevated in ageing enteric neurons, but that neurotrophic factors may reduce generation of neuronal ROS. Two such factors, glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) have also been found to protect enteric neurons against oxidative stress induced cell death of enteric ganglion cells in vitro. We have investigated the possible roles of neurotrophic factors further, by examining their expression in the gut during ageing, and by analysing their effects on antioxidant enzyme production in cultures of enteric ganglion cells.

Results
Analysis of the expression of GDNF and its receptors c-Ret and GFR α − 1 in rat gut by RT-PCR showed that expression continues throughout life and into ageing, in both ad libitum(AL) and calorically-restricted (CR) animals. Levels of expression of GDNF and GFR α − 1 were elevated in 24 month AL animals compared to 24 month CR animals, and to 24 CR and 6 month control animals respectively. The related factor Neurturin and its receptor GFR α − 2 were also expressed throughout life, the levels of the GFR – α-2(b) isoform were reduced in 24 m AL animals. Immunolabelling showed that c-Ret and GFR α − 1 proteins were expressed by myenteric neurons in ageing animals. GDNF, but not NT-3, was found to increase expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase by cultured enteric ganglion cells.

Conclusions
The neurotrophic factors GDNF and neurturin and their receptors continue to be expressed in the ageing gut. Changes in the levels of expression of GDNF , GFR α-1 and GFR α-2(b) isoform occurred in 24 m AL animals. GDNF, but not NT-3, increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes in cultured enteric ganglion cells, indicating a possible mechanism for the reported protective effect of GDNF against menadione-induced neuronal apoptosis in the ageing gut. Together these data suggest that GDNF family members may play a protective role in the gut throughout life, and support the suggestion that dysregulation of neurotrophic factor support could contribute to neuronal ageing in the gut.
Non-isothermal kinetics of thermal degradation of chitosan
Authors: Georgieva Velyana , Zvezdova Dilyana , Vlaev Lyubomir 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Chitosan is the second most abundant nitrogen containing biopolymer in nature, obtained from the shells of crustaceans, particularly crabs, shrimp and lobsters, which are waste products of seafood processing industries. It has great potential application in the areas of biotechnology, biomedicine, food industries, and cosmetics. Chitosan is also capable of adsorbing a number of metal ions as its amino groups can serve as chelation sites. Grafted functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, sulfate, phosphate, and amino groups on the chitosan have been reported to be responsible for metal binding and sorption of dyes and pigments. The knowledge of their thermal stability and pyrolysis may help to better understand and plan their industrial processing.

Results
Thermogravimetric studies of chitosan in air atmosphere were carried out at six rates of linear increasing of the temperature. The kinetics and mechanism of the thermal decomposition reaction were evaluated from the TG data using recommended from ICTAC kinetics committee iso-conversional calculation procedure of Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, as well as 27 mechanism functions. The comparison of the obtained results showed that they strongly depend on the selection of proper mechanism function for the process. Therefore, it is very important to determine the most probable mechanism function. In this respect the iso-conversional calculation procedure turned out to be the most appropriate.

Conclusion
Chitosan have excellent properties such as hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial, non-toxicity, adsorption application. The thermal degradation of chitosan occurs in two stages. The most probable mechanism function for both stages is determined and it was best described by kinetic equations of n
-th order (F
n mechanism). For the first stage, it was established that n is equal to 3.0 and for the second stage – to 1.0 respectively. The values of the apparent activation energy E, pre-exponential factor A in Arrhenius equation, as well as the changes of entropy ΔS
≠, enthalpy ΔH
≠ and free Gibbs energy ΔG
≠ for the formation of the activated complex from the reagent are calculated.
Giant cystic meconium peritonitis presenting in a neonate with classic radiographic eggshell calcifications and treated with an elective surgical approach: a case report
Authors: Barthel Erik R , Speer Allison L , Levin Daniel E , Naik-Mathuria Bindi J , Grikscheit Tracy C 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Giant cystic meconium peritonitis is relatively rare. Patients often present with nonspecific physical findings such as distension and emesis. Plain abdominal films remain invaluable for identifying the characteristic calcifications seen with a meconium pseudocyst, and large eggshell calcifications are pathognomonic for the giant cystic subtype.

Case presentation
We present classic plain X-ray findings and an intraoperative image of a premature low birth weight two-day-old Hispanic male baby treated for giant cystic meconium peritonitis with a staged procedure involving peritoneal drainage, ostomy creation and closure.

Conclusion
Pediatric surgeons have a range of potential therapeutic approaches for giant cystic meconium peritonitis. A delay of definitive surgical management in the setting of massive abdominal soiling is a safe and acceptable strategy if adequate temporizing drainage is performed in the early perinatal period.
Effects of intensified conditioning on Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus infections in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies
Authors: Xuan Li , Huang Fen , Fan Zhiping , Zhou Hongsheng , Zhang Xian , Yu Guopan , Zhang Yu , Liu Can , Sun Jing , Liu Qifa 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Intensified conditioning regimens (increasing the intensity of standard myeloablative conditioning) for hematological malignancies in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) could reduce the relapse rate of the underlying disease, but it might simultaneously increase the transplant-related mortality including the mortality of infections. To explore whether intensified conditioning affected Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, 185 patients undergoing allo-HSCT were enrolled.

Methods
A total of 104 cases received standard and 81 intensified conditioning. Cyclosporine A (CsA) withdrawal and/or donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) were conducted in high-risk patients. The EBV-DNA and CMV-DNA levels of blood were monitored regularly by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) and immune reconstitution of recipients were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results
The 3-year cumulative incidence of EBV viremia, EBV-associated diseases and mortality of EBV-associated diseases were 25.3% ± 4.6%, 10.5% ± 3.4% and 0.0% ± 0.0% in the standard group, compared with 45.6% ± 6.5%, 26.0% ±5.3% and 7.3% ± 3.1% in the intensified group (P = 0.002, P = 0.002, P = 0.008). The 3-year cumulative incidence of CMV viremia and CMV-associated diseases, mortality of CMV-associated diseases and incidence of bacterial and fungal infections were similar between the two groups (P = 0.855, P = 0.581, P = 0.933, P = 0.142, P = 0.182, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that intensified conditioning was one of the risk factors for EBV viremia and EBV-associated diseases (P = 0.037, P = 0.037), but it had no effects on CMV infections. The percentage of CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio at 3 months post-transplantation were lower in the intensified group (P = 0.032, P = 0.022). The 3-year OS and DFS in the standard group were 62.2% ± 5.8% and 60.6% ± 5.6%, compared with 51.6% ± 6.2% and 51.1% ± 5.9% in the intensified group (P = 0.029, P = 0.063).

Conclusions
Intensified conditioning represents a promising approach for high-risk hematological malignancies, although it affects early immune reconstitution of recipients and increases the incidence and mortality of EBV infections.
The relationship between the activates of antioxidant enzymes in red blood cells and body mass index in Iranian type 2 diabetes and healthy subjects
Authors: Taheri Ehsaneh , Djalali Mahmoud , Saedisomeolia Ahmad , Moghadam Ali Malekshahi , Djazayeri Abolghasem , Qorbani Mostafa 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased production of free radicals and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxide (GSH-PX) in type 2 diabetic patients compared with healthy subjects.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 type 2 diabetic patients and 100 healthy controls. Total antioxidant capacity and fasting serum levels of SOD, GR, and GSH-Px were measured. All data were analyzed using SPSS software compatible with Microsoft Windows.

Results
The activity levels of SOD were lower in diabetic patients (111.93 ± 354.99 U/g Hb) than in healthy controls (1158.53 ± 381.21 U/g Hb), but this was not significant. Activity levels of GSH-PX and GR in diabetics (62.33 ± 36.29 and 7.17 ± 5.51 U/g Hb, respectively) were higher than in controls (24.62 ± 11.2 and 3.16 ± 2.95 U/g Hb, respectively). The statistical difference in enzyme activity of both GSH-Px and GR was significant (P <0.05).

Conclusion
The increasing production of free radicals and changes in activity levels of antioxidant enzymes in order to scavenge free radicals and/or the effect of diabetes on the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes has an important effect on diabetic complications and insulin resistance. Evaluation of the levels of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant factors in patients at different stages of the disease, and pharmaceutical and nutritional interventions, can be helpful in reducing oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients. There were positive relationship between BMI and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, GR and GPX in both groups.
Kinetics and Mechanism for the Scavenging Reaction of the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl Radical by Synthetic Artepillin C Analogues
Authors: Kawashima Tomonori , Manda Sushma , Uto Yoshihiro , Ohkubo Kei , Hori Hitoshi , Matsumoto Ken-ichiro , Fukuhara Kiyoshi , Ikota Nobuo , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Ozawa Toshihiko , Anzai Kazunori , Nakanishi Ikuo 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The kinetics for the reaction of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) with artepillin C, a prenylated phenylpropanoid found specifically in Brazilian propolis, and its analogues was examined in deaerated acetonitrile (MeCN) to shed light on the mechanism for the radical-scavenging reaction of phenolic antioxidants as well as on the structure–activity relationship. Among the examined analogues, a compound having a catechol moiety is found to have the largest second-order rate constant (k) for the DPPH•-scavenging reaction. The deuterium kinetic isotope effect of 1.6 was observed for the DPPH•-scavenging reaction of artepillin C in the presence of 0.13 M CD3OD or CH3OH in deaerated MeCN at 298 K. The log k values were found to be linearly correlated with calculated energy difference values (DHT, HT: hydrogen transfer) between the artepillin C analogues and the corresponding phenoxyl radicals, while such a linear correlation cannot be observed between the log k values and calculated ionization potentials (IP), DHT − IP, or experimental one-electron-oxidation potentials of the artepillin C analogues. These results together with a calculated structure of the transition state for the reaction between the artepillin C analogue and DPPH• suggest that the DPPH•-scavenging reaction of the artepillin C analogues in deaerated MeCN proceeds via a one-step hydrogen-atom transfer from the phenolic OH group to DPPH• rather than an electron transfer followed by proton transfer.
Crystalline Polymorphs and Successive Phase Transitions of Mesogenic 6-Octyloxy-2-naphthyl 4-Octylbenzoate
Authors: Hori Kayako , Ouchi Hanako 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The title compound has two crystal forms I and II mediated by CH–π interactions at room temperature. Molecular long axes are parallel in I while crossed in II. On cooling, II transforms to three metastable forms with similar structures to II.
Safety and efficacy of splenic artery coil embolization for hypersplenism in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Gu Jian-Jian , He Xin-Hong , Li Wen-Tao , Ji Jun , Peng Wei-Jun , Li Guo-Dong , Wang Sheng-Ping , Xu Li-Chao 
Published: August 2012

Background Partial splenic artery embolization is an effective treatment for hypersplenism but often lacks long-term benefits. Purpose To evaluate the long-term effects of coil embolization of the splenic artery in patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism. Material and Methods Forty-nine patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism underwent coil embolization of the main splenic artery. The coils were deployed in the mid- or distal segment of the splenic artery to allow collateral blood flow to the spleen. The following data were collected from 2 weeks to 4 years after the embolization: technical success, length of hospital stay, white blood cell count, platelet count, splenic volume, and complication. Results The technical success rate of splenic artery coil embolization was 100%. The post embolization syndrome rate was 75% (36/49) with no incidence of major complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 9 days. After embolization, the patient's white blood and platelet counts increased significantly, peaked at 2 weeks, and gradually decreased during the 4-year follow-up period, but remained at significantly higher levels than pre-embolization levels. Follow-up CT scans demonstrated a gradual increase in the volume of the enhanced portions of the spleens with a decrease in the volume of unenhanced portion. No significant changes occurred in the red blood cell count and liver function after the embolization. Conclusion Embolization of the mid-and distal main splenic artery with coils is a safe and effective treatment of hypersplenism in cirrhosis with long-term hematologic benefits.
Can segmented 3D images be used for stenosis evaluation in coronary CT angiography?
Authors: Wang Chunliang , Persson Anders , Engvall Jan , De Geer Jakob , Czekierda Waldemar , Björkholm Anders , Fransson Sven-Göran , Smedby Örjan 
Published: August 2012

Background Thanks to the development of computed tomography (CT) scanners and computer software, accurate coronary artery segmentation can be achieved with minimum user interaction. However, the question remains whether we can use these segmented images for reliable diagnosis. Purpose To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using segmented 3D data for the detection of significant stenosis. Material and Methods CCTA data-sets from 30 patients were acquired with a 64-slice CT scanner and segmented using the region growing (RG) method and the “virtual contrast injection” (VC) method. Three types of images of each patient were reviewed by different reviewers for the presence of stenosis with diameter reduction of 50% or more. The evaluation was performed on four main arteries of each patient (120 arteries in total). For the original series, the reviewer was allowed to use all the 2D and 3D visualization tools available (conventional method). For the segmented results from RG and VC, only maximum intensity projection was used. Evaluation results were compared with catheter angiography (CA) for each artery in a blinded fashion. Results Overall, 34 arteries with significant stenosis were identified by CA. The percentage of evaluable arteries, accuracy and negative predictive value for detecting stenosis were, respectively, 86%, 74%, and 93% for the conventional method, 83%, 71%, and 92% for VC, and 64%, 56%, and 93% for RG. Accuracy was significantly lower for the RG method than for the other two methods ( P < 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference in accuracy between the VC method and the conventional method ( P = 0.22). Conclusion The diagnostic accuracy for the RG-segmented 3D data is lower than those with access to 2D images, whereas the VC method shows diagnostic accuracy similar to the conventional method.
The effectiveness of erythromycin in reducing stent-related tissue hyperplasia: an experimental study with a rat esophageal model
Authors: Kim Eun-Young , Park Yang Shin , Shin Ji Hoon , Cho Young Jun , Shin Dong-Ho , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Song Ho-Young 
Published: August 2012

Background Erythromycin is not only a potent antibiotic; it also has effects of reduction of inflammation and suppression of protein synthesis. Purpose To evaluate the impact of erythromycin on tissue hyperplasia after stent placement in a rat esophageal model. Material and Methods A total of 21 rats were included. After placement of self-expanding stents in the mid esophagus, the rats were divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The rats in the experimental groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of erythromycin for 5 weeks; 4 mg/kg (group A, n = 7) and 8 mg/kg (group B, n = 7). Those in the control group ( n = 7) received 1 mL of saline intraperitoneally. After sacrifice, histologic analysis was done for thickness of the papillary projection, granulation tissue area, percentage of granulation tissue area, and degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. The statistical significance of differences between groups was assessed by Mann-Whitney U test. Results Tissue hyperplasia as reflected in thickness of papillary projection, granulation tissue area, and percentage of granulation tissue area, was higher in the control group than in the experimental groups, although there was no statistical significance ( P = 1.00, 0.332, and 0.263, respectively). However, degree of inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly lower in the experimental groups than the control group ( P = 0.025), and the higher dosage of erythromycin reduced inflammatory cell infiltration significantly ( P = 0.037). Conclusion Intraperitoneal administration of erythromycin is very effective in reducing inflammation after stent placement in a rat esophageal model but has no significant effect on granulation tissue formation.
Teenage girls’ views and practices of ‘sexy’ self-portraits in a Taiwanese social networking site
Authors: Wang Yin-Han 
Published: August 2012

This article explores girls’ ideas and, for some, ideals about self-presentation on the Internet in relation to femininity. It focuses specifically on the representational style of the sexy – a style easy to observe by the onlookers in girls’ self-portraits posted
online – as an example of the way in which ‘sexy femininity’ is understood and practiced by girls. The findings are based on interviews with 44 Taiwanese girls aged 13–20, and observation of their personal album space on the social networking site Wretch. The article
aims to extend the current discussion about media and girlhood sexuality beyond the ‘gendered moral panic’ by illuminating how girls themselves have myriad ways of understanding sexiness, just as adults do, how appearing sexy online is not without underlying tensions, especially
when taking into account the responses of their audiences, and how negotiating sexiness in self-portraits constitutes opportunities for girls to learn and practice gender performance.
“According to His Own Judgment”: The American Catholic Encounter with Organic Evolution, 1875–1896
Authors: Mislin David 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBetween 1875 and 1896, the response of American Catholic thinkers to theories of organic evolution was characterized by little rancor and discord. Among the small number of clergy and lay intellectuals who addressed the subject, there existed a wide variety of positions on the scientific plausibility of such theories. These prominent Catholics were not deeply wedded to their views, however, and few saw any significant conflict between their religious commitments and biological evolution. This state of affairs stemmed from several elements of Catholic thought, particularly as it existed in the late-nineteenth-century United States: the conviction that church authority could mediate any apparent tension between science and Scripture; the affirmation that theories of organic evolution would not undermine existing theological tenets about the relationship between religion and science, as well as that between First Cause and secondary causes in nature; the belief that Catholic intellectuals since the time of Augustine had endorsed a system of natural development that closely resembled modern conceptions of evolution; and, most important, the insistence that the theory could be reconciled with the resurgent neo-Scholasticism that had come to dominate Catholic thought. Organic evolution proved far less significant in discussions of the relationship between religion and science among American Catholics than it did among Protestants, and it did little to contribute to the split of Catholics into liberal and conservative groups.
The Death of Mormon Separatism in American Universities, 1877–1896
Authors: Simpson Thomas W. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe transformation of Mormonism from a small, persecuted sect into an established, global faith has attracted scholarly attention for decades. By all accounts, the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were critical for the church's evolution and modernization. The rapidity of the change, however, leaves nagging questions. After years of costly, principled resistance, how could Mormons, with any semblance of dignity and self-respect, suddenly embrace the institutions and values of their tormentors? How did members of the nineteenth century's “most despised large group” become so loyal to the United States in the twentieth?This essay explores the unique, crucial role that American universities played in fostering Mormon-Gentile reconciliation. Right when the animosities were at fever pitch—in the decades between the death of Brigham Young (1877) and Utah's admission into the Union as the forty-fifth state (1896)—the American university became a liminal, quasi-sacred space where Mormons experienced a radical transformation of consciousness and identity. In the process, they developed an enduring devotion to non-Mormon institutions and deference to non-Mormon expertise. These extra-ecclesial loyalties would dismantle the ideological framework of Mormon separatism and pave the way for Mormons' voluntary reimmersion into the mainstream of American life.