bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ureteroscopy assisted retrograde nephrostomy: a new technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Ito Hiroki , Terao Hideyuki , Yoshida Minoru , Ogawa Takehiko , Uemura Hiroji , Kubota Yoshinobu , Matsuzaki Junichi 
Published: December 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Retrograde nephrostomy was first developed by Lawson et al. in 1983, and Hunter et al. reported 30 cases of retrograde nephrostomy in 1987. This procedure uses less radiation exposure and has a shorter duration compared with the previous percutaneous nephrostomy techniques. Retrograde nephrostomy using Lawson's procedure was reported in the late 1980s by several authors. But since then, few studies have been reported about this procedure due to the development of ultrasonography assisted percutaneous nephrostomy. With the arrival and development of the flexible ureteroscope (URS) both observation and manipulation in the renal pelvis are now easily achieved.The present procedure provides less radiation exposure, less bleeding, and a shorter procedure than previous percutaneous nephrostomy techniques. Using this procedure, after the needle has exited through the skin, no further steps are required in preparation for dilatation. In the present study, we continuously visualised from puncture to inserting the nephron‐access sheath with the URS.OBJECTIVE
To describe a technique for ureteroscopy assisted retrograde nephrostomy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Under general and epidural anaesthesia, the patient is placed in a modified‐Valdivia position. Flexible ureteroscopy is carried out, and a Lawson retrograde nephrostomy puncture wire is placed in the ureteroscope (URS).
After the needle has exited through the skin, no further steps are required in preparation for dilatation.
RESULTS
After informed consent was obtained, two patients (a 43‐year‐old man with left renal stones and a 57‐year‐old woman with right renal stones) underwent this procedure.
The URS was positioned in the middle posterior calyx and punctured toward the skin.
CONCLUSIONS
This procedure involves less radiation exposure and shorter surgery than the previous percutaneous nephrostomy technique.
Our technique represents another new option for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with a non‐dilated intrarenal collecting system.
COPYRIGHT AND BRANDS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: INTERNALIZING THE EXTERNALITIES OF MEANING
Authors: BOMSEL OLIVIER P. 
Published: December 2011

The adoption of binary code as the universal standard for globalized communications generates highly positive externalities of the kind often referred to as “network effects.” But what about meaning? What are the externalities associated with the formatting and circulation of meaning, and are they all positive? Within the digital paradigm, is it really possible to separate the notion of expression—covered by copyright—from the meanings conveyed? Isn't meaning closely related to the concept of brand? And on that assumption, how do copyright and trademark institutions work together to stimulate and promote the generation of meaningful information?To answer these questions, we will look at how the meaningful forms of expression—the “works”—that have historically been covered by copyright generate specific types of externality, both positive and negative, giving rise to both incentive and censorship mechanisms. We will then show how the institutions of copyright and author's rights that allow the appropriation of a meaning‐dependent good also confer a brand on it by identifying its sources. This leads to cross‐externalities between works of expression and publishing brands, with the result that copyright and trademark institutions cannot be completely separated from each other. (JEL K11, L5, L82, B25)
Retracted: Dynamics of Unclosed Triangles in Alliance Networks: Disappearance of Brokerage Positions and Performance Consequences
Authors: Min Jungwon , Mitsuhashi Hitoshi 
Published: December 2011

abstract We depart from previous research on brokerage advantages in interorganizational networks by shifting focus to the dynamics of brokerage positions. We investigate causes of the disappearance of these positions and its influence on organizational performance. Using a subnetwork consisting of a broker and its two partners as the unit of analysis, we postulate that the brokerage position disappears either when the two partners develop ties or when the ties between the broker and the partners dissolve. We predict that the patterns of interactions in which this subnetwork is embedded exert multilevel influences on the disappearance, and that embedded structures promoting persistence constrain brokerage advantages. Our analysis of codeshare alliance data in the global airline industry supports the theory and demonstrates that the persistence of brokerage positions decreases broker performance. The findings explain why brokerage positions rarely persist and why the persistence of brokerage positions does not benefit brokers.
Twenty‐four‐week efficacy and safety of switching virologically suppressed HIV‐1‐infected patients from nevirapine immediate release 200 mg twice daily to nevirapine extended release 400 mg once daily (TRANxITION)
Authors: Arasteh K , Ward D , Plettenberg A , Livrozet JM , Orkin C , Cordes C , Guo J , Wang E , Yong CL , Robinson P , Quinson A 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesOnce‐daily (qd) antiretroviral therapies improve convenience and adherence. If found to be effective, nevirapine extended release (NVP XR) will confer this benefit. The TRANxITION trial examined the efficacy and safety of switching virologically suppressed patients from NVP immediate release (NVP IR) 200 mg twice daily to NVP XR 400 mg qd.MethodsAn open‐label, parallel‐group, noninferiority, randomized (2:1 NVP XR:NVP IR) study was performed. Adult HIV‐1‐infected patients receiving NVP IR plus a fixed‐dose nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) combination of lamivudine (3TC)/abacavir (ABC), tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) or 3TC/zidovudine (ZDV) with undetectable viral load (VL) were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoint was continued virological suppression with VL < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL up to week 24 (calculated using a time to loss of virological response algorithm). Cochran's statistic (background regimen adjusted) was used to test noninferiority. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.ResultsAmong 443 randomized patients, continued virological suppression was observed in 93.6% (276 of 295) of NVP XR‐ and 92.6% (137 of 148) of NVP IR‐treated patients, an observed difference of 1% [95% confidence interval (CI) −4.3, 6.0] at 24 weeks of follow‐up. Noninferiority (adjusted margin of −10%) of NVP XR to NVP IR was robust and further supported by SNAPSHOT analysis. Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (DAIDS) grade 3 and 4 events were similar for the NVP XR and NVP IR groups (3.7 vs. 4.1%, respectively), although overall AEs were higher in the NVP XR group (75.6 vs. 60.1% for the NVP‐IR group).ConclusionsNVP XR administered once daily resulted in continued virological suppression at week 24 that was noninferior to that provided by NVP IR, with similar rates of moderate and severe AEs. The higher frequency of overall AEs with NVP XR may be a consequence of the open‐label design.
Adverse life event and risk of cognitive impairment: a 5‐year prospective longitudinal study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Deng J. , Lian Y. , Shen C. , Chen Y. , Zhang M. , Wang Y.‐J. , Zhou H.‐D. 
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  Current knowledge of factors that increase or decrease the risk of cognitive impairment in elderly people is limited. Recently adverse life events appeared to be associated with the increased risk of cognitive impairment in elderly people. However, this is less studied. We conducted a 5‐year prospective study to evaluate the association between adverse life events and the risk of cognitive impairment in Chinese elderly people.Methods:  Of 9167 community residents aged 55 years and over, 5262 were enrolled into the study and followed up annually for 5 years. At baseline demographic data, smoking and drinking status, medical history, adverse life events, clinical, functional and cognitive status, depressive symptom, and complementary data were collected. The cognitive status was assessed using a structured battery of neuropsychological tests. Subjects were followed‐up annually to assess the cognitive function during follow‐up.Results:  Over the follow‐up period of 5 years, cognitive impairment developed in 569 subjects. Among the adverse life events, the death of the spouse and a financial crisis were associated with the increased risk of cognitive impairment. These associations persisted after adjusting for the subjects with possible baseline pre‐clinical cognitive impairment, depressive symptom, stroke and vascular risk factors respectively.Conclusions:  Adverse life events, such as the death of a spouse and a financial crisis, are associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Further in‐depth longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to confirm the causal relationship between adverse life events and risk of cognitive impairment in the future.
Off‐hours admission for acute stroke is not associated with worse outcome – a nationwide Israeli stroke project
Authors: Streifler J. Y. , Benderly M. , Molshatzki N. , Bornstein N. , Tanne D. 
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  Several studies reported worse outcome for stroke patients arriving on weekends. We compared working hours to off‐work hours throughout the week as there is lack of experienced staff and special services during off‐hours.Methods:  A nationwide stroke survey project on acute stroke was carried out in all acute care hospitals in Israel during 2004, 2007 and 2010 (2‐month each). ‘On‐hours’ were defined as regular Israel working hours and the rest, including holidays, were defined as ‘off‐hours’. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge was used for the main analysis on outcome.Results:  A total of 4827 acute strokes patients were analyzed (2139 arrived on‐hours and 2688 during off‐hours). ‘Off‐hours’ patients were 1 year younger (mean 70 vs. 71 years in ‘on‐hours’) had lower rates of prior cardiac interventions, but had higher admission blood pressure levels and had more intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) (11% vs. 8% in ‘on‐hours’ patients, P < 0.001). Death during hospitalization was recorded in 9% of ‘off‐hours’ vs. 6% of ‘on‐hours’ patient (P = 0.004). Controlling for age, blood pressure, stroke type, pre‐stroke mRS, admission NIHSS, and thrombolysis, the relative odds of poor outcome (i.e. mRS ≥ 2) amongst ‘off‐hours’ admissions compared to on‐hours was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.92–1.30). Odds ratio amongst ischaemic stroke patients was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.88–1.33).Conclusions:  Off‐hours stroke admissions were associated with higher short‐term mortality rate, probably due to a higher rate of ICH. After controlling for the latter and other potential confounders, ‘off‐hours’ admissions were not different from ‘on‐hours’ with respect to poor outcome.
Biliary tree stem/progenitor cells in glands of extrahepatic and intraheptic bile ducts: an anatomical in situ study yielding evidence of maturational lineages
Authors: Carpino Guido , Cardinale Vincenzo , Onori Paolo , Franchitto Antonio , Berloco Pasquale Bartolomeo , Rossi Massimo , Wang Yunfang , Semeraro Rossella , Anceschi Maurizio , Brunelli Roberto , Alvaro Domenico , Reid Lola M. , Gaudio Eugenio 
Published: December 2011

AbstractStem/progenitors have been identified intrahepatically in the canals of Hering and extrahepatically in glands of the biliary tree. Glands of the biliary tree (peribiliary glands) are tubulo‐alveolar glands with mucinous and serous acini, located deep within intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. We have shown that biliary tree stem/progenitors (BTSCs) are multipotent, giving rise in vitro and in vivo to hepatocytes, cholangiocytes or pancreatic islets. Cells with the phenotype of BTSCs are located at the bottom of the peribiliary glands near the fibromuscular layer. They are phenotypically heterogeneous, expressing transcription factors as well as surface and cytoplasmic markers for stem/progenitors of liver (e.g. SOX9/17), pancreas (e.g. PDX1) and endoderm (e.g. SOX17, EpCAM, NCAM, CXCR4, Lgr5, OCT4) but not for mature markers (e.g. albumin, secretin receptor or insulin). Subpopulations co‐expressing liver and pancreatic markers (e.g. PDX1+/SOX17+) are EpCAM+/−, and are assumed to be the most primitive of the BTSC subpopulations. Their descendants undergo a maturational lineage process from the interior to the surface of ducts and vary in the mature cells generated: pancreatic cells in hepatopancreatic ducts, liver cells in large intrahepatic bile ducts, and bile duct cells along most of the biliary tree. We hypothesize that there is ongoing organogenesis throughout life, with BTSCs giving rise to hepatic stem cells in the canals of Hering and to committed progenitors within the pancreas. The BTSCs are likely to be central to normal tissue turnover and injury repair and to be key elements in the pathophysiology of liver, pancreas and biliary tree diseases, including oncogenesis.
Phospho‐ibuprofen (MDC‐917) incorporated in nanocarriers: anti‐cancer activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Nie T , Wong CC , Alston N , Aro P , Constantinides PP , Rigas B 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPhospho‐ibuprofen (P‐I; MDC‐917) inhibits the growth of colon cancer in mice. Here, we investigated the use of nanocarriers to improve its pharmacokinetics (PKs) and anti tumour efficacy.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of P‐I encapsulated into liposomes and micelles, and its in vitro metabolic stability, were determined in cultures of human colon adenocarcinoma cells. The performance of liposomal P‐I was further evaluated in PK studies in mice, and in a model of colon cancer xenografts in nude mice.KEY RESULTSLiposomal P‐I and micellar P‐I showed significantly enhanced cellular uptake in the colon cancer cells. Liposomal P‐I also demonstrated increased cytotoxicity in vitro. Free P‐I was metabolized rapidly to ibuprofen in the presence of purified esterases. In contrast, liposomal P‐I, and to a lesser extent micellar P‐I, was resistant to esterase‐mediated hydrolysis. In mice, liposomal P‐I partially protected P‐I from hydrolysis in the circulation, and improved the biodistribution of intact P‐I and its metabolites compared to free P‐I. Liposomal P‐I was more effective at inhibiting the growth of human colon cancer xenografts in mice, which may be explained on the basis of its improved PK profile compared to free P‐I.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSLiposome encapsulation of P‐I partially protected P‐I from esterase‐mediated hydrolysis in mice, enhanced the cytotoxicity and bioavailability of P‐I and increased its efficacy at inhibiting the growth of human colon cancer xenografts. These results indicate that liposomes are suitable nanocarriers for the delivery of P‐I, and that the anti‐tumour potential of liposomal P‐I merits further evaluation.
17β‐Oestradiol inhibits doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis via block of the volume‐sensitive Cl‐ current in rabbit articular chondrocytes
Authors: Kumagai Kousuke , Imai Shinji , Toyoda Futoshi , Okumura Noriaki , Isoya Eiji , Matsuura Hiroshi , Matsusue Yoshitaka 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chondrocyte apoptosis contributes to disruption of cartilage integrity in osteoarthritis. Recent evidence suggested that the volume‐sensitive organic osmolyte/anion channel [volume‐sensitive (outwardly rectifying) Cl‐ current (ICl,vol)] plays a functional role in the development of cell shrinkage associated with apoptosis (apoptotic volume decrease) in several cell types. In this study, we investigated the cellular effects of 17β‐oestradiol on doxorubicin‐induced apoptotic responses in rabbit articular chondrocytes.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Whole‐cell membrane currents and cross‐sectional area were measured from chondrocytes using a patch‐clamp method and microscopic cell imaging, respectively. Caspase‐3/7 activity was assayed as an index of apoptosis.KEY RESULTS Addition of doxorubicin (1 µM) to isosmotic bath solution rapidly activated the Cl‐ current with properties similar to those of ICl,vol in chondrocytes. Doxorubicin also gradually decreased the cross‐sectional area of chondrocytes, followed by enhanced caspase‐3/7 activity; both of these responses were totally abolished by the ICl,vol blocker DCPIB (20 µM). Pretreatment of chondrocytes with 17β‐oestradiol (1 nM) for short (approximately 10 min) and long (24 h) periods almost completely prevented the doxorubicin‐induced activation of ICl,vol and subsequent elevation of caspase‐3/7 activity. These effects of 17β‐oestradiol were significantly attenuated by the oestrogen receptor blocker ICI 182780 (10 µM), as well as the phosphatidyl inositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors wortmannin (100 nM) and LY294002 (20 µM). Testosterone (10 nM) had no effect on the doxorubicin‐induced Cl‐ current.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS 17β‐Oestradiol prevents the doxorubicin‐induced cell shrinkage mediated through activation of ICl,vol and subsequent induction of apoptosis signals, through a membrane receptor‐dependent PI3K pathway in rabbit articular chondrocytes.
The third extracellular loop of the human calcitonin receptor‐like receptor is crucial for the activation of adrenomedullin signalling
Authors: Kuwasako Kenji , Hay Debbie L , Nagata Sayaka , Hikosaka Tomomi , Kitamura Kazuo , Kato Johji 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The extracellular loops (ECLs) in Family A GPCRs are important for ligand binding and receptor activation, but little is known about the function of Family B GPCR ECLs, especially ECL3. Calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CLR), a Family B GPCR, functions as a calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and an adrenomedullin (AM) receptor in association with three receptor activity‐modifying proteins (RAMPs). Here, we examined the function of the ECL3 of human CLR within the CGRP and AM receptors.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A CLR ECL3 chimera, in which the ECL3 of CLR was substituted with that of VPAC2 (a Family B GPCR that is unable to interact with RAMPs), and CLR ECL3 point mutants were constructed and transiently transfected into HEK‐293 cells along with each RAMP. Cell‐surface expression of each receptor complex was then measured by flow cytometry; [125I]‐CGRP and [125I]‐AM binding and intracellular cAMP accumulation were also measured.KEY RESULTS Co‐expression of the CLR ECL3 chimera with RAMP2 or RAMP3 led to significant reductions in the induction of cAMP signalling by AM, but CGRP signalling was barely affected, despite normal cell‐surface expression of the receptors and normal [125I]‐AM binding. The chimera had significantly decreased AM, but not CGRP, responses in the presence of RAMP1. Not all CLR ECL3 mutants supported these findings.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The human CLR ECL3 is crucial for AM‐induced cAMP responses via three CLR/RAMP heterodimers, and activation of these heterodimers probably relies on AM‐induced conformational changes. This study provides a clue to the molecular basis of the activation of RAMP‐based Family B GPCRs.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Secretin Family (Class B) G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue‐1
Ethyl pyruvate promotes spinal cord repair by ameliorating the glial microenvironment
Authors: Yuan Yimin , Su Zhida , Pu Yingyan , Liu Xiujie , Chen Jingjing , Zhu Feng , Zhu Yanling , Zhang Han , He Cheng 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a series of endogenous processes, including neuroinflammation and reactive astrogliosis, which may contribute to the failure of neural regeneration and functional recovery. In the present study, the effect of ethyl pyruvate on spinal cord repair was explored.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Functional assessment and histological analyses of astrogliosis, neuroinflammation, neuronal survival and axonal regeneration were performed to investigate the effects of ethyl pyruvate (0.086, 0.215, 0.431 or 0.646 mmol·kg−1·day−1) on spinal cord repair in a rat model of SCI. The effect of ethyl pyruvate (5, 10 or 15 mM) on astrocytic activation was also evaluated in an in vitro‘scratch‐wound’ model.KEY RESULTS Functional assessment showed evident improvement of behavioural functions in the ethyl pyruvate‐treated rats. Reactive astrogliosis was significantly inhibited in vivo, after injection of ethyl pyruvate (0.431 mmol·kg−1day−1), and in vitro‘scratch‐wound’ model in the presence of 10 or 15 mM ethyl pyruvate. The difference between effective concentration in vitro and in vivo suggests that the inhibitory effect of ethyl pyruvate on astrogliosis in damaged spinal cord is indirect. In addition, ethyl pyruvate (0.431 mmol·kg−1day−1) attenuated SCI‐induced neuroinflammation; it decreased the Iba‐1‐, ED‐1‐ and CD11b‐positive cells at the lesion site. Importantly, histological analyses showed a significantly greater number of surviving neurons and regenerative axons in the ethyl pyruvate‐treated rats.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Ethyl pyruvate was shown to inhibit astrogliosis and neuroinflammation, promote neuron survival and neural regeneration, and improve the functional recovery of spinal cord, indicating a potential neuroprotective effect of ethyl pyruvate against SCI.
Alcohol‐Related Effects on Automaticity due to Experimentally Manipulated Conditioning
Authors: Gladwin Thomas E. , Wiers Reinout W. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  The use of alcohol is associated with various forms of automatic processing, such as approach tendencies and attentional biases, which may play a role in addictive behavior. The development of such automaticity has generally occurred well before subjects perform tasks designed to detect them. Although it seems plausible that this development involves some form of alcohol‐related conditioning, this process is not usually included in the experimental procedure.Methods:  The development of automaticity involving alcoholic or nonalcoholic stimuli was experimentally manipulated via a conditioning task. Subjects were presented with pairs of stimuli from a set of 4 stimuli: 2 pictures of alcoholic beverages, and 2 pictures of nonalcoholic beverages. One of the alcoholic and 1 of the nonalcoholic beverages was associated with reward, the other stimuli with punishment. Subjects had to learn to select the rewarded stimuli from pairs of 1 rewarded and 1 punished stimulus. The task, thus experimentally established reward versus punishment stimulus–response–outcome associations, for alcoholic and for nonalcoholic stimuli. Subsequently, a cued reversal task was used to test automaticity involving alcoholic versus nonalcoholic, and rewarded versus punished stimuli.Results:  An association was found between heavier drinking and an alcohol‐related conditioning bias: heavier drinkers had more difficulty overcoming a conditioned response when it involved selecting a previously punished nonalcoholic stimulus over a previously rewarded alcoholic stimulus.Conclusions:  The study provided novel information on secondary reinforcement involving alcoholic stimuli: heavier drinkers may more easily develop automaticity related to alcohol‐reward contingencies. This may have implications for interventions and the interpretation of findings concerning alcohol‐related automatic processing.