bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small molecule antagonists for chemokine CCR3 receptors
Authors: Willems Lianne I. , IJzerman Ad P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe chemokine receptor CCR3 is believed to play a role in the development of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Despite the conflicting results that have been reported regarding the importance of eosinophils and CCR3 in allergic inflammation, inhibition of this receptor with small molecule antagonists is thought to provide a valuable approach for the treatment of these diseases. This review describes the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of small molecule CCR3 antagonists as reported in the scientific and patent literature. Various chemical classes of small molecule CCR3 antagonists have been described so far, including (bi)piperidine and piperazine derivatives,N‐arylalkylpiperidine urea derivatives and (N‐ureidoalkyl)benzylpiperidines, phenylalanine derivatives, morpholinyl derivatives, pyrrolidinohydroquinazolines, arylsulfonamides, amino‐alkyl amides, imidazole‐ and pyrimidine‐based antagonists, and bicyclic diamines. The (N‐ureidoalkyl)benzylpiperidines are the best studied class in view of their generally high affinity and antagonizing potential. For many of these antagonists subnanomolar IC50values were reported for binding to CCR3 along with the ability to effectively inhibit intracellular calcium mobilization and eosinophil chemotaxis induced by CCR3 agonist ligandsin vitro. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 30, No. 5, 778–817, 2010
Cyclooxygenase inhibitors: Scope of their use and development in cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Khan Mohammed Naseer A. , Lee Yong Sup 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe traditional nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exert their effect by inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) as well as COX‐2 enzymes. As COX‐1 is responsible for maintaining normal biological functions, the nonselective inhibition of these enzymes caused side effects including gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Recently developed selective COX‐2 inhibitors could reduce these adverse effects, but the evidence of cardiovascular side effects including an increased risk of myocardial infarction began to emerge, and some of the COX‐2 inhibitors were eventually withdrawn from the market and this led to the downfall of this research. So, the discovery of novel COX‐2 inhibitors with their safety profile became the biggest challenge in pharmaceutical research. However, recent mechanistic and clinical studies revolutionized this area by indicating the fact that COX‐2 is involved in apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Epidemiological data suggest that selective COX‐2 inhibitors might prevent the development of cancers. Moreover, COX‐2 is found to be overexpressed in many cancers thus making it an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of a number of malignancies. The purpose of this review is to focus on the medicinal chemistry aspects of COX‐2 inhibitors in cancer chemotherapy and recent reports on these inhibitors as anticancer agents. We attempted to cover only the COX inhibitors that showed anticancer activity, although a number of potent COX‐2 inhibitors have been reported without their anticancer effects. Furthermore, structure–activity relationships (SAR) of different classes of compounds for COX‐2 inhibition as well as anticancer activity, and their future applications are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 31, No. 2, 161–201, 2011
Emerging technologies in the delivery of erythropoietin for therapeutics
Authors: Murua Ainhoa , Orive Gorka , Hernández Rosa Ma , Pedraz José Luis 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDeciphering the function of proteins and their roles in signaling pathways is one of the main goals of biomedical research, especially from the perspective of uncovering pathways that may ultimately be exploited for therapeutic benefit. Over the last half century, a greatly expanded understanding of the biology of the glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (Epo) has emerged from regulator of the circulating erythrocyte mass to a widely used therapeutic agent. Originally viewed as the renal hormone responsible for erythropoiesis, recent in vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials demonstrate that many other tissues locally produce Epo independent of its effects on red blood cell mass. Thus, not only its hematopoietic activity but also the recently discovered nonerythropoietic actions in addition to new drug delivery systems are being thoroughly investigated in order to fulfill the specific Epo release requirements for each therapeutic approach. The present review focuses on updating the information previously provided by similar reviews and recent experimental approaches are presented to describe the advances in Epo drug delivery achieved in the last few years and future perspectives. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 31, No. 2, 284–309, 2011
The use of vascularized jejunum flap for vaginal reconstruction: Clinical experience and results in 22 patients
Authors: Özkan Ömer , Akar Münire Erman , Özkan Özlenen , Çolak Taner , Kayacan Nurten , Taskin Ömür 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe ideal reconstructive method for a vagina should provide a durable, stable coverage, a patent tube passage for sexual intercourse, and a natural esthetic contour, while simultaneously minimizing morbidity in both the recipient and donor sites, and should be a single stage procedure obviating the use of stents, obturators, and lubrication. Twenty‐two patients with absence of the vagina underwent vaginal reconstruction using the jejunal segment transfer technique. Two flaps required re‐operation due to venous compromise postoperatively. The flaps were salvaged with venous anastomosis revisions. The overall flap success rate was thus 100%. No urinary tract or gastrointestinal system complication was observed in any case, nor any instance of vaginal introitus. The average follow‐up period was 19 months (between 3 and 48 months). Both the depth and diameter of the neovagina were satisfactory postoperatively. After the immediate postoperative period, the only major and embarrassing problem was hypersecretion of the jejunal segment, but this gradually diminished, especially after the first 3 months. Those patients who engaged in sexual intercourse reported good patency and had no complaints in that regard. In conclusion with its evident advantages, the jejunal segment can serve as a reliable option for vaginal reconstruction. It provides quite satisfactory results from both the cosmetic and functional points of view. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Free medial plantar artery perforator flap for finger pulp reconstruction: Report of a series of 10 cases
Authors: Huang Shu‐Hung , Wu Sheng‐Hua , LAI Ching‐Hung , Chang Chih‐Hau , Wangchen Hsuan , Lai Cheng‐Sheng , Lin Sin‐Daw , Chang Kao‐Ping 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPurpose:Treatment of composite tissue loss in the finger pulp is often difficult. The purpose of this report is to present our experience on using medial plantar artery perforator flap for repair of finger pulp defects and to restore fingertip sensation after traumatic injury.Patients and methods:The free medial plantar artery perforator (MPAP) flaps were performed for digital pulp reconstruction in ten patients (eight fingertips and two thumbtips) between June, 2006 and December, 2007. This flap blood supply was perforator vessel of medial plantar artery, which was through the intermuscular septum between the abductor hallucis muscle and the flexor digitorum muscle. The recipient vessels were digital artery and dorsal digital vein. The flap was not reinnervated during transfer procedures. The donor sites were closed primarily in all cases.Results:Flap size ranged from 15 × 25 mm to 60 × 20 mm. All flaps were survival. Partial loss occurred in one flap, due to venous congestion caused by excessive stitch tension. The donor sites healed unevenfully in eight cases, but mild wound dehiscence occurred in two cases. The follow‐ups ranged from 6 to 29 months with the mean of 18.1 months. The mean of s‐2PD and m‐2PD were 8.8 mm and 6.8 mm at patients' last visits, respectively.Conclusion:MPAP flaps are good in terms of general morbidity, cosmetic results, and durability. This flap is a valuable alternative method of repairing the glabrous finger pulp and tip defects. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Comparison of the effects of inhalation, epidural, spinal, and combined anesthesia techniques on rat cremaster muscle flap microcirculation
Authors: Bozkurt Mehmet , Kulahci Yalcin , Zor Fatih , Sen Huseyin , Acikel Cengiz Han , Deveci Mustafa , Turegun Murat , Sengezer Mustafa 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:This experimental study was designed to investigate and compare the effects of different anesthesia techniques on rat cremaster muscle flap microcirculation.Methods:Fifty male Sprague‐Dawley rats (130–150 g body weight) were divided into five experimental groups containing ten animals each. Group I, group II, and group III were designated as inhalation, epidural, and spinal anesthesia groups, respectively. Group IV was designated as a combination group for inhalation and epidural anesthesia. Group V was a combination group of inhalation and spinal anesthesia.Results:Group III and group V showed significant increases in the number of rolling and sticking leucocytes and in RBC volume (peripheral stasis) when compared with group I. Blood flow and velocity significantly increased without peripheral stasis in groups II and IV when compared with group I. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the numbers of rolling, sticking, and transmigrating leucocytes or in functional capillary perfusion, group IV had better flow hemodynamics in the peripheral microcirculation when compared with group I.Conclusions:The inhalation and epidural anesthesia combination was determined to be the ideal anesthesia technique for improved peripheral microcirculation. Spinal anesthesia, either separately or in combination with inhalation anesthesia, has adverse effects on microcirculation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Application of fetal neural stem cells transplantation in delaying denervated muscle atrophy in rats with peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Gu Shihui , Shen Yundong , Xu Wendong , Xu Lei , Li Xiaokang , Zhou Guoming , Gu Yudong , Xu Jianguang 
Published: December 2009

AbstractInjury to peripheral nerves always results in progressive skeletal muscle atrophy and poor functional recovery. Previous studies have demonstrated that transplanting neural stem cells (NSCs) into peripheral nerve can differentiate into neurons and delay muscle atrophy. However, the mechanism was not very clear. In this study, we transplanted the fetal NSCs to the injured nerve and examined new formed neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in the denervated muscle and arrest of muscle atrophy. In our study, two pregnant Fischer rats were used to harvest fetal NSCs, 70 rats were randomly divided into NSC‐transplanted and control groups, five rats without surgery were used as the normal control. A volume of 5 μl culture media with or without fetal NSCs (5 × 106) were transplanted into distal tibial nerve stump after the nerve was transected in two groups, respectively. Three, five, and seven months after denervation, the dry weight of gastrocnemius muscle was found significant heavier, and the fiber area was more retained in NSC‐transplanted group comparing to the control group (P < 0.05). Neurons were found in the distal tibial nerves even 7 months after fetal NSCs transplantation. Newly formed NMJs were detected by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the results of electrophysiological analysis and retrograde tracing manifested that the neural pathway between muscle and differentiated neurons was integrity. In conclusions, our study demonstrated that fetal NSCs transplanted into peripheral nerves could differentiate into neurons and form functional NMJs with denervated muscle, which may be beneficial for the treatment of muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injury. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
“Corporate” governance in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Jegers Marc 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe economics‐based theoretical and related empirical literature on the governance of nonprofit organizations is brought together and integrated in a way easily accessible for noneconomists. This literature is scattered in academic journals covering economics, health economics, management, and accounting, and in the more nonprofit‐geared research publications. After defining corporate governance, I present in a nontechnical way the most appropriate economic framework for studying governance problems: the principal‐agent theory. Most of the economic literature deals with the role and influence of the board and its relation to the organization's management and performance. This is reflected in the article's structure. The board's functioning, composition, and committee structure are first discussed, followed by a review of the literature on incentive‐based remuneration schemes, disclosure of financial information, and the use of debt to mitigate agency problems between the board and management. The literature dealing with donors and subsidizing authorities in governance relations is then presented. The article concludes with a number of practical implications of the scholarly obtained results to date, as well as some suggestions for further theoretical and empirical research.
Leadership succession and the emergence of an organizational identity threat
Authors: Balser Deborah B. , Carmin JoAnn 
Published: December 2009

AbstractLeadership succession, and the associated changes that new leaders make, can have profound impacts on nonprofit organizations. Despite its importance, there is limited research that examines succession from the point of view of employees and considers how their interpretations of organizational identity and proposed change shape their responses to leadership transitions. In this article, we examine the dynamics that ensued when the founder of Friends of the Earth, a nonprofit environmental organization, stepped down. The case shows how the succession process can expose latent disagreement about an organization's identity and give rise to internal conflict. These patterns suggest that leaders must be attentive to different and often conflicting interpretations of an organization's identity.
Structure, power, and discourses of development in Spanish NGOs
Authors: Martínez Beltrán Roca 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBecause of its recent and rapid growth, the Spanish development apparatus provides an appropriate arena for studying nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This article uses case studies of three NGOs—Manos Unidas, Intermón Oxfam, and Madre Coraje—to explore the tension between the internal and external dynamics that affect these organizations. Although powerful external forces promote structural isomorphism with its attendant bureaucratization and professionalization, several internal factors—youth, small size, certain ideologies, charismatic leaders, and privileging identification with the organization rather than expertise when recruiting participants—resist these homogenizing processes. DiMaggio and Powell's iron cage hypothesis (1983) therefore can be only partially confirmed. We suggest an intriguing, intimate connection between charisma and democracy.
A five‐gene signature as a potential predictor of metastasis and survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hao Jun‐Mei , Chen Juan‐Zhi , Sui Hong‐Mei , Si‐Ma Xue‐Qing , Li Guang‐Qiu , Liu Chao , Li Ji‐Liang , Ding Yan‐Qing , Li Jian‐Ming 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTo understand the molecular mechanisms of metastasis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), we isolated single cell‐derived progenies (SCPs) from SW480 cells in vitro and compared their metastatic potential in an orthotopic CRC tumour model in vivo. Two groups of SCPs with the capability of high and low metastasis, respectively, were obtained. By analysing the gene expression profiles of high (SCP51), low (SCP58) metastatic SCPs, and their parental cell line (SW480/EGFP), we demonstrated that 143 genes were differentially expressed either between SCP51 and SCP58 or between SCP58 and SW480/EGFP. Gene‐annotation enrichment analysis of DAVID revealed 80 genes in the top ten clusters of the analysis (gene enrichment score > 1). Of the 80‐gene set, 32 genes are potentially involved in metastasis, as revealed by Geneclip. Five putative metastatic genes (LYN, SDCBP, MAP4K4, DKK1, and MID1) were selected for further validations. Immunohistochemical analysis in a cohort of 181 CRC clinical samples showed that the individual expression of LYN, MAP4K4, and MID1, as well as the five‐gene signature, was closely correlated with lymph node metastasis in CRC patients. More importantly, the individual expression of LYN, MAP4K4, SDCBP, and MID1, as well as the five‐gene signature, was significantly correlated with overall survival in CRC patients. Thus, our five‐gene signature may be able to predict metastasis and survival of CRC in the clinic, and opens new perspectives on the biology of CRC. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complications and risk factors of infection in pediatric hemato‐oncology patients with totally implantable access ports (TIAPs)
Authors: Nam So‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Yeon , Kim Seong‐Chul , Kim In‐Koo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundTotally implantable access ports (TIAPs) are widely used in pediatric hematology–oncology patients. We investigated the incidence of complications, causes of TIAP removal, and risk factors for infection.ProcedureWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical, demographic, and surgical characteristics in 225 pediatric hematology–oncology patients implanted with 238 TIAPs between January 2004 and December 2005.ResultsExcept for 20 patients lost to follow‐up, the mean maintenance period was 724.8 ± 500.6 days (range: 17–2,124). Mechanical complications occurred in seven patients (2.9%). The causes of TIAP removal were termination of use in 130 patients (59.6%), death from primary disease with TIAP in situ in 35 (14.7%), infection in 35 (14.7%), and obstruction in 4 (1.8%). Early infections occurred in nine patients at mean 37.77 ± 16.44 days (range: 17–56). Late infections occurred in 26 patients at mean 334.5 ± 257.82 days (range: 68–997). Univariate analysis showed that the risk factors of early infection were re‐implantation (P = 0.022) and long operation time (P = 0.045). The risk factors of late infection were ANC <500/mm3 (P = 0.011) and platelet count <50,000/mm3 (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, re‐implantation was a significant risk factor of early infection (P = 0.033, OR 4.528) and low platelet count (<50,000/mm3) was the independent risk factor for late infection (P = 0.005, OR 4.24).ConclusionsCorrect procedure and careful use decreases the incidence of early infection and leads to the prevention of re‐implantation. Initial thrombocytopenia was attributable to bone marrow suppression caused by hematologic malignancies or severe infection. Thus, this condition is of value in predicting late infection. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:546–551. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contingent triple‐screening for Down syndrome in the second trimester: a feasibility study in Mainland Chinese population
Authors: Xie Zhenwei , Lu Shiming , Li Hui 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the efficacy of contingent triple‐screening for Down syndrome (DS), that is, performing triple‐screening in pregnant women with DS risks between 1/270 and 1/1000 at routine double‐screening, in a Mainland Chinese population.MethodsMaternal serum concentrations of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), free‐beta human chorionic gonadotropin (free β‐hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3) were measured by time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay in 24 double‐screening false‐negative (DSFN) and 322 double‐screening true‐negative (DSTN) pregnancies with DS risks between 1/270 and 1/1000 at routine double‐screening performed at 15–20 weeks' gestation. DS risk of each pregnancy was calculated by computer software. The detection rate (DR), false‐positive rate (FPR), and costs of contingent triple‐screening were calculated and compared with routine double‐screening methods.ResultsSix of 24 DSFN and 3 of 322 DSTN were contingent triple‐screening positive. Compared with routine double‐screening, DR of contingent triple‐screening increased by 10% (from 50% to 60%) without a significant increase of FPR (p > 0.05). When compared with routine triple‐screening, uE3 costs in contingent triple‐screening were reduced by more than 84.3%.ConclusionsSecond‐trimester maternal serum contingent triple‐screening could be effective and suitable for prenatal care in Mainland China. Governments and Health Agencies of other developing countries may also find this strategy cost‐effective. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cystoscopy for severe lower urinary tract obstruction—initial experience of a single center
Authors: Ruano Rodrigo , Duarte Sergio , Bunduki Victor , Giron Amilcar Martins , Srougi Miguel , Zugaib Marcelo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo report the experience with fetal cystoscopy and laser fulguration of posterior urethral values (PUV) for severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO).MethodsBetween July 2006 and December 2008, fetal cystoscopy was offered to 23 patients whose fetuses presented with severe LUTO, favorable urinary analysis and gestational age <26 weeks. Fetal urinary biochemistry was evaluated before and after cystoscopy. All infants were followed 6–12 months after birth. Abnormal renal function was defined when serum creatinine higher than 50 µmol/L (2 Standard Deviation) or the necessity of dialysis or renal transplantation. Autopsy was always performed whenever fetal or neonatal deaths occurred.ResultsEleven patients decided to undergo fetal therapy and 12 elected to continue with expectant observation. There was no difference between both groups in gestation age at diagnosis and referral examinations. Urethral atresia was diagnosed in 4/11 (36.4%) fetuses by fetal cystoscopy. At 26 weeks, fetuses that were managed expectantly presented with worse urinary biochemistry results (p < 0.05). Survival rates and percentage of infants with normal renal function were significantly higher in the cystoscopic group than in the expectant group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPercutaneous fetal cystoscopy is feasible using a thinner special cannula for prenatal diagnosis and therapy of LUTO. Prenatal laser ablation of the PUV under cystoscopy may prevent renal function deterioration improving postnatal outcome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.