bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory stress exacerbates hepatic cholesterol accumulation via increasing cholesterol uptake and de novo synthesis
Authors: Zhao Lei , Chen Yaxi , Tang Renkuan , Chen Yao , Li Qing , Gong Jianping , Huang Ailong , Varghese Zac , Moorhead John F , Ruan Xiong Z 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Cholesterol accumulation plays an important role in the progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. We have demonstrated that inflammation aggravated cholesterol accumulation, causing tissue injury in the vessel and kidney. This study was undertaken to investigate whether inflammatory stress exacerbates hepatic cholesterol accumulation and we explored the underlying mechanisms.Methods:  We used casein injection in C57BL/6J mice, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 stimulation in human hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2) cells to induce inflammatory stress. Oil Red O staining and intracellular cholesterol assay were used to quantify cellular cholesterol levels. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of target genes. HMGCoA reductase (HMGCoA‐r) enzymatic activity and cellular cholesterol synthesis were measured by radioactive methods.Results:  We demonstrated that inflammatory stress increased hepatic cholesterol accumulation and enhanced sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2), low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and HMGCoA‐r mRNA and protein expression in livers of C57BL/6J mice and in HepG2 cells. A high‐fat diet in mice or LDL loading in HepG2 cells inhibited mRNA and protein expression of these genes. However, the suppressive effect was overridden by inflammatory stress both in vivo and in vitro. Inflammatory stress increased HMGCoA‐r enzymatic activity and cellular cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells in the absence or presence of LDL loading.Conclusion:  Inflammatory stress disrupted hepatic SREBP2‐mediated low‐density lipoprotein receptor and HMGCoA‐r feedback regulation resulting in exacerbated cholesterol accumulation in livers of C57BL/6J mice and HepG2 cells.
Incidence of lymphoceles after robot‐assisted pelvic lymph node dissection
Authors: Orvieto Marcelo A. , Coelho Rafael F. , Chauhan Sanket , Palmer Kenneth J. , Rocco Bernardo , Patel Vipul R. 
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Lymphocele formation after open pelvic lymph‐node dissection is a known complication. However, reported incidences using the robotic approach are unclear and likely underestimated. The present study aims to better understand the true incidence of lymphocele formation after RARP.OBJECTIVE• To determine the incidence and predictive factors of lymphocele formation in patients undergoing pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).PATIENTS AND METHODS• Between April and December 2008, 76 patients underwent PLND during RARP for ≥cT2c, prostate‐specific antigen level ≥10, Gleason score ≥7 prostate cancer.• All patients were prospectively followed up with pelvic computed tomography 6–12 weeks after the procedure.• All patients received s.c. heparin preoperatively and postoperatively. PLND was limited to zones 1 and 2 as defined by Studer.• Plasma‐kinetic bipolar forceps were used for haemostasis during PLND.RESULTS• At a mean follow‐up of 10.8 weeks, 51% (39/76) of patients had developed a lymphocele. Of these 39 lymphoceles 32 (82%) were unilateral and seven (18%) were bilateral.• The mean (range) lymphocele size was 4.3 × 3.2 (1.5–12.3) cm; 41% of lymphoceles were <4 cm, 53.9% were 4–10 cm, and 5.1% were >10 cm in diameter. Six of the 39 lymphoceles (15.4%) were clinically symptomatic. The symptoms were as follows: pelvic pressure in five patients, abdominal distension with ileus in three patients, leg pain/weakness in one patient and costovertebral tenderness in one patient. Two lymphoceles required intervention.• On the logistic regression model the presence of nodal metastases, tumour volume in the prostate specimen and extracapsular extension (ECE) were independent risk factors for the development of a lymphocele.• There was no correlation between estimated blood loss, body mass index, pathological Gleason score or number nodes dissected and the presence of lymphocele.CONCLUSIONS• The incidence of lymphoceles was higher than anticipated given the believed protective effect of the transperitoneal approach against lymphocele formation.• The risk of lymphocele seemed to increase linearly with the presence of more extensive disease, particularly ECE and nodal involvement.• The benefit of PLND during RARP should be weighed against the elevated risk of lymphocele formation and its potential complications.
Once Bitten: The Effect of IMF Programs on Subsequent Reserve Behavior
Authors: Bird Graham , Mandilaras Alex 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTraditional models have encountered problems in explaining the accumulation of international reserves, particularly in Asia, in the period since the late 1990s. One suggestion has been that countries have sought to self‐insure against future crises, either because of a perceived increase in the cost of crises or because of the perceived conditionality costs of using IMF credits. This paper offers an empirical investigation of these ideas, disaggregating across regions and across IMF facilities. We find that IMF programs have had a significant positive effect on subsequent reserve accumulation, allowing for other determinants, and that this effect endures over time. We also find that the effect differs between Latin America and Asia, and that it is not simply a phenomenon that is associated with the Asian crisis of 1997/98. The paper goes on to discuss the implications for the design of policy and for the reform of the IMF.
Nonlinearity between Trade Openness and Economic Development
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Lin Shu‐Chin , Suen Yu‐Bo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper utilizes the instrumental variable threshold regressions approach to reassess the trade–development link. It finds evidence that trade openness contributes to uneven development. Greater trade openness tends to have beneficial effects on real development of high‐income countries. For low‐income ones, however, trade openness appears to influence real income in a significant and negative way. The data also reveal that greater trade openness has a positive effect on capital accumulation, productivity growth, and financial development in high‐income countries, but a negative impact in low‐income ones.
Vertical Foreign Direct Investment versus Outsourcing: A Welfare Comparison from the Perspective of a Host Country
Authors: Goswami Arti Grover 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn the offshoring literature, there is a huge disconnect between the alternative modes of organizing offshore production and their relative welfare impact on a host country. We bridge this gap by comparing the welfare of a host country from vertical foreign direct investment (VFDI) vis‐à‐vis international outsourcing. Our model finds that the ability to maximize welfare in the alternative modes of organizing offshore production is contingent on the absorptive capacity of the host country. If a host country's absorptive capacity is above a critical threshold, outsourcing is more welfare enhancing vis‐à‐vis VFDI; while even with an absorptive capacity lower than this critical threshold, outsourcing being welfare improving over VFDI cannot be ruled out.
Banking Sector Performance in Latin America: Market Power versus Efficiency
Authors: Chortareas Georgios E. , Garza‐Garcia Jesus G. , Girardone Claudia 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSince the mid‐1990s the banking sector in the Latin American emerging markets has experienced profound changes due to financial liberalization, a significant increase in foreign investments, and greater merger activities often occurring following financial crises. The wave of consolidation and the rapid increase in market concentration that took place in most countries has generated concerns about the rise in banks' market power and its potential effects on consumers. This paper advances the existing literature by testing the market power (Structure–Conduct–Performance and Relative Market Power) and efficient structure (X‐ and scale efficiency) hypotheses for a sample of over 2500 bank observations in nine Latin American countries over 1997–2005. We use the Data Envelopment Analysis technique to obtain reliable efficiency measures. We produce evidence supporting the efficient structure hypotheses. The findings are particularly robust for the largest banking markets in the region, namely Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Finally, capital ratios and bank size seem to be among the most important factors in explaining higher than normal profits for Latin American banks.
Symmetric or Asymmetric Interest Rate Adjustments? Evidence from Southeastern Europe
Authors: Karagiannis Stelios , Panagopoulos Yannis , Vlamis Prodromos 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine how effectively the wholesale interest rates are transmitted to the retail rates and whether the interest rate passthrough is symmetric or asymmetric in Greece, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. The disaggregated general‐to‐specific methodology is applied for testing the symmetry hypothesis in these economies. It is evident from our results that variations exist across the countries examined regarding the monetary transmission process and the symmetry hypothesis alike. This can be interpreted as an indication of a different level of competition, development, and liberalization among the banking systems in these Southeastern European economies.
A Genome‐Wide Linkage Screen in the Amish with Parkinson Disease Points to Chromosome 6
Authors: Cummings Anna C. , Lee Stephen L. , McCauley Jacob L. , Jiang Lan , Crunk Amy , McFarland Lynne L. , Gallins Paul J. , Fuzzell Denise , Knebusch Clare , Jackson Charles E. , Scott William K. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Haines Jonathan L. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryParkinson disease (PD) is a common complex neurodegenerative disorder with an underlying genetic etiology that has been difficult to dissect. Although some PD risk genes have been discovered, most of the underlying genetic etiology remains unknown. To further elucidate the genetic component, we have undertaken a genome‐wide linkage screen in an isolated founder population of Amish living in the Midwestern United States. We performed tests for linkage and for association using a marker set of nearly 6000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Parametric multipoint linkage analysis generated a logarithm of the odds of linkage (LOD) score of 2.44 on chromosome 6 in the SYNE1 gene, approximately 8 Mbp from the PARK2 gene. In a different region on chromosome 6 (∼67 Mbp from PARK2) an association was found for rs4302647 (p < 4.0 × 10−6), which is not within 300 kb of any gene. While the association exceeds Bonferroni correction, it may yet represent a false positive due to the small sample size and the low minor allele frequency. The minor allele frequency in affecteds is 0.07 compared to 0.01 in unaffecteds. Taken together, these results support involvement of loci on chromosome 6 in the genetic etiology of PD.
Registration accuracy of three‐dimensional surface and cone beam computed tomography data for virtual implant planning
Authors: Ritter L. , Reiz S. D. , Rothamel D. , Dreiseidler T. , Karapetian V. , Scheer M. , Zöller J. E. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Objective: Virtual wax‐ups based on three‐dimensional (3D) surface models can be matched (i.e. registered) to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of the same patient for dental implant planning. Thereby, implant planning software can visualize anatomical and prosthetic information simultaneously. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of a newly developed registration process.
Material and methods: Data pairs of CBCT and 3D surface data of 16 patients for dental implant planning were registered and the discrepancy between the visualized 3D surface data and the corresponding CBCT data were measured on 64 teeth at seven points by two investigators in two iterations with a total of 1792 measurements.
Results: All data pairs were matched successfully and mean distances between CBCT and 3D surface data were between 0.03(±0.33) and 0.14(±0.18) mm. At two of seven measuring points, statistically significant correlations were determined between the measured error and the presence and type of restorations. Registration errors in maxilla and mandible were not statistically significantly different.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, registration of 3D surface data and CBCT data works reliably and is sufficiently accurate for dental implant planning. Thereby, barium‐sulfate scanning templates can be avoided and dental implant planning can be accomplished fully virtual.
To cite this article: Ritter L, Reiz SD, Rothamel D, Dreiseidler T, Karapetian V, Scheer M, Zöller JE. Registration accuracy of three‐dimensional surface and cone beam computed tomography data for virtual implant planning. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012 447–452. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02159.x
How to guarantee adequate sun protection for a young sportsperson
Authors: Ghazi Sara , Couteau Céline , Coiffard Laurence J. M. 
Published: April 2011

Summary Background: Young male athletes involved in sports like soccer are subject to sun exposure which can often be intense because of the timing and duration of their practice time. Patients and Methods: The goal of this work was to study using a spectrophoto‐metric method what level of sun protection was provided by the various articles of clothing which make up a standard soccer uniform, as well as by the cosmetics used by fan clubs. Results: We were able to demonstrate that the sports clothing does guarantee a good level of protection for the skin areas covered. Conclusions: Depending on the type of clothing, the level of sun protection will vary greatly, with UPF values ranging from 30 for a T‐shirt to 300 for a club shirt. This type of protection is higher than that obtained by sun creams and does not change over time.
Sensory Properties of Californian and Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Authors: Delgado Claudia , Guinard Jean‐Xavier 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Production and consumption of extra‐virgin olive has been increasing in the United States, particularly in California. The objective of this study was to compare the sensory characteristics of 22 extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) from California, Italy, Spain, Chile, and Australia using a generic descriptive analysis. A total of 22 sensory attributes were identified and defined by the descriptive panel. With the exception of thick and citrus, all sensory attributes were significantly different among the oils. Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) showed that California oils differed from some imported EVOOs, mainly by their absence of defects. A second analysis, of only those attributes included in the International Olive Council (IOC) official scorecard, provided a less detailed description of the samples and did not allow for a full characterization of the oils. While the IOC attributes allowed for faster classification in terms of clean versus defective EVOOs, the more comprehensive descriptive analysis provided both more information and a more refined classification of the samples. Variety and region of origin were important factors in the classification of both Californian and imported EVOOs.Practical Application:  Measuring olive oil sensory quality using the IOC method—positive attributes of fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency, and defects including fusty, musty, winey, and rancid—allows for the certification of oils as extra virgin but it provides limited information on the sensory characteristics of the oils. A full descriptive profile, on the other hand, provides information that can be used by producers in the processing and marketing of their oils, and is a useful tool in the education of consumers about the wide range of (positive) sensory attributes in EVOO and the various sensory styles of EVOO.
Effects of Antimicrobial Coating from Catfish Skin Gelatin on Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Jiang Mingkang , Liu Shaoyang , Wang Yifen 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish skin gelatin‐based antimicrobial coating on the shelf life of fresh white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Antimicrobial coating was prepared by incorporating potassium sorbate, sodium tripolyphosphate, or both ingredients in coating solution made from catfish skin gelatin. Shrimp samples were untreated, rinsed with water, or coated with the antimicrobial films, and then they were stored in ice under aerobic conditions. Samples were taken periodically and evaluated for total aerobic plate count, psychrotrophic bacteria count, near‐infrared spectrum (NIR), springiness, pH value, and color measurement. The results showed that the antimicrobial coating could retard microbial growth and prolong shelf life for up to 10 d. Partial least square analysis produced an acceptable model fitting between the NIR and the changes of microbial count in shrimp samples. The springiness and pH value of shrimp muscle were not affected by the coating treatments. Color parameter a* value increased linearly for all the treatments during the whole ice‐storage period.Practical Application:  One of the most important technical and economic problems facing the shrimp industry is the relatively short shelf life of fresh shrimp products. Catfish skin gelatin‐based antibacterial edible films/coatings provide an ideal technique to solve this problem. The shrimp industry will be the immediate beneficiary of the study, and the information provided by this research will be expended to other seafood.
How Do Xanthan and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Individually Affect the Physicochemical Properties in a Model Gluten‐Free Dough?
Authors: Crockett Rachel , Ie Pauline , Vodovotz Yael 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  To better understand the physicochemical changes imparted by hydrocolloids on gluten‐free dough, 2 hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses (HPMCs) and xanthan gum were added at 2%, 3%, and 5% to rice cassava dough without the addition of alternative proteins. The formulated doughs were analyzed using thermoanalytic and rheological techniques to determine the role of water and subsequent flow behavior upon hydrocolloid addition. The baked loaves were then measured for specific loaf volume and tensile strength to determine bread quality. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results revealed that hydrocolloid‐added dough held water more tightly than the rice cassava control with an additional water distribution at 85 to 88 °C. Rheologically, the increase of elastic moduli in the low methoxy HPMC and xanthan‐added dough became more pronounced with gum addition; however, both HPMC formulations had increased viscous moduli allowing the gas cells to expand without collapsing. In the bread, the final specific loaf volume increased with high methoxy HPMC (2% to 5%) and low methoxy HPMC (2%) but was depressed with increased addition of low methoxy HPMC (5%) and xanthan (3% and 5%). Crumb hardness was decreased in high methoxy HPMC loaves but was increased significantly in low methoxy HPMC (5%) and xanthan (5%) formulations. From the gums studied, it was concluded that high methoxy HPMC was the optimum hydrocolloid in the rice cassava gluten‐free dough.Practical Application:  Two types of hydrocolloids, xanthan gum and HPMC, were individually added to a gluten‐free rice cassava formulation. Based on the thermoanalytic and rheological studies on dough, as well as the bread quality studies, high methoxy HPMC at 5% addition was determined to optimally improve the bread quality when only gum addition was considered. This study indicates the potential use of high methoxy HPMC as an additive in gluten‐free bread formulations prior to considering alternative proteins.
Influence of Various Levels of Flaxseed Gum Addition on the Water‐Holding Capacities of Heat‐Induced Porcine Myofibrillar Protein
Authors: Sun Jian , Li Xue , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  As a food hydrocolloid, flaxseed gum (FG) can significantly increase the water‐holding capacity (WHC) of food, which is important to both yield and texture of related products. The main purpose of this study is to examine the WHC increase by FG in a meat product and the mechanism of the interactions between proteins and polysaccharides when FG is added into porcine myofibrillar protein (PMP). Increasing the FG concentration caused a significant increase in WHC (P < 0.001). Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed that WHC in the protein gel network was related to gel microstructure. Distributed analysis of the T2 relaxation revealed that addition of FG significantly decreased water mobility of porcine myofibrillar protein (PMP) (P < 0.05). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) analysis suggested that the FG adding strengthened electrostatic attraction of PMP system. Improvement of WHC in heat‐induced PMP by FG is concentration dependent and achieved by a finer gel network, lower relaxation time, and stronger electrostatic attraction.Practical Application:  Flaxseed gum (FG) addition significantly increased water holding capacity (WHC) of porcine myofibrillar protein (PMP). In addition, the improvement of WHC in heat‐induced PMP by FG was concentration dependent and achieved by a finer gel network, lower relaxation time, and stronger electrostatic attraction. Thus, FG has potential for use in meat products.
Adjuvant Carboplatin and Gemcitabine Combination Chemotherapy Postamputation in Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma
Authors: McMahon M. , Mathie T. , Stingle N. , Romansik E. , Vail D. , London C. 
Published: April 2011

Background: Appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA), the most common bone tumor in dogs, is typically treated by amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite numerous efforts, the median survival time (MST) for dogs receiving a platinum compound, doxorubicin, or a combination of these remains at 8–12 months. Evidence from studies in mice suggests that gemcitabine has activity against OSA in vivo. Our preliminary work demonstrated that the addition of low‐dosage (10 mM) gemcitabine to carboplatin resulted in synergistic inhibition of OSA cell viability in vitro.Objective: The purpose of the following study was to determine whether the addition of low‐dosage (2 mg/kg) gemcitabine to carboplatin chemotherapy in dogs with OSA after amputation would improve MST over carboplatin monotherapy.Animals: Fifty dogs with histologically confirmed appendicular OSA.Methods: Dogs were treated prospectively with amputation and up to 4 dosages of carboplatin and gemcitabine in combination every 3 weeks.Results: The chemotherapeutic regimen was well tolerated with only 5 episodes of grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity. The median disease‐free interval (DFI) was 203 days and the MST was 279 for all dogs in this study. The 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 29.5 and 11.3%, respectively. Dogs with proximal humeral OSA had a shorter median DFI (P= .04) compared with dogs with OSA in other locations.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These results are comparable to those reported for carboplatin monotherapy indicating that the addition of gemcitabine to carboplatin in dogs with appendicular OSA does not appear to improve outcome.