bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High expression of the bile salt-homeostatic hormone fibroblast growth factor 19 in the liver of patients with extrahepatic cholestasis #
Authors: Schaap Frank G. , van der Gaag Niels A. , Gouma Dirk J. , Jansen Peter L. M. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is an endocrine factor produced by the small intestine in response to uptake of luminal bile salts. In the liver, FGF19 binds to FGF receptor-4, resulting in down-regulation of cytochrome P (CYP) 7A1 and reduced bile salt synthesis. Down-regulation of CYP7A1 under cholestatic conditions has been attributed to bile salt–mediated induction of the transcriptional repressor short heterodimer partner (SHP), because the interrupted enterohepatic cycle of bile salts is thought to abrogate intestinal FGF19 production and thus result in lowering of plasma FGF19 levels. Unexpectedly, we observed marked elevation of plasma FGF19 in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis caused by a pancreatic tumor (2.3 ± 2.3 in cholestatic versus 0.40 ± 0.25 ng/mL and 0.29 ± 0.12 ng/mL in postcholestatic patients who received preoperative drainage by biliary stenting, P = 0.004, and noncholestatic control patients, P = 0.04, respectively). Although FGF19 messenger RNA (mRNA) is virtually absent in normal liver, FGF19 mRNA was strongly increased (31-fold to 374-fold, P < 0.001) in the liver of cholestatic patients in comparison with drained and control patients. In the absence of changes in SHP mRNA, CYP7A1 mRNA was strongly reduced (7.2-fold to 24-fold, P < 0.005) in the liver of cholestatic patients in comparison with drained and control patients, indicating an alternative regulatory pathway. Alterations in transcripts encoding hepatobiliary transporters [adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette, subfamily C, member 3 (ABCC3)/multidrug resistance protein 3 (MRP3), organic solute transporter α/β (OSTα/β), organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1)] further suggest that bile salts are secreted via a nonbiliary route in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis. Conclusion: The liver expresses FGF19 under conditions of extrahepatic cholestasis. This is accompanied by a number of adaptations aimed at protecting the liver against bile salt toxicity. FGF19 signaling may be involved in some of these adaptations. (Hepatology 2009.)
Hepatitis C virus drug resistance and immune-driven adaptations: Relevance to new antiviral therapy #
Authors: Gaudieri Silvana , Rauch Andri , Pfafferott Katja , Barnes Eleanor , Cheng Wendy , McCaughan Geoff , Shackel Nick , Jeffrey Gary P. , Mollison Lindsay , Baker Ross , Furrer Hansjakob , Günthard Huldrych F. , Freitas Elizabeth , Humphreys Isla , Klenerman Paul , Mallal Simon , James Ian , Roberts Stuart , Nolan David , Lucas Michaela 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The efficacy of specifically targeted anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) (STAT-C), including HCV protease and polymerase inhibitors, is limited by the presence of drug-specific viral resistance mutations within the targeted proteins. Genetic diversity within these viral proteins also evolves under selective pressures provided by host human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted immune responses, which may therefore influence STAT-C treatment response. Here, the prevalence of drug resistance mutations relevant to 27 developmental STAT-C drugs, and the potential for drug and immune selective pressures to intersect at sites along the HCV genome, is explored. HCV nonstructural (NS) 3 protease or NS5B polymerase sequences and HLA assignment were obtained from study populations from Australia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Four hundred five treatment-naïve individuals with chronic HCV infection were considered (259 genotype 1, 146 genotype 3), of which 38.5% were coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We identified preexisting STAT-C drug resistance mutations in sequences from this large cohort. The frequency of the variations varied according to individual STAT-C drug and HCV genotype/subtype. Of individuals infected with subtype 1a, 21.5% exhibited genetic variation at a known drug resistance site. Furthermore, we identified areas in HCV protease and polymerase that are under both potential HLA-driven pressure and therapy selection and identified six HLA-associated polymorphisms (P ≤ 0.05) at known drug resistance sites. Conclusion: Drug and host immune responses are likely to provide powerful selection forces that shape HCV genetic diversity and replication dynamics. Consideration of HCV viral adaptation in terms of drug resistance as well as host “immune resistance” in the STAT-C treatment era could provide important information toward an optimized and individualized therapy for chronic hepatitis C. (Hepatology 2009.)
Forced Detection Monte Carlo Algorithms for Accelerated Blood Vessel Image Simulations
Authors: Fredriksson Ingemar , Larsson Marcus , Strömberg Tomas 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTwo forced detection (FD) variance reduction Monte Carlo algorithms for image simulations of tissue‐embedded objects with matched refractive index are presented. The principle of the algorithms is to force a fraction of the photon weight to the detector at each and every scattering event. The fractional weight is given by the probability for the photon to reach the detector without further interactions. Two imaging setups are applied to a tissue model including blood vessels, where the FD algorithms produce identical results as traditional brute force simulations, while being accelerated with two orders of magnitude. Extending the methods to include refraction mismatches is discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization and osteogenic effects of mesenchymal stem cells on microbeads composed of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles/reconstituted collagen
Authors: Jeng Long‐Bin , Chung Hui‐Ying , Lin Tsung‐Min , Chen Jyh‐Ping , Chen Yi‐Ling , Lu Yi‐Lung , Wang Yng‐Jiin , Chang Sophia Chia‐Ning 
Published: December 2008

AbstractNatural bone is comprised of nanosized blade‐like crystals of hydroxyapatite grown in close contact with collagen (Col) fibers. Characteristics of artificial bone tissue differ considerably with those of natural ones, mainly from the unusual self‐organizing interaction between the apatite crystals and the proteic components. Nanoparticle spheres of hydroxyapatite (n‐HA), dispersed in reconstituted fibrous Col, were prepared in three weight ratios of 75:25, 65:35, and 50:50 (n‐HA:Col). Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from rabbits were seeded and cultured on the n‐HA/Col microbeads and characterized. n‐HA were evenly distributed throughout the Col matrix and aggregated to microbeads as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Electron and confocal microscopy showed that the MSCs spread and attached to microbeads via focal adhesions, while staining for F‐actin and DNA revealed the presence of stress fibers. The phenotype of the MSCs in the flow cytometry was identified as CD11a−, CD44+, and CD90.1+. The optimal weight ratio is 65:35 for the normalized alkaline phosphatase activities. The transduced MSCs, engineered by replication‐defective adenovirus to express the BMP‐2 gene, demonstrated synergic osteogenic effects in the microbeads. MSCs are capable of proliferating and differentiating in appropriate combinations of n‐HA/Col. Thus it is a promising composite for future clinical applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
The beneficial role of intermediate clarification in a novel MBR based process for biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal
Authors: Kim MinGu , Nakhla George 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: A novel membrane bioreactor (MBR) is described, employing an intermediate clarifier. Unlike the established function of a final clarifier in a conventional biological nutrient removal system, the role of an intermediate clarifier has rarely been studied. Thus, this work focused on explaining the fate of nutrients in the intermediate clarifier, as influenced by the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the preceding anaerobic bioreactor.RESULTS: The system was tested with two different anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic biomass fractions of 0.25/0.25/0.5 (run 1) and 0.15/0.35/0.45 (run 2) using synthetic wastewater. The major findings of the study were that phosphorus (P) removal was affected by the role of the intermediate clarifier. In run 1, P was removed at a rate 0.16 g d−1 in the intermediate clarifier while in run 2, additional P was released at 0.49 g d−1. The nitrogen (N) removal efficiencies were 74 and 75% for runs 1 and 2 respectively, while P removal was 91 and 96%. P uptake by denitrifying phosphate accumulating organisms (DPAOs) accounted for 41–52% of the total uptake in the MBR.CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the intermediate clarifier assisted chemical oxygen demand (COD), N, and P removal. With respect to the fate of P, the intermediate clarifier functioned as an extended anaerobic zone when the HRT of the preceding anaerobic zone was insufficient for P release, and as a pre‐anoxic zone when the anaerobic HRT was adequate for P release. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Applying alpha‐phenacyl chloride to the enantioselective reduction of ethyl 2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutyrate with baker's yeast
Authors: Shi Yu‐gang , Fang Yun , Ren Yue‐ping , Guan Hui‐lei , Zhang Jing‐Yang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The enantioselectivity of reduction of ethyl 2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutyrate (EOPB) to synthesize ethyl (R)‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylbutyrate ((R)‐EHPB) catalyzed with baker's yeast in diethyl ether can be improved by the introduction of alpha‐phenacyl chloride (PC). However, the toxicity of PC to the yeast results in a decrease in the catalytic activity of yeast. In order to overcome this limitation, four strategies for PC addition were designed. The effect of PC on the catalytic behavior of baker's yeast was studied using spectrum analysis of alcohol dehydrogenase from yeast (YADH).RESULTS: After being pretreated with PC according to Strategy 4, the pretreated baker's yeast possessed good catalytic activity and enantioselectivity for the reduction of EOPB to produce (R)‐EHPB. Under the optimum pretreatment conditions, the conversion of EOPB, the yield of EHPB and the enantiomeric excess of (R)‐EHPB reached 96%, 90% and 92%, respectively. Significant changes were observed in the UV absorption and fluorescence spectra of the YADH from the yeast pretreated by PC.CONCLUSION: The change of catalytic behavior of yeast after the pretreatment was probably caused by an interaction between yeast and PC. The reactive halomethyl group in PC molecule plays a key role for the interaction. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The sandwich sign of nonlymphomatous origin
Authors: Lien Wan‐Ching , Huang Shih‐Pei , Liu Kao‐Lang , Chang Jia‐How , Lai Ting‐I , Liu Yueh‐Ping , Wang Hsiu‐Po 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPurpose.To investigate the etiologies of the sandwich sign other than lymphoma.Method.The images of 34 patients with sonographic sandwich sign over a 5‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. The etiology was based on the pathologic report of mesenteric lymph nodes, or the presence of extensive metastatic disease in case of known advanced primary cancer or disappearance of the sign after specific treatments.Results.Malignancy accounted for the majority of cases (91%), and was divided into nonHodgkin's lymphoma (50%) and metastatic carcinomas (41%). Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was diagnosed in a previously healthy patient, and 2 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome had Mycobacterium avium‐complex infection. The sandwich sign was 1 of the initial presentations in 11 cases with newly diagnosed malignancies, including 6 cases of nonHodgkin's lymphoma and 5 cases of metastatic carcinomas.Conclusion.Metastatic carcinomas, M. avium‐complex, and M. tuberculosis infection may produce the sandwich sign. Searching for etiologies other than lymphoma is important in patients presenting with the sandwich sign. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Human dental pulp stem cells: from biology to clinical applications
Authors: d'Aquino Riccardo , De Rosa Alfredo , Laino Gregorio , Caruso Filippo , Guida Luigi , Rullo Rosario , Checchi Vittorio , Laino Luigi , Tirino Virginia , Papaccio Gianpaolo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be found within the “cell rich zone” of dental pulp. Their embryonic origin, from neural crests, explains their multipotency. Up to now, two groups have studied these cells extensively, albeit with different results. One group claims that these cells produce a “dentin‐like tissue”, whereas the other research group has demonstrated that these cells are capable of producing bone, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, it has been reported that these cells can be easily cryopreserved and stored for long periods of time and still retain their multipotency and bone‐producing capacity. Moreover, recent attention has been focused on tissue engineering and on the properties of these cells: several scaffolds have been used to promote 3‐D tissue formation and studies have demonstrated that DPSCs show good adherence and bone tissue formation on microconcavity surface textures. In addition, adult bone tissue with good vascularization has been obtained in grafts. These results enforce the notion that DPSCs can be used successfully for tissue engineering. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:408–415, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The school shooting/violent video game link: causal relationship or moral panic?
Authors: Ferguson Christopher J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn the last 10 years, following the incidence of serious acts of school violence—particularly multiple homicides on school campuses—much attention has focused on the potential causal role of violent video game exposure. Some scholars have attempted to draw links between laboratory and correlational research on video game playing and school shooting incidents. This paper argues that such claims are faulty and fail to acknowledge the significant methodological and constructional divides between existing video game research and acts of serious aggression and violence. It is concluded that no significant relationship between violent video game exposure and school shooting incidents has been demonstrated in the existing scientific literature, and that data from real world violence call such a link into question. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preferential extractability of γ‐oryzanol from dried soapstock using different solvents
Authors: Kumar Raj R , Tiku Purnima Kaul , Prakash Vishveshwaraiah 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: γ‐Oryzanol from rice bran has lately gained potential importance because of its proven health benefits. Thus the extractability of γ‐oryzanol from the soapstock of crude rice bran oil is important from the perspective of future large‐scale production, which would give value addition to this by‐product obtained from the rice bran oil industry. The aim of the present study was to investigate the extraction of γ‐oryzanol from the drum‐dried soapstock of rice bran oil using various solvents.RESULTS: It was found that γ‐oryzanol could be extracted most effectively using ethyl acetate, followed by dichloromethane and ethyl methyl ketone. All components of γ‐oryzanol have an alcohol group in the ferulate portion giving rise to relatively high polarity, thereby increasing the extraction in more polar solvents efficiently. Ethyl acetate showed maximum extractability of γ‐oryzanol by the Soxhlet method. To quantify γ‐oryzanol, reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) was used for fingerprinting the γ‐oryzanol analogues with respect to standard γ‐oryzanol.CONCLUSION: A new RP‐HPLC method for determining the individual components of γ‐oryzanol has been reported that can be used for performing an online characterisation of γ‐oryzanol analogues by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Lymph node assessment in melanoma
Authors: Easson Alexandra M. , Rotstein Lorne E. , McCready David R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe surgical management of lymph nodes continues to be important in melanoma since effective systemic therapies are not available. Controversy exists around the significance of the early detection and management of microscopically positive lymph nodes detected by sentinel lymph node biopsy and this is the subject of current surgical clinical trials. Complete lymphadenectomy is recommended for lymph node metastases. The importance of proper surgical technique is discussed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:176–185. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laparoscopic enucleation of liver tumors. Corkscrew technique revisited
Authors: Makdissi Fabio F. , Surjan Rodrigo C. T. , Machado Marcel Autran C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundEnucleation of small lesions located near the hepatic surface can be achieved with low morbidity and mortality. This article describes a simple laparoscopic technique for enucleation of liver tumors.MethodsAfter inspection and intraoperative ultrasonography, Glisson's capsule is marked with eletrocautery 2 cm away from the tumor margin. Ultrasonography is used to ascertain surgical margin right before liver transection. Hemihepatic ischemia is applied and marked area is anchored by stitches. The suture is held together by metallic clips and upward traction is performed, facilitating the transection of the parenchyma and correct identification of vascular and biliary structures.ResultsThis technique has been successfully employed in six consecutive patients. There were four men and two women, mean age 50.3 years. Four patients underwent liver resection for malignant disease and two for benign liver neoplasm. Pathologic surgical margins were free in all cases and mean hospital stay was 2 days. No postoperative mortality was observed.ConclusionThis technique may facilitate laparoscopic nonanatomical liver resection and reduce risk of positive surgical margins. It is also useful in combination with anatomical laparoscopic liver resections such as right or left hemihepatectomies in patients with bilateral liver tumors as occurred in one of our patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99: 166–168. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health or self‐indulgence? The motivations and characteristics of spa‐goers
Authors: Mak Athena H. N. , Wong Kevin K. F. , Chang Richard C. Y. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study examines the underlying factors that motivate travellers to search for spa experiences while travelling. It also attempts to explore the different perceptions of the spa experience and identify the relevant socio‐demographic characteristics of spa‐goers. Based on the findings from a focus group interview and a review of literature, an instrument consisting of 21 motivating items was developed and used in a survey of Hong Kong spa‐goers. Factor analysis revealed that ‘relaxation and relief’, ‘escape’, ‘self‐reward and indulgence’, and ‘health and beauty’ are important factors that motivate travellers to visit spas. The findings of this study will provide researchers and practitioners in the spa industry with useful insights into understanding the present nature of the demand of spa in the Asian market. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histological changes occurring after endoluminal ablation with two diode lasers (940 and 1319 nm) from acute changes to 4 months
Authors: Bush Ronald G. , Shamma H. Nicholas , Hammond Karin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundEndovenous laser ablation of the saphenous vein was studied from a histologic analysis to establish changes that occur from time of injury to 4 months when the vein is difficult to visualize by ultrasound.MethodsTwenty‐four patients were examined after treatment with either a 1319 nm diode laser (Sciton, Palo Alto, CA) or a 940 nm diode (Dornier, Kennasaw, GA) 12 patients were randomly assigned to the 940 nm group and 12 patients to the 1319 nm group. Histologic evaluations were only done once per patient. All patients had symptomatic saphenous insufficiency with varicosities. All were in CEAP class 3 or 4. Sections of treated veins were submitted for evaluation after staining with hematoxylin–eosin. The evaluations were done acutely, at 1 and 4 months. Ultrasound findings were also evaluated and compared at the same intervals.ResultsAcutely, all examined veins revealed loss of intima. In the 1319 nm group numerous vacuoles were present in the subintimal layer. On gross exam at 1 month, both groups showed vein wall thickening, intraluminal thrombus and inflammatory changes. Histologic evaluation showed thrombus was present with many fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. At 4 months, collagen was the predominant histologic finding. However, the changes were less in regards to the injury response with the 1,319 nm group as manifested by less collagen deposition at 4 months.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the cellular sequence that occurs after endovenous ablation. Fibroblast infiltration is a result of the injury response which leads to negative modeling of the thrombus and eventual collagen deposition. Replacement of the thrombus with collagen is necessary for eventual long‐term success. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:676–679, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of interface design and age on children's information processing of Web sites
Authors: Rose Mei , Rose Gregory M. , Blodgett Jeffrey G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractChildren increasingly utilize the Internet as a primary medium, a source of consumer information, and an important source of entertainment. This article investigates the influence of Web site design on children's information processing performance. A model is advanced that integrates theories from a variety of disciplines, including developmental psychology, human computer interaction (HCI), and consumer behavior. This study found that age moderates the relationship between Web site design and spatial (search) and learning (recall) performance. Younger children, between the ages of 7 and 9, recalled more content when using a map (as compared to a content list) and when learning cues were employed. Older children, between the ages of 10 and 12, performed equally as well with either a map or a content list, and with or without learning cues. Implications for business, education, and public policy are discussed and guidelines are provided for designing more child‐friendly Web sites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prostate cancer and vegetable consumption
Authors: Chan Ruth , Lok Kris , Woo Jean 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEpidemiological studies have shown marked variations in prostate cancer incidence and mortality across different geographic regions, leading to the rising interest in the role of nutrition in prostate cancer risk. There is also a large body of evidence that a diverse diet, rich in vegetables, can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In this review, the role of various kinds of vegetables and their bioactive compounds associated with prostate cancer risk, and the underlying mechanisms of these associations are summarized. There is accumulating evidence to support the consumption of lycopene, in particular tomato and tomato‐based products, as protective factors against prostate cancer. Evidence on the protective role of β‐carotene was inconsistent from cohort and case–control studies. Evidence on the effect of pulses or soy consumption on prostate cancer risk was limited but suggestive of decreased risk with increased pulses or soy consumption. However, the role of vitamin C, vitamin E, allium vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables on prostate cancer risk remains to be determined due to limited evidence. Although the impact on prostate cancer risk differs among various vegetables and their constituent nutrients, the overall benefits of plant based diet on cancer prevention and other diet‐related diseases should be promoted.