bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic complete urinary tract exenteration with the specimen withdrawn transvaginally
Authors: Li Ching‐Chia , Wang Hsun‐Shuan , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Chou Yii‐Her , Liu Chia‐Chu , Long Cheng‐Yu , Hus Shih‐Cheng , Chuang Chieh‐Han , Jang Mei‐Yu , Huang Shu‐Pin , Juan Yung‐Shun , Huang Chun‐Hsiung 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo describe the technique of laparoscopic complete urinary tract exenteration (LaCUTE), where specimens are withdrawn en bloc through the vagina, and to compare our results for patients had this procedure with those who had surgery by traditional open methodsPATIENTS AND METHODSFrom February 2006 to June 2008, five patients had LaCUTE and three CUTE at our institute. The surgical procedure included bilateral nephroureterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, radical cystourethrectomy, radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy.RESULTSIn the LaCUTE group the mean (range) patient age was 58 (46–73) years, the blood loss was 378 (290–490) mL, the operative duration was 492 (405–560) min and the hospital stay was 12.2 (9–17) days. All patients had negative surgical margins on pathological examination. The LaCUTE group had significantly less blood loss but longer surgery than the open group. At a mean follow‐up of 14.5 and 16.0 months, respectively, there was no evidence of recurrent cancer in both groups.CONCLUSIONSWith further experience and improvement in surgical techniques, LaCUTE with vaginal specimen en bloc withdrawal will become feasible for uraemic female patients with urothelial cancer.
A chemosensitivity test to individualize intravesical treatment for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Gazzaniga Paola , Gradilone Angela , De Berardinis Ettore , Sciarra Alessandro , Cristini Cristiano , Naso Giuseppe , Di Silverio Franco , Frati Luigi , Aglianò Anna Maria 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo describe the design of a new chemosensitivity assay based on the expression of genes involved in the resistance to standard intravesical regimens, to allow individualization of therapy for high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSTo date, 35 patients with high‐risk no‐nmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer have been enrolled, all candidates for transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) followed by intravesical treatment. The intravesical regimen was chosen according to the risk profile of each patient. All patients were evaluated by cystoscopy 3 and 6 months after TURB. According to the molecular characterization of each tumour, our team of molecular oncologists determined for each patient a molecular profile of chemosensitivity to BCG, mitomycin c, anthracyclines and gemcitabine. This profile was then correlated to the response to intravesical therapy 6 months after TURB.RESULTSThis chemosensitivity test was able to predict response to treatment in 96% of patients. The assay is easy to perform, inexpensive and quick.CONCLUSIONOur results, although preliminary, are encouraging for the future of an individualized therapeutic approach, with the aim to provide a higher treatment success rate while sparing patients unnecessary toxicity from drugs that are not suited for their tumours.
Analysis of promoters in transgenic barley and wheat
Authors: Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert J. , Pellegrineschi Alessandro 
Published: January 2009

SummaryAdvances in the genetic transformation of cereals have improved the prospects of using biotechnology for plant improvement, and a toolbox of promoters with defined specificities would be a valuable resource in controlling the expression of transgenes in desired tissues for both plant improvement and molecular farming. A number of promoters have been isolated from the important cereals (wheat, barley, rice and maize), and these promoters have been tested mostly in homologous cereal systems and, to a lesser extent, in heterologous cereal systems. The use of these promoters across the important cereals would add value to the utility of each promoter. In addition, promoters with less sequence homology, but with similar specificities, will be crucial in avoiding homology‐based gene silencing when expressing more than one transgene in the same tissue. We have tested wheat and barley promoters in transgenic barley and wheat to determine whether their specificity is shared across these two species. The barley bifunctional α‐amylase/subtilisin inhibitor (Isa) promoter, specific to the pericarp in barley, failed to show any activity in wheat, whereas the wheat early‐maturing (Em) promoter showed similar activity in wheat and barley. The wheat high‐molecular‐weight glutenin (HMW‐Glu) and barley D‐hordein (D‐Hor) and B‐hordein (B‐Hor) storage protein promoters maintained endosperm‐specific expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in wheat and barley, respectively. Using gfp, we have demonstrated that the Isa and Em promoters can be used as strong promoters to direct transgenes in specific tissues of barley and wheat grain. Differential promoter activity across cereals expands and adds value to a promoter toolbox for utility in plant biotechnology.
Efficient virus‐induced gene silencing in plants using a modified geminivirus DNA1 component
Authors: Huang Changjun , Xie Yan , Zhou Xueping 
Published: January 2009

SummaryVirus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is currently recognized as a powerful reverse genetics tool for application in functional genomics. DNA1, a satellite‐like and single‐stranded DNA molecule associated with begomoviruses (Family Geminiviridae), has been shown to replicate autonomously but requires the helper virus for its dissemination. We developed a VIGS vector based on the DNA1 component of tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV), a monopartite begomovirus, by inserting a multiple cloning site between the replication‐associated protein open reading frame and the A‐rich region for subsequent insertion of DNA fragments of genes targeted for silencing. When a host gene (sulphur, Su) or transgene (green fluorescent protein, GFP) was inserted into the modified DNA1 vector and co‐agroinoculated with TbCSV, efficient silencing of the cognate gene was observed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. More interestingly, we demonstrated that this modified DNA1 could effectively suppress GFP in transgenic N. benthamiana or endogenous Su in tobacco plants when co‐agroinoculated with tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV), another monopartite begomovirus that does not induce any viral symptoms. A gene‐silencing system in Nicotiana spp., Solanum lycopersicum and Petunia hybrida plants was then established using TYLCCNV and the modified DNA1 vector. The system can be used to silence genes involved in meristem and flower development. The modified DNA1 vector was used to silence the AtTOM homologous genes (NbTOM1 and NbTOM3) in N. benthamiana. Silencing of NbTOM1 or NbTOM3 can reduce tobamovirus multiplication to a lower level, and silencing of both genes simultaneously can completely inhibit tobamovirus multiplication. Previous studies have reported that DNA1 is associated with both monopartite and bipartite begomoviruses, as well as curtoviruses. This vector system can therefore be applied for the study, analysis and discovery of gene function in a variety of important crop plants.
Have we entered the brown adipose tissue renaissance?
Authors: Ravussin E. , Kozak L. P. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryIn the 1970s and 1980s, it was observed that rodents could offset excess calories ingested when they were fed a human‐like ‘cafeteria diet’. Although it was erroneously concluded that this so‐called diet‐induced thermogenesis was because of brown adipose tissue (BAT), it led to efforts to test whether variations in brown fat in humans may explain the susceptibility to obesity. However, from evidence on the inability of ephedrine or beta‐3 adrenergic agonists to induce BAT thermogenesis, it was concluded that the thermogenic role of BAT was unimportant in adult humans largely because humans had low numbers of brown adipocytes. Solid evidence on the actual numbers of brown adipocytes in humans was not available. We are now re‐evaluating the role of BAT for the treatment of obesity given the following recent observations (i) studies in nuclear medicine by using PET/CT scanning reveal the presence of BAT in adult humans; and (ii) recent data suggest that a new transcription factor called PDRM16 may control the induction of BAT. These recent discoveries should revamp our effort to target the molecular development of brown adipogenesis in the treatment of obesity.
NHS Purchaser–Provider Relationships in England and Wales: The View from Primary Care
Authors: Abbott Stephen , Procter Susan , Iacovou Nicci 
Published: January 2009

Abstract Primary care organizations (PCOs) in the National Health Service in England and Wales are required to purchase most hospital‐based health care for their populations. This ‘quasi‐market’ in health care can be seen as ‘relational’, characterized by an emphasis on cooperative long‐term relationships rather than on true competition. The English government has recently introduced new market mechanisms as a response to the perceived weakness of the relational market. This article draws on three qualitative case studies of PCOs to investigate whether PCO personnel interviewed in 2005/6 concurred with that perception of weakness. Overall, relationships between PCOs and hospital services providers were regarded as unbalanced in favour of the latter, despite a shared framework of central government policy. Commissioners were seen as generally weak, and providers were judged to be generally unresponsive to PCOs’ wishes. Top–down pressure by governments on PCOs and providers of hospital services was more important than commissioning power in shaping hospital services. It remains to be seen whether the remarketization strategy succeeds in strengthening the commissioning function in primary care.
The Assets Agenda and Social Policy
Authors: Prabhakar Rajiv 
Published: January 2009

Abstract The assets agenda or asset‐based welfare has provoked much interest in recent times. This approach insists that the stock of assets that a person owns is an important element of well‐being. The assets agenda is not a unified body of thought. However, there is a common failure to distinguish between these different parts, and this clouds rather than clarifies debates. This article seeks to add analytical clarity to current debates about asset‐based welfare. I distinguish between social policy and citizenship, and consider their implications for social policy. This discussion is important because analytical clarity is a precondition for a balanced assessment of asset‐based welfare.
Exploring Neglected Dimensions of Social Policy: The SDW, Fiscal Welfare and the Exemplar of Local Taxation in England
Authors: Orton Michael , Davies Rhys 
Published: January 2009

Abstract Titmuss's Social Division of Welfare (SDW) thesis is a vitally important but much neglected element of social policy analysis. This article seeks to explore the SDW, with a particular focus on fiscal welfare. Fiscal welfare has been described as forming a hidden welfare state, and while taxation is one of the main ways in which governments affect the lives of citizens, studies of welfare pay remarkably little attention to its impact. Fiscal welfare is examined by using, as an exemplar, local taxation in England, a subject that itself is neglected within social policy. Local taxation in England is of interest because it illustrates the impact of a system of taxation on different groups of citizens, and how this can operate to the benefit of rich over poor citizens. This is because the current system is highly regressive, meaning that those on low and middle incomes spend proportionately more of their income paying the tax than do those on high incomes. What is of further interest is how within the debate about reform of local taxation, concern with regressivity becomes obscured and ceases to be the focus of attention. We are thus provided with an example of how fiscal welfare remains a hidden issue. The article concludes by arguing that social policy analysis needs to move beyond the narrow confines of social welfare and develop a broader understanding of welfare, based on the SDW.
HEURISTICS, THE NON‐MAXIMIZING FIRM AND EFFICIENT ALLOCATION
Authors: Furubotn Eirik G. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTIt has been suggested that the theory of the firm can be modified and improved by shifting to a (non‐maximizing) heuristic approach that is able to explain how relatively efficient outcomes can be brought about by the use of ‘fast and frugal’ decision rules. The paper argues, however, that certain heuristic mechanisms, which may have great appeal to entrepreneurs in practice, tend to lead firms to worse solutions than those that could be achieved in a neoinstitutional system with the use of other methods. Moreover, competition cannot be relied upon to eliminate such misallocation, and may even serve to promote the problem.
Universal Banking, Asset Management, and Stock Underwriting
Authors: Johnson William C. , Marietta‐Westberg Jennifer 
Published: January 2009

Abstract This paper examines institutions that underwrite IPOs and have asset management divisions from 1993 through 1998. We provide evidence that these firms use asset management funds as vehicles to help them earn more equity underwriting business. We also show that asset managers affiliated with IPO underwriters use their superior information about their own institution's IPOs to earn annualised market adjusted returns 7.6% above asset managers of firms who did not underwrite the IPO. Superior future returns by asset managers who trade affiliated IPOs are dependent on the information environment for the IPO and the underwriter reputation rank.
Cladribine impedesin vitromigration of mononuclear cells: a possible implication for treating multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kopadze T. , Döbert M. , Leussink V. I. , Dehmel T. , Kieseier B. C. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Damage of the blood–brain barrier and the migration of immunocompetent cells into the CNS represent key events in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cladribine is an immunosuppressive drug currently investigated in a phase‐III clinical trial for relapsing–remitting MS. However, its precise mode of action remains elusive so far.Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from five patients with MS and five healthy donors. PBMCs were treated with cladribinein vitro. The migratory capacity was studied in anin vitroBoyden chamber assay; cells and their rate of migration were analyzed by light microscopy and flow cytometry.Results: Cladribine decreased the migratory capacity of CD14+monocytes, as well as of CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes were affected more than monocytes. There was no difference in this effect when comparing mononuclear cells from MS patients with cells from healthy controls.Conclusions: Cladribine might achieve, at least in part, its clinical and paraclinical efficacy by inhibiting the migration of inflammatory cells into and within the CNS.
Lack of association of hormone receptor polymorphisms with migraine
Authors: Corominas R. , Ribasés M. , Cuenca‐León E. , Cormand B. , Macaya A. 
Published: January 2009

Background and purpose:  Previous studies concerning the role of hormone receptor genetic variants in migraine have provided conflicting results. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of common polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor gene (ESR1) and the progesterone receptor gene (PGR) in the risk for migraine in a Spanish population.Methods:  In a case–control study, including 210 Caucasoid migraine patients and 210 controls, we examined association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region of ESR1, rs2077642, rs1801132, and rs2228480, and an Alu insertion in PGR, and migraine, migraine without aura or migraine with aura. Genotypic, allelic and reconstructed haplotype distributions were compared.Results:  We found no significant differences between cases and controls in the distribution of genotypes or alleles for either polymorphism. No haplotype was over‐represented in patients.Conclusions:  Our study does not support a major contribution of ESR1 and PGR to the pathogenesis of migraine.
One‐year follow up of patients with chronic tinnitus treated with left temporoparietal rTMS
Authors: Khedr E. M. , Rothwell J. C. , El‐Atar A. 
Published: January 2009

Background and purpose: Although there are a number of positive reports on the therapeutic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment of tinnitus, there are few details about the duration of treatment effects or the relative efficiency of different rTMS protocols.Methods: Sixty six patients with chronic tinnitus were divided into four groups, receiving sham rTMS, 1, 10 and 25 Hz rTMS applied each day for 10 days over left temporoparietal cortex. They were followed up at 4 months and 1 year using the tinnitus questionnaire [Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(THI)] and self ratings of annoyance as well as measures of residual inhibition.Results: A two factor anova revealed a significant ‘rTMS’ × ‘time’ interaction indicating that real and sham rTMS had different effects on the THI scale and annoyance of tinnitus (P = 0.026 and 0.046 respectively). After 1 year, the tinnitus was absent in one or both ears of 10 patients who had received real rTMS: one of these was in the 1 Hz group, four patients were in the 10 Hz group and five patients were in the 25 Hz group.Conclusion: Some patients show a lasting benefit at 1 year after 10 days of rTMS treatment. It appears that treatment at 10 or 25 Hz may be more beneficial than at 1 Hz, although more work is necessary to validate this conclusion.
Unilateral RLS with predominantly ipsilateral PLMS and variable response to dopaminergic drugs: a variant of idiopathic RLS?
Authors: Valko P. O. , Siccoli M. M. , Bassetti C. L. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by sensorimotor symptoms that usually are localized in both legs, but may present considerable asymmetry. Patients with strictly and persisting unilateral manifestations have not yet been reported.Methods:  We describe the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of three RLS patients with unilateral symptoms.Results:  All essential RLS criteria were fulfilled in each patient. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies did not reveal structural lesions. All patients showed a predominance of periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) ipsilaterally to the RLS symptoms. Treatment response to dopaminergic drugs was favourable only in one patient.Controls:  Our observations suggest the existence of unilateral RLS with predominantly ipsilateral PLMS as a (so‐far unrecognized) variant of RLS.
The Johnsons’ Plight: The Role of Captivity on Anglo‐American Identity
Authors: BLAINE MARCIA SCHMIDT 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe possibility and reality of captivity was one of many parts of the American experience that added to a developing Anglo‐American identity. Using the 1754 captivity of the Johnson family of Charlestown, New Hampshire as the focal point, this article explores the ways in which the fear and insecurity associated with captivity and with captivity stories had an impact on American identity. Individual settlers along the borders of Anglo settlement obtained land and lived with the hope of personal improvement and better lives for their families. But opportunity came at the price of constant insecurity, fear and, occasionally, captivity by Native Americans. Captives discovered that their individual identities were lost and their children were abandoned in bureaucratic efforts caught up in the imperial struggles between Britain and France. Imperial or provincial government authorities seemed powerless to free them. Insecurity inspired adaptability. Many captives became cultural mediators as they negotiated between cultures and created useful networks to assist in obtaining freedom. They were willing to try a range of tactics to mould themselves to the needs of the moment. Captivity narratives and news explicitly exposed the increasingly divergent paths of colonies and metropole. Captivity forged the links of distrust of government, cultural adaptability and greater individual agency with a familial focus and added them to the chain of American identity.
Quartz plates for determining sun protection in vitro and testing photostability of commercial sunscreens
Authors: Akrman J. , Kubáč L. , Bendová H. , Jírová D. , Kejlová K. 
Published: January 2009

SynopsisTesting plate made of optical quartz has been developed for the purpose of determination of sun protection factor (SPF)in vitro by the method of diffusion transmission spectroscopy; the plates were coarsened by sanding and grinding to surface roughness values (Ra) of 18 μm. The plate was coated with a film of sunscreen by an application of 2 mg cm−2 as that used for determination of SPFin vivo by the COLIPA method. The transmission values measured were converted into the SPFin vitro and the protection factor in ultraviolet A light, UVAPFin vitro. The testing plate was tested with commercial sunscreens. The found values of SPFin vitro fit well with the values determined by means of the COLIPA method in vivo. The plates coated with sunscreen film were irradiated with light simulating the sun radiation. The values of protection factors obtained before and after irradiation were compared, and the differences were used for estimation of photostability of the UV filters included.
Methodology to improve epidermal barrier homeostasis: How to accelerate the barrier recovery?
Authors: Denda M. 
Published: January 2009

SynopsisGood water‐impermeable barrier function is vital for healthy skin. Abnormality of the barrier function is observed in a variety of skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. Moreover, repeated barrier disruption induces epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation. On the other hand, acceleration of the barrier recovery prevents epidermal hyperplasia induced by barrier disruption in a dry environment. Thus, methods to improve the barrier function are very important for clinical dermatology. Recently, we have been searching for new reagents and/or new materials to improve barrier homeostasis. In this review, I will describe our recent findings and show how they provide the basis for a new perspective for clinical dermatology.
Inflammation mediates varying effects in neurogenesis: relevance to the pathogenesis of brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Whitney Nicholas P. , Eidem Tess M. , Peng Hui , Huang Yunlong , Zheng Jialin C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBrain inflammation is a complex cellular and molecular response to stress, injury or infection of the CNS in attempt to defend against insults, clear dead and damaged neurons and return the CNS to a normal state. Inflammation in the CNS is driven by the activation of resident microglia, astrocytes and infiltrating peripheral macrophages, which release a plethora of anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, neurotransmitters and reactive oxygen species. This inflammatory state inadvertently causes further bystander damage to neurons and produces both detrimental and favorable conditions for neurogenesis. Inflammatory factors have varying effects on neural progenitor cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival and incorporation of newly born neurons into the CNS circuitry. The unique profile of inflammatory factors, which depends on the severity of inflammation, can have varying consequences on neurogenesis. Inflammatory factors released during mild acute inflammation usually stimulate neurogenesis; where as the factors released by uncontrolled inflammation create an environment that is detrimental to neurogenesis. This review will provide a summary of current progress in this emerging field and examine the potential mechanisms through which inflammation affects neurogenesis during neurological complications.