bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐atherogenic effect of statins: role of nitric oxide, peroxynitrite and haem oxygenase‐1
Authors: Heeba G , Moselhy ME , Hassan M , Khalifa M , Gryglewski R , Malinski T 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  The pleiotropic effects of HMG‐CoA inhibitors (statins), which include anti‐inflammation, antioxidation and immunomodulation, are not yet fully understood. The present study was designed to elucidate the role of nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO‐) and haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in the anti‐atherogenic effect of statins.Experimental approach:  Normal and atherosclerotic New Zealand rabbits were treated with atorvastatin or simvastatin in the presence or absence of inhibitors and promoters of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and HO‐1. NO and ONOO‐ released from isolated aortae by calcium ionophore were measured with nanosensors placed 6 ± 2 nm from aortic endothelium. Expression of eNOS and HO‐1 protein, HO activity, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and vessel wall thickness were also measured.Key results:  Hypercholesterolaemia decreased eNOS expression by 31 ± 3%, decreased NO (230 ± 16 vs. 433 ± 17 nmol·L−1 control) and increased cytotoxic ONOO‐ (299 ± 15 vs. 187 ± 11 nmol·L−1 control). The concentration ratio of [NO]/[ONOO‐] decreased from 2.3 ± 0.1 (normal) to 0.7 ± 0.1 indicating an increase of nitroxidative stress in atherosclerotic endothelium. Expression of HO‐1 protein increased by 20 ± 8% in atherosclerosis and further increased (about 30%) after treatment with statins. Statins partially restored the [NO]/[ONOO‐] balance (1.5 ± 0.1 for atorvastatin and 1.4 ± 0.1 simvastatin), decreased MDA and wall thickening. Promoters of eNOS and HO‐1 (L‐arginine and haemin) ameliorated the [NO]/[ONOO‐] ratio while their inhibitors (L‐NAME or tin‐protoporphyrin) showed no improvement in these ratio.Conclusions and implications:  Atherosclerosis induced an endothelial [NO]/[ONOO‐] balance indicative of endothelial dysfunction. Statins showed anti‐atherosclerotic effects mediated by HO‐1/eNOS, restoring the [NO]/[ONOO‐] imbalance and reducing lipid peroxidation.
Who Is Teaching Undergraduate Prosthodontics in US Dental Schools, 2007?
Authors: Hill Edward E. , Breeding Larry C. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract Purpose: The shortage of full‐time dental school faculty along with a slow steady increase in student enrollment is not a new phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to determine who is teaching undergraduate prosthodontics in US dental schools—what percent are full‐time faculty; what percent are prosthodontists; and what percent are board‐certified prosthodontists—to allow schools to make a real‐time comparison of the composition of instructors they have teaching prosthodontics to the apparent status quo. Materials and Methods: A short, ten‐question survey was sent via e‐mail to representatives at the 55 undergraduate US dental schools. A cover letter explained the nature of the study and requested participation and electronic return of the survey. Three weeks after the initial request, an aggressive follow‐up was conducted to schools that had not returned the survey. Answers were converted to percentages to compensate for differences between schools with many or few instructors. Schools were also grouped by location to see if regional differences exist. Results: Thirty‐eight (69%) of the surveys were completed and returned. In general, the division between full‐time and part‐time instructors is about 50%. More removable prosthodontic instructors (60%) than fixed instructors (44%) are prosthodontists, and only a small percentage of the total (18% removable and 15% fixed) have completed board certification. The South and Midwest had the highest percentage of prosthodontists involved in teaching; the South had the highest percentage with specialty board certification. Conclusion: This study indicated that only a few schools are fortunate enough to have sufficient full‐time, specialty‐trained faculty available for complete coverage of all undergraduate prosthodontic courses and clinics. The information presented serves as a baseline for future comparison to see if the percentage of full‐time and/or specialty‐certified prosthodontic faculty changes.
2. The Democratic Peace Myth: From Hiroshima to Baghdad
Authors: Fiala Andrew 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the ideal of the democratic peace and the recent misuse of this ideal in the war on terrorism. It argues against the idea that aggressive military force can be employed to bring about the ideal of the democratic peace. By looking at John Stuart Mill's utilitarian justification of benevolent despotism for “barbarians,” it examines how idealism can lead to a defense of aggressive intervention. And it considers how idealistic zeal can lead to violations of just war principles, as in the case of Hiroshima. It concludes by arguing that Kant's deontological approach is better. Kant provides us with a reason to hope that as democracy spreads, peace will spread as well. But Kant also prohibits us from using force to actualize this ideal.
12. Transculture: A Broad Way Between Globalism and Multiculturalism
Authors: Epstein Mikhail 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper develops a concept of transculture as a model of cultural development that differs from both leveling globalism and isolating pluralism. While culture frees humans from the material dependencies of nature, it also creates new, symbolic dependencies—on customs, traditions, conventions, which a person receives as a member of a certain group and ethnos. Among the many freedoms proclaimed as rights of the individual, there emerges yet another freedom—from one's own culture, in which one was born and educated. Transculture is viewed as the next level of liberation, this time from the “prison house of language,” from unconscious predispositions and prejudices of the “native,” naturalized cultures. The case of the Japanese poet Araki Yasusada (1903–1972), a survivor of Hiroshima, demonstrates how transcultural creativity, though cast in the form of a literary hoax, can produce an internationally recognized achievement. Transculturalism is especially needed in world politics, where the factor of fixed cultural identity based on race, ethnos, religion, or ideological commitments turned out to be a source of conflict and violence. This paper argues that the categories of opposition and identity do not preclude the significance of the third category, which is difference. The differences complement each other and create a new interpersonal transcultural community to which we belong, not because we are similar but because we are different. The transcultural perspective opens a possibility for globalization not as homogenization but, rather, as further differentiation of cultures and their “dissemination” into transcultural individuals, liberating themselves from their dependence from their native cultures. The global society can be viewed as the space of diversity of free individuals rather than that of fixed groups and cultures. It is an alternative to the clash of civilizations and a hope for lasting peace.
Nanofibrous substrates support colony formation and maintain stemness of human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Gauthaman Kalamegam , Venugopal Jayarama Reddy , Yee Fong Chui , Peh Gary Swee Lim , Ramakrishna Seeram , Bongso Ariff 
Published: February 2009

AbstractInadequate cell numbers in culture is one of the hurdles currently delaying the application of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) for transplantation therapy. Nanofibrous scaffolds have been effectively used to expand and differentiate non‐colony forming multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for the repair of tissues or organs. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of nanofibrous scaffolds for hESC proliferation, increase in colony formation, self‐renewal properties, undifferentiation and retention of ‘stemness’. Polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/collagen) and PCL/gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning technology. The hESCs were seeded on the nanofibrous scaffolds in the presence or absence of mitomycin‐C treated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The hESCs grown on both scaffolds in the presence of the MEFs produced an increase in cell growth of 47.58% (P≤ 0.006) and 40.18% (P≤ 0.005), respectively, over conventional controls of hESCs on MEFs alone. The hESC colonies were also larger in diameter on the scaffolds compared to controls (PCL/collagen, 156.25 ± 7 μM and PCL/gelatin, 135.42 ± 5 μM). Immunohistochemistry of the hESCs grown on the nanofibrous scaffolds with MEFs, demonstrated positive staining for the various stemness‐related markers (octamer 4 [OCT‐4], tumour rejection antigen‐1–60, GCTM‐2 and TG‐30), and semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR for the pluripotent stemness genomic markers (NANOG, SOX‐2, OCT‐4) showed that they were also highly expressed. Continued successful propagation of hESC colonies from nanofibrous scaffolds back to conventional culture on MEFs was also possible. Nanofibrous scaffolds support hESC expansion in an undifferentiated state with retention of stemness characteristics thus having tremendous potential in scaling up cell numbers for transplantation therapy.
Human cardiac fibroblasts express B‐type natriuretic peptide: fluvastatin ameliorates its up‐regulation by interleukin‐1α, tumour necrosis factor‐α and transforming growth factor‐β
Authors: Jarai Rudolf , Kaun Christoph , Weiss Thomas W. , Speidl Walter S. , Rychli Kathrin , Maurer Gerald , Huber Kurt , Wojta Johann 
Published: February 2009

AbstractB‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac hormone, which plays a major role in body fluid and cardiovascular homeostasis. Produced by cardiac ventricles, its expression is highly regulated by various mediators. Canine cardiac fibroblasts have been identified as a source of BNP. Cardiac fibroblasts are key regulators of myocardial structure and function. We treated cultured human adult cardiac fibroblasts (HACF) with 2000 U/ml tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), 200 U/ml interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) or 50 ng/ml transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in the presence or absence of 500 nM fluvastatin. N‐terminal pro‐BNP (Nt‐proBNP) concentration was determined by a competitive enzyme immunoassay. RealTime polymerase chain reaction (real‐time PCR) was performed to investigate changes in BNP mRNA expression. Nt‐proBNP peptide was present in the conditioned media of HACF and incubation with fluvastatin significantly reduced Nt‐proBNP peptide levels. Treatment of HACF with TNF‐α, IL‐1α or TGF‐β significantly increased Nt‐proBNP levels compared with untreated cells. This effect was completely abolished in the presence of fluvastatin. Real‐time PCR analysis confirmed these changes at the level of mRNA expression. Our data suggest that cardiac fibroblasts are a potential source of BNP in the human heart. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines, associated with ventricular dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis, seem to be major inducers of BNP production in cardiac fibroblasts. This effect can be reverted by a statin. Based on our data, we speculate that elevated plasma BNP levels might not only reflect increased myocardial stretch but also inflammatory and remodelling processes. A possible benefit of statin‐induced reduction in BNP production requires further studies.
Serum regulates adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells via MEK/ERK‐dependent PPARγ expression and phosphorylation
Authors: Wu Ling , Cai Xiaoxiao , Dong Hai , Jing Wei , Huang Yuanding , Yang Xingmei , Wu Yao , Lin Yunfeng 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide us an excellent cellular model to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying adipogenic differentiation of adult stem cells. PPARγ had been considered as an important molecular marker of cells undergoing adipogenic differentiation. Here, we demonstrated that expression and phosphorylation of PPARγ could be found in bone marrow–derived MSCs cultured in expansion medium without any adipogenic additives (dexamethasone, IBMX, insulin or indomethacin). Then, PPARγ was dephosphorylated in MSCs during the process of adipogenic differentiation. We then found that inhibition of MEK activation by specific inhibitor (PD98059) counteracted the PPARγ expression and phosphorylation. However, expression and phosphorylation of PPARγ did not present in MSCs cultured in medium with lower serum concentration. When these MSCs differentiated into adipocytes, no phosphorylation could be detected to accompany the expression of PPARγ. Moreover, exposure of MSCs to higher concentration of serum induced stronger PPARγ expression, and subsequently enhanced their adipogenesis. These data suggested that activation of the MEK/ERK signalling pathway by high serum concentration promoted PPARγ expression and phosphorylation, and subsequently enhanced adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Inhibition of LPS‐induced production of inflammatory factors in the macrophages by mono‐carbonyl analogues of curcumin
Authors: Liang Guang , Zhou Huiping , Wang Yi , Gurley Emily C. , Feng Biao , Chen Li , Xiao Jian , Yang Shulin , Li Xiaokun 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCurcumin (diferuloylmethane) is an orange–yellow compound from turmeric (Curcuma longa), a spice found in curry powder. Traditionally known for its anti‐inflammatory effects, curcumin has established itself in the last two decades to be a potent immunomodulatory agent that can regulate the activation of a variety of immunocytes and the expression of inflammatory factors. Considering that the β‐diketone moiety of curcumin may result in its instability and poor metabolic property, we previously designed a series of mono‐carbonyl analogues of curcumin with enhanced stability by deleting this moiety. These compounds demonstrate improved pharmacokinetic profiles both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we reported a total of 44 mono‐carbonyl analogues, which have been evaluated for the inhibitory activities against LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐6 release in the macrophages. Based on the screening results of these analogues, five active compounds A01, A03, A13, B18 and C22 were investigated to inhibit TNF‐α and IL‐6 release in a dose‐dependent manner, three of which further demonstrated inhibitory effects on LPS‐induced TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, MCP‐1, COX‐2, PGES, iNOS and p65 NF‐κB mRNA production. The results indicated that these mono‐carbonyl analogues may possess anti‐inflammatory activities similar to curcumin despite the absence of the β‐diketone. These mono‐carbonyl analogues may be a favourable alternative for the development of curcumin‐based anti‐inflammatory drugs both pharmacokinetically and pharmacologically. We further examined the biological properties of A13, the only hydrosoluble analogue when combined with hydrochloric acid. The results showed a dose‐dependent inhibition of LPS‐induced cytokine production. These data further indicated that compound A13 may be explored as a promising anti‐inflammatory molecule.
Potential for control of detrusor smooth muscle spontaneous rhythmic contraction by cyclooxygenase products released by interstitial cells of Cajal
Authors: Collins Clinton , Klausner Adam P. , Herrick Benjamin , Koo Harry P. , Miner Amy S. , Henderson Scott C. , Ratz Paul H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractInterstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) have been identified as pacemaker cells in the upper urinary tract and urethra, but the role of ICCs in the bladder remains to be determined. We tested the hypotheses that ICCs express cyclooxygenase (COX), and that COX products (prostaglandins), are the cause of spontaneous rhythmic contraction (SRC) of isolated strips of rabbit bladder free of urothelium. SRC was abolished by 10 μM indomethacin and ibuprofen (non‐selective COX inhibitors). SRC was concentration‐dependently inhibited by selective COX‐1 (SC‐560 and FR‐122047) and COX‐2 inhibitors (NS‐398 and LM‐1685), and by SC‐51089, a selective antagonist for the PGE‐2 receptor (EP) and ICI‐192,605 and SQ‐29,548, selective antagonists for thromboxane receptors (TP). The partial agonist/antagonist of the PGF‐2α receptor (FP), AL‐8810, inhibited SRC by ∼50%. Maximum inhibition was ∼90% by SC‐51089, ∼80–85% by the COX inhibitors and ∼70% by TP receptor antagonists. In the presence of ibuprofen to abolish SRC, PGE‐2, sulprostone, misoprostol, PGF‐2α and U‐46619 (thromboxane mimetic) caused rhythmic contractions that mimicked SRC. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry coupled with confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that c‐Kit and vimentin co‐localized to interstitial cells surrounding detrusor smooth muscle bundles, indicating the presence of extensive ICCs in rabbit bladder. Co‐localization of COX‐1 and vimentin, and COX‐2 and vimentin by ICCs supports the hypothesis that ICCs were the predominant cell type in rabbit bladder expressing both COX isoforms. These data together suggest that ICCs appear to be an important source of prostaglandins that likely play a role in regulation of SRC. Additional studies on prostaglandin‐dependent SRC may generate opportunities for the application of novel treatments for disorders leading to overactive bladder.
Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome: oral and craniofacial phenotypes
Authors: Domingo DL , Trujillo MI , Council SE , Merideth MA , Gordon LB , Wu T , Introne WJ , Gahl WA , Hart TC 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare early‐onset accelerated senescence syndrome. In HGPS, a recently identified de novo dominant mutation of the lamin A gene (LMNA) produces abnormal lamin A, resulting in compromised nuclear membrane integrity. Clinical features include sclerotic skin, cardiovascular and bone abnormalities, and marked growth retardation. Craniofacial features include ‘bird‐like’ facies, alopecia, craniofacial disproportion, and dental crowding. Our prospective study describes dental, oral soft tissue, and craniofacial bone features in HGPS.Methods:  Fifteen patients with confirmed p.G608G LMNA mutation (1–17 years, seven males, eight females) received comprehensive oral evaluations. Anomalies of oral soft tissue, gnathic bones, and dentition were identified.Results:  Radiographic findings included hypodontia (n = 7), dysmorphic teeth (n = 5), steep mandibular angles (n = 11), and thin basal bone (n = 11). Soft tissue findings included ogival palatal arch (n = 8), median sagittal palatal fissure (n = 7), and ankyloglossia (n = 7). Calculated dental ages (9 months to 11 years 2 months) were significantly lower than chronological ages (1 year 6 months to 17 years 8 months) (P = 0.002). Eleven children manifested a shorter mandibular body, anterior/posterior cranial base and ramus, but a larger gonial angle, compared to age/gender/race norms.Conclusion:  Novel oral‐craniofacial phenotypes and quantification of previously reported features are presented. Our findings expand the HGPS phenotype and provide additional insight into the complex pathogenesis of HGPS.
Pharmacoeconomic model of topical treatment options of mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris in Germany
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Radtke Marc , Van Engen Anke , Ruedig Cornelia , Lapp Christina , Moehling Ulrich 
Published: February 2009

Summary Background: Psoriasis vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic diseases in Germany with a prevalence of about 2%. Along with efficacy and safety, costs are an important criterion for selecting appropriate therapy for this chronic disease. The majority of the patients with mild to moderate psoriasis vulgaris can be successfully treated with topical therapy alone. The most important agents are vitamin D3 analogs and corticosteroids either as single agents or in a fixed combination (Daivobet®). Methods: For the evaluation of the cost‐effectiveness of different topical psoriasis treatments, a Markov model was developed that compares a fixed combination treatment followed by calcipotriol with a morning/evening application of the individual agents, as well as a comparison with tacalcitol. Results: The pharmacoeconomic evaluation showed a higher cost‐effectiveness of the fixed combination treatment compared to using single agents (morning/evening) and to the tacalcitol. Treatment with the fix combination is more effective and more economic. Additional sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the advantage remains even when assuming a maximum compliance for twice daily usage, and varying the effectiveness of the fixed combination by 10%. Conclusions: The treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis with a fixed calcipotriol/betamethasone combination is a more cost‐effective treatment than a treatment with the single agents or tacalcitol monotherapy.
DLQI scores in patients with keloids and hypertrophic scars: a prospective case control study
Authors: Balci Didem Didar , Inandi Tacettin , Dogramaci Cigdem Asena , Celik Ebru 
Published: February 2009

Summary Background: Keloids and hypertrophic scars (HTS) can cause functional impairment and psychosocial burdens, both of which affects quality of life (QoL). Our aim was to compare Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores in patients with keloids and HTS to those of psoriasis patients and normal controls. Patients and Methods: Forty‐eight consecutive patients with keloids and HTS and 48 with psoriasis vulgaris attending our dermatology outpatient clinic, as well as 48 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls completed the DLQI. Results: Total DLQI scores of patients with keloids and HTS (7.79 ± 5.10) and psoriasis (8.73 ± 5.63) were comparable and significantly higher than that of healthy controls (0.58 ± 0.77). No significant difference were found between patients with psoriasis and patients with keloids and HTS in terms of the total DLQI scores and the subscale scores (p > 0.05) except “treatment” (p < 0.05) sub‐scale scores which were higher in psoriasis. Conclusions: The QoL of patients with keloids and HTS is impaired as much as that of those with psoriasis. The DLQI questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the QoL in patients with keloids and HTS.
Subcorneal pustulosis with combined lack of IgG/IgM and monoclonal gammopathy type IgA/Kappa
Authors: Rasch Astrid , Schimmer Melanie , Sander Christian A. 
Published: February 2009

SummarySubcorneal pustulosis (Sneddon‐Wilkinson disease) is a rare inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis. While subcorneal pustulosis is often associated with an IgA gammopathy, the combined lack of IgG/IgM seen in our case is rare. An 83‐year‐old man with combined lack of IgG/IgM and monoclonal gammopathy type IgA/Kappa presented with subcorneal pustules. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy led to complete regression and might be another therapeutic option.