bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable braided poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) urethral stent combined with dutasteride in the treatment of acute urinary retention due to benign prostatic enlargement: a pilot study
Authors: Kotsar Andres , Isotalo Taina , Juuti Hanne , Mikkonen Joonas , Leppiniemi Jenni , Hänninen Venla , Kellomäki Minna , Talja Martti , Tammela Teuvo L.J. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate, in a pilot study, the efficacy and safety of combining a braided poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA, a copolymer of l‐lactide and glycolide) urethral stent and dutasteride in the treatment of acute urinary retention (AUR) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).PATIENTS AND METHODSTen men with AUR due to BPE were treated as outpatients. A biodegradable braided PLGA urethral stent was inserted into the prostatic urethra, using a specially designed insertion device under visual control. Dutasteride treatment was started and the patients were followed up for 3 months after insertion of the stents.RESULTSIn all patients the stents were placed successfully with the new insertion device. All men were able to void after inserting the stent. At 1 month five patients voided freely with a low residual urine volume (<150 mL), two voided but had a high residual urine volume and a suprapubic catheter was placed, and three needed a suprapubic or an indwelling catheter before 1 month, due to AUR or comorbidities. At 3 months five patients were voiding with no problems.CONCLUSIONSWe have developed a new and effective insertion device for biodegradable braided prostatic stents. The new braided‐pattern stent overcomes the earlier problems of migration and sudden breakage into large particles associated with biodegradable spiral stents. However, the mechanical properties of the new stent need to be improved and tested in a longer follow‐up. We consider that this new biodegradable braided‐pattern urethral stent could provide a new option in the future treatment of AUR.
Health‐related quality of life 3 years after high‐dose intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with gold fiducial marker‐based position verification
Authors: Lips Irene M. , Van Gils Carla H. , Van Der Heide Uulke A. , Kruger Arto E. Boeken , Van Vulpen Marco 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the change in quality of life (QoL) 3 years after high‐dose intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using gold fiducial marker‐based position verification in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween October 2003 and November 2004, 95 patients with locally advanced prostate cancer were treated with 76 Gy IMRT with gold‐fiducial marker‐based position verification. Before treatment (baseline) and 1, 6 and 36 months after RT the QoL was measured using the RAND‐36, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire (QLQ‐C30(+3)) and the prostate tumour‐specific module (EORTC QLQ‐PR25). Changes in QoL with time of ≥10 points were considered clinically relevant.RESULTSAfter 3 years there was a statistically significant improvement in QoL for emotional role restriction and functioning, change in health, mental health and insomnia, compared with baseline. Emotional role restriction increased by >10 points and was therefore clinically relevant, while all other differences were of <10 points. There was a statistically significant deterioration of QoL after 3 years in physical and cognitive functioning, bowel symptoms/function and sexual activity. Only the sexual activity QoL score changed by 12 points and was therefore the only meaningful deterioration in QoL at 3 years after treatment.CONCLUSIONIMRT and accurate position verification provide the possibility to deliver a high irradiation dose to the prostate without clinically relevant deterioration in long‐term QoL, except for a persistent decrease in sexual activity score.
Independent prognostic value of tumour diameter and tumour necrosis in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Simone Giuseppe , Papalia Rocco , Loreto Andrea , Leonardo Costantino , Sentinelli Steno , Gallucci Michele 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo identify significant prognostic indicators of upper urinary tract (UUT) urothelial carcinoma (UC) and to assess a risk stratification of patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed data from 162 patients with non‐metastatic UC primarily occurring in UUT treated with open nephroureterectomy. Variables assessed included age, gender, pT, tumour grade, tumour necrosis extension, pN, tumour location, multifocal location, tumour diameter, and subsequent development of a bladder tumour. Tumour necrosis was measured using commercial software (Eureka interface system, version 4.0.22, HESP technology, Menarini Diagnostics, Italy) and was classified as none, focal (<10% of tumour area) or extensive, ≥10% of tumour area). The prognostic significance of each variable on metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) was tested in univariable analysis with the log‐rank test. Variables with significance levels of P < 0.05 according to the univariable analyses were entered into a multivariable forward‐stepwise Cox regression model.RESULTSAt a mean follow‐up of 66 months, 20 cancer‐related deaths (12.3%) were censored. In multivariable analysis, tumour diameter, pT stage and tumour necrosis were independent predictors of MFS and DFS. All events occurred in patients with extensive tumour necrosis and a tumour diameter of ≥3 cm. The median survival of patients with advanced‐stage tumours, extensive necrosis and a tumour diameter of ≥3 cm were significantly impaired by increasing pT stage(P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONTumour necrosis and tumour diameter are compelling prognostic factors that deserve further study in a prospective setting to determine if their use in combination with more traditional variables, such as pT stage, might better determine prognosis and guide the follow‐up and treatment of patients.
Localization of renal oxidative stress and inflammatory response after lithotripsy
Authors: Clark Daniel L. , Connors Bret A. , Evan Andrew P. , Willis Lynn R. , Handa Rajash K. , Gao Sujuan 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine if the acute renal oxidative stress and inflammation after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), thought to be mediated by ischaemia, is most severe in the portion of the kidney within the focal zone of the lithotripter, and if these effects result primarily from ischaemic injury.MATERIALS AND METHODSPigs (7–8‐weeks old) received either 2000 shock waves at 24 kV to the lower‐pole calyx of one kidney or unilateral renal ischaemia for 1 h. A third group (sham) received no treatment. Timed urine and blood samples were taken for analysis of lipid peroxidation and the inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). At 4 h after treatment, kidneys were removed and samples of cortex and medulla were frozen for analysis of cytokines and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1).RESULTSESWL did not affect urinary excretion of malondialdehyde, but did elicit an eight‐fold induction of HO‐1 in the portion of the renal medulla within the focal zone of the lithotripter (F2), while remaining unchanged elsewhere in the treated kidney. There was no induction of HO‐1 in renal tissue after ischaemia‐reperfusion. Urinary excretion of TNF‐α increased from the lithotripsy‐treated kidney by 1 h after treatment, but was unaffected by ischaemia‐reperfusion. As with the HO‐1 response after lithotripsy, IL‐6 increased only in the renal medulla at F2. By contrast, ischaemia‐reperfusion increased IL‐6 in all samples from the treated kidney.CONCLUSIONThese findings show that the acute oxidative stress and inflammatory responses to ESWL are localized to the renal medulla at F2. Furthermore, the differing patterns of markers of injury for ESWL and ischaemia‐reperfusion suggest that ischaemia is not the principal cause of the injury response after ESWL.
Antiviral activity and safety of aplaviroc, a CCR5 antagonist, in combination with lopinavir/ritonavir in HIV‐infected, therapy‐naïve patients: results of the EPIC study (CCR100136)*
Authors: Yeni P , LaMarca A , Berger D , Cimoch P , Lazzarin A , Salvato P , Smaill FM , Teofilo E , Madison SJ , Nichols WG , Adkison KK , Bonny T , Millard J , McCarty D ,   the EPIC (CCR100136) study team
Published: January 2009

BackgroundThis phase IIb study explored the antiviral activity and safety of the investigational CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) antagonist aplaviroc (APL) in antiretroviral‐naïve patients harbouring R5‐ or R5X4‐tropic virus.MethodsA total of 191 patients were randomized 2:2:2:1 to one of three APL dosing regimens or to lamivudine (3TC)/zidovudine (ZDV) twice daily (bid), each in combination with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) 400 mg/100 mg bid. Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed.ResultsThis study was terminated prematurely because of APL‐associated idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. A total of 141 patients initiated treatment early enough to have been able to complete 12 weeks on treatment [modified intent‐to‐treat (M‐ITT) population]; of these, 133 completed the 12‐week treatment phase. The proportion of subjects in the M‐ITT population with HIV‐1 RNA <400 copies/mL at week 12 was 50, 48, 54 and 75% in the APL 200 mg bid, APL 400 mg bid, APL 800 mg once a day (qd) and 3TC/ZDV arms, respectively. Similar responses were seen in the few subjects harbouring R5X4‐tropic virus (n=17). Common clinical adverse events (AEs) were diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue and headache. APL demonstrated nonlinear pharmacokinetics with high interpatient variability.ConclusionsWhile target plasma concentrations of APL were achieved, the antiviral activity of APL+LPV/r did not appear to be comparable to that of 3TC/ZDV+LPV/r.
What is Systematic Theology?
Authors: HEALY NICHOLAS M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThree types of systematic theology are distinguished, each with its own form, function, interests and location: ‘official’, produced by the institutional church; ‘ordinary’ theological reflection, engaged in by virtually all believers; professional‐academic systematic theology. Viewed in the context of the theology of the church, official theology would benefit from a more realistic understanding of ordinary theologies. Academic systematic theology mediates between the other two, critically and constructively, and engages university disciplines likewise. It belongs within the sphere of the church but at some distance from the institution, and thus is usefully (though necessarily uneasily) located within the university.
Principles of Systematic Theology
Authors: WEBSTER JOHN 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe Holy Trinity is the ontological principle of Christian systematic theology. Its external or objective cognitive principle is the divine Word, by which, through the prophets and apostles and with the illumination of the Spirit, God's incommunicable self‐knowledge is accommodated to the saints. The internal or subjective cognitive principle is the redeemed intelligence of the saints. Systematic theology is thus ectypal knowledge (derived from God's disclosure of his archetypal self‐knowledge), and a subaltern or subordinate science. Its matter is twofold: God, and all things in God. Accordingly, it is best arranged as a treatment of God in himself, followed by a treatment of the outer works of God, with a theology of the divine missions as the hinge between the two. This arrangement offers a synthetic and conceptual transposition of the primary language of Scripture.
Changes in Gene Expression During the Formation of Bioengineered Heart Muscle
Authors: Khait Luda , Birla Ravi K. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA three‐dimensional bioengineered heart muscle (BEHM) construct model had been previously developed, exhibiting contractile forces up to 800 µN. The interest of this study was to determine gene expression levels of biologic markers involved in calcium‐handling between BEHM, cell monolayer, and neonatal heart. Cardiac cells were isolated from one litter of F344 rats and organized into groups (n = 5): 4‐, 7‐, 10‐day BEHM and cell monolayer; BEHM was evaluated for cell viability and contractility. Groups were then analyzed for mRNA expression of calcium‐handling proteins: myosin heavy chain (MHC) α and β, Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++ ATPase (SERCA) 2, phospholamban (PBL), and ryanodine receptor. BEHM exhibited electrically stimulated active force (208 ± 12 µN day 4, 361 ± 22 µN day 7, and 344 ± 29 µN day 10) and no decrease in cell number. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed an increase in gene expression of all calcium‐handling proteins in BEHM at 7 and 10 days compared with monolayers, for example, comparing BEHM to monolayer (7 and 10 days, respectively), MHC‐α: 2600‐fold increase and a 100‐fold increase; MHC‐β: 70‐fold increase at 10 days; ryanodine receptor: 74‐fold increase at 10 days; SERCA: 19‐fold increase and sixfold increase; PBL: 158‐fold increase and 24‐fold increase. It was concluded that a three‐dimensional environment is a better culturing condition of cardiac cells than a monolayer. Also, BEHM constructs demonstrated a high similarity to a native myocardium, and is, thus, a good starting foundation for engineered heart muscle.
Photocrosslinkable Chitosan Hydrogel Can Prevent Bone Formation in Both Rat Skull and Fibula Bone Defects
Authors: Tsuda Yoshifumi , Ishihara Masayuki , Amako Masatoshi , Arino Hiroshi , Hattori Hidemi , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Yura Hirofumi , Nemoto Koichi 
Published: January 2009

AbstractUV light irradiation to a photocrosslinkable chitosan (Az‐CH‐LA) resulted in an insoluble and flexible hydrogel within 30 s. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of the photocrosslinkable chitosan to inhibit bone formation in the bone defects. A 5‐mm‐diameter defect was made in the rat calvarium, and then photocrosslinkable chitosan was implanted and irradiated with UV for 30 s. Furthermore, a 2‐mm defect was made in the fibula of a rat hind leg, and then photocrosslinkable chitosan was implanted and irradiated with UV. Bone formations in the rat skull and fibula defects with photocrosslinkable chitosan hydrogel were significantly prevented for 8 weeks. Thus, the chitosan hydrogel has an inhibitory effect on bone formation.
A Comparison of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Biphasic Insulin Aspart 30, 50, 70 and Pure Insulin Aspart: A Randomized, Quadruple Crossover Study
Authors: Thorisdottir Rannveig Linda , Parkner Tina , Chen Jian‐Wen , Ejskjær Niels , Christiansen Jens Sandahl 
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of pure insulin aspart and three different formulations of insulin aspart and protaminated insulin aspart: biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp30), biphasic insulin aspart 50 (BIAsp50) and biphasic insulin aspart 70 (BIAsp70). Nineteen type 1 diabetes patients received individually identical doses of the four different insulin aspart preparations on 4 separate days in this randomized crossover study. Having achieved overnight stable blood glucose control by intravenous infusions of human insulin, one of the trial insulins was injected subcutaneously and a standard meal was given in the morning. Plasma glucose and serum insulin aspart were recorded the following 12 hr. During the first 4 hr after injection with the trial insulin, the area under the curve for levels of insulin aspart (AUCins) was significantly higher during insulin aspart treatment as compared to the other three insulin treatments, followed by BIAsp70, BIAsp50 and BIAsp30 (P < 0.05). Over the last 4 hr, the AUCins for BIAsp30 was significantly higher as compared to the other insulin preparations (P < 0.05). By contrast, during the initial 4 hr, the area under the curve for levels of glucose (AUCglu) was highest after injection with BIAsp30 compared to the other three treatments (P < 0.05), while during the last 4 hr the highest AUCglu was seen following insulin aspart (P < 0.05). We conclude that when insulin aspart is pure or formulated with protamine in three different ratios, the pharmacokinetic profiles are readily distinguishable. These differences in pharmacokinetics are reflected in the pharmacodynamic profiles.
Effects of Rutin on Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolaemic Rats
Authors: Ziaee Amir , Zamansoltani Farzaneh , Nassiri‐Asl Marjan , Abbasi Esmail 
Published: January 2009

Abstract: Rutin (3, 3′, 4′, 5, 7‐pentahydrohyflavone‐3‐rhamnoglucoside) is a flavonoid of the flavonol type. Rutin is found in many plants and is also an important dietary constituent of food and plant‐based beverages. Rutin has several pharmacological properties including antioxidant and cardioprotective activities. Also, it was identified that rutin is the major low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) antioxidant compound of mulberry in anin vitrostudy. The effects of rutin were tested by using it as a supplement in a high‐cholesterol diet. Male rats were fed a high‐cholesterol diet (1 ml/100 g) for 4 weeks with rutin (10 or 100 mg/kg) or rutin 100 mg/kg and lovastatin supplementation to study the hypocholesterolaemic effects of rutin on plasma lipid levels, hepatic enzyme activity, and liver tissue. Feeding the animals a high‐cholesterol diet resulted in marked hypercholesterolaemia and increased the serum level of LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C). Rutin (at 100 mg/kg) alone or in combination with lovastatin significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, and LDL‐C and also markedly decreased liver enzymes and weight in animals with a high‐cholesterol diet. Our findings show that 100 mg/kg of rutin alone or with lovastatin supplementation lowered liver weight and enzymes as well as plasma total cholesterol and LDL. The hepatic histopathological results reflect the correlation of rutin and lovastatin combination with both liver weight and the levels of plasma total cholesterol and LDL‐C. These results indicate that rutin in combination with lovastatin has increased anti‐hypercholesterolaemic effects in an animal model.
Curcumin Protects PC12 Cells from Corticosterone‐Induced Cytotoxicity: Possible Involvement of the ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Gao Min , Zhou Hong , Li Xuejun 
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Antiglucocorticoid therapy in depressed patients is effective, which indicates that glucocorticoids play a key role in the occurrence of depression. Our previous work demonstrated the efficacy of curcumin in treating depression in rat and mouse models. We characterized the protective effects of curcumin against corticosterone‐induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and explored the mechanisms of these protective effects in association with the phosphorylation and expression of ERK1/2 in PC12 cells. MTT assay showed that curcumin significantly protected PC12 cells from corticosterone‐induced cytotoxicity. Curcumin at concentrations from 10−8 to 10−6 M rescued PC12 cells from corticosterone‐induced cytotoxicity. Cell viability was increased more than 20% with curcumin treatment. Western blot analysis showed that corticosterone increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in PC12 cells and curcumin 10−9 M to 10−6 M significantly inhibited corticosterone‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. These results suggest that curcumin is able to protect PC12 cells which may be associated with inhibition of ERK phosphorylation.
Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of TAS‐108, a Novel Anti‐Oestrogen, in Healthy Post‐Menopausal Japanese Women: A Phase I Single Oral Dose Study
Authors: Kumagai Yuji , Fujita Tomoe , Ozaki Machiko , Yokota Shin‐ichi , Maeda Mika , Shida Mizue , Otani Yoshio , Yamaya Hidetoshi , Tsuruta Hideo 
Published: January 2009

Abstract: TAS‐108 is a novel steroidal anti‐oestrogen, expected to be useful for the treatment of breast cancer. The present study was conducted to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TAS‐108 following the administration at a single oral dose of 40 mg to up to 120 mg in 12 post‐menopausal women and the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of the drug. All adverse events were mild and involved transient symptoms that resolved without therapeutic intervention. TAS‐108 was readily absorbed and plasma levels of TAS‐108 steadily declined, apparently in a multi‐exponential manner. Cmax and AUC0‐12 were proportionally increased with increasing dose of TAS‐108. The Cmax and AUC0‐t of TAS‐108 and its metabolite, deEt‐TAS‐108, were significantly increased to approximately 150% when TAS‐108 was administered after a meal. Food did not affect the elimination half‐life of TAS‐108 or its metabolites. In this escalating dose‐study of TAS‐108, the drug was well tolerated by healthy post‐menopausal Japanese women. The pharmacokinetics of TAS‐108 indicated dose proportionality, and its bioavailability was significantly increased by food intake.
Analysis of the Arabidopsis Floral Proteome: Detection of over 2 000 Proteins and Evidence for Posttranslational Modifications
Authors: Feng Baomin , Li Lianchao , Zhou Xiaofan , Stanley Bruce , Ma Hong 
Published: January 2009

Abstract The proteome of the Arabidopsis flower has not been extensively studied previously. Here, we report a proteomic analysis of the wild type Arabidopsis flower. Using both two‐dimensional electrophoresis/mass spectrometry (2‐DGE/MS) and multi‐dimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) approaches, we identified 2 446 proteins. Although a single experiment or analysis uncovered only a subset of the proteins we identified, a combination of multiple experiments and analyses facilitated the detection of a greater number of proteins. When proteins are grouped according to RNA expression levels revealed by microarray experiments, we found that proteins encoded by genes with relatively high levels of expression were detected with greater frequencies. On the other hand, at the level of the individual gene/protein, there was not a good correlation between protein spot intensity and microarray values. We also obtained strong evidence for post‐translational modification from 2‐DGE and MudPIT data. We detected proteins that are annotated to function in protein synthesis, folding, modification, and degradation, as well as the presence of regulatory proteins such as transcription factors and protein kinases. Finally, sequence and evolutionary analysis of genes for active methyl group metabolisms suggests that these genes are highly conserved. Our results allow the formulation of hypotheses regarding post‐translational regulation of proteins in the flower, providing new understanding about Arabidopsis flower development and physiology.
Increasing Fish Oil Levels in Commercial Diets Influences Hematological and Immunological Responses of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Yildirim‐Aksoy Mediha , Lim Chhorn , Shelby Richard , Klesius Phillip H 
Published: January 2009

Abstract Growth performance, immune responses and disease resistance were studied in juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, fed a commercial diet (35.3% crude protein and 5.6% lipid) supplemented with menhaden fish oil at levels of 0, 3, 6, and 9% for 15 wk. Dietary fish oil levels did not significantly influence growth performance of catfish. Fatty acid compositions of whole‐body and liver reflected dietary fatty acid composition. No differences were found in hematological values, except that fish fed the 9% fish oil diet had significantly lower hematocrit. The resistance of erythrocytes to hemolysis in hypotonic solutions increased with increasing fish oil levels and the highest resistance was seen with the 9% fish oil diet. Fish fed 6 and 9% added fish oil diets had significantly higher serum protein levels than that of control fish. Serum lysozyme activity of fish fed 3 and 6% added fish oil diet was significantly higher than that of the control. Complement activity and chemotaxis ratio significantly decreased in fish fed diets with 6 or 9% added fish oil. The 3% added fish oil diet, however, had significantly highest natural hemolytic complement activity. Mortality from Edwardsiella ictaluri 14 d postchallenge and antibody titers to E. ictaluridid not differ among treatments.