bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HEDGE FUND SURVIVAL: NON‐NORMAL RETURNS, CAPITAL OUTFLOWS, AND LIQUIDITY
Authors: Baba Naohiko , Goko Hiromichi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe analyze the factors that influence the survival probability of hedge funds reported in the Lipper TASS database. Particular emphasis is placed on (1) non‐normality of returns and assets under management (AUM), (2) short‐term capital outflows, and (3) liquidity constraints associated with a hedge fund's cancellation policy. Estimation results using the Cox proportional hazards model and the panel logit model show that (1) funds with lower skewness in returns and AUM, (2) funds experiencing instantaneous rapid capital outflows, and (3) funds with a shorter redemption notice period and a higher redemption frequency have significantly higher liquidation probabilities, among others.
A role of myocardial stiffness in cell‐based cardiac repair: a hypothesis
Authors: Zhang Shuning , Sun Aijun , Liang Yanyan , Chen Qinyi , Zhang Chunyu , Wang Keqiang , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDetermining which time point is optimal for bone marrow‐derived cell (BMC) transplantation for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has attracted a great deal of attention. Studies have verified the interaction between cell treatment effect and transfer timing and have suggested that the optimal time frame for BMC therapy is day 4 to day 7 after AMI. However, the potential mechanism underlying the time‐dependent therapeutic response remains unclear. Recently, a growing body of in vitro evidence has suggested that stem cells are able to feel and respond to the stiffness of their microenvironment to commit to a relevant lineage, indicating that soft matrices that mimic brain are neurogenic, stiffer matrices that mimic muscle are myogenic and comparatively rigid matrices that mimic collagenous bone prove osteogenic. Simultaneously, considering the fact that the myocardium post‐infarction experiences a time‐dependent stiffness change from flexible to rigid as a result of myocardial remodelling following tissue necrosis and massive extracellular matrix deposition, we presume that the myocardial stiffness within a certain time frame (possibly day 4–7) post‐AMI might provide a more favourable physical microenvironment for the phenotypic plasticity and functional specification of engrafted BMCs committed to some cell lineages, such as endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells or cardiomyocytes. The beneficial effect facilitates angiogenesis and myocardiogenesis in the infarcted heart, and subsequently leads to more amelioration of cardiac functions. If the present hypothesis were true, it would be of great help to understand the mechanism underlying the optimal timing for BMC transplantation and to establish a direction for the time selection of cell therapy.
Loss of IKKβ activity increases p53 stability and p21 expression leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Yang Pei‐Ming , Huang Wei‐Chien , Lin Yi‐Chu , Huang Wen‐Yu , Wu Hui‐Ann , Chen Wei‐Lun , Chang Yu‐Fan , Chou Chia‐Wei , Tzeng Cherng‐Chyi , Chen Yeh‐Long , Chen Ching‐Chow 
Published: February 2009

AbstractElevated levels of NF‐κB are frequently detected in many inflammatory diseases and cancers. Blocking the IKK–NF‐κB pathway has been seen as a promising approach for new therapies. By employing the dominant‐negative mutant of IKKβ, our data revealed that loss of IKKβ activity reduces not only the proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in vitro but also the tumour formation, metastasis and angiogenesis in mouse xenograft model. Treatment of IKKβ inhibitors (CYL‐19s and CYL‐26z) leads to the arrest of cell cycle progression at G1 and G2/M, followed by apoptosis. IKKβ inhibitors can increase the protein stability, nuclear accumulation and promoter‐binding activity of p53, leading to the p21 gene transcription. Furthermore, knockdown of IKKβ by siRNA increased the stability and expression of p53 and p21 promoter activity. In addition, IKKβ inhibitor–induced p53 and p21 expressions were augmented in the presence of IKKβ siRNA. Correlation between p53 acetylation and its protein stabilization was also seen after treatment with IKKβ inhibitors. These results suggest that loss of IKKβ activation is important for the enhancement of p53 stability, leading to p21 expression and cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of tumour cells.
HSP70 interacts with TRAF2 and differentially regulates TNFα signalling in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Dai Shengming , Jiang Lijun , Wang Guisheng , Zhou Xiangyang , Wei Xiaomou , Cheng Hongge , Wu Zhen , Wei Dong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMembers of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family usually trigger both survival and apoptotic signals in various cell types. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are conserved proteins implicated in protection of cells from stress stimuli. However, the mechanisms of HSPs in TNFα‐induced signalling pathway have not been fully elucidated. We report here that HSP70 over‐expression in human colon cancer cells can inhibit TNFα‐induced NFκB activation but promote TNFα‐induced activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) through interaction with TNF receptor (TNFR)‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2). We provide evidence that HSP70 over‐expression can sequester TRAF2 in detergent‐soluble fractions possibly through interacting with TRAF2, leading to reduced recruitment of receptor‐interacting protein (RIP1) and IκBα kinase (IKK) signalosome to the TNFR1–TRADD complex and inhibited NFκB activation after TNFα stimuli. In addition, we found that HSP70–TRAF2 interaction can promote TNFα‐induced JNK activation. Therefore, our study suggests that HSP70 may differentially regulate TNFα‐induced activation of NFκB and JNK through interaction with TRAF2, contributing to the pro‐apoptotic roles of HSP70 in TNFα‐induced apoptosis of human colon cancer cells.
Placental retention in a bonobo (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Halbwax Michel , Mahamba Crispin Kamate , Ngalula Anne‐Marie , André Claudine 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  This case report describes the first placental retention in an 11‐year‐old female bonobo (Pan paniscus) following the delivery of a healthy infant.Methods  After unsuccessful medical treatment with oxytocin, the placenta was manually extracted.Results and conclusions  Both the dam and infant survived.
The apical region of developing tooth root constitutes a complex and maintains the ability to generate root and periodontium‐like tissues
Authors: Xu L. , Tang L. , Jin F. , Liu X.‐H. , Yu J.‐H. , Wu J.‐J. , Yang Z.‐H. , Wang Y.‐X. , Duan Y.‐Z. , Jin Y. 
Published: February 2009

Background and Objective:  Mammalian tooth root development is a long‐term process during which root elongates along the apical direction and is accompanied with the formation of periodontium. Considering the heterogeneous apical region of developing root as a functional entity, we observed and characterized the developing apical complex of rat molar root. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics and developmental capability of developing apical complex in situ and in vitro.Material and Methods:  Histological analysis of rat developing apical complex was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. Cell counting, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, flow cytometry assays and western blot analyses were performed to assess the proliferation potential of developing apical complex cells in vitro, and its mineralization potential was investigated by alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. In vivo transplantation of both developing apical complex tissues and cells were used to characterize the differentiation capacity of developing apical complex cells. Dental pulp cells were used as a control in this study.Results:  Isolated developing apical complex maintained the developmental capability to form tooth root/periodontal complex ectopically. Developing apical complex cells exhibited relatively higher proliferation and mineralization potential compared with dental pulp cells in culture. When cultured developing apical complex cells were putatively depleted of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath cells, only osteodentin‐like tissues and fibrous connective tissues formed in cell‐scaffold explants.Conclusion:  The sustainable development ability of developing apical complex qualifies it as the growth center of tooth root and as a promising candidate source of cells for tooth root and periodontal regeneration.
Multipotency of clonal cells derived from swine periodontal ligament and differential regulation by fibroblast growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein
Authors: Shirai K. , Ishisaki A. , Kaku T. , Tamura M. , Furuichi Y. 
Published: February 2009

Background and Objective:  A blood supply is indispensable for the regeneration of damaged or lost periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue. Mesenchymal stem cell‐like activity of cells derived from the PDL has been identified by their capacity to form fibrous and osseous tissue and cementum. However, it remains to be clarified whether the cells have an ability to build the capillary network of blood vessels. This study evaluated the potential of cells derived from the PDL to construct a blood vessel‐like structure and examined how growth factors controlled the multipotency of the cells.Material and Methods:  The ability of a swine PDL fibroblast cell line, TesPDL3, to construct a blood vessel‐like structure was evaluated on and in the self‐assembling peptide scaffold, PuraMatrixTM. In addition, the ability of the cells to form mineralized nodules was evaluated on type I collagen‐coated plastic plates. In some cases, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2 were added to these cultures. The status of the expression of vascular and osteoblastic cell‐specific markers in the cells was evaluated using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses.Results:  The TesPDL3 cells not only formed mineralized nodules in response to BMP‐2 stimulation but also constructed tube‐like structures in response to FGF‐2 stimulation. Intriguingly, FGF‐2 inhibited the BMP‐2‐induced formation of mineralized nodules. Conversely, BMP‐2 inhibited the FGF‐2‐induced formation of tube‐like structures.Conclusion:  Periodontal ligament fibroblasts have the potential to differentiate not only into osteoblastic but also into vascular cell lineages. The destiny of the cells was reciprocally regulated by BMP‐2 and FGF‐2.
Results of a survey of German dermatologists on the therapeutic approaches to pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Hofmann Silke C. , Kautz Ocko , Hertl Michael , Sticherling Michael , Zillikens Detlef , Bruckner‐Tuderman Leena 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBackground:The lack of controlled trials on the treatment of pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases limits an evidence‐based therapy of these disorders.The aim of this survey was to assess the current treatment standards at German dermatological hospitals and the need for future therapeutic trials.Methods:A two‐page questionnaire was sent to 42 German academic and non‐academic dermatological hospitals and evaluated at the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Freiburg.Results:The response rate was 76%. Topical clobetasol propionate treatment was regarded as first line therapy of bullous pemphigoid in 27% of the hospitals. More than 50% used systemic corticosteroids at an initial dose of ≤ 1 mg/kg prednisolone‐equivalent in pemphigus and pemphigoid. Azathioprine is used as first line adjuvant in pemphigoid and pemphigus treatment in 69% and 81% of the hospitals, respectively. Dapsone and mycophenolate mofetil represent alternative options, as well as cyclophosphamide‐dexamethasone‐pulse therapy in pemphigus. Immunosuppressive treatment of pemphigoid and pemphigus is terminated by 58% and 46% of the hospitals 1–3 months after clinical remission, respectively, but the given time points appeared to be variable.Conclusions:The high response rate to this survey demonstrates the interest in this topic. The variability of the answers regarding initial doses of corticosteroids and time points for termination of therapy indicates the need for the establishment of guidelines and for controlled therapeutic trials.
Approach to suspected food allergy in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Werfel Thomas , Erdmann Stephan , Fuchs Thomas , Henzgen Margot , Kleine‐Tebbe Jörg , Lepp Ute , Niggemann Bodo , Raithel Martin , Reese Imke , Saloga Joachim , Vieths Stefan , Zuberbier Torsten 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe following guideline of the “Arbeitsgruppe Nahrungsmittelallergie der DGAKI” (Task Force on Food Allergy of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology) and the ÄDA (“Ärzteverband Deutscher Allergologen”, Medical Association of German Allergologists) and the GPA (German Society of Pediatric Allergology) summarizes the approach to be taken when food allergy is suspected in patients with atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis, atopic eczema). The problem is clinically relevant because many patients assume that allergic reactions against foods are responsible for triggering or worsening their eczema. It is important to identify those patients who will benefit from an elimination diet but also to avoid unnecessary diets. Elimination diets (especially in early childhood) are associated with the risk of malnutrition and additional emotional stress for the patients. The gold standard for the diagnosis of food‐dependent reactions is to perform placebo‐controlled, double‐blind oral food challenges because specific IgE, prick tests and history often do not correlate with clinical reactivity. This is particularly true in the case of delayed eczematous skin reactions. Diagnostic elimination diets should be used before an oral provocation test. If multiple sensitizations against foods are discovered in a patient, an oligoallergenic diet and a subsequent stepwise supplementation of the nutrition should be performed. If a specific food is suspected of triggering food allergy, oral provocation should be performed after a diagnostic elimination diet. As eczema‐tous skin reactions may develop slowly (i. e. within one or two day), the skin be inspected the day after the provocation test and that a repetitive test be performed if the patient has not reacted to a given food on the first day of oral provocation. The guideline discusses various clinical situations for patients with atopic dermatitis to facilitate differentiated diagnostic procedures.
Milk consumption: aggravating factor of acne and promoter of chronic diseases of Western societies
Authors: Melnik Bodo 
Published: February 2009

SummaryConsumption of cow's milk and cow's milk protein result in changes of the hormonal axis of insulin, growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor‐1(IGF‐1) in humans. Milk consumption raises IGF‐1 serum levels in the perinatal period, adolescence and adulthood. During puberty with the physiological onset of increased secretion of growth hormone, IGF‐1 serum levels increase and are further enhanced by milk consumption. IGF‐1 is a potent mitogen; after binding to its receptor in various tissues, it induces cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Keratinocytes and sebocytes, as well as the androgen‐synthesizing adrenals and gonads, are stimulated by IGF‐1. The epidemic incidence of adolescent acne in Western milk‐consuming societies can be explained by the increased insulin‐ and IGF‐1‐stimulation of sebaceous glands mediated by milk consumption. Acne can be regarded as a model for chronic Western diseases with pathologically increased IGF‐1‐stimulation. Many other organs, such as the thymus, bones, all glands, and vascular smooth muscle cells as well as neurons are subject to this abnormally increased hormonal stimulation. The milk‐induced change of the IGF‐1‐axis most likely contributes to the development of fetal macrosomia, induction of atopy, accelerated linear growth, atherosclerosis, carcinogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. Observations of molecular biology are supported by epidemiologic data and unmask milk consumption as a promoter of chronic diseases of Western societies.
Research in practice: Treatment of autoimmune bullous disorders
Authors: Hertl Michael 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAutoimmune bullous disorders pose a clinical challenge based on their potentially lethal course and limited therapeutic options. The currently employed immunosuppressive treatments are accompanied by a plethora of side effects. Therefore, our group has sought for many years to dissect the molecular mechanisms of the immune pathogenesis of pemphigus and the pemphigoids allowing for a more specific treatment of these disorders. We have extensively characterized the role of autoaggressive T cells and potential regulatory networks in both disorders and have contributed several tools for more refined serological and T cell‐based disease parameters. The ultimate therapeutic goal is anergy induction in these autoaggressive T cells which inititate and perpetuate the B cell‐driven immune pathogenesis of pemphigus and the pemphigoids.
A survey of neonatal resuscitation in Spain: gaps between guidelines and practice
Authors: Iriondo M , Thió M , Burón E , Salguero E , Aguayo J , Vento M ,   the Neonatal Resuscitation Group (NRG) of the Spanish Neonatal Society (SEN)
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives: To audit the knowledge and application of internationally recommended newborn resuscitation (NR) guidelines among delivery room (DR) caregivers of Spanish hospitals.Methods: A questionnaire‐type survey on NR equipment and practices was performed in hospitals of the Spanish National Health System classified according to level of care provided.Results: 88% of the questionnaires were complimented. Limit of viability was set in 23–24 weeks in 78% of the centres. Availability of board‐certified and instructors in NRwas significantly higher in level III versus level I–II centres (94 vs. 70% and 78 vs. 51%, respectively). No differences in equipment or knowledge of guidelines of resuscitation were found between centres. Substantial differences were observed in supplementation and monitorization of oxygen, and positive pressure ventilation during resuscitation and transportation.Conclusion: Equipment availability and knowledge of guidelines of NR does not differ between hospitals independent of their level of care. However, performance during resuscitation and transportation in level III hospitals is in significantly greater acquaintance with internationally recommended NR guidelines.
Resolution of atrial thrombosis with heparin in a newborn with atrial flutter
Authors: Bronzetti Gabriele , D’Angelo Cinzia , Angelini Andrea , Picchio Fernando Maria , Boriani Giuseppe 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAtrial thrombosis is a relatively rare event in children. We report a case of a newborn with AFI who after restoration of sinus rhythm, developed atrial thrombus on a prominent Chiari network floating between the right and left atrium through the patent foramen ovale. The thrombus was resolved following treatment with heparin without events.Conclusion:  Atrial stunning was proposed as a key mechanistic phenomenon because the thrombus occurred after the cardioversion of AFI to sinus rhythm. Heparin may be effective in the resolution of atrial thrombus within a few days.
Two novel mutations in the human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene: genetics and clinical findings in four children
Authors: Simm Diemud , Pfarr Nicole , Pohlenz Joachim , Prawitt Dirk , Dörr Helmuth G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe report four children originating from two unrelated German families with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to mutations in the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene. Three female siblings (family 1) were found to be compound heterozygous for two mutations, a known mutation in exon 9 (W527C), and a mutation in exon 8 (Q446H), which has not been described before. In the second family we identified a boy with goitrous CH, who had a novel homozygous mutation in the TPO gene in exon 16 (W873X). All children of family 1 were diagnosed postnatally by newborn screening. The case of the boy of family 2 has already been reported for the in utero treatment of a goiter with hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Our results confirm existing data on the phenotypic variability of patients with TPO gene mutations.
Eurosiberian meadows at their southern edge: patterns and phytogeography in the NW Tien Shan
Authors: Wagner Viktoria 
Published: February 2009

AbstractQuestion: What are the community types, underlying gradients and phytogeographical affinities of montane meadows in the western Tien Shan?Location: Aksu‐Jabagly Nature Reserve, South Kazakhstan, Middle Asia.Methods: Species composition, structural and environmental variables were studied in 98 plots. Species composition was classified by cluster analysis and gradients explored using NMDS. Relationships between species richness, environmental and structural variables were investigated with regression analysis. Phytogeographic patterns were assessed by examining species distribution types.Results: Seven community types were distinguished by cluster analysis. Three axes of the NMDS explained 77% of the variation, showing different overlap of communities with environmental and structural properties. Species richness showed linear relationships with pH, altitude, heat load, soil skeletal content and structural variables. Middle Asian and Eurosiberian species constituted the majority of the species pool and cover.Conclusion: The studied communities represent a unique mixture of Middle Asian and Eurosiberian species that exhibit structural and environmental similarities to Eurosiberian meadows. The Tien Shan mountain meadows can thus be considered an endemic‐rich southern outlier of the broader Eurosiberian meadow formation. Shifts in land‐use patterns pose a potential threat that deserves more attention from conservationists.
Sitting position affects participative interaction of immobile aged care residents: A pilot study
Authors: Hammer J Lauren , Nitz Jennifer C 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To determine the effect of sitting position (reclined versus upright) on the levels of participative interaction and spontaneous communication of immobile and totally dependent aged care residents. Methods:  Ten frail, immobile and totally dependent female residents older than 85 years were observed in reclined and upright sitting positions. Scores measuring responsiveness to stimuli in the surrounding environment and spontaneous communication initiation were derived from observations (taken morning and afternoon). Results:  There was a significant increase in the responsiveness score in the upright sitting position (P < 0.001) but no effect of sitting position on initiative score. There was no effect of time of day on either responsiveness or initiative score.Conclusions:  An increased level of responsiveness was seen in upright sitting position in immobile and totally dependent aged care residents. The potential for participative interaction with the surrounding environment increases in this position which therefore may improve quality of life.