bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of murine bradykinin type 2 receptor despite treatment with NO, bradykinin, icatibant, or C1‐INH
Authors: Khosravani F. , Suvorava T. , Dao V. T.‐V. , Brockmann N. , Kocgirli O. , Herbst F. F. , Valcaccia S. , Kassack M. U. , Bas M. , Kojda G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about factors which trigger and/or contribute to hereditary angioedema or ACE‐inhibitor‐mediated angioedema including variations in bradykinin type 2 receptor (B2R) expression and activity.MethodsProtein and mRNA expression of B2R and the increase of intracellular calcium (iCa) in response to bradykinin were monitored in porcine and murine endothelial cells in response to NO donors or bradykinin. B2R protein expression was evaluated in skin, heart, and lung of (i) mice with endothelial‐specific overexpression of eNOS (eNOStg), (ii) in eNOS−/− mice and (iii) in C57BL/6 mice treated with the NO donor pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), the NOS inhibitor l‐nitroarginine (L‐NA), plasma pool C1‐INH, and the B2R antagonist icatibant. Aortic reactivity to bradykinin was investigated including eNOS−/− mice.ResultsB2R protein and mRNA expression remained unchanged in cells subjected to L‐NA, NO donors, and bradykinin in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Likewise, increases of iCa in murine brain endothelial cells remained unchanged. B2R protein levels were similar in eNOStg and eNOS−/− as compared to transgene‐negative littermates. Likewise, treatment of C57BL/6 mice with PETN, L‐NA, C1‐INH or icatibant did not change B2R protein expression. In aortic rings of C57BL/6 mice, bradykinin induced B2R‐dependent constrictions which were attenuated by endothelial NO and abolished by diclofenac indicating the functional importance of B2R‐induced activation of endothelial NO synthase and cyclooxygenase.ConclusionThese data suggest that alterations of B2R protein expression induced by NO, bradykinin, C1‐INH, or icatibant unlikely contribute to bradykinin‐induced angioedema. This finding does not rule out a role for NO in bradykinin‐induced extravasation and/or angioedema.
The Elusive Inclusive: Black Food Geographies and Racialized Food Spaces
Authors: Ramírez Margaret Marietta 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNorth American food scholars, activists and policymakers often consider how to make a community food project more inclusive to “vulnerable populations” to increase participation in local food efforts. Drawing from qualitative research conducted with two community food organizations in Seattle, Washington, I argue that inclusive efforts are not addressing the power asymmetries present in organizations and within communities. Engaging with black geographies literature, I reveal how a black food justice organization grapples with violent histories of slavery and dispossession rooted in a black farming imaginary, and works to re‐envision this imaginary to one of power and transformation. The spatial imaginaries and spaces of each food organization acknowledge racial histories differentially, informing their activism. Black geographies possess knowledge and spatial politics that can revitalize community food movements, and I consider how white food activists might reframe their work so that their efforts are not fueling the displacement of residents of color.
Effect of feeding Aspergillus awamori and canola seed on the growth performance and muscle fatty acid profile in broiler chicken
Authors: Saleh Ahmed A , Hayashi Kunioki , Ijiri Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine effects of dietary supplementation with Aspergillus awamori and feeding canola seed on the growth and fatty acid profile in broilers. Twenty‐eight chicks (15 days old) were assigned to the following groups: (1) control, fed a basal diet; (2) awamori, fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.05% A. awamori; (3) canola, fed a diet containing 5% canola seed; and (4) canola + awamori, fed the canola diet supplemented with A. awamori (seven birds/group). Body weight gain was increased by A. awamori but not influenced by canola seed. Breast muscle weight was increased in either awamori or canola groups. Although plasma triglyceride and cholesterol were decreased by feeding A. awamori or canola seed, fat content in the breast muscle were increased, accompanied by decrease in saturated fatty acids and increase in unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and increased α‐tocopherol content in the breast muscle was observed in all experimental groups. In conclusion, these results suggested that feeding canola seed and A. awamori might improve growth performance, and modified muscle fatty acid profile and α‐tocopherol content, suggesting that they may improve meat quality.
Mortality from adverse drug reactions in adult medical inpatients at four hospitals in South Africa: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Mouton Johannes P. , Mehta Ushma , Parrish Andy G. , Wilson Douglas P. K. , Stewart Annemie , Njuguna Christine W. , Kramer Nicole , Maartens Gary , Blockman Marc , Cohen Karen 
Published: December 2014

AimsFatal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are important causes of death, but data from resource‐limited settings are scarce. We determined the proportion of deaths in South African medical inpatients attributable to ADRs, and their preventability, stratified by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status.MethodsWe reviewed the folders of all patients who died over a 30 day period in the medical wards of four hospitals. We identified ADR‐related deaths (deaths where an ADR was ‘possible’, ‘probable’ or ‘certain’ using WHO‐UMC criteria and where the ADR contributed to death). We determined preventability according to previously published criteria.ResultsADRs contributed to the death of 2.9% of medical admissions and 56 of 357 deaths (16%) were ADR‐related. Tenofovir, rifampicin and co‐trimoxazole were the most commonly implicated drugs. 43% of ADRs were considered preventable. The following factors were independently associated with ADR‐related death: HIV‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6, 12), exposure to more than seven drugs (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3, 4.8) and increasing comorbidity score (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7).ConclusionsIn our setting, where HIV and tuberculosis are highly prevalent, fatal in‐hospital ADRs were more common than reported in high income settings. Most deaths were attributed to drugs used in managing HIV and tuberculosis. A large proportion of the ADRs were preventable, highlighting the need to strengthen systems for health care worker training and support.
A welfare analysis of unilateral trade and FDI liberalization
Authors: Ahn JaeBin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper uses a heterogeneous‐firms model to examine the pro‐competitive channel through which FDI affects national welfare. The model shows that the country from which FDI originates experiences a welfare gain following liberalization. However, a counterintuitive finding is that the welfare of the host country deteriorates. This is explained by the production relocation process that leads to an increase in the mass of domestic firms in the source country and a decrease in the host country. The model also confirms that unilateral trade liberalization brings a similar result even in the presence of bilateral FDI flows.
Foreign direct investment, heterogeneous workers and employment security: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Baumgarten Daniel , Stiebale Joel 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe analyze how foreign direct investment (FDI) affects employment security using administrative microdata for German employees. Measuring FDI intensity at the industry level enables us to take into account the sum of direct effects at multinationals as well as indirect effects of FDI throughout the affected industry. We find that both inward and outward FDI significantly reduce employment security. This is particularly the case for inward FDI coming from the western part of the European Union as well as for outward FDI going to Central and Eastern Europe. The effects are sizeable for older and low‐skilled workers.
Additive versus multiplicative trade costs and the gains from trade liberalizations
Authors: Sørensen Allan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper addresses welfare effects from trade liberalization in a Melitz () heterogeneous‐firms trade model including the empirically important per‐unit (i.e., additive) trade costs in addition to the conventional iceberg (i.e., multiplicative) and fixed trade costs. The novel contribution of the paper is the result that the welfare gain for a given increase in trade openness is higher for reductions in per‐unit (additive) trade costs than for reductions in iceberg (multiplicative) trade costs. The ranking derives from differences in intra‐industry reallocations and, in particular, from dissimilar impacts on the number of exporters (i.e., the extensive margin of trade).
Technology transfer with transboundary pollution: A signalling approach
Authors: Hong Fuhai 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere are increasing complaints from the developing world that developed countries seem reluctant to transfer green technology, despite its benefits in helping to solve the climate problem. Identifying a signalling effect of technology transfer that was neglected by the previous literature, this paper offers a rationale for this reluctance in a North‐South model with transboundary pollution. In a benchmark case with complete information, the North makes complete technology transfer, leading to a Pareto improvement. However, if the North's valuation on climate damage is its private information, the North does not completely transfer the technology in “almost all” of the equilibria.
In Silico Design of Beta‐Secretase Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Semighini Evandro Pizeta 
Published: December 2014

Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of senile dementia, flewing out 10% of 65 years old and 50% of 85 years old global population. The major fisiopathologic characteristics of Alzheimer's disease are the deposition of extracellular neuritic plaques and the presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in memory‐related areas of the brain. The plaques are composed by the β‐amyloid peptide with 40 or 42 residues, result from hydrolysis of the amyloid precursor protein by the β‐secretase 1 (BACE‐1) on the amyloidogenic pathway, that begins with the BACE‐1 and which inhibition is considered one of the most promising treatments available of Alzheimer's disease. In this work, molecular modeling techniques such as virtual screening of compound libraries, pharmacophore‐based virtual screening, molecular interaction fields, ADME/Tox predictions, and similarity search were used to design novel inhibitors of BACE‐1, starting from structures available in the Protein Data Bank. The results obtained from all virtual screening techniques leaded to 10 promising compounds, which were then evaluated by enzymatic assays, and, three of them showed inhibitory activity of BACE‐1 at a 1 μm range.
A Portion of Inhibitory Neurons in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy are Functionally Upregulated: An Endogenous Mechanism for Seizure Termination
Authors: Wen Bo , Qian Hao , Feng Jing , Ge Rong‐Jing , Xu Xin , Cui Zhi‐Qiang , Zhu Ru‐Yuan , Pan Long‐Sheng , Lin Zhi‐Pei , Wang Jin‐Hui 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMain ProblemEpilepsy is one of the more common neurological disorders. The medication is often ineffective to the patients suffering from intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). As their seizures are usually self‐terminated, the elucidation of the mechanism underlying endogenous seizure termination will help to find a new strategy for epilepsy treatment. We aim to examine the role of inhibitory interneurons in endogenous seizure termination in TLE patients.MethodsWhole‐cell recordings were conducted on inhibitory interneurons in seizure‐onset cortices of intractable TLE patients and the temporal lobe cortices of nonseizure individuals. The intrinsic property of the inhibitory interneurons and the strength of their GABAergic synaptic outputs were measured. The quantitative data were introduced into the computer‐simulated neuronal networks to figure out a role of these inhibitory units in the seizure termination.ResultsIn addition to functional downregulation, a portion of inhibitory interneurons in seizure‐onset cortices were upregulated in encoding the spikes and controlling their postsynaptic neurons. A patch‐like upregulation of inhibitory neurons in the local network facilitated seizure termination. The upregulations of both inhibitory neurons and their output synapses synergistically shortened seizure duration, attenuated seizure strength, and terminated seizure propagation.ConclusionAutomatic seizure termination is likely due to the fact that a portion of the inhibitory neurons and synapses are upregulated in the seizure‐onset cortices. This mechanism may create novel therapeutic strategies to treat intractable epilepsy, such as the simultaneous upregulation of cortical inhibitory neurons and their output synapses.
Splenic Responses in Ischemic Stroke: New Insights into Stroke Pathology
Authors: Liu Zong‐Jian , Chen Chen , Li Feng‐Wu , Shen Jia‐Mei , Yang Yuan‐Yuan , Leak Rehana K. , Ji Xun‐Ming , Du Hui‐Shan , Hu Xiao‐Ming 
Published: December 2014

SummaryIn the past decade, the significant contribution of the spleen to ischemic brain damage has gained considerable attention in stroke research. As the largest natural reservoir of immune cells, the spleen establishes critical connections with the ischemic brain during the progression of stroke and mobilizes its cells to the site of injury. Multiple “alarm” signals released from the injured brain are essential for the initiation of brain–spleen communication. Spleen‐derived cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes/macrophages, are known to contribute significantly to ischemic brain damage. Understanding the dynamic splenic responses to stroke will not only provide insights into the evolvement of ischemic brain injury but will also identify potential targets for stroke treatment. Here, we review recent studies on the functions of the spleen in ischemic stroke. We have included a discussion of several therapeutic strategies that target splenic responses and reduce acute ischemic brain damage in preclinical studies. Future investigations on the effects of the spleen on long‐term stroke recovery are highly warranted.
Soil carbon sequestration and land use change associated with biofuel production: empirical evidence
Authors: Qin Zhangcai , Dunn Jennifer B. , Kwon Hoyoung , Mueller Steffen , Wander Michelle M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) change can be a major impact of land use change (LUC) associated with biofuel feedstock production. By collecting and analyzing data from worldwide field observations of majorLUCs from cropland, grassland, and forest to lands producing biofuel crops (i.e. corn, switchgrass,Miscanthus, poplar, and willow), we were able to estimateSOCresponse ratios and sequestration rates and evaluate the effects of soil depth and time scale onSOCchange. Both the amount and rate ofSOCchange were highly dependent on the specific land transition. Irrespective of soil depth or time horizon, cropland conversions resulted in an overallSOCgain of 6–14% relative to initialSOClevel, while conversion from grassland or forest to corn (without residue removal) or poplar caused significant carbon loss (9–35%). No significantSOCchanges were observed in land converted from grasslands or forests to switchgrass,Miscanthus,or willow. TheSOCresponse ratios were similar in both 0–30 and 0–100 cm soil depths in most cases, suggestingSOCchanges in deep soil and that use of top soil only forSOCaccounting in biofuel life cycle analysis (LCA) might underestimate totalSOCchanges. Soil carbon sequestration rates varied greatly among studies and land transition types. Generally, the rates ofSOCchange tended to be the greatest during the 10 years following land conversion and had declined to approach 0 within about 20 years for mostLUCs. Observed trends inSOCchange were generally consistent with previous reports. Soil depth and duration of study significantly influenceSOCchange rates and so should be considered in carbon emission accounting in biofuelLCA. High uncertainty remains for many perennial systems and forest transitions, additional field trials, and modeling efforts are needed to draw conclusions about the site‐ and system‐specific rates and direction of change.
Salivary gland homogenates from wild‐caught sand flies Lutzomyia flaviscutellata and Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) complexus showed inhibitory effects on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection in BALB/c mice
Authors: Francesquini Fernanda C. , Silveira Fernando T. , Passero Luiz Felipe D. , Tomokane Thaise Y. , Carvalho Ana Kely , Corbett Carlos Eduardo P. , Laurenti Márcia D. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryDuring the natural transmission of Leishmania parasites, the infected sand fly female regurgitates promastigotes into the host's skin together with its saliva. It has been reported that vector saliva contains immunomodulatory molecules that facilitate the establishment of infection. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the specificity of Lutzomyia (Lu.) flaviscutellata and Lu. (Psychodopygus) complexus salivas on the infectivity of Leishmania (L.) (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. (Viannia) braziliensis, respectively. BALB/c mice were inoculated into the skin of hind footpad with L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes in the absence or presence of Lu. flaviscutellata and Lu. (P.) complexus salivary gland homogenates (SGHs). The evolution of the infection was evaluated by lesion size, histopathological analysis and determination of the parasite load in the skin biopsies collected from the site of infection at 4 and 8 weeks PI. The lesion size and the parasite load of both groups of mice infected in the presence of SGHs were smaller than the control groups. The histopathological features showed that the inflammatory reaction was less prominent in the groups of mice infected in the presence of both SGHs when compared to the control group. The results showed that the presence of SGHs of Lu. flaviscutellata and Lu. (P.) complexus led to induction of processes that were disadvantageous to parasite establishment during infection by L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. An inhibitory effect on Leishmania infection could be observed in both groups inoculated with SGHs, especially when the SGH from Lu. (P.) complexus was used.
Consensus guidelines for antifungal prophylaxis in haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, 2014
Authors: Fleming S. , Yannakou C. K. , Haeusler G. M. , Clark J. , Grigg A. , Heath C. H. , Bajel A. , van Hal S. J. , Chen S. C. , Milliken S. T. , Morrissey C. O. , Tam C. S. , Szer J. , Weinkove R. , Slavin M. A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere is a strong argument for the use of antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk patients given the significant mortality associated with invasive fungal disease, the late identification of these infections, and the availability of safe and well‐tolerated prophylactic medications. Clinical decisions about which patients should receive prophylaxis and choice of antifungal agent should be guided by risk stratification, knowledge of local fungal epidemiology, the efficacy and tolerability profile of available agents, and estimates such as number needed to treat and number needed to harm. There have been substantial changes in practice since the 2008 guidelines were published. These include the availability of new medications and/or formulations, and a focus on refining and simplifying patient risk stratification. Used in context, these guidelines aim to assist clinicians in providing optimal preventive care to this vulnerable patient demographic.
Consensus guidelines for the treatment of invasive mould infections in haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, 2014
Authors: Blyth C. C. , Gilroy N. M. , Guy S. D. , Chambers S. T. , Cheong E. Y. , Gottlieb T. , McGuinness S. L. , Thursky K. A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMould species represent the pathogens most commonly associated with invasive fungal disease in patients with haematological malignancies and patients of haemopoietic stem cell transplants. Invasive mould infections in these patient populations, particularly in the setting of neutropenia, are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and significantly increase the complexity of management. While Aspergillus species remain the most prevalent cause of invasive mould infections, Scedosporium and Fusarium species and the Mucormycetes continue to place a significant burden on the immunocompromised host. Evidence also suggests that infections caused by rare and emerging pathogens are increasing within the setting of broad‐spectrum antifungal prophylaxis and improved survival times placing immunosuppressed patients at risk for longer. These guidelines present evidence‐based recommendations for the antifungal management of common, rare and emerging mould infections in both adult and paediatric populations. Where relevant, the role of surgery, adjunctive therapy and immunotherapy is also discussed.
The Effect of Examiner Variability on Multiple Canine Stifle Kinematic Gait Collections in a 3‐Dimensional Model
Authors: Torres Bryan T. , Gilbert Peter J. , Reynolds Lisa R. , Fu Yang‐Chieh , Navik Judith A. , Sornborger Andrew , Budsberg Steven C. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate examiner variability in a superficial skin marker model of canine stifle kinematics.Study DesignExperimental.AnimalsSix clinically normal dogs.MethodsDogs had 11 retroreflective markers fixed to the skin on the right hindlimb. Dogs were trotted 5 times through the calibrated testing space and this was repeated on 4 different testing days. Examiner A applied all markers to a dog and collected 6 good trials for analysis. The markers were then removed and Examiner B immediately repeated the process on the same dog. This was repeated for each dog on the 4 testing days. The dogs were trotted at a velocity of 1.70–2.10 m/s through the testing space to obtain the dynamic data sets. Comparisons were performed with Fourier analysis and Generalized Indicator Function Analysis (GIFA). Significance was set atP < .05 for all comparisons.ResultsFourier analysis and GIFA found differences within and between examiners. Fourier analysis found no differences in sagittal and transverse planes for the experienced (A) and novice examiner (B), respectively. Fourier analysis detected fewer differences for the experienced examiner (A).ConclusionVariability occurs within and between examiners using the same kinematic model. Transverse and frontal plane kinematics produce variable results between examiners. Prior experience with the model reduces the amount of variability and results in consistent and repeatable sagittal plane kinematic data collection.