bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐term administration of the glucagon receptor antagonist LY2409021 lowers blood glucose in healthy people and in those with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kelly R. P. , Garhyan P. , Raddad E. , Fu H. , Lim C. N. , Prince M. J. , Pinaire J. A. , Loh M. T. , Deeg M. A. 
Published: February 2015

AimTo describe the clinical effects of single and multiple doses of a potent, selective, orally administered, small‐molecule antagonist of the human glucagon receptor, LY2409021, in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsLY2409021 was administered in dose‐escalation studies to healthy subjects (n = 23) and patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 9) as single doses (Study 1) and daily to patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 47) for 28 days (Study 2). Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) assessments were made after single doses and in patients receiving once‐daily doses of LY2409021 (5, 30, 60 or 90 mg) for 28 days.ResultsLY2409021 was well tolerated at all dose levels in both studies. Fasting and postprandial glucose were reduced and glucagon levels increased after single and multiple dosing, with reductions in fasting serum glucose of up to ∼1.25 mmol/l on day 28. Serum aminotransferases increased in a dose‐dependent manner with multiple dosing and reversed after cessation of dosing. Significant glucose‐lowering was observed with LY2409021 at dose levels associated with only minor aminotransferase increases.ConclusionBlockade of glucagon signalling in patients with type 2 diabetes is well tolerated and results in substantial reduction of fasting and postprandial glucose with minimal hypoglycaemia, but with reversible increases in aminotransferases. Inhibition of glucagon signalling by LY2409021 is a promising potential treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes and should be evaluated in longer clinical trials to better evaluate benefits and risks.
A novel peripheral cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist, BPR0912, reduces weight independently of food intake and modulates thermogenesis
Authors: Hsiao W.‐C. , Shia K.‐S. , Wang Y.‐T. , Yeh Y.‐N. , Chang C.‐P. , Lin Y. , Chen P.‐H. , Wu C.‐H. , Chao Y.‐S. , Hung M.‐S. 
Published: February 2015

AimTo investigate the in vivo metabolic effects of treatment with BPR0912, a novel and potent peripheral cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonist, on both normal mice and diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice.MethodsThe acute peripheral effects of BPR0912 administration on gastrointestinal transit and energy metabolism in normal mice were investigated. The effects of chronic BPR0912 treatment were compared with those of rimonabant using DIO mice. Alterations to body weight and biochemical and metabolic variables were determined.ResultsAcute treatment with BPR0912 did not alter food intake or energy metabolism, but efficiently reversed CB1R‐mediated gastrointestinal delay. Chronic treatment of DIO mice with BPR0912 showed that BPR0912 exerts a food intake‐independent mechanism, which contributes to weight loss. Genes involved in β‐oxidation and thermogenesis were upregulated in white adipose tissue (WAT) in addition to increased lipolytic activity, whereas Ucp1 expression was induced in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and body temperature was elevated. Expression of the β2‐adrenoceptor was specifically elevated in both WAT and BAT in a manner dependent on the BPR0912 dose. Lastly, chronic BPR0912 treatment was more efficacious than rimonabant in reducing hepatic triglycerides in DIO mice.ConclusionBPR0912 exhibits significant in vivo efficacy in inducing food intake‐independent weight loss in DIO mice, while tending to reduce their hepatic steatosis. The thermogenic effects of BPR0912, as well as its modulation of protein and gene expression patterns in WAT and BAT, may enhance its efficacy as an anti‐obesity agent. The results of the present study support the benefits of the use of peripheral CB1R antagonists to combat metabolic disorders.
Adverse Selection, Gresham's Law and State Regulation
Authors: Ricketts Martin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRegulation is often justified as a response to adverse selection caused by poorly informed buyers and as a means of preventing a ‘race to the bottom’ in competitive markets. This paper argues that competitive markets respond with a variety of institutional mechanisms to problems of adverse selection and that these are often subverted by regulation. Far from Gresham's Law being associated with competitive market processes, it is actually more correctly viewed as the outcome of regulatory intervention that weakens the quality‐protecting incentives that economic agents would otherwise face.
Avian mite dermatitis: an Italian case indicating the establishment and spread of Ornithonyssus bursa (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae) (Berlese, 1888) in Europe
Authors: Castelli Elena , Viviano Enza , Torina Alessandra , Caputo Valentina , Bongiorno Maria Rita 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAvian mite dermatitis is a skin disease caused in mammals by the incidental bites of blood‐sucking mites which customarily parasitize wild and domestic birds. It manifests in the form of pruritic, erythematous, or urticarial papules, with a central sting mark, in skin regions normally covered by clothing. The species mainly implicated in human bite cases are Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus sylviarum and, less frequently, Ornithonyssus bursa. The latter is mainly a tropical and subtropical mite and its – presumably transitory – presence has been recorded only once in Europe, in migratory birds.Case reportWe report a case of avian mite dermatitis in a 70‐year‐old man, an owner of chickens, who lived in Sicily, an island in southern Italy. He presented with an itching, erythematous, papular eruption. Numerous mites were seen racing across his skin. The precise identification of O. bursa was based on the morphology of its plates and chelicerae and on the arrangement of its setae.ConclusionsNot only does this paper report the first European case of human infestation with O. bursa, it provides evidence that this alien species has settled and spread in the Old Continent. It may have been flown in from a small focus reported in Danish migratory birds in the 1980s or may have been accidentally introduced into Italy through the importation of infested poultry from South America. Such occurrences may have unpredictable epidemiological and ecological consequences. More comprehensive veterinary inspection of imported birds is desirable.
A Case of Atrial Tachycardia Treated with Ivabradine as Bridge to Ablation
Authors: MELES ESTER , CARBONE CLAUDIO , MAGGIOLINI STEFANO , MORETTI PAOLO , DE CARLINI CATERINA C. , GENTILE GAETANO , GNECCHI‐RUSCONE TOMASO 
Published: February 2015

Ivabradine in Atrial TachycardiaIvabradine is indicated in cardiac failure and ischemia to reduce sinus rate by inhibition of the pacemaker I(f) current in sinoatrial node. We report a case of an 18‐year‐old woman with left atrial tachyarrhythmia resistant to several antiarrhythmic drugs and to electric cardioversion who responded only to ivabradine, which significantly reduced heart rate without abolishing the arrhythmia itself. An ectopic focus in the ostium of left pulmonary veins was found and the patient was successfully ablated. We suggest that ivabradine might be therefore useful in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias due to an enhanced automaticity.
A Single Visit Direct Technique to Provisionally Restore Occlusion for a Full‐Mouth Rehabilitation: A Clinical Report
Authors: El‐Kerdani Tarek , Nimmo Arthur 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAttrition of the dentition can negatively affect esthetics and function. When reconstructing patients with attrition who require restoration at increased occlusal vertical dimension (OVD), it is necessary to first evaluate the OVD using a removable interim prosthesis to ensure that the patient will tolerate the new position. The transition to fixed interim prostheses has to be carefully planned to achieve the desired OVD. One approach is to prepare all teeth in a single day and place full‐arch interim prostheses; however, this can be tiring for the patient and prosthodontist. An alternative approach is to prepare one arch and place interim prostheses, while using composite resin in the opposing arch to maintain the newly established OVD. A diagnostic wax‐up at the proposed OVD is completed and duplicated in stone. A vacuform matrix is loaded with composite resin and applied to the unprepared etched teeth of the opposing arch to restore form and occlusion until full contour interim prostheses are placed at a later visit.
Defence‐Related Enzymes in Soybean Resistance to Target Spot
Authors: Fortunato Alessandro A. , Debona Daniel , Bernardeli Arthur M. A. , Rodrigues Fabrício A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTarget spot, caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola, has become a serious foliar disease in soybean production in the Brazilian Cerrado. Information in the literature regarding the biochemical defence responses of soybean to C. cassiicola infection is rare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the biochemical features associated with soybean resistance to target spot. The activities of chitinases (CHI), β‐1‐3‐glucanases (GLU), phenylalanine ammonia‐lyases (PAL), peroxidases (POX), polyphenol oxidases (PPO) and lipoxygenases (LOX), as well as the concentrations of total soluble phenolics (TSP) and lignin‐thioglycolic acid (LTGA) derivatives, were determined in soybean leaves from both a resistant (FUNDACEP 59) and a susceptible (TMG 132) cultivar. The target spot severity, number of lesions per cm2 of leaflet and area under the disease progress curve were significantly lower for plants from cv. FUNDACEP 59 compared to plants from cv. TMG 132. The GLU, CHI, PAL, POX and PPO activities and the concentration of LTGA derivatives increased significantly, whereas LOX activity decreased significantly on the leaves infected by C. cassiicola. Inoculated plants from cv. FUNDACEP 59 showed a higher PPO activity and concentrations of TSP and LTGA derivatives at 4 and 6 days after inoculation compared to plants from cv. TMG 132. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that the defence‐related enzyme activities increased upon C. cassiicola infection, regardless of the basal level of resistance of the cultivar studied. The increases in PPO activity and concentrations of TSP and LTGA derivatives, but lower LOX activity, at early stages of C. cassiicola infection were highly associated with soybean resistance to target spot.
Species‐Specific PCR‐Based Assay for Identification and Detection of Phomopsis (Diaporthe) azadirachtae Causing Die‐Back Disease in Azadirachta indica
Authors: Vedashree Sobagaiah , Sateesh Mysore Krishnaiah , Chowdappa Pallem , Nirmalkumar Bangalore Jayaseelan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDie‐back disease caused by Phomopsis (Diaporthe) azadirachtae is the devastating disease of Azadirachta indica. Accurate identification of P. azadirachtae is always problematic due to morphological plasticity and delayed appearance of conidia. A species‐specific PCR‐based assay was developed for rapid and reliable identification of P. azadirachtae by designing a species‐specific primer‐targeting ITS region of P. azadirachtae isolates. The assay was validated with DNA isolated from different Phomopsis species and other fungal isolates. The PCR assay amplified 313‐bp product from all the isolates of P. azadirachtae and not from any other Phomopsis species or any genera indicating its specificity. The assay successfully detected the pathogen DNA in naturally and artificially infected neem seeds and twigs indicating its applicability in seed quarantine and seed health testing. The sensitivity of the assay was 100 fg when genomic DNA of all isolates was analysed. The PCR‐based assay was 92% effective in comparison with seed plating technique in detecting the pathogen. This is the first report on the development of species‐specific PCR assay for identification and detection of P. azadirachtae. Thus, PCR‐based assay developed is very specific, rapid, confirmatory and sensitive tool for detection of pathogen P. azadirachtae at early stages.
Emotions as Psychological Reactions
Authors: Zamuner Edoardo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSometimes we speak of behaviours and actions as reactions, just as we speak of physical conditions and mental states as reactions. But what do we mean when we say that emotions are reactions? I answer this question by developing an account of emotions as psychological reactions to presentations or representations of states of affairs. I show that this account may provide a novel conceptual framework for explaining aspects of the intentionality, phenomenology and behavioural manifestation of emotions. I conclude by showing that this account is compatible with the view that emotions can be assessed on grounds of justification and correctness.
Uncertainty Without All the Doubt
Authors: Norby Aaron 
Published: February 2015

AbstractI investigate whether degreed beliefs are able to play the predictive, explanatory, and modeling roles that they are frequently taken to play. The investigation focuses on evidence—both from sources familiar in epistemology as well as recent work in behavioral economics and cognitive psychology—of variability in agents' apparent degrees of belief. Although such variability has been noticed before, there has been little philosophical discussion of its breadth or of the psychological mechanisms underlying it. Once these are appreciated, the inadequacy of degrees of belief becomes clear. I offer a theoretical alternative to degrees of belief, what I call thefilter theory.
Attitudes to a robot bathtub in Danish elder care: A hermeneutic interview study
Authors: Beedholm Kirsten , Frederiksen Kirsten , Frederiksen Anne‐Marie Skovsgaard , Lomborg Kirsten 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn Western countries, assistive technology is implemented on a large scale in elder care settings. Only a few studies have attempted to explore the different attitudes to assistive technology among various groups of users. In this study, we investigated and explained the different attitudes among the involved leaders, nursing staff, and older people to a newly‐implemented robot bathtub. Qualitative analyses of eight interviews with managers, nursing staff, and the older users revealed that the informants focused on different aspects (process, values, and functionality, respectively), used different implicit quality criteria, and ascribed different symbolic significance to the robot bathtub. Thus, the study demonstrated how attitudes toward the robot bathtub were connected to the informants’ institutional role. The findings challenge the current paradigm, where technology is expected to operate as a passive tool, simply facilitating desired human acts and interactions. Further studies drawing on the epistemological and ontological perceptions of science technology studies are needed in order to understand human rationalities in the assistive technology context and to offer new insights into how technology “works” in organizations.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of developmental stages of the Limonium bicolor leaf generates insights into salt gland differentiation
Authors: YUAN FANG , LYU MING‐JU AMY , LENG BING‐YING , ZHENG GUANG‐YONG , FENG ZHONG‐TAO , LI PING‐HUA , ZHU XIN‐GUANG , WANG BAO‐SHAN 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWith the expansion of saline land worldwide, it is essential to establish a model halophyte to study the salt‐tolerance mechanism. The salt glands in the epidermis of Limonium bicolor (a recretohalophyte) play a pivotal role in salt tolerance by secreting excess salts from tissues. Despite the importance of salt secretion, nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms of salt gland development. In this study, we applied RNA sequencing to profile early leaf development using five distinct developmental stages, which were quantified by successive collections of the first true leaves of L. bicolor with precise spatial and temporal resolution. Specific gene expression patterns were identified for each developmental stage. In particular, we found that genes controlling salt gland differentiation in L. bicolor may evolve in a trichome formation, which was also confirmed by mutants with increased salt gland densities. Genes involved in the special ultrastructure of salt glands were also elucidated. Twenty‐six genes were proposed to participate in salt gland differentiation. Our dataset sheds light on the molecular processes underpinning salt gland development and thus represents a first step towards the bioengineering of active salt‐secretion capacity in crops.
Social Categorization in Intergroup Contexts: Three Kinds of Self‐Categorization
Authors: Leonardelli Geoffrey J. , Toh Soo Min 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn reviewing self‐categorization theory and the literature upon which it is based, we conclude that individuals' attempts to form social categories could lead to three kinds of self‐categorization. We label them intergroup categorization, ingroup categorization, and outgroup categorization. We review literature supporting these three types and argue that they can help to explain and organize the existing evidence. Moreover, we conclude that distinguishing these three kinds of self‐categorization lead to novel predictions regarding social identity, social cognition, and groups. We offer some of those predictions by discussing their potential causes (building from optimal distinctiveness and security seeking literatures) and implications (on topics including prototype complexity, self‐stereotyping, stereotype formation, intergroup behavior, dual identity, conformity, and the psychological implications of perceiving uncategorized collections of people). This paper offers a platform from which to build theoretical and empirical advances in social identity, social cognition, and intergroup relations.
A new preparation method for red blood cells for intrauterine transfusion enabling reduction of donor exposure
Authors: Bontekoe Ido J. , Scharenberg John , Schonewille Henk , Zwaginga Jaap Jan , Brand Anneke , van der Meer Pieter F. , de Korte Dirk 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUNDSevere hemolytic anemia of the fetus, caused by maternal red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies, is treated with intrauterine transfusion (IUT) of RBCs. Because IUT is associated with additional antibody formation, RBCs with the closest match between donor and mother are preferred. Because one fetus needs a median of three IUTs, finding such RBCs is complicated. Collection of repeated low‐volume donations from one selected donor during the entire IUT treatment period would reduce donor exposure and possibly IUT‐associated alloimmunization.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWhole blood (WB) donations of 100 and 200 mL were diluted with saline, filtered, centrifuged, and separated to prepare experimental RBCs. Before and after gamma irradiation, the RBCs were sampled for comparison of in vitro quality with standard RBCs for IUT. An additional washing procedure was investigated to remove anti‐A/‐B.RESULTSExperimental RBCs were leukoreduced to levels conforming with current guidelines and had final volumes of 44 (n = 12) and 84 (n = 8) mL with hematocrit levels between 0.80 and 0.88 L/L. Hemolysis was lower (0.12% vs. 0.42%), potassium leakage comparable, adenosine triphosphate levels lower (4.8 µmol/g Hb vs. 6.1 µmol/g Hb), and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate levels higher (10.3 µmol/g Hb vs 7.7 µmol/g Hb) at 6 hours after irradiation (product expiration time) compared to standard RBCs for IUT (n = 3). Anti‐A/‐B titers decreased substantially by the washing procedure.CONCLUSIONRBCs for IUT can be prepared from 100‐ or 200‐mL WB donations, showing the potential of this new blood product to reduce donor exposure. A washing procedure is recommended to remove anti‐A/‐B.
Two‐Stage Rumen Cannulation Technique in Dairy Cows
Authors: Martineau Roger , Proulx Julien G. , Côrtes Cristiano , Brito Andre F. , Duffield Todd F. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo describe a 2‐stage rumen cannulation technique for dairy cows.Study DesignCase series.Animals172 dairy cows from 2 research institutions.MethodsThe 2‐stage rumen cannulation technique first exteriorized a rumen segment within a wooden clamp, fixing the clamp to the skin with 6 mattress sutures. After 1 week, the necrotic rumen segment was removed, leaving a rumen fistula in which a 7.5 cm cannula was inserted. This was replaced by a 10 cm cannula a further 1 week later. The surgery took an average of 30 minutes. At least 1 assistant is required for the technique.ResultsThe overall complication frequency was 7/172 (4%). One cow and 1 heifer aborted less than 10 days after surgery. Two late‐pregnant heifers died from peritonitis after insertion of the 7.5 cm cannula because of incomplete adhesion of the rumen to the abdominal wall. The exteriorized rumen segment slipped back in the abdomen in 3 cows but was successfully re‐clamped prior to insertion of the 7.5 cm cannula.ConclusionA high success rate was achieved with this 2‐stage cannulation technique. Postoperative complications were attributed to delayed adhesion of the rumen, perhaps because of stress‐related factors (e.g., transport, mixing with other animals, transition period).
Diversity of Plasmids and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Multidrug‐Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Healthy Companion Animals
Authors: Jackson C. R. , Davis J. A. , Frye J. G. , Barrett J. B. , Hiott L. M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe presence and transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes from commensal bacteria in companion animals to more pathogenic bacteria may contribute to dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance gene content and the presence of genetic elements in antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli from healthy companion animals. In our previous study, from May to August, 2007, healthy companion animals (155 dogs and 121 cats) from three veterinary clinics in the Athens, GA, USA area were sampled and multidrug‐resistant E. coli (n = 36; MDR, resistance to ≥2 antimicrobial classes) were obtained. Of the 25 different plasmid replicon types tested by PCR, at least one plasmid replicon type was detected in 94% (34/36) of the MDR E. coli; four isolates contained as many as five different plasmid replicons. Nine replicon types (FIA, FIB, FII, I2, A/C, U, P, I1 and HI2) were identified with FIB, FII, I2 as the most common pattern. The presence of class I integrons (intI) was detected in 61% (22/36) of the isolates with eight isolates containing aminoglycoside‐ and/or trimethoprim‐resistance genes in the variable cassette region of intI. Microarray analysis of a subset of the MDR E. coli (n = 9) identified the presence of genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (aac, aad, aph and strA/B), β‐lactams (ampC, cmy, tem and vim), chloramphenicol (cat), sulfonamides (sulI and sulII), tetracycline [tet(A), tet(B), tet(C), tet(D) and regulator, tetR] and trimethoprim (dfrA). Antimicrobial resistance to eight antimicrobials (ampicillin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, streptomycin, gentamicin, sulfisoxazole and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole) and five plasmid replicons (FIA, FIB, FII, I1 and I2) were transferred via conjugation. The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes, intI and transferable plasmid replicons indicate that E. coli from companion animals may play an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, particularly to human hosts during contact.