bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental correlates of body size distribution in Cyprinidae (Actinopterygians) depend on phylogenetic scale
Authors: Denys Gaël P.J. , Tedesco Pablo A. , Oberdorff Thierry , Gaubert Philippe 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe pattern of increasing species body size with increasing latitude has been noticed in different groups of animals. Here, we used seven key environmental factors and independent contrasts to assess body size latitudinal clines in Cyprinidae at two phylogenetic levels (inter‐ and intragenera), which were defined using a genus‐level supertree. Model selection procedures revealed that environmental factors shaping body size variation in Cyprinidae differed according to the phylogenetic scale considered. At the higher phylogenetic level, we found that both temperature (negative effect) and habitat availability (positive effect of drainage basin surface area) constituted mechanistic explanations of large‐scale body size distribution. No temperature‐related body size cline was observed at the intragenus level. Instead, competitive interaction (negative effect of species richness), habitat availability (positive effect of drainage basin surface area), migration ability and available energy (positive effects of glacial coverage and actual evapotranspiration) constitute alternative explanations at this lower phylogenetic scale. We conclude that (i) at the intergenus level, cyprinids do show a tendency to be smaller at high temperatures and larger at low temperatures, (ii) this tendency no longer exists at the intragenus level, (iii) latitude per se is a weak predictor of body size clines whatever the taxonomic level analysed, (iv) generalising geographical body size patterns may be rendered difficult by the superimposition of a series of mechanisms across different taxonomic scales, and (v) habitat size, here acting positively at both taxonomic scales, may play a major role in shaping riverine species body size clines.
Recent actions of the US Food and Drug Administration against illegal homeopathic products
Authors: Van Dusen Virgil , Pray W Steven 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA is charged with protecting the American public from products that are adulterated, misbranded or which fit the federal definition of ‘health fraud.’ One company, the Standard Homeopathic Company and its Hyland's line of homeopathic remedies, has violated all three of these laws. Hyland's Teething Tablets have injured babies through toxic amounts of belladonna, and it makes numerous unsupported medical claims for non‐prescription products that violate misbranding laws. Further, since the products lack any evidence of safety and efficacy, they fit the FDA definition of ‘health fraud.’ The FDA has attempted to force Standard Homeopathic to follow the relevant laws, but the company has not so far fully corrected the illegal acts.
Raf‐interactome in tuning the complexity and diversity of Raf function
Authors: An Su , Yang Yang , Ward Richard , Liu Ying , Guo Xiao‐Xi , Xu Tian‐Rui 
Published: October 2014

Raf kinases have been intensely studied subsequent to their discovery 30 years ago. The Ras‐Raf‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase kinase‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (Ras‐Raf‐MEK‐ERK/MAPK) signaling pathway is at the heart of the signaling networks that control many fundamental cellular processes and Raf kinases takes centre stage in the MAPK pathway, which is now appreciated to be one of the most common sources of the oncogenic mutations in cancer. The dependency of tumors on this pathway has been clearly demonstrated by targeting its key nodes; however, blockade of the central components of the MAPK pathway may have some unexpected side effects. Over recent years, the Raf‐interactome or Raf‐interacting proteins have emerged as promising targets for protein‐directed cancer therapy. This review focuses on the diversity of Raf‐interacting proteins and discusses the mechanisms by which these proteins regulate Raf function, as well as the implications of targeting Raf‐interacting proteins in the treatment of human cancer.
Effects of increased water temperature on leaf litter quality and detritivore performance: a whole‐reach manipulative experiment
Authors: Mas‐Martí Esther , Muñoz Isabel , Oliva Francesc , Canhoto Cristina 
Published: October 2014

Summary

We compared leaf litter conditioning in two artificial stream channels that were connected to a second‐order stream (both in‐ and outflow). The water in one channel had the same temperature as the stream and in the other channel was warmed (3 °C above ambient stream water temperature). In addition to measuring leaf decomposition by microbes, we ran feeding trials in the artificial streams and the laboratory that addressed the feeding preferences, resource acquisition and performance of a dominant detritivore.

Oak leaves were conditioned for three weeks in both channels and then offered during the following five weeks to Sericostoma vittatum larvae kept in cages in the same channels. Additionally, leaves conditioned in both conditions were simultaneously offered to the larvae in a feeding preference laboratory trial. Leaves conditioned in the channel with elevated temperature had reduced toughness, fewer phenols and lower carbon : nitrogen ratios. However, individuals did not prefer these leaves over those conditioned at ambient stream temperature.

We observed lower carbon : nitrogen imbalances and increased consumption rates in the stream channel at warmer temperature but these were not translated into higher growth rates. Higher metabolic rates of the S. vittatum individuals and other temperature‐mediated factors such as changes in leaf quality could explain the increased consumption. We observed higher lipid storage and earlier pupation of S. vittatum at warmer temperatures, suggesting that individuals allocated resources to metamorphosis and reproduction, rather than to somatic growth.

We argue that microbial and invertebrate‐mediated organic matter cycling will be faster in streams under future warming scenarios. However, these systems will likely become less efficient in carbon retention via effects on larval performance (growth and developmental time) and timing of prey availability to the stream and coupled riparian food webs.
Prospective evaluation of venous access difficulty and a near‐infrared vein visualizer at four French haemophilia treatment centres
Authors: Guillon P. , Makhloufi M. , Baillie S. , Roucoulet C. , Dolimier E. , Masquelier A.‐M. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryAlthough a serious impediment in haemo‐philia patients, difficulty accessing peripheral veins has received little attention in clinical studies. New peripheral vein visualization devices could potentially ameliorate difficult venous access (DVA), but their utility remains unproved. The study aim was to survey the frequency, causes and clinical manifestations of DVA and evaluate the clinical utility of a near‐infrared (NIR) vein visualizer. In this multicentre prospective study, methods, difficulties and outcomes of venous access were assessed for a single venipuncture in consecutive patients. The impact of an NIR vein visualizer on vein localization, the number of venipuncture attempts and patient stress and pain was determined. Among 450 total patients enrolled, venous access was judged to be difficult in 165 (36.7%), most often because of poor vein condition, young patient age, overweight and difficulty in finding veins. Of the patients with DVA, difficulty in locating veins was encountered in 82.4%, and more than one venipuncture attempt was required in 24.8%. Veins were difficult to locate in significantly fewer DVA patients (P = 0.002) when the NIR vein visualizer was used (76.0%) than not used (92.3%). Pain during venipuncture in DVA patients was also significantly less common (P = 0.019) with use of the NIR vein visualizer (34.0% vs. 55.4%). No effect was observed on venipuncture attempts. DVA affects more than one‐third of patients at haemophilia treatment centres. An NIR vein visualizer showed significant promise for facilitating vein location and mitigating patient pain in those patients.
Childhood dental injuries: a resiliency model of adaptation
Authors: Porritt Jenny M. , Rodd Helen D. , Baker Sarah R. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThere is a paucity of research examining how children and their families adapt to traumatic dental injuries.AimThis study examined how clinical and psychosocial factors influence adaptation to this oral stressor using a theoretical framework of resiliency and adaptation.DesignChildren with traumatised permanent teeth, who were attending a UK dental hospital, completed questionnaires at baseline and at a 6 month follow‐up. Child questionnaires assessed coping styles, social support, and quality of life outcomes. Parents were also asked to complete questionnaires, which assessed previous stressors/strains on the family, social support, healthcare satisfaction, and family impacts. Data related to the child's dental injury were collected from clinical notes. Structural equation modelling and regression analyses were employed to analyse data.ResultsOne hundred and eight children and 113 parents participated at baseline. Children's gender, coping style, social support, and family functioning significantly predicted children's oral health‐related quality of life. Parents' satisfaction with their children's dental care significantly predicted parental quality of life outcomes. Children's close friend support and healthcare satisfaction remained significant predictors of positive outcomes at follow‐up.ConclusionsThe findings revealed important psychosocial factors that influence child and family adaptation to childhood dental trauma.
C'est l'emploi qui compte: relancer la croissance et réduire les inégalités
Authors: NAYYAR Deepak 
Published: October 2014

RésuméLa crise économique a fortement ralenti la croissance et, plus encore, la création d'emplois. La dégradation de la qualité de l'emploi a accentué la tendance au creusement des inégalités. La croissance sans emploi détériore la répartition des revenus, donc la croissance du produit. Les salaires sont des coûts du côté de l'offre, mais des revenus du côté de la demande, de sorte que croissance tirée par les profits et croissance tirée par les salaires ne sont pas exclusives mais complémentaires: la croissance crée des emplois et les emplois entraînent la croissance. Créer plus d'emplois, et de meilleure qualité, atténuerait les inégalités. Si les politiques macroéconomiques se concentrent sur le soutien à la croissance et à l'emploi, plutôt que sur la stabilité des prix et les équilibres budgétaires, l'emploi ravivera la croissance et réduira les inégalités.
La répartition régionale de la prime aux qualifications en Chine urbaine: implications sur la croissance et les inégalités
Authors: WHALLEY John , XING Chunbing 
Published: October 2014

RésuméLes auteurs observent que la prime aux qualifications a augmenté dans toutes les régions de Chine entre 1995 et 2002, mais seulement dans les régions côtières entre 2002 et 2007. Ainsi, ces régions présentent de plus fortes inégalités salariales, notamment en zones urbaines. Si les privatisations ont été la première raison de la montée de la prime aux qualifications entre 1995 et 2002, entre 2002 et 2007 cela a été l'intégration, inégale selon les régions, à l'économie mondiale. Réduire cette prime et les inégalités suppose de réformer le système du hukou qui fait obstacle à la mobilité de la main‐d'œuvre, donc à la croissance.
Relation entre produit et chômage: la loi d'Okun est‐elle valide en Grèce?
Authors: KARFAKIS Costas , KATRAKILIDIS Constantinos , TSANANA Eftychia 
Published: October 2014

RésuméA partir d'une spécification dynamique de la loi d'Okun, les auteurs étudient la relation entre produit et chômage en Grèce sur la période 2000–2012. Si le test de causalité de Granger indique que le produit réel est important pour comprendre les évolutions ultérieures du chômage, ils constatent un ratio d'Okun de 3 à 1, impliquant qu'un accroissement du chômage de 1 pour cent était associé à une baisse de 3 pour cent du produit, durant la période étudiée. Une analyse des asymétries montre que la réaction du chômage aux variations du produit est plus marquée lors des contractions que lors des expansions.
Les formes d'emploi atypiques et leur effet sur les comités d'entreprise en Israël: une liminalité permanente
Authors: NISSIM Gadi , DE VRIES David 
Published: October 2014

RésuméEn Israël, les comités d'entreprise s'adaptent à l'économie néolibérale et aux évolutions qui en découlent sur le marché du travail en admettant de plus en plus le recours aux emplois atypiques, tout en essayant de lutter contre ce nouvel avatar de l'économie capitaliste pour protéger les droits des travailleurs. Tiraillés entre ces deux positions, ils sont pris dans un transitoire qui dure, une «liminalité» permanente, qui réduit leur rôle à la recherche de compromis et de solutions circonstancielles. La résistance aux effets pervers des formes d'emploi atypiques reste donc circonscrite et dispersée, ce qui conforte encore les pratiques en question.
Le débat sur la flexibilité du marché du travail en Inde: une contribution théorique
Authors: ROYCHOWDHURY Anamitra 
Published: October 2014

RésuméLe débat sur la flexibilisation du marché du travail indien porte notamment sur l'autorisation administrative de licenciement pour les entreprises de plus de 100 salariés. Le plaidoyer en faveur de sa suppression (ou de l'élévation du seuil) est étayé par Basu, Fields et Debgupta (2009). L'auteur conteste leur argumentation théorique en faveur de l'embauche et du licenciement au gré de l'employeur, avec libre signature d'un contrat, et démontre que leur conclusion politique est logiquement insoutenable, même dans le cadre de leur modèle. Le plaidoyer pour la flexibilisation du marché du travail et la liberté contractuelle s'en trouve infondé.
Réformes des retraites et pensions en Malaisie
Authors: TOLOS Habibah , WANG Peijie , ZHANG Miao , SHAND Rory 
Published: October 2014

RésuméLes auteurs font le point sur les problèmes que connaissent les régimes de retraite et sur la réforme des pensions en Malaisie. Les modèles proposés par le Bureau international du Travail, la Banque mondiale et l'Association de Genève sont analysés et comparés, ce qui fournit un cadre conceptuel pour la mise en place et la réforme des régimes en question. Ce cadre est utilisé pour évaluer la réforme des pensions en Malaisie, avec ses avantages et ses inconvénients pour les travailleurs. Les auteurs concluent en proposant un certain nombre de recommandations en matière de régimes de retraite.
Discrepant Regulation of QT (QTc) Interval Duration by Calcium Channel Blockade and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition in Experimental Hypertension
Authors: Klimas Jan , Vaja Vaclav , Vercinska Miriam , Kyselovic Jan , Krenek Peter 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAntihypertensive treatment may reduce prolonged QT duration in hypertension. Generally, the reductions of blood pressure and/or of cardiac mass are believed to be the responsible factors. However, drugs are not equivalent in QT modulation despite similar antihypertensive and antihypertrophic action. We investigated the effect of a calcium channel blocker, lacidipine and an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril on QT duration in rats. Normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were treated with lacidipine (at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg per day for WKY and 3 mg/kg per day for SHR) or enalapril (5 mg/kg per day for WKY and 10 mg/kg per day for SHR) during 8 weeks. Tail‐cuff systolic blood pressure (sBP), left ventricular weight (LVW), vascular function of isolated aorta and mesenteric artery and duration of QT (and QTc) interval on Frank electrocardiograms were evaluated. As expected, untreated SHR showed elevated sBP, impaired vascular reactivity, increased LVW and prolonged QT when compared with WKY (p < 0.05). After treatment, both agents markedly improved vascular reactivity and reduced sBP in SHR (p < 0.05). Additionally, enalapril reduced LVW in both hypertensive (by 17%; p < 0.05) and normotensive rats (by 13%; p < 0.05) and, consequently, corrected QT duration in SHR. Interestingly, lacidipine also reduced LVW in SHR (by 9%; p < 0.05), but without influence on prolonged QT. Moreover, lacidipine had no effect on LVW in WKYs but prolonged their QT interval (by 10%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, lacidipine did not reverse a progressive prolongation of QT in SHR, despite sBP lowering and LVW reduction. Thus, the lowering of blood pressure and/or reduction of LVW are not sufficient per se to normalize ventricular repolarization in hypertensive cardiac disease. More likely, modulation of QT prolongation by antihypertensive drugs is a function of their complex action on blood pressure, vascular function, cardiac mass and on reflex neurohumoral activation.
Gene Networks Modified by Sulphonylureas in Beta Cells: A Pathway‐based Analysis of Insulin Secretion and Cell Death
Authors: Magnusson Nils E. , Dyrskjøt Lars , Grimm Daniela , Wehland Markus , Pietsch Jessica , Rungby Jørgen 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSulphonylureas (SUs) used in the treatment for type 2 diabetes have been shown to result in different clinical outcome. This study hypothesized that three widely used SUs, glibenclamide, glimepiride and gliclazide, may affect function and survival of insulin‐producing cells differently. To evaluate differences between SUs, insulin secretion and cell death were measured, and genome‐wide gene expression patterns were compared using a bioinformatics approach focusing on functional relationships between molecules. Insulin‐producing INS‐1E cells exposed to SUs for 6 and 24 hr were assayed using GeneChip. Cluster and pathway analyses were used to identify differentially expressed genes and patterns of potential biological functions associated with SU treatment. Cell death was measured using acridine orange/Hoechst 33342 staining. Short‐term treatment (6 hr) yielded up‐regulation of insulin secretion and genes associated with insulin secretion for all three SUs applied. While long‐term treatment (24–72 hr) with gliclazide did not change gene expression or cell survival, treatment with glibenclamide or glimepiride up‐regulated genes associated with oxidative stress and hypoxia, but did not induce cell death. Short‐term treatment with SUs initiates gene regulation that can be attributed to insulin secretion with few differences between individual SUs. This regulation was temporal and returned to baseline after 24 hr. Individual differences observed after 24–72 hr indicate that glibenclamide and glimepiride induce potentially harmful cell signalling insufficient for triggering beta cell death.
Coffee and Caffeine Protect against Liver Injury Induced by Thioacetamide in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Furtado Kelly S. , Prado Monize G. , Aguiar e Silva Marco A. , Dias Marcos C. , Rivelli Diogo P. , Rodrigues Maria A. M. , Barbisan Luis F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCoffee intake has been inversely related to the incidence of liver diseases, although there are controversies on whether these beneficial effects on human health are because of caffeine or other specific components in this popular beverage. Thus, this study evaluated the protective effects of coffee or caffeine intake on liver injury induced by repeated thioacetamide (TAA) administration in male Wistar rats. Rats were randomized into five groups: one untreated group (G1) and four groups (G2–G5) treated with the hepatotoxicant TAA (200 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) twice a week for 8 weeks. Concomitantly, rats received tap water (G1 and G2), conventional coffee (G3), decaffeinated coffee (G4) or 0.1% caffeine (G5). After 8 weeks of treatment, rats were killed and blood and liver samples were collected. Conventional and decaffeinated coffee and caffeine intake significantly reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.001) and oxidized glutathione (p < 0.05), fibrosis/inflammation scores (p < 0.001), collagen volume fraction (p < 0.01) and transforming growth factor β‐1 (TGF‐β1) protein expression (p ≤ 0.001) in the liver from TAA‐treated groups. In addition, conventional coffee and caffeine intake significantly reduced proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) S‐phase indexes (p < 0.001), but only conventional coffee reduced cleaved caspase‐3 indexes (p < 0.001), active metalloproteinase 2 (p ≤ 0.004) and the number of glutathione S‐transferase placental form (GST‐P)‐positive preneoplastic lesions (p < 0.05) in the liver from TAA‐treated groups. In conclusion, conventional coffee and 0.1% caffeine intake presented better beneficial effects than decaffeinated coffee against liver injury induced by TAA in male Wistar rats.
Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 Polymorphisms on Responsiveness to Antihypertensive Therapy of Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Palei Ana C.T. , Sandrim Valeria C. , Amaral Lorena M. , Machado Jackeline S. R. , Cavalli Ricardo C. , Lacchini Riccardo , Duarte Geraldo , Tanus‐Santos Jose E. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractImbalanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, including MMP‐2, has been demonstrated in pre‐eclampsia. However, little is known about the effect of polymorphisms in MMP‐2 gene on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We examined whether two functional MMP‐2 polymorphisms (g.‐1306C>T and g.‐735C>T) are associated with pre‐eclampsia and/or gestational hypertension and whether these polymorphisms affect therapeutic responses in women with these conditions. We studied 216 healthy pregnant women (HP), 185 patients with gestational hypertension (GH) and 216 patients with pre‐eclampsia (PE). They were stratified as responsive or non‐responsive to antihypertensive therapy according to clinical and laboratorial parameters of therapeutic responsiveness. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotypes for g‐1306C>T and g.‐735C>T polymorphisms were determined by real‐time PCR using Taqman allele discrimination assays. Haplotype frequencies were inferred using the PHASE 2.1 program. The distributions of MMP‐2 genotypes and haplotypes were similar in HP, GH and PE patients (p > 0.05). In addition, we found no significant differences in MMP‐2 genotype or haplotype frequencies when GH or PE patients were classified as responsive or non‐responsive to antihypertensive therapy (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that MMP‐2 polymorphisms do not affect the susceptibility to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In parallel, MMP‐2 polymorphisms apparently do not affect the responsiveness to antihypertensive therapy of women with these hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.