bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Macroeconomic Imbalances: Is EU Surveillance More Effective than IMF Surveillance?
Authors: Moschella Manuela 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe paper examines the macroeconomic imbalance procedure (MIP) with the purpose of assessing its potential effectiveness compared to International Monetary Fund (IMF) surveillance. The comparison reveals that the MIP performs better than the Fund's surveillance in terms of the provision of clear and practical advice, knowledge of domestic polities and ease of activating sanctions. Neither the MIP nor the IMF, however, provide for mechanisms to prevent political considerations from interfering with the activation of sanctions and the distribution of the burden of adjustment. The MIP also does not attenuate problems of asymmetric treatment that create the conditions for public backlashes. Its single‐country focus and the limited integration of macroeconomic and financial analysis are further factors that may undermine the effectiveness of the MIP. In the conclusions, the paper reflects on the factors that may help explain the limited incorporation of the lessons available from the Fund's experience into the MIP.
Diagnosis – the limiting focus of taxonomy
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim P. , Martin Carmel M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe focus on the diagnosis is a pivotal aspect of medical practice since antiquity. Diagnostic taxonomy helped to categorize ailments to improve medical care, and in its social sense resulted in validation of the sick role for some, but marginalization or stigmatization for others. In the medical industrial complex, diagnostic taxonomy structured health care financing, management and practitioner remuneration. However, with increasing demands from multiple agencies, there are increasing unintended and unwarranted consequences of our current taxonomies and diagnostic processes resulting from the conglomeration of underpinning concepts, theories, information and motivations.ResultsWe argue that the increasing focus on the diagnosis resulted in excessive compartmentalization – ‘partialism’ – of medical practice, diminishing medical care and being naively simplistic in light of the emerging understanding of the interconnected nature of the diseasome. The human is a complex organic system of interconnecting dynamics and feedback loops responding to internal and external forces including genetic, epigenetic and environmental attractors, rather than the sum of multiple discrete organs which can develop isolated diseases or multiple morbidities. Solutions to these unintended consequences of many contemporary health system processes involve revisiting the nature of diagnostic taxonomies and the processes of their construction. A dynamic taxonomic framework would shift to more relevant attractors at personal, clinical and health system levels recognizing the non‐linear nature of health and disease. Human health at an individual, group and population level is the ability to adapt to internal and external stressors with resilience throughout the life course, yet diagnostic taxonomies are increasingly constructed around fixed anchors.ConclusionsUnderstanding diagnosis as dissecting, pigeonholing or bean counting (learning by dividing) is no longer useful, the challenge for the future is to understand the big picture (learning by connecting). Diagnostic categorization needs to embrace a meta‐learning approach open to human variability.
Characterization of the Life Cycle and Heteromeric Nature of the Macronucleus of the Ciliate Chilodonella uncinata Using Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Bellec Laure , Maurer‐Alcala Xyrus X. , Katz Laura A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOnly a limited number of studies exist on the life cycles of nonmodel ciliates such as Chilodonella uncinata (Cl: Phyllopharyngea). The handful of papers on this taxon indicate the presence of a heteromeric macronucleus, marked by separate DNA‐rich and DNA‐poor regions. Here, we study the life cycle of C. uncinata using confocal laser scanning microscopy with 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, which allows us to differentiate nuclear dynamics of the micronucleus and the macronucleus during life‐cycle stages. We photo‐documented various stages and confirmed aspects of the development of the new macronucleus previously characterized by electron microscopy. We further reveal the heteromeric structure of the macronucleus with Z‐stacks and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions. We find no evidence for the presence of an endosome at the center of the macronucleus during vegetative growth. In addition to illustrating the life cycle of this ciliate, the approaches developed for this study will enable additional comparative analyses of nuclear dynamics using fluorescence microscopy.
Sensitivity of seven PCRs for early detection of koi herpesvirus in experimentally infected carp, Cyprinus carpio L., by lethal and non‐lethal sampling methods
Authors: Monaghan S J , Thompson K D , Adams A , Bergmann S M 
Published: February 2014

AbstractKoi herpesvirus (KHV) causes an economically important, highly infectious disease in common carp and koi, Cyprinus carpio L. Since the occurrence of mass mortalities worldwide, highly specific and sensitive molecular diagnostic methods have been developed for KHV detection. The sensitivity and reliability of these assays have essentially focused at the detection of low viral DNA copy numbers during latent or persistent infections. However, the efficacy of these assays has not been investigated with regard to low‐level viraemia during acute infection stages. This study was conducted to compare the sensitivity of seven different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect KHV during the first hours and days post‐infection (hpi; dpi), using lethal and non‐lethal sampling methods. The results highlight the limitations of the assays for detecting virus during the first 4 dpi despite rapid mortality in experimentally infected carp. False‐negative results were associated with time post‐infection and the tissue sampled. Non‐lethal sampling appears effective for KHV screening, with efficient detection in mucus samples obtained from external swabs during this early infection period (<5 dpi), while biopsies from gills and kidney were negative using the same PCR assays. Non‐lethal sampling may improve the reliability of KHV detection in subclinical, acutely infected carp.
Use of Mobile Video Show for Community Behavior Change on Maternal and Newborn Health in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Binyam Fekadu , Mohammed Hajira , Barry Danika , Frew Aynalem Hailemichael , Hepburn Kenneth , Claypoole Christine 
Published: February 2014

IntroductionA number of factors affect Ethiopia's efforts to meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership (MaNHEP) project, as part of its overall strategy, implemented behavior change communication interventions to increase women's demand for and use of antenatal, birth, and postnatal services. Seeking to reach “media‐dark” areas, MaNHEP implemented a mobile video show focused on maternal and newborn health. We report on the effect of the mobile video show on community knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding maternal and newborn health, especially regarding care‐seeking behavior and use of a skilled attendant for birth and postnatal care.MethodsTwo main data sources are used: qualitative data gathered through mobile video show participant discussions in 31 randomly selected kebeles (villages with about 1000 households) and focus groups in 4 kebeles (2 from each region), and quantitative data generated from 510 randomly selected adults participating in MaNHEP's endline survey. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed by the research team, and the accuracy of the transcriptions and categorization was also checked.ResultsThe mobile video show reached a total of 28,389 mostly young or adult females in 51 kebeles. At endline, mobile video show attendees (vs nonattendees) reported significantly (P < .001) higher rates of recall of key MaNHEP messages about use of health extension workers for pregnancy registration, labor and birth notification, and postnatal care. Qualitative analysis yielded 3 overarching themes: mirrors to the community (the portrayal is accurate); call to action (we have to change this); and improvement ideas (suggested positive actions).DiscussionThe entertaining nature and local organization of the mobile video show event encouraged attendance. Building the video around recognizable characters (particularly the husbands) contributed to bringing about desired changes in people's knowledge and beliefs. Making the show readily available (through the mobile van) and bundling it with facilitated reflection sessions had a considerable impact on people's knowledge and confidence.
Interpretation of National Policy Regarding Community‐Based Use of Misoprostol for Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevention in Ethiopia: A Tale of Two Regions
Authors: Spangler Sydney A. , Gobezayehu Abebe Gebramariam , Getachew Tewodros , Sibley Lynn M. 
Published: February 2014

IntroductionPostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is responsible for a significant proportion of maternal mortality in developing countries. The uterotonic drug misoprostol (Cytotec) is a safe and effective means of preventing PPH. However, ministries of health in some countries are still grappling with policy that addresses the implementation of this targeted intervention in community settings and with communicating this policy throughout the health care system. The purpose of this study was to examine understandings of national policy for community‐based use of misoprostol to prevent PPH in 2 regions of Ethiopia: Amhara and Oromiya.MethodsQualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted with a cohort of purposefully selected health officials (N = 51) representing various administrative levels of the Ministry of Health and influential nongovernmental organizations. Broad topics included national policy for PPH prevention, safety and effectiveness of community‐based use of misoprostol, and preferences for misoprostol administration. Interview transcripts were analyzed for key concepts both across and within administrative levels.ResultsAmong all officials, understandings of national policy for community‐based PPH prevention using misoprostol were unclear. Officials in Amhara tended to adopt a strict interpretation that reflected fear of misuse and a deep concern for encouraging home birth (thus deviating from the clear national goal to increase facility‐based birth). Conversely, Oromiya officials framed policy in terms of the broader national goal to reduce maternal mortality, which allowed them to adopt multiple means of misoprostol distribution.DiscussionThe differences observed in regional practice likely stem from an ambiguously perceived national policy within a climate of decentralization that allowed for flexibility in local implementation. A policy that is clear, specific, evidence‐based, and systematically communicated may facilitate common understanding of community‐based misoprostol for PPH prevention and, thus, increase women's access to this lifesaving intervention.
Altered brain protein expression profiles are associated with molecular neurological dysfunction in the PKU mouse model
Authors: Imperlini Esther , Orrù Stefania , Corbo Claudia , Daniele Aurora , Salvatore Francesco 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPhenylketonuria (PKU), if not detected and treated in newborns, causes severe neurological dysfunction and cognitive and behavioral deficiencies. Despite the biochemical characterization of PKU, the molecular mechanisms underlying PKU‐associated brain dysfunction remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the pathogenesis of this neurological damage by analyzing protein expression profiles in brain tissue of Black and Tan BRachyury‐PahEnu2 mice (a mouse model of PKU). We compared the cerebral protein expression of homozygous PKU mice with that of their heterozygous counterparts using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis analysis, and identified 21 differentially expressed proteins, four of which were over‐expressed and 17 under‐expressed. An in silico bioinformatic approach indicated that protein under‐expression was related to neuronal differentiation and dendritic growth, and to such neurological disorders as progressive motor neuropathy and movement disorders. Moreover, functional annotation analyses showed that some identified proteins were involved in oxidative metabolism. To further investigate the proteins involved in the neurological damage, we validated two of the proteins that were most strikingly under‐expressed, namely, Syn2 and Dpysl2, which are involved in synaptic function and neurotransmission. We found that Glu2/3 and NR1 receptor subunits were over‐expressed in PKU mouse brain. Our results indicate that differential expression of these proteins may be associated with the processes underlying PKU brain dysfunction, namely, decreased synaptic plasticity and impaired neurotransmission.
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We identified a set of proteins whose expression is affected by hyperphenylalaninemia. We think that phenylketonuria (PKU) brain dysfunction also depends on reduced Syn2 and Dpysl2 levels, increased Glu2/3 and NR1 levels, and decreased Pkm, Ckb, Pgam1 and Eno1 levels. These findings finally confirm that alteration in synaptic function, in transmission and in energy metabolism underlie brain damage provoked by hyperphenylalaninemias.
Divergent developmental expression and function of the proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporters PepT2 and PhT1 in regional brain slices of mouse and rat
Authors: Hu Yongjun , Xie Yehua , Keep Richard F. , Smith David E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study evaluated the developmental gene and protein expression of proton‐coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs: peptide transporter, PepT1 and PepT2; peptide‐histidine transporter, PhT1 and PhT2) in different regions of rodent brain, and the age‐dependent uptake of a POT substrate, glycylsarcosine (GlySar), in brain slices. Slices were obtained from cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of wildtype and PepT2 null mice, and from rats at different ages. Gene and protein expression were determined by real‐time PCR and immunoblot analyses. Brain slice uptakes of radiolabeled glycylsarcosine were determined in the absence and presence of excess unlabeled glycylsarcosine or l‐histidine, the latter being an inhibitor of PhT1/2 but not PepT1/2. As PepT2 and PhT1 transcripts were abundantly expressed in all three regions of mouse brain, little to no expression was observed for PepT1 and PhT2. PhT1 protein was present in brain regions of adult but not neonatal mice and expression levels increased with age in rats. Glycylsarcosine uptake, inhibition and transporter dominance did not show regional brain or species differences. However, there were clear age‐related differences in functional activity, with PepT2 dominating in neonatal mice and rats, and PhT1 dominating in adult rodents. These developmental changes may markedly impact the neural activity of both endogenous and exogenous (drug) peptides/mimetics.
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Developmental gene and protein expression of peptide transporters was evaluated in various regions of rodent brain, along with age‐dependent uptake of dipeptide. We found marked changes in protein expression and functional activity of PhT1 and PepT2, the former predominating in adult and the latter in neonate. These developmental changes may markedly impact the neural activity of endogenous and exogenous peptides/mimetics.
Partial Benefits in the Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Authors: Yin Na 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe current U.S. Social Security Disability Insurance program is an all‐or‐nothing system that has been criticized for creating strong work disincentives. In an empirically grounded and calibrated life‐cycle model, I simulate behavioral responses to a partial disability benefit system, a policy alternative to the current program, which allows individuals to claim partial disability and combine earnings with disability benefits. Simulation results show financial savings for the program as well as welfare improvements for individuals with disabilities.
Corruption and Seigniorage
Authors: MYLES GARETH D. , YOUSEFI HANA 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThere is convincing empirical evidence in cross‐section data of a positive correlation between the level of corruption and the rate of inflation. This paper explores whether this correlation can be a consequence of a government exploiting seigniorage to compensate for revenue lost to corruption. We embed corruption within an overlapping generations economy that has money as the only store of value and in which the government optimizes the rate of monetary growth. Three different forms of corruption are modeled, and it is shown that all three can be positively correlated with increased inflation.
A hybrid design to optimize preparation of lopinavir loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and comparative pharmacokinetic evaluation with marketed lopinavir/ritonavir coformulation
Authors: Ravi Punna Rao , Vats Rahul , Dalal Vikas , Murthy Aditya Narasimha 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives
To prepare stearic acid-based lopinavir (LPV) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using a hybrid design and compare in-vivo performance of optimized formulation with marketed LPV/ritonavir (RTV) coformulation.

Methods
LPV SLNs were prepared by hot melt emulsion technique and optimized using Plackett–Burman design and Box–Behnken design. Physical characterization studies were conducted for the optimized SLNs. Comparative oral pharmacokinetic studies and tissue distribution studies of optimized SLNs and LPV/RTV coformulation were done in Wistar rats. In-vitro metabolic stability and intestinal permeability studies for LPV SLNs were undertaken to elucidate the mechanism involved in the pharmacokinetic improvement of LPV.

Key findings
Optimized SLNs exhibited nanometeric size (223 nm) with high entrapment efficiency (83%). In-vitro drug release study of SLNs showed biphasic sustained release behaviour. Significant increase in oral bioavailability of LPV from LPV SLNs (5 folds) and LPV/RTV coformulation (3.7 folds) was observed as compared with free LPV. LPV SLNs showed better tissue distribution of LPV in HIV reservoirs than LPV/RTV coformulation. In-vitro studies demonstrated that SLNs provided metabolic protection of LPV and were endocytosized during absorption.

Conclusions
SLNs enhanced oral bioavailability and improved distribution profile of LPV to HIV reservoirs and hence could be better alternative to LPV/RTV coformulation.
Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 selective inhibitor ipragliflozin on hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and liver injury in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Tahara Atsuo , Kurosaki Eiji , Yokono Masanori , Yamajuku Daisuke , Kihara Rumi , Hayashizaki Yuka , Takasu Toshiyuki , Imamura Masakazu , Li Qun , Tomiyama Hiroshi , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Noda Atsushi , Sasamata Masao , Shibasaki Masayuki 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objective
Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 plays an important role in renal glucose reabsorption and has been highlighted as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of SGLT2 selective inhibitor ipragliflozin in type 1 diabetic rats.

Methods
Type 1 diabetic rats were prepared by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (STZ). Ipragliflozin was acutely or chronically administered, and therapeutic effects were investigated.

Key findings
Single administration of ipragliflozin significantly increased urinary glucose excretion, and its effect lasted over 12 h. In addition, ipragliflozin improved glucose tolerance and sustainably reduced hyperglycaemia. Repeated administration of ipragliflozin to diabetic rats for 4 weeks significantly improved not only hyperglycaemia, but also hyperlipidaemia and hepatic steatosis with concomitant increases in urinary glucose excretion. In addition, ipragliflozin ameliorates renal glomerular hyperfiltration and albuminuria. Further, ipragliflozin reduced liver levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma levels of inflammatory markers, and improved liver injury as assessed by plasma levels of aminotransferases.

Conclusion
These results suggest that SGLT2 selective inhibitor ipragliflozin exerts a beneficial effect on glycaemic control and ameliorates diabetes-associated metabolic abnormalities and complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and would be a potential agent for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Effects of vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside and vitexin-4″-O-glucoside on growth and oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis of human adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Wei Wenjuan , Ying Xixiang , Zhang Wenjie , Chen Yinghui , Leng Aijing , Jiang Chen , Liu Jing 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives
Vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (VOR) and vitexin-4″-O-glucoside (VOG) are the two main flavonoid glycosides of the leaves of Cratagus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N. E. Br. that has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular system diseases. In this study, we simultaneously investigated the influence of VOR and VOG on human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to further characterize their anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activity.

Methods
hADSCs were isolated, cultured in vitro and pretreated with 62.5 μm VOR or 120 μm VOG for 24 h and then exposed to 500 μm H2O2 for an additional 4 h.

Key findings
Pretreatment of hADSCs with VOR and VOG was demonstrated to significantly ameliorate the toxicity and apoptosis effects, such as morphological distortion, nuclear condensation, decreased intracellular caspase-3 activity and percentage of cells in apoptosis/necrosis by using morphological assay, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometric evaluation. In addition, VOR and VOG caused no cytotoxic effect on hADSCs at concentrations up to 250 and 480 μm, respectively.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that both VOR and VOG contribute to the protection against H2O2-mediated oxidative stress damage and could be safely used for a wide range of concentrations.