bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraregional Cross‐holding of Reserve Currencies: A Proposal for Asia to Deal with the Global Reserve Risks
Authors: Fan Gang , Wang Bijun , Huang Yiping 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEconomists have put forward various proposals to deal with the growing risks of the global reserve currency system. In this paper we recommend that Asian economies hold each other's currencies as part of their foreign reserves. Different from crisis‐fighting currency swap arrangements or crisis‐rescuing fund mechanisms, this mechanism means that reserves would be held, with a regular arrangement in place and on an ongoing basis. We propose that the global reserve system should be pushed in the direction of diversification, which could be a transitional step toward a new single reserve system. This mechanism would not necessitate any currency being a globally accepted reserve currency but would mean that every currency carried some weight in the reserve system. Establishment of such a system would require significant development of regional bond markets and facilitation of macroeconomic surveillance among the economies.
LL‐37 in periodontal health and disease and its susceptibility to degradation by proteinases present in gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: McCrudden Maelíosa T. C. , Orr David F. , Yu Yang , Coulter Wilson A. , Manning Gwen , Irwin Chris R. , Lundy Fionnuala T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo determine the levels of LL‐37 in and its susceptibility to degradation by components of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in periodontal health and disease.Materials and MethodsLevels of LL‐37 in GCF from periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy subjects were determined by ELISA. In addition, degradation of synthetic/exogenous LL‐37 by components of GCF in the presence and absence of inhibitors was determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry.ResultsThe concentration of native LL‐37 in GCF from Porphyromonas gingivalis positive (Pg+) and P. gingivalis negative (Pg‐) sites in periodontitis patients was significantly higher than in GCF from healthy subjects. When synthetic LL‐37 was added to healthy GCF, the peptide was not degraded. Conversely, GCF from Pg+ sites rapidly degraded synthetic LL‐37 which was prevented in the presence of Arg− and Lys− gingipain inhibitors. Synthetic LL‐37 was degraded more slowly by GCF from Pg− sites.ConclusionsLL‐37 is detectable in GCF in periodontal health and disease. The rapid degradation of synthetic LL‐37 in periodontitis GCF, particularly in Pg+ sites, limits its role as a potential therapeutic in the gingival crevice. These results highlight the need to design stable peptide mimetics of LL‐37 as future therapeutics in periodontitis.
Thermal structure and tectonic evolution of the Scandian orogenic wedge, Scottish Caledonides: integrating geothermometry, deformation temperatures and conceptual kinematic‐thermal models
Authors: Thigpen J.R. , Law R.D. , Loehn C.L. , Strachan R. A. , Tracy R.J. , Lloyd G.E. , Roth B.L. , Brown S.J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn the Caledonides of northwest Scotland, two independent geothermometers (Fe‐Mg exchange and quartz c‐axis fabric opening angle) are used to characterize the thermal structure of the lower part of the Scandian (435–420 Ma) orogenic wedge within the Moine, Ben Hope and Naver‐Sgurr Beag thrust sheets. Traced from west (foreland) to east (hinterland), Fe‐Mg exchange thermometry yields peak or near‐peak temperatures ranging from 484 ± 50 °C to 524 ± 50 °C in the immediate hangingwall of the Moine thrust to 601 ± 50 °C in the immediate hangingwall of the Ben Hope thrust, to 630 ± 50 °C in the Naver thrust sheet. Preserved metamorphic facies and textural relationships are consistent with thermometric estimates. Deformation temperatures calculated from quartz c‐axis fabric opening angles across two similar orogen‐perpendicular transects also yield systematic increases (Glen Golly – Ben Klibreck, 520–630 °C; Ullapool‐Contin, 465–632 °C) traced towards the Naver and Sgurr Beag thrusts. In addition, deformation temperatures show a pronounced increase along the leading edge of the Moine thrust sheet moving south towards the Assynt window, which is interpreted to reflect deeper exhumation of the thrust plane above the Assynt footwall imbricate stack. Because temperatures calculated from metamorphic assemblages are within error of the quartz fabric‐derived deformation temperatures that are of demonstrably Scandian age, the metamorphic sequence between the Moine and Naver‐Sgurr Beag thrusts is interpreted to have developed during the Scandian orogeny. Integration of our results with previous 2D thermal‐mechanical studies allows development of new conceptual thermal‐kinematic models of Scandian orogenesis that may be broadly applicable to other collisional systems. Furthermore, it highlights the critical nature of coupling between orogen kinematic and thermal evolution.
Efficacy of Three Strategies Based on Insecticide, Oil and Elicitor Treatments in Controlling Aphid Populations and Potato virus Y Epidemics in Potato Fields
Authors: Dupuis Brice , Schwaerzel Ruedi , Derron Jacques 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPotato virus Y (PVY), the potato virus with the highest economic impact in Europe, is transmitted by aphids in a non‐persistent manner. A two‐year field experiment was conducted in Switzerland to evaluate the efficacy of three strategies for controlling aphid populations and the spread of PVY, consisting of treatment with one insecticide (Karate Zeon®), one elicitor (Bion®) and one oil (Telmion®), respectively. The elicitor strategy proved to be ineffective for controlling aphid populations and inadequate for controlling PVY spread. The insecticide strategy gave incomplete protection from aphid infestations, owing to the selection of aphid‐resistant clones. The insecticide gave too little protection against PVY spread for it to be considered a suitable candidate for the purpose. The oil strategy had no effect on aphid populations, but was the best option to reduce PVY spread.
Blockade of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channel by ketamine
Authors: Zhang Peihua , Xing Junlian , Luo Antao , Feng Juan , Liu Zhipei , Gao Chenghao , Ma Jihua 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The inhibition of the cardiac rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) and its cloned equivalent human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel illustrate QT interval prolonging effects of a wide range of clinically used drugs. In this study, the direct interaction of the intravenous anaesthetic ketamine with wild-type (WT) and mutation hERG currents (IhERG) was investigated.

Methods
The hERG channel (WT, Y652A and F656A) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and studied using standard two-microelectrode voltage-clamp techniques.

Key findings
WT hERG is blocked in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 = 12.05 ± 1.38 μm by ketamine, and the steady-state inactivation curves are shifted to more negative potentials (about −27 mV). The mutation to Ala of Y652 and F656 located on the S6 domain attenuate IhERG blockade by ketamine, and produced approximately 9-fold and 2.5-fold increases in IC50 compared with that of WT hERG channel, respectively.

Conclusions
Ketamine blocks WT IhERG expressed in Xenopus oocytes in a concentration-dependent manner and predominantly interacts with the open hERG channels. The interaction of ketamine with hERG channel may involve the aromatic residues Tyr652 and Phe656.
Finding chemo: the search for marine-based pharmaceutical drugs active against cancer
Authors: Indumathy Sivanjah , Dass Crispin R 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Cancer affects the health of many people globally. The most common treatment that is used for cancer is chemotherapy, which has shown promising results but not without side effects. Some of these side effects jeopardise further treatment, and this eventually leads to advanced stages of malignancy and mortality. As a result, there is a need for better and safer anticancer compounds such as those found naturally. One of the most abundant natural environments to find such compounds is the sea, and this vast resource has been biomined since the 1950s.

Key findings
There are currently three marine anticancer agents marketed (Yondelis, Cytosar-U and Halaven), with several others undergoing clinical trials. This review discusses marine-derived products in clinical use and in clinical trials, and discusses available literature on the growth suppression or pro-apoptotic properties of these compounds, and the molecular mechanisms underpinning these cell biological phenomena.

Summary
The marine environment may hold promising anticancer compounds within its depths, warranting further research to be performed in this area, albeit with respect for the natural ecosystems that are being explored for drug discover and subsequently used for drug development.
A comparative study of the effect of spray drying and hot-melt extrusion on the properties of amorphous solid dispersions containing felodipine
Authors: Mahmah Osama , Tabbakh Rami , Kelly Adrian , Paradkar Anant 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the properties of solid dispersions of felodipine for oral bioavailability enhancement using two different polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), by hot-melt extrusion (HME) and spray drying.

Methods
Felodipine solid dispersions were prepared by HME and spray drying techniques. PVP and HPMCAS were used as polymer matrices at different drug : polymer ratios (1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 1 : 3). Detailed characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and in-vitro dissolution testing. Dissolution profiles were evaluated in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Stability of different solid dispersions was studied under accelerated conditions (40°C/75% RH) over 8 weeks.

Key findings
Spray-dried formulations were found to release felodipine faster than melt extruded formulations for both polymer matrices. Solid dispersions containing HMPCAS exhibited higher drug release rates and better wettability than those produced with a PVP matrix. No significant differences in stability were observed except with HPMCAS at a 1 : 1 ratio, where crystallization was detected in spray-dried formulations.

Conclusions
Solid dispersions of felodipine produced by spray drying exhibited more rapid drug release than corresponding melt extruded formulations, although in some cases improved stability was observed for melt extruded formulations.
Cellular distribution studies of the nitric oxide-generating antineoplastic prodrug O2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)1-((4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate formulated in Pluronic P123 micelles
Authors: Kaur Imit , Terrazas Moises , Kosak Ken M , Kern Steven E , Boucher Kenneth M , Shami Paul J 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objective
Nitric oxide (NO) possesses antitumour activity. It induces differentiation and apoptosis in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells. The NO prodrug O2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)1-((4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate, or JS-K, has potent antileukaemic activity. JS-K is also active in vitro and in vivo against multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, glioma and liver cancer. Using the Pluronic P123 polymer, we have developed a micelle formulation for JS-K to increase its solubility and stability. The goal of the current study was to investigate the cellular distribution of JS-K in AML cells.

Methods
We investigated the intracellular distribution of JS-K (free drug) and JS-K formulated in P123 micelles (P123/JS-K) using HL-60 AML cells. We also studied the S-glutathionylating effects of JS-K on proteins in the cytoplasmic and nuclear cellular fractions.

Key findings
Both free JS-K and P123/JS-K accumulate primarily in the nucleus. Both free JS-K and P123/JS-K induced S-glutathionylation of nuclear proteins, although the effect produced was more pronounced with P123/JS-K. Minimal S-glutathionylation of cytoplasmic proteins was observed.

Conclusions
We conclude that a micelle formulation of JS-K increases its accumulation in the nucleus. Post-translational protein modification through S-glutathionylation may contribute to JS-K's antileukaemic properties.
Gualou Xiebai Decoction prevents myocardial fibrosis by blocking TGF-beta/Smad signalling
Authors: Ding Yong-fang , Peng Yun-ru , Li Juan , Shen Hong , Shen Ming-qin , Fang Tai-hui 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of Gualou Xiebai Decoction (GXD) ethanol extract on myocardial fibrosis and clarify the possible mechanism.

Methods
Rats with ligated left anterior descending coronary artery were treated with GXD ethanol extract (1.14 g/kg, 2.27 g/kg, 4.53 g/kg) daily via gavage for 4 weeks. Histopathological changes and collagen distribution were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The mRNA levels of Collagen I and Collagen III were detected by real-time PCR. The expressions of TGF-β1, TGFβ receptor (TGFβR)I, TGFβRII, P-Smad2/3 and Smad7 were determined by Western blot.

Results
GXD treatment was significantly reduced the heart weight/body weight ratio (P &lt; 0.05) as well as the left ventricle weight/body weight ratio (P &lt; 0.05). It also significantly alleviated the degree of inflammation, decreased myocardial collagen volume fraction (P &lt; 0.05 ∼ 0.01), together with markedly prevented the upregulations of Collagen I and Collagen III (P &lt; 0.05 ∼ 0.01). Moreover, GXD downregulated expressions of TGF-β1, TGFβRI, TGFβRII, Smad2/3 whereas improved Smad7 expression in the myocardial fibrosis rats.

Conclusions
GXD ameliorates myocardial fibrosis induced by cardiac infarction with ligated left anterior descending coronary artery, the mechanism maybe involve in inhibiting the TGF-β1 signalling pathway.
Assessment of the regenerative potential of allogeneic periodontal ligament stem cells in a rodent periodontal defect model
Authors: Han J. , Menicanin D. , Marino V. , Ge S. , Mrozik K. , Gronthos S. , Bartold P. M. 
Published: July 2013

Background and ObjectiveThe complex microenvironment of the periodontal wound creates many challenges associated with multitissue regeneration of periodontal lesions. Recent characterization of mesenchymal stem cell‐like populations residing in periodontal ligament tissues has shown that these cells exhibit features of postnatal stem cells. Despite these advances, a lack of consistency in design of preclinical studies and a limited study of allogeneic transplantation applications has restricted our understanding of their clinical utility in the treatment of periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to assess the regenerative potential of allogeneic periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in a rat periodontal fenestration defect mode and to identify an optimal end time‐point suitable for quantitative assessment of tissue regeneration.Material and MethodsPeriodontal fenestration defects, created in Sprague Dawley rats, were treated with allogeneic PDLSCs seeded onto Gelfoam® (Absorbable gelatin sponge; Pharmacia Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) or with Gelfoam® alone, or remained untreated. Experimental rats were killed at 7, 14, 21 or 28 d after surgery and the tissues were processed for immunohistochemical and histomorphometric examination.ResultsDefects treated with PDLSCs showed significantly greater percentage bone fill and length of new bone bridge compared with the untreated group or the group treated withGelfoam® alone on days 14 and 21. Similarly, a statistically significant difference was achieved within specimens retrieved on day 21 for analysis of regeneration of cementum/periodontal ligament (PDL)‐like structures.ConclusionThe present investigation shows that allogeneic PDLSCs have a marked ability to repair periodontal defects by forming bone, PDL and cementum‐like tissue in vivo. The results suggest that treatment periods of 14 and 21 d are optimal end time‐points for quantitative assessment of periodontal regeneration within the rodent fenestration‐defect model utilized in the present study.
Variation in habitat connectivity generates positive correlations between species and genetic diversity in a metacommunity
Authors: Lamy T. , Jarne P. , Laroche F. , Pointier J.‐P. , Huth G. , Segard A. , David P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAn increasing number of studies are simultaneously investigating species diversity (SD) and genetic diversity (GD) in the same systems, looking for ‘species–genetic diversitycorrelations’ (SGDCs). From negative to positiveSGDCs have been reported, but studies have generally not quantified the processes underlying these correlations. They were also mostly conducted at large biogeographical scales or in recently degraded habitats. Such correlations have not been looked for in natural networks of connected habitat fragments (metacommunities), and the underlying processes remain elusive in most systems. We investigated these issues by studying freshwater snails in a pond network inGuadeloupe (LesserAntilles). We recordedSDand habitat characteristics in 232 ponds and assessedGDin 75 populations of two species. Strongly significant and positiveSGDCs were detected in both species. Based on a decomposition ofSGDCas a function of variance–covariance of habitat characteristics, we showed that connectivity (opportunity of water flow between a site and the nearest watershed during the rainy season) has the strongest contribution onSGDCs. More connective sites received both more alleles and more species through immigration resulting in both higherGDand higherSD. Other habitat characteristics did not contribute, or contributed negatively, toSGDCs. This is true of the desiccation frequency of ponds during the dry season, presumably because species markedly differ in their ability to tolerate desiccation. Our study shows that variation in environmental characteristics of habitat patches can promoteSGDCs at metacommunity scale when the studied species respond homogeneously to these environmental characteristics.
Developmental hypothyroxinaemia and hypothyroidism limit dendritic growth of cerebellar Purkinje cells in rat offspring: involvement of microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) and stathmin
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wang Yi , Dong Jing , Wei Wei , Song Binbin , Min Hui , Teng Weiping , Chen Jie 
Published: July 2013

AimsIodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency (ID)‐induced hypothyroxinaemia and hypothyroidism during developmental period contribute to impairments of function in the brain, such as psychomotor and motor alterations. However, the mechanisms are still unclear. Therefore, the present research is to study the effects of developmental hypothyroxinaemia caused by mild ID and developmental hypothyroidism caused by severe ID or methimazole (MMZ) on dendritic growth in filial cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and the underlying mechanisms.MethodsA maternal hypothyroxinaemia model was established in Wistar rats using a mild ID diet, and two maternal hypothyroidism models were developed with either severe ID diet or MMZ water. We examined the total dendritic length using immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis was conducted to investigate the activity of microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2), stathmin and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII).ResultsHypothyroxinaemia and hypothyroidism reduced the total dendritic length of cerebellar PCs, decreased MAP2 and its phosphorylation, increased stathmin but reduced its phosphorylation and down‐regulated the activity of CaMKII and its phosphorylation in cerebellar PCs on postnatal day (PN) 7, PN14 and PN21.ConclusionDevelopmental hypothyroxinaemia induced by mild ID and hypothyroidism induced by severe ID or MMZ limit PCs dendritic growth, which may involve in the disturbance of MAP2 and stathmin in a CaMKII‐dependent manner. It suggests a potential mechanism of motor coordination impairments caused by developmental hypothyroxinaemia and hypothyroidism.
Uric acid‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress triggers phenotypic change in rat glomerular mesangial cells
Authors: Li Shasha , Zhao Fei , Cheng Shaoli , Wang Xinyang , Hao Yaning 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore the contribution and the mechanism of uric acid (UA) to phenotypic change in rat glomerular mesangial cells.MethodsRat glomerular mesangial cells (HBZY‐1) were exposed to UA (0.05 mmol/L to 0.4 mmol/L) for 24 h to 48 h. Subsequently, 4‐phenyl butyric acid (4‐PBA) (5 mg/dL) was added and 48 h incubation was performed. HBZY‐1 cells exposed to UA (0.4 mmol/L) were incubated for 48 h. After incubation, the cells were examined under an inverted microscope and transmission electron microscope to observe their morphologies and the expressions of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), fibronectin (FN), glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) proteins and mRNA in the HBZY‐1 cells were measured by Western blot and reversed transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.ResultsHBZY‐1 cultured in UA showed evident morphological changes under transmission electron microscopy. The soluble UA stimulated the upregulation of the α‐SMA, TGF‐β1 and FN mRNA and proteins in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. UA‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as evidenced by the upregulation of the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and PDI. However, the upregulation was reverted by 4‐PBA, an inhibitor of ER stress.ConclusionsUric acid induces phenotypic change in HBZY‐1 cells. ER stress plays a central role in UA‐induced phenotypic transformation in vitro. 4‐PBA may be beneficial in attenuating UA‐induced glomerular injury.
Risk Factors and Prognosis for Clot Formation on Cardiac Device Leads
Authors: RAHBAR ATA SOLEIMANI , AZADANI PEYMAN N. , THATIPELLI SINDHURA , FLEISCHMANN KIRSTEN E. , NGUYEN NHUNHU , LEE BYRON K. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundClot formation on cardiac device leads is poorly understood. We sought to determine how often clot is seen on device leads by transthoracic echo (TTE), identify risk factors, and to describe the natural history of this phenomenon.MethodsWe reviewed 71,888 echocardiographic studies performed at the University of California, San Francisco from 2005 to 2011. We searched for cases where clot was found adhered to a device lead with no diagnosis of endocarditis. For every case, three age‐matched controls with a device but no clot were selected from the echo database.ResultsWe found 15 cases with clot adhered to a device lead among 1,086 patients with devices who had TTE (1.4%). In univariate analysis, females had more than four times greater odds of having a clot on their device lead and patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) had an eight times greater odds. Percentage mode switch was also associated with clot formation. Only AF was still associated with clot formation after multivariate analysis. Follow‐up data were available for nine of 15 patients. All nine patients had intensification of their anticoagulant/antiplatelet regimen following clot discovery. Complete resolution or shrinkage of clot was observed in eight of nine patients. The one case with no change was a patient who continued taking only aspirin (higher dose) after clot discovery. None of the nine patients had embolic phenomenon.ConclusionPatients with AF are at higher risk for clot formation on device leads. After clot detection, treatment with anticoagulants usually results in resolution of the clot without embolic phenomenon.