bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Combination of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin on Gluconeogenesis and Oxygen Consumption in the Rat Liver
Authors: Bracht Lívia , Caparroz‐Assef Silvana Martins , Bracht Adelar , Bersani‐Amado Ciomar Aparecida 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe aim of this work was to investigate the effects of chronic treatment with the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin on gluconeogenesis in rat liver. Rats were treated daily for 28 days with the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin (10/40 mg/kg) by oral gavage. To measure gluconeogenesis and the associated pathways, isolated perfused rat liver was used. In addition, subcellular fractions, such as microsomes and mitochondria, were used for complementary measures of enzymatic activities. Treatment with the combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe resulted in a decrease in gluconeogenesis from pyruvate (−62%). Basal oxygen consumption of the treated animals was higher (+22%) than that of the control rats, but the resulting oxygen consumption that occurred after pyruvate infusion was 43% lower in animals treated with the combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe. Oxygen consumption in the livers from treated animals was completely inhibited by cyanide (electron transport chain inhibitor), but not by proadifen (cytochrome P450 inhibitor). Chronic treatment with ezetimibe/simvastatin decreased the activity of the key enzymes glucose‐6‐phosphatase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase by 59% and 45%, respectively, which is probably the major reason for the decreased gluconeogenesis seen in ezetimibe‐/simvastatin‐treated rats. It is also possible that part of the effect of this combination on gluconeogenesis and on the oxygen consumption is related to the impairment of mitochondrial energy transduction.
An Elicited‐Production Study of Inflectional Verb Morphology in Child Finnish
Authors: Räsänen Sanna H. M. , Ambridge Ben , Pine Julian M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMany generativist accounts (e.g., Wexler, 1998) argue for very early knowledge of inflection on the basis of very low rates of person/number marking errors in young children's speech. However, studies of Spanish (Aguado‐Orea & Pine, 2015) and Brazilian Portuguese (Rubino & Pine, 1998) have revealed that these low overall error rates actually hide important differences across the verb paradigm. The present study investigated children's production of person/number marked verbs by eliciting present tense verb forms from 82 native Finnish‐speaking children aged 2;2–4;8 years. Four main findings were observed: (a) Rates of person/number marking errors were higher in low‐frequency person/number contexts, even excluding children who showed no evidence of having learned the relevant morpheme, (b) most errors involved the use of higher frequency forms in lower frequency person/number contexts, (c) error rates were predicted not only by the frequency of person/number contexts (e.g., 3sg > 2pl) but also by the frequency of individual “ready‐inflected” lexical target forms, and (d) for low‐frequency verbs, lower error rates were observed for verbs with high phonological neighborhood density. It is concluded that any successful account of the development of verb inflection will need to incorporate both (a) rote‐storage and retrieval of individual inflected forms and (b) phonological analogy across them.
Three‐dimensional pore structure and carbon distribution of macroaggregates in biochar‐amended soil
Authors: Yu X. , Wu C. , Fu Y. , Brookes P. C. , Lu S. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIncorporation of biochar improves the physical properties of soil that are needed for plant growth; in particular, it stabilizes soil's aggregate structure. There has been little research, however, on the effects of biochar on three‐dimensional (3‐D) soil structure and carbon distribution within aggregates. To investigate the effects we amended two soil types (Ultisol andVertisol) with three types of biochar (at the rate of 40 g biochar kg−1soil). We separated the macroaggregates (5–7 cm in diameter) into two sets to study the distributions of intra‐aggregate pores and carbon. Synchrotron‐basedX‐ray micro‐computed tomography (SR‐mCT) indicated that application of woodchip biochar (WCB) and waste‐water sludge biochar (WSB) increased significantly the porosities of macroaggregates, whereas straw biochar (SB) was less effective. The increased porosity of macroaggregates in the biochar‐amended soil is attributed to both the original porosity in the biochar and newly formed pores resulting from the interaction between the soil and the biochar. The addition of straw biochar has no obvious effect on the spatial distribution of pores in macroaggregates of either soil, whereasWCBandWSBchanged the directional pore distribution of theVertisol macroaggregates considerably. In theWCB‐ andWSB‐amendedUltisol, the number of pores increased in the outer parts of the macroaggregates, thereby greatly improving the exchange of air, water and nutrients with the adjacent soil matrix. Carbon mapping of the macroaggregates showed that the application ofSBdid not greatly increase the carbon content of macroaggregates compared with the control. The addition ofWSBto theUltisol markedly increased the carbon concentration of macroaggregates. The heat‐map analysis indicated that the effects of biochar on pore structure and carbon content depend on the type of biochar and soil. The combination ofSR‐mCTand scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been shown to be powerful for quantifying the pore characteristics and carbon distribution in soil macroaggregates.
Public Services and the Internal Market: Building Blocks or Persistent Irritant?
Authors: Sauter Wolf 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCritics such as Fritz Scharpf maintain that in the EU, negative integration (abolishing national rules) by definition wins out over positive integration (adopting new EU rules). This claim is examined here regarding public services—both utilities and welfare services. In EU law, the (partly overlapping) relevant categories are as follows: (1) services of general interest (SGI) and (2) services of general economic interest (SGEI). The latter are provided by undertakings. SGI that are not also SGEI are subject only to non‐discrimination requirements: this covers most welfare services. SGEI must comply with the EU competition and state aid rules, which promotes liberalisation. However, a proportional exception is allowed in so far as necessary for SGEI to carry out their public tasks. Moreover, alongside liberalisation, EU regimes for public services have emerged that benefit citizens/consumers. In sum, public services can now arguably be seen as building blocks of the internal market.
Minimum Criminal Penalties in the European Union: In Search of a Credible Justification
Authors: De Bondt Wendy , Miettinen Samuli 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe EU has recently mooted the possibility of harmonising minimum penalties. ‘Minimum criminal penalties’ refers to the lowest sanction available for a judge in a concrete case. Calculating the actual penalty involves legal mechanisms that might mitigate that penalty. Comparative analysis reveals that a distinction needs to be made between minimum penalties included in national criminal codes (in abstracto penalty) and the lowest penalty that might be imposed (in concreto penalty). Although in abstracto minimum penalties are found in the criminal codes of most Member States, they are fiercely opposed in others. In concreto minimum penalties that constitute an absolute limit to the discretion of a judge are even more controversial. Against that background, this contribution reviews whether or not the EU should force the Member States to impose absolute, in concreto minimum criminal penalties. It examines the justifications presented in recent proposals in light of legal and criminological research.
Successful management of multiple extrapulmonary complications associated with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in a foal
Authors: Wilkes E. J. A. , Hughes K. J. , Kessell A. E. , Raidal S. L. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThis report describes the diagnosis and successful treatment of multiple extrapulmonary sequelae of Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) pneumonia in a 3‐month‐old filly. Bilateral uveitis and hyphaema, haemolytic anaemia and polysynovitis developed in this foal and were likely due to immune‐mediated mechanisms. The challenges associated with diagnosis and treatments of these extrapulmonary disorders are discussed. The filly was treated initially with clarithromycin and rifampin; however, a blood transfusion and immunosuppressive therapy with dexamethasone were required due to progressive haemolysis and for treatment of uveitis and polysynovitis. Bilateral hyphaema was successfully treated with intracameral injections of a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The development of antimicrobial resistance in R. equi was an additional challenge encountered in the management of this case and emphasises the importance of culture and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates from foals with R. equi pneumonia. Extrapulmonary disorders associated with R. equi pneumonia are likely underdiagnosed and associated with a poor prognosis. This case highlights the importance of thorough and ongoing diagnostic assessment of foals with R. equi pneumonia and demonstrates that a successful outcome can be achieved with appropriate and directed treatment.
Traumatic bilateral stylohyoid bone fracture in an Appaloosa
Authors: Rando J. T. , Reilly M. T. , Cimetti L. J. , Bueno A. C. D. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryAn Appaloosa gelding presented for a traumatic puncture wound of the head ventral to the base of his left ear, bilateral epistaxis and upper respiratory compromise. The horse did not exhibit dysphagia or cranial nerve deficits. The horse suffered bilateral oblique fractures of both stylohyoid bones due to the traumatic incident, diagnosed upon endoscopy of the guttural pouches. Treatment consisted of anti‐inflammatory medication, broad‐spectrum antibiotics, guttural pouch lavage and dietary management with soft feeds. At a one‐month follow‐up examination, endoscopic evaluation revealed a union at both stylohyoid bone fracture sites. Guttural pouch mycosis was diagnosed in the left guttural pouch on the lateral wall at the entrance of the lateral compartment. The guttural pouch mycosis was treated with a nystatin and gentamicin flush, followed by a course of oral fluconazole. At the 3‐month re‐evaluation, the guttural pouch mycosis had completely responded to treatment.
A cross‐biome synthesis of soil respiration and its determinants under simulated precipitation changes
Authors: Liu Lingli , Wang Xin , Lajeunesse Marc J. , Miao Guofang , Piao Shilong , Wan Shiqiang , Wu Yuxin , Wang Zhenhua , Yang Sen , Li Ping , Deng Meifeng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSoil respiration (Rs) is the second‐largest terrestrial carbon (C) flux. Although Rs has been extensively studied across a broad range of biomes, there is surprisingly little consensus on how the spatiotemporal patterns of Rs will be altered in a warming climate with changing precipitation regimes. Here, we present a global synthesis Rs data from studies that have manipulated precipitation in the field by collating studies from 113 increased precipitation treatments, 91 decreased precipitation treatments, and 14 prolonged drought treatments. Our meta‐analysis indicated that when the increased precipitation treatments were normalized to 28% above the ambient level, the soil moisture, Rs, and the temperature sensitivity (Q10) values increased by an average of 17%, 16%, and 6%, respectively, and the soil temperature decreased by −1.3%. The greatest increases in Rs and Q10 were observed in arid areas, and the stimulation rates decreased with increases in climate humidity. When the decreased precipitation treatments were normalized to 28% below the ambient level, the soil moisture and Rs values decreased by an average of −14% and −17%, respectively, and the soil temperature and Q10 values were not altered. The reductions in soil moisture tended to be greater in more humid areas. Prolonged drought without alterations in the amount of precipitation reduced the soil moisture and Rs by −12% and −6%, respectively, but did not alter Q10. Overall, our synthesis suggests that soil moisture and Rs tend to be more sensitive to increased precipitation in more arid areas and more responsive to decreased precipitation in more humid areas. The responses of Rs and Q10 were predominantly driven by precipitation‐induced changes in the soil moisture, whereas changes in the soil temperature had limited impacts. Finally, our synthesis of prolonged drought experiments also emphasizes the importance of the timing and frequency of precipitation events on ecosystem C cycles. Given these findings, we urge future studies to focus on manipulating the frequency, intensity, and seasonality of precipitation with an aim to improving our ability to predict and model feedback between Rs and climate change.
Drivers of Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. et Schult growth and impact on forage quality in lowland Switzerland meadows
Authors: Orlandi S. , Nucera E. , Mosimann E. , D'Adda G. , Garzoli D. , Bertossa M. , Lonati M. , Lombardi G. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractInvasive grasses (especially Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. et Schult) increasingly threaten meadows and pastures as a consequence of human impact and climate change. We conducted a study in 2012 and in 2013 to better understand the growing cycle and the influence of S. pumila on forage quality of lowland meadows. We observed a rapid increase of S. pumila presence and phytomass on the southern side of the Alps across the growing season. We measured (i) above‐ground phytomass, with a modified Corral‐Fenlon method; (ii) botanical composition using the linear point quadrat method; and (iii) grassland chemical composition by NIRs (near‐infrared spectroscopy) analyses. To test the hypothesis that S. pumila summer growth is related to specific climatic conditions, meteorological data (temperature, precipitation and evapotranspiration) were collected from meteorological stations near the study sites. Total phytomass was sorted into S. pumila and other species. We used a generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) and found the abundance of S. pumila to be inversely correlated with rainfall and the presence of other species, but positively correlated with temperature increase. The increase of S. pumila above‐ground phytomass production was linked to a reduction of forage quality.
The Production of Difference and Maintenance of Inequality: The Place of Young Goan Men in a Post‐Crisis UK Labour Market
Authors: McDowell Linda , Rootham Esther , Hardgrove Abby 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article examines the ways in which young migrant men are constructed as potential employees in a British town where service sector employment, often on a casual or precarious basis, dominates the bottom end of the labour market. Low‐wage jobs in many British towns are now constructed as feminized, low waged and demanding personal skills of empathy and servility. In this context, young men, and especially young men of colour, including recent in‐migrants, are at a disadvantage, constructed by employers, agencies, co‐workers and customers as less eligible workers than ‘locals’. We use the experiences of young men from Goa as a lens though which to trace the ways in which expectations and experiences when looking for employment produce a hierarchical division of labour in precarious jobs at the bottom end of the service sector.
An analysis of caregiver burden of patients with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Cantekin Işın , Kavurmacı Mehtap , Tan Mehtap 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSince caregivers have roles and responsibilities in all phases from the diagnosis of the disease to discharge and homecare, their care burdens increase. The problems experienced by caregivers, whose care burden increase and accordingly whose life quality is deteriorated, complicate the treatment‐receiving patient's adaptation to the disease. This study was performed to determine the burden to primary caregivers of patients undergoing dialysis. This descriptive study was conducted with the family caregivers of 114 patients from Erzurum Ataturk University's Medical Faculty Nephrology Department: 54 were relatives of patients receiving hemodialysis and 60 were relatives of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis during August to December 2014. The percentage of the patients with low levels of caregiver burden is 13% in the hemodialysis group, while it is 35% in the peritoneal dialysis group. These findings are statistically significant. To conclude, chronic diseases affect not only patients, but also their relatives who care for them. Nursing care needs to include both patients and their relatives and support them. It is hoped that this study will guide nursing care in this direction.
A rare cause of abdominal pain: Catheter in the middle hepatic vein
Authors: Akturk Yeliz , Ozbal Gunes Serra , Akturk Okan Murat , Akcalar Seray , Hekimoglu Baki 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHemodialysis catheters are vital for chronic renal failure patients. Permanent tunneled dialysis catheters may be inserted through the jugular, subclavian, and femoral veins. In this paper, we aimed to present the computed tomography findings of a chronic renal failure patient who had referred our clinic with abdominal pain and dyspnea symptoms. This patient had a formerly inserted hemodialysis catheter for chronic renal failure and her catheter was found to be extending towards the middle hepatic vein with the tip leaning onto the parenchyma. Hemodialysis catheters can provide instant vascular access and can also be used for the consecutive procedures. Permanent hemodialysis catheters are ideal for long‐term use when placing an arteriovenous fistula is contraindicated or is no longer possible under conditions like advanced heart failure, peripheral artery disease or short life expectancy. The internal jugular, subclavian, the femoral veins, and the inferior vena cava can be used for catheter insertion. The tip of the catheters inserted in the neck or the thorax must extend to the vena cava superior. Catheter malposition may both lead to fatal outcomes and ineffective dialysis. It is important to obtain chest X‐rays after the procedure, particularly to detect catheter malposition.
Facilitating psychosexual adjustment for women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy: pilot of a novel patient psycho‐educational resource
Authors: Lubotzky Franchelle , Butow Phyllis , Nattress Kathryn , Hunt Caroline , Carroll Susan , Comensoli Andrew , Philp Shannon , Juraskova Ilona 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeThis pilot study aimed to obtain feedback on the feasibility, safety and acceptability of a psychosexual rehabilitation booklet developed for women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (PRT) and to explore women's sexual, informational and supportive care needs post‐PRT rehabilitation.MethodsTwenty women treated with PRT for gynaecological or anorectal cancer within the last 5 years, who had received vaginal dilators, provided feedback on the format, content and utility of the booklet and discussed their post‐treatment information needs, via a semi‐structured phone interview. Women completed standardized (HADS, IES‐R) and study‐specific scales to characterize psychological status of the sample and to assess participants' booklet knowledge and feedback, respectively.ResultsThe booklet was perceived as very helpful, informative and not distressing, providing additional information to that discussed with clinicians. After reading the booklet, women had good understanding of strategies to reduce the sexual impact of PRT. Many women reported that discussion of sexuality was often avoided during consultations, despite them experiencing distressing sexual experiences and difficulties post‐PRT.ConclusionsThis novel resource which addresses an important component of post‐pelvic radiation care appears acceptable and highly valued. Findings have highlighted a need for sexual health communication training for clinicians who treat this population so that they can initiate conversations about vaginal health and sexual health in an informed and comfortable manner. The impact of the revised booklet on psychosexual and clinical outcomes is being evaluated in a multicentre RCT.
Extraction and characterisation of Riceberry bran protein hydrolysate using enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Thamnarathip Parichart , Jangchud Kamolwan , Jangchud Anuvat , Nitisinprasert Sunee , Tadakittisarn Sukuntaros , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh 
Published: November 2015

SummaryRiceberry bran protein hydrolysate (RBPH) was prepared from bran of purple‐pigmented Riceberry rice using enzymatic hydrolysis. The effect of enzyme type (Alcalase, Flavourzyme and Neutrase) and hydrolysis time (2, 4 and 6 h) on protein content, protein yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activities (ABTS and FRAP) and molecular weight patterns of RBPH was investigated. The enzyme type significantly (P < 0.05) affected the properties of RBPH whereas the hydrolysis time had no significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on those properties. Flavourzyme was the most effective to increase protein yield, TPC and antioxidant activities compared to Alcalase and Neutrase. The optimal hydrolysis condition was 4 h using Flavourzyme which yielded 74.9% extracted protein. This hydrolysate contained peptides ranging from 16 to 64 kDa. The high antioxidant activity was related to negative charge peptides as shown by anion exchange chromatography. With high protein content and antioxidant properties, RBPH using Flavourzyme could be practically utilised in functional foods.
Prevalence of overweight/obesity and fitness level in preschool children from the north compared with the south of Europe: an exploration with two countries
Authors: Cadenas‐Sanchez C. , Nyström C. , Sanchez‐Delgado G. , Martinez‐Tellez B. , Mora‐Gonzalez J. , Risinger A. S. , Ruiz J. R. , Ortega F. B. , Löf M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundNorth–south differences in the prevalence of obesity and fitness levels have been found in European adolescents, yet it is unknown if such differences already exist in very young children.ObjectivesThis study aims to compare the prevalence of overweight/obesity and fitness levels in preschool children aged 4 years from Sweden (north of Europe) and Spain (south of Europe).MethodsThe sample consisted of 315 Swedish and 128 Spanish preschoolers. Anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference) and fitness (strength, speed–agility, balance and cardiorespiratory fitness) were assessed. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex and height/body mass index (BMI) was used.ResultsPreschool children from Sweden had lower prevalence of overweight/obesity than their peers from Spain (World Obesity Federation, mean difference, MD = −9%, P = 0.010; World Health Organization, MD = −11%, P = 0.011). Concerning fitness, preschoolers from Spain were more fit in terms of upper‐muscular strength (MD = +0.4 kg, P = 0.010), speed–agility (MD = −1.9 s, P = 0.001), balance (MD = +4.0 s, P = 0.001) and cardiorespiratory fitness (MD = boys = +6.6 laps, girls = +2.3 laps; P < 0.001 for all), yet they had worse lower‐muscular strength (MD = −7.1, P ≤ 0.001) than those from Sweden. Differences in upper‐muscular strength were largely explained by differences in BMI, and differences in cardiorespiratory fitness should be interpreted cautiously due to some methodological deviations.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity in Spain compared with Sweden is present already at early childhood, while differences in physical fitness components showed mixed findings.