bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of gabapentin and pregabalin on wound healing in rats
Authors: Sarıtaş Tuba Berra , Korkmaz Musa , Sevimli Alper , Sarıtaş Zulfikar Kadir 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGabapentinoids are effective adjunct drugs for reducing postoperative pain. However, the effects of gabapentinoids on wound healing have not been evaluated yet. In this study we evaluated their effects on wound healing. A total of 17 male Wistar‐Albino rats, 250–350 g, were divided into three groups randomly: control group (n = 5, 2 ml saline), gabapentin group (n = 6, 20 mg/kg gabapentin) and pregabalin group (n = 6, 20 mg/kg pregabalin). Until day 13 inflammation scores were significantly lower (P < 0·05) and wound healing was significantly better in the control group when compared with gabapentin and pregabalin groups (P < 0·001). Inflammation scores were significantly lower in pregabalin group when compared with gabapentin group until day 13. But wound healing was significantly better in gabapentin group than in pregabalin group between days 13 and 21. In conclusion when gabapentin and pregabalin were compared, although pregabalin decreases inflammation scores, gabapentin has better results in wound healing.
Primary Growth Parameters of Three Alfalfa Cultivars Adapted to Highland Climatic Conditions
Authors: Seker H. , Yolcu H. , Acikgoz E. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAn irrigated field study was conducted to determine the relative importance and inter‐relationships of growth parameters of three dormant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars grown in the highlands of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, in 2000–2003. The fast‐growing cultivar Savas had the greatest dry matter (DM) yield at the final sampling date with the greatest mean crop growth rate. In addition to a greater relative growth rate (RGR), this cultivar had more stem branching and greater leaf area in the canopy, which resulted in greater leaf area index (LAI) and greater leaf area duration. Despite the considerable increase in leaf area ratio (LAR: leaf area per unit shoot DM), the reduction in RGR of all cultivars over time was the result of a large decline in net assimilation rate (NAR) due to increasing specific leaf area (SLA). Intracultivar variation in the RGR of alfalfa is mainly determined by NAR and SLA, and both were significantly higher for Savas than the other two cultivars. The relative importance of NAR and SLA to RGR changed due to increasing self‐shading as the LAI of the canopy increased, creating a trade‐off between NAR and SLA.
Politically Connected CEOs, Corporate Governance, and the Post‐IPO Performance of China's Partially Privatized Firms
Authors: Fan Joseph P. H. , Wong T. J. , Zhang Tianyu 
Published: October 2014

The authors' study provides suggestive evidence of the negative effects of politically connected CEOs on the corporate performance and governance of publicly listed companies in China. Newly listed Chinese companies with politically connected CEOs are more likely to have boards that are populated by current or former government bureaucrats, and that generally exhibit low degrees of professionalism, as indicated by fewer directors with relevant professional backgrounds. At the same time, the operating and stock‐return performance of such firms has failed to match that of their politically unconnected counterparts.Thus, the authors' study provides more support for the argument that bureaucrats and politicians extract resources from listed SOEs under their control to fulfill objectives that are not consistent with firm value maximization. Expressed in more general terms, the main finding of the study is that the constraints on property rights faced by Chinese SOEs—namely the non‐transferability of state ownership and the right of the government to appoint CEOs—appear to have significantly negative effects on firm performance as well as board professionalism and governance. Removing these constraints will likely have to be a critical part of any future reforms that aim to improve the productivity of listed Chinese companies.
Low genetic diversity and strong but shallow population differentiation suggests genetic homogenization by metapopulation dynamics in a social spider
Authors: Settepani V. , Bechsgaard J. , Bilde T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMating systems and population dynamics influence genetic diversity and structure. Species that experience inbreeding and limited gene flow are expected to evolve isolated, divergent genetic lineages. Metapopulation dynamics with frequent extinctions and colonizations may, on the other hand, deplete and homogenize genetic variation, if extinction rate is sufficiently high compared to the effect of drift in local demes. We investigated these theoretical predictions empirically in social spiders that are highly inbred. Social spiders show intranest mating, female‐biased sex ratio, and frequent extinction and colonization events, factors that deplete genetic diversity within nests and populations and limit gene flow. We characterized population genetic structure in Stegodyphus sarasinorum, a social spider distributed across the Indian subcontinent. Species‐wide genetic diversity was estimated over approximately 2800 km from Sri Lanka to Himalayas, by sequencing 16 protein‐coding nuclear loci. We found 13 SNPs in 6592 bp (π = 0.00045) indicating low species‐wide nucleotide diversity. Three genetic lineages were strongly differentiated; however, only one fixed difference among them suggests recent divergence. This is consistent with a scenario of metapopulation dynamics that homogenizes genetic diversity across the species' range. Ultimately, low standing genetic variation may hamper a species' ability to track environmental change and render social inbreeding spiders ‘evolutionary dead‐ends’.
Hydrosols evaluation in pest control: insecticidal and settling inhibition potential against Myzus persicae (Sulzer)
Authors: Petrakis E. A. , Kimbaris A. C. , Lykouressis D. P. , Polissiou M. G. , Perdikis D. Ch. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe hydrosols are by‐products derived during the extraction of essential oils. Although essential oils have been widely evaluated for their insecticidal activities, the possible use of hydrosols in pest control has been almost unknown. The effects of the hydrosols of Origanum majorana (marjoram), Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal), and Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) on the survival and settling behaviour of the aphid pest Myzus persicae were investigated. The hydrosols were isolated using Clevenger hydrodistillation (i) with conventional heating (HD) and (ii) assisted by microwaves (MWHD). GC‐MS analysis showed that the volatiles occurring in the hydrosols were similar between the two techniques. Hydrosols were assayed for possible settling inhibitory effects on M. persicae in Petri dishes (15 cm diameter). In each dish, a sprayed together with an unsprayed eggplant leaf piece was placed. An adult aphid <24 h old was released on the treated leaf and its path length was recorded during the initial 10 min. Then, its position (on the treated or untreated leaf) was recorded 10, 20, 30, 60 min and 24 h after spraying. M. officinalis HD hydrosol resulted in fourfold increase of the path length compared with the control (deionized water). The last observation (24 h) revealed that M. officinalis and M. pulegium HD hydrosols had the strongest inhibitory effect. Additionally, O. majorana hydrosols caused 10–15% aphid mortality after 24 h. In this study, the wider use of the MWHD technique is further supported as in addition to its well‐known advantages (i.e. shorter distillation time, less energy consumption), the effects of the hydrosols produced are comparable to those obtained by HD. Most importantly, the results clearly showed that the potential of hydrosols in pest control ought not to be ignored and should attract the interest of future studies.
Deletion of Atf6α impairs astroglial activation and enhances neuronal death following brain ischemia in mice
Authors: Yoshikawa Akifumi , Kamide Tomoya , Hashida Koji , Ta Hieu Minh , Inahata Yuki , Takarada‐Iemata Mika , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Mori Kazutoshi , Takahashi Ryosuke , Matsuyama Tomohiro , Hayashi Yutaka , Kitao Yasuko , Hori Osamu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTo dissect the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response in brain ischemia, we investigated the relevance of activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α), a master transcriptional factor in the unfolded protein response, after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice. Enhanced expression of glucose‐regulated protein78, a downstream molecular chaperone of ATF6α, was observed in both neurons and glia in the peri‐infarct region of wild‐type mice after MCAO. Analysis using wild‐type and Atf6α−/− mice revealed a larger infarct volume and increased cell death in the peri‐ischemic region of Atf6α−/− mice 5 days after MCAO. These phenotypes in Atf6α−/− mice were associated with reduced levels of astroglial activation/glial scar formation, and a spread of tissue damage into the non‐infarct area. Further analysis in mice and cultured astrocytes revealed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)‐glial fibrillary acidic protein signaling were diminished in Atf6α−/− astrocytes. A chemical chaperone, 4‐phenylbutyrate, restored STAT3‐glial fibrillary acidic protein signaling, while ER stressors, such as tunicamycin and thapsigargin, almost completely abolished signaling in cultured astrocytes. Furthermore, ER stress‐induced deactivation of STAT3 was mediated, at least in part, by the ER stress‐responsive tyrosine phosphatase, TC‐PTP/PTPN2. These results suggest that ER stress plays critical roles in determining the level of astroglial activation and neuronal survival after brain ischemia.image
We here suggest a mechanism triggered after brain ischemia in which the enhanced level of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress—caused by deletion of the activating transcription factor ATF6α—leads to suppression of the STAT3‐GFAP signaling, inhibition of astroglial activation/glial scar formation, and enhanced level of neuronal death in the peri‐ischemic area. This is mediated, at least in part, through the ER stress‐responsive tyrosine phosphatase, TC‐PTP. CNTF, ciliary neurotrophic factor; GFAP, Glial fibrillary acidic protein; IL‐6, interleukin 6; LIF, leukemia inhibitory factor; STAT3, signal transducer, and activator of transcription 3.
Inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling prevents epileptiform behavior in rats prone to audiogenic seizures
Authors: Glazova Margarita V. , Nikitina Liubov S. , Hudik Kirill A. , Kirillova Olga D. , Dorofeeva Nadezhda A. , Korotkov Anatoly A. , Chernigovskaya Elena V. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIt has recently been proposed that extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are one of the factors mediating seizure development. We hypothesized that inhibition of ERK1/2 activity could prevent audiogenic seizures by altering GABA and glutamate release mechanisms. Krushinsky–Molodkina rats, genetically prone to audiogenic seizure, were recruited in the experiments. Animals were i.p. injected with an inhibitor of ERK1/2 SL 327 at different doses 60 min before audio stimulation. We demonstrated for the first time that inhibition of ERK1/2 activity by SL 327 injections prevented seizure behavior and this effect was dose‐dependent and correlated with ERK1/2 activity. The obtained data also demonstrated unchanged levels of GABA production, and an increase in the level of vesicular glutamate transporter 2. The study of exocytosis protein expression showed that SL 327 treatment leads to downregulation of vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 and synapsin I, and accumulation of synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25). The obtained data indicate that the inhibition of ERK1/2 blocks seizure behavior presumably by altering the exocytosis machinery, and identifies ERK1/2 as a potential target for the development of new strategies for seizure treatment.
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Extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are one of the factors mediating seizure development. Here we report that inhibition of ERK1/2 by SL 327 prevented seizure behavior and this effect was dose‐dependent and correlated with ERK1/2 activity. Accumulation of VGLUT2 was associated with differential changing of synaptic proteins VAMP2, SNAP‐25 and synapsin I. The obtained data indicate that the inhibition of ERK1/2 alters neurotransmitter release by changing the exocytosis machinery, thus preventing seizures.
Estimating Oil Risk Factors Using Information from Equity and Derivatives Markets
Authors: CHIANG I‐HSUAN ETHAN , HUGHEN W. KEENER , SAGI JACOB S. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTWe introduce a novel approach to estimating latent oil risk factors and establish their significance in pricing nonoil securities. Our model, which features four factors with simple economic interpretations, is estimated using both derivative prices and oil‐related equity returns. The fit is excellent in and out of sample. The extracted oil factors carry significant risk premia, and are significantly related to macroeconomic variables as well as portfolio returns sorted on characteristics and industry. The average nonoil portfolio exhibits a sensitivity to the oil factors amounting to a sixth (in magnitude) of that of the oil industry itself.
First Report of a Croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CYVMV) Associated with Tomato Leaf Curl Disease in India
Authors: Khan Mohammad Sajid , Tiwari Ajay Kumar , Ji Sang Hye , Chun Se Chul 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLeaf curl disease symptoms were observed in tomato crop grown in a tomato field at Matera district of Bahraich, India, in March 2013 with an 85% disease incidence. The infected plants exhibited leaf curl symptoms accompanied with puckering, vein swelling and stunting of the whole plant. PCR carried out with begomovirus coat protein gene and DNA beta‐specific primer sets resulted in positive amplification of ~775 bp and 1.35 kbp, respectively, with all symptom‐bearing plant samples. BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses of CP gene sequences showed highest and close relationship with Croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CYVMV) isolates, while the phylogenetic study of betasatellite sequence showed distinct relationships with other begomovirus associated betasatellites reported from India and abroad. This is a first report of a CYVMV associated with tomato leaf curl disease in India.
An action phase approach to offender profiling
Authors: Goodwill Alasdair M. , Lehmann Robert J. B. , Beauregard Eric , Andrei Andreea 
Published: October 2014

PurposeContinued debate surrounds whether or not offender profiling is a valid practice. Critics have mainly contended that few studies have produced clear, quantifiable, evidence of a link between crime scene actions (A) and offender characteristics (C). Arguing that this is due to a failure to study offender actions as part of a dynamic decision‐making process, this study sought to identify action phases that are representative of the general decisions an offender must make during the commission of a sexual offence, and relate these decisions to known characteristics of the offender (C).MethodsTwo‐step cluster analyses were performed on data from 347 stranger sexual offences, committed by 69 serial sexual offenders, by action phase: (1) search; (2) selection; (3) approach; (4) assault; and also for an offender's (5) characteristics. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was then utilized to investigate the inter‐relationship of action phase clusters and offender characteristics.ResultsThe MCA results indicated that specific behavioural macro‐clusters formed across the various actions phase and offender characteristic clusters in a meaningful way. Additionally, the macro‐clusters themselves corresponded to the extant literature on sexual assault, revealing several points of congruence between offender crime scene actions and offender characteristics.ConclusionThe results of the study demonstrate that when crime scene behaviours are interpreted within a dynamic decision‐making process (i.e., utilizing action phases), reliable and valid empirical links may potentially be drawn between an offenders behavioural actions and their characteristics.
The UCP2 ‐866 G>A promoter region polymorphism is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Authors: Fares Roberta , Petta Salvatore , Lombardi Rosa , Grimaudo Stefania , Dongiovanni Paola , Pipitone Rosaria , Rametta Raffaela , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Mozzi Enrico , Craxì Antonio , Fargion Silvia , Sesti Giorgio , Valenti Luca 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsUncoupling protein 2 ‐ UCP2 ‐ regulates mitochondrial lipid fluxes and reactive oxygen species production by the respiratory chain. The −866 G>A UCP2 promoter region polymorphism has been linked to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess whether the −866 G>A UCP2 polymorphism predisposes to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in patients at risk, and the relationship with lipid metabolism and hepatic UCP2 expression.MethodsWe considered 688 Italian patients who underwent liver biopsy for suspected NASH, and 232 healthy controls. The UCP2 −866 G>A polymorphism was determined by allele specific oligonucleotide probes, hepatic UCP2 mRNA levels by quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsUCP2 A/A genotype was associated with a reduced risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (Odds Ratio 0.49, 95% C.I. 0.26–0.90; P = 0.02; adjusted for age, sex, BMI, impaired fasting glucose or diabetes, PNPLA3 I148M alleles and recruitment centre). The A/A genotype was associated with reduced risk of steatosis grade G2–G3 and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in patients without (P = 0.003 and P = 0.01 respectively), but not in those with (P = NS) impaired fasting glucose/diabetes. The UCP2 A/A genotype was associated with higher hepatic UCP2 mRNA levels (adjusted P = 0.008). Concerning the metabolic traits, the UCP2 A/A genotype was associated with higher total serum cholesterol levels (adjusted P = 0.03), but not with serum HDL, triglycerides or impaired fasting glucose/diabetes.ConclusionsUCP2 −866 A/A genotype is associated with increased hepatic UCP2 expression and reduced risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, particularly in subjects with normal fasting glucose.
Correlation between Bladder Neck Mobility and Voiding Phase Urodynamic Parameters in Female Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: HUANG I‐Shen , FAN Yu‐Hua , LIN Alex T. L. , CHEN Kuang‐Kuo 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveThe correlation between bladder neck mobility (BNM) and voiding function in females has not been examined before. This study investigated the correlation between BNM and voiding phase urodynamic parameters in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsWe recruited female patients with SUI between January 2005 and 2010. All patients underwent video urodynamic study (VUDS) including measurement of the bladder neck descent using the Valsalva maneuver and leak point pressure. BNM was defined as maximal bladder neck descent under Valsalva maneuver. The correlation between BNM and urodynamic parameters was analyzed with Spearman correlation.ResultsA total of 158 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.5 ± 10.4 years (range: 27–83). BNM was significantly correlated with mean flow rate. Using the cutoff value of 60 cmH2O for valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), the patients were classified into intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) and non‐ISD. In ISD patients (n = 74), BNM was significantly correlated with maximal and mean flow rate. In non‐ISD patients, there was no significant correlation between BNM and urodynamic parameters. Detrusor pressure on voiding was significantly lower in ISD patients compared with non‐ISD.ConclusionsIn ISD patients, we found a positive correlation between BNM and flow rates. This is the first study to identify a close association between bladder neck mobility and voiding function in female SUI patients. Future studies are required to clarify the mechanism and to determine the significance of this finding.
Study on Physiological Roles of Stimulation of Prostaglandin E2 Receptor Subtype EP2 in Urethral Function in Rats
Authors: KURIHARA Ryoko , ISHIZU Kenichiro , TAKAMATSU Hajime , YOSHINO Taiji , MASUDA Noriyuki 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesWe investigated the relaxant effect of stimulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor subtype EP2 as well as the involvement of a cyclic AMP (cAMP)‐dependent pathway related to stimulation of EP2 receptors in urethral function in rats by evaluating effects of PGE2 and selective EP2 receptor agonist CP‐533,536.MethodsEffects of PGE2 and CP‐533,536 on cAMP accumulation were assessed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐K1 cells expressing rat EP2 or EP4 receptors. Relaxant responses to PGE2 and CP‐533,536 (0.01–10 µmol/L) in rat urethral tissue pre‐contracted with 10 µmol/L phenylephrine were evaluated, and cAMP levels in isolated rat urethral tissue treated with these compounds were determined as well. The effects of PGE2 and CP‐533,536 (0.003–0.3 mg/kg intravenously) on urethral perfusion pressure (UPP) in anesthetized rats were also evaluated.ResultsPGE2 concentration‐dependently increased the accumulation of cAMP in cells expressing rat EP2 (EC50 value = 1.3 nmol/L) and EP4 receptors (EC50 value = 17 nmol/L). While CP‐533,536 similarly increased the accumulation of cAMP in cells expressing rat EP2 receptors (EC50 value = 3.0 nmol/L), no such effects were noted in cells expressing rat EP4 receptors up to 10 µmol/L. Both PGE2 and CP‐533,536 produced relaxation and increased cAMP levels in urethral tissues in a concentration‐dependent manner. PGE2 and CP‐533,536 both dose‐dependently decreased UPP in anesthetized rats.ConclusionsTaken together, these results suggest that stimulation of EP2 receptors induces relaxation likely via activation of cAMP‐dependent mechanisms in rat urethral tissue, leading to a reduction of UPP.
Folic acid induces salicylic acid‐dependent immunity in Arabidopsis and enhances susceptibility to Alternaria brassicicola
Authors: Wittek Finni , Kanawati Basem , Wenig Marion , Hoffmann Thomas , Franz‐Oberdorf Katrin , Schwab Wilfried , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Vlot A. Corina 
Published: October 2014

SummaryFolates are essential for one‐carbon transfer reactions in all organisms and contribute, for example, to de novo DNA synthesis. Here, we detected the folate precursors 7,8‐dihydropteroate (DHP) and 4‐amino‐4‐deoxychorismate (ADC) in extracts from Arabidopsis thaliana plants by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance‐mass spectrometry. The accumulation of DHP, but not ADC, was induced after infection of plants with Pseudomonas syringae delivering the effector protein AvrRpm1. Application of folic acid or the DHP precursor 7,8‐dihydroneopterin (DHN) enhanced resistance in Arabidopsis to P. syringae and elevated the transcript accumulation of the salicylic acid (SA) marker gene PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED1 in both the treated and systemic untreated leaves. DHN‐ and folic acid‐induced systemic resistance was dependent on SA biosynthesis and signalling. Similar to SA, folic acid application locally enhanced Arabidopsis susceptibility to the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola. Together, the data associate the folic acid pathway with innate immunity in Arabidopsis, simultaneously activating local and systemic SA‐dependent resistance to P. syringae and suppressing local resistance to A. brassicicola.