bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural Rights, Human Rights, and Libertarianism
Authors: Block Walter E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe present article is devoted to developing a libertarian understanding of whether natural rights may or may not underpin human rights and, if so, how. Libertarianism is first defined in terms of the nonaggression principle (NAP), in answer to the question “What is the proper use of force?” This provides a basis for the libertarian positions on property rights, taxation, and many other issues, including human rights. Various philosophical rationales for the NAP are explored, including utilitarianism, religion, and natural rights. The basis of human rights is then examined. Every ethical tradition supports the nonaggression principle, which makes it an ideal candidate for the fundamental basis of human rights. Unfortunately, other traditions expand upon human rights by adding “positive” rights that ultimately violate the NAP. The conclusion takes up the application of libertarian principles to three issues, which could be viewed as human rights questions: discrimination, abortion, and the “trolley problem.” The last one involves taking one life to save many others.
Natural Rights: Henry George and the Economic Fruits of a Good Society
Authors: Dawsey James M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article examines Henry George's understanding of how natural rights grow out of a just society. His views were influenced by the 17th‐century proponents of natural rights, but cannot be subsumed under them. The connection of freedom to obligation affirmed by George's classical Protestantism allowed him to overcome tension between theories of natural law and natural rights. Rights and responsibilities were not abstractions for George. His practical solution for restructuring society offers a modern path to a more just society in which rights would abound.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of systemic anaplastic large cell lymphomas
Authors: Boi Michela , Zucca Emanuele , Inghirami Giorgio , Bertoni Francesco 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe currently used 2008 World Health Organization classification recognizes two types of systemic anaplastic large T cell lymphoma according to ALK protein expression in tumour cells. First, the ‘anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK positive’ (ALK+ ALCL) that is characterized by the presence of ALK gene rearrangements and consequent ALK protein expression, and, second, the ‘anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK negative’ (ALK− ALCL) that is a provisional entity lacking ALK protein expression but cannot be distinguished morphologically from ALK+ ALCL. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the genetic lesions and biological features that underlie the pathogenesis of ALK+ and the ALK− ALCL and that can lead to the use of targeted anti‐cancer agents.
Association of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor and human leucocyte antigen-Cw gene combinations with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hou Y , Zhang C , Xu D , Sun H 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are a diverse family of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and T cells, the genes of which show extreme polymorphism. Some KIRs bind to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I subgroups, and genetic interactions between KIR genes and their ligand HLA have been shown to be associated with several autoimmune diseases. The present study aimed to investigate whether the combinations of KIR genes and HLA-Cw ligands associate with the susceptibility of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers was used to determine the genotypes of KIR genes and HLA-Cw alleles. We found that the frequencies of HLA-Cw07 were statistically significantly higher in the patient group than those in the control group (P = 0·009). KIR2DS1+HLA−CwLys was more common in subjects with SLE compared to control subjects (P = 0·015). In addition, the frequency of KIR2DS1 was increased in SLE when KIR2DL1/HLA-Cw are absent, and the difference was significant (P = 0·001). KIR genotype and HLA ligand interaction may potentially influence the threshold for NK (and/or T) cell activation mediated through activating receptors, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of SLE.
The optimal therapy of calcineurin inhibitors for pregnancy in kidney transplantation
Authors: Kim Hyosang , Jeong Jong Cheol , Yang Jaeseok , Yang Won Seok , Ahn Curie , Han Duck Jong , Park Jung Sik , Park Su‐Kil 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe investigated the effects of pregnancy and delivery on renal function in transplant recipients and the relationship between doses of immunosuppressants and blood drug levels during pregnancy in 75 women with 88 deliveries. Significant serum creatinine elevation (> 0.5 mg/dL) was found in eight deliveries. In the remaining 80 cases, serum creatinine was reduced by an average of 0.14 mg/dL and returned to pre‐pregnant levels after delivery. Tacrolimus was used in 28 deliveries and cyclosporine in others. Tacrolimus blood trough level declined from 5.8 ± 2.8 ng/mL 12 months before delivery to 4.2 ± 1.8 ng/mL at second trimester; therefore, drug dose was increased from 4.1 ± 1.9 mg/d at first trimester to 5.5 ± 2.5 mg/d at delivery. Similarly, cyclosporine levels were 125.1 ± 65.1 ng/mL 12 months before delivery and 75.4 ± 35.0 ng/mL at second trimester resulting in dose elevation from 183.0 ± 71.8 mg/d at first trimester to 225.4 ± 85.1 mg/d at delivery. Renal function in female kidney transplant recipients improved slightly during pregnancy and returned to pre‐pregnant level after delivery. The dose elevation of calcineurin inhibitor by approximately 20–25% should be considered during gestational period to maintain optimal blood drug level.
Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hand eczema – short version
Authors: Diepgen Thomas L , Andersen Klaus E , Chosidow Oliver , Coenraads Peter Jan , Elsner Peter , English John , Fartasch Manigé , Gimenez‐Arnau Ana , Nixon Rosemary , Sasseville Denis , Agner Tove 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe guidelines aim to provide advice on the management of hand eczema (HE), using an evidence‐ and consensus‐based approach. The guidelines consider a systematic Cochrane review on interventions for HE, which is based on a systematic search of the published literature (including hand‐searching). In addition to the evidence‐ and consensus‐based recommendation on the treatment of HE, the guidelines cover mainly consensus‐based diagnostic aspects and preventive measures (primary and secondary prevention). Treatment recommendations include non‐pharmacological interventions, topical, physical and systemic treatments. Topical corticosteroids are recommended as first line treatment in the management of HE, however continuous long‐term treatment beyond six weeks only when necessary and under careful medical supervision. Alitretinoin is recommended as a second line treatment (relative to topical corticosteroids) for patients with severe chronic HE. Randomized control trials (RCT) are missing for other used systemic treatments and comparison of systemic drugs in “head‐to‐head” RCTs are needed.The guidelines development group is a working group of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) and has carefully tried to reconcile opposite views, define current optimal practice and provide specific recommendations, and meetings have been chaired by a professional moderator of the AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften; Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany).No financial support was given by any medical company. The guidelines are expected to be valid until December 2017 at the latest.
Photoallergy
Authors: Wilm Anna , Berneburg Mark 
Published: January 2015

SummaryMany – topically applied or systemically administered – substances may trigger photoallergic skin reactions following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While most cases represent photoallergic contact dermatitis due to topically applied agents, systemically triggered photoallergy is considerably less common. The photopatch test – a UV‐exposed variant of the conventional patch test – is the mainstay in the diagnosis of photoallergic or phototoxic reactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND VEHICLE SAFETY: THE IMPACT OF GASOLINE TAXES
Authors: Sheehan‐Connor Damien 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTPolicies to reduce carbon emissions by vehicles, such as fuel economy standards and gasoline taxes, have impacts on vehicle weight and thus on safety. This paper develops a model that separately identifies the impact of vehicle weight on mortality and selection effects that impact accident propensity. The main results are that (1) the safety externalities associated with heavy vehicles are greater than the environmental ones; (2) under fuel economy standards, vehicle weights have recently decreased with little likely effect on accident deaths; and (3) similar environmental benefits could be combined with substantial reductions in deaths by implementing higher gasoline taxes. (JEL H23, D62)
Characterization of Pyrofomes demidoffii from Ethiopian Afromontane forests
Authors: Assefa A. , Abate D. , Stenlid J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPyrofomes demidoffii is a basidiomycetous fungus that causes a white heart rot in living junipers (Juniperus spp.). Morphological characters and genetic variation in species of Pyrofomes were investigated for specimens from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Macedonia, USA and Costa Rica. In addition, the behaviour of isolates from Ethiopia was studied in vitro. The Ethiopian specimens had relatively larger basidiospores than collections from other countries and showed a high sequence similarity in the ITS region of rDNA sequences with most of strains evaluated in this study (95–100%), but only 89–92% with P. demidoffii from the USA. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS‐5.8S rDNA sequences resulted in two well‐supported (99–100% bootstrap value), separate clades of P. demidoffii. Deeper branches were less well supported (bootstrap < 90%), but the two geographically and phylogenetically separated clades within P. demidoffii may still represent sister groups. For Ethiopian strains, the temperature optimum was between 20 and 25 °C and the pH optimum was around 5.0. A phylogenetic study with additional genetic markers and with a more representative collection of samples is needed.
Cognitive motor interference for gait and balance in stroke: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang X.‐Q. , Pi Y.‐L. , Chen B.‐L , Chen P.‐J. , Liu Y. , Wang R. , Li X. , Waddington G. 
Published: January 2015

Background and purposeAn increasing interest in the potential benefits of cognitive motor interference (CMI) for stroke has recently been observed, but the efficacy of CMI for gait and balance is controversial. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to estimate the effect of CMI on gait and balance in patients with stroke.MethodsArticles in Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro and the China Biology Medicine disc were searched from 1970 to July 2014. Only randomized controlled trials examining the effects of CMI for patients with stroke were included, and no language restrictions were applied. Main outcome measures included gait and balance function.ResultsA total of 15 studies composed of 395 participants met the inclusion criteria, and 13 studies of 363 participants were used as data sources for the meta‐analysis. Pooling revealed that CMI was superior to the control group for gait speed [mean difference (MD) 0.19 m/s, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.06, 0.31), P = 0.003], stride length [MD 12.53 cm, 95% CI (4.07, 20.99), P = 0.004], cadence [MD 10.44 steps/min, 95% CI (4.17, 16.71), P = 0.001], centre of pressure sway area [MD −1.05, 95% CI (−1.85, −0.26), P = 0.01] and Berg balance scale [MD 2.87, 95% CI (0.54, 5.21), P = 0.02] in the short term.ConclusionCognitive motor interference is effective for improving gait and balance function for stroke in the short term. However, only little evidence supports assumptions regarding CMI's long‐term benefits.
Anticipated climate and land‐cover changes reveal refuge areas for Borneo's orang‐utans
Authors: Struebig Matthew J. , Fischer Manuela , Gaveau David L. A. , Meijaard Erik , Wich Serge A. , Gonner Catherine , Sykes Rachel , Wilting Andreas , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHabitat loss and climate change pose a double jeopardy for many threatened taxa, making the identification of optimal habitat for the future a conservation priority. Using a case study of the endangered Bornean orang‐utan, we identify environmental refuges by integrating bioclimatic models with projected deforestation and oil‐palm agriculture suitability from the 1950s to 2080s. We coupled a maximum entropy algorithm with information on habitat needs to predict suitable habitat for the present day and 1950s. We then projected to the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s in models incorporating only land‐cover change, climate change or both processes combined. For future climate, we incorporated projections from four model and emission scenario combinations. For future land cover, we developed spatial deforestation predictions from 10 years of satellite data. Refuges were delineated as suitable forested habitats identified by all models that were also unsuitable for oil palm – a major threat to tropical biodiversity. Our analyses indicate that in 2010 up to 260 000 km2 of Borneo was suitable habitat within the core orang‐utan range; an 18–24% reduction since the 1950s. Land‐cover models predicted further decline of 15–30% by the 2080s. Although habitat extent under future climate conditions varied among projections, there was majority consensus, particularly in north‐eastern and western regions. Across projections habitat loss due to climate change alone averaged 63% by 2080, but 74% when also considering land‐cover change. Refuge areas amounted to 2000–42 000 km2 depending on thresholds used, with 900–17 000 km2 outside the current species range. We demonstrate that efforts to halt deforestation could mediate some orang‐utan habitat loss, but further decline of the most suitable areas is to be expected given projected changes to climate. Protected refuge areas could therefore become increasingly important for ongoing translocation efforts. We present an approach to help identify such areas for highly threatened species given environmental changes expected this century.
Influence of gravity upon some facial signs
Authors: Flament F. , Bazin R. , Piot B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesFacial clinical signs and their integration are the basis of perception than others could have from ourselves, noticeably the age they imagine we are. Facial modifications in motion and their objective measurements before and after application of skin regimen are essential to go further in evaluation capacities to describe efficacy in facial dynamics. Quantification of facial modifications vis à vis gravity will allow us to answer about ‘control’ of facial shape in daily activities.MethodsStandardized photographs of the faces of 30 Caucasian female subjects of various ages (24–73 year) were successively taken at upright and supine positions within a short time interval. All these pictures were therefore reframed – any bias due to facial features was avoided when evaluating one single sign – for clinical quotation by trained experts of several facial signs regarding published standardized photographic scales.ResultsFor all subjects, the supine position increased facial width but not height, giving a more fuller appearance to the face. More importantly, the supine position changed the severity of facial ageing features (e.g. wrinkles) compared to an upright position and whether these features were attenuated or exacerbated depended on their facial location. Supine station mostly modifies signs of the lower half of the face whereas those of the upper half appear unchanged or slightly accentuated. These changes appear much more marked in the older groups, where some deep labial folds almost vanish. These alterations decreased the perceived ages of the subjects by an average of 3.8 years.ConclusionAlthough preliminary, this study suggests that a 90° rotation of the facial skin vis à vis gravity induces rapid rearrangements among which changes in tensional forces within and across the face, motility of interstitial free water among underlying skin tissue and/or alterations of facial Langer lines, likely play a significant role.
4‐Methylbenzylidene camphor microspheres: reconstituted epidermis (Skinethic®) permeation and distribution
Authors: Monti D. , Chetoni P. , Burgalassi S. , Tampucci S. , Centini M. , Anselmi C. 
Published: January 2015

SynopsisObjectiveThe UV filter 3(4‐methylbenzylidene) camphor (4‐MBC) is a common ingredient in sunscreen cosmetic products. However, different ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ studies suggest that 4‐MBC can cause endocrine disrupting effects. Therefore, there is a need for new systems able to minimize the skin penetration of this UV filter. The aim of this study was to evaluate cutaneous permeation and distribution, through and into EPISKIN reconstituted epidermis (RE) from an O/W emulsion containing 4‐MBC free or encapsulated in polymeric substantive microspheres.MethodsMicrospheres containing 4‐MBC were prepared using the emulsification‐solvent evaporation method and characterized for shape and surface morphology and encapsulation efficiency. O/A emulsions containing sunscreen free or encapsulated in microspheres were undergone to permeation tests through RE using vertical diffusion cells. At the end of the in vitro permeation experiments, the skin was subjected to tape stripping procedure to separate stratum corneum from viable epidermis. Each part was properly treated to extract the sunscreen retained and subject to quantitative analysis.ResultsThe encapsulation of the sunscreen in the microspheres remarkably reduced the permeation of 4‐MBC and increased its retention on the skin surface where its action is more desirable.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm the validity of substantive microspheres as an ideal formulation candidate to use in sunscreen preparation as they appear minimizing its systemic uptake and the potential associate toxicological risks. Therefore, more of the active sunscreen remains on the surface of the skin where it is intended to act and a higher activity it will explicate.
Efficacy of a basal bolus insulin protocol to treat prednisolone‐induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalised patients
Authors: Burt M. G. , Drake S. M. , Aguilar‐Loza N. R. , Esterman A. , Stranks S. N. , Roberts G. W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground/AimFew studies have specifically investigated treatment of prednisolone‐induced hyperglycaemia.AimTo determine if a basal bolus insulin (BBI) protocol for inpatient hyperglycaemia is effective in patients prescribed acute prednisolone for an inflammatory disease.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 66 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to a general medical ward and treated with BBI for up to 5 days were studied. Twenty‐four patients were taking prednisolone ≥10 mg/day to treat an acute inflammatory disease. The remaining 42 patients were a control group. The primary outcome was mean daily blood glucose level.ResultsThere were no significant differences in glycosylated haemoglobin (8.1 ± 1.0 vs 8.1 ± 1.6%, P = 0.88), age (77 ± 11 vs 75 ± 14 years, P = 0.57), male sex (63 vs 60%, P = 0.81) or body mass index (30.0 ± 5.3 vs 30.2 ± 11.5 kg/m2, P = 0.90) between patients taking prednisolone and controls. Mean daily glucose concentration was higher in patients taking prednisolone than in controls (12.2 ± 0.3 vs 10.0 ± 0.1 mmol/L, P < 0.001). Blood glucose level was higher in patients on prednisolone at 1700 h (14.6 ± 0.6 vs 10.3 ± 0.3 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and 2100 h (14.5 ± 0.6 vs 10.5 ± 0.3 mmol/L, P < 0.001), with no significant differences at 0700 h and 1200 h. These findings occurred despite patients taking prednisolone receiving a higher daily insulin dose than controls (0.67–0.70 vs 0.61–0.65 U/kg, P = 0.001) because of higher doses of ultra‐rapid‐acting insulin at 1200 h and 1700 h.ConclusionsHospitalised patients taking prednisolone had substantial afternoon and evening hyperglycaemia despite receiving BBI via a protocol for inpatient hyperglycaemia. Specific insulin regimens for prednisolone‐induced hyperglycaemia are needed that recommend more insulin during this time period.
Lower vegetable protein intake and higher dietary acid load associated with lower carbohydrate intake are risk factors for metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes: Post‐hoc analysis of a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Iwase Hiroya , Tanaka Muhei , Kobayashi Yukiko , Wada Sayori , Kuwahata Masashi , Kido Yasuhiro , Hamaguchi Masahide , Asano Mai , Yamazaki Masahiro , Hasegawa Goji , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Michiaki 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionA low‐carbohydrate diet based on animal sources is associated with higher all‐cause mortality, whereas a vegetable‐based low‐carbohydrate diet is associated with lower cardiovascular disease mortality. It has been suggested that acid/base imbalance might play an important role in some cardiometabolic abnormalities. The aims of the present study were to evaluate whether carbohydrate intake is associated with quality of dietary protein and acid load, and whether these are related to metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThe present cross‐sectional study involved 149 patients with type 2 diabetes. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated self‐administered diet history questionnaire. Dietary acid load was assessed by potential renal acid load and net endogenous acid production.ResultsMean daily total energy intake, carbohydrate intake, animal protein intake and vegetable protein intake were 1821.5 kcal, 248.8 g, 36.1 g and 31.1 g, respectively. Carbohydrate energy/total energy was negatively correlated with animal protein energy/total energy, potential renal acid load or net endogenous acid production score, and was positively correlated with vegetable protein energy/total energy. Logistic regression analyses showed that the subgroup of patients with a lower vegetable protein energy/total energy or higher potential renal acid load or net endogenous acid production score was significantly associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsThe present study showed that carbohydrate intake was associated with the quality of dietary protein and dietary acid load. Furthermore, decreased vegetable protein intake and increased dietary acid load were associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
New mechanisms of metformin action: Focusing on mitochondria and the gut
Authors: Hur Kyu Yeon , Lee Myung‐Shik 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe most well‐known mechanism of metformin action, one of the most commonly prescribed antidiabetic drugs, is adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase activation; however, recent investigations have shown that adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase‐independent pathways can explain some of metformin's beneficial metabolic effects as well as undesirable side‐effects. Such novel pathways include induction of mitochondrial stress, inhibition of mitochondrial shuttles, alteration of intestinal microbiota, suppression of glucagon signaling, activation of autophagy, attenuation of inflammasome activation, induction of incretin receptors and reduction of terminal endoplasmic reticulum stress. Together, these studies have broadened our understanding of the mechanisms of antidiabetic agents as well as the pathogenic mechanism of diabetes itself. The results of such investigations might help to identify new target molecules and pathways for treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and could also have broad implications in diseases other than diabetes. Accordingly, new antidiabetic drugs with better efficacy and fewer adverse effects will likely result from these studies.