bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety of PEGylated recombinant human full‐length coagulation factor VIII (BAX 855) in the overall context of PEG and PEG conjugates
Authors: Stidl R. , Fuchs S. , Bossard M. , Siekmann J. , Turecek P. L. , Putz M. 
Published: July 2015

IntroductionBAX 855 is a PEGylated human full‐length recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) based on licensed rFVIII (ADVATE). The applied PEGylation technology has been optimized to retain functionality of the FVIII molecule, improve its pharmacokinetic properties and allow less frequent injections while maintaining efficacy.AimThe aim of this study was to confirm that the excellent safety profile of ADVATE remains unchanged after PEGylation.MethodsNon‐clinical safety studies with BAX 855 and its respective unbound polyethylene glycol (PEG) were conducted in several species. The distribution of a single dose of radiolabelled BAX 855 was further investigated in rats. Publically available safety data on PEG alone and PEGylated biomolecules were summarized and reviewed for specific safety findings attributable to PEG or PEGylated biopharmaceuticals.ResultsSafety pharmacology studies in rabbits and macaques and repeated dose toxicity studies in rats and macaques identified no safety issues. Results of a distribution study in rats administered radiolabelled BAX 855 showed that radioactivity was completely excreted; urine was the major elimination route. A 28‐day study in rats dosed with the unbound PEG constituent (PEG2ru20KCOOH) of BAX 855 showed no adverse or non‐adverse effects.Safety data for PEG and PEG‐protein conjugates indicate no safety concerns associated with PEG at clinically relevant dose levels. Although vacuolation of certain cell types has been reported in mammals, no such vacuolation was observed with BAX 855 or with the unbound PEG constituent.ConclusionNon‐clinical safety evaluation of PEG and BAX 855 identified no safety signals; the compound is now in clinical development for the treatment of patients with haemophilia A.
Corruption, growth, and increasing returns to production specialization
Authors: Chang Juin‐Jen , Lu Huei‐chung , Tsai Hsueh‐fang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper builds an endogenous growth model in which a government implements entry regulations and bureaucrats are corrupt, with both governing firms’ entry. We show that in the presence of increasing returns to production specialization, high corruption and high growth can coexist. This explains why some developing countries are stuck with high levels of corruption and low levels of growth, while others are not. Moreover, in the face of either stricter anti‐corruption enforcement or deregulation by promoting market competition, corruption may exhibit an intensive margin response in the sense that the number of bribe‐paying firms decreases, but each individual firm bribes more for a production license.
Survey of genetic diversity of IgG in wild and domestic rabbits
Authors: Pinheiro A. , Almeida T. , Esteves P. J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWe sequenced IgG from genomic DNA of 30 wild European rabbits of O. c. algirus and O. c. cuniculus subspecies from three regions and 15 domestic O. c. cuniculus. Genetic diversity was highest within Iberian wild populations. Only two new amino acid polymorphisms were found, both in O. c. algirus.
Erosional injuries inflicted by a home‐made urine collection device: a case report and beyond
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Jie , Chen Changsheng , Han Ruifa , Wu Changli , Hu Hailong 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTWith a progressive growth of the elderly population in China, cerebrovascular accidents are increasing rapidly. As one of the most common consequences, urinary incontinence management in a long‐term (LT) home health care (HHC) setting has been emerging as a huge challenge for society. We report here a case of erosional penile and urethral injuries identified in an elderly male patient with urinary incontinence. In this case, the improper use of an external, homemade urine collection device in a LT HHC setting may very well be responsible for the medical complications identified in this patient. Noticeably, urine collection pads had been tied with knots at the base of the penis to secure the device in the patient's routine urinary incontinence HHC practice. Eczematoid dermatitides, cutaneous ulceration and scarring erosion induced by LT excessive extrinsic compression were observed on the genitalia and perineal areas. Urinary tract infection was also confirmed by urine culture. Antibiotics were administered, and suprapubic cystostomy was performed afterwards. This case highlights the importance of careful inspection of external urine collection devices focusing on risk assessment and prevention of pressure ulceration, as well as continuous patient/caregiver education/support for proper urinary incontinence management in a LT HHC setting.
What is the evidence status of Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC)? Insight from a matching exercise with the guidelines for echocardiography
Authors: Fonseca R. , Negishi K. , Marwick T. H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThere is interest in adapting the American Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for transthoracic echocardiography to Australian practice. We matched 90 of 98 AUC with the guidelines (53 appropriate, 12 sometimes appropriate, 25 rarely appropriate), but eight lacked any match. Among the matched criteria, 76 (82%) indications were concordant with the guidelines. A stronger evidence base would be desirable to settle these discrepancies before Australian adoption of AUC.
Mobilisation of haemopoietic stem cells in teriparatide‐treated patients
Authors: Grabmaier U. , Huber B. C. , Franz W.‐M. , Koch E. , Brunner S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractParathyroid hormone (PTH) is the predominant regulator of calcium/phosphate homeostasis in the human body. Beside this classical function, preclinical and clinical studies indicated a relevant role for PTH in mobilisation of bone marrow‐derived cells into peripheral blood. In addition, recombinant PTH (teriparatide) was recently approved for the treatment of severe osteoporosis. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to investigate the dynamics of haemopoietic stem cells and corresponding in peripheral blood of 13 patients with osteoporosis during treatment with teriparatide. We were able to show that administration of teriparatide is sufficient to mobilise haemopoietic stem cells into the bloodstream accompanied by an alteration of mobilising cytokines. In conclusion, teriparatide might be a useful tool in the context of stem cell mobilisation.
Exploring How Knowledge Translation Can Improve Sustainability of Community‐based Health Initiatives for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Spassiani Natasha A. , Parker Harris Sarah , Hammel Joy 
Published: July 2015

Community‐based health initiatives (CBHI) play an important role in maintaining the health, function and participation of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) living in the community. However, implementation and long‐term sustainability of CBHI is challenging. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) is a knowledge translation (KT) framework that is particularly relevant to intellectual/developmental disabilities research as it identifies the barriers and facilitators of implementation and action plans. This framework provides a foundation for understanding how KT can be used to aid the implementation and sustainability of CBHI for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The following study explores how KT – specifically the PARiHS framework – can be used to help sustain CBHI for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Quality of Bread and Cookie Baked from Frozen Dough and Batter Containing β‐Glucan‐Rich Barley Flour Fraction
Authors: Hamed Abdelmagid , Ragaee Sanaa , Marcone Massimo , Abdel‐Aal El‐Sayed M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractProlonged frozen storage of dough and batter unfavorably affects the quality of end baked products. The effect of air‐classified barley flour fraction rich in β‐glucan (∼25%) on the quality of bread and cookie baked from frozen dough/batter was investigated. Dough and batter were stored at −18C for 8 and 4 weeks, respectively, and evaluated for baking quality at weekly intervals. Bread made from fresh control dough produced the highest loaf specific volume (LSV) compared with those baked from composite dough. Control and composite frozen dough breads exhibited similar LSV and crumb texture profile up to 4 weeks of storage. Frozen storage of batter for 4 weeks resulted in no significant changes in either hardness or stickiness of batter and spread factor of cookie compared with control, while breaking force of cookie decreased. The addition of β‐glucan‐rich barley flour fraction holds a promise for developing fiber‐rich bread or cookie from frozen dough or batter.Practical ApplicationsIncorporation of air‐classified barley flour fraction rich in β‐glucan in bread dough and cookie batter stored at freezing temperature (−18C) improves their shelf life through the restriction of water mobility in dough or batter without compromising the quality of baked end products. Such data can be invaluable in the baking industry.
Nonfunctional alleles of long‐day suppressor genes independently regulate flowering time
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Ming , Feng Li , Wang Junrui , Qiao Weihua , Zhang Lifang , Cheng Yunlian , Yang Qingwen 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDue to the remarkable adaptability to various environments, rice varieties with diverse flowering times have been domesticated or improved from Oryza rufipogon. Detailed knowledge of the genetic factors controlling flowering time will facilitate understanding the adaptation mechanism in cultivated rice and enable breeders to design appropriate genotypes for distinct preferences. In this study, four genes (Hd1, DTH8, Ghd7 and OsPRR37) in a rice long‐day suppression pathway were collected and sequenced in 154, 74, 69 and 62 varieties of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) respectively. Under long‐day conditions, varieties with nonfunctional alleles flowered significantly earlier than those with functional alleles. However, the four genes have different genetic effects in the regulation of flowering time: Hd1 and OsPRR37 are major genes that generally regulate rice flowering time for all varieties, while DTH8 and Ghd7 only regulate regional rice varieties. Geographic analysis and network studies suggested that the nonfunctional alleles of these suppression loci with regional adaptability were derived recently and independently. Alleles with regional adaptability should be taken into consideration for genetic improvement. The rich genetic variations in these four genes, which adapt rice to different environments, provide the flexibility needed for breeding rice varieties with diverse flowering times.
Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathway plays important roles in reduction of cerebral infarction by cilnidipine
Authors: Son Jeong‐Woo , Choi Hojin , Yoo Arum , Park Hyun‐Hee , Kim Young‐Seo , Lee Kyu‐Yong , Lee Young Joo , Koh Seong‐Ho 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCerebral infarction causes permanent neuronal loss inducing severe morbidity and mortality. Because hypertension is the main risk factor for cerebral infarction and most patients with hypertension take antihypertensive drugs daily, the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of anti‐hypertensive drugs need to be investigated. Cilnidipine, a long‐acting, new generation 1,4‐dihydropyridine inhibitor of both L‐ and N‐type calcium channels, was reported to reduce oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether cilnidipine has therapeutic effects in an animal model of cerebral infarction. After determination of the most effective dose of cilnidipine, a total of 128 rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurobehavioral function test and brain MRI were performed, and rats with similar sized infarcts were randomized to either the cilnidipine group or the control group. Cilnidipine treatment was performed with reperfusion after 2‐h occlusion. Western blots and immunohistochemistry were also performed after 24‐h occlusion. Initial infarct volume on diffusion‐weighted MRI was not different between the cilnidipine group and the control group; however, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery MRI at 24 h showed significantly reduced infarct volume in the cilnidipine group compared with the control group. Cilnidipine treatment significantly decreased the number of triphosphate nick end labeling‐positive cells compared to the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of phosphorylated Akt (Ser473), phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, and Bcl‐2 and decreased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase‐3. These results suggest that cilnidipine, which is used for the treatment of hypertension, has neuroprotective effects in the ischemic brain through activation of the PI3K pathway.
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We investigated whether cilnidipine has neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke in an animal model. We have demonstrated that the neuroprotective effect of cilnidipine is associated with the activation of the PI3K pathway. Considering the daily use of antihypertensive drugs for patients with hypertension, cilnidipine could be beneficial for patients with ischemic stroke.
Nutritional stress effects under different nitrogen sources on the genes in microalga Isochrysis zhangjiangensis and the assistance of Alteromonas macleodii in releasing the stress of amino acid deficiency
Authors: Wu Shuang , Zhou Jiannan , Xin Yanjuan , Xue Song 
Published: July 2015

The expressions of nine nitrogen assimilation‐associated genes, NRT2, NAR1, NIA2, NIR, GLN2, GLSF, GSN1, GDH, and AAT2, in the microalga Isochrysis zhangjiangensis were investigated to unveil the effects of limitations of various nitrogen sources (NaNO3, NH4Cl, NaNO2, and an amino acid mixture) on the microalgae. The results demonstrated that the NRT2, NAR1, GLN2, GSN1, and AAT2 genes were highly expressed in lipid‐rich microalgae under inorganic nitrogen‐deficient conditions and they decreased after nitrogen resupply. Significant increases in the expressions of NAR1, GLN2, and GLSF were found in nitrate‐depleted microalgae, whereas significant increases in the expressions of NRT2, NAR1, GLN2, and GSN1 were found in nitrite‐depleted microalgae. Significant increases in the expressions of only NRT2 and GSN1 were found in ammonium‐depleted microalgae (P < 0.05). Except for the NRT2, other genes were expressed at lower levels under amino acid‐deficient conditions compared with amino acid‐sufficient controls. The expression of the NIA2 gene decreased in nitrogen‐depleted microalgae regardless of the initial nitrogen source. However, the results of fatty acid analyses showed that the features of fatty acid profiles followed a similar mode, in which the percentage compositions of C16:0 and C18:1Δ9 increased in nitrogen‐depleted cells and that of C16:1Δ9, C18:3Δ9,12,15, C18:4Δ6,9,12,15, and C18:5Δ3,6,9,12,15 decreased, regardless of the type of nitrogen source applied. It was also found that the epiphytic bacterium Alteromonas macleodii played a particularly important role in releasing microalgae from the stress of amino acid deficiency. These findings also provide a foundation for regulating microalgal lipid production through manipulation of the nitrogen assimilation‐associated genes.
Assessing spatial population structure and heterogeneity in the dronefly
Authors: Francuski L. , Milankov V. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn order to secure pollination services and improve conservation strategies, a better understanding of factors influencing population structure of pollinator species is vital. Here, we aimed to empirically evaluate various individual‐ and population‐based statistical methods for characterization of genetic structure of the widespread dronefly, Eristalis tenax. Thirty‐five European populations, comprising 888 individuals, were genotyped at five polymorphic allozyme loci. Three Bayesian genotypic clustering approaches (STRUCTURE, BAPS and Geneland), pairwise FST estimates, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA), principle component analysis (PCA) and Mantel tests were applied in a comparative way in attempt to reveal the patterns of gene flow that occurs at various spatial scales in E. tenax. STRUCTURE analysis and PCA results provided no evidence of conspecific differentiation. In contrast, BAPS and Geneland clustering solutions did acknowledge low but significant proportion of among‐populations genetic variation revealed by AMOVA. Similarly, pairwise FST estimates partially argue against genetic homogeneity across Europe. The lack of correlation between genetic distance and both latitude and longitude variation suggests that the flies disperse in multiple directions. Therefore, our results indicate that continued long‐range dispersal tend to homogenize populations over time, resulting in little population structure in E. tenax across the European landmass. On the other hand, significant differentiations between geographically proximate populations indicate that dispersal potential may not be realized and that gene flow patterns in E. tenax might be geographically complex. Using information from our genetic approaches will be useful for identifying patterns of migration and population connectivity across continent, which is an important issue for conservation efforts. Since E. tenax is an important pollinator, our results contribute to understanding the potential extent to which this taxon can facilitate gene flow among plant populations across natural and semi‐natural habitats, agroecosystems and urban environments. Dronefly‐mediated gene flow in plants is likely to occur over large distances and plant–dronefly conservation will require large‐scale action.
The Long‐term Effects of Political Violence on Political Attitudes: Evidence from the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Oto‐Peralías Daniel 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis article investigates whether political violence has long‐term effects on attitudes toward political participation. This is an interesting topic because public engagement and social capital play a crucial role in shaping the economy and democracy. We exploit a recent survey on the 1936‐1939 Spanish Civil War to shed light on this question. Our findings indicate that being a member of a family that suffered violence during the Civil War is related to a higher interest, knowledge and engagement in politics. These results stand in stark contrast to the common expectation that political violence leads to lower public engagement, while they are consistent with other studies focusing on the short‐term consequences of civil conflicts. Therefore, the legacy of political violence, far from creating political apathy, may be the higher involvement of citizens in politics.
Cooperative interaction of antimicrobial peptides with the interrelated immune pathways in plants
Authors: Bolouri Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Vilcinskas Andreas , Rahnamaeian Mohammad 
Published: July 2015

SummaryPlants express a diverse repertoire of functionally and structurally distinct antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which provide innate immunity by acting directly against a wide range of pathogens. AMPs are expressed in nearly all plant organs, either constitutively or in response to microbial infections. In addition to their direct activity, they also contribute to plant immunity by modulating defence responses resulting from pathogen‐associated molecular pattern/effector‐triggered immunity, and also interact with other AMPs and pathways involving mitogen‐activated protein kinases, reactive oxygen species, hormonal cross‐talk and sugar signalling. Such links among AMPs and defence signalling pathways are poorly understood and there is no clear model for their interactions. This article provides a critical review of the empirical data to shed light on the wider role of AMPs in the robust and resource‐effective defence responses of plants.
Functional dyspepsia and the Rome criteria: a success story
Authors: Talley N. J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe Rome III criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD), published in 2006, immediately generated controversy but have arguably helped to jump start the field in terms of mechanistic and therapeutic research. One controversy has surrounded the veracity of FD symptom subgroups and their overlap. In clinical practice the overlap of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) is striking. In this issue, results from Belgium suggest overlap can be reduced by reclassifying those who have postprandial pain or nausea as PDS, and meal‐related symptoms predominate in FD. This is consistent with other objective experimental observations. The realization most FD occurs postmeal ingestion is driving a new conceptualization of the syndrome. For example, the observation there is an excess of duodenal eosinophils in PDS has been confirmed, with recent observations implicating increased duodenal permeability and immune activation. The link between PDS and anxiety, not identified in EPS, provides yet further evidence for distinct pathophysiological entities. While symptom‐based criteria likely need refinement, the recognition of PDS and EPS has promoted exciting progress.
Effects of biochar amendment on greenhouse gas emissions, net ecosystem carbon budget and properties of an acidic soil under intensive vegetable production
Authors: Wang J. , Chen Z. , Xiong Z. , Chen C. , Xu X. , Zhou Q. , Kuzyakov Y. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBiochar addition to soils has been frequently proposed as a means to increase soil fertility and carbon (C) sequestration. However, the effect of biochar addition on greenhouse gas emissions from intensively managed soils under vegetable production at the field scale is poorly understood. The effects of wheat straw biochar amendment with mineral fertilizer or an enhanced‐efficiency fertilizer (mixture of urea and nitrapyrin) on N2O efflux and the net ecosystem C budget were investigated for an acidic soil in southeast China over a 1‐yr period. Biochar addition did not affect the annual N2O emissions (26–28 kg N/ha), but reduced seasonal N2O emissions during the cold period. Biochar increased soil organic C and CO2 efflux on average by 61 and 19%, respectively. Biochar addition greatly increased C gain in the acidic soil (average 11.1 Mg C/ha) compared with treatments without biochar addition (average −2.2 Mg C/ha). Biochar amendment did not increase yield‐scaled N2O emissions after application of mineral fertilizer, but it decreased yield‐scaled N2O by 15% after nitrapyrin addition. Our results suggest that biochar amendment of acidic soil under intensive vegetable cultivation contributes to soil C sequestration, but has only small effects on both plant growth and greenhouse gas emissions.