bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of robenacoxib and ketoprofen in a feline model of inflammation
Authors: Pelligand L. , King J. N. , Hormazabal V. , Toutain P. L. , Elliott J. , Lees P. 
Published: March 2014

Robenacoxib and ketoprofen are acidic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both are licensed for once daily administration in the cat, despite having short blood half‐lives. This study reports the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling of each drug in a feline model of inflammation. Eight cats were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, three‐period cross‐over study. In each period, sterile inflammation was induced by the injection of carrageenan into a subcutaneously implanted tissue cage, immediately before the subcutaneous injection of robenacoxib (2 mg/kg), ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) or placebo. Blood samples were taken for the determination of drug and serum thromboxane (Tx)B2 concentrations (measuring COX‐1 activity). Tissue cage exudate samples were obtained for drug and prostaglandin (PG)E2 concentrations (measuring COX‐2 activity). Individual animal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters for COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibition were generated by PK/PD modelling. S(+) ketoprofen clearance scaled by bioavailability (CL/F) was 0.114 L/kg/h (elimination half‐life = 1.62 h). For robenacoxib, blood CL/F was 0.684 L/kg/h (elimination half‐life = 1.13 h). Exudate elimination half‐lives were 25.9 and 41.5 h for S(+) ketoprofen and robenacoxib, respectively. Both drugs reduced exudate PGE2 concentration significantly between 6 and 36 h. Ketoprofen significantly suppressed (>97%) serum TxB2 between 4 min and 24 h, whereas suppression was mild and transient with robenacoxib. In vivoIC50COX‐1/IC50COX‐2 ratios were 66.9:1 for robenacoxib and 1:107 for S(+) ketoprofen. The carboxylic acid nature of both drugs may contribute to the prolonged COX‐2 inhibition in exudate, despite short half‐lives in blood.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: the role of nuclear receptors and circadian rhythmicity
Authors: Mazzoccoli Gianluigi , Vinciguerra Manlio , Oben Jude , Tarquini Roberto , De Cosmo Salvatore 
Published: March 2014

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the accumulation of triglycerides in the hepatocytes in the absence of excess alcohol intake, and is caused by an imbalance between hepatic synthesis and breakdown of fats, as well as fatty acid storage and disposal. Liver metabolic pathways are driven by circadian biological clocks, and hepatic health is maintained by proper timing of circadian patterns of metabolic gene expression with the alternation of anabolic processes corresponding to feeding/activity during wake times, and catabolic processes characterizing fasting/resting during sleep. A number of nuclear receptors in the liver are expressed rhythmically, bind hormones and metabolites, sense energy flux and expenditure, and connect the metabolic pathways to the molecular clockwork throughout the 24‐h day. In this review, we describe the role played by the nuclear receptors in the genesis of NAFLD in relationship with the circadian clock circuitry.
Barriers to HCV treatment in the era of triple therapy: a prospective multi‐centred study in clinical practice
Authors: Crespo Javier , Cabezas Joaquín , Sacristán Begoña , Olcoz José L. , Pérez Ramón , De la Vega Juan , García Rosa , García‐Pajares Félix , Sáez‐Royuela Federico , González José M. , Jiménez Felipe , Rodríguez Santiago , Cuadrado Antonio , López‐Arias María J. , García Isidro , Milla Ana , García‐Riesco Emilia , Muñoz María , Sánchez‐Antolín Gloria , Jorquera Francisco 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & Aims(i) To describe the demographic, clinical, virological and histological characteristics of the patients undergoing evaluation for indication of triple therapy against hepatitis C virus genotype 1, and to identify the reasons why candidate patients are excluded; and (ii) to evaluate the characteristics of the healthcare environment related to treatment.MethodsObservational, prospective and multi‐centred study involving 16 hospitals of Spain. Data were collected on 1122 patients receiving attention in the outpatient clinics between June and December 2012.ResultsOf the 1122 patients evaluated, 769 were finally included in this study; 27% (211/769) had contraindications to the therapy. Of those without contraindications, 54% (301/558) did not receive the treatment, and so, only about a third of the patients (33%–257/769) underwent therapy. The reasons for not initiating therapy were as follows: patient refusal (30%), mild disease/awaiting new treatments (34%), restrictions by the health service (30%), other reasons (6%). In univariate analyses, the probability of receiving treatment was related to: age <60 years, male gender, high education level, advanced fibrosis, having had previous treatment, being assessed in a centre of excellence. In multivariate analyses, the factors independently related to the probability of receiving treatment were as follows: high education level of the patients (P = 0.004), advanced fibrosis (P < 0.001) and centres of excellence (P = 0.009).ConclusionDespite the high efficacy of triple therapy, only a small proportion of patients receive the treatment. The causes related to non‐treatment depend on patient factors, disease stage and characteristics of the health‐service provision.
Demonstratives, Frames of Reference, and Semantic Universals of Space
Authors: Diessel Holger 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThere is a large body of research indicating that speakers of (familiar) European languages tend to encode and conceptualize space from an egocentric perspective, but linguistic fieldworkers have shown that speakers of certain other languages (e.g. Tzeltal) often describe the same spatial scenes based on fixed coordinates of the environment. This has led some researcher to challenge long‐standing assumptions about semantic universals of space and the uniformity of spatial cognition. Specifically, Levinson and colleagues have questioned the hypothesis that there is a universal preference for egocentric, body‐oriented representations of space in language and cognition. It is the purpose of the present paper to reconsider this hypothesis in light of an important class of spatial terms that has been disregarded in this research: demonstratives such as Englishthisandthatandhereandthere. The paper shows that the semantic interpretation of demonstratives presupposes a coordinate system with the same conceptual constituents as body‐based expressions such asleftandrightorupanddown. Combining evidence from linguistic typology with psychological research on joint attention, it is argued that demonstratives constitute a universal class of spatial terms that invoke an egocentric, body‐anchored frame of reference grounded in basic principles of spatial and social cognition.
Climate rather than geography separates two European honeybee subspecies
Authors: Coroian Cristian O. , Muñoz Irene , Schlüns Ellen A. , Paniti‐Teleky Orsolya R. , Erler Silvio , Furdui Emilia M. , Mărghitaş Liviu A. , Dezmirean Daniel S. , Schlüns Helge , de la Rúa Pilar , Moritz Robin F. A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBoth climatic and geographical factors play an important role for the biogeographical distribution of species. The Carpathian mountain ridge has been suggested as a natural geographical divide between the two honeybee subspecies Apis mellifera carnica and A. m. macedonica. We sampled one worker from one colony each at 138 traditional apiaries located across the Carpathians spanning from the Hungarian plains to the Danube delta. All samples were sequenced at the mitochondrial tRNALeu‐cox2 intergenic region and genotyped at twelve microsatellite loci. The Carpathians had only limited impact on the biogeography because both subspecies were abundant on either side of the mountain ridge. In contrast, subspecies differentiation strongly correlated with the various temperature zones in Romania. A. m. carnica is more abundant in regions with the mean average temperature below 9 °C, whereas A. m. macedonica honeybees are more frequent in regions with mean temperatures above 9 °C. This range selection may have impact on the future biogeography in the light of anticipated global climatic changes.
Iterative Method for Exponential Damping Identification
Authors: Pan Yuhua , Wang Yuanfeng 
Published: March 2014

AbstractExponential damping is a new potential damping model for dynamic analysis of systems. This article outlines a complex mode procedure for identifying the exponential damping model and discusses its applicability and limitations. A new iterative method for relaxation factor is proposed, without using the full set of modal data, which is simple, direct, and compatible with conventional modal testing procedures. Combined with the frequency response functions (FRFs)‐based model updating method, the finite element model with such nonviscous damping is updated. The proposed method and several related issues are illustrated by numerical examples. It is shown that the finite element model updated method for the systems with exponential damping can predict accurately not only the natural frequencies but also the FRFs of the systems.
Increasing home dialysis knowledge through a web‐based e‐learning program
Authors: Bennett Paul N , Jaeschke Sadie , Sinclair Peter M , Kerr Peter G , Holt Steve , Schoch Monica , Fortnum Debbie , Ockerby Cherene , Kent Bridie 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimThere has been a global decline in the uptake of home‐based dialysis therapies in the past 20 years. The ability to provide appropriate information to potential patients in this area may be confounded by a lack of knowledge of home dialysis options. The aim of this study was to develop a web‐based education package for health professionals to increase knowledge and positive perceptions of home‐based dialysis options.MethodsA three‐module e‐learning package concerning home dialysis was developed under the auspices of the home dialysis first project. These modules were tested on 88 undergraduate health professionals. Changes in attitudes and knowledge of home dialysis were measured using custom designed surveys administered electronically to students who completed the modules. Matched pre and post responses to the survey items were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank tests.ResultsThe pre survey indicated clear deficits in existing knowledge of home dialysis options. In particular, when asked if haemodialysis could be performed at home, 22% of participants responded ‘definitely no’ and a further 24% responded ‘probably no’. Upon completion of the e‐learning, post survey responses indicated statistically significant improvements (P < 0.001) in eight of the nine items. When asked if the e‐learning had increased their knowledge about home dialysis, 99% of participants responded ‘definitely yes’.ConclusionA suite of web‐based education modules can successfully deliver significant improvements in awareness and knowledge around home dialysis therapies.
Effects of Internet‐based instruction on HIV‐prevention knowledge and practices among men who have sex with men
Authors: Kasatpibal Nongyao , Viseskul Nongkran , Srikantha Wimonsiri , Fongkaew Warunee , Surapagdee Natthakarn , Grimes Richard M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractHIV infection is increasing among men who have sex with men. In this study, the effects of Internet‐based instruction on HIV‐prevention knowledge were evaluated. The sample consisted of 162 men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men volunteers in Thailand. The research instruments included a demographic data questionnaire, a knowledge test, and an HIV preventive practice questionnaire. The participants completed these instruments upon entry to the study and four months later. After entry to the study, the participants were given access to a previously‐developed Internet‐based instruction on HIV risk behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t‐test. After accessing the Internet‐based instruction, the average score of HIV‐prevention knowledge among the sample increased significantly, from 11.17 to 15.09 (maximum score of 20 points). The average score of practicing HIV prevention among the sample increased significantly, from 62.94 to 76.51 (maximum score of 99 points). This study demonstrated that Internet‐based instruction was effective in improving HIV‐prevention knowledge and practices among men who have sex with men. This suggests that Internet‐based instruction could be developed for use in other countries and evaluated in a similar way.
Monetary policies and oil price determination: an empirical analysis
Authors: Taghizadeh Hesary Farhad , Yoshino Naoyuki 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWhile the oil price shocks of 1970s can be explained by pure supply factors, starting in the 1980s oil prices increasingly began to come under a different type of pressure. Oil prices accelerated from about $35/barrel in 1981 to beyond $111/barrel in 2011. At the same time interest rates subsided from 16.7 per cent per annum to about 0.1. This paper explains how this long‐term price increase was, in most cases, caused by expansionary monetary policies that heightened oil prices through interest rate channels. Aggressive monetary policies stimulated oil demand and blew up oil prices, a trend that led to slower economic growth. As for elasticities, the results described in this paper show that oil demand price elasticity is low value and unlike some earlier literature states, supply price elasticity is statistically significant. In last section, the results show that oil prices adjust instantly, declaring the existence of equilibrium in the oil market during the period from 1960 to 2011.
On the role of the trend and cyclical components in electricity consumption and India's economic growth: a cointegration and cofeature approach
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Nain Md Zulquar , Kamaiah Bandi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this paper, the relationship between electricity consumption (LEC) and economic growth (LGDP) using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and Granger causality within error correction framework in India over the period 1970–1971 to 2009–2010 are analysed. The results of these tests exhibit the existence of long‐run equilibrium relationship and bilateral causality in case of India. Then, Hodrick–Prescott filter is used to decompose the data into trend and cyclical (fluctuation) components of electricity consumption and economic growth. The results of decomposed series revealed that both series are cointegrated with the strong evidence of bidirectional causality, implying that trend and cyclical components are strongly correlated with business cycles in India. From these findings, we conclude that the feedback hypothesis is applicable in case of India. Therefore, government should undertake necessary policy measures to augment the investment in power sector from existing level and more importantly the emphasis should also be given on the efficient use of electricity.
Quantitative trait loci mapping of seed colour, hairy leaf, seedling anthocyanin, leaf chlorosis and days to flowering in F2 population of Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Rahman Mukhlesur , Mamidi Sujan , McClean Phillip 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA diversity arrays technology (DArT) map was constructed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting seed colour, hairy leaf, seedling anthocyanin, leaf chlorosis and days to flowering in Brassica rapa using a F2 population from a cross between two parents with contrasting traits. Two genes with dominant epistatic interaction were responsible for seed colour. One major dominant gene controls the hairy leaf trait. Seedling anthocyanin was controlled by a major single dominant gene. The parents did not exhibit leaf chlorosis; however, 32% F2 plants showed leaf chlorosis in the population. A distorted segregation was observed for days to flowering in the F2 population. A linkage map was constructed with 376 DArT markers distributed over 12 linkage groups covering 579.7 cM. The DArT markers were assigned on different chromosomes of B. rapa using B. rapa genome sequences and DArT consensus map of B. napus. Two QTL (RSC1‐2 and RSC12‐56) located on chromosome A8 and chromosome A9 were identified for seed colour, which explained 19.4% and 18.2% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. The seed colour marker located in the ortholog to Arabidopsis thaliana Transparent Testa2 (AtTT2). Two QTL RLH6‐0 and RLH9‐16 were identified for hairy leaf, which explained 31.6% and 20.7% phenotypic variation, respectively. A single QTL (RSAn‐12‐157) on chromosome A7, which explained 12.8% of phenotypic variation was detected for seedling anthocyanin. The seedling anthocyanin marker is found within the A. thaliana Transparent Testa12 (AtTT12) ortholog. A QTL (RLC6‐04) for leaf chlorosis was identified, which explained 55.3% of phenotypic variation. QTL for hairy leaf and leaf chlorosis were located 0–4 cM apart on the same chromosome A1. A single QTL (RDF‐10‐0) for days to flowering was identified, which explained 21.4% phenotypic variation.
Hypoalbuminemia and poor growth predict worse outcomes in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Castleberry Chesney , White‐Williams Connie , Naftel David , Tresler Margaret A. , Pruitt Elizabeth , Miyamoto Shelley D. , Murphy Debbie , Spicer Robert , Bannister Louise , Schowengerdt Kenneth , Gilmore Lisa , Kaufman Beth , Zangwill Steven 
Published: March 2014

AbstractChildren with end‐stage cardiac failure are at risk of HA and PG. The effects of these factors on post‐transplant outcome are not well defined. Using the PHTS database, albumin and growth data from pediatric heart transplant patients from 12/1999 to 12/2009 were analyzed for effect on mortality. Covariables were examined to determine whether HA and PG were risk factors for mortality at listing and transplant. HA patients had higher waitlist mortality (15.81% vs. 10.59%, p = 0.015) with an OR of 1.59 (95% CI 1.09–2.30). Survival was worse for patients with HA at listing and transplant (p ≤ 0.01 and p = 0.026). Infants and patients with congenital heart disease did worse if they were HA at time of transplant (p = 0.020 and p = 0.028). Growth was poor while waiting with PG as risk factor for mortality in multivariate analysis (p = 0.008). HA and PG are risk factors for mortality. Survival was worse in infants and patients with congenital heart disease. PG was a risk factor for mortality in multivariate analysis. These results suggest that an opportunity may exist to improve outcomes for these patients by employing strategies to mitigate these risk factors.
The infection process of Moniliophthora perniciosa in cacao
Authors: Sena K. , Alemanno L. , Gramacho K. P. 
Published: March 2014

The development of the basidiomycete Moniliophthora perniciosa in resistant and susceptible Theobroma cacao genotypes was analysed. The infection process leading to broom formation in shoot apexes was characterized by studying the kinetics of basidiospore germination, mode of penetration and colonization of the pathogen. Both resistant and susceptible cacao genotypes were inoculated with M. perniciosa and kept in the greenhouse for 90 days, explants were collected, treated for histological studies and meristematic tissues were observed by electron and light microscopy. Variation in the kinetics of germination between the cacao genotypes was detected 4 h after inoculation. The fungal penetration occurred through the star‐shaped trichome base, natural openings on the cuticular surface and stomata. Host responses between genotypes were found to be different. Compared with non‐infected plants, the swelling of all the stem tissues was evident at 60 days after inoculation. In the susceptible genotype, typical symptoms developed and fungal colonization was more intense than in resistant genotypes, which showed little or no fungal colonization. The investigations reported herein provide an important step in understanding the pattern of pre‐ and post‐penetration events of M. perniciosa in cacao genotypes with different levels of resistance to this disease.
Size‐spectrum based differential response of phytoplankton to nutrient and iron‐organic matter combinations in microcosm experiments in a Chilean Patagonian Fjord
Authors: Iriarte Jose L. , Ardelan Murat V. , Cuevas Luis Antonio , González Humberto E. , Sanchez Nicolas , Myklestad Sverne M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe Patagonian fjords have been recognized as a major region of relatively high primary productivity systems during spring–summer bloom periods, where iron‐organic matter forms may be essential complexes involved in key growth processes connected to the carbon and nitrogen cycles. We used two dissolved organic matter (DOM) types, marine polysaccharide and siderophore, as a model to understand how they affect the bioavailability of Fe to phytoplankton and bacteria and to assess their ecological role in fjord systems. A 10‐day microcosm study was performed in the Comau Fjord during summer conditions (March 2012). Pico‐, nano‐, and microphytoplankton abundance, total chlorophyll‐a and bacteria abundance, and bacterial secondary production estimates were analyzed in five treatments: (i) control (no additions), (ii) only nutrients (NUT: PO4, NO3, Si), (iii) nutrients + Fe(II), (iv) polysaccharide (natural diatoms extracted: 1–3 beta Glucan), and (v) Hexandentate Desferroxiamine B (DFB, siderophore). Our results showed that while DFB reduced Fe bioavailability for almost all phytoplankton assemblages in the fjord, polysaccharide did not have effects on the iron bioavailability. At Nutrients + Fe and Polysaccharide treatments, chlorophyll‐a concentration abruptly increased from 0.9 to 20 mg m−3 during the first 4–6 days of the experimental period. Remarkably, at the Nutrients + Fe treatment, the development of the bloom was accompanied by markedly high abundances of Synechococcus, picoeukaryotes, and autotrophic nanoflagellates within the first 4 days of the experiment. Our study indicated that small plankton (phytoplankton <20 μm and bacteria) were the first to respond to dissolved Nutrients + Fe compared to large sized micro‐phytoplankton cells (>20 μm). This could be at least partially attributed to biological utilization of Fe (2 to 3 nM) by <20 μm phytoplankton and bacteria through the interaction with organic ligands released by bacteria that eventually could increase solubility of the Fe dissolved fraction thus having a positive effect on the small‐sized phytoplankton community.
Decreased response monitoring in individuals with symptoms of trichotillomania
Authors: Roberts Kathryn , Stanley Emily M. , Franklin Martin E. , Simons Robert F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTrichotillomania (TTM) was long classified as an impulse‐control disorder; however, the many characteristics it shares with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) led to its recategorization in the DSM‐V. The present study aimed to assess and inform the taxonomic placement of TTM through an examination of its neural correlates. While research has consistently associated OCD with enhanced response monitoring, the present study investigated whether a similar neural process is associated with TTM. Undergraduates reporting TTM symptoms and controls performed a modified version of the flanker task, and their event‐related potentials were examined for between‐group differences in error‐related negativity (ERN). Results confirm that individuals who have symptoms of hair pulling have significantly smaller ERNs than the control group. Smaller ERNs reflect decreased levels of response monitoring and support the idea that TTM is distinct from OCD.