bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simvastatin and bezafibrate increase cholesterol efflux in men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Triolo Michela , Annema Wijtske , de Boer Jan Freark , Tietge Uwe J. F. , Dullaart Robin P. F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of functional properties of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) for atheroprotection is increasingly recognized. We determined the impact of lipid‐lowering therapy on 3 key HDL functionalities in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methodsA placebo‐controlled, randomized cross‐over study (three 8‐week treatment periods with simvastatin (40 mg daily), bezafibrate (400 mg daily), alone and in combination) was carried out in 14 men with T2DM. Cholesterol efflux was determined using human THP‐1 monocyte‐derived macrophages, HDL antioxidative capacity was measured as inhibition of low‐density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro, and HDL anti‐inflammatory capacity was assessed as suppression of thrombin‐induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Pre‐β‐HDL was assayed using crossed immunoelectrophoresis.ResultsWhile cholesterol efflux increased in response to simvatatin, bezafibrate and combination treatment (+12 to +23%; anova, P = 0·001), HDL antioxidative capacity (P = 0·23) and HDL anti‐inflammatory capacity (P = 0·15) did not change significantly. Averaged changes in cellular cholesterol efflux during active treatment were correlated positively with changes in HDL cholesterol, apoA‐I and pre‐β‐HDL (P < 0·05 to P < 0·001). There were no inter‐relationships between changes in the three HDL functionalities during treatment (P > 0·10). Changes in HDL antioxidative capacity and anti‐inflammatory capacity were also unrelated to changes in HDL cholesterol and apoA‐I, while changes in HDL antioxidative capacity were related inversely to pre‐β‐HDL (P < 0·05).ConclusionSimvastatin and bezafibrate increase cholesterol efflux, parallel to HDL cholesterol and apoA‐I responses. The antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties of HDL are not to an important extent affected by these therapeutic interventions.
Using fuzzy‐coded traits to elucidate the non‐random role of anthropogenic stress in the functional homogenisation of invertebrate assemblages
Authors: Mondy Cédric P. , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Functional homogenisation of ecological communities (i.e. communities composed mainly of generalist species) is a major concern and has been often considered as a non‐random effect of anthropogenic stress, with generalist taxa being preferentially selected under increasing stress.

However, the degree of specialisation of a given taxon for a particular resource (a convenient proxy for studying functional homogenisation) is often described simply as ‘uses the resource’ or ‘does not’, despite there being an obvious continuum of degrees of specialisation by species for many different resources. Moreover, the non‐randomness of the relationship between resource specialisation by the species making up a community and anthropogenic stress has been rarely tested.

In this study, a framework based on fuzzy‐coded traits is proposed to calculate a new continuous index of potential specialisation for a variety of taxa in a wide range of ecosystems. The use of this index is illustrated using 10 Eltonian and 11 Grinnellian traits of stream macroinvertebrate assemblages. We tested (i) the significance of the relationships between the average degree of specialisation among the taxa of a community and two types of anthropogenic stress (acidification and organic contamination) at the local scale and (ii) the non‐randomness of these relationships.

Stress gradients explained, through non‐random effects, a rather high proportion of the variability observed in the degree of taxon specialisation, with significant relationships for eight of the 21 traits studied with regard to acidification and for 18 of the 21 traits with regard to organic contamination. Although most of these relationships described functional homogenisation (i.e. decreasing specialisation with increasing stress), increasing specialisation with increasing stress was demonstrated for a few Eltonian traits.

We confirmed the importance of indicators of functional homogenisation calculated at the community level when studying the loss of biodiversity due to anthropogenic stress. The assessment of ecological specialisation seems to be a very promising strategy for understanding the effects of habitat impairment on community and ecosystem processes. Moreover, we show that the intensity of functional homogenisation depends on a trade‐off between ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ effects of stressors, and we consider that more attention should be paid to the mechanisms by which anthropogenic stressors act on taxa.
Survival and behaviour of juvenile unionid mussels exposed to thermal stress and dewatering in the presence of a sediment temperature gradient
Authors: Archambault Jennifer M. , Cope W. Gregory , Kwak Thomas J. 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are a highly imperilled faunal group. One critical threat is thermal sensitivity, because global climate change and other anthropogenic activities contribute to increasing stream temperature and altered hydrologic flow that may be detrimental to freshwater mussels.

We incorporated four benthic environmental components – temperature, sediment, water level (a surrogate for flow) and a vertical thermal gradient in the sediment column – in laboratory mesocosm experiments with juveniles of two species of freshwater mussels (Lampsilis abrupta and Lampsilis radiata) and tested their effects on survival, burrowing behaviour and byssus production.

Increasing temperature diminished burrowing behaviour significantly in both species (P < 0.01), and the dewatered treatment significantly reduced burrowing in L. radiata, compared with that in the watered treatment. Increasing temperature also significantly reduced byssus production in both species (P < 0.01). Median lethal temperatures (LT50) ranged from 29.9 to 35.6 °C. Mussels did not burrow beneath the top stratum of sediment (0–2.5 cm) and thus did not use the available thermal refuge.

Our findings suggest that rising stream water temperature and dewatering may directly impact freshwater mussel abundance by causing mortality and may have indirect impacts via sublethal effects. Reduced burrowing capacity may hamper ability to escape predation or unfavourably high or low flows, and decreased byssus production may inhibit attachment and dispersal capabilities in juveniles.
Canalicular adenoma immunoprofile: a case report
Authors: Sivolella Stefano , Valente Marialuisa , De Biagi Marleen , Mazzoleni Sergio , Stellini Edoardo 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo report a case of canalicular adenoma (CA) and discuss the use of immunohistochemistry to better address the diagnosis given some unusual characteristics in this patient.BackgroundCA is an uncommon benign neoplasm that can develop in minor salivary gland duct tissues throughout the oral cavity. At histology, it shares several features with other salivary tumors. Immunohistochemistry can be useful in the differential diagnosis.Materials and methodsThe clinical presentation consisted in a nodule on the left upper lip of an 85‐year‐old man. The patient's main complaint was upper denture instability secondary to soft tissue changes. The nodule was excised under local anesthesia and underwent histological and immunohistochemical examination to rule out any malignancy.ResultsHistological findings, cytokeratin positivity and the absence of any reactivity to specific markers of myoepithelial differentiation confirmed the epithelial nature of the lesion.ConclusionThe histological diagnosis of benign salivary tumors such as CA can be confirmed by immunohistochemistry
In Situ Synthesis of a ZrB2‐Based Composite Powder Using a Mechanochemical Reaction for the Zircon/Magnesium/Boron Oxide/Graphite System
Authors: Jalaly Maisam , Bafghi Mohammad Sheikh‐Shab , Tamizifar Morteza , Gotor Francisco Jose 
Published: December 2013

A ZrSiO4/B2O3/Mg/C system was used to synthesize a ZrB2‐based composite through a high‐energy ball milling process. As a result of the milling process, a mechanically induced self‐sustaining reaction (MSR) was achieved in this system. A composite powder of ZrB2–SiC–ZrC was prepared in situ by a magnesiothermic reduction with an ignition time of approximately 6 min. The mechanism for the formation of the product was investigated by studying the relevant subreactions, the stoichiometric amount of B2O3, and thermal analysis.
Comparison of extraction and isolation efficiency of catechins and caffeine from green tea leaves using different solvent systems
Authors: Choung Myoung‐Gun , Hwang Young‐Sun , Lee Min‐Seuk , Lee Jinwook , Kang Sung‐Taeg , Jun Tae‐Hwan 
Published: December 2013

SummaryCatechins from green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) have received considerable attention due to their beneficial effects on human health, such as antioxidant and anticancer activities. Optimisation of extraction conditions of the catechins from green tea leaves was performed using different solvents (ethanol or distilled water), different extraction methods (ultrasound‐assisted, room temperature or reflux extractions) and various extraction times (0.5–24 h). The optimal extraction conditions were determined using 40% ethanol with ultrasound‐assisted extraction method for 2 h at 40 °C. In addition, two isolation methods for the recovery of catechins from green tea extracts were compared using different solvent combinations (chloroform/ethyl acetate versus ethyl acetate/dichloromethane). The results showed that the ethyl acetate/dichloromethane system could achieve much higher content of catechins than the other isolation approaches, indicating the method that extract catechins first with organic solvent such as ethyl acetate before removing caffeine is much effective than removing caffeine first when organic solvents are used for the recovery of catechins without caffeine from green tea extracts.
Signalling properties and pharmacology of a 5‐HT7‐type serotonin receptor from Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Vleugels R. , Lenaerts C. , Vanden Broeck J. , Verlinden H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn the last decade, genome sequence data and gene structure information on invertebrate receptors has been greatly expanded by large sequencing projects and cloning studies. This information is of great value for the identification of receptors; however, functional and pharmacological data are necessary for an accurate receptor classification and for practical applications. In insects, an important group of neurotransmitter and neurohormone receptors, for which ample sequence information is available but pharmacological information is missing, are the biogenic amine G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). In the present study, we investigated the sequence information, pharmacology and signalling properties of a 5‐HT7‐type serotonin receptor from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Trica5‐HT7). The receptor encoding cDNA shows considerable sequence similarity with cognate 5‐HT7 receptors and phylogenetic analysis also clusters the receptor within this 5‐HT receptor group. Real‐time reverse transcription PCR demonstrated high expression levels in the brain, indicating the possible importance of this receptor in neural processes. Trica5‐HT7 was dose‐dependently activated by 5‐HT, which induced elevated intracellular cyclic AMP levels but had no effect on calcium signalling. The synthetic agonists, α‐methyl 5‐HT, 5‐methoxytryptamine, 5‐carboxamidotryptamine and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(dipropylamino)tetralin hydrobromide, showed a response, although with a much lower potency and efficacy than 5‐HT. Ketanserin and methiothepin were the most potent antagonists. Both showed characteristics of competitive inhibition on Trica5‐HT7. The signalling pathway and pharmacological profile offer important information that will facilitate functional and comparative studies of 5‐HT receptors in insects and other invertebrates. The pharmacology of invertebrate 5‐HT receptors differs considerably from that of vertebrates. The present study may therefore contribute to establishing a more reliable classification of invertebrate 5‐HT receptors.
Multi‐Site and Multi‐Ionization of Sn in the Doping of BaTiO3
Authors: Lee Chung‐Eun , Randall Clive A. , Kim Doo‐Young , Kim Sang Hyuk 
Published: December 2013

This article considers the diverse substitutional effects of the Sn cations in the BaTiO3 lattice and its impact on the electrical conduction as a function of A/B stoichiometry, oxygen partial pressure, and temperature. High‐density specimens were fabricated in the different oxygen partial pressures to control the valence state of Sn ion. Specifically, the nonstoichiometric materials were sintered in a low pO2 atmosphere (10−14 atm at 1320°C) and in a high pO2 atmosphere (10−0.21 atm at 1320°C), respectively. It is found that Sn occupying the Ti‐site acts as an acceptor dopant, and the electronic conductivity varies from a n‐type to p‐type transition, with increasing oxygen activity as mostly expected. However, there is an unusual case noted with Sn doping the A‐site where the conductivity, σ, is invariant at high pO2's, i.e., σ ~ with m ≈ 0 in the high pO2 regime. The variation of the conductivity is explained by a valence changing of Sn ion from +2 to +3 to +4 with increasing oxygen partial pressure, and we model this data across all conditions within a self‐consistent defect chemistry model.
Patterns of rain forest plant endemism in subtropical Australia relate to stable mesic refugia and species dispersal limitations
Authors: Weber Lui C. , VanDerWal Jeremy , Schmidt Susanne , McDonald William J. F. , Shoo Luke P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimOur aims were to identify centres of endemism and to infer whether these areas have functioned as refugia for subtropical rain forest plants through historical climate fluctuations.LocationSubtropical easternAustralia (23–33° S; 145–155° E).MethodsWe collated 25,000 records of 179 endemic rain forest plants to identify geographical areas with unusually high concentrations of endemic taxa and range‐restricted endemics. We then tested whether centres of endemism coincide with other features indicating refugia, including habitat stability over 120,000 years, and we related dispersal patterns to past habitat stability using seed weight as a surrogate for dispersal ability of endemic plant taxa.ResultsWe identified five main centres of endemism. Historical stability and other processes affecting diversity, including current rainfall, rain forest area, and topographic complexity, explained 58% of variation in plant‐weighted endemism. Taxa with poor dispersal ability were concentrated in the areas that were most stable historically.Main conclusionsSeveral lines of evidence suggest that centres of endemism have functioned as important refugia for subtropical rain forest taxa through historical climate fluctuations. The highest concentrations of range‐restricted endemic species occur in locations that are predicted to have maintained stable rain forest habitat over at least the past 120,000 years. This association was independent from other factors that were expected to promote diversity (i.e. rain forest area and current environmental suitability). These locations have disproportionately high concentrations of species with poor dispersal ability (large‐seeded species).
Regulation of cyp26a1 on Th17 cells in mouse peri‐implantation
Authors: Liu Hai‐Yan , Chao Huhe , Liu Zhen‐Kun , Xia Hong‐Fei , Song Zhihui , Yang Ying , Peng Jing‐Pian 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCytochrome P450 26A1 (cyp26a1) is expressed in the mouse uterus during peri‐implantation. The repression of this protein is closely associated with a reduction in implantation sites, suggesting a specific role for cyp26a1 in pregnancy and prompting questions concerning how a metabolic enzyme can generate this distinct outcome. To explore the effective downstream targets of cyp26a1 and confirm if its role in peri‐implantation depends on its metabolic substrate RA (retinoic acid), we characterized the changes in the peripheral blood, spleen and uterine implantation sites using the cyp26a1 gene vaccine constructed before. Flow cytometry results showed a significant increase in CD4+RORγt+ Th17 cells in both the peripheral blood and spleen in the experimental group. The expression of RORγt and IL‐17 presented the Th17 cells reduction in uterus followed by the suppression of cyp26a1 expression. For greater certainty, cyp26a1 antibody blocking model and RNA interference model were constructed to determine the precise target immune cell group. High performance liquid chromatography results showed a significant increase in uterine at‐RA followed by the immunization of cyp26a1 gene vaccine. Both the ascertain by measuring RARα protein levels in peri‐implantation uterus after gene vaccine immunization and researches using the specific agonist and antagonist against RARα suggested that RARα may be the main RA receptor for signal transduction. These results provided more evidence for the signal messenger role of RA in cyp26a1 regulation from the other side. Here, we showed that the cyp26a1‐regulated Th17 cells are dependent on at‐RA signalling, which is delivered through RARα in mouse peri‐implantation.
Anchoring Democracy from Above? The European Union and Democratic Backsliding in Hungary and Romania after Accession
Authors: Sedelmeier Ulrich 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article analyzes the European Union's reactions to breaches of liberal democratic practices in Hungary and Romania during 2012–13 in order to assess its capacity to lock in democracy in the Member States. The article finds that a combination of partisan politics and weak normative consensus thwarted the EU's ability to use the sanctioning mechanism of Article 7. The effectiveness of alternative instruments that EU institutions used – social pressure, infringement procedures and issue linkage – varied across issues and countries. In Hungary, changes to illiberal practices generally remained limited, but differences in the EU's material leverage explain cross‐issue variation. The EU's relative success in Romania suggests that it is not necessarily powerless against democratic backsliding. It might require a demanding constellation of favourable conditions for both social and material pressure, but there are grounds for a more optimistic interpretation that material leverage might be unnecessary if the conditions for social pressure are favourable.
PREDICTING EXTREME RETURNS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Fodor Andy , Krieger Kevin , Mauck Nathan , Stevenson Greg 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe consider which readily observable characteristics of individual stocks may be used to forecast subsequent extreme price movements. We believe we are the first to explicitly consider the predictive influence of option implied volatility in such a framework, which we find to be an important indicator. However, after controlling for implied volatility levels, other factors, particularly firm age and size, continue to have additional predictive power of extreme returns. Furthermore, excluding predicted extreme return stocks leads to a portfolio that has lower risk (standard deviation of returns and lower beta) without sacrificing performance.
CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE: ASSET CHARACTERISTICS OR MANAGERIAL PREFERENCES
Authors: Gombola Michael , Marciukaityte Dalia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe examine leverage changes around mergers by similar‐size firms. If asset characteristics drive leverage, both acquirer and target premerger leverage should predict long‐term postmerger leverage. We find that only acquirer premerger leverage has a long‐term effect. The effect of target premerger leverage, while highly significant right after the merger, disappears after two years. These findings cannot be explained by suboptimal premerger leverage of targets, sales of target assets, or corporate governance characteristics. As acquirer managers usually manage the merged firm, our findings support the hypothesis that managerial preferences have a strong effect on firm leverage.
Treatment efficacy of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients with mixed genotype 1/2 infection
Authors: Huang Ching‐I , Huang Chung‐Feng , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Wang Liang‐Yen , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe treatment efficacy of patients with mixed hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1/genotype 2 (HCV‐1/2) remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the sustained virological response (SVR) rate in patients with HCV‐1/2 infection.MethodsOne hundred and ten HCV‐1/2 patients treated with response‐guided peginterferon/ribavirin therapy (24 weeks for patients with a rapid virological response [RVR] and low viral loads; 48 weeks for patients without a RVR or high viral loads) were allocated. Two hundred HCV‐1 patients were selected as a historical control. Interleukin‐28B (IL‐28B) rs8099917 genotype was tested for the association with an SVR.ResultsThe rates of RVR, sustained virologic response (SVR), and relapse rate were 71.8%, 87.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. The SVR rate was significantly higher in patients with an abbreviated regimen as compared with those with 48‐week regimen (95.5% vs 75.0%, P = 0.002), and both were similar to the HCV‐1 historical control. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that lower baseline viral loads were the single factor predictive of an RVR (odds ratio/95% confidence intervals [OR/CI] of 41.62/9.72–178.19, P < 0.001). The achievement of an RVR was the single best factor predictive of an SVR (OR/CI: 7.5/1.33–42.27, P = 0.02). Nevertheless, an abbreviated regimen became the single factor associated with an SVR if treatment regimen was taken into consideration (OR/CI: 11.0/1.25–96.79, P = 0.03). The SVR rate did not differ between patients with rs8099917 TT and TG/GG genotype (91.7% vs 87.5%, P = 0.63).ConclusionsThe treatment efficacy of patients with HCV‐1/2 was satisfactory. The role of IL‐28B genetic variants in the population with response‐guided therapy was limited.
Carnitine for prevention of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity: A randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Hatamkhani Shima , Khalili Hossein , Karimzadeh Iman , Dashti‐Khavidaki Simin , Abdollahi Alireza , Jafari Sirous 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimIn the present study, the potential benefits of oral carnitine in preventing antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) were evaluated.MethodsFifty‐four patients in the carnitine and 62 patients in the placebo group completed the study. The carnitine group received 1000 mg oral carnitine solution twice daily for 4 weeks. The placebo group received 10 mL of oral placebo solution twice daily for 4 weeks. ATDH was defined as an increase in the serum level of aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase greater than three or five times of the upper limit of normal with or without clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity, respectively.ResultsDuring the study period, 29 (25%) patients experienced ATDH. Among these patients, nine (16.7%) and 20 (32.3%) were in the carnitine and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.049). Based on multivariate logistic regression model, age over 35 years old (odds ratio [OR] = 7.01, P = 0.002), human immunodeficiency virus infection (OR = 40.4, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR = 37.6, P = 0.001), and placebo treatment (OR = 0.1, P = 0.01) were identified as predisposing factors for ATDH.ConclusionResults of our preliminary clinical trial suggested that cotreatment with 2000 mg oral L‐carnitine solution daily for 4 weeks significantly decreased the rate of ATDH.