bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do We Have A Moral Obligation to Synthesize Organisms to Increase Biodiversity? On Kinship, Awe, and the Value of Life's Diversity
Authors: Boldt Joachim 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSynthetic biology can be understood as expanding the abilities and aspirations of genetic engineering. Nonetheless, whereas genetic engineering has been subject to criticism due to its endangering biodiversity, synthetic biology may actually appear to prove advantageous for biodiversity. After all, one might claim, synthesizing novel forms of life increases the numbers of species present in nature and thus ought to be ethically recommended. Two perspectives on how to spell out the conception of intrinsic value of biodiversity are examined in order to assess this line of thought. At the cost of introducing two separate capacities of human knowledge acquisition, the ‘admiration stance’ turns out to reject outright the assumption of a synthetic species' intrinsic value and of an imperative to create novel species. The ‘kinship stance’ by contrast does ascribe value to both synthetic and natural species and organisms. Nonetheless, while from this perspective creating novel species may become an ethical demand under certain conditions, it favours changing organisms by getting in contact with them rather than synthesizing them. It is concluded that neither the admiration nor the kinship stance warrants a supposed general moral obligation to create novel species to increase biodiversity.
Health as a Property of Engineered Living Systems
Authors: Holm Sune 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis article considers naturalistic analyses of the concepts of health and disease in light of the possibility of constructing novel living systems. The article begins by introducing the vision of synthetic biology as the application of engineering principles to the construction of biological systems, the main analyses of the concepts of health and disease, and the standard theories of function in artefacts and organisms. The article then suggests that reflection on the possibility of artefactual organisms amounts to a challenge to the functional theories of health and disease proposed by Wakefield and Boorse. More specifically, Wakefield and Boorse's theories are reconstructed as responses to a dilemma concerning how to allow for the ascription of health and disease to artefactual organisms without at the same time opening up the possibility of diseased nonliving artefacts such as cars and computers. It is argued that neither response will enable us to ascribe health and disease to artefactual organisms, because both theories, in order to rule out the possibility of ascribing health and disease to nonliving artefacts, make such ascriptions conditional on having a natural‐selection history or being part of a species which has been designed by evolution.
Local and Global Processing in Blind and Sighted Children in a Naming and Drawing Task
Authors: Puspitawati Ira , Jebrane Ahmed , Vinter Annie 
Published: September 2013

This study investigated the spatial analysis of tactile hierarchical patterns in 110 early‐blind children aged 6–8 to 16–18 years, as compared to 90 blindfolded sighted children, in a naming and haptic drawing task. The results revealed that regardless of visual status, young children predominantly produced local responses in both tasks, whereas the production of integrated responses emerged later. Development of local and global processing seems to proceed similarly in the two populations, but local processing continued to occur at high levels over a larger age range in the blind. The possibility of visual mediation is pointed out, as totally blind children tended to process information locally more often than blind children with minimal light perception.
Mesenchymal stem cells control alloreactive CD8+CD28− T cells
Authors: Engela A U , Baan C C , Litjens N H R , Franquesa M , Betjes M G H , Weimar W , Hoogduijn M J 
Published: September 2013

SummaryCD28/B7 co-stimulation blockade with belatacept prevents alloreactivity in kidney transplant patients. However, cells lacking CD28 are not susceptible to belatacept treatment. As CD8+CD28− T-cells have cytotoxic and pathogenic properties, we investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are effective in controlling these cells. In mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR), MSC and belatacept inhibited peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. MSC at MSC/effector cell ratios of 1:160 and 1:2·5 reduced proliferation by 38·8 and 92·2%, respectively. Belatacept concentrations of 0·1 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml suppressed proliferation by 20·7 and 80·6%, respectively. Both treatments in combination did not inhibit each other's function. Allostimulated CD8+CD28− T cells were able to proliferate and expressed the cytolytic and cytotoxic effector molecules granzyme B, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. While belatacept did not affect the proliferation of CD8+CD28− T cells, MSC reduced the percentage of CD28− T cells in the proliferating CD8+ T cell fraction by 45·9% (P = 0·009). CD8+CD28− T cells as effector cells in MLR in the presence of CD4+ T cell help gained CD28 expression, an effect independent of MSC. In contrast, allostimulated CD28+ T cells did not lose CD28 expression in MLR–MSC co-culture, suggesting that MSC control pre-existing CD28− T cells and not newly induced CD28− T cells. In conclusion, alloreactive CD8+CD28− T cells that remain unaffected by belatacept treatment are inhibited by MSC. This study indicates the potential of an MSC–belatacept combination therapy to control alloreactivity.
Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody prevents systemic bone mass loss via reducing the number of osteoclast precursors in bone marrow in a collagen-induced arthritis model
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Hashizume Misato , Mihara Masahiko , Yoshida Hiroto , Suzuki Miho , Matsumoto Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2013

Summary
Systemic bone loss is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 promote bone resorption by osteoclasts. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) controls the migration of osteoclast precursor cells (OCPs) between the blood and bone marrow, in part via S1P receptors (S1PR1 and S1PR2) expressed on the surface of OCPs. OCPs (CD11b+Gr-1low+med) isolated from bone marrow of DBA/1J mice were stimulated with IL-6. S1P-directed chemotaxis of OCPs was evaluated using a transwell plate. mRNA expression of S1PR1 and S1PR2 was measured. DBA/1J mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (days 0 and 21) and anti-mouse IL-6 receptor antibody (MR16-1) was administered on days 0 and/or 21. Trabecular bone volume was analysed using micro-computed tomography. The percentage of OCPs in tibial bone marrow and S1PR1 and S1PR2 mRNA expression in OCPs were measured. IL-6 stimulation significantly decreased S1P-directed chemotaxis of OCPs. IL-6 induced S1PR2 mRNA expression, but not S1PR1 mRNA expression, in OCPs. Bone volume was significantly lower in arthritic mice than in non-arthritic control mice on day 35. Treatment of immunized mice with MR16-1 significantly inhibited bone loss. In MR16-1-treated mice, the percentage of OCPs and expression of S1PR2 mRNA was each decreased compared with arthritic mice on day 14, but not on day 35. IL-6 increased the number of OCPs in tibial bone marrow via up-regulating S1PR2, thus playing a crucial role in systemic bone loss induced by inflammation.
How attentional boost interacts with reward: the effect of dopaminergic medications in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kéri Szabolcs , Nagy Helga , Levy‐Gigi Einat , Kelemen Oguz 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThere is widespread evidence that dopamine is implicated in the regulation of reward and salience. However, it is less known how these processes interact with attention and recognition memory. To explore this question, we used the attentional boost test in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) before and after the administration of dopaminergic medications. Participants performed a visual letter detection task (remembering rewarded target letters and ignoring distractor letters) while also viewing a series of photos of natural and urban scenes in the background of the letters. The aim of the game was to retrieve the target letter after each trial and to win as much virtual money as possible. The recognition of background scenes was not rewarded. We enrolled 26 drug‐naïve, newly diagnosed patients with PD and 25 healthy controls who were evaluated at baseline and follow‐up. Patients with PD received dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine) during the 12‐week follow‐up period. At baseline, we found intact attentional boost in patients with PD: they were able to recognize target‐associated scenes similarly to controls. At follow‐up, patients with PD outperformed controls for both target‐ and distractor‐associated scenes, but not when scenes were presented without letters. The alerting, orienting and executive components of attention were intact in PD. Enhanced attentional boost was replicated in a smaller group of patients with PD (n = 15) receiving l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA). These results suggest that dopaminergic medications facilitate attentional boost for background information regardless of whether the central task (letter detection) is rewarded or not.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Owner‐ Reported Obesity in Horses and Ponies in Great Britain
Authors: Robin C.A. , Ireland J. , Wylie C.E. , Collins S.N. , Verheyen K.L.P. , Newton J.R. 
Published: September 2013

AimsTo estimate prevalence of owner‐reported obesity in British veterinary‐registered horses and ponies, and identify risk factors associated with obesity.MethodsThirty veterinary practices randomly selected horse owners to complete an ethically approved, self‐administered postal questionnaire. Owners estimated body condition score using a modified Carroll and Huntington method (1–6) and animals were classified as obese if they were scored as 5 (fat) or 6 (very fat). Factors associated with obesity were assessed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOwner‐reported prevalence of obesity was 31.2% (n = 247/792, 95% CI 27.9–34.2). A greater proportion of obese animals (n = 47/225, 20.9%) had a history of laminitis compared with normal/underweight animals (n = 69/511, 13.5%, P = 0.01). Univariable logistic regression analysis identified several management and horse‐level risk factors. Data from 785 horses were included in the final multivariable logistic regression model, and factors associated with an increased risk of obesity were breed (P<0.001), ease of maintaining weight (P<0.001) and primary use (P = 0.002). Compared with Thoroughbreds, draught‐type (odds ratio [OR] 7.3; 95% CI 3.5–17.1), cob‐type (OR 5.8; 95% CI 2.6–12.8), native (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.7–5.7), and Welsh breeds (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.9–6.2) were more likely to be obese. Animals described as ‘good doers’ were more likely to be obese compared those described as readily maintaining normal weight (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.6–5.3). Compared with animals whose primary use was competition, animals predominantly used for pleasure riding were more likely to be obese (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4–4.3), and risk increased in non‐ridden horses compared with competition horses (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5–5.5, P = 0.002).Conclusion and practical significanceIdentification of breed and other horse characteristics as risk factors for obesity will enable optimal targeting of owner education regarding preventive management to reduce the risk of obesity among the British horse population.Ethical animal researchOwner informed consent was obtained for the questionnaire. Sources of funding: This project was funded by World Horse Welfare. Competing interests: None.
Efficacy of a Combination of a Unique Pectin‐Lecithin Complex (Apolectol®), Live Yeast and Magnesium Hydroxide in the Prevention of EGUS and Faecal Acidosis in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Randomised, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Sykes B.W. , Sykes K.M. , Hallowell G.D. 
Published: September 2013

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy of a combination of a unique pectin‐lecithin complex (Apolectol®), live yeast and magnesium hydroxide in the prevention of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and faecal acidosis in Thoroughbred racehorses.MethodsThoroughbred racehorses in training with grade ≤ II/IV EGUS were identified on gastroscopy. Horses were randomised to receive either 95 g Apolectol®, 2 g live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae – CNCM I‐1077) and 20 g magnesium hydroxide or 95 g of a commercial feed pellet as a placebo 1–4 h prior to exercise. Faecal analysis was performed weekly and faecal acidosis defined as a faecal pH of <6.2. Gastroscopy was repeated at 24–27 days.ResultsMean ulcer scores did not increase in the treatment group for either the squamous (0.8 ± 1.0 to 0.5 ± 0.8; P = 0.133) or glandular (0.7 ± 0.8 to 0.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.38) mucosa. In contrast, in the placebo group mean ulcer scores significantly increased over time for the squamous (1.1 ± 0.7 to 2.2 ± 1.2; P = 0.013), and increased, but not statistically so, for the glandular (0.6 ± 0.7 to 1.6 ± 1.5; P = 0.065) mucosa. Over time horses in the placebo group were more likely to experience worsening of their ulcer score in both the squamous (P = 0.03) and glandular (P = 0.03) mucosa than horses in the treatment group. Horses in the placebo group were more likely to have faecal acidosis over time (P = 0.03).ConclusionsThe combination of Apolectol®, live yeast and magnesium hydroxide is an effective prophylactic against EGUS and reduces the risk of faecal acidosis in horses in high‐intensity work.Practical significanceThe combination studied provides a viable, nonpharmaceutical means for the prevention of EGUS and faecal acidosis in high‐risk horses.AcknowledgementsPortoscope.com provided a videoendoscope free of charge for the purposes of this study.Ethical animal researchThe study was performed in accordance with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries guidelines for clinical studies and the New South Wales Animal Research Act of 1985. Informed consent from the owner or the trainer was obtained at the time of enrolment to the study. Sources of funding: This study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim. Conflicts of interest: B.W. Sykes is employed as a consultant by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Preliminary Data of a Retrospective Study on Neurological Side Effects after Administration of Polymyxin B to Endotoxaemic Horses
Authors: Schwarz B. , Anen C. , van den Hoven R. 
Published: September 2013

AimsThis retrospective study reports the occurrence of neurological side effects attributed to the use of polymyxin B in horses treated for endotoxaemia.MethodsBetween January 2012 and January 2013 18 horses were treated for endotoxaemia with 5000 iu polymyxin/kg bwt intravenously q. 8 h. For this purpose a sterile polymyxin solution was compounded by a pharmacy: 500 ml 0.9% NaCl contained 2.5 Mio. iu polymyxin B. Depending on the disease which led to endotoxaemia the horses received other treatments as well. Horses were examined at regular intervals and ataxia was graded using the modified Mayhew grading scale.ResultsSixty‐six per cent of patients were mares, 28% were geldings and the rest stallions. Age ranged from one to 23 years, with a mean (± s.d.) of 12 (± 7) years. Ten of 18 horses were treated for colitis, 2 of 18 each for small intestinal strangulating lesion, aspiration pneumonia and large colon torsion. In 6 horses a weak, ataxic gait was noted between 24 and 36 h after start of polymyxin treatment. The only factors significantly associated with ataxia were the number of doses of polymyxin the horses received (P = 0.011) and the concurrent use of neostigmine (P = 0.025). No other treatments were associated with occurrence of ataxia. The level of ataxia observed was correlated with the time necessary for ataxia to resolve. Horses which had shown ataxia after polymyxin treatment had a significantly longer overall hospitalisation time (P = 0.004).Conclusions and practical significanceSelf‐limiting weak, ataxic gait was observed in horses treated with polymyxin B for endotoxaemia. Horses receiving multiple doses of polymyxin seem to be at risk. A cumulative effect of polymyxin might be suspected. Furthermore neostigmine could be responsible for potentiating polymyxin side effects. Neurological side effects of polymyxin at dose rates used for anti‐endotoxic treatment need to be further elucidated.Ethical animal researchNot required by this Congress: retrospective study. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
The Effect of Injection Needle Gauge Size on the Viability of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Cree S.J. , Smith R.K. , Dudhia J. 
Published: September 2013

AimsPerformance horses are at high risk of injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Studies have shown that autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injected into SDFT lesions subsequently result in a significant reduction of re‐injury in National Hunt racehorses; however, recent studies show that only 25% of implanted MSCs survive 24 h post injection. The reason for this loss is unclear but may relate to cell quiescence or injection‐related mortality. We hypothesised that cell viability and mortality is increased with needle gauge.MethodsEquine MSCs cultured in vitro were resuspended to a final suspension density of 5 x 105 cells/ml to mimic that used for implantation in clinic. The cell suspension was injected through a 19 gauge, 21 gauge (current practice in clinic) or 23 gauge needle. Mesenchymal stem cells viability and mortality was analysed over a 24 h period post injection using alamarBlue® and Annexin V (apoptosis) assays, respectively.ResultsThere was a 25% reduction in viability (P<0.01) and mortality (P<0.01) compared with noninjected MSCs over the 24 h period post injection. All needle gauges also induced a decrease in cell metabolic activity immediately post injection but with recovery by 2 h post injection. Furthermore, 21 gauge and 23 gauge needles increased early apoptotic cells immediately post injection, whereas the 19 gauge needle showed a delayed increase in apoptosis until 2 h post injection.ConclusionsThe delayed apoptosis may correlate with a subpopulation of quiescent cells subsequently becoming apoptotic. The proportion of early and late apoptotic MSCs, while significant, does not account for the total cell loss reported after intra‐lesional injection.Practical significanceNeedle gauge selection has significant implications for the survival of MSC intra‐lesional injections but it may not be the sole factor implicated in post injection cell mortality. We therefore recommend a minimum diameter of 19 gauge should be used for implantation.Ethical animal researchStem cell lines were obtained from bone marrow with approval of the Institutional Ethical Committee and under UK Home Office licence. Sources of funding: Funded by the Medical Research Council and The Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: None.
THE ELEVENTH PLENUM AND FILM CRITICISM IN EAST GERMANY
Authors: Brockmann Stephen 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThis article explores the role of film theory and film criticism in the controversies surrounding the Eleventh Plenum of the Socialist Unity Party (SED), which led to the banning of twelve East German films in 1965–6. It looks at the work of the film critic Fred Gehler in the weekly newspaper Sonntag, and it explores the editorial policies of the journal Filmwissenschaftliche Mitteilungen, which was edited by Heinz Baumert, director of the institute for film scholarship at the Hochschule für Filmkunst in Potsdam, the GDR's only film school. The article looks at the critique that Gehler, Baumert, and others were making of GDR film culture in the mid‐1960s and at the suggestions they put forward for the improvement of East German film. It also examines the negative reaction to this critique surrounding the Eleventh Plenum, and it argues that this negative reaction had a profound impact on the subsequent history of East German cinema, as well as on the development of younger East German filmmakers.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection 2013
Authors: O'Connor Anthony , Molina‐Infante Javier , Gisbert Javier P. , O'Morain Colm 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis review summarizes important studies regarding Helicobacter pylori therapy published from April 2012 up to March 2013. To begin with, the updated European Consensus Guidelines were published last year, highlighting the role of bismuth and nonbismuth quadruple regimen as first‐line treatments. Cure rates for standard triple therapy remain acceptable in quite a few settings nowadays, and some reports on innovative triple therapies look promising. One study evaluating bismuth quadruple therapy as first‐line therapy was reported. Regarding nonbismuth quadruple regimens, there is a trend of superiority emerging for the “concomitant” therapy over the “sequential” regimen. “Hybrid” therapy, a combination of sequential and concomitant therapy, has also shown advantage over sequential therapy. Levofloxacin‐based therapies appear to be useful and versatile in second‐ and third‐line therapies, with interesting results for newer generation quinolones, which may partially overcome antibiotic resistance. Some promising works have been reported for bismuth‐based rescue therapy, using individualized therapies upon antimicrobial information, as well as for rifabutin fourth‐line therapy. Probiotics appear to have an effect in terms of reducing side effects and improving compliance, but data on improvement of eradication rates remain controversial.
Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Cid Trinidad Parra , Fernández Miryam Calvino , Benito Martínez Selma , Jones Nicola L. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractHelicobacter pylori infection and disease outcome are mediated by a complex interplay between bacterial, host, and environmental factors. Over the past year, our understanding of this complex interplay has been improved by a variety of studies focusing on both host and bacterial factors. These include studies assessing novel virulence factors as well as those most frequently associated with severity of disease outcome including cagA and the cag pathogenicity island, and the vacuolating cytotoxin. Several studies have focused on regulation of virulence factors by environmental factors. In addition, mechanisms by which bacterial virulence factors influence the host response and disease, by inducing epigenetic changes, autophagy and altered oxidative stress have also been elucidated. This review highlights key findings in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection reported over the past year.
The Efficacy of Two‐Week Quadruple First‐Line Therapy with Bismuth, Lansoprazole, Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin on Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ergül Bilal , Doğan, Zeynal , Sarikaya Murat , Filik Levent 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAimTo document the efficacy and tolerability of 14‐day bismuth–lansoprazole–amoxicillin–clarithromycin (BLAC) regimen for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication as a first‐line therapy.MethodPatients were considered eligible for the study if they underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and H. pylori infection was diagnosed through histologic examination of antral and body biopsy samples. Primary end point of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of 14‐day BLAC regimen therapies. H. pylori eradication was assessed using the 13C urea breath test performed 6 weeks after the completion of treatment. All patients were asked to fill in a validated questionnaire to report therapy‐related side effects. Each symptom was graded from absent or present.ResultsNinety‐seven (21 men and 76 women) were enrolled. All the patients completed the study. The H. pylori eradication rate was 90.7% (88 of 97 patients). Side effects were observed in reasonable percentages, and none of the patients left the study because of drug side effect.ConclusionBismuth–lansoprazole–amoxicillin–clarithromycin regimen as a 2‐week course achieved an acceptable eradication rate with relatively mild side effects.