bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valproate modulates glucose metabolism in patients with epilepsy after first exposure
Authors: Rakitin Aleksei , Kõks Sulev , Haldre Sulev 
Published: August 2015

SummaryValproate (VPA) treatment has been reported to be associated with weight gain and metabolic changes, such as hyperinsulinemia. The question of whether hyperinsulinemia and other metabolic changes are consequences of increased weight, or are instead direct results of VPA treatment, remains a matter of debate. The aim of the current study was to explore the influence of VPA treatment on glucose and insulin levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) directly following the first intravenous (IV) administration. Sixteen patients (18–46 years old) with newly diagnosed epilepsy underwent an OGTT with 75 g glucose prior to the start of VPA treatment, as well as directly following the first IV VPA administration. We observed that plasma glucose levels during the 120 min of OGTT session following infusion of VPA were significantly lower than those measured during OGTT without VPA treatment (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 4.28 ± 0.94 mmol/l vs. 4.75 ± 1.09 mmol/l respectively, p = 0.038). However, blood concentrations of insulin and C‐peptide did not differ significantly between the two measurements. This is the first study to show a potential acute glucose‐lowering effect of VPA during OGTT in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy.
Climate change and maize yield in southern Africa: what can farm management do?
Authors: Rurinda Jairos , van Wijk Mark T. , Mapfumo Paul , Descheemaeker Katrien , Supit Iwan , Giller Ken E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThere is concern that food insecurity will increase in southern Africa due to climate change. We quantified the response of maize yield to projected climate change and to three key management options – planting date, fertilizer use and cultivar choice – using the crop simulation model, agricultural production systems simulator (APSIM), at two contrasting sites in Zimbabwe. Three climate periods up to 2100 were selected to cover both near‐ and long‐term climates. Future climate data under two radiative forcing scenarios were generated from five global circulation models. The temperature is projected to increase significantly in Zimbabwe by 2100 with no significant change in mean annual total rainfall. When planting before mid‐December with a high fertilizer rate, the simulated average grain yield for all three maize cultivars declined by 13% for the periods 2010–2039 and 2040–2069 and by 20% for 2070–2099 compared with the baseline climate, under low radiative forcing. Larger declines in yield of up to 32% were predicted for 2070–2099 with high radiative forcing. Despite differences in annual rainfall, similar trends in yield changes were observed for the two sites studied, Hwedza and Makoni. The yield response to delay in planting was nonlinear. Fertilizer increased yield significantly under both baseline and future climates. The response of maize to mineral nitrogen decreased with progressing climate change, implying a decrease in the optimal fertilizer rate in the future. Our results suggest that in the near future, improved crop and soil fertility management will remain important for enhanced maize yield. Towards the end of the 21st century, however, none of the farm management options tested in the study can avoid large yield losses in southern Africa due to climate change. There is a need to transform the current cropping systems of southern Africa to offset the negative impacts of climate change.
Epithelial atrophy in oral submucous fibrosis is mediated by copper (II) and arecoline of areca nut
Authors: Khan Imran , Pant Ila , Narra Sivakrishna , Radhesh Rekha , Ranganathan Kannan , Rao Somanahalli Girish , Kondaiah Paturu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractExposure of oral cavity to areca nut is associated with several pathological conditions including oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Histopathologically OSF is characterized by epithelial atrophy, chronic inflammation, juxtaepithelial hyalinization, leading to fibrosis of submucosal tissue and affects 0.5% of the population in the Indian subcontinent. As the molecular mechanisms leading to atrophied epithelium and fibrosis are poorly understood, we studied areca nut actions on human keratinocyte and gingival fibroblast cells. Areca nut water extract (ANW) was cytotoxic to epithelial cells and had a pro‐proliferative effect on fibroblasts. This opposite effect of ANW on epithelial and fibroblast cells was intriguing but reflects the OSF histopathology such as epithelial atrophy and proliferation of fibroblasts. We demonstrate that the pro‐proliferative effects of ANW on fibroblasts are dependent on insulin‐like growth factor signalling while the cytotoxic effects on keratinocytes are dependent on the generation of reactive oxygen species. Treatment of keratinocytes with arecoline which is a component of ANW along with copper resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity which becomes comparable to IC50 of ANW. Furthermore, studies using cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry and plasmid cleavage assay suggested that the presence of arecoline increases oxidation reduction potential of copper leading to enhanced cleavage of DNA which could generate an apoptotic response. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling assay and Ki‐67 index of OSF tissue sections suggested epithelial apoptosis, which could be responsible for the atrophy of OSF epithelium.
Periostin down‐regulation attenuates the pro‐fibrogenic response of hepatic stellate cells induced by TGF‐β1
Authors: Hong Li , Shejiao Dai , Fenrong Chen , Gang Zhao , Lei Dong 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLiver fibrosis is characterized by an exacerbated accumulation of deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a pivotal role in the development of liver fibrosis. Periostin has been shown to regulate cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and apoptosis; however, the involvement of periostin and its role in transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced HSC activation remains unclear. We used RT‐PCR and Western blot to evaluate the expression level of periostin in hepatic fibrosis tissues and HSCs, respectively. Cell proliferation was determined using the Cell Proliferation ELISA BrdU kit, cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. The expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen I, TGF‐β1, p‐Smad2 and p‐Smad3 were determined by western blot. Our study found that periostin was up‐regulated in liver fibrotic tissues and activated HSCs. In addition, siRNA‐periostin suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced HSC proliferation. The HSC transfected with siRNA‐periostin significantly inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced expression levels of α‐SMA and collagen I. Furthermore, TGF‐β1 stimulated the expression of periostin, and siRNA‐periostin attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced Smad2/3 activation in HSCs. These results suggest that periostin may function as a novel regulator to modulate HSC activation, potentially by promoting the TGF‐β1/Smad signalling pathway, and propose a strategy to target periostin for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Pregnant Adolescents, Beliefs About Healthy Eating, Factors that Influence Food Choices, and Nutrition Education Preferences
Authors: Wise Nancy J. 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionHealthy eating among pregnant adolescents is essential for the well‐being of developing adolescent females and their fetuses, as well as for the prevention of adult chronic illness. Understanding factors that influence and prohibit healthy eating, along with preferences for nutrition education in the pregnant adolescent population, is critical when designing and implementing appropriate nutrition education programs. The purpose of this study was to collect individual viewpoints of pregnant adolescents to facilitate the development of a nutrition intervention.MethodsThis qualitative study using focus group methodology was conducted among pregnant adolescents. Participants (N = 14) were recruited through and teen parenting programs in the Mid‐Atlantic region. Focus groups were guided by 6 open‐ended questions that were developed based on implications from a previous study that surveyed eating habits of pregnant adolescents. Data were analyzed and coded using verbatim transcripts. Transcripts were read carefully for overall content and identification of major categories and then compared for similar and contrasting data.ResultsFour recurring themes emerged that described beliefs about healthy eating, influences on food choices, and nutrition education preferences: 1) pregnant adolescents demonstrate overall knowledge of healthy foods but are unwilling to give up unhealthy foods; 2) parents, offspring, and pregnancy influence healthy eating habits; 3) pregnant adolescents choose foods based on appearance and taste, cravings, convenience, and cost; and 4) pregnancy alters eating habits. Nutrition education in this population should be peer‐ and adolescent‐focused and incorporate preferred methods of learning and favored incentives.DiscussionPregnant adolescents are more likely to attend educational programs that are population‐specific and peer‐focused, and include incentives that make cooking easier, more convenient, and affordable. Program content should be available to potential participants ahead of time. Preferred methods of learning include video format, peer discussion, and hands‐on cooking with active participation in food preparation. Foods that are prepared should be visually appealing and adolescent‐friendly.
Assessment of efficacy and tolerability of different concentrations of trichloroacetic acid vs. carbon dioxide laser in treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum
Authors: Mourad Basma , Elgarhy Lamia H. , Ellakkawy Heba‐Alla , Elmahdy Nageh 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundThere are numerous methods currently available for the management of xanthelasma. These include surgical excision, laser ablation using a variety of lasers and chemical cauterization. However, each method of treatment is associated with particular limitations and side effects.ObjectivesTo assess the clinical efficacy and tolerability of different concentrations of topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA) vs. carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum.MethodsThirty patients with xanthelasma palpebrarum were classified into four groups, treated by TCA 35%, 50%, 70%, and CO2 laser, respectively. Lipid profile was estimated for all patients.ResultsBoth TCA peeling 70% and carbon dioxide laser ablation showed more significant clinical efficacy and tolerability with least number of sessions in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum than 50% and 35% TCA peeling. Post‐therapy erythema and hypopigmentation were more with TCA 70%. Post‐therapy hyperpigmentation was more with TCA (50%). There was a significant improvement in patients with normal lipid profile than those with abnormal profile.ConclusionBoth TCA peeling 70% and carbon dioxide laser ablation are highly effective and well tolerated with least number of sessions in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN CONSUMER CREDIT AND DEFAULT LITERATURE
Authors: Livshits Igor 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis survey discusses recent contributions to the quantitative literature on unsecured consumer debt and default, and some ongoing challenges for the literature. Key topics include the sources of the rise in personal bankruptcies, the importance of asymmetric information and the effects of developments in information technologies on consumer credit markets, delinquency and informal bankruptcy, debt collection and restructuring of distressed debt, the cyclical behavior of consumer debt and default, and the insurance role of household debt. Implications for welfare analysis and policy design are discussed. Several theoretical contributions and approaches to modeling the consumer credit markets are also highlighted.
TOWARDS AN ECONOMICS OF AWARDS
Authors: Frey Bruno S. , Gallus Jana 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAwards are a widespread phenomenon. They cater to the fundamental desire for social recognition and serve as a valuable incentive to influence behaviour. The study of awards such as medals, prizes and titles has in recent years gained momentum in economics, complementing the longstanding focus on material incentives. To evaluate the effectiveness of awards as a motivator is difficult as the effect of awards must be separated from the fact that awards are meant to be given to the best. We show how research on awards has advanced over the last couple of years, thus providing points of departure for future work.
Gramsci and Cultural Hegemony in Post‐Mao China
Authors: Huang Heidi Yu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis article gives an overview of the reception and re‐conception of Gramsci's theory of cultural hegemony in China. It first analyses the semantic shifts and differences in the varied Chinese translations of the term, then discusses how the use of these distinctive Chinese translations has variously helped or limited scholars when examining the ideological discrepancies in contemporary reworkings of Gramscian thought in post‐Maoist China. This article concludes that hegemony offers a theoretical point of departure when seeking to understand the theories and practices of cultural revolution in modern China, even as the post‐Maoist context requires consideration of a dialectical, conceptual model addressing both local and globalizing contexts for understanding China's rising power.
Twenty‐First Century “Chinoiserie”
Authors: Christie Stuart 
Published: August 2015

AbstractTwenty‐first century “Chinoiserie”, the title of the present cluster of essays offered via the Global Circulation Project, offers a series of perspectives on the philology of Chinese literary studies, culture, and language using formerly unimaginable scalars of “worldedness” (Hayot), even as the nation‐state, China, strives to assert the continuation of its own revolutionary project distinct from the global “market.” Presenting a forward philological practice that would rebut any reflection theory “about” China – for example, by refusing to express Chinese reality and experiences solely as a function, or form, of contemporary globalization – all of the following essays cite “China” as a potential site of critique, example, or even vitiation of the present dispensation of global capital. Achieving a degree of theoretical separation from the “market” allows China to emerge – at once discrepant of the technologies of global dissemination (such as the internet and the host of micro‐translational practices it encourages) as well as beholden to them, in locally rendered (“Chinese”) yet infinitely various forms. The very ubiquity of 21st century “Chinoiserie” presents useful challenges to conventional heuristics formerly used to encompass Chinese alterity (such as Goethe's Weltliteratur or T. S. Eliot's “translucency”) and also conveys the insistence of a sovereign demand: that the global appetite for Chinese language, culture, and its literary translations be rooted in the fulfillment (Erfüllung) of “China”, in all its variety, as the figure – ecological, translational, and epistemological – for our time.
Chinese Ecocriticism: A Survey of the Landscape
Authors: Berman Douglas Scott 
Published: August 2015

AbstractOver the last decade, ecocriticism – defined broadly as the study of the relationship between language or art and the physical environment – has come to the fore in China, particularly in humanities departments, leading to an outpouring of critical articles, books, and specialized studies. Possible reasons for why ecocriticism has gained traction within the university are as follows: (i) the increasing hybridization and cross‐disciplinarity within literature departments, where media/film, social science, literature, and philosophy increasingly interact, and (ii) increased anxiety over environmental issues as amplified in the media. By cutting across several disciplines and media platforms, in only a few short years, ecocriticism has developed into a legitimate, and powerful, school of thought. The first section of this paper provides a brief overview of the recent history of the ecocritical “movement” in China – focusing on ways in which literary critics have developed ecocriticism into a vibrant discourse. The second half addresses social ecology, a specific branch of ecocriticism, and its relevance to themes of alienation and modernization active in the work of avant‐garde directors and ecological activists. While Chinese academics have been reluctant to address social and political themes through an ecocritical lens, in the coming years, we should find greater attention paid, both on the left and on the right, to issues of environmental justice and ecological community.
Standardized multilevel transition program: Does it affect renal transplant outcome?
Authors: Weitz Marcus , Heeringa Saskia , Neuhaus Thomas J. , Fehr Thomas , Laube Guido F. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe transfer of renal transplant patients from pediatric to adult care is a crucial step with a high risk of subsequent graft loss. Therefore, the transition should be a thoroughly planned, well‐designed and multidisciplinary process focused on the individual patient. Our pediatric nephrology department introduced a structured step‐by‐step transition program supported by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of the transition program on eGFR and number of ARs in comparison to a group without a transition program at one and three yr after transfer. We conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of renal transplant patients prior to and after the introduction of the transition program. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significantly lower decline of eGFR in the group with transition program (−11.3 ± 44 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared to the group without transition program (−28.4 ± 33 mL/min/1.73 m2) at three yr after transfer. The number of AR episodes significantly decreased from 34.6% in the group without transition program to 9.1% in the group with transition program. The standardized multilevel transition program seems to have significant positive effects on eGFR and number of AR episodes in renal transplant patients.
Phylogeny and classification ofCucujoidea and the recognition of a new superfamilyCoccinelloidea (Coleoptera:Cucujiformia)
Authors: ROBERTSON JAMES A. , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM , MOULTON MATTHEW , SHOCKLEY FLOYD W. , GIORGI ADRIANO , LORD NATHAN P. , MCKENNA DUANE D. , TOMASZEWSKA WIOLETTA , FORRESTER JUANITA , MILLER KELLY B. , WHITING MICHAEL F. , MCHUGH JOSEPH V. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA large‐scale phylogenetic study is presented forCucujoidea (Coleoptera), a diverse superfamily of beetles that historically has been taxonomically difficult. This study is the most comprehensive analysis of cucujoid taxa to date, withDNAsequence data sampled from eight genes (four nuclear, four mitochondrial) for 384 coleopteran taxa, including exemplars of 35 (of 37) families and 289 genera ofCucujoidea. Maximum‐likelihood analyses of these data present many significant relationships, some proposed previously and some novel. Tenebrionoidea andLymexyloidea are recovered together andCleroidea forms the sister group to this clade. Chrysomeloidea andCurculionoidea are recovered as sister taxa and this clade (Phytophaga) forms the sister group to the coreCucujoidea (Cucujoideas.n.). The nitidulid series is recovered as the earliest‐diverging core cucujoid lineage, although the earliest divergences among coreCucujoidea are only weakly supported. The cerylonid series (CS) is recovered as monophyletic and is supported as a majorCucujiform clade, sister group to the remaining superfamilies ofCucujiformia. Currently recognized taxa that were not recovered as monophyletic includeCucujoidea,Endomychidae,Cerylonidae andBothrideridae. Biphyllidae andByturidae were recovered inCleroidea. The remainingCucujoidea were recovered in two disparate major clades: one comprising the nitidulid series + erotylid series +Boganiidae andHobartiidae + cucujid series, and the other comprising the cerylonid series. Propalticidae are recovered withinLaemophloeidae. The cerylonid series includes two major clades, the bothriderid group and the coccinellid group. Akalyptoischiidae are recovered as a separate clade fromLatridiidae. Eupsilobiinae are recovered as the sister taxon toCoccinellidae. In light of these findings, many formal changes to cucujiform beetle classification are proposed. Biphyllidae andByturidae are transferred toCleroidea. The cerylonid series is formally recognized as a new superfamily, Coccinelloideastat.n.Current subfamilies elevated (or re‐elevated) to family status include:Murmidiidaestat.n.,Teredidaestat.n.,Euxestidaestat.n.,Anamorphidaestat.rev.,Eupsilobiidaestat.n., andMycetaeidaestat.n.The following taxa are redefined and characterized:Cleroideas.n.,Cucujoideas.n.,Cerylonidaes.n.,Bothrideridaes.n.,Endomychidaes.n.A new subfamily,Cyclotominaestat.n., is described. Stenotarsinaesyn.n.is formally subsumed within a new concept ofEndomychinaes.n.
Detection of red blood cell antibodies in mitogen‐stimulated cultures from patients with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Zaninoni Anna , Vercellati Cristina , Imperiali Francesca G. , Marcello Anna P. , Fattizzo Bruno , Fermo Elisa , Bianchi Paola , Grossi Claudia , Cattaneo Alessandra , Cortelezzi Agostino , Zanella Alberto , Barcellini Wilma 
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUNDHereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a congenital hemolytic anemia caused by defects in red blood cell (RBC) membrane proteins leading to premature RBC clearance in the spleen. The presence of RBC autoantibodies has never been extensively investigated in HS.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSRBC antibody–bound immunoglobulin (Ig)G was investigated in 91 consecutive HS patients by mitogen‐stimulated direct antiglobulin test (MS‐DAT), a sensitive method able to magnify latent RBC antibody autoimmunity and related with hemolytic variables, previous splenectomy, and type of membrane defect.RESULTSA total of 61% of HS cases had RBC antibodies by MS‐DAT (29 Band 3, 17 spectrin deficiency, and nine no defined defect). The amount of RBC‐bound IgG was greater in HS compared with controls (236 ± 192 ng/mL vs. 52 ± 29 ng/mL, p < 0.0001), although lower than that observed in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA; 634 ± 371 ng/mL vs. 236 ± 192 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Western blot experiments showed that purified IgG fraction from MS‐DAT–positive patients bind to α‐ and β‐spectrin, Band 3, and Band 4.9. Positive cases displayed increased reticulocytosis and slightly reduced hemoglobin (Hb) values compared to negative ones. Patients displaying RBC‐bound IgG of more than 250 ng/mL (the positive threshold of AIHA) showed increased number of spherocytes and mainly had spectrin deficiency. RBC‐bound IgG and free Hb increased over time after storage at 4°C, a surrogate of ex vivo aging, more evidently in HS than controls, and particularly in Band 3 deficiency.CONCLUSIONRBC autoantibodies were detected by MS‐DAT in more than a half of HS patients. Positive cases showed a more evident hemolytic pattern suggesting a pathogenic role of these autoantibodies in RBC opsonization and splenic removal.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Entomopathogenic Bacterium
Xenorhabdus khoisanae
Strain MCB
Authors: Naidoo Stephanie , Featherston Jonathan , Gray Vincent M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Xenorhabdus khoisanae
strain MCB, a Gram-negative bacterium and symbiont of a
Steinernema
entomopathogenic nematode. The genome assembly consists of 266 contigs covering 4.68 Mb. Genome annotation revealed 3,869 protein-coding sequences, with a G+C content of 43.5%.