bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Capital and Post‐Conflict Reconstruction in Burundi: The Limits of Community‐based Reconstruction
Authors: Vervisch Thomas , Titeca Kristof , Vlassenroot Koen , Braeckman Johan 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTUsing an examination of three NGO interventions in post‐conflict Burundi, this article questions community‐based reconstruction as a mechanism to rebuild social capital after conflicts, particularly when direct livelihood support is provided. The authors demonstrate a general shortcoming of the methodology employed in community‐based development (CBD), namely its focus on ‘technical procedural design’, which results in what may be termed ‘supply‐driven demand‐driven’ reconstruction. The findings suggest the need for a political economy perspective on social capital, which acknowledges that the effects on social capital are determined by the type of economic resource CBD gives access to. Through the use of a resource typology, the case studies show that the CBD methodology and the potential effects on social capital differ when applied to public and non‐strategic versus private and strategic resources. This has particular consequences for post‐conflict situations. A generalized application of CBD methodology to post‐conflict reconstruction programmes fails to take adequate account of the nature of the interventions and the challenges posed by the particular post‐conflict setting. The article therefore questions the current popular ‘social engineering’ approach to post‐conflict reconstruction.
Mechanism of bilateral communication in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Michel Stephan , Marek Roger , vanderLeest Henk T. , vanSteensel Mariska J. , Schwartz William J. , Colwell Christopher S. , Meijer Johanna H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe central circadian pacemaker of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) is a bilaterally symmetrical structure. Little is known about the physiological mechanisms underlying communication between the left and right SCN and yet the degree of synchronization between SCN neurons can have a critical impact on the properties of the circadian system. In this study, we used electrophysiological tools and calcium (Ca2+) imaging to examine the mechanisms underlying bilateral signaling in mouse SCN. Electrical stimulation of one SCN produced responses in the contralateral SCN with a short delay (approximately 5 ms) and Ca2+‐dependence that are consistent with action potential‐mediated chemical synaptic transmission. Patch‐clamp recordings of stimulated cells revealed excitatory postsynaptic inward‐currents (EPSCs), which were sufficient in magnitude to elicit action potentials. Electrical stimulation evoked tetrodotoxin‐dependent Ca2+ transients in about 30% of all contralateral SCN neurons recorded. The responding neurons were widely distributed within the SCN with a highest density in the posterior SCN. EPSCs and Ca2+ responses were significantly reduced after application of a glutamate receptor antagonist. Application of antagonists for receptors of other candidate transmitters inhibited the Ca2+ responses in some of the cells but overall the impact of these antagonists was variable. In a functional assay, electrical stimulation of the SCN produced phase shifts in the circadian rhythm in the frequency of multiunit activity rhythm in the contralateral SCN. These phase shifts were blocked by a glutamate receptor antagonist. Taken together, these results implicate glutamate as a transmitter required for communication between the left and right SCN.
Effect of stroke on arginase expression and localization in the rat brain
Authors: Quirié Aurore , Demougeot Céline , Bertrand Nathalie , Mossiat Claude , Garnier Philippe , Marie Christine , Prigent‐Tessier Anne 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBecause arginase and nitric oxide (NO) synthases (NOS) compete to degrade l‐arginine, arginase plays a crucial role in the modulation of NO production. Moreover, the arginase 1 isoform is a marker of M2 phenotype macrophages that play a key role in tissue remodeling and resolution of inflammation. While NO has been extensively investigated in ischemic stroke, the effect of stroke on the arginase pathway is unknown. The present study focuses on arginase expression/activity and localization before and after (1, 8, 15 and 30 days) the photothrombotic ischemic stroke model. This model results in a cortical lesion that reaches maximal volume at day 1 post‐stroke and then decreases as a result of astrocytic scar formation. Before stroke, arginase 1 and 2 expressions were restricted to neurons. Stroke resulted in up‐regulation of arginase 1 and increased arginase activity in the region centered on the lesion where inflammatory cells are present. These changes were associated with an early and long‐lasting arginase 1 up‐regulation in activated macrophages and astrocytes and a delayed arginase 1 down‐regulation in neurons at the vicinity of the lesion. A linear positive correlation was observed between expressions of arginase 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein as a marker of activated astrocytes. Moreover, the pattern of arginase 1 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expressions in activated astrocytes was similar. Unlike arginase 1, arginase 2 expression was not changed by stroke. In conclusion, increased arginase 1 expression is not restricted to macrophages in inflammation elicited by stroke but also occurs in activated astrocytes where it may contribute to neuroplasticity through the control of BDNF production.
Organisation of koniocellular‐projecting ganglion cells and diffuse bipolar cells in the primate fovea
Authors: Percival Kumiko A. , Martin Paul R. , Grünert Ulrike 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe roles of the midget and parasol pathways as the anatomical foundation for high‐acuity vision at the fovea are well established. There is also evidence for the presence of other (non‐midget, non‐parasol) ganglion cell types in the foveal retina, but it is not established whether these cells receive input from cone photoreceptors in the central few degrees of the visual field, i.e. the region most important for conscious visual perception. To address this question, we targeted injections of retrograde tracer to the koniocellular layers in the posterior aspect of the lateral geniculate nucleus, where the central visual field is represented, in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus). Labeled ganglion cells were photofilled to reveal their dendritic morphology. Potential inputs to foveal koniocellular cells from diffuse bipolar cells were investigated in vertical sections through the fovea of marmoset and macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkey retinas using immunohistochemistry. Forty koniocellular‐projecting ganglion cells were analysed. We used an established model of marmoset foveal topography to show that all these koniocellular‐projecting cells receive cone inputs from the central‐most 6°, with about half the cells receiving input from below 2° eccentricity, in the rod‐free central bouquet of cones at the foveola. In addition, all diffuse bipolar types investigated were present in the fovea at stratification depths similar to those of their counterparts in the peripheral retina. We conclude that the diverse visual representations established for koniocellular pathways in the peripheral retina are also a feature of the fovea, suggesting that koniocellular pathways contribute to foveal vision.
Is Carrying Feathers a Sexually Selected Trait in House Sparrows?
Authors: García‐López de Hierro Lola , Moleón Marcos , Ryan Peter G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMales in several avian groups carry specialised materials as part of their courtship display. Females may vary their investment in reproduction in relation to their mates' attractiveness. The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) population on Dassen Island, South Africa, builds domed nests in the branches of trees. These nests are more or less spherical structures with a deep cup lined largely with feathers. When males collect feathers, they call to females and display the feather before it is added to the nest. We examined whether carrying feathers provides females with an index of male quality, which correlates with their subsequent investment in parental care. Additionally, we studied the potential importance of feathers in nest insulation. Feathers were collected mainly by males. Males also brought larger feathers, and deposited more feathers in nests, than females. Number of trips with feathers – which increased after feathers were experimentally removed from nests – and number of feathers brought varied among males. Volume of feathers influenced females' investment in reproduction and positively correlated with clutch size and chick feeding rates. We found more feathers during incubation and immediately after chicks hatched, when nest heat requirements peak. Furthermore, number of trips with feathers and number and size of feathers were greater during incubation. Our results suggest that this feather‐carrying behaviour by male house sparrows influences maternal reproduction investment and could be a kind of parental careper seby supplementing nest insulation.
Pharmacokinetics of midazolam after intravenous administration to horses
Authors: Hubbell J. A. E. , Kelly E. M. , Aarnes T. K. , Bednarski R. M. , Lerche P. , Liu Z. , Lakritz J. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryReasons for performing the studyMidazolam is used to control seizures in horses and to enhance muscle relaxation, but its pharmacokinetics are unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of midazolam in horses.Study designBlinded, randomised, crossover design.MethodsMidazolam was administered i.v. at either 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg bwt to 6 horses on 2 occasions at least 7 days apart using a crossover design. Blood samples were collected before and at predetermined times through 24 h after administration. Serum midazolam concentrations were determined by a liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry method. Heart and respiratory rates and indices of sedation, ataxia, and sensitivity to stimuli were recorded before and at predetermined times after midazolam administration.ResultsPharmacokinetic analysis was performed on samples from 5 horses in each group. Median total clearance was 10.6 ml/min/kg (range 6.1–15.2 ml/min/kg) and 10.4 ml/min/kg (range 8.4–17.6 ml/min/kg), and median volume of distribution at steady state was 2094 ml/kg (range 2076–2413 ml/kg) and 2822 ml/kg (range 2270–7064 ml/kg) after the 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg bwt doses, respectively. Median distribution half‐life was 24 min (range 6–42 min) and 39 min (range 33.6–72 min) and median terminal half‐life was 216 min (range 120–248 min) and 408 min (range 192–924 min) after the 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg bwt doses, respectively. Cardiorespiratory parameters and sedation scores did not change. Midazolam caused agitation, postural sway, weakness, and one horse became recumbent after the 0.1 mg/kg bwt dose.ConclusionsMidazolam produces ataxia and postural sway of short duration after i.v. administration to horses. Sedation was not evident after midazolam administration. Drug redistribution is likely the primary mechanism for the termination of effect.Potential relevanceMidazolam produces muscle relaxation but not sedation in adult horses.
Trajectories of older adults' hearing difficulties: Examining the influence of health behaviors and social activity over 10 years
Authors: Heine Chyrisse , Browning Colette , Cowlishaw Sean , Kendig Hal 
Published: January 2013

AimThe aims of the present study were to describe the trajectories of self‐reported hearing difficulties over time, and evaluate the impacts of age, sex, lifestyle factors and social activity, in explaining individual differences in patterns of change over time.MethodsAs part of the Melbourne Longitudinal Studies on Healthy Aging (MELSHA) Program, the hearing status of 947 adults aged 65 years and older, across five measurement periods (over 10 years), were analyzed using Latent Growth Curve Modeling analysis. A multidimensional survey was also administered, which included questions relating to sociodemographic variables, self‐reported hearing difficulties, nutrition, smoking habits and level of social activity.ResultsAlthough there was a general increase in hearing difficulties over time, older age, poor nutrition, a lifetime of smoking and increased social activity predicted more rapid increases in hearing difficulty over time.ConclusionsFindings support the importance of lifestyle factors in reducing the rate of perceived hearing difficulties in older people, and provide further evidence of the links between lifestyle and sensory loss in older people. Poor nutrition and smoking are areas that both clinicians and public health professionals should address in their work with older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 911–918.
Cytochrome P4502E1 inhibitor, chlormethiazole, decreases lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation in rat Kupffer cells with ethanol treatment
Authors: Ye Qinyuan , Wang Xiangdong , Wang Qing , Xia Min , Zhu Yanna , Lian Fuzhi , Ling Wenhua 
Published: January 2013

AimTo investigate the role of Cytochrome P4502E1 in sensitizing Kupffer cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated inflammation after ethanol induction.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were fed a liquid ethanol diet, control diet or ethanol diet supplemented with CYP2E1 inhibitor, chlormethiazole (CMZ), for 4 weeks. Hepatic CYP2E1 protein, nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 protein and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α mRNA were measured. In vitro, isolated Kupffer cells from control rats were exposed to ethanol with different CMZ concentration; CYP2E1 expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were compared. The identified CMZ concentration was further utilized to evaluate the role of CYP2E1 on the sensitization of ethanol‐induced Kupffer cell to LPS. The effect of LPS alone was tested in controlled Kupffer cells without ethanol. TNF‐α, nuclear NF‐κB p65 and cytoplasm IκB‐α were monitored for all groups.ResultsEthanol feeding increased hepatic CYP2E1 level, nuclear accumulation of NF‐κB p65 and TNF‐α expression in rats. These changes were inhibited by CMZ supplementation. In cultured Kupffer cells, increased CYP2E1 content and ROS production by in vitro ethanol induction were dose‐dependently inhibited by CMZ. Compared with LPS alone, the ethanol induction group produced significantly more TNF‐α, nuclear NF‐κB p65 and less cytoplasm IκB‐α under LPS stimuli. CMZ abolished the effects of ethanol on LPS‐stimulated NF‐κB translocation and TNF‐α generation in Kupffer cells.ConclusionIn cultured Kupffer cell, using CMZ as inhibitor, ethanol‐induced CYP2E1 overexpression was proved to contribute to the sensitization of Kupffer cells to LPS stimuli, with amplification of ROS production and activation of NF‐κB, resulting in increased TNF‐α production.
Role of 6‐month abstinence rule in living donor liver transplantation for patients with alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Yamashiki Noriyo , Kaneko Junichi , Tamura Sumihito , Aoki Taku , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Nojiri Kayo , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: January 2013

AimAlthough alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an accepted indication for liver transplantation (LT), there are several controversial issues. The aim of this study is to examine the applicability of the 6‐month abstinence rule prior to LT and to evaluate the results in living donor LT for patients with ALD.MethodsA retrospective study of 102 patients with ALD referred for LT was performed. Clinical data, including alcohol consumption history, were analyzed. A period of abstinence from drinking alcohol of at least 6 months was strictly required.ResultsAmong 102 patients, 21 abstained from drinking for at least 6 months. Of these, 13 patients (12%) underwent LT, five patients (5%) recovered without LT and three patients (3%) were listed for deceased donor LT. LT was not indicated for the remaining 81 patients (80%). Eight patients died within 6 months of referral to our program. The Child–Pugh score was higher in these eight patients than in the 21 who achieved 6‐month abstinence, although the alcohol consumption history variables did not significantly differ between the two groups. The 5‐year overall survival rates after LT in 13 patients with ALD (91%) were similar to those in 387 non‐ALD patients (83%). The rate of alcohol consumption relapse after LT was 8% (n = 1/13).ConclusionLiving donor LT for patients with ALD who complied with the 6‐month abstinence rule provides sufficient survival benefit with good compliance, compensating for the potential risks to the donors.
Relationship between urinary fractional excretion of sodium and life prognosis in liver cirrhosis patients
Authors: Ohashi Naro , Tsuji Naoko , Naito Yoshitaka , Iwakura Takamasa , Isobe Shinsuke , Ono Masafumi , Fujikura Tomoyuki , Tsuji Takayuki , Sakao Yukitoshi , Yasuda Hideo , Kawamura Kinya , Sakaguchi Takanori , Kato Akihiko , Fujigaki Yoshihide 
Published: January 2013

AimRenal vasoconstriction in generalized vasodilatation with blood pooling and the consequent reduction in effective arterial volume is the pathophysiological basis of liver cirrhosis (LC). Low levels of fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) are an effective marker of hypoperfusion of the renal artery. However, the relationship between levels of FENa, LC severity and life prognosis has not yet been elucidated.MethodsWe examined 57 LC patients (39 men and 18 women; mean age, 70.5 ± 8.8 years; underlying liver disease, type B hepatitis in eight patients, type C hepatitis in 37, alcoholic hepatitis in four and others in eight) with renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min) who were admitted to our hospital.ResultsNine patients died because of uremia, liver failure, gastrointestinal bleeding and infection. No differences were found in patient background and blood pressure. However, in addition to differences in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholinesterase, albumin, prothrombin time (PT), eGFR and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, the patients who died had significant differences in levels of FENa. The levels of FENa were significantly and inversely correlated with blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, AST, Child–Pugh score and MELD score, and were significantly and positively correlated with cholinesterase, albumin and PT. Moreover, the sensitivity (88%) and specificity (93%) of the levels of FENa of less than 0.4% to predict death were remarkably high.ConclusionLevels of FENa may reflect LC severity and may be associated with the life prognosis of LC patients.
Sodium‐coupled neutral amino acid transporter 4 functions as a regulator of protein synthesis during liver development
Authors: Kondou Hiroki , Kawai Masanobu , Tachikawa Kanako , Kimoto Akihito , Yamagata Masayo , Koinuma Tomoko , Yamazaki Miwa , Nakayama Masahiro , Mushiake Sotaro , Ozono Keiichi , Michigami Toshimi 
Published: January 2013

AimThe molecular mechanisms by which hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)4α regulates fetal liver development have not been fully elucidated. We screened the downstream molecules of HNF4α during liver development and identified sodium‐coupled neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT)4. The aim of this study is to investigate the regulation of SNAT4 by HNF4α and to clarify its roles in differentiating hepatocytes.MethodsHNF4α was overexpressed in cultured liver buds using adenovirus, and suppression subtractive hybridization screening was performed. Temporal and spatial expression of SNAT4 during liver development was investigated. Regulation of SNAT4 by HNF4α was examined by promoter analyses and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Metabolic labeling and western blotting were carried out using primary hepatoblasts with SNAT4 overexpression.ResultsThe expression of Slc38a4 encoding SNAT4 showed a marked perinatal increase, and was predominant among system A amino acid transporters. It was first detected in embryonic day 18.5 liver, and found in most hepatocytes after birth. Three alternative first exons were found in the SNAT4 gene. Promoter analyses using approximately 3‐kb fragments corresponding to each first exon (AP1, AP2, AP3) revealed that AP1 and AP2 exhibited strong promoter activity in mouse hepatoblasts with endogenous HNF4α. Transactivation of AP2 was upregulated by HNF4α in HeLa cells without endogenous HNF4α. EMSA has demonstrated that HNF4α directly binds to cis‐elements in AP2. Overexpression of SNAT4 facilitated amino acid uptake and de novo protein synthesis in primary hepatoblasts.ConclusionSNAT4 functions downstream of HNF4α and plays significant roles in liver development through mechanisms of amino acid uptake and protein synthesis.
Hepatic triglyceride lipase plays an essential role in changing the lipid metabolism in genotype 1b hepatitis C virus replicon cells and hepatitis C patients
Authors: Shinohara Yoshiyasu , Imajo Kento , Yoneda Masato , Tomeno Wataru , Ogawa Yuji , Fujita Koji , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Takahashi Junichiro , Funakoshi Kengo , Ikeda Masanori , Kato Nobuyuki , Nakajima Atsushi , Saito Satoru 
Published: January 2013

AimRecently, several studies have shown the existence of associations between lipoprotein profiles and hepatitis C virus (HCV), although only a limited amount of information is available about the mechanisms underlying the changes in the lipoprotein profiles associated with HCV. In this study, we investigated the association between lipoprotein profile, classified according to the particle size, and lipoprotein metabolism.MethodsWe used four kinds of cells for this experiment; full‐length genome HCV RNA replicon cells (OR6), sub‐genomic HCV RNA replicon cells (sO), and OR6c cells and sOc cells, which were the same cell lines treated with interferon‐α. The triglyceride (TG) levels in the lipoprotein subclasses of the culture medium were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The mRNA expression levels of several molecules associated with lipoprotein metabolism were measured in the OR6, OR6c, sO and sOc cells. To confirm some of the results obtained using the in vitro system, liver biopsy samples obtained from the patients were also examined.ResultsThe content of TG in the large low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and medium LDL in the culture medium was increased only in the OR6 cells. The hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) mRNA expression levels were lower in the OR6 cells than in the OR6c cells (P < 0.01). Examination of the HTGL expression levels in the patients' livers revealed a decrease in HTGL expression in the chronic hepatitis C liver as compared with that in the chronic hepatitis B or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis liver (P < 0.01).ConclusionWe showed that HCV inhibits HTGL production in hepatocytes, inducing a change of the lipoprotein profile.