bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Intermediation Development and Economic Growth: Does the Chinese Counterexample Exist?
Authors: Yao Yaojun 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn terms of the degree‐of‐freedom of bank loan decision‐making, the ratio of loans of private enterprises and individuals to total loans is used to measure the development of China's financial intermediation. Applying generalized method of moments estimation developed for dynamic panel data models, the present paper finds that the effect of financial intermediation development on economic growth is positive and statistically significant when controlling for other variables, such as human capital, foreign direct investment, securitization and foreign trade. The empirical results indicate that the concept of the so‐called Chinese counterexample in financial development is questionable. Financial system reforms, including encouraging banks to operate independently, reducing or eliminating mandatory loans, and making financial decision‐making more market‐oriented, are important for China's economic growth.
The new paradigm: retinal pigment epithelium cells generated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Bharti Kapil , Miller Sheldon S. , Arnheiter Heinz 
Published: September 2010

SummaryCompared with neural crest‐derived melanocytes, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the back of the eye are pigment cells of a different kind. They are a part of the brain, form an epithelial monolayer, respond to distinct extracellular signals, and provide functions that far exceed those of a light‐absorbing screen. For instance, they control nutrient and metabolite flow to and from the retina, replenish 11‐cis‐retinal by re‐isomerizing all‐trans‐retinal generated during photoconversion, phagocytose daily a portion of the photoreceptors’ outer segments, and secrete cytokines that locally control the innate and adaptive immune systems. Not surprisingly, RPE cell damage is a major cause of human blindness worldwide, with age‐related macular degeneration a prevalent example. RPE replacement therapies using RPE cells generated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells provide a novel approach to a rational treatment of such forms of blindness. In fact, RPE‐like cells can be obtained relatively easily when stem cells are subjected to a two‐step induction protocol, a first step that leads to a neuroectodermal fate and a second to RPE differentiation. Here, we discuss the characteristics of such cells, propose criteria they should fulfill in order to be considered authentic RPE cells, and point out the challenges one faces when using such cells in attempts to restore vision.
Reconstituted HDL in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Chenevard Rémy , Hürlimann David , Spieker Lukas , Béchir Markus , Enseleit Frank , Hermann Matthias , Flammer Andreas J. , Sudano Isabella , Corti Roberto , Lüscher Thomas F. , Noll Georg , Ruschitzka Frank 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYObjectives: The strong inverse relationship between plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease provides the epidemiological basis that HDL is atheroprotective. Since HDL enhances cholesterol efflux and exhibits potent antiinflammatory properties, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether infusion of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) impacts on vascular function, a well‐established surrogate of atherosclerotic vascular disease, as well as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: Twenty‐nine patients with ACS were randomized to double‐blind treatment with rHDL or albumin. Endothelium‐dependent and independent vasodilatation to intraarterial acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were measured by forearm venous occlusion plethysmography. In addition, oxidized LDL and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were determined as markers of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. Results: rHDL infusion increased plasma HDL (P < 0.0001) and decreased LDL (P < 0.0001). Oxidized LDL (P= 0.11), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (P= 0.12) and the response to endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasodilatators remained unchanged after rHDL compared to albumin infusion (14.9 ± 9.2 versus 14.5 ± 12.4, P= 0.93 and 12.8 ± 7.1 versus 13.2 ± 9.6, P= 0.27, respectively). Conclusions: An increase of HDL and a reduction of LDL notwithstanding, human rHDL did not improve vascular function in patients with ACS thus further challenging the clinical benefit of interventions, which rapidly raise HDL in ACS, particularly with the infusion of reconstituted HDL.
New Bradoriid Arthropods from the Early Cambrian Balang Formation of Eastern Guizhou, South China
Authors: PENG Jin , FENG Hongzhen , FU Xiaoping , ZHAO Yuanlong , YAO Lu 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:The Early Cambrian Balang Formation is comprised of mudrock and shale, which was deposited in a shelf environment in the eastern part of Guizhou, south China. The Balang Fauna, which consists of seven phyla, occurs in the middle and upper parts of the Balang Formation. Arthropods are important constituents of the Balang Fauna and include a great number of trilobites, large bivalved arthropods, and newly‐discovered well‐preserved bradoriid fossils. The bradoriids present include three genera and four species: Comptaluta inflate (Cheng, 1974) emend Hou et al., 2002; Comptaluta kailiensis sp. nov, and Alutella elongeta sp. nov, Aluta sp. This faunal assemblage in the Balang Formation is distinguished from the Tsunyiella Chang, 1964, Songlinella Yin, 1978 and Kunmingella Hou, 1956 assemblage which occurs in the Niutitang and Mingxinsi formations of the Yangtze Platform in middle region of Guizhou and which is earlier than the Balang Formation in age. However, this assemblage resembles the ComptalutaÖpik, 1968 assemblage from the Early Cambrian Heilinpu Formation in Wuding County, Yuanan Province and from the Ordian Stage of the Cambrian of Australia. The great abundance of ComptalutaÖpik, 1968 and overall taxonomic diversity of the ComptalutaÖpik, 1968 assemblage set it distinctly apart from the Alutella Kobayashi et Kato, 1951 and Aluta Hou, 1956 assemblages of the Balang Formation. Alutella Kobayashi et Kato, 1951 and Aluta Hou, 1956 also occur in the Early Cambrian Niutitang Formation of the Yangtze Platform of Guizhou. Individual Bradoriids from the Balang Formation are characterized by large size (>3 mm). The discovery of new Bradoriid assemblages not only expands the group's geographical range and assemblage affinities, but also indicates that Bradoriids migrated eastward from shallow‐water to deeper‐water environments during the Early Cambrian, indicating that they were capable of life in deeper‐water, and adaptation to a new ecological setting.
Archean Basement and a Paleoproterozoic Collision Orogen in the Huoqiu Area at the Southeastern Margin of North China Craton: Evidence from Sensitive High Resolution Ion Micro‐Probe U‐Pb Zircon Geochronology
Authors: WAN Yusheng , DONG Chunyan , WANG Wei , XIE Hangqiang , LIU Dunyi 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:This paper reports sensitive high resolution ion micro‐probe U‐Pb zircon ages for the “Huoqiu Group” and granitoids of the Early Precambrian basement in the Huoqiu area, southeastern margin of the North China Craton. The “Huoqiu Group” is similar in rock association and metamorphism to the khondalite series, apart from it containing considerable amounts of banded iron formation. All detrital zircons from the “Huoqiu Group” meta‐sedimentary rocks are 3.0 Ga and 2.75 Ga, without any 2.5 Ga and younger ones, as is commonly found in Paleoproterozoic khondalite series in other areas of the North China Craton. In the Huoqiu area, 2.75 Ga and 2.56 Ga granitoids have also been identified. This basement assemblage underwent strong metamorphism during the late Paleoproterozoic (∼ 1.84 Ga) tectonothermal event that is widely developed in the North China Craton. Thus the formation time of the “Huoqiu Group” can be constrained between 2.75 and 1.84 Ga in terms of detrital and metamorphic zircon ages. It is considered, combined with regional data, that there may be a Paleoproterozoic collision orogen extending in a NWW–SEE direction to the southern margin of the North China Craton.
Anaplasma phagocytophilumin Dogs in Germany
Authors: Jensen J. , Simon D. , Escobar H. M. , Soller J. T. , Bullerdiek J. , Beelitz P. , Pfister K. , Nolte I. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryA total number of 111 dogs were included in the present prospective study investigating the prevalence ofAnaplasma phagocytophilumin dogs in Germany. Dogs were divided into two groups. Dogs of group 1 (n = 49) showed clinical and/or haematological signs seen in infections withA. phagocytophilum, whereas those of group 2 (n = 62) did not have any evidence of anaplasmosis. For each dog, anA. phagocytophilum16S rRNA‐nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐anticoagulated whole blood analysis, a microscopic evaluation of a buffy coat and a serum indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) were performed. Forty‐eight seroreactive dogs were identified altogether, which amounts to an overall point prevalence of 43.2%. There was no significant difference between the seroreactivity toA. phagocytophilumantigens among group 1 (44.9%) and 2 (41.9%) (P > 0.5). Seven dogs (6.3%) had positive PCR results. All of them were seroreactive. Six belonged to group 1. Morulae in neutrophilic granulocytes were found in two dogs of group 1 but in none of group 2. Both dogs were seroreactive. Very high antibody titres (≥1:1024) were detected significantly more frequently in dogs with clinical signs attributable to infection withA. phagocytophilum(group 1) than in those without (group 2) (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of overall positives or antibody titres to age, breed, sex, or whether the dogs were family or working dogs. Dogs with high tick infestation were significantly more often seroreactive toA. phagocytophilumthan those with no or low tick infestation (P = 0.007). In conclusion, there seems to be a high risk of infection withA. phagocytophilumin Germany. Results of this study suggest that severe illness solely caused byA. phagocytophilummay be possible although definitive evidence does not exist. Very high antibody titres (>1:1024) may be associated with clinical anaplasmosis.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Non‐O157 Shiga Toxin‐producing E. coli in Healthy Cattle, Sheep and Swine Herds in Northern Spain
Authors: Oporto B. , Esteban J. I. , Aduriz G. , Juste R. A. , Hurtado A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThree‐hundred and forty‐five herds (17 swine, 122 dairy sheep, 124 beef and 82 dairy cattle) were investigated for prevalence of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Rectal faecal samples were selectively enriched and then examined by immunodetection techniques (Immunomagnetic Separation with anti‐E. coli O157 Dynabeads, ImmunoMagnetic cell Separation (IMS) and automated enzyme‐linked fluorescent immunoassay using VIDAS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (rfbE and fliC genes) to assess the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7. Prevalence of non‐O157 STEC was estimated by PCR screening for stx genes of 10 lactose‐positive colonies grown on MacConkey agar after enrichment. PCR was used on all STEC isolates to detect stx1, stx2, eaeA and E‐hlyA genes. Both immunodetection methods showed a moderate–good level of agreement (κ = 0.649) but IMS showed 87.5% complementary sensitivity. Prevalence of positive herds for E. coli O157:H7 was estimated at 8.7% for sheep and 3.8% for cattle, whereas all the porcine herds tested negative. Non‐O157 STEC were also absent from swine, but were isolated more frequently from ovine (50.8%) than bovine herds (35.9%). Within‐herd prevalences of excretion of E. coli O157:H7 established by individual testing of 279 sheep (six herds) and 30 beef cattle (one herd) were 7.3% and 6.7% respectively. PCR analysis of 49 E. coli O157:H7 and 209 non‐O157 isolates showed a different distribution of virulence genes. All E. coli O157:H7 were stx2 gene‐positive, eaeA was detected in 95.9%, and the toxigenic profile stx2/eaeA/E‐hlyA was present in 75.5% of the isolates. Among the non‐O157 STEC, prevalence of eaeA was significantly lower (5.3%) and E‐hlyA was present in 50.2% of the isolates but only sporadically associated with eaeA. stx2 was predominant in non‐O157 isolates from cattle, whereas in sheep the combination stx1/stx2 was more prevalent. This study demonstrated the wide distribution of STEC in ruminant herds, which represent an important reservoir for strains that pose a potential risk for human infections.
Emergency Response Following Suspicion of an Avian Influenza Outbreak
Authors: Dalla Pozza M. , Ceolin C. , Marangon S. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe management of a suspected index case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) is crucial to the subsequent actions aimed at limiting the spread of infection and ultimately in prompt eradication of the virus. In this study, the legislative basis, basic concepts and actions behind a successful disease management programme are reviewed. These include actions at local veterinary headquarters and at farm level which must be coordinated centrally to ensure the flow of information essential to decision making. The success of any emergency intervention strategy is dependent upon the level of preparedness, including action plans to source manpower, equipment and on the degree of communication between relevant parties. Availability of information on the successes and failures in field outbreak management, will inevitably result in improved AI control worldwide.
New Perspectives in Avian Influenza Diagnosis
Authors: Cattoli G. , Terregino C. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryRecent outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) occurring in Europe, in the Americas, in Asia and in Africa have provided field evidence of how challenging the control of this infection can be, particularly in densely populated poultry areas or in areas where free‐range rural village poultry and backyard flocks are present. In these areas, laboratory testing is mainly applied to trace viral circulation in a given area or in a susceptible population to implement an early warning system, rather than to diagnose the presence of the virus in a diseased flock or animal. This implies the use of rapid, sensitive and possibly cost‐effective laboratory tests adaptable to very high throughputs. As a consequence, new diagnostic approaches and technologies have been increasingly developed and applied. Molecular biology and biotechnology are providing important and precious contributions to the field of AI diagnosis, making extremely rapid, specific and sensitive techniques available. However, the use of some of these technologies is still limited, due to their costs and to the requirement of advanced technical and scientific expertise. Therefore, more conventional and well‐established techniques, should not be abandoned but rather reconsidered and improved or modified.
Bovine Cysticercosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Awassa Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia: Prevalence, Cyst Viability, Distribution and its Public Health Implication
Authors: Abunna F. , Tilahun G. , Megersa B. , Regassa A. , Kumsa B. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryA cross‐sectional study was conducted from October 2005 to April 2006 on bovine cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered at Awassa municipal abattoir with the objective of determining the prevalence ofTaenia saginatacysticercosis, cyst viability, distribution and its public health implication. Questionnaire survey involving 120 respondents was also conducted on human taeniasis. A total of 400 carcasses were examined during the study period, of which 105 (26.25%) were infected withT. saginatametacestodes. From a total of 3200 samples inspected, 500 cysticerci were detected in 141 samples, of which 221 (44.2%) were alive. The anatomical distribution of cysticerci were 65 (29.2%) heart, 56 (25.3%) shoulder muscle, 59 (26.7%) masseter, 23 (10.4%) tongue, 12 (5.4%) diaphragm, three (1.4%) liver, two (0.9%) lung and one (0.5%) kidney samples. The prevalence varied significantly between local and crossbred animals (OR = 3.15,P < 0.05), but not varied between sex, age groups and origin of the animals.T. saginatataeniasis was a widespread public health problem in the town with an overall prevalence of 64.2% (77 of 120). The potential risk factors for disease contraction were raw meat consumption, religion and occupational risks. In conclusion, the study revealed high prevalence ofT. saginatametacestodes throughout the edible organs together with existence of deep‐rooted tradition of raw meat consumption. This may magnify the public health hazards ofT. saginatain the study area.As a result, the disease deserves due attention to safeguard the public health and further promote beef industry in the country.
Substitution of Vaccinia Virus Elstree by Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara to test the Virucidal Efficacy of Chemical Disinfectants
Authors: Hartnack S. , Essbauer S. , Truyen U. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryAfter the eradication of variola in 1980, the smallpox vaccination was considered to be no longer required and was subsequently abandoned mainly because of possible adverse effects of vaccinia virus especially in first‐time vaccinees. Despite a growing number of humans without immunity against vaccinia virus, vaccinia virus Lister Elstree (VACV) is still prescribed for testing virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants in the guidelines of the German Veterinary Medical Society [Deutsche Veterinärmedizinische Gesellschaft (DVG)], the German Association for the Control of Virus Diseases [Deutsche Vereinigung zur Bekämpfung der Viruskrankheiten (DVV)] and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). To evaluate a possible substitution of VACV, with the attenuated modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) the virucidal efficacy of four different DVG‐listed commercially available chemical disinfectants representing different groups of chemicals was tested against these two viruses. Quantitative suspension tests and qualitative carrier tests with poplar wood and gauze were performed. Distinction of VACV and MVA was confirmed by cytopathogenic effects, such as differences in plaque morphology. No significant difference in disinfection efficacy between VACV and MVA was observed for any of the disinfectants tested. Implying that vaccinia virus poses a risk after inadvertent inoculation, our results show that MVA, which does not replicate in humans, should replace VACV in the chemical disinfectant testing guidelines.
Why Your Housecat’s Trite Little Bite Could Cause You Quite a Fright: A Study of Domestic Felines on the Occurrence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Freshwater A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryApproximately four to five million animal bite wounds are reported in the USA each year. Domestic companion animals inflict the majority of these wounds. Although canine bites far outnumber feline bites, unlike the dog, the cat’s bite is worse than its bark; 20–80% of all cat bites will become infected, compared with only 3–18% of dog bite wounds. Pasteurella multocida is the most commonly cultured bacterium from infected cat bite wounds. Anyone seeking medical attention for a cat‐inflicted bite wound is given prophylactic/empiric penicillin or a derivative to prevent Pasteurella infection (provided they are not allergic to penicillins). In an effort to establish a carriage rate of P. multocida in the domestic feline, bacterial samples from the gingival margins of domestic northern Ohio cats (n = 409) were cultured. Isolates were tested for antibiotic sensitivity as prophylactic/empiric use of penicillin and its derivatives could potentially give rise to antibiotic resistance in P. multocida. The high carriage rate (∼90%) of P. multocida observed was found to be independent of physiological and behavioural variables including age, breed, food type, gingival scale, lifestyle and sex. High antibiotic susceptibility percentages were observed for benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin‐clavulanate, cefazolin, and azithromycin (100%, 100%, 98.37% and 94.02%, respectively) in P. multocida isolates. The high prevalence of P. multocida in the feline oral cavity indicates that prophylactic/empiric antibiotic therapy is still an appropriate response to cat bite wounds. Additionally, the susceptibility of P. multocida to penicillin and its derivatives indicates that they remain reliable choices for preventing and treating P. multocida infections.
Intestinal barrier dysfunction in developing liver cirrhosis: An in vivo analysis of bacterial translocation
Authors: Palma Pablo , Mihaljevic Nicolas , Hasenberg Till , Keese Michael , Koeppel Thomas A. 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Transmucosal passage of bacteria across the intestine, the essential step for bacterial translocation, has been identified as a key event in the pathogenesis of life‐threatening infections in cirrhosis. Existing animal models of liver cirrhosis only provide indirect information about the pathogenesis of such infections. The aim of this study has been to assess transmucosal passage and bacterial translocation directly in vivo using a rat model of developing liver cirrhosis.Methods:  Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: controls and animals with developing liver cirrhosis induced by s.c. injection of carbon tetrachloride. In anesthetized animals a suspension of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged E. coli was administered into the terminal ileum. Time intervals necessary for translocation of E. coli into the mucosa and muscularis were assessed by intravital microscopy and translocation of E. coli in mesentery, liver and spleen was determined microbiologically.Results:  Bacterial kinetics at the level of the mucosa and muscularis showed significant enhancement in cirrhotic rats compared to the controls (P < 0.001). GFP‐expressing E. coli were detected in the mesentery, liver and spleen of animals with cirrhosis taken one hour after E. coli administration. However, cultures of control animals remained sterile.Conclusion:  Intravital microscopy of fluorescent bacteria represents a novel approach to studying bacterial translocation in vivo. Here we report that this technique can be used to visualize bacterial transit in in vivo and gives further support to the transmucosal passage of bacteria across the intestine correlating with bacterial translocation in CCl4‐induced liver cirrhosis.
Effects of lamivudine on outcome after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with active replication of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Kubo Shoji , Tanaka Hiromu , Takemura Shigekazu , Yamamoto Satoshi , Hai Seikan , Ichikawa Tsuyoshi , Kodai Shintaro , Shinkawa Hiroji , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Tamori Akihiro , Habu Daiki , Nishiguchi Shuhei 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Patients with high serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA concentrations are at high risk of tumor recurrence after liver resection for HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:  Among 24 patients with high serum HBV DNA concentrations who underwent liver resection for HBV‐related HCC, postoperative lamivudine therapy was chosen by 14 (lamivudine group). The other 10 patients were controls.Results:  Clinicopathologic findings did not differ between the groups. Tumor‐free survival rate after surgery was significantly higher in the lamivudine than the control group (P = 0.0086). By univariate analysis, multiple tumors were also a risk factor for a short tumor‐free survival. By multivariate analysis, lack of lamivudine therapy and multiple tumors were independent risk factors for a short tumor‐free survival. In four patients YMDD mutant viruses were detected after beginning lamivudine administration; in two of them, adefovir dipivoxil was administered because of sustained serum alanine aminotransferase elevations.Conclusion:  Lamivudine therapy improved tumor‐free survival rate after curative resection of HBV‐related HCC in patients with high serum concentrations of HBV DNA, although careful follow up proved necessary for the detection of YMDD mutant viruses.