bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renoprotective effects of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade in heminephrectomized (pro)renin receptor transgenic rats
Authors: Mizuguchi Yuki , Ichihara Atsuhiro , Seki Yasufumi , Sakoda Mariyo , Kurauchi‐Mito Asako , Narita Tatsuya , Kinouchi Kenichiro , Bokuda Kanako , Itoh Hiroshi 
Published: January 2010

Summary1. Nephropathy and elevated plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC) have been observed in (pro)renin receptor transgenic (TG) rats. In the present study, we hypothesized that PAC and/or mineralocorticoid receptor contribute to the nephropathy of TG rats. To test this hypothesis, the effects of a high‐sodium (8% NaCl) diet and heminephrectomy on PAC were examined.2. Feeding of the high‐sodium diet for 12 weeks similarly decreased PAC in TG and wild‐type (WT) rats. Heminephrectomy further reduced PAC in TG rats fed a high‐sodium diet, but had no effect on PAC in WT rats fed a high‐sodium diet.3. Next, the effects of eplerenone (125 mg/kg per day) and dietary salt restriction (0.36% NaCl diet) on proteinuria and renal morphology were examined in rats fed a high‐sodium diet or subjected to heminephrectomy. Both eplerenone and dietary sodium restriction significantly reduced the arterial pressure of TG rats, but had no effect in WT rats. In TG rats, treatment with eplerenone significantly decreased urinary protein excretion, but dietary sodium restriction did not.4. Nephrin and podocin mRNA levels, as determined by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, were significantly lower in TG rats than in WT rats. In TG rats, eplerenone treatment significantly increased nephrin mRNA levels, but not podocin mRNA levels. Dietary salt restriction significantly increased mRNA levels of both nephrin and podocin. Although zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 mRNA levels were similar in both WT and TG rats, eplerenone treatment significantly decreased ZO‐1 mRNA levels in TG rats.5. The results of the present study suggest that the improvement in proteinuria following eplerenone treatment is independent of its effects on sodium balance and may be mediated by effects on the expression of slit diaphragm proteins.
Glipizide controlled‐release tablets, with or without acarbose, improve glycaemic variability in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bao Yu‐Qian , Zhou Jian , Zhou Mi , Cheng Yi‐Jia , Lu Wei , Pan Xiao‐Ping , Tang Jun‐Ling , Lu Hui‐Juan , Jia Wei‐Ping 
Published: January 2010

Summary1. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of glipizide controlled‐release (CR) tablets monotherapy with that of glipizide CR tablets plus acarbose on glycaemic variability in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients using a continuous glucose‐monitoring system (CGMS).2. Forty newly diagnosed T2DM patients whose glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels ranged from 7.0% to 9.8% were randomized to either monotherapy or combination therapy. Overall glycaemic control and blood glucose variability were evaluated by CGMS parameters.3. After 8 weeks treatment, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, glycated albumin (GA), mean blood glucose (MBG), mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE), postprandial incremental area under the curve (AUCpp) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.01). There was also a significant decrease in the mean of daily differences (MODD) in the combination therapy group. Mean changes in MBG, MAGE, MODD and AUCpp were significantly greater in the combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group (all P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences were found in the mean changes of HbA1c and GA. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the decrement in AUCpp was significantly associated with decreases in MAGE.4. In conclusion, glipizide CR tablets alone or in combination with acarbose can improve overall blood glucose levels and glycaemic variability. Combination therapy using glipizide CR tablets and acarbose was more effective in reducing intraday and day‐to‐day glycaemic variability than glipizide CR tablet monotherapy.
Brain uptake of diazepam and phenytoin in a genetic animal model of absence epilepsy
Authors: Nicolazzo Joseph A , Steuten Jessica A , Charman Susan A , Taylor Nerida , Davies Philip J , Petrou Steven 
Published: January 2010

Summary1. Although many studies have assessed changes to brain uptake of anti‐epileptic drugs (AEDs) in chemically and electrically induced seizure models, there are limited data available on changes to brain uptake of AEDs in spontaneous seizure animal models, such as genetic absence epilepsy.2. In the present study, the brain uptake of diazepam and phenytoin was assessed in a genetic mouse model of absence seizures harbouring a human GABAA receptor γ2‐subunit gene GABRG2 mutation (R43Q) and results were compared with those obtained during acute seizures induced by subcutaneous administration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 90 mg/kg). Diazepam and phenytoin were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 2 and 30 mg/kg, respectively, and brain and plasma concentrations were determined 60 min after administration using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.3. Although the brain uptake of phenytoin was significantly reduced following PTZ administration, no changes were observed in phenytoin disposition in the genetic absence epilepsy model. Similarly, the brain uptake of diazepam was significantly enhanced following PTZ administration, but it was not affected in absence epilepsy.4. The cerebrovascular plasma volume (assessed by administration of the non‐absorbable marker [14C]‐inulin) was not significantly different in saline‐treated compared with PTZ‐treated mice and in wild‐type compared with mutant R43Q mice.5. These results demonstrate that although the brain uptake of AEDs may be altered in acute seizure models, similar changes to brain uptake may not be observed in the non‐convulsive genetic absence epileptic model.
Effects of emotionally charged sounds in schizophrenia patients using exploratory eye movements: Comparison with healthy subjects
Authors: Ishii Youhei , Morita Kiichiro , Shouji Yoshihisa , Nakashima Youko , Uchimura Naohisa 
Published: January 2010

Aims:  Emotion‐associated sounds have been suggested to exert important effects upon human personal relationships. The present study was aimed to characterize the effects of the sounds of crying or laughing on visual cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.Methods:  We recorded exploratory eye movements in 24 schizophrenia patients (mean age, 27.0 ± 6.1 years; 14 male, 10 female) and age‐matched controls. The total eye scanning length (TESL) and total number of gaze points in the left (left TNGP) and right (right TNGP) visual fields of the screen and the number of researching areas (NRA) were determined using eye‐mark recording in the presence/absence of emotionally charged sounds.Results:  Controls' TESL for smiling pictures was longer than that for crying pictures irrespective of sounds. Patients' TESL for smiling pictures, however, was shorter than for crying pictures irrespective of the sounds. The left TNGP for smiling pictures was lower in patients than controls independent of sound. Importantly, the right TNGP was significantly larger with laughing sounds than in the absence of sound. In controls, the NRA for smiling pictures was significantly greater than for crying pictures irrespective of sound. Patient NRA did not significantly differ between smiling and crying pictures irrespective of sound.Conclusion:  Eye movements in schizophrenia patients' left field for smiling pictures associated with laughing sounds particularly differed from those in controls, suggesting impaired visual cognitive function associated with positive emotion, also involving pleasure‐related sounds, in schizophrenia.
Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic anterior versus posterior fundoplication for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Khan Mansoor , Smythe Anne , Globe Jenny , Stoddard Christopher J. , Ackroyd Roger 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the study was to compare the effect of laparoscopic anterior and posterior fundoplication on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease by means of a prospective randomized controlled trial.Methods:  One hundred and three patients were randomised to undergo either anterior (53) or posterior (50) fundoplication. Initial enrolment and subsequent clinical appointments were undertaken 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure using a standardized questionnaire. Ambulatory pH monitoring and manometry were undertaken both preoperatively and at approximately 3 months post‐procedure.Results:  The mean operating time was similar in both groups (48 versus 52 min). Two operations in each group were converted to open surgery. Post‐operative dysphagia in the first month was higher in the posterior fundoplication group compared with the anterior group (at 1 month, P= 0.002; and at 3 months, P= 0.014). The number of individuals suffering from post‐operative heartburn was greater in the anterior fundoplication group (at 1 month, P= 0.008; at 3 months, P < 0.001; and at 6 months, P= 0.002). Eight individuals required reoperation in the anterior group and two individuals in the posterior group (P= 0.057).Conclusion:  Anterior and posterior fundoplication each have their advantages and disadvantages. There is an increased risk of early post‐operative dysphagia after posterior fundoplication. Anterior fundoplication carries a greater risk of persistent or recurrent reflux. Overall, a posterior fundoplication produces a better management option for controlling gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease when compared with an anterior fundoplication technique which utilizes unilateral fixation of the gastric fundus.
Radiographic assessment of alignment following TKA: outline of a standardized protocol and assessment of a newly devised trigonometric method of analysis
Authors: Balakrishnan Vikram , De Steiger Richard , Lowe Adrian 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  An important determinant of long‐term outcomes following total knee arthrolplasty (TKA) is post‐operative alignment as measured on radiographs. Thus far, radiographs have been measured using the goniometer method (GM) and no standard protocol has been followed. The aim of this prospective study was to: (i) outline a protocol for radiographic measurement following TKA; and (ii) compare the accuracy of the traditional GM with a new trigonometric method (TM) of radiographic analysis.Methods:  A protocol for the measurement of alignment on radiographs following TKA was outlined in detail with step‐by‐step instructions. A new TM of angle measurement was also delineated. Alignment was measured on 51 post‐operative TKA radiographs. A single angle was chosen and measured by two observers using both the GM and TM.Results:  The TM had a precision of 1.06° compared with 1.5° using the GM. The standard deviation of the TM was significantly smaller than the GM (P= 0.033). The intra‐class correlation coefficient of the TM was 0.94 versus 0.90 for the GM.Conclusion:  The study detailed a protocol for the measurement of axial alignment of the limbs and components following TKA, and provided evidence that a newer TM of angle measurement was superior in terms of precision and intra‐rater reliability in comparison with the traditional method.
An investigation on the high stress sensitivity of fatigue life of rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy under constant amplitude fatigue loading
Authors: CHAMOS A. N. , CHARITIDIS C. A. , SKARMOUTSOU A. , PANTELAKIS SP. G. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTIn the present work, an investigation on the high stress sensitivity of the fatigue life of the AZ31 rolled magnesium alloy under constant amplitude fatigue loading has been carried out. Different damage parameters were involved to quantify fatigue damage accumulation at the various scales of material volume corresponding to the changing fatigue damage mechanisms that prevail at the various stages of the fatigue life. The experimental work included mainly nano‐indentation measurements to evaluate hardness evolution at the nano‐scale due to cyclic plasticity, results of micro‐crack monitoring by using the replication technique and fractographic analysis to obtain the fracture characteristics of the fatigue specimens after failure. The hexagonal close‐packed structure of the alloy and the resulting difficulty for the activation of five independent slip systems required for homogeneous plastic deformation were considered to determine the high stress sensitivity of the fatigue life observed for the rolled AZ31 alloy under the investigated loading conditions.
Remifentanil in children
Authors: SAMMARTINO MARIA , GARRA ROSSELLA , SBARAGLIA FABIO , DE RISO MARIELLA , CONTINOLO NICOLA 
Published: January 2010

SummaryRemifentanil has gained the confidence of anesthesiologists and has given a real opportunity to change the way anesthesia is given. It can be considered the ideal opioid despite many obstacles to pediatric use: the condition of ‘off‐label’, the lack of wide randomized clinical trials, and the fear of adverse events because of its high potency. Experiences in the field with this opioid over the years encouraged its use. Use has been associated with N20 and volatile agents for general anesthesia and with propofol for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). It seems very useful for sedation inside and outside the operating room and in intensive care for both short painful procedures and synchronization with mechanical ventilation. However, its unique pharmacokinetic characteristics causing rapid onset and offset of effect appear unchanged in small children and even in premature neonates and need to be really confirmed by further pharmacokinetic studies. Moreover, the real risks of tolerance and hyperalgesia should be evaluated in the pediatric population. In this review, we go through the newer aspects of this versatile drug that has been proposed as ‘the pediatric anesthetist’s opiate’.
Allometry and spatial scales of foraging in mammalian herbivores
Authors: Laca Emilio A. , Sokolow Susanne , Galli Julio R. , Cangiano Carlos A. 
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 311–320AbstractHerbivores forage in spatially complex habitats. Due to allometry and scale‐dependent foraging, herbivores are hypothesized to perceive and respond to heterogeneity of resources at scales relative to their body sizes. This hypothesis has not been manipulatively tested for animals with only moderate differences in body size and similar food niches. We compared short‐term spatial foraging behavior of two herbivores (sheep and cattle) with similar dietary niche but differing body size. Although intake rates scaled allometrically with body mass (mass0.75), spatial foraging strategies substantially differed, with cattle exhibiting a coarser‐grained use of the ‘foodscape.’ Selectivity by cattle (and not sheep) for their preferred food was more restricted when patches were smaller (< 10 m2). We conclude that differences in spatial scales of selection offers a plausible mechanism by which species can coexist on shared resources that exhibit multiple scales of spatial heterogeneity.
Novel antagonistic interactions associated with plant polyploidization influence trait selection and habitat preference
Authors: Arvanitis Leena , Wiklund Christer , Münzbergova Zuzana , Dahlgren Johan P. , Ehrlén Johan 
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 330–337AbstractPolyploidization is an important mechanism for sympatric speciation in plants. Still, we know little about whether plant polyploidization leads to insect host shifts, and if novel interactions influence habitat and trait selection in plants. We investigated herbivory by the flower bud gall‐forming midge Dasineura cardaminis on tetraploids and octoploids of the herb Cardamine pratensis. Gall midges attacked only octoploid plant populations, and a transplantation experiment confirmed this preference. Attack rates were higher in populations that were shaded, highly connected or occurred along stream margins. Within populations, late‐flowering individuals with many flowers were most attacked. Galling reduced seed production and significantly influenced phenotypic selection on flower number. Our results suggest that an increase in ploidy may lead to insect host shifts and that plant ploidy explains insect host use. In newly formed plant polyploids, novel interactions may alter habitat preferences and trait selection, and influence the further evolution of cytotypes.
Environmental stability and lake zooplankton diversity – contrasting effects of chemical and thermal variability
Authors: Shurin Jonathan B. , Winder Monika , Adrian Rita , Keller Wendel (Bill) , Matthews Blake , Paterson Andrew M. , Paterson Michael J. , Pinel‐Alloul Bernadette , Rusak James A. , Yan Norman D. 
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 453–463AbstractEnvironmental variability in space and time is a primary mechanism allowing species that share resources to coexist. Fluctuating conditions are a double edged sword for diversity, either promoting coexistence through temporal niche partitioning or excluding species by stochastic extinctions. The net effect of environmental variation on diversity is largely unknown. We examined the association between zooplankton species richness in lakes and environmental variability on interannual, seasonal and shorter time scales, as well as long‐term average conditions. We analyzed data on physical, chemical and biological limnology in 53 temperate zone lakes in North America and Europe sampled over a combined 1042 years. Large fluctuations in pH, phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon concentration on different time scales were associated with reduced zooplankton species richness. More species were found in lakes that showed greater temperature variation on all time scales. Environmental variability on different time scales showed similar or, in some cases, stronger associations with zooplankton species richness compared with long‐term average conditions. Our results suggest that temporal fluctuations in the chemical environment tend to exclude zooplankton species while temperature variability promotes greater richness. The results indicate that anthropogenic increases in temporal variability of future climates may have profound effects on biodiversity.
Global Warming, Proportional Carbon Taxes, and International Fund for Atmospheric Stabilization
Authors: Uzawa H. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we prove in terms of a simple dynamic model of global warming that sustainable time‐paths of the atmospheric accumulations of carbon dioxide are obtained as the standard market equilibrium under the system of proportional carbon taxes, where the carbon taxes are levied at the rate that is proportional to the per capita national income of each country, with the discounted present value of the impact coefficient of global warming as the coefficient of proportion.
Sustained Comparative Advantage and Semi‐Endogenous Growth
Authors: Petsas Iordanis 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper constructs a two‐country (Home and Foreign) general‐equilibrium model of Schumpeterian growth without scale effects. The scale effects property is removed by introducing a distinct specification in the knowledge production function which generates semi‐endogenous growth. In this model of semi‐endogenous growth, an increase in the rate of population growth rate raises Home's relative wage and lowers its range of goods exported to Foreign. An increase in the size of innovations increases Home's relative wage but with an ambiguous effect on its comparative advantage. The model generates a unique steady‐state equilibrium in which there is complete specialization in both goods and R&D production within each country.
Collective Annuities and Redistribution
Authors: CREMER HELMUTH , LOZACHMEUR JEAN‐MARIE , PESTIEAU PIERRE 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper studies the role of alternative pension systems that offer collective annuities. The defining characteristic of collective annuities is that they do not depend on an individual's survival probabilities. We show that such a system may be welfare improving (with a utilitarian social welfare function) even when private annuity markets are perfect and when life expectancy and earning abilities are positively correlated (i.e., in a setting that is a priori biased against collective annuities). We first concentrate on linear pension systems and contrast two schemes: a pure contributory (Bismarckian) pension and a flat rate (Beveridgean) pension. We show that the case for collective annuities is stronger when they are associated with a flat pension system. Then we analyze nonlinear pension schemes. We show that the solution can be implemented by a pension scheme associated with annuities that reflect some degree of “collectiveness.” Unlike under pure collective annuities, benefits do depend on life expectancy but to a lesser degree than with actuarially fair private annuities. In other words, the impact of survival probabilities is mitigated rather than completely neutralized.
The Design of Pension Pay Out Options When the Health Status during Retirement Is Uncertain
Authors: KIFMANN MATHIAS 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper examines the optimal design of pension plans when the health status during retirement is uncertain. Assuming that the health status affects both life expectancy and the marginal utility of consumption, choice between a lump‐sum payment and an annuity can be welfare‐enhancing if the health status is not observable by pension plan providers. This result holds if the marginal utility of consumption and life expectancy are negatively correlated. On equity grounds, a lump‐sum option can be justified even if the marginal utility of consumption is independent of life expectancy.
The Political Economy of Social Security under Differential Longevity and Voluntary Retirement
Authors: LEROUX MARIE‐LOUISE 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper studies a model where the existence of a pension system is decided by majority voting. We assume that individuals have the same income but different longevity. Retirement is voluntary and the pension system is characterised by a payroll tax on earnings and a flat pension benefit. Individuals vote only on the tax level. We show that a pension system emerges when there is a majority of long‐lived individuals and that voluntary retirement enables to lower the size of the transfers received by the long‐lived. A rise in average longevity will also increase the size of the pension system.
Bank Relationships and Firms' Financial Performance: The Italian Experience
Authors: Castelli Annalisa , Dwyer Gerald P. , Hasan Iftekhar 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe examine the connection between the number of bank relationships and firms' performance using a unique data set on Italian small firms for which banks are a major source of financing. Our evidence indicates that return on equity and return on assets decrease as the number of bank relationships increases with a stronger effect on small firms than large firms. We also find that interest expense over assets increases as the number of relationships increases. Particularly for small firms, these results are consistent with analyses suggesting that fewer bank relationships reduce information asymmetries and agency problems and outweigh hold‐up problems.