bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overgeneral autobiographical memory, emotional maltreatment, and depressive symptoms in adolescence: Evidence of a cognitive vulnerability–stress interaction☆
Authors: Stange Jonathan P. , Hamlat Elissa J. , Hamilton Jessica L. , Abramson Lyn Y. , Alloy Lauren B.
Published: November 2012

Overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) is associated with depression and may confer risk for the development of depressed mood, but few longitudinal studies have evaluated OGM as a predictor of depressive symptoms in early adolescence, particularly in the context of environmental stressors. We investigated whether OGM and emotional maltreatment would interact to predict prospective increases in depressive symptoms in early adolescents and whether these effects differed by race. Among 174 seventh‐graders, OGM and familial emotional abuse interacted to predict depressive symptoms eight months later, controlling for initial depressive symptoms. Specifically, emotional abuse predicted increases in depressive symptoms among Caucasian adolescents with more OGM, but not among those with less OGM. This association was not significant for African American adolescents. These results provide support for a cognitive vulnerability–stress relationship between OGM and emotional abuse in early adolescence and suggest that these mechanisms of risk for depression may be specific to Caucasian adolescents.
FixK2, a key regulator in Bradyrhizobium japonicum, is a substrate for the protease ClpAP in vitro
Authors: Bonnet Mariette , Stegmann Monika , Maglica Željka , Stiegeler Emanuel , Weber-Ban Eilika , Hennecke Hauke , Mesa Socorro
Published: November 2012

FixK2 is a CRP‐like transcription factor that controls the endosymbiotic lifestyle of Bradyrhizobium japonicum. The reason for its noticeable protease sensitivity was explored here. The repertoire of Clp chaperone‐proteases in B. japonicum was examined, and specifically ClpAP1 and ClpXP1 were purified and tested. FixK2 was found to be degraded by ClpAP1 but not by ClpXP1. Degradation was inhibited by the ClpS1 adaptor protein, indicating that FixK2 is a direct substrate for ClpAP1. The last 12 amino acids of FixK2 appeared to be recognized by ClpA. The results suggest that the ClpAP system is involved in the cellular turnover of FixK2.
Gestational doxorubicin alters fetal thyroid–brain axis
Authors: Ahmed R.G. , Incerpi S.
Published: November 2012

Administration of chemotherapy during pregnancy may represent a big risk factor for the developing brain, therefore we studied whether the transplacental transport of doxorubicin (DOX) may affect the development of neuroendocrine system. DOX (25 mg/kg; 3 times interaperitoneally/week) was given to pregnant rats during whole gestation period. The disturbances in neuroendocrine functions were investigated at gestation day (GD) 15 and 20 by following the maternal and fetal thyroid hormone levels, fetal nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP) levels and adenosine triphosphatase (Na+, K+‐ATPase, Ca2+‐ATPase and Mg2+‐ATPase) activities in two brain regions, cerebrum and cerebellum. In control group, the levels of maternal and fetal serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyrotropin (TSH), and fetal serum growth hormone (GH) increased from days 15 to 20, whereas in the DOX group, a decrease in maternal and fetal T4, T3 and increase in TSH levels (hypothyroid status) were observed. Also, the levels of fetal GH decreased continuously from GD 15 to 20 with respect to control group. In cerebrum and cerebellum, the levels of fetal nucleotides and the activities of fetal ATPases in control group followed a synchronized course of development. The fetal hypothyroidism due to maternal administration of DOX decreased the levels of nucleotides, ATPases activities, and total adenylate, instead, the adenylate energy charge showed a trend to an increase in both brain regions at all ages tested. These alterations were dose‐ and age‐dependent and this, in turn, may impair the nerve transmission. Finally, DOX may act as neuroendocrine disruptor causing hypothyroidism and fetal brain energetic dysfunction.
Effect of body mass index on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Morgan‐Ortiz Fred , Soto‐Pineda Juan M. , López‐Zepeda Marco A. , de Jesús Peraza‐Garay Felipe
Published: November 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effect of normal body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) and obesity on clinical results among patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

Methods

In a prospective study at the Civil Hospital of Culiacan in Sinaloa State, Mexico, data were compared from 209 patients who underwent TLH between July 6, 2009, and December 30, 2011. The following primary variables were analyzed for 77 normal BMI patients, 82 overweight patients, and 50 obese patients: procedure duration, operative bleeding, major and minor trans‐operative complications, length of hospital stay, and postoperative pain.

Results

The mean duration of surgical procedure (P < 0.001) and operative bleeding (P = 0.002) were lower for patients with normal BMI compared with the other 2 groups. The rate of conversion to laparotomy was similar among the 3 groups. Overall, the frequency of complications was 6.2% (n = 13/209); the frequency of complications by study group was 2.6%, 4.8%, and 14% for the normal BMI, overweight and obesity groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Major complications were more frequent among patients with obesity (P = 0.010).

Conclusion

The duration of surgical procedure and operative morbidity were found to increase, mainly owing to major complications, among patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30).
Peripartum hysterectomy between 2009 and 2010 in Sichuan, China
Authors: Chen Meng , Zhang Li , Wei Qiang , Fu Xiaodong , Gao Qian , Liu Xinghui
Published: November 2012

Objective

To investigate the incidence and risk factors for peripartum hysterectomy (PH) in Sichuan, China.

Methods

A population‐based study was conducted using the obstetric inpatient records of women who gave birth at 1 of 8 hospitals between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for PH.

Results

During the study period, 64 cases of PH occurred among 34 014 deliveries (0.2%); abnormal placentation and uterine atony were the major indications for surgery. Several factors significantly increased the risk of PH among the study population: placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 10.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7–17.7), uterine atony (AOR 7.4; 95% CI, 4.3–12.8), repeat cesarean delivery (AOR 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2–7.7), low birth weight (AOR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5–4.6), and multiparity (AOR 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3–4.4). By contrast, multiple gestation, primary cesarean delivery, placental abruption, leiomyoma, pre‐eclampsia, eclampsia, and diabetes mellitus did not significantly increase the risk of PH.

Conclusion

Placenta previa, uterine atony, repeat cesarean delivery, low birth weight, and multiparity were risk factors for PH among the study population.
The HER2 amplicon includes several genes required for the growth and survival of HER2 positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Sahlberg Kristine Kleivi , Hongisto Vesa , Edgren Henrik , Mäkelä Rami , Hellström Kirsi , Due Eldri U. , Moen Vollan Hans Kristian , Sahlberg Niko , Wolf Maija , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Perälä Merja , Kallioniemi Olli
Published: November 2012

About 20% of breast cancers are characterized by amplification and overexpression of the HER2 oncogene. Although significant progress has been achieved for treating such patients with HER2 inhibitor trastuzumab, more than half of the patients respond poorly or become resistant to the treatment. Since the HER2 amplicon at 17q12 contains multiple genes, we have systematically explored the role of the HER2 co‐amplified genes in breast cancer cell growth and their relation to trastuzumab resistance. We integrated aCGH data of the HER2 amplicon from 71 HER2 positive breast tumors and 10 cell lines with systematic functional RNA interference analysis of 23 core amplicon genes with several phenotypic endpoints in a panel of trastuzumab responding and non‐responding HER2 positive breast cancer cells. Silencing of HER2 caused a greater growth arrest and apoptosis in the responding compared to the non‐responding cell lines, indicating that the resistant cells are inherently less dependent on the HER2 pathway. Several other genes in the amplicon also showed a more pronounced effect when silenced; indicating that expression of HER2 co‐amplified genes may be needed to sustain the growth of breast cancer cells. Importantly, co‐silencing of STARD3, GRB7, PSMD3 and PERLD1 together with HER2 led to an additive inhibition of cell viability as well as induced apoptosis. These studies indicate that breast cancer cells may become addicted to the amplification of several genes that reside in the HER2 amplicon. The simultaneous targeting of these genes may increase the efficacy of the anti‐HER2 therapies and possibly also counteract trastuzumab resistance. The observed additive effects seem to culminate to both apoptosis and cell proliferation pathways indicating that these pathways may be interesting targets for combinatorial treatment of HER2+ breast cancers.
Chalicogloea cavernicola gen. nov., sp. nov. (Chroococcales,
Cyanobacteria
), from low-light aerophytic environments: combined molecular, phenotypic and ecological criteria
Authors: Roldán M. , Ramírez M. , del Campo J. , Hernández-Mariné M. , Komárek J.
Published: November 2012

This work characterizes a unicellular cyanobacterium with nearly spherical cells and thin-outlined sheaths that divide irregularly, forming small packets immersed in a diffluent mucilaginous layer. It was isolated growing on calcite speleothems and walls in a show cave in Collbató (Barcelona, Spain). Spectral confocal laser and transmission electron microscopy were used to describe the morphology, fine structure and thylakoid arrangement. The pigments identified were phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin and chlorophyll a. Three-dimensional reconstructions, generated from natural fluorescence z-stacks, revealed a large surface area of nearly flat, arm-like thylakoidal membranes connected to each other and forming a unified structure in a way that, to our knowledge, has never been described before. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed 95 % similarity to strain

Chroococcus

sp. JJCM (GenBank accession no. AM710384). The diacritical phenotypic features do not correspond to any species currently described, and the genetic traits support the strain being classified as the first member of an independent genus in the order Chroococcales and the family Chroococcaceae. Hence, we propose the name Chalicogloea cavernicola gen. nov., sp. nov. under the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants. The type strain of Chalicogloea cavernicola is COLL 3T ( = CCALA 975T  = CCAP 1424/1T).
Pseudomonas sagittaria sp. nov., a siderophore-producing bacterium isolated from oil-contaminated soil
Authors: Lin Shih-Yao , Hameed Asif , Liu You-Cheng , Hsu Yi-Han , Lai Wei-An , Chen Wen-Ming , Shen Fo-Ting , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: November 2012

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium with a single polar flagellum, designated CC-OPY-1T, was isolated from an oil-contaminated site in Taiwan. CC-OPY-1T produces siderophores, and can grow at temperatures of 25–37 °C and pH 5.0–9.0 and tolerate <5 % (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of CC-OPY-1T showed high pairwise sequence similarity to

Pseudomonas alcaligenes

BCRC 11893T (97.1 %),

Pseudomonas. alcaliphila

DSM 17744T (97.1 %),

Pseudomonas tuomuerensis

JCM 14085T (97.1 %),

Pseudomonas toyotomiensis

JCM 15604T (96.9 %) and lower sequence similarity to remaining species of the genus

Pseudomonas

. The phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on gyrB and rpoB gene sequences supported the classification of CC-OPY-1T as a novel member of the genus

Pseudomonas

. The predominant quinone system of strain CC-OPY-1T was ubiquinone (Q-9) and the DNA G+C content was 68.4±0.3 mol%. The major fatty acids were C12 : 0, C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo and summed features 3 and 8 consisting of C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c, respectively. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and two unknown phospholipids (PL1–2). Due to distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, CC-OPY-1T is proposed to represent a novel species within the genus

Pseudomonas

for which the name Pseudomonas sagittaria sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-OPY-1T ( = BCRC 80399T = JCM 18195T).
Lactococcus taiwanensis sp. nov., a lactic acid bacterium isolated from fresh cummingcordia
Authors: Chen Yi-sheng , Chang Chi-huan , Pan Shwu-fen , Wang Li-ting , Chang Yu-chung , Wu Hui-chung , Yanagida Fujitoshi
Published: November 2012

One coccal strain, designated 0905C15T, was isolated from fresh cummingcordia, which is the main ingredient of pobuzihi (fermented cummingcordia), a traditional fermented food in Taiwan. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that strain 0905C15T had 98.22–98.82 % sequence similarity to that of the type strains of four

Lactococcus lactis

subspecies (

L. lactis

subsp. lactis BCRC 12312T,

L. lactis

subsp. cremoris BCRC 12586T,

L. lactis

subsp. hordniae BCRC 80474T and

L. lactis

subsp. tructae BCRC 80475T). Comparison of two housekeeping genes, recA and rpoB, revealed that strain 0905C15T was well separated from the reference strains of the genus

Lactococcus

. DNA–DNA hybridization studies indicated that strain 0905C15T had low DNA relatedness to the four

Lactococcus lactis

subspecies (9.7–15.24 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 0905C15T was 39.6 mol %. Based on the evidence, strain 0905C15T represents a novel species of the genus

Lactococcus

, for which the name Lactococcus taiwanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 0905C15T ( = NBRC 109049T = BCRC 80460T).
Spatial Scale or Amplitude of Predictors as Determinants of the Relative Importance of Environmental Factors to Plant Community Structure
Authors: Pansonato Marcelo P. , Costa Flávia R. C. , de Castilho Carolina V. , Carvalho Fernanda A. , Zuquim Gabriela
Published: November 2012

The literature on tropical rain forest plant‐community relationships with environmental factors usually does not recognize that the relative importance of environmental factors recorded in each study might be due to their amplitude of variation within sites. Geographic scale, however, is recognized as an important modulator of this relative importance. To disentangle the effects of scale and environmental amplitude, ferns and trees in two landscapes of the same size (each 25 km2) with different soil‐fertility amplitudes but similar soil‐texture range were sampled in central Amazonia. We found that major determinants of community structure were the same for ferns and trees. Texture was the main predictor of community structure in the site with homogeneous soil fertility, while availability of exchangeable cations was the main predictor in the site with a wider fertility range. When both sites were analyzed together, soil fertility was the main predictor of community structure and soil texture segregated floristic subgroups within certain ranges of the soil‐fertility gradient. We conclude that: (1) floristic patterns for trees and ferns are congruent; (2) floristic variation depends on the amplitude of the studied gradients, more than on geographical scale; (3) limiting factors are not necessarily the most important predictors of compositional patterns; and (4) communities are structured hierarchically. Therefore, landscape structure (meaning which combinations of environmental factors, their amplitude of variation and which part of the gradient is found within the landscape) affect our perception of the relative importance that environmental factors will have as predictors of species composition.
Tumor‐suppressive microRNA‐135a inhibits cancer cell proliferation by targeting the c‐MYC oncogene in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yamada Yasutoshi , Hidaka Hideo , Seki Naohiko , Yoshino Hirofumi , Yamasaki Takeshi , Itesako Toshihiko , Nakagawa Masayuki , Enokida Hideki
Published: November 2012

Recently, many studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in cancer cell development, invasion, and metastasis of various types of human cancers. In a previous study, miRNA expression signatures from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) revealed that expression of microRNA‐135a (miR‐135a) was significantly reduced in cancerous tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional significance of miR‐135a and to identify miR‐135a‐mediated molecular pathways in RCC cells. Restoration of mature miR‐135a significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 arrest in the RCC cell lines caki2 and A498, suggesting that miR‐135a functioned as a potential tumor suppressor. We then examined miR‐135a‐mediated molecular pathways using genome‐wide gene expression analysis and in silico analysis. A total of 570 downregulated genes were identified in miR‐135a transfected RCC cell lines. To investigate the biological significance of potential miR‐135a‐mediated pathways, we classified putative miR‐135a‐regulated genes according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics pathway database. From our in silico analysis, 25 pathways, including the cell cycle, pathways in cancer, DNA replication, and focal adhesion, were significantly regulated by miR‐135a in RCC cells. Moreover, based on the results of this analysis, we investigated whether miR‐135a targeted the c‐MYC gene in RCC. Gain‐of‐function and luciferase reporter assays showed that c‐MYC was directly regulated by miR‐135a in RCC cells. Furthermore, c‐MYC expression was significantly upregulated in RCC clinical specimens. Our data suggest that elucidation of tumor‐suppressive miR‐135a‐mediated molecular pathways could reveal potential therapeutic targets in RCC.
Hedgehog Gli3 activator signal augments tumorigenicity of colorectal cancer via upregulation of adherence‐related genes
Authors: Iwasaki Hironori , Nakano Kenji , Shinkai Kentaro , Kunisawa Yumi , Hirahashi Minako , Oda Yoshinao , Onishi Hideya , Katano Mitsuo
Published: November 2012

Hedgehog signal is re‐activated in several cancers. In this study, we examined the role of Gli3 on malignant phenotype of tumorigenicity for colorectal cancer and its relationship with p53, WNT and ERK/AKT signals. Gli3 expression was detected in HT29 and SW480 (p53‐mutant) cells, but not in DLD‐1 (p53‐mutant) or HCT116 (p53‐wild type) cells by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. Full‐length Gli3 transfection increased anchor‐independent growth for all cells regardless of p53 status, with upregulation of adhesion‐related genes. Exogenous Sonic‐Hedgehog increased activator‐type of Gli3 and colony formation in Gli3‐positive HT29 and SW480 cells. After implantation of Gli3‐FL or mock‐transfectant DLD‐1 cells into SCID mice, tumor formation was highly observed in only Gli3‐FL‐transfectant group. In clinical specimens, Gli3 expression was detected in subsets of colorectal cancer and related with poorly‐differentiated histological type, while Sonic–Hedgehog was present with high incidence. In conclusion, activator Gli3 signal augments tumorigenicity of colorectal cancer irrespective of p53 status.
Insulin resistance does not affect early embryo development but lowers implantation rate in in vitro maturation–in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer cycle
Authors: Chang Eun M. , Han Ji E. , Seok Hyun H. , Lee Dong R. , Yoon Tae K. , Lee Woo S.
Published: November 2012

Objective

Although extensive evidence indicates the hyperinsulinemia directly contributes to reproductive dysfunction in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), influence of insulin resistance (IR) on assisted reproductive technology outcomes is poorly understood. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of IR on in vitro maturation‐in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVM‐IVF‐ET) in patients with PCOS.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Patients

Women with PCOS (n = 115) commencing IVM.

Measurments

IR (n = 51) and non‐IR (n = 64) women with PCOS ready to commence an IVM cycle were recruited. IR was diagnosed using the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. Patients with an abnormal GTT and/or HOMA index >2·4 were considered IR. Patients underwent 115 cycles of unstimulated hCG‐primed IVM.

Results

Maturation, fertilization, cleavage rates, the number of good‐quality embryo, and blastocyst formation rates were not significantly different between groups. However, implantation (11·6% vs 28·7%, P = 0·001, respectively), clinical pregnancy (23·5% vs 53·1%, P = 0·002, respectively), and ongoing pregnancy rates (21·6% vs 46·9%. P = 0·006, respectively) were significantly decreased in the IR group. The negative effect of IR on pregnancy outcomes remained after controlling for age, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles (OR 4·928, 95% CI 1·735–13·991, P = 0·003).

Conclusions

Pregnancy rate after IVM is impaired in IR patients with PCOS. Oocyte development and embryo quality are not affected, suggesting that the effects of hyperinsulinemia on endometrial function and implantation process underlie the decreased pregnancy rate.
Spatial distribution of Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides in relation to abundance and hypoxia in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence
Authors: Youcef Wahiba Ait , Lambert Yvan , Audet Celine
Published: November 2012

Annual bottom‐trawl surveys (1990–2010) were used to examine associations between environmental conditions, spatial distribution, and size‐specific abundance of Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL), and to test the influence of hypoxic conditions on habitat selection. Size classes representing juvenile, immature and adult fish were used for the analyses. The highest concentrations of fish were found in the St. Lawrence estuary at both high and low levels of stock abundance. The areas occupied by 50, 75, and 95% of juvenile fish expanded with higher population abundance. However, contrary to our predictions, densities in marginal habitats did not increase at a higher rate than in optimal habitats. Fish longer than 32 cm were distributed over a broader area than juvenile fish. Their abundance explained a limited proportion of the variability in spatial distribution. The spatial dynamics of Greenland halibut in the EGSL is best described by a proportional density model where the rate of increase in local density is associated with population abundance. Habitats selected by Greenland halibut were characterized by low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. The strong association between high fish densities and low DO concentrations indicates a high tolerance of Greenland halibut to hypoxia. It also indicates that negative effects, if present, could be compensated by other factors such as food availability and/or refuge from predation. The results of this study also clearly define the St. Lawrence estuary as the major nursery area for the EGSL population.
Impacts of the 2011 mega‐earthquake and tsunami on abalone Haliotis discus hannai and sea urchin Strongylocentrotus nudus populations at Oshika Peninsula, Miyagi, Japan
Authors: TAKAMI HIDEKI , WON NAM‐IL , KAWAMURA TOMOHIKO
Published: November 2012

On 11 March 2011, a massive tsunami generated by a mega‐earthquake with a moment magnitude of 9.0 hit a wide area of Pacific coast of northeast Japan. We observed and analyzed the effects of the earthquake and tsunami event on populations of the abalone Haliotis discus hannai and sea urchin Strongylocentrotus nudus at Tomarihama in Miyagi, where we have carried out regular surveys since January 2008. Before the event, algal forests dominated by the brown macroalga Eisenia bicyclis had developed in the survey area shallower than 5 m in depth, where adult abalone >50 mm in shell length (SL) inhabited. Juvenile abalone <20 mm SL and juvenile and adult urchins inhabited the deeper area dominated by crustose coralline algae (CCA). After the event, although no apparent decrease was observed in the brown macroalgal population, the mean density of adult abalone >50 mm SL, mainly inhabiting the algal forests, was reduced by more than half. The impact of the tsunami was more profound in the CCA area than in the macroalgal forest. Juvenile abalone and urchins largely decreased to 14 and 5% of the densities just before the event, respectively. The distribution pattern of juvenile abalone and urchins could be a cause of the marked decrease, because most of these animals inhabited the CCA area where the disturbance by the massive water movement was not reduced by the effects of the macroalgal forest.
Changes of imidazoline receptors in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Mar Guang‐Yuan , Chou Ming‐Ting , Chung Hsien‐Hui , Chiu Nien‐Hua , Chen Mei‐Fen , Cheng Juei‐Tang
Published: November 2012

The role of imidazoline receptors in the regulation of vascular function remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of agmatine, an imidazoline receptor agonist, on systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and investigated the expressions of imidazoline receptors by Western blot. The isometric tension of aortic rings isolated from male SHRs was also estimated. Agmatine decreased SBP in a dose‐dependent manner in SHRs but not in the normal group [Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats]. This reduction in SBP in SHRs was abolished by BU224, a selective antagonist of imidazoline I2‐receptors. Higher expression of imidazoline receptors in SHR was observed. Moreover, agmatine‐induced relaxation in isolated aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine or KCl. This relaxation was also abolished by BU224 but was not modified by efaroxan, an imidazoline I1‐receptor antagonist. Agmatine‐induced relaxation was also attenuated by PNU 37883, a selective blocker of vascular ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. Additionally, vasodilatation by agmatine was reduced by an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA). We suggest that agmatine can lower blood pressure in SHRs through activation of the peripheral imidazoline I2‐receptor, which is expressed more highly in SHRs.
Multimaterial Fibers
Authors: Tao Guangming , Stolyarov Alexander M. , Abouraddy Ayman F.
Published: November 2012

Recent progress in combining multiple materials with disparate optical, electronic, and thermomechanical properties monolithically in the same fiber drawn from a preform is paving the way to a new generation of multimaterial fibers endowed with unique functionalities delivered at optical fiber length scales and costs. A wide range of unique devices have been developed to date in fiber form‐factor using this strategy, such as transversely emitting fiber lasers, fibers that detect light, heat, or sound impinging on their external surfaces, and fibers containing crystalline semiconductor cores. Incorporating such fibers in future fabrics will lead to textiles with sophisticated functionality. Additionally, long‐standing issues in traditional applications of optical fibers have been addressed by multimaterial fibers, such as photonic bandgap guidance in hollow‐core all‐solid‐cladding fibers and imparting mechanical robustness to soft‐glass mid‐infrared fibers. We review recent progress in this nascent but rapidly growing field and highlight areas where growth is anticipated. Furthermore, the insights emerging from this research are pointing to new ways that the fiber drawing process itself may be leveraged as a fabrication methodology. In particular, we describe recent efforts directed at appropriating multimaterial‐fiber drawing for chemical synthesis and the fabrication of nanostructures such as nanowire arrays and structured nanoparticles.
Ecomarkets for conservation and sustainable development in the coastal zone
Authors: Fujita Rod , Lynham John , Micheli Fiorenza , Feinberg Pasha G. , Bourillón Luis , Sáenz‐Arroyo Andrea , Markham Alexander C.
Published: November 2012

Because conventional markets value only certain goods or services in the ocean (e.g. fish), other services provided by coastal and marine ecosystems that are not priced, paid for, or stewarded tend to become degraded. In fact, the very capacity of an ecosystem to produce a valued good or service is often reduced because conventional markets value only certain goods and services, rather than the productive capacity. Coastal socio‐ecosystems are particularly susceptible to these market failures due to the lack of clear property rights, strong dependence on resource extraction, and other factors. Conservation strategies aimed at protecting unvalued coastal ecosystem services through regulation or spatial management (e.g. Marine Protected Areas) can be effective but often result in lost revenue and adverse social impacts, which, in turn, create conflict and opposition. Here, we describe ‘ecomarkets’ – markets and financial tools – that could, under the right conditions, generate value for broad portfolios of coastal ecosystem services while maintaining ecosystem structure and function by addressing the unique problems of the coastal zone, including the lack of clear management and exclusion rights. Just as coastal tenure and catch‐share systems generate meaningful conservation and economic outcomes, it is possible to imagine other market mechanisms that do the same with respect to a variety of other coastal ecosystem goods and services. Rather than solely relying on extracting goods, these approaches could allow communities to diversify ecosystem uses and focus on long‐term stewardship and conservation, while meeting development, food security, and human welfare goals. The creation of ecomarkets will be difficult in many cases, because rights and responsibilities must be devolved, new social contracts will be required, accountability systems must be created and enforced, and long‐term patterns of behaviour must change. We argue that efforts to overcome these obstacles are justified, because these deep changes will strongly complement policies and tools such as Marine Protected Areas, coastal spatial management, and regulation, thereby helping to bring coastal conservation to scale.
Novel crosstalk between ERK MAPK and p38 MAPK leads to homocysteine‐NMDA receptor‐mediated neuronal cell death
Authors: Poddar Ranjana , Paul Surojit
Published: November 2012

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for both acute and chronic neurological disorders, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms by which elevated homocysteine can promote neuronal cell death. We recently established a role for NMDA receptor‐mediated activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐MAPK in homocysteine‐induced neuronal cell death. In this study, we examined the involvement of the stress‐induced MAPK, p38 in homocysteine‐induced neuronal cell death, and further explored the relationship between the two MAPKs, ERK and p38, in triggering cell death. Homocysteine‐mediated NMDA receptor stimulation and subsequent Ca2+ influx led to a biphasic activation of p38 MAPK characterized by an initial rapid, but transient activation followed by a delayed and more prolonged response. Selective inhibition of the delayed p38 MAPK activity was sufficient to attenuate homocysteine‐induced neuronal cell death. Using pharmacological and RNAi approaches, we further demonstrated that both the initial and delayed activation of p38 MAPK is downstream of, and dependent on activation of ERK MAPK. Our findings highlight a novel interplay between ERK and p38 MAPK in homocysteine‐NMDA receptor‐induced neuronal cell death.
Comparison of Freshwater Diatom Assemblages from a High Arctic Oasis to Nearby Polar Desert Sites and Their Application to Environmental Inference Models
Authors: Michelutti Neal , McCleary Kathryn , Douglas Marianne S.V. , Smol John P.
Published: November 2012

Arctic oases are regions of atypical warmth and relatively high biological production and diversity. They are small in area (<5 km2) and uncommon in occurrence, yet they are relatively well studied due to the abundance of plant and animal life contained within them. A notable exception is the lack of research on freshwater ecosystems within polar oases. Here, we aim to increase our understanding of freshwater diatom ecology in polar oases. Diatoms were identified and enumerated from modern sediments collected in 23 lakes and ponds contained within the Lake Hazen oasis on Ellesmere Island, and compared with diatom assemblages from 29 sites located outside of the oasis across the northern portion of the island. There were significant differences in water chemistry variables between oasis and northern sites, with oasis sites having higher conductivity and greater concentrations of nutrients and related variables such as dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Taxa across all sites were typical of those recorded in Arctic freshwaters, with species from the genera Achnanthes sensu lato, Fragilaria sensu lato, and Nitzschia dominating the assemblages. A correspondence analysis (CA) ordination showed that oasis sites generally plotted separately from the northern sites, although the sites also appear to plot separately based on whether they were lakes or ponds. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified specific conductivity, DOC, and SiO2 as explaining significant (P < 0.05) and additional amounts of variation in the diatom data set. The most robust diatom‐based inference model was generated for DOC, which will provide useful reconstructions on long‐term changes in paleo‐optics of high Arctic lakes.
Clonal traits outperform foliar traits as predictors of ecosystem function in experimental mesocosms
Authors: Bittebiere Anne‐Kristel , Clément Bernard , Mony Cendrine
Published: November 2012

Questions

Is productivity linked with clonal traits through their indirect effect on competitive interactions? Are clonal traits better predictors of productivity than foliar traits?

Location

Rennes, France.

Methods

We used a wide‐scale mesocosm experiment based on several assemblages of species differing in clonal traits, and evaluated if the relationship between biomass production and clonal traits is consistent at different ecological scales.

Results

Results showed that at the individual level, foliar traits were independent from clonal traits in most studied species. Community specific above‐ground net primary productivity was significantly correlated to community‐aggregated values of clonal and foliar traits. Nevertheless, a stronger relationship with clonal traits was indicated, emphasizing a plant foraging strategy along the horizontal plant plane, which was a determinant of community productivity. An inverse relationship between clonal traits and biomass production was observed at the individual and community levels, which was attributed to modifications in resource acquisition processes resulting from competitive interactions.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that clonal traits are correlated with productivity at the individual and community scales. These traits were indicators of resource acquisition processes mediated through competitive interactions.
Nerve growth factor induced after temporomandibular joint inflammation decelerates chondrocyte differentiation
Authors: Huang H , Shank G , Ma L , Tallents RH , Kyrkanides S
Published: November 2012

Objective

The goal of this study was to investigate changes in nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high‐affinity receptor‐tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) expression in the TMJ after intra‐articular inflammation.

Materials and Methods

We employed the Col1‐IL1βXAT inducible model of joint inflammation. Changes in NGF and TrkA expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The function of NGF on cell differentiation was assessed in vitro employing the ATDC5 chondrocyte cell line.

Results

NGF expression was observed in articular chondrocytes only after TMJ inflammation, whereas TrkA expression was detected in articular chondrocytes under both naïve as well as inflamed conditions. The potential effect of NGF on articular chondrocytes was studied on the ATDC5 cell line, whereby NGF decelerated the maturation rate of this chondrogenic cell line, presumably by arresting cell differentiation at the prehypertrophic stage of chondrocyte maturation.

Conclusions

NGF‐TrkA signaling in the TMJ provides potentially a means of protection against the development of osteoarthritis by decelerating chondrocyte differentiation. This discovery may lead to the development of novel therapies for osteoarthritis of the TMJ and other joints.
Class II‐specific histone deacetylase inhibitors MC1568 and MC1575 suppress IL‐8 expression in human melanoma cells
Authors: Venza I. , Visalli M. , Oteri R. , Cucinotta M. , Teti D. , Venza M.
Published: November 2012

Here, we explored the effects of the novel class II‐specific histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) MC1568 and MC1575 on interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) expression and cell proliferation in cutaneous melanoma cell line GR‐M and uveal melanoma cell line OCM‐3 upon stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA). We found that PMA upregulated IL‐8 transcription via the AP‐1 binding site and identified c‐Jun as the transcription factor involved in this eventS. MC1568 and MC1575 inhibited IL‐8 levels and cell proliferation in either unstimulated or PMA‐stimulated melanoma cells. They acted by suppressing (i) c‐Jun binding to the IL‐8 promoter, (ii) recruitment of histones 3 and 4, RNA polymerase II and TFIIB to the c‐Jun promoter, and (iii) c‐Jun expression. Our findings provide new insights into mechanisms underlying anti‐tumoral activities of class II‐specific HDACis in human melanoma and suggest that they may constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for improving the treatment of this cancer.
The C57Bl/6 mouse serves as a suitable model of human skeletal muscle mitochondrial function
Authors: Jacobs Robert A. , Díaz Víctor , Meinild Anne‐Kristine , Gassmann Max , Lundby Carsten
Published: November 2012

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do mouse skeletal muscle mitochondria resemble human skeletal muscle mitochondria sufficiently to serve as a proper model and how do differences of skeletal muscle type affect the comparison?

What is the main finding and its importance?

We find that mouse skeletal muscle respiratory capacity and control function rather similar to human m. vastus lateralis, with the mouse quadricep being overall the most similar. This resemblance is not universal, however, because the coupling control of electron transport during fat oxidation in type I murine muscle is more comparable to human vastus lateralis.

It is debatable whether differences in mitochondrial function exist across skeletal muscle types and whether mouse skeletal muscle mitochondrial function can serve as a valid model for human skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. The aims of this study were to compare and contrast three different mouse skeletal muscles and to identify the mouse muscle that most closely resembles human skeletal muscle respiratory capacity and control. Mouse quadriceps (QUADM), soleus (SOLM) and gastrocnemius (GASTM) skeletal muscles were obtained from 8‐ to 10‐week‐old healthy mice (n= 8), representing mixed, oxidative and glycolytic muscle, respectively. Skeletal muscle samples were also collected from young, active, healthy human subjects (n= 8) from the vastis lateralis (QUADH). High‐resolution respirometry was used to examine mitochondrial function in all skeletal muscle samples, and mitochondrial content was quantified with citrate synthase activity. Mass‐specific respiration was higher across all respiratory states in SOLM versus both GASTM and QUADH (P < 0.01). When controlling for mitochondrial content, however, SOLM respiration was lower than GASTM and QUADH (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). When comparing respiratory capacity between mouse and human muscle, QUADM exhibited only one different respiratory state when compared with QUADH. These results demonstrate that qualitative differences in mitochondrial function exist between different mouse skeletal muscles types when respiratory capacity is normalized to mitochondrial content, and that skeletal muscle respiratory capacity in young, healthy QUADM does correspond well with that of young, healthy QUADH.
Renal sympathoinhibitory and regional vasodilator responses to cholecystokinin are altered in obesity‐related hypertension
Authors: How Jackie M. Y. , Pumpa Talia J. , Sartor Daniela M.
Published: November 2012

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The renal and splanchnic circulations command >50% of cardiac output postprandially, and the gut hormone cholecystokinin promotes renal and splanchnic sympathoinhibition and regional vasodilatation. Animals fed a high‐fat diet have blunted splanchnic sympathoinhibitory responses to cholecystokinin, but the role of gut peptides has not previously been considered in the aetiology of obesity‐related hypertension.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Obese, hypertensive animals had blunted renal sympathoinhibitory and renal and mesenteric vasodilator responses to cholecystokinin. These changes may impact cardiovascular homeostasis and lead to increased regional vascular resistance after a meal. Future therapies to treat this condition may include drugs that target the gut.

The gut and kidney command >50% of cardiac output postprandially, highlighting the importance of these vascular beds in cardiovascular homeostasis. The gastrointestinal peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) induces vagally mediated splanchnic sympathoinhibition that is attenuated in animals fed a medium high‐fat diet (MHFD); therefore, our aim was to determine whether renal sympathetic nerve discharge (RSND) responses to CCK are also affected by this diet, and whether these changes are associated with obesity and hypertension. Another aim was to determine whether regional vasodilator responses to CCK are affected in obesity‐related hypertension. In two separate studies, Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either a low‐fat diet (LFD; control) or a MHFD for 13 weeks, after which MHFD animals were classified as obesity prone (OP) or obesity resistant (OR) based on their weight gain falling into the upper or lower tertile, respectively. Arterial pressure and heart rate were monitored in isoflurane‐anaesthetized, artificially ventilated animals, and either RSND or regional vascular responses to CCK (0.1–8 μg kg−1) were evaluated. The OP rats had higher baseline arterial pressure compared with control/OR rats (P < 0.05). Administration of CCK inhibited RSND and increased renal vascular conductance in control/OR rats, and these responses were significantly blunted in OP rats (P < 0.05 for all). Baseline arterial pressure was positively correlated with weight gain and inversely correlated with CCK‐induced vasodilatation (P < 0.05 for both). We hypothesize that in obesity‐related hypertension, disruption of the sympathoinhibitory signals elicited by CCK reduces vasodilatation in the splanchnic/renal regions, leading to increased postprandial vascular resistance.
Absence of glucose transporter 4 diminishes electrical activity of mouse hearts during hypoxia
Authors: Sohn Kwanghyun , Wende Adam R. , Abel E. Dale , Moreno Alonso P. , Sachse Frank B. , Punske Bonnie B.
Published: November 2012

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim of this study was to examine quantitatively whether glucose transporter 4 deficiency leads to more severe alterations in cardiac electrical activity during cardiac stress.

What is the main finding and what is its importance?

When compared with hearts from corresponding control littermates, the measured epicardial potentials from the surface of cardiac‐selective glucose transporter 4‐ablated mouse hearts during hypoxia showed the following differences: (i) significant decreases in the maximal downstroke of the potentials; (ii) increased activation time; and (iii) greater alterations in the activation sequence.

Insulin resistance, which characterizes type 2 diabetes, is associated with reduced translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane following insulin stimulation, and diabetic patients with insulin resistance show a higher incidence of ischaemia, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to examine whether GLUT4 deficiency leads to more severe alterations in cardiac electrical activity during cardiac stress due to hypoxia. To fulfil this aim, we compared cardiac electrical activity from cardiac‐selective GLUT4‐ablated (G4H−/−) mouse hearts and corresponding control (CTL) littermates. A custom‐made cylindrical ‘cage’ electrode array measured potentials (Ves) from the epicardium of isolated, perfused mouse hearts. The normalized average of the maximal downstroke of Ves (|dVes/dtmin|na), which we previously introduced as an index of electrical activity in normal, ischaemic and hypoxic hearts, was used to assess the effects of GLUT4 deficiency on electrical activity. The |dVes/dtmin|na of G4H−/− and CTL hearts decreased by 75 and 47%, respectively (P < 0.05), 30 min after the onset of hypoxia. Administration of insulin attenuated decreases in values of |dVes/dtmin|na in G4H−/− hearts as well as in CTL hearts, during hypoxia. In general, however, G4H−/− hearts showed a severe alteration of the propagation sequence and a prolonged total activation time. Results of this study demonstrate that reduced glucose availability associated with insulin resistance and a reduction in GLUT4‐mediated glucose transport impairs electrical activity during hypoxia, and may contribute to cardiac vulnerability to arrhythmias in diabetic patients.
Who seeks primary care for sleep, anxiety and depressive disorders from physicians prescribing homeopathic and other complementary medicine? Results from the EPI3 population survey
Authors: Grimaldi-Bensouda Lamiae , Engel Pierre , Massol Jacques , Guillemot Didier , Avouac Bernard , Duru Gerard , Lert France , Magnier Anne-Marie , Rossignol Michel , Rouillon Frederic , Abenhaim Lucien , Begaud Bernard ,   for the EPI3-LA-SER group
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To describe and compare patients seeking treatment for sleep, anxiety and depressive disorders (SADD) from physicians in general practice (GPs) with three different practice preferences: strictly conventional medicine (GP-CM), mixed complementary and conventional medicine (GP-Mx) and certified homeopathic physicians (GP-Ho).

Design and setting

The EPI3 survey was a nationwide, observational study of a representative sample of GPs and their patients, conducted in France between March 2007 and July 2008.

Participants

1572 patients diagnosed with SADD.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The patients’ attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine; psychotropic drug utilisation.

Results

Compared to patients attending GP-CM, GP-Ho patients had healthier lifestyles while GP-Mx patients showed similar profiles. Psychotropic drugs were more likely to be prescribed by GP-CM (64%) than GP-Mx (55.4%) and GP-Ho (31.2%). The three groups of patients shared similar SADD severity.

Conclusion

Our results showed that patients with SADD, while differing principally in their sociodemographic profiles and conventional psychotropic prescriptions, were actually rather similar regarding the severity of SADD in terms of comorbidities and quality of life. This information may help to better plan resource allocation and management of these common health problems in primary care.