bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Literatures at the intersections of national territories: Iranian-Azerbaijani ethnic entrepreneurs in a transnational historical space
Authors: Riaux Gilles
Published: May 2012

This article is an attempt to explore the territoriality of languages in the context of ethno-national mobilizations. It maps the transnational interplay between linguistic spaces that overlap national frameworks. This makes it possible to scrutinize the horizontal and vertical differentiation processes that contribute to the definition of a distinctive literary field. In order to study these processes, we favor a strong empirical anchorage by referring to the notion of transnational historical space, defined as a configuration which covers both spatial and temporal dimensions, bringing territories into contact and linking various temporalities. Our case presents a large geographic space formed by Turkey, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Iranian Azerbaijan. This unusual scale of analysis helps in understanding how ethnic entrepreneurs can capitalize symbolic resources in their strategies to make their ethnic idiom into a national language and to invest the political field with ethnonational claims.
Riparian Area Protection and Outdoor Recreation: Lessons from the Northwest Forest Plan
Authors: Wilson Patrick Impero , Hall Troy E. , Kruger Linda E.
Published: May 2012

The Northwest Forest Plan required the US Forest Service (USFS) to shift its management focus to ecological values rather than the utilitarian ones that had dominated forest policy in the region. This article examines the effects of this shift on the USFS's historic mission to provide recreational access to the region's forests. Focusing on six national forests, it draws on a series of interviews with USFS personnel to answer two questions that explore the persistence of policies across time and the importance of the implementation stage in shaping outcomes. How did the USFS balance a deeply entrenched, institutionalized history of recreational use against new ecological priorities and habitat protection expectations? What were the effects at the local level on recreational use and access in riparian and other ecologically sensitive areas? The findings indicate that despite greater attention to ecological protection, recreation continues to be a priority.
Fernando Camargo: No limits to learning about stem cells
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: May 2012

Camargo studies the regulation of organ size and the biology of adult stem cells.
DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission initiates follicle cell differentiation during Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Mitra Kasturi , Rikhy Richa , Lilly Mary , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer
Published: May 2012

Exit from the cell cycle is essential for cells to initiate a terminal differentiation program during development, but what controls this transition is incompletely understood. In this paper, we demonstrate a regulatory link between mitochondrial fission activity and cell cycle exit in follicle cell layer development during Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis. Posterior-localized clonal cells in the follicle cell layer of developing ovarioles with down-regulated expression of the major mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 had mitochondrial elements extensively fused instead of being dispersed. These cells did not exit the cell cycle. Instead, they excessively proliferated, failed to activate Notch for differentiation, and exhibited downstream developmental defects. Reintroduction of mitochondrial fission activity or inhibition of the mitochondrial fusion protein Marf-1 in posterior-localized DRP1-null clones reversed the block in Notch-dependent differentiation. When DRP1-driven mitochondrial fission activity was unopposed by fusion activity in Marf-1–depleted clones, premature cell differentiation of follicle cells occurred in mitotic stages. Thus, DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission activity is a novel regulator of the onset of follicle cell differentiation during Drosophila oogenesis.
Pets at birth do not increase allergic disease in at‐risk children
Authors: Lodge C. J. , Lowe A. J. , Gurrin L. C. , Matheson M. C. , Balloch A. , Axelrad C. , Hill D. J. , Hosking C. S. , Rodrigues S. , Svanes C. , Abramson M. J. , Allen K. J. , Dharmage S. C.
Published: May 2012

Background

The literature is contradictory concerning pet exposure and risk of allergic disease in childhood especially among those with a family history of allergy.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between cat and dog exposure at birth and allergic outcomes over the first 12 years in a birth cohort selected for familial allergy.

Methods

A prospective birth cohort of 620 infants with a family history of allergic diseases was recruited. Data on pet keeping, family demographics and cord blood samples were collected at birth. Information on childhood wheeze, eczema and hay fever was collected 18 times in the first 2 years, at 7 years and at 12 years. Skin prick tests were conducted at 2, 7 and 12 years, and in parents. Regression analyses were used to investigate the relevant associations while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Exposure to cats or dogs at birth showed a moderate reduction in risk of wheeze (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.53, 1.09) and hay fever (aOR = 0.71; 0.49, 1.02) after 7 years of age. Protective effects were stronger in children of non‐sensitized fathers (aOR wheeze 0.55; 0.31, 0.98; aOR hay fever 0.33; 0.15, 0.77 on exposure to cats alone, or cats or dogs at birth). Pet keeping was not related to cord blood IgE or sensitization from 2 to 12 years.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Pets at birth either decreased or had no effect on allergic disease up to age 12. We found no evidence that exposure to cats or dogs at birth increases the risk of allergic disease in high‐risk children.
Intravenous immunoglobulin does not increase FcγRIIB expression levels on monocytes in children with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Shimomura M , Hasegawa S , Seki Y , Fukano R , Hotta N , Ichiyama T
Published: May 2012

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) produces a rapid and prolonged increase in the platelet counts of children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The mechanism of IVIG efficacy in a murine model of ITP has been reported to operate through an IVIG-mediated increase in the expression of the inhibitory Fc receptor FcγRIIB(CD32B) on splenic macrophages. This investigation examined whether IVIG administration results in a similar increase in FcγRIIB expression on peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes in 20 children with ITP. FcγRIIB expression on peripheral blood monocytes was measured by flow cytometry in ITP patients, before and after IVIG therapy, as well as in control subjects. Peripheral blood monocytes were labelled with fluorescent-specific antibodies. There were no significant differences in the percentages or numbers of CD14+CD32B+ monocytes, or in the percentage of CD14+CD32B+ monocytes present in children with ITP before and after IVIG therapy. We suggest that IVIG does not increase FcγRIIB expression in peripheral blood monocytes in children with ITP.
Elevated circulating levels of YKL‐40 are a marker of abnormal glucose tolerance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Celik Cem , Abali Remzi , Guzel Savas , Bastu Ercan , Kucukyalcin Volkan , Yilmaz Murat
Published: May 2012

Objective

This study investigates human cartilage glycoprotein‐39 (YKL‐40) levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls, and tests their relationship with metabolic and hormonal parameters.

Design

Clinical study carried out in a university hospital in Tekirdag, Turkey.

Patients

Eighty‐five women with PCOS and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and twenty‐five women with PCOS and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT), diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, and fifty‐nine healthy women.

Measurements

YKL‐40 levels, fasting hormone levels and metabolic parameters were investigated in all subjects.

Results

We showed increased YKL‐40 levels in women with PCOS compared to controls. (152·57 ± 3·96 μg/l vs 98·16 ± 1·6 μg/l, P < 0·000). YKL significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0·344; P < 0·000), 2‐h glucose (r = 0·193; P = 0·012), HOMA‐IR (r = 0·268; P < 0·000) and fasting insulin (r = 0·310; P < 0·000), but not with waist/hip ratio (r = 0·016; P = 0·832) and fasting glucose (r = 0·108; P = 0·832). When ROC curve analysis was used to analyse the suitability of YKL‐40 to identify glucose intolerance in women with PCOS, area under curve for YKL‐40 was found to be significant (AGT‐PCOS: AUC 0·632, P = 0·046).

Conclusion

Plasma YKL‐40 levels increased in patients with PCOS compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, there was a significant difference in YKL‐40 levels between AGT‐PCOS and NGT‐PCOS subjects. Subsequently, we also found that YKL‐40 levels above the cut‐off point may help the clinician to predict abnormal glucose tolerance in patients with PCOS.
Elucidating the temperature response of survivorship in insects
Authors: Amarasekare Priyanga , Sifuentes Romina
Published: May 2012

1.In ectotherms, survivorship is dependent on the environmental temperature. This dependence can take the form of survivorship declining sharply at low and high temperatures and being relatively constant at intermediate temperatures (i.e. an invertedU‐shaped or ‘flat‐topped’ temperature response), or with survivorship exhibiting a maximum at an intermediate temperature (i.e. a unimodal temperature response). Data show that species differ in which response they exhibit, but there is no mechanistic explanation for why such differences exist.

2.Here we use a life‐history‐based approach to elucidate the temperature response of cumulative (egg‐to‐adult) survivorship. We focus on the fact that cumulative survivorship is a composite trait, arising from the multiplicative effects of stage‐specific survivorship.

3.We show that the temperature response of cumulative survivorship depends on whether or not different life‐history stages/age classes respond differentially to temperature. When all stages/age classes are similarly sensitive to temperature, cumulative survivorship exhibits an invertedU‐shaped response. When different stages/age classes respond differentially to temperature variation, stages/age classes that are highly sensitive to temperature exhibit monotonically increasing/decreasing or saturating temperature responses, while stages/age classes that are relatively insensitive to temperature exhibit invertedU‐shaped responses. Because the effects of stage/age‐specific survivorship are multiplicative, the net result is a temperature response of cumulative survivorship that is unimodal and left‐skewed (if the survivorship of the most sensitive stage/age class increases with increasing temperature) or unimodal and right‐skewed (if the survivorship of the most sensitive stage/age class decreases with increasing temperature).

4.Tests of these predictions with data from insects lead to important insights about how ectotherms with different life‐history patterns respond to temperature variation, information that is crucial in understanding how ectotherms with complex life cycles persist in the face of climate warming.
The influence of transforming growth factor‐α, cyclooxygenase‐2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐7, MMP‐9 and CXCR4 proteins involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition on overall survival of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Fanelli Marcello Ferretti , Chinen Ludmilla T Domingos , Begnami Maria Dirlei , Costa Wilson Luis , Fregnami José Humberto T , Soares Fernando A , Montagnini André Luis
Published: May 2012

Fanelli M F, Chinen L T D, Begnami M D, Costa W L Jr, Fregnami J H T, Soares F A & Montagnini A L  (2012) Histopathology 61, 153–161

The influence of transforming growth factor‐α, cyclooxygenase‐2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐7, MMP‐9 and CXCR4 proteins involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition on overall survival of patients with gastric cancer

Aims:  Determination of prognostic parameters that are predictive of survival of gastric cancer (GC) may allow better identification of patients who could benefit from current chemotherapy regimens. To assess the correlation between tumour progression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), we assayed the expression levels of selected molecules involved in EMT [CD44, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐7, MMP‐9 and C‐X‐C chemokine receptor (CXCR4)], and correlated these with overall patient survival (OS) and disease stage.

Methods and results:  Medical records and pathological biopsy results of 137 patients with GC were evaluated retrospectively. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that expression of CXCR4 was correlated significantly with the expression of all other proteins studied. In contrast, COX‐2 expression correlated significantly with the expression of only MMP‐7 (P = 0.011), MMP‐9 (P = 0.015) and CXCR4 (P = 0.013). We observed significant negative correlations between OS and the expression of TGF‐α (P = 0.017), COX‐2 (P < 0.001), CXCR4 (P = 0.010), MMP‐7 (P = 0.020) and MMP‐9 (P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, only COX‐2 was an independent prognostic factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43–9.75; P = 0.002).

Conclusions:  COX‐2, TGF‐α, MMP‐7, MMP‐9 and CXCR4 are associated with poor OS in gastric cancer.
Adverse effects of the anabolic steroid, boldenone undecylenate, on reproductive functions of male rabbits
Authors: Oda Samah S. , El‐Ashmawy Ibrahim M.
Published: May 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate the adverse effects of the anabolic steroid, boldenone undecylenate (BOL) on reproductive functions of male rabbits. Thirty white New Zealand mature male rabbits were divided into three groups (10 rabbits each). Group A rabbits served as a control group. Group B rabbits received 4.4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) BOL 5% oily solution. Group C rabbits received 8.8 mg/kg bwt BOL. Rabbits were injected intramuscularly twice weekly for two months. BOL had no significant effect on the bwt and bwt gain. Testes and epididymis weights were decreased significantly in the BOL‐treated groups. BOL caused significant reduction in serum testosterone level, seminal volume, sperm motility, and sperm count. No abnormalities were detected in the sperm morphology of the BOL‐treated groups. Histopathological alterations in the testes and epididymis were marked in the group C rabbits. These results indicate that administration of BOL exerts a significant harmful effect on the reproductive functions of male rabbits.
Reduction of insulin signalling pathway IRS‐1/IRS‐2/AKT/mTOR and decrease of epithelial cell proliferation in the prostate of glucocorticoid‐treated rats
Authors: Costa Maitê M. , Violato Natália M. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Góes Rejane M. , Bosqueiro José R.
Published: May 2012

Previous studies by our research group using a model of insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone (DEX) showed that in the rat ventral prostate there was epithelial and smooth muscle cell atrophy and there were also alterations in fibroblasts. Proteins of the insulin signalling pathway are known to be very important for cell proliferation and development. Thus, we investigated the insulin signalling pathway and epithelial proliferation in the rat ventral prostate in this model and correlated the findings with expression of glucocorticoid (GR) and androgen (AR) receptors. Insulin resistance was induced in adult male Wistar rats by injection of DEX (1 mg/kg, ip for 5 consecutive days), whereas control (CTL) rats received saline. DEX treatment resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, but not in prostate weight. Reductions in insulin receptor 1 (IRS‐1) (CTL 1.11 ± 0.06; DEX 0.85 ± 0.03), IRS‐2 (CTL 0.95 ± 0.05; DEX 0.49 ± 0.04), AKT (CTL 0.98 ± 0.03; DEX 0.78 ± 0.02), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR; CTL 0.65 ± 0.08; DEX 0.22 ± 0.05), GR (CTL 1.30 ± 0.09; DEX 0.57 ± 0.10) and AR (CTL 1.83 ± 0.16; DEX 0.55 ± 0.08) protein levels were observed in the prostate of DEX‐treated rats. The expression of the IRα‐subunit, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase, p‐AKT, p70S6K, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p‐ERK was not altered. The frequency of AR‐positive cells in the epithelium of the prostate decreased in the glucocorticoid‐treated group, and the intensity of the reaction for this receptor in the cell nuclei was lower in this group. Furthermore, the treatment with DEX reduced the frequency of proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive (PCNA) cells 30‐fold. This study suggests that the reduction in the insulin signalling pathway proteins IRS‐1/IRS‐2/AKT/mTOR in the prostate of DEX‐treated rats may be associated with the morphological alterations observed previously.
Dietary fats and coronary heart disease
Authors: Willett W. C.
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  Willett WC (Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA). Dietary fats and coronary heart disease (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 272: 13–24.

The relation of dietary fat to risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) has been studied extensively using many approaches, including controlled feeding studies with surrogate end‐points such as plasma lipids, limited randomized trials and large cohort studies. All lines of evidence indicate that specific dietary fatty acids play important roles in the cause and the prevention of CHD, but total fat as a percent of energy is unimportant. Trans fatty acids from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils have clear adverse effects and should be eliminated. Modest reductions in CHD rates by further decreases in saturated fat are possible if saturated fat is replaced by a combination of poly‐ and mono‐unsaturated fat, and the benefits of polyunsaturated fat appear strongest. However, little or no benefit is likely if saturated fat is replaced by carbohydrate, but this will in part depend on the form of carbohydrate. Because both N‐6 and N‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential and reduce risk of heart disease, the ratio of N‐6 to N‐3 is not useful and can be misleading. In practice, reducing red meat and dairy products in a food supply and increasing intakes of nuts, fish, soy products and nonhydrogenated vegetable oils will improve the mix of fatty acids and have a markedly beneficial effect on rates of CHD.
Three‐dimensional motion tracking for high‐resolution optical microscopy, in vivo
Authors: BAKALAR M. , SCHROEDER J.L. , PURSLEY R. , POHIDA T.J. , GLANCY B. , TAYLOR J. , CHESS D. , KELLMAN P. , XUE H. , BALABAN R.S.
Published: May 2012

When conducting optical imaging experiments, in vivo, the signal to noise ratio and effective spatial and temporal resolution is fundamentally limited by physiological motion of the tissue. A three‐dimensional (3D) motion tracking scheme, using a multiphoton excitation microscope with a resonant galvanometer, (512 × 512 pixels at 33 frames s−1) is described to overcome physiological motion, in vivo. The use of commercially available graphical processing units permitted the rapid 3D cross‐correlation of sequential volumes to detect displacements and adjust tissue position to track motions in near real‐time. Motion phantom tests maintained micron resolution with displacement velocities of up to 200 μm min−1, well within the drift observed in many biological tissues under physiologically relevant conditions. In vivo experiments on mouse skeletal muscle using the capillary vasculature with luminal dye as a displacement reference revealed an effective and robust method of tracking tissue motion to enable (1) signal averaging over time without compromising resolution, and (2) tracking of cellular regions during a physiological perturbation.
Automatic measurement of compression wood cell attributes in fluorescence microscopy images
Authors: SELIG B. , HENDRIKS C.L. LUENGO , BARDAGE S. , DANIEL G. , BORGEFORS G.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a new automated method for analyzing compression wood fibers in fluorescence microscopy. Abnormal wood known as compression wood is present in almost every softwood tree harvested. Compression wood fibers show a different cell wall morphology and chemistry compared to normal wood fibers, and their mechanical and physical characteristics are considered detrimental for both construction wood and pulp and paper purposes. Currently there is the need for improved methodologies for characterization of lignin distribution in wood cell walls, such as from compression wood fibers, that will allow for a better understanding of fiber mechanical properties. Traditionally, analysis of fluorescence microscopy images of fiber cross‐sections has been done manually, which is time consuming and subjective. Here, we present an automatic method, using digital image analysis, that detects and delineates softwood fibers in fluorescence microscopy images, dividing them into cell lumen, normal and highly lignified areas. It also quantifies the different areas, as well as measures cell wall thickness. The method is evaluated by comparing the automatic with a manual delineation. While the boundaries between the various fiber wall regions are detected using the automatic method with precision similar to inter and intra expert variability, the position of the boundary between lumen and the cell wall has a systematic shift that can be corrected. Our method allows for transverse structural characterization of compression wood fibers, which may allow for improved understanding of the micro‐mechanical modeling of wood and pulp fibers.
Optimized threshold for serum HCV RNA to predict treatment outcomes in hepatitis C patients receiving peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin
Authors: Zeuzem S. , Rodríguez‐Torres M. , Rajender Reddy K. , Marcellin P. , Diago M. , Craxi A. , Pockros P. , Rizzetto M. , Bernstein D. , Shiffman M. L. , Lin A. , Tatsch F. , Hadziyannis S.
Published: May 2012

Summary.  It is unclear whether the current threshold for ‘high’ hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA level (800 000 IU/mL) is optimal for predicting sustained virological response (SVR). We retrospectively analysed pretreatment HCV RNA levels and SVR rates in 1529 mono‐infected and 176 HIV–HCV co‐infected patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40 kD) plus ribavirin. We improved the threshold for differentiating low and high viral load by fitting semiparametric generalized additive logistic regression models to the data and constructing receiver operating characteristics curves. Among HCV genotype 1 mono‐infected patients, the difference in SVR rates between those with low and high baseline HCV RNA levels was 27% (70%vs 43%) when 400 000 IU/mL was used and 16% (59%vs 43%) when 800 000 IU/mL was used. In HIV–HCV genotype 1 co‐infected patients, the difference was 51% (71%vs 20%) when 400 000 IU/mL was used and 43% (61%vs 18%) when 800 000 IU/mL was used. A lower threshold (200 000 IU/mL) was identified for genotype 1 mono‐infected patients with ‘normal’ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. No threshold could be identified in HCV genotype 2 or 3 patients. A threshold HCV RNA level of 400 000 IU/mL is optimal for differentiating high and low probability of SVR in genotype 1‐infected individuals with elevated ALT.
Behavioural vs. molecular sources of conflict between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA: the role of male‐biased dispersal in a Holarctic sea duck
Authors: PETERS JEFFREY L. , BOLENDER KIMBERLY A. , PEARCE JOHN M.
Published: May 2012

Genetic studies of waterfowl (Anatidae) have observed the full spectrum of mitochondrial (mt) DNA population divergence, from apparent panmixia to deep, reciprocally monophyletic lineages. Yet, these studies often found weak or no nuclear (nu) DNA structure, which was often attributed to male‐biased gene flow, a common behaviour within this family. An alternative explanation for this ‘conflict’ is that the smaller effective population size and faster sorting rate of mtDNA relative to nuDNA lead to different signals of population structure. We tested these alternatives by sequencing 12 nuDNA introns for a Holarctic pair of waterfowl subspecies, the European goosander (Mergus merganser merganser) and the North American common merganser (M. m. americanus), which exhibit strong population structure in mtDNA. We inferred effective population sizes, gene flow and divergence times from published mtDNA sequences and simulated expected differentiation for nuDNA based on those histories. Between Europe and North America, nuDNA ФST was 3.4‐fold lower than mtDNA ФST, a result consistent with differences in sorting rates. However, despite geographically structured and monophyletic mtDNA lineages within continents, nuDNA ФST values were generally zero and significantly lower than predicted. This between‐ and within‐continent contrast held when comparing mtDNA and nuDNA among published studies of ducks. Thus, male‐mediated gene flow is a better explanation than slower sorting rates for limited nuDNA differentiation within continents, which is also supported by nonmolecular data. This study illustrates the value of quantitatively testing discrepancies between mtDNA and nuDNA to reject the null hypothesis that conflict simply reflects different sorting rates.
Expression of the chaplin and rodlin hydrophobic sheath proteins in Streptomyces venezuelae is controlled by σBldN and a cognate anti‐sigma factor, RsbN
Authors: Bibb Maureen J. , Domonkos Ágota , Chandra Govind , Buttner Mark J.
Published: May 2012

The chaplin and rodlin proteins together constitute the major components of the hydrophobic sheath that coats the aerial hyphae and spores in Streptomyces, and mutants lacking the chaplins are unable to erect aerial hyphae and differentiate on minimal media. We have gained insight into the developmental regulation of the chaplin (chp) and rodlin (rdl) genes by exploiting a new model species, Streptomyces venezuelae, which sporulates in liquid culture. Using microarrays, the chaplin and rodlin genes were found to be highly induced during submerged sporulation in a bldN‐dependent manner. Using σBldN ChIP‐chip, we show that this dependence arises because the chaplin and rodlin genes are direct biochemical targets of σBldN. sven3186 (here named rsbN for regulator of sigma BldN), the gene lying immediately downstream of bldN, was also identified as a target of σBldN. Disruption of rsbN causes precocious sporulation and biochemical experiments demonstrate that RsbN functions as a σBldN‐specific anti‐sigma factor.
Redox‐responsive regulation of denitrification genes in Brucella
Authors: Roop II R. Martin , Caswell Clayton C.
Published: May 2012

Brucella strains encounter oxygen deprivation during their intracellular replication in host cells, and the capacity of these bacteria to utilize NO3 as an alternative electron acceptor for respiration plays an important role in their successful adaption to their intracellular niche. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Carrica et al (2012). report that NtrY and NtrX comprise a redox‐responsive two‐component regulator in Brucella abortus 2308 that responds to decreasing levels of O2 and induces the expression of this strain's denitrification genes. Thus, NtrYX joins the increasing number of genetic regulators that contribute to the metabolic versatility required for the virulence of Brucella strains in their mammalian hosts.
Intestinal barrier function in health and gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Camilleri M. , Madsen K. , Spiller R. , Van Meerveld B. G. , Verne G. N.
Published: May 2012

Defects in intestinal barrier function are associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There is growing evidence that increases in intestinal permeability plays a pathogenic role in diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease, and functional bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This review takes a unique translational approach to discuss the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of intestinal barrier function in IBS. The review summarizes the components of the intestinal barrier including the tight junction complex within the epithelium, and the methods used to assess gut permeability both in vitro and in vivo. Throughout the review, the authors have attempted to critically review the latest research from both experimental animal models and human studies to appraise whether intestinal barrier dysfunction is a primary cause of functional GI disorders, such as IBS.…
Prenatal exposure to allergen, DNA methylation, and allergy in grandoffspring mice
Authors: Niedzwiecki M. , Zhu H. , Corson L. , Grunig G. , Factor P. H. , Chu S. , Jiang H. , Miller R. L.
Published: May 2012

Background

Prenatal allergen exposure has been linked to both induction and protection of allergic sensitization in offspring. We hypothesized that prenatal exposure of mice (F0) to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) would be associated with decreased immunoglobulin (Ig) E and airway eosinophilia and alterations in CpG methylation of T‐helper genes in third‐generation mice (F2).

Methods

Female BALB/c mice were sensitized to A. fumigatus (62.5, 125, 1250 μg, or saline) and re‐exposed to the same dose on days 7 and 14 (early) or days 12 and 17 (late) gestation. Grandoffspring were treated with A. fumigatus (62.5 μg) at 9 weeks. IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels and cell counts from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. Lung DNA was pyrosequenced at multiple sites in the interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐4 promoters.

Results

Grandoffspring of mothers dosed with 1250 μg early during pregnancy developed increased airway eosinophilia (P < 0.05). Grandoffspring of mothers dosed late in pregnancy developed lower IgE (P < 0.05) and airway eosinophilia (P < 0.05). Grandoffspring of mothers dosed early had lower methylation at IL‐4 CpG−408 and CpG−393 compared to late dosed mice (P < 0.005 across all doses). Few correlations were found between methylation levels and airway eosinophilia and IgE.

Conclusion

Prenatal exposure to A. fumigatus late during pregnancy, but not early, was associated with lower IgE and airway eosinophilia in grandoffspring. Prenatal exposure to A. fumigatus was associated with changes in CpG methylation in the IFN‐γ and IL‐4 promoters that did not correlate consistently with indicators of allergic sensitization.
Increased expression of IL‐19 in the epithelium of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps
Authors: Pace E. , Scafidi V. , Di Bona D. , Siena L. , Chiappara G. , Ferraro M. , La Grutta S. , Gallina S. , Speciale R. , Ballacchino A. , Bachert C. , Bousquet J. , Gjomarkaj M.
Published: May 2012

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammation of the nose and of the paranasal sinuses. The involvement of the respiratory epithelium in the mechanisms of CRS is poorly understood.

Aims

Among proteins expressed by nasal epithelial cells in CRS, IL‐19 may have key functions. We here aimed to determine the expression and regulation of IL‐19.

Methods

Nasal biopsies from normal subjects (n = 12), subjects with CRS but without nasal polyps (NP) (CRSsNP, n = 12) and with CRS with NP (CRSwNP, n = 15) were collected. Human Asthma Gene Array and real‐time PCR were used to evaluate gene expression, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Results for IL‐19 were confirmed by real‐time PCR. The constitutive and stimulated (LPS, TGF β) expression of IL‐19 and cell proliferation were evaluated in a nasal epithelial cell line (RPMI 2650).

Results

Human Asthma Gene Array showed an increased IL‐19 gene expression in NP from patients with CRS in comparison with normal subjects. Real‐time PCR confirmed the IL‐19 mRNA up‐regulation in patients with CRSwNP and showed an up‐regulation of IL‐19, at lower extent, in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) in comparison with normal subjects. Western blot analysis confirmed that IL‐19 is increased also at protein level in patients with CRSwNP in comparison with normal subjects. In NP, IL‐19 is highly expressed in the metaplastic nasal epithelium when compared to normal or hyperplastic epithelium. LPS stimulation increased IL‐19 expression, and recombinant IL‐19 increased cell proliferation in nasal epithelial cells.

Conclusions

IL‐19 is overexpressed in the epithelium in CRSwNP and increases epithelial cell proliferation.
Ragweed pollen collected along high‐traffic roads shows a higher allergenicity than pollen sampled in vegetated areas
Authors: Ghiani A. , Aina R. , Asero R. , Bellotto E. , Citterio S.
Published: May 2012

Background

Pollutants may affect pollen allergenicity and thus the prevalence of allergies. Although a few studies are available in literature, the connection between pollution and the allergenic potential of pollen has yet to be clearly defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of traffic‐related pollution on the allergenicity of ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) pollen through a field‐based experiment.

Methods

Mature pollen grains were collected from ragweed plants grown along main roadsides and in vegetated areas of Po river plain. The percentage of sub‐pollen particle‐releasing grains (SPPGs) was evaluated immediately after sampling by microscope and image analysis. Immunochemistry and LC‐MS/MS were applied to assess the whole allergenicity and the allergen pattern characterizing the different pollen samples.

Results

No statistical difference was detected in the percentage of SPPGs among pollen samples. Specifically, after hydration, the mean percentage was very low (<4%) in all the samples, regardless of the site of origin. On the contrary, pollen collected along high‐traffic roads showed a higher whole allergenicity than pollen from low‐traffic roads and vegetated areas which showed a reactivity similar to that of the commercial pollen ‘Allergon’, used as a standard. The detected higher allergenicity levels were attributed to both quantitative and qualitative differences in allergen pattern.

Conclusion

Our findings show that pollen collected at different sites contains different amount and number of allergens and suggest that traffic‐related pollution enhances ragweed pollen allergenicity, which may contribute to the increasing prevalence of ragweed allergy in Lombardy plain.
Responses of leaf nitrogen and mobile carbohydrates in different Quercus species/provenances to moderate climate changes
Authors: Li M.‐H. , Cherubini P. , Dobbertin M. , Arend M. , Xiao W.‐F. , Rigling A.
Published: May 2012

Global warming and shortage of water have been evidenced in the recent past and are predicted for the future. Climate change will inevitably have considerable impact on plant physiology, growth, productivity and forest ecosystem functions. The present study determined the effects of simulated daytime air warming (+1 to 1.5 °C during the growing season), drought (−40% and −57% of mean precipitation of 728 mm during the 2007 and 2008 growing season, respectively) and their combination, on leaf nitrogen (N) and non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) of two Quercus species (Q. robur and Q. petraea) and provenances (two provenances for each species) grown in two soil types in Switzerland across two treatment years, to test the hypothesis that leaf N and NSC in the more water‐sensitive species (Q. robur) and provenances (originating from water‐rich locations) will more strongly respond to global warming and water deficit, compared to those in the more drought‐tolerant species (Q. petraea) or provenances. No species‐ and provenance‐specific responses in leaf N and NSC to the climate treatment were found, indicating that the results failed to support our hypothesis. The between‐species variation of leaf N and NSC concentrations mainly reflected differences in biology of the two species, and the between‐provenance variation of N and NSC concentrations apparently mirrored the climate of their origins. Hence, we conclude that (i) the two Quercus species studied are somewhat insensitive, due to their distribution covering a wide geographical and climate range, to moderate climate change within Switzerland, and (ii) a moderate global warming of B1 scenario (IPCC 2007) will not, or at least less, negatively affect the N and carbon physiology in Q. robur and Q. petraea.
Comparative Analysis of the Oocytes and Early Development of Two Species of Curimatidae Teleost Fish
Authors: Perini V. R. , Sato Y. , Rizzo E. , Bazzoli N.
Published: May 2012

Curimatella lepidura and Steindachnerina elegans are small forage fish, constituting an important link in the food chain, serving as food for larger commercial fish. In this study, characteristics of the eggs, of the oocyte's surface ultrastructure and of the embryogenesis are first described for these species. Absolute fecundity was 40864 ± 8769 oocytes for C. lepidura and 22089 ± 8710 oocytes for S. elegans. Oocytes of both species are yellowish, weakly adhesive and with a post‐fertilization diameter of 1019.5 ± 20.6 μm and 978.75 ± 29.16 μm for C. lepidura and S. elegans, respectively. The ultrastructural analysis, using scanning electron microscopy, showed that the oocyte's surface of both species has pore canals over the entire surface and a funnel‐shaped micropyle. At 24°C, the embryonic development of C. lepidura was completed 25 h after fertilization, and blastopore closure occurred in 7 h 30 min. In S. elegans, larvae hatched 20 h after fertilization, and blastopore closure occurred in 7 h 15 min. The fertilization rate was 74.5 ± 7.96 and 71.2 ± 10.8% for C. lepidura and S. elegans, respectively. This study provides important support for clarifying phylogenetic relationships and in ecological and zoological understanding of Neotropical Curimatidae fish.
Seagrass ecophysiology meets ecological genomics: are we ready?
Authors: Procaccini Gabriele , Beer Sven , Björk Mats , Olsen Jeanine , Mazzuca Silvia , Santos Rui
Published: May 2012

In March 2011, the Ecophysiology and Genetics Working Groups of the European Science Foundation COST Action ES 0906, entitled Seagrass Productivity: From Genes to Ecosystem Management, organized an exploratory workshop entitled “Linking Ecophysiology and Ecogenomics in Seagrass Systems”. The goal of the workshop was to discuss how to integrate comparative gene expression studies with physiological processes such as photosynthetic performance, carbon and nitrogen utilization and environmental adaptation. The main questions discussed for integrative research related to mechanisms of carbon utilization, light requirements, temperature effects and natural variation in pH and ocean acidification. It was concluded that the seagrass research community is still in the nascent stages of linking ecophysiology with genomic responses, as carbon and nitrogen metabolism of seagrasses have not been sufficiently well studied. Likewise, genomic approaches have only been able to assign meaningful interpretations to a handful of differentially expressed genes. Nevertheless, the way forward has been established.
Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) and Prostaglandins F2α and E2 Synthases (PGFS and PGES) Expression and Prostaglandin F2α and E2 Secretion Following Oestrogen and/or Progesterone Stimulation of the Feline Endometrium
Authors: Siemieniuch MJ , Jursza E , Kowalewski MP , Majewska M , Skarzynski DJ
Published: May 2012

Contents

Sex steroids in synergy with prostaglandins (PG) are involved in the regulation of cyclic ovarian function. In this study, we investigated the mRNA expression of three genes involved in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and hence PG production in domestic cats: PG‐endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2), PGF2α synthase (PGFS) and PGE2 synthase (PGES). Feline endometria (n = 16) were collected at oestrus and mid and late phases of pseudopregnancy. In addition, the effects of E2 and/or P4 on PG secretion and gene expression on endometrial explants were studied in an in vitro culture system. Expression levels of all examined genes were up‐regulated at the mid phase of pseudopregnancy. The effects of E2 and/or P4 treatment on both PG secretion and expression of the genes were observed after 12 h of culture. Expression of PGES was significantly up‐regulated by E2 plus P4 at oestrus and the mid phase of pseudopregnancy and was also up‐regulated by a single treatment with P4 at late pseudopregnancy (p < 0.05). Simultaneous incubation with E2 and P4 up‐regulated PTGS2 gene expression at oestrus and mid‐luteal phase (p < 0.05). Progesterone plus E2 significantly increased PGE2 secretion at oestrus and the mid phase of pseudopregnancy. However, treatment with E2 and/or P4 affected neither PGF2α secretion nor PGFS expression at any phase after 12 h of culture. The overall findings indicate that genes involved in PG synthesis are up‐regulated at the mid phase of pseudopregnancy. An increase in PGE2 secretion and up‐regulation of PGES and PTGS2 are the main responses of the endometrium to treatment with E2 and P4 at oestrus and the mid phase of pseudopregnancy in the cat. These data support the hypothesis that ovarian sex steroids via endometrial PGE2 are involved in endocrine homoeostasis, especially at oestrus and the mid, but not the late, phase of pseudopregnancy in cats.
Uterine Infection Influences Size and Follicular Fluid Composition of the Largest Follicle in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Pande M , Das GK , Khan FA , Sarkar M , Prasad JK , Pathak MC , Kumar H
Published: May 2012

Contents

The effect of uterine infection on size and follicular fluid composition of the largest follicle was studied in buffalo. Reproductive tracts were collected from 102 graded Murrah buffaloes at an abattoir. Uterine infection was diagnosed by physical examination of uterine mucus, white side test and uterine cytology. Samples with pus‐containing mucus, positive reaction on white side test and/or >5% neutrophils were considered to be positive for uterine infection. Diameter of the largest follicle was measured, and follicular fluid was aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), cholesterol, oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Infected buffaloes had smaller‐sized (p < 0.0001) largest follicles than non‐infected buffaloes. Follicular fluid collected from the largest follicle in infected buffaloes had greater (p < 0.0001) NO and P4 concentrations coincident with lesser AA (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.0001) and E2 (p < 0.0001) concentrations. Results indicated that uterine infection has an inhibitory effect on growth of the largest follicle in buffalo. The changes in follicular fluid composition in infected buffaloes suggest that the direct effect of uterine infection on ovarian function may be mediated through an alteration in the follicular microenvironment. Greater NO and lesser AA concentrations in the follicular fluid of infected animals are novel findings.
Patients' views and experiences of pro re nata medication in acute mental health settings
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Horsfall Jan , Jackson Debra , O'Hara‐Aarons Maureen , Hunt Glenn E.
Published: May 2012

In the present study, we interviewed 40 patients in acute inpatient mental health settings regarding their experience of, and views about, receiving pro re nata (PRN) medication. Patient requests for PRN were primarily to relieve anxiety or to aid sleep, and the majority of the participants (80%) could describe a situation where this medication was very helpful. From the perspective of patients, interactions surrounding the immediate administration of PRN medication were inadequate, in that half of the interviewees were simply told to take the medication, and three‐quarters said that, in their experience, formal consent was not commonly sought. Three‐quarters of respondents came up with alternatives to PRN, and half wanted more information about the medication itself. These findings could contribute to improved nursing assessment for PRN medication need, administration, and monitoring.
Efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to metformin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with an open‐label, long‐term extension study
Authors: Seino Y. , Miyata Y. , Hiroi S. , Hirayama M. , Kaku K.
Published: May 2012

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to metformin versus metformin monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved inadequate glycaemic control on metformin (500 or 750 mg/day) + diet/exercise.

Methods

In a randomized, double‐blind trial, 288 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus T2DM received either 12.5 or 25 mg alogliptin once daily + metformin or placebo + metformin for 12 weeks. Thereafter, 276 patients continued on one of the two alogliptin dosages + metformin in an open‐label extension for 40 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint in the randomized, double‐blind phase was the change in HbA1c from baseline (week 0) to the end of treatment (week 12). The primary endpoint during the long‐term extension phase was adverse events.

Results

After 12 weeks both dosages of alogliptin + metformin produced significantly greater changes from baseline in HbA1c than placebo (metformin monotherapy: with changes in LS means − 0.55 and − 0.64% vs. 0.22%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Incidences of adverse effects were comparable between groups, with no increases in hypoglycaemia. Over 52 weeks, there were no safety or tolerability concerns with alogliptin when added to metformin.

Conclusions

Alogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg once daily was safe and effective when added to metformin (500 or 750 mg/day) in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on metformin alone.
Scale Checks in Censored Regression
Authors: DETTE HOLGER , HEUCHENNE CEDRIC
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  Suppose the random vector (X,Y) satisfies the regression model Y= m(X)+σ(X)ɛ, where m(ḃ) and σ(ḃ) are unknown location and scale functions and ɛ is independent of X. The response Y is subject to random right censoring, and the covariate X is completely observed. A new test for a specific parametric form of any scale function σ(ḃ) (including the standard deviation function) is proposed. Its statistic is based on the distribution of the residuals obtained from the assumed regression model. Weak convergence of the corresponding process is obtained, and its finite sample behaviour is studied via simulations. Finally, characteristics of the test are illustrated in the analysis of a fatigue data set.
The Current Duration Approach to Estimating Time to Pregnancy
Authors: KEIDING NIELS , HØJBJERG HANSEN OLUF K. , SØRENSEN DITTE NØRBO , SLAMA RÉMY
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  Time‐to‐pregnancy (TTP) is the duration from the time a couple starts trying to become pregnant until they succeed. It is considered one of the most direct methods to measure natural fecundity in humans. Statistical tools for designing and analysing time to pregnancy studies belong to survival analysis, but several features require special attention. Prospective designs are difficult to carry out and retrospective (pregnancy‐based) designs, being widely used in this area, do not allow efficiently including couples remaining childless. A third possible design starts from a cross‐sectional sample of couples currently trying to become pregnant, using current duration (backward recurrence time) as basis for the estimation of TTP. Regression analysis is then most conveniently carried out in the accelerated failure time model. This paper surveys some practical and technical‐statistical issues in implementing this approach in a large telephone‐based survey, the Epidemiological Observatory of Fecundity in France (Obseff).