bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haem oxygenase 1 expression is associated with prognosis in cholangiocarcinoma patients and with drug sensitivity in xenografted mice
Authors: Kongpetch S. , Puapairoj A. , Ong C. K. , Senggunprai L. , Prawan A. , Kukongviriyapan U. , Chan‐On W. , Siew E. Y. , Khuntikeo N. , Teh B. T. , Kukongviriyapan V. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveHaem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) plays important roles in cytoprotection and tumour growth. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a deadly malignancy with very poor prognosis. The role of HO‐1 in tumour progression in CCA up to now has been relatively unexplored, thus, its possible therapeutic implications in CCA have been investigated here.Materials and methodsHO‐1 expression in tumour tissues from 50 CCA patients was determined by immunohistochemical analysis and its association with survival time was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Its role in CCA cells in vitro was evaluated by transwell and wound healing assays and suppression of HO‐1 expression by siRNA. Effects of HO‐1 inhibition on gemicitabine (GEM)‐mediated tumour suppression was evaluated in nude mice xenografted with CCA cells.ResultsHO‐1 expression was inversely associated with median overall survival time. Hazard ratio of patients with high HO‐1 expression was 2.42 (95% CI: 1.16–5.08) with reference to low expression and HO‐1 knock‐down expression inhibited transwell cell migration. Suppression of HO‐1 by Zn‐protoporphyrin (ZnPP) enhanced cytotoxicity to GEM in CCA cells, validated in CCA xenografts. Treatment with GEM and ZnPP almost completely arrested tumour growth, whereas treatment with only a single reagent, retarded it. Tumour inhibition was associated with reduction in expression of Ki‐67 and microvascular density, and enhanced p53 and p21 immunohistochemical staining.ConclusionHigh HO‐1 expression was associated with poor prognosis of CCA. Synergistic role of HO‐1 inhibition in chemotherapy of CCA is a promising insight for treatment of this tumour and warrants further investigation.
Life stage, not climate change, explains observed tree range shifts
Authors: Máliš František , Kopecký Martin , Petřík Petr , Vladovič Jozef , Merganič Ján , Vida Tomáš 
Published: January 2016

AbstractOngoing climate change is expected to shift tree species distribution and therefore affect forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. To assess and project tree distributional shifts, researchers may compare the distribution of juvenile and adult trees under the assumption that differences between tree life stages reflect distributional shifts triggered by climate change. However, the distribution of tree life stages could differ within the lifespan of trees, therefore, we hypothesize that currently observed distributional differences could represent shifts over ontogeny as opposed to climatically driven changes. Here, we test this hypothesis with data from 1435 plots resurveyed after more than three decades across the Western Carpathians. We compared seedling, sapling and adult distribution of 12 tree species along elevation, temperature and precipitation gradients. We analyzed (i) temporal shifts between the surveys and (ii) distributional differences between tree life stages within both surveys. Despite climate warming, tree species distribution of any life stage did not shift directionally upward along elevation between the surveys. Temporal elevational shifts were species specific and an order of magnitude lower than differences among tree life stages within the surveys. Our results show that the observed range shifts among tree life stages are more consistent with ontogenetic differences in the species' environmental requirements than with responses to recent climate change. The distribution of seedlings substantially differed from saplings and adults, while the distribution of saplings did not differ from adults, indicating a critical transition between seedling and sapling tree life stages. Future research has to take ontogenetic differences among life stages into account as we found that distributional differences recently observed worldwide may not reflect climate change but rather the different environmental requirements of tree life stages.
Testing the responses of four wheat crop models to heat stress at anthesis and grain filling
Authors: Liu Bing , Asseng Senthold , Liu Leilei , Tang Liang , Cao Weixing , Zhu Yan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHigher temperatures caused by future climate change will bring more frequent heat stress events and pose an increasing risk to global wheat production. Crop models have been widely used to simulate future crop productivity but are rarely tested with observed heat stress experimental datasets. Four wheat models (DSSAT‐CERES‐Wheat,DSSAT‐Nwheat,APSIM‐Wheat, and WheatGrow) were evaluated with 4 years of environment‐controlled phytotron experimental datasets with two wheat cultivars under heat stress at anthesis and grain filling stages. Heat stress at anthesis reduced observed grain numbers per unit area and individual grain size, while heat stress during grain filling mainly decreased the size of the individual grains. The observed impact of heat stress on grain filling duration, total aboveground biomass, grain yield, and grain protein concentration (GPC) varied depending on cultivar and accumulated heat stress. For every unit increase of heat degree days (HDD, degree days over 30 °C), grain filling duration was reduced by 0.30–0.60%, total aboveground biomass was reduced by 0.37–0.43%, and grain yield was reduced by 1.0–1.6%, butGPCwas increased by 0.50% for cv Yangmai16 and 0.80% for cv Xumai30. The tested crop simulation models could reproduce some of the observed reductions in grain filling duration, final total aboveground biomass, and grain yield, as well as the observed increase inGPCdue to heat stress. Most of the crop models tended to reproduce heat stress impacts better during grain filling than at anthesis. Some of the tested models require improvements in the response to heat stress during grain filling, but all models need improvements in simulating heat stress effects on grain set during anthesis. The observed significant genetic variability in the response of wheat to heat stress needs to be considered through cultivar parameters in future simulation studies.
The Contributions of the Ombudsman to Human Rights in Latin America, 1982–2011
Authors: Moreno Erika 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDemocratic institutions, ranging from constitutional provisions and electoral rules to judiciaries, have been important in improving the rights of citizens across the world. If institutions matter for human rights, then it stands to reason that institutions built specifically to protect human rights, like the human rights ombudsman, should matter too. Using a comparative case study approach, this article examines the effect of the human rights ombudsman at the regional level on several human rights measures in Latin America between 1982 and 2011. The results suggest that the presence of an ombudsman, and some of its design features, have had effects on some social and economic rights, in keeping with the broad mandate given to this office.
Evolutionary and biogeographical history of the land snail family Urocoptidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) across the Caribbean region
Authors: Uit de Weerd Dennis R. , Robinson David G. , Rosenberg Gary 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimLand snails, because of their low vagility, are ideal organisms for probing biogeographical hypotheses. This study is the first to examine the evolutionary and biogeographical history of a group of land snails from the Caribbean region using molecular phylogenetics. It focuses on the family Urocoptidae that displays extraordinary diversity, particularly in the Greater Antilles.LocationCaribbean region.MethodsWe reconstructed the phylogeny of Urocoptidae based on multi‐locus (partial 28S, H3 andCOIsequences) analyses (MrBayes,BEAST,GARLI) of 65 species, representing 44 recognized genera. Biogeographical analyses of a subset of the time‐calibratedBEASTtrees were made both with (DECandDEC+J analysis inBioGeoBEARS) and without (S‐DIVAinRASP) palaeogeographical assumptions. In theDECandDEC+J analyses we examined the effect of different settings for dispersal between directly connected areas relative to that between areas without direct land connection.ResultsUrocoptidae has been present on the Greater Antilles Arc from at least Middle Eocene onwards. Morphologically diverse and previously unrecognized clades evolved on most Caribbean (palaeo)islands. Jamaica was colonized at least twice. Dispersal multiplier matrices with moderately constrained dispersal between areas without direct land connections describe the phylogeographical history of the family with higherDECandDEC+J lnL scores than uniform matrices.Main conclusionsUrocoptids constitute an old element of the Greater Antillean biota, predating a proposedGAARlandia landspan connection to South America. The biogeographical history and evolution of Urocoptidae were shaped primarily by the geographical distribution of Caribbean landmasses, in combination with occasional oversea dispersal. Oversea dispersal allowed colonization of palaeogeographically isolated areas, such as Jamaica and present‐day western Cuba, where presumably the absence of ecological competitors led to independent radiations into similar shell types.
Optimization of an Air‐Drying Process to Obtain a Dehydrated Naranjita (Citrus Mitis B.) Pomace Product With High Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Delgado‐Nieblas C.I. , Zazueta‐Morales J.J. , Ahumada‐Aguilar J.A. , Aguilar‐Palazuelos E. , Carrillo‐López A. , Jacobo‐Valenzuela N. , Telis‐Romero J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe objective of this work was to optimize the effect of drying temperature (DT; 50–84C) and air velocity (AV; 0.48–1.32 m/s) on physicochemical and nutrimental properties of a dehydrated naranjita (Citrus mitis B.) pomace product. A hot‐air dryer and the response surface methodology for data analysis were used. When DT was increased, the time to reach equilibrium moisture decreased. The lowest total color difference was presented at intermediate DT and AV, whereas the highest content of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and retention of total carotenoids were presented combining high DT and low AV. The drying process increased total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, and decreased retention of total carotenoids, compared with fresh material. The optimal area was in the range of 59.51–75.31C (DT) and 0.68–1.25 m/s (AV), obtaining a dehydrated naranjita pomace product with appropriated physicochemical and nutrimental properties, which was used as ingredient for making breakfast cereals, which presented good sensory acceptability.Practical ApplicationsThe dehydrated naranjita pomace product (DNP) obtained in this study provides an important solution to the problem of the environmental pollution derived from the by‐products that are wasted during the citrus processing. The DNP might improve the nutritional properties in different foods when added as a supplementary ingredient because of its important levels of dietary fiber, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, DNP could enhance sensory attributes because it provides an attractive orange color and citrus flavor, making it appropriate for the production of foods such as breakfast cereals, enriched snacks, bakery products, jams and desserts.
Shank3 is localized in axons and presynaptic specializations of developing hippocampal neurons and involved in the modulation of NMDA receptor levels at axon terminals
Authors: Halbedl Sonja , Schoen Michael , Feiler Marisa S , Boeckers Tobias M , Schmeisser Michael J 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAutism‐related Shank1, Shank2, and Shank3 are major postsynaptic scaffold proteins of excitatory glutamatergic synapses. A few studies, however, have already indicated that within a neuron, the presence of Shank family members is not limited to the postsynaptic density. By separating axons from dendrites of developing hippocampal neurons in microfluidic chambers, we show that RNA of all three Shank family members is present within axons. Immunostaining confirms these findings as all three Shanks are indeed found within separated axons and further co‐localize with well‐known proteins of the presynaptic specialization in axon terminals. Therefore, Shank proteins might not only serve as postsynaptic scaffold proteins, but also play a crucial role during axonal outgrowth and presynaptic development and function. This is supported by our findings that shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Shank3 results in up‐regulation of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN1 in axon terminals. Taken together, our findings will have major implications for the future analysis of neuronal Shank biology in both health and disease.
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Shank1, Shank2, and Shank3 are major postsynaptic scaffold proteins of excitatory glutamatergic synapses strongly related to several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, a few studies have already implicated a functional role of the Shanks beyond the postsynaptic density (PSD). We here show that all three Shanks are localized in both axons and pre‐synaptic specializiations of developing hippocampal neurons in culture. We further provide evidence that Shank3 is involved in the modulation of NMDA receptor levels at axon terminals. Taken together, our study will open up novel avenues for the future analysis of neuronal Shank biology in both health and disease.
Nurses perspectives on long‐term condition self‐management: a qualitative study
Authors: Wilkinson Mandy , Whitehead Lisa , Crowe Marie 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study explored nurses' attitudes, views and beliefs about their role in long‐term condition self‐management.BackgroundNurses are well‐placed to assist individuals in long‐term condition self‐management. Yet, there is limited research exploring underlying beliefs of nurses regarding their role in long‐term condition self‐management and how those beliefs may impact on the practice of self‐management.DesignA descriptive, cross‐sectional qualitative design.ParticipantsA purposive sample of nurses (n = 14) working in primary care and secondary care settings in New Zealand.MethodsOne focus group and two interviews were conducted. Data were analysed through thematic analysis by the three authors.ResultsAll nurses interviewed described promoting patient self‐management of long‐term conditions and the approaches they took to do so in practice. The nurses described a strong sense of accountability in relation to their practice. They worked to ensure patient follow‐up and referrals as necessary and described themselves as lynch pins in the management of long‐term conditions. Nurses also recognised that patients would engage at different levels in the self‐management process. However, the sense of accountability did raise a question around the balance between professional accountability and responsibility for the management of the condition and the reality of nurses' ability to work with patients as partners in the self‐management of long‐term conditions.ConclusionsNurses described both understanding of the importance of promoting patient self‐management but also a strong sense of professional accountability to provide quality care. Nurses recognised that they needed to work to find a balance between these two positions.Relevance to clinical practiceIn order for nurses to work as an advocate to support optimal care it is vital that nurses recognise where patient's boundaries and capabilities lie. Nurses are at risk of blurring the boundaries and may not always support people to make choices that promote and/or maintain “self” control (or autonomy) in long‐term condition management.
Testing Family Stress and Family Investment Explanations for Conduct Problems Among African American Adolescents
Authors: Simons Leslie Gordon , Wickrama K. A. S. , Lee T. K. , Landers‐Potts Melissa , Cutrona Carolyn , Conger Rand D. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe recent U.S. recession has resulted in higher rates of unemployment, underemployment, and child poverty, with African Americans disproportionately represented among the financially disadvantaged. Although past research has established the relationship between family financial hardship and various child adjustment problems, African Americans remain an understudied group. In the current study the authors used longitudinal data from the Family and Community Health Study (n = 422), an all African American sample, to investigate the impact of economic distress on adolescent conduct problems. They examined the extent to which this relationship can be explained by 2 frequently employed models: (a) the family stress model and (b) the family investment model. The authors extend past research by assessing the relative contributions of each model while controlling for the paths proposed by the other model. The results suggest that the family processes identified by the family stress model provide a more accurate explanation for why economic hardship is associated with increased conduct problems among African American adolescents.
Long-term administration of tenofovir or emtricitabine to pregnant rats; effect on Abcb1a, Abcb1b and Abcg2 expression in the placenta and in maternal and fetal organs
Authors: Cerveny Lukas , Neumanova Zuzana , Karbanova Sara , Havlova Ivana , Staud Frantisek 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Tenofovir and emtricitabine are very effective and well-tolerated antiretrovirals representing current backbone of the antiretroviral combination regimens for the prevention of perinatal HIV transmission. The aim of our study was to determine whether tenofovir or emtricitabine administered in long-term fashion affect expression of two widely described pharmacokinetic determinants, P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2), in maternal or fetal biological tissues.

Methods
For this purpose, pregnant Wistar rats were administered tenofovir (2.25 mg/kg/day), emtricitabine (3.5 mg/kg/day) or saline i.m. for 10 days (from the 12th to 21st gestation day). On the 22nd day, the placenta and maternal/fetal intestine, brain, kidneys and liver were sampled and analysed for Abcb1a, Abcb1b and Abcg2 expression; placental and newborns' weights were also monitored.

Key findings
We found that long-term application of tenofovir or emtricitabine did not significantly affect expression of Abcb1a, Abcb1b and Abcg2 in either maternal or fetal organs. However, tenofovir administration significantly increased placenta-to-birthweight ratio, a strong indicator of various diseases occurring later in life.

Conclusions
Our data broaden current knowledge on safety profile of tenofovir and emtricitabine use in pregnancy. Nevertheless, further research in other mammal species, including humans, is important to fully elucidate this issue.
Bone morphogenetic protein-2 and bone therapy: successes and pitfalls
Authors: Poon Bonnie , Kha Tram , Tran Sally , Dass Crispin R 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), more specifically BMP-2, are being increasingly used in orthopaedic surgery due to advanced research into osteoinductive factors that may enhance and improve bone therapy. There are many areas in therapy that BMP-2 is being applied to, including dental treatment, open tibial fractures, cancer and spinal surgery. Within these areas of treatment, there are many reports of successes and pitfalls. This review explores the use of BMP-2 and its successes, pitfalls and future prospects in bone therapy.

Methods
The PubMed database was consulted to compile this review.

Key findings
With successes in therapy, there were descriptions of a more rapid healing time with no signs of rejection or infection attributed to BMP-2 treatment. Pitfalls included BMP-2 ‘off-label’ use, which lead to various adverse effects.

Conclusions
Our search highlighted that optimising treatment with BMP-2 is a direction that many researchers are exploring, with areas of current research interest including concentration and dose of BMP-2, carrier type and delivery.
Soil aeration, water deficit, nitrogen availability, acidity and temperature all contribute to shaping tree species distribution in temperate forests
Authors: Piedallu Christian , Gégout Jean‐Claude , Lebourgeois François , Seynave Ingrid 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimKnowledge about suitable ecological conditions for tree species remains largely incomplete. We aim to quantify and compare suitable environmental conditions for some of the most common tree species in Europe using a modelling approach and a large array of predictors that describe the different dimensions of the environmental niche.LocationFrance.MethodsUsing a large database of 46 768 plots distributed across France (550 000 km2), we compared the performance of 61 physiologically relevant predictors that describe temperature, soil nutrient supply, soil water availability and aeration at fine spatial resolution to model the distribution of 32 tree species. To allow some comparisons between species along the same gradients, the most efficient predictors were determined and used to characterize the species requirements.ResultsMean annual temperature, soil water deficit, soil pH, C/N and temporary and permanent waterlogging gave the best performances. The efficiency of species distribution models based on these six variables was comparable to models calibrated with 61 variables. For the first time, those models provide a unique quantitative framework of homogeneous information concerning the requirements for a large number of tree species.ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of soil descriptors to shape plant distribution and allow each species to delineate areas inside the climate envelope with favourable nutritional and moisture conditions. These results emphasize a gap between existing studies on species distribution, mainly based on large‐scale climatic predictors, and empirical knowledge or existing practices where soil is recognized as a main driver.
Follow‐up of patients with chronic hepatitis C and a sustained viral response
Authors: Serfaty Lawrence 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPatients with chronic hepatitis C who achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) after antiviral treatment have improved survival and liver‐related morbidity compared to non‐SVR patients. However, long‐term follow‐up studies in SVR patients have shown that the regression of fibrosis varies and the risk of liver‐related complications remains, even in the absence of cirrhosis. While patients with cirrhosis are still at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity or alcohol consumption may play a major role in the outcome of liver disease in SVR patients without cirrhosis. The risk of re‐infection is high in patients with a persistent risk of contamination such as IV drug users or men who have sex with men. Thus, in the era of highly efficient DAAs regimens, monitoring after a cure of HCV infection remains a major challenge in SVR patients. This review describes long‐term HCV infection and liver‐related outcomes in SVR patients, as well as the profile of patients who are still at risk of progression, and monitoring techniques including non‐invasive markers for the assessment of fibrosis.