bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NURBS: a database of experimental and predicted nuclear receptor binding sites of mouse
Authors: Fang Yaping , Liu Hui-Xin , Zhang Ning , Guo Grace L. , Wan Yu-Jui Yvonne , Fang Jianwen 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Summary: Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a class of transcription factors playing important roles in various biological processes. An NR often impacts numerous genes and different NRs share overlapped target networks. To fulfil the need for a database incorporating binding sites of different NRs at various conditions for easy comparison and visualization to improve our understanding of NR binding mechanisms, we have developed NURBS, a database for experimental and predicted nuclear receptor binding sites of mouse (NURBS). NURBS currently contains binding sites across the whole-mouse genome of 8 NRs identified in 40 chromatin immunoprecipitation with massively parallel DNA sequencing experiments. All datasets are processed using a widely used procedure and same statistical criteria to ensure the binding sites derived from different datasets are comparable. NURBS also provides predicted binding sites using NR-HMM, a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) model.
Availability: The GBrowse-based user interface of NURBS is freely accessible at http://shark.abl.ku.edu/nurbs/. NR-HMM and all results can be downloaded for free at the website.
Contact: jwfang@ku.edu
Defective mitochondrial disulfide relay system, altered mitochondrial morphology and function in Huntington's disease
Authors: Napoli Eleonora , Wong Sarah , Hung Connie , Ross-Inta Catherine , Bomdica Prithvi , Giulivi Cecilia 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A number of studies have been conducted that link mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) to Huntington's disease (HD); however, contradicting results had resulted in a lack of a clear mechanism that links expression of mutant Huntingtin protein and MD. Mouse homozygous (HM) and heterozygous (HT) mutant striatal cells with two or one allele encoding for a mutant huntingtin protein with 111 polyGln repeats showed a significant impairment of the mitochondrial disulfide relay system (MDRS). This system (consisting of two proteins, Gfer and Mia40) is involved in the mitochondrial import of Cys-rich proteins. The Gfer-to-Mia40 ratio was significantly altered in HM cells compared with controls, along with the expression of mitochondrial proteins considered substrates of the MDRS. In progenitors and differentiated neuron-like HM cells, impairment of MDRS were accompanied by deficient oxidative phosphorylation, Complex I, IV and V activities, decreased mtDNA copy number and transcripts, accumulation of mtDNA deletions and changes in mitochondrial morphology, consistent with other MDRS-deficient biological models, thus providing a framework for the energy deficits observed in this HD model. The majority (&gt;90%) of the mitochondrial outcomes exhibited a gene–dose dependency with the expression of mutant Htt. Finally, decreases in the mtDNA copy number, along with the accumulation of mtDNA deletions, provide a mechanism for the progressive neurodegeneration observed in HD patients.
Employment Tribunals and the Civil Courts: Isomorphism Exemplified
Authors: Corby Susan , Latreille Paul L. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This article traces the evolution of Employment Tribunals (ETs) in Great Britain over the last 50 years from distinctive and comparatively informal bodies to their proposed merger with the ‘ordinary’ civil courts. This reflects the tendency of an organisation to become similar to another organisation where both are in the same organisational field: institutional isomorphism. Such isomorphism occurs because of coercive pressures by the body controlling the organisation’s resources, in this case government. Such isomorphism occurs also because of mimetic pressures; in this case the relatively newly established ETs have adopted the paradigm of the long-established civil courts, and because of normative pressures due to the common values held by judges in ETs and judges in the civil courts arising from their common legal training, legal apprenticeship and role socialisation. The article then argues that this isomorphism has contributed to the juridification of employment relations.
Comparison of the performance of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose in identifying dysglycaemic status in Chinese high‐risk subjects
Authors: Du Ting‐Ting , Yin Ping , Zhang Jian‐Hua , Zhang Dan , Shi Wei , Yu Xue‐Feng 
Published: November 2012

Summary

The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in identifying dysglycaemic status among Chinese participants.

Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were measured in 2318 subjects with at least one risk factor for diabetes but without being previously diagnosed with diabetes.

Using HbA1c to diagnose diabetes resulted in the same classification as FPG for 90.5% of the study participants, with 21.0% (n = 487) classified as having diabetes by both FPG and HbA1c and 69.5% (n = 1610) classified as not having diabetes by both FPG and HbA1c. The kappa (κ) coefficient of the FPG criterion with the HbA1c criterion for diabetes was 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.78). The overlap index regarding diabetes diagnosed by FPG or HbA1c was 68.8%. Of 1610 subjects with FPG < 126 mg/dL and HbA1c < 6.5%, 220 (13.7%) had FPG ≥ 100 mg/dL and HbA1c < 5.7%, whereas 277 (17.2%) had FPG < 100 mg/dL and HbA1c ≥ 5.7%. The κ coefficient of the FPG criterion with the HbA1c criterion for prediabetes was 0.30 (95% CI 0.25–0.35). The overlap index between subjects diagnosed as having prediabetes by FPG of 100–125 mg/dL (impaired fasting glucose (IFG)) or HbA1c of 5.7–6.4% (increased HbA1c (IGH)) was 35.9%.

The HbA1c criterion demonstrates reasonable concordance with the FPG criterion for diabetes. Hence, HbA1c and FPG can be used for the diagnosis of diabetes. However, the IGH shows limited overlap with IFG for prediabetes. Introduction of the IGH criterion in addition to IFG for the screening of prediabetes could lead to the identification of more people with this condition.
Pregnancy outcome following maternal exposure to statins: a multicentre prospective study
Authors: Winterfeld U , Allignol A , Panchaud A , Rothuizen LE , Merlob P , Cuppers‐Maarschalkerweerd B , Vial T , Stephens S , Clementi M , De Santis M , Pistelli A , Berlin M , Eleftheriou G , Maňáková E , Buclin T 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveThis contribution addresses the risk associated with exposure to statins during pregnancy.DesignMulticentre observational prospective controlled study.SettingEuropean Network of Teratology Information Services.PopulationPregnant women who contacted one of 11 participating centres, seeking advice about exposure to statins during pregnancy, or to agents known to be nonteratogenic.MethodsPregnancies exposed during first trimester to statins were followed up prospectively, and their outcomes were compared with a matched control group.Main outcome measuresRates of major birth defects, live births, miscarriages, elective terminations, preterm deliveries and gestational age and birthweight at delivery.ResultsWe collected observations from 249 exposed pregnancies and 249 controls. The difference in the rate of major birth defects between the statin‐exposed and the control groups was small and statistically nonsignificant (4.1% versus 2.7% odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.5–4.5, P = 0.43). In an adjusted Cox model, the difference between miscarriage rates was also small and not significant (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% CI 0.63–2.93, P = 0.43). Premature birth was more frequent in exposed pregnancies (16.1% versus 8.5%; OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.8, P = 0.019). Nonetheless, median gestational age at birth (39 weeks, interquartile range [IQR] 37–40 versus 39 weeks, IQR 38–40, P = 0.27) and birth weight (3280 g, IQR 2835–3590 versus 3250 g, IQR 2880–3630, P = 0.95) did not differ between exposed and non‐exposed pregnancies.ConclusionsThis study did not detect a teratogenic effect of statins. Its statistical power remains insufficient to challenge current recommendations of treatment discontinuation during pregnancy.
Tolerance to nitroglycerin through proteasomal down‐regulation of aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 in a genetic mouse model of ascorbate deficiency
Authors: Wölkart G , Beretta M , Wenzl MV , Stessel H , Schmidt K , Maeda N , Mayer B , Schrammel A 
Published: November 2012

Background and PurposeL‐gulonolactone oxidase‐deficient (Gulo(‐/‐)) mice were used to study the effects of ascorbate deficiency on aortic relaxation by nitroglycerin (GTN) with focus on changes in the expression and activity of vascular aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2), which catalyses GTN bioactivation.Experimental ApproachAscorbate deficiency was induced in Gulo(‐/‐) mice by ascorbate deprivation for 4 weeks. Some of the animals were concomitantly treated with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and effects compared with ascorbate‐supplemented Gulo(‐/‐), untreated or nitrate‐tolerant wild‐type mice. Aortic relaxation of the experimental groups to GTN, ACh and a NO donor was studied. Changes in mRNA and protein expression of vascular ALDH2 were quantified by qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively, and aortic GTN denitration rates determined.Key ResultsLike GTN treatment, ascorbate deprivation induced vascular tolerance to GTN that was associated with markedly decreased rates of GTN denitration. Ascorbate deficiency did not affect ALDH2 mRNA levels, but reduced ALDH2 protein expression and the total amount of ubiquitinated proteins to about 40% of wild‐type controls. These effects were largely prevented by ascorbate supplementation or treating Gulo(‐/‐) mice with the 26S proteasome inhibitor bortezomib.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data indicate that ascorbate deficiency results in vascular tolerance to GTN via proteasomal degradation of ALDH2. The results support the view that impaired ALDH2‐catalysed metabolism of GTN contributes significantly to the development of vascular nitrate tolerance and reveal a hitherto unrecognized protective effect of ascorbate in the vasculature.
Parental Socioeconomic Status, Communication, and Children's Vocabulary Development: A Third‐Generation Test of the Family Investment Model
Authors: Sohr‐Preston Sara L. , Scaramella Laura V. , Martin Monica J. , Neppl Tricia K. , Ontai Lenna , Conger Rand 
Published: November 2012

This third‐generation, longitudinal study evaluated a family investment perspective on family socioeconomic status (SES), parental investments in children, and child development. The theoretical framework was tested for first‐generation parents (G1), their children (G2), and the children of the second generation (G3). G1 SES was expected to predict clear and responsive parental communication. Parental investments were expected to predict educational attainment and parenting for G2 and vocabulary development for G3. For the 139 families in the study, data were collected when G2 were adolescents and early adults and their oldest biological child (G3) was 3–4 years of age. The results demonstrate the importance of SES and parental investments for the development of children and adolescents across multiple generations.
Reasons for Marginal Bone Loss around Oral Implants
Authors: Qian Jie , Wennerberg Ann , Albrektsson Tomas 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe reasons for long‐term marginal bone loss around oral implants are not well understood.PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyze presented evidence behind anticipated reasons for long‐term marginal bone loss around oral implants.Materials and MethodsA computerized research was conducted onPubMed inApril 2011 with the following keywords: oral implants and marginal bone resorption/crestal bone loss/bone loss/bone resorption. This search resulted in a total of one thousand one hundred ninety‐four papers of which seven hundred fifty‐three were clinical contributions. Further search and filtering finally resulted in 21 experimental studies and one hundred sixteen clinical studies, which were reviewed.ResultsNo evidence was found that primary infection caused marginal bone resorption. Clinical papers that have reported high levels of peri‐implantitis were not supported by data given. Clinical evidence was presented that the so‐called combined factors (implant hardware, clinical handling, and patient characteristics) may lead to marginal bone resorption. However, once tissue damage has been caused by combined factors, inflammation and/or infection may develop secondarily and then result in peri‐implantitis that may need particular clinical treatment.ConclusionsAs marginal bone loss primarily depends on numerous background factors, it seems logical that, for example, the use of poorly constructed implants placed and handled by untrained clinicians may result in high numbers of patients with secondary problems in form of peri‐implantitis; having said this, control of combined factors may likewise lead to very good clinical results where peri‐implantitis would represent a very rare disease indeed even at follow‐up times of 10 years or more.
C‐reactive protein and incidence of type 2 diabetes in the Pizarra study
Authors: Rubio‐Martín Elehazara , Soriguer Federico , Gutiérrez‐Repiso Carolina , Garrido‐Sánchez Lourdes , de Adana Marisol S. Ruíz , García‐Fuentes Eduardo , Morcillo Sonsoles , Esteva Isabel , Chaves Felipe J , Rojo‐Martinez Gemma 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimTo determine the association between serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a prospective cohort from southern Spain (Pizarra study).Materials and methodsThe study formed part of the Pizarra cohort study, a prospective study started in 1995 with a follow‐up of 11 years. Anthropometric and metabolic variables were measured at baseline and at 6 years and 11 years of follow‐up. All subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. Serum levels of TNFα and its receptors, hs‐CRP, IL‐6, leptin, adiponectin and FABP4 were measured at 6 years of follow‐up.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex and obesity, subjects with levels of hs‐CRP> 2.9 mg/L in the second study (2003–4) had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes by the third study (2008–9) (OR = 7.97; 95% CI = 1.72–36.89; P = 0.008), and subjects with adiponectin levels > 13.2 mg/L had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.23, P = 0.02). High values of hs‐CRP and high values of adiponectin were associated positively (OR = 8.26; 95% CI = 1.84–37.19; P = 0.006) and negatively (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.04–0.69; P = 0.01), respectively, with the risk of having HbA1c ≥ 6.5% at 11 years of follow‐up.ConclusionsSubjects with high serum hs‐CRP levels and low serum adiponectin levels have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within five years.
Why do hospitalized older adults take risks that may lead to falls?
Authors: Haines Terry P , Lee Den‐Ching Angel , O'Connell Beverly , McDermott Fiona , Hoffmann Tammy 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe behaviour of hospitalized older adults can contribute to falls, a common adverse event during and after hospitalization.ObjectiveTo understand why older adults take risks that may lead to falls in the hospital setting and in the transition period following discharge home.DesignQualitative research.Setting and participantsHospital patients from inpatient medical and rehabilitation wards (n = 16), their informal caregivers (n = 8), and health professionals (n = 33) recruited from Southern Health hospital facilities, Victoria, Australia.Main variables studiedPerceived motivations for, and factors contributing to risk taking that may lead to falls.Main outcome measuresSemi‐structured, in depth interviews and focus groups were used to generate qualitative data. Interviews were conducted both 2 weeks post‐hospitalization and 3 months post‐hospitalization.ResultsRisk taking was classified as; (i) enforced (ii) voluntary and informed and (iii) voluntary and mal informed. Five key factors that influence risk taking behaviour were (i) risk compensation ability of the older adult, (ii) willingness to ask for help, (iii) older adult desire to test their physical boundaries, (iv) communication failure between and within older adults, informal care givers and health professionals and (v) delayed provision of help.Discussion and ConclusionTension exists between taking risks as a part of rehabilitation and the effect it has on likelihood of falling. Health professionals and caregivers played a central role in mitigating unnecessary risk taking, though some older adults appear more likely to take risks than others by virtue of their attitudes.
Developing SyrinOX total antioxidant capacity assay for measuring antioxidants in humans
Authors: Prasetyo Endry N. , Knes Otto , Nyanhongo Gibson S. , Guebitz Georg M. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryAccurate monitoring of the antioxidant status or of oxidative stress in patients is still a big challenge in clinical laboratories. This study investigates the possibility of applying a newly developed total antioxidant capacity assay method based on laccase or peroxidase oxidized syringaldazine [Tetramethoxy azobismethylene quinone (TMAMQ)] which is referred to here as SyrinOX, as a diagnostic tool for monitoring both oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients. Attempts to adapt the Randox total antioxidant procedure [simultaneous incubation of the radical generating system (metmyoglobin and H2O2) and antioxidant sample] for SyrinOX were abandoned after it was discovered that the H2O2 reacted with enzymatically generated TMAMQ and ABTS radicals at a rate of 6.4 × 10−2/μM/s and 5.7 × 10−3/μM/s respectively. Thus this study for the first time demonstrates the negative effects of H2O2 in the Randox system. This leads to erroneous results because the total antioxidant values obtained are the sum of radicals reduced by antioxidants plus those reacting with the radical generating system. Therefore they should be avoided not only for this particular method but also when using other similar methods. Consequently, SyrinOX is best applied using a three‐step approach involving, production of TMAMQ, recovery and purification (free from enzyme and other impurities) and then using TMAMQ for measuring the total antioxidant capacity of samples. Using this approach, the reaction conditions for application of SyrinOX when measuring the total antioxidant capacity of plasma sample were determined to be 50% (v/v) ethanol/50 mM sodium succinate buffer pH 5.5, between 20 and 25 °C for at least 1 h.
Local expression of interleukin‐2 by B16 melanoma cells results in decreased tumour growth and long‐term tumour dormancy
Authors: Gerber Scott A. , Sorensen Elizabeth W. , Sedlacek Abigail L. , Lim Joanne Y. H. , Skrombolas Denise , Frelinger John G. , Lord Edith M. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe tumour microenvironment is complex containing not only neoplastic cells but also a variety of host cells. The heterogeneous infiltrating immune cells include subsets of cells with opposing functions, whose activities are mediated either directly or through the cytokines they produce. Systemic delivery of cytokines such as interleukin‐2 ( IL‐2) has been used clinically to enhance anti‐tumour responses, but these molecules are generally thought to have evolved to act locally in a paracrine fashion. In this study we examined the effect of local production of IL‐2 on the growth and the immune response to B16 melanoma cells. We found that the local production of IL‐2 enhances the number of interferon‐γ‐expressing CD8 T and natural killer cells in the tumour, as well as inducing expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 on tumour vessels. These responses were largely absent in interferon‐γ knockout mice. The expression of IL‐2 in the tumour microenvironment decreases tumour growth despite also enhancing Foxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T cells and anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐10. Higher levels of IL‐2 in the tumour microenvironment eliminated the progressive growth of the B16 cells in vivo, and this inhibition was dependent on the presence of either T cells or, to a lesser extent, natural killer cells. Surprisingly however, the B16 tumours were not completely eliminated but instead were controlled for an extended period of time, suggesting that a form of tumour dormancy was established.
Serine biosynthesis by photorespiratory and non‐photorespiratory pathways: an interesting interplay with unknown regulatory networks
Authors: Ros R. , Cascales‐Miñana B. , Segura J. , Anoman A. D. , Toujani W. , Flores‐Tornero M. , Rosa‐Tellez S. , Muñoz‐Bertomeu J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPhotorespiration is a primary metabolic pathway, which, given its energy costs, has often been viewed as a wasteful process. Despite having reached the consensus that one important function of photorespiration is the removal of toxic metabolite intermediates, other possible functions have emerged, and others could well emerge in the future. As a primary metabolic pathway, photorespiration interacts with other routes; however the nature of these interactions is not well known. One of these interacting pathways could be the biosynthesis of serine, since this amino acid is synthesised through photorespiratory and non‐photorespiratory routes. At present, the exact contribution of each route to serine supply in different tissues and organs, their biological significance and how pathways are integrated and/or regulated remain unknown. Here, we review the non‐photorespiratory serine biosynthetic pathways, their interactions with the photorespiratory pathway, their putative role in plants and their biotechnological interest.
In situ and intraductal epithelial proliferations of prostate: definitions and treatment implications
Authors: Clouston David , Bolton Damien 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
High‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is an intracellular proliferation of ductal epithelial cells. On its own, the presence of HGPIN does not warrant active intervention.
In contrast, intraductal carcinoma of prostate and prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma of prostate are markers of aggressive prostatic adenocarcinoma.
The presence of even small foci of these tumours on biopsy warrants immediate intervention, even in the absence of demonstrable invasive disease.
This second part of the review of in situ epithelial proliferations of the prostate looks at these conditions in more detail.
Newer and novel artificial urinary sphincters (AUS): the development of alternatives to the current AUS device
Authors: Chung Eric , Ranaweera Matheesha , Cartmill Ross 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIntroduction
The current artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), AMS 800™ (American Medical Systems, Minnesota, MN, USA) is considered the standard of care for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI).
While the long‐term effectiveness, safety, and durability of the current model of the AMS 800 are well documented, it is not without its limitations and complications. Over the last few years, improvements in design and innovative research into AUS devices have increased the treatment arsenal in male UI.
Methods
Articles from peer‐reviewed journals, abstracts from scientific meetings and electronic literature searches formed the basis of this review.
Results
Newer AUS models, e.g. FlowSecure™, Zephyr™, Pro‐ACT™ and other novel experimental AUS devices, are designed to simulate a healthy human sphincter and address the limitation of the existing AMS 800 device.
Conclusions
Newer and novel AUS models are innovative and showed promising outcomes in short‐ to intermediate‐term follow‐up.
However, there exists the need for prospective randomised clinical trials and complete reporting of adverse and long‐term results before these AUS models can replace the existing AMS 800 device.
Integrating disparate snippets of information in an approach to PSA testing in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Gardiner Robert (‘Frank’) A. , Yaxley John , Baade Peter D. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
An invited response to ‘Stricker PD, Frydenberg M, Kneebone A, Chopra S. Informed prostate cancer risk‐adjusted testing: a new paradigm’.