bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active ERK2 is sufficient to mediate growth arrest and differentiation signaling
Authors: Wu Pui–Kei , Hong Seung–Keun , Yoon Seung–Hee , Park Jong–In 
Published: January 2015

Although extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2) have been shown to be required in Raf/MEK/ERK pathway signaling, its sufficiency for mediating the pathway signaling has not been firmly established. In an effort to address this, we evaluated previously described ERK2 mutants that exhibit enhanced autophosphorylation of TEY sites in the activation loop in terms of their ability to induce growth arrest and differentiation in LNCaP and PC12 cells. We demonstrate that expression of ERK2‐L73P/S151D, containing Lys73Pro and Ser151Asp substitutions that synergistically promote ERK autophosphorylation, is sufficient to induce growth arrest and differentiation, whereas expression of ERK2‐I84A and ERK2‐R65S/D319N is not as effective. When compared to the constitutively active MEK1‐ΔN3/S218E/S222D, expression of ERK2‐L73P/S151D only mildly increased ERK kinase activity in cells, as assessed using the ERK substrates p90RSK and ETS domain‐containing protein (ELK1). However, ERK2‐L73P/S151D expression effectively induced down‐regulation of androgen receptors, Retinoblastoma (Rb) protein and E2F1 transcription factor, and up‐regulation of p16INK4A and p21CIP1, accompanied by cell‐cycle arrest and morphological differentiation in LNCaP cells and neurite‐like processes in PC12 cells. These effects and the TEY site phosphorylation of ERK2‐L73P/S151D were abrogated upon introduction of the active site‐disabling Lys52Arg mutation, suggesting that its autoactivation drives this signaling. Moreover, introduction of mutations Asp316/319Ala or Asp319Asn, which impair the common docking site/D‐domain‐based physical interaction of ERK, did not significantly affect ERK2‐L73P/S151D signaling, suggesting that ERK2 mediates growth arrest and differentiation independently of the conventional ERK–target interaction mechanism. Thus, our study presents convincing evidence of ERK sufficiency for Raf/MEK/ERK signaling.
Mapping global cropland and field size
Authors: Fritz Steffen , See Linda , McCallum Ian , You Liangzhi , Bun Andriy , Moltchanova Elena , Duerauer Martina , Albrecht Fransizka , Schill Christian , Perger Christoph , Havlik Petr , Mosnier Aline , Thornton Philip , Wood‐Sichra Ulrike , Herrero Mario , Becker‐Reshef Inbal , Justice Chris , Hansen Matthew , Gong Peng , Abdel Aziz Sheta , Cipriani Anna , Cumani Renato , Cecchi Giuliano , Conchedda Giulia , Ferreira Stefanus , Gomez Adriana , Haffani Myriam , Kayitakire Francois , Malanding Jaiteh , Mueller Rick , Newby Terence , Nonguierma Andre , Olusegun Adeaga , Ortner Simone , Rajak D. Ram , Rocha Jansle , Schepaschenko Dmitry , Schepaschenko Maria , Terekhov Alexey , Tiangwa Alex , Vancutsem Christelle , Vintrou Elodie , Wenbin Wu , van der Velde Marijn , Dunwoody Antonia , Kraxner Florian , Obersteiner Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA new 1 km global IIASA‐IFPRI cropland percentage map for the baseline year 2005 has been developed which integrates a number of individual cropland maps at global to regional to national scales. The individual map products include existing global land cover maps such as GlobCover 2005 and MODIS v.5, regional maps such as AFRICOVER and national maps from mapping agencies and other organizations. The different products are ranked at the national level using crowdsourced data from Geo‐Wiki to create a map that reflects the likelihood of cropland. Calibration with national and subnational crop statistics was then undertaken to distribute the cropland within each country and subnational unit. The new IIASA‐IFPRI cropland product has been validated using very high‐resolution satellite imagery via Geo‐Wiki and has an overall accuracy of 82.4%. It has also been compared with the EarthStat cropland product and shows a lower root mean square error on an independent data set collected from Geo‐Wiki. The first ever global field size map was produced at the same resolution as the IIASA‐IFPRI cropland map based on interpolation of field size data collected via a Geo‐Wiki crowdsourcing campaign. A validation exercise of the global field size map revealed satisfactory agreement with control data, particularly given the relatively modest size of the field size data set used to create the map. Both are critical inputs to global agricultural monitoring in the frame of GEOGLAM and will serve the global land modelling and integrated assessment community, in particular for improving land use models that require baseline cropland information. These products are freely available for downloading from the http://cropland.geo-wiki.org website.
Calcification is not the Achilles’ heel of cold‐water corals in an acidifying ocean
Authors: Rodolfo‐Metalpa Riccardo , Montagna Paolo , Aliani Stefano , Borghini Mireno , Canese Simonepietro , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Foggo Andy , Milazzo Marco , Taviani Marco , Houlbrèque Fanny 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOcean acidification is thought to be a major threat to coral reefs: laboratory evidence and CO2 seep research has shown adverse effects on many coral species, although a few are resilient. There are concerns that cold‐water corals are even more vulnerable as they live in areas where aragonite saturation (Ωara) is lower than in the tropics and is falling rapidly due to CO2 emissions. Here, we provide laboratory evidence that net (gross calcification minus dissolution) and gross calcification rates of three common cold‐water corals, Caryophyllia smithii, Dendrophyllia cornigera, and Desmophyllum dianthus, are not affected by pCO2 levels expected for 2100 (pCO2 1058 μatm, Ωara 1.29), and nor are the rates of skeletal dissolution in D. dianthus. We transplanted D. dianthus to 350 m depth (pHT 8.02; pCO2 448 μatm, Ωara 2.58) and to a 3 m depth CO2 seep in oligotrophic waters (pHT 7.35; pCO2 2879 μatm, Ωara 0.76) and found that the transplants calcified at the same rates regardless of the pCO2 confirming their resilience to acidification, but at significantly lower rates than corals that were fed in aquaria. Our combination of field and laboratory evidence suggests that ocean acidification will not disrupt cold‐water coral calcification although falling aragonite levels may affect other organismal physiological and/or reef community processes.
Unlimited unskilled labour and the sex segregation of occupations in Jamaica
Authors: RICKETTS Heather E. , BERNARD David V. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn the developing world, standard measures of occupational segregation by sex may be deeply misleading because of structural, cultural and historical differences between developing countries and the developed countries that often feature in studies of segregation. In Jamaica in particular, the legacy of slavery has made female labour an integral part of the workforce for centuries – whereas large‐scale female participation in the developed countries can only be measured in decades. The authors find that the country's large, undifferentiated pools of unskilled labour ironically translate into lower levels of occupational segregation, with women outpacing men in the professional categories.
Efficacy of homecare regimens for mechanical plaque removal in managing gingivitis a meta review
Authors: Van der Weijden Fridus A. , Slot Dagmar E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFocused questionBased on evidence as presented in systematic reviews what is the efficacy and safety of available homecare toothbrush regimens for mechanical plaque removal on plaque and gingivitis in adults?Material & MethodsThree Internet sources were used (up to and including August 2014) to search for appropriate papers that satisfied the study purpose. Plaque scores and gingivitis scores were considered to be the primary parameter of interest. Safety was considered an important facet in relation to efficacy. Data and conclusions as presented in the selected papers were extracted. The potential risk of bias was estimated and the emerging evidence was graded.ResultsIndependent screening of 176 unique reviews resulted in 10 published and eligible systematic reviews. They were categorized into one review evaluating the effect of an oral hygiene instruction with a toothbrush on plaque and gingivitis scores, five evaluating the efficacy of manual and power toothbrushes and three reviews evaluating toothbrush safety and one evaluating toothbrush contamination.ConclusionTooth brushing is effective in reducing levels of dental plaque. With respect to gingivitis power toothbrushes have a benefit over manual toothbrushes. The greatest body of evidence was available for oscillating–rotating brushes. Tooth brushing generally can be considered safe for the teeth and their investing tissues.
Evaluating Evidence Aid as a complex, multicomponent knowledge translation intervention
Authors: Mellon Dominic 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEvidence Aid, an initiative established by members of The Cochrane Collaboration in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004, celebrates its first 10 years later this year. Whilst the principles of the Evidence Aid initiative are firmly rooted in evidence‐based medicine and public health practice, the initiative itself was born of a humanitarian imperative, compassion and the expressed moral duty to help. The evidence‐base for Evidence Aid, (that is, for knowledge translation interventions focused on dissemination of evidence), was not, and is not, well‐established This article, which is based on a presentation at the Evidence Aid Symposium on 20 September 2014, at Hyderabad, India presents a unifying conceptual framework for use when researching the impact of Evidence Aid as a knowledge translation intervention. It highlights how each of the core activities can be mapped to this framework and identifies key outcomes of interest for evaluation.
Research ethics in the context of humanitarian emergencies
Authors: O'Mathúna Dónal 
Published: January 2015

AbstractResearch is needed to make responses to disasters and humanitarian emergencies more evidence‐based. Such research must also adhere to the generally accepted principles of research ethics. While research into health interventions used in disasters raises distinctive ethical concerns, seven ethical principles developed for clinical research are applied here to disaster research. Practical examples from disaster settings are used to demonstrate how these ethical principles can be applied. This reveals that research ethics needs to be seen as much more than a mechanism to obtain ethical approval for research. Research ethics involves ethical principles and governance frameworks, but must also consider the role of ethical virtues in research. Virtues are essential to ensure that researchers do what they believe is ethically right and resist what is unethical. Research ethics that truly protects participants and promotes respect needs to include training in ethical virtues to ensure disaster research is carried out to the highest ethical standards. This article is based on a presentation at the Evidence Aid Symposium on 20 September 2014, in Hyderabad, India.
Health equity in humanitarian emergencies: a role for evidence aid
Authors: Pottie Kevin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHumanitarian emergencies require a range of planned and coordinated actions: security, healthcare, and, as this article highlights, health equity responses. Health equity is an evidence‐based science that aims to address unfair and unjust health inequality outcomes. New approaches are using health equity to guide the development of community programs, equity methods are being used to identify disadvantaged groups that may face health inequities in a humanitarian emergency, and equity is being used to prevent unintended harms and consequences in interventions. Limitations to health equity approaches include acquiring sufficient data to make equity interpretations, integrating disadvantage populations in to the equity approach, and ensuring buy‐in from decision‐makers. This article uses examples from World Health Organization, Refugee Health Guidelines and Health Impact Assessment to demonstrate the emerging role for health equity in humanitarian emergencies. It is based on a presentation at the Evidence Aid Symposium, on 20 September 2014, at Hyderabad, India.
Genetic split between coastal and continental populations of gypsy moth separated byDinaricAlps
Authors: Lacković N. , Bertheau C. , Stauffer C. , Pernek M. , Avtzis D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe gypsy moth, a polyphagous herbivore species, infests mainly deciduous trees in the northern hemisphere, being invasive in North America. In Croatia, gypsy moth is infesting both continental and coastal forests, with the Dinaric Alps posing a physical migratory barrier between two regions. During outbreaks, caterpillars cause severe damages in both regions, though with different outbreak dynamics, which suggests genetic differences between populations. Representative populations from these two regions were screened by sequencing a region of the mitochondrialCOIgene. Ninety‐nine sequences resulted in seventeen haplotypes, and analyses revealed a significant genetic differentiation between coastal and continental populations, quite likely attributed to geographic isolation and post‐glacial history. This differentiation arises from significantly higher genetic variability in Mediterranean population, indicating their higher adaptability, an intriguing fact in case of possible northward range shift of gypsy moth.
Effect of submucosal fibrosis on endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal tumors: Pathologic review of 173 cases
Authors: Lee Sang Pyo , Kim Jeong Hwan , Sung In‐Kyung , Lee Sun‐Young , Park Hyung Seok , Shim Chan Sup , Han Hye Seung 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now commonly performed as a treatment for colorectal tumors. However, little is known about the relationship between submucosal fibrosis and the outcome of the colonic ESD procedure. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between the degree of submucosal fibrosis in colorectal tumors and the outcomes of ESD for these tumors and to evaluate the risk factors for submucosal fibrosis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with colorectal adenoma or carcinoma who had undergone an ESD, during a four‐year period from January 2010 to December 2013. The resected specimens were histologically examined after Masson's trichrome staining, and the severity of the submucosal fibrosis was classified as no fibrosis (F0), mild fibrosis (F1), or severe fibrosis (F2).ResultsAmong a total of 173 cases (106 male, mean age 65.0 ± 10.2 years; F0 33, F1 78, F2 62) enrolled, 46 incidences of complications (perforation 19, post‐coagulation syndrome 21, bleeding 6) had developed. Multivariate analysis revealed that F2 fibrosis was significantly associated with the development of complications. Submucosal invasion and large tumor size (≥ 30 mm) were identified as independent predictors of F2 fibrosis.ConclusionSevere fibrosis is the most powerful risk factor for complications and can interfere with en bloc resections. The possibility of submucosal fibrosis should be considered, and the procedure should be cautiously performed in cases where the tumor diameter is greater than 30 mm and when submucosal cancer is suspected.
Safety and long‐term outcomes of anatomic left hepatic trisectionectomy for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Tao , Xie Feng , Geng Li , Sui Cheng‐Jun , Dai Ding‐Hua , Shen Rong‐Xi , Yan Long , Yang Jia‐Mei 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimAnatomic left hepatic trisectionectomy (ALHT) is a complex hepatic resection, and its outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remain unclear. This paper focuses on the assessment of the safety and long‐term effects of ALHT on intermediate and advanced HCC patients with tumors that occupy the left liver lobe.MethodsThis study performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive HCC patients who underwent ALHT in a single‐center cohort between December 2004 and December 2011.ResultsALHT was performed on 34 intermediate and advanced HCC patients (0.05%) of 17 064 HCC patients who had undergone hepatic resection. Among them, 12 (33.3%) developed postoperative complications. Based on the multivariate analysis, we found that a serum prealbumin level of 170 mg/L is associated with an increased risk of morbidity (P = 0.008). The one‐year, two‐year, three‐year, and five‐year overall survival rates were 61%, 27%, 11%, and 11%, respectively. The median overall survival was 13 months (range, 2–89 months). Based on the multivariate analysis, we also found that patients with an A/G ratio < 1.5 are more likely to have poor prognosis than those with an A/G ratio ≥ 1.5 (P = 0.014). Multiple tumors are associated with worse outcomes (P = 0.020).ConclusionsALHT is safe for intermediate and advanced HCC patients with tumors that occupy the left lobe and with preoperative Child–Pugh class A liver function. Low preoperative serum prealbumin level may increase the risk of postoperative complications. Although early intrahepatic recurrence rate is high, some patients, especially those with a single tumor and normal A/G ratio, exhibit long‐term survival.
PNPLA3 polymorphisms (rs738409) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease risk and related phenotypes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Long , You Wei , Zhang Hanze , Peng Rui , Zhu Qin , Yao Aihua , Li Xiangcheng , Zhou Yebin , Wang Xuehao , Pu Liyong , Wu Jindao 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimOne single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs738409 in the patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) has been implicated in susceptibility to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) across different populations. One meta‐analysis confirmed this association, but within it, only two Asian studies were included. This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the association in Asian population.MethodsAll eligible case‐control studies were identified by searching through PubMed and Chinese language databases (CNKI and WanFang) up to July 1, 2014. Pooled estimates (odds ratio [OR] and standardized mean difference) were used to assess the strength of associations in fixed or random‐effects models.ResultsA total of 12 studies with 4495 cases and 7431 controls were included. SNP rs738409 G allele was confirmed as a risk factor for NAFLD (G allele vs C allele: OR = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.54‐2.39). In addition, based on studies with certain clinical measurements data, G allele carriers were more likely to have higher level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (standard mean difference [SMD] = 7.03, 95% CI: 2.47‐11.60), and higher fibrosis score (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.18‐0.60).ConclusionThis study provided evidence of SNP rs738409 G allele as a strong risk factor of NAFLD susceptibility and higher level of serum ALT in Asian population.
Ten‐day triple therapy versus sequential therapy versus concomitant therapy as first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Ang Tiing Leong , Fock Kwong Ming , Song Mingjun , Ang Daphne , Kwek Andrew Boon Eu , Ong Jeannie , Tan Jessica , Teo Eng Kiong , Dhamodaran Subbiah 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimClarithromycin‐based triple therapy (TT) is the first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in Singapore. There is awareness that TT may no longer be effective due to increased clarithromycin resistance rates. Sequential therapy (ST) and concomitant therapy (CT) are alternative treatment regimens. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 10‐day TT, ST, and CT as first‐line treatment for H. pylori infection.MethodsA randomized study conducted in a teaching hospital. Patients aged 21 years and older with newly diagnosed H. pylori infection were randomized to 10‐day TT, ST, or CT. Treatment outcome was assessed by 13‐carbon urea breath test at least 4 weeks after therapy. Intention to treat (ITT), modified ITT (MITT), and per protocol (PP) analyses of the eradication rates were performed.ResultsA total of 462 patients were enrolled (ST: 154; TT 155; CT 153). Patient demographics were similar. Eradication rates for ST versus TT versus CT: ITT analysis: 84.4% versus 83.2% versus 81.7% (P = not significant [NS]); MITT analysis: 90.3% versus 92.1% versus 94.7% (P = NS); PP analysis: 94.1% versus 92.8% versus 95.4% (P = NS). Antibiotic resistance rates for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole were 4.7%, 17.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. Dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance occurred in 7.5%. Dual resistance and lack of compliance were predictors of treatment failure.ConclusionsTT, ST, and CT all achieved eradication rates above 80% on ITT and above 90% on MITT and PP analyses. Dual resistance and lack of compliance were predictors of treatment failure (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02092506).
Basic fibroblast growth factor‐treated adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cell infusion to ameliorate liver cirrhosis via paracrine hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Tang Wei‐Ping , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Piao Jing‐Shu , Narahara Sayoko , Murata Masaharu , Kawano Takahito , Hamano Nobuhito , Ikeda Tetsuo , Hashizume Makoto 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and AimRecent studies show that adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells have potential clinical applications. However, the mechanism has not been fully elucidated yet. Here, we investigated the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor‐treated adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells infusion on a liver fibrosis rat model and elucidated the underlying mechanism.MethodsAdipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were infused into carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic fibrosis rats through caudal vein. Liver functions and pathological changes were assessed. A co‐culture model was used to clarify the potential mechanism.ResultsBasic fibroblast growth factor treatment markedly improved the proliferation, differentiation, and hepatocyte growth factor expression ability of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Although adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells infusion alone slightly ameliorated liver functions and suppressed fibrosis progression, basic fibroblast growth factor‐treatment significantly enhanced the therapeutic effect in association with elevated hepatocyte growth factor expression. Moreover, double immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the infused cells located in fibrosis area. Furthermore, co‐culture with adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cell led to induction of hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and enhanced hepatocyte proliferation. However, these effects were significantly weakened by knockdown of hepatocyte growth factor. Mechanism investigation revealed that co‐culture with adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells activated c‐jun N‐terminal kinase‐p53 signaling in hepatic stellate cell and promoted apoptosis.ConclusionsBasic fibroblast growth factor treatment enhanced the therapeutic effect of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, and secretion of hepatocyte growth factor from adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells plays a critical role in amelioration of liver injury and regression of fibrosis.