bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Hippocampal Neuregulin 1–ErbB4 Signaling Contributes to the Hippocampus-dependent Cognitive Impairment Induced by Isoflurane in Aged Mice
Authors: Li Xiao-Min , Su Fan , Ji Mu-Huo , Zhang Guang-Fen , Qiu Li-Li , Jia Min , Gao Jun , Xie Zhongcong , Yang Jian-Jun 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background:
A prolonged isoflurane exposure may lead to cognitive decline in rodents. Neuregulin 1 (NRG1)–ErbB4 signaling plays a key role in the modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity through regulating the neurotransmission. The authors hypothesized that hippocampal NRG1–ErbB4 signaling is involved in isoflurane-induced cognitive impairments in aged mice.

Methods:
Fourteen-month-old C57BL/6 mice were randomized to receive 100% O2 exposure, vehicle injection after 100% O2 exposure, vehicle injection after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2, NRG1-β1 injection after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2, and NRG1-β1 and an ErbB4 inhibitor AG1478 injection after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2. Fear conditioning test was used to assess the cognitive function of mice 48-h postexposure. The brain tissues were harvested 48-h postexposure to determine the levels of NRG1, ErbB4, p-ErbB4, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 in the hippocampus using Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunofluorescence.

Results:
The percentage of freezing time to context was decreased from 50.28 ± 11.53% to 30.82 ± 10.00%, and the hippocampal levels of NRG1, p-ErbB4/ErbB4, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 were decreased from 172.79 ± 20.85 ng/g, 69.15 ± 12.20%, 101.68 ± 11.21%, and 104.71 ± 6.85% to 112.92 ± 16.65 ng/g, 42.26 ± 9.71%, 75.89 ± 10.26%, and 73.87 ± 16.89%, respectively, after isoflurane exposure. NRG1-β1 attenuated the isoflurane-induced hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment and the declines in the hippocampal NRG1, p-ErbB4/ErbB4, parvalbumin, and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67. AG1478 inhibited the rescuing effects of NRG1-β1.

Conclusion:
Disruption of NRG1–ErbB4 signaling in the parvalbumin-positive interneurons might, at least partially, contribute to the isoflurane-induced hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment after exposure to isoflurane carried by 100% O2 in aged mice.
Development of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Competency Assessment Tool for Pediatric Colonoscopy (GiECATKIDS)
Authors: Walsh Catharine M. , Ling Simon C. , Walters Thomas D. , Mamula Petar , Lightdale Jenifer R. , Carnahan Heather 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Many aspects of pediatric colonoscopy differ from adult practice. To date, there is no validated measure of endoscopic competence for use in pediatrics. Using Delphi methodology, we aimed to determine expert consensus regarding items required on a checklist and global rating scale designed to assess the competence of clinicians performing colonoscopy on pediatric patients.Methods:A total of 41 North American pediatric endoscopy experts rated potential checklist and global rating items for their importance as indicators of the competence of trainees learning to perform pediatric colonoscopy. Responses were analyzed and re‐sent to the panel for further ratings until consensus was reached. Items that ≥80% of experts rated as ≥4 out of 5 were included in the final instrument. Consensus items were compared with those items deemed by adult endoscopy experts as fundamental to assessing the performance of adult colonoscopy.Results:Five rounds of surveys were completed with response rates ranging from 76% to 100%. Seventy‐five checklist and 38 global rating items were reduced to 18 checklist and 7 global rating items that reached consensus. Three pediatric checklist items differed from those considered to be critical adult indicators, whereas 4 items on the latter did not reach consensus among pediatric experts.Conclusions:Delphi methodology allowed for achievement of expert consensus regarding essential items to be included in the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Competency Assessment Tool for Pediatric Colonoscopy (GiECATKIDS), a measure of endoscopic competence specific to performing pediatric colonoscopy. Key differences in the checklist items, compared with items reaching consensus during a separate adult Delphi process using the same indicators, emphasize the need for a pediatric‐specific tool.
Two Rice Authentic Histidine Phosphotransfer Proteins, OsAHP1 and OsAHP2, Mediate Cytokinin Signaling and Stress Responses in Rice
Authors: Sun Lijing , Zhang Qian , Wu Jinxia , Zhang Liqing , Jiao Xuewen , Zhang Shengwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Sun Daye , Lu Tiegang , Sun Ying 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCytokinin plays an important role in plant development and stress tolerance. Studies of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) have demonstrated that cytokinin acts through a two-component system that includes a histidine (His) kinase, a His phosphotransfer protein (HP), and a response regulator. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed the conservation of His kinases but lineage-specific expansion of HPs and response regulators in rice (Oryza sativa). However, whether the functions of rice HPs have diverged remains unknown. In this study, two rice authentic HPs (OsAHP1 and OsAHP2) were knocked down simultaneously via RNA interference (RNAi), and the transgenic OsAHP- RNAi plants exhibited phenotypes expected for a deficiency in cytokinin signaling, including dwarfism with reduced internode lengths, enhanced lateral root growth, early leaf senescence, and reduced tiller numbers and fertility under natural conditions. The OsAHP- RNAi seedlings were also hyposensitive to exogenous cytokinin. Furthermore, OsAHP- RNAi seedlings were hypersensitive to salt treatment but resistant to osmotic stress relative to wild-type plants. These results indicate that OsAHPs function as positive regulators of the cytokinin signaling pathway and play different roles in salt and drought tolerance in rice.
Biosynthetic genes and activity spectrum of antifungal polyynes from Collimonas fungivorans Ter331
Authors: Fritsche Kathrin , van den Berg Marlies , de Boer Wietse , van Beek Teris A. , Raaijmakers Jos M. , van Veen Johannes A. , Leveau Johan H. J. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe antifungal activity of bacteria from the genus Collimonas has been well documented, but the chemistry and gene functions that underlie this phenotype are still poorly understood. Screening of a random plasposon insertion library of Collimonas fungivorans Ter331 for loss‐of‐function mutants revealed the importance of gene cluster K, which is annotated to code for the biosynthesis of a secondary metabolite and which features genes for fatty acid desaturases and polyketide synthases. Mutants in gene cluster K had lost the ability to inhibit hyphal growth of the fungus Aspergillus niger and were no longer able to produce and secrete several metabolites that after extraction and partial purification from wildtype strain Ter331 were shown to share a putative ene‐triyne moiety. Some but not all of these metabolites were able to inhibit growth of A. niger, indicating functional variation within this group of Collimonas‐produced polyyne‐like ‘collimomycins’. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of isolates representing different Collimonas species indicated that the possession of cluster K genes correlated positively with antifungal ability, further strengthening the notion that this cluster is involved in collimomycin production. We discuss our findings in the context of other bacterially produced polyynes and the potential use of collimomycins for the control of harmful fungi.
Root microbiome relates to plant host evolution in maize and other Poaceae
Authors: Bouffaud Marie‐Lara , Poirier Marie‐Andrée , Muller Daniel , Moënne‐Loccoz Yvan 
Published: March 2014

SummaryProkaryote–eukaryote interactions are primordial, but host selection of its bacterial community remains poorly understood. Because eukaryote evolution affects numerous traits shaping the ecology of their microbiome, we can expect that many evolutionary changes in the former will have the potential to impact on the composition of the latter. Consequently, the more phylogenetically distant the eukaryotic hosts, the more distinct their associated bacterial communities should be. We tested this with plants, by comparing the bacterial communities associated with maize genotypes or other Poaceae. 16S rRNA taxonomic microarray analysis showed that the genetic distance between rhizobacterial communities correlated significantly with the phylogenetic distance (derived from chloroplastic sequences) between Poaceae genotypes. This correlation was also significant when considering specific bacterial populations from all main bacterial divisions, instead of the whole rhizobacterial community. These results indicate that eukaryotic host's evolutionary history can be a significant factor shaping directly the assembly and composition of its associated bacterial compartment.
Clinical determinants of a positive visual inspection after treatment with acetic acid for cervical cancer screening
Authors: Castle PE , Qiao Y‐L , Zhao F‐H , Chen W , Valdez M , Zhang X , Kang L‐N , Bansil P , Paul P , Bai P , Peck R , Li J , Chen F , Jeronimo J 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the determinants of a positive visual inspection after acetic acid (VIA), including the relationship of testing positive for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV), which is the necessary cause of cervical cancer.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingThree clinical sites in rural China.PopulationA total of 7541 women aged 25–65 years.MethodsAll women underwent VIA, DNA testing, by two DNA tests performed on both clinician‐ and self‐collected specimens, and HPV E6 oncoprotein testing. Those positive by any test underwent colposcopy and four‐quadrant biopsy evaluation. A random sample of women with negative screening results also underwent colposcopy and, if colposcopic abnormalities were observed, four‐quadrant biopsy evaluation was performed. Women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2), or more severe grades (CIN2 + ), underwent treatment.Main outcome measureTesting positive for VIA.ResultsOverall, 7.6% (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 7.0–8.2%) had a positive VIA. Women who tested positive for HPV were more likely to have a positive VIA than women who tested negative for HPV (15.0%, 95% CI 12.9–17.2% versus 6.3%, 95% CI 5.7–6.9%; P < 0.001). Older women were less likely to have a positive VIA (Ptrend < 0.001), including women with CIN2 + (Ptrend < 0.001). A logistic regression model demonstrated that diagnosis (CIN2 + versus <CIN2; odds ratio, OR, 32; 95% CI 11–100), testing HPV positive with a higher viral load (highest versus lowest; OR 4.3; 95% CI 2.5–7.4), and age (51 years and older versus <38 years; OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.17–0.30) were independent determinants of having a positive VIA. VIA was more likely to be positive for women with CIN2 + having an abnormal colposcopic impression versus women with CIN2 + regardless of colposcopic impression (71.4 versus 47.2%).ConclusionsThe age of the population and method of disease ascertainment should be considered in the interpretation of any VIA performance.
A PCR marker Linked to a THCA synthase Polymorphism is a Reliable Tool to Discriminate Potentially THC‐Rich Plants of Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Staginnus Christina , Zörntlein Siegfried , de Meijer Etienne 
Published: March 2014

AbstractNeither absolute THC content nor morphology allows the unequivocal discrimination of fiber cultivars and drug strains of Cannabis sativa L. unequivocally. However, the CBD/THC ratio remains constant throughout the plant's life cycle, is independent of environmental factors, and considered to be controlled by a single locus (B) with two codominant alleles (BT and BD). The homozygous BT/BT genotype underlies the THC‐predominant phenotype, BD/BD is CBD predominant, and an intermediate phenotype is induced by the heterozygous state (BT/BD). Using PCR‐based markers in two segregating populations, we proved that the THCA synthase gene represents the postulated B locus and that specific sequence polymorphisms are absolutely linked either to the THC‐predominant or the THC‐intermediate chemotype. The absolute linkage provides an excellent reliability of the marker signal in forensic casework. For validation, the species‐specific marker system was applied to a large number of casework samples and fiber hemp cultivars.
Changes in peripheral blood B cell subsets at diagnosis and after treatment with disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with clinical and laboratory parameters
Authors: McComish Jeremy , Mundy Joy , Sullivan Tom , Proudman Susanna M. , Hissaria Pravin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess variation in peripheral blood B lymphocyte subsets in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsB lymphocyte subsets in disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (DMARD)‐naïve patients with RA (n = 30), patients with RA treated with DMARDs (n = 73) and healthy controls (n = 46) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Total B cells, total memory B cells, immunoglobulin M (IgM) memory B cells, switched memory B cells, non‐switched memory B cells, CD21lo B cells, transitional B cells and plasmablasts were measured. Correlation with clinical and laboratory parameters was performed.ResultsTotal memory B cells, IgM memory B cells and non‐switched memory B cells were reduced in RA patients at diagnosis compared to controls (P < 0.05). In patients with treated RA, there was a further reduction of total B cells, CD21lo cells, transitional B cells and plasmablasts, compared to controls (P < 0.05). The reduction in absolute numbers of total B cells, switched memory B cells, CD21lo cells, transitional B cells and plasmablasts in treated RA patients was significant (P < 0.05) even when compared to the DMARD‐naïve patients. Only treatment responders (Disease Activity Score < 3.2) had reduced total B cells and absolute numbers of switched and IgM memory B cells (P < 0.05). In patients requiring leflunomide, total memory B cells, IgM memory B cells, non‐switched memory B cells and absolute numbers of switched memory B cells were reduced compared with the remainder of the patient group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThere is reduction of various B cell subsets in RA patients at diagnosis. Treatment with DMARDs leads to further reduction in additional B cell subsets without correction of the abnormalities. Reduction in individual subsets may predict RA patients requiring more intensive therapy.
Genetic analysis of Anatolian pear germplasm by simple sequence repeats
Authors: Akçay M.E. , Burak M. , Kazan K. , Yüksel C. , Mutaf F. , Bakir M. , Ayanoğlu H. , Ergül A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe pear (Pyrus communis L.) is a fruit species grown in many temperate regions of the world. Turkey harbours a rich and ancient pear germplasm adapted to diverse ecological regions of the country. The aim of this study was to genetically characterise locally grown Anatolian pear germplasm. We have analysed large numbers (228) of pear accessions originated from six eco‐geographically diverse regions using 18 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and identified 308 SSR alleles. Genetic similarities among the accessions examined were generally below 80%. The highest heterozygosity rate was obtained for the SSR locus ‘CH02D11’ derived from apples and ‘KA16’ and ‘NH0021a’ derived from pears. No identical or synonymous genotypes were found, while five homonymous genotypes were identified. Factorial correspondence analysis could not clearly separate different pear accession groups studied, suggesting that Anatolian pear accessions were intermixed possibly due to gene flow and/or germplasm movements between different eco‐geographical regions. However, most pear accessions were grouped according to their collection sites in structure analyses. The SSR data reported here for Anatolian pear accessions will be valuable for future germplasm management efforts as well as for comparative studies that investigate genetic relationships of pears from Anatolia and the surrounding regions.
International Alcohol Control Study: Pricing Data and Hours of Purchase Predict Heavier Drinking
Authors: Casswell Sally , Huckle Taisia , Wall Martin , Yeh Li Chia 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThis study reports findings from the International Alcohol Control (IAC) study that assesses the impact of alcohol control policy on consumption and policy‐related behaviors. Modeled on the International Tobacco Control study that uses longitudinal surveys with comparison between countries, the baseline survey was carried out in New Zealand. This study reports analysis of the purchasing behavior respondents report separately for on‐ and off‐premise outlets, providing validation data for both alcohol consumption and reported prices.MethodsNew Zealand is a high‐income country with an adult per capita alcohol consumption (as of 2011) of 9.5 l. The survey was carried out among a nationally representative sample of drinkers. Interview data on place and time of purchase, amounts purchased, price paid, and consumption (beverage and location specific) was collected. Relationships between policy relevant variables and consumption were modeled taking into account demographic variables. Validation was provided by government data on alcohol available for consumption, aggregate expenditure and prices from the Consumer Price Index.ResultsDrinkers paying low prices at on‐ or off‐licensed premises had higher odds of consuming 6+ drinks on a typical occasion, as did drinkers purchasing alcohol at later times. Regarding frequency, drinkers purchasing at later times were more likely to be daily drinkers. Lower price in off licenses but not on licenses predicted daily drinking. The data collected accounted for approximately 96% of alcohol available for consumption and the prices accounted for 98% of aggregate expenditure.ConclusionsValid survey data were collected to give an accurate picture of alcohol consumption and prices paid by drinkers. Heavy drinkers were more likely to buy cheaper alcohol and purchase at later times; 2 policy issues under discussion in many settings. This analysis suggests the IAC study that has the potential to provide data to contribute to the debate on appropriate policy responses to reduce alcohol‐related harm.
Influenced but Unaware: Social Influence on Alcohol Drinking Among Social Acquaintances
Authors: Dallas Rebecca , Field Matt , Jones Andrew , Christiansen Paul , Rose Abi , Robinson Eric 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundDrinking partners may be influenced by each other's alcohol consumption. However, these effects have only been shown in artificially created social pairings and typically among same‐sex young adults. Here, we test whether similarly strong influence effects occur among “real” pairs of social acquaintances (friends and partners) and whether people are aware of this influence on their alcohol consumption.MethodsForty‐six pairs of social acquaintances aged between 19 and 60 years old participated in a between‐subjects experiment, in a semi‐naturalistic bar laboratory setting. One member of each pair (the confederate) was randomly selected and asked to consume only alcoholic (alcohol condition) or soft drinks (nonalcohol condition), while the pair completed a game together in a bar setting. The other participant (naïve) was unaware of these drinking instructions. Postconsumption, we measured the extent to which naïve participants believed that their partner had influenced their own drinking behavior.ResultsA large effect of condition on alcohol consumption was observed, χ² (2) = 15.8, p < 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.59, whereby the number of alcoholic drinks selected by naïve participants in the alcohol confederate condition was significantly greater than in the nonalcohol confederate condition. The majority of naïve participants (81%) also tended to be unaware that their partner had influenced their alcohol consumption.ConclusionsSocial acquaintances are influenced by each other's alcohol consumption and may not be aware of this influence on their behavior.
The Primary Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethicality in Corporate Reputation: An Empirical Study
Authors: Walker Kent , Dyck Bruno 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe examine three assumptions commonly held in the corporate reputation literature: (1) reputation ratings of owners and investors are generally representative of all stakeholders; (2) stakeholders will generally provide a higher reputation rating to firms that emphasize corporate social responsibility versus firms that do not; and (3) profitability is the primary criterion of importance to all stakeholders when rating a firm's reputation. Using an exploratory in‐class exercise, our findings suggest that: (1) there are significant differences among stakeholder groups in their reputation ratings; (2) firms that emphasize corporate social responsibility are not rated more highly across all stakeholder groups; and (3) for all stakeholder groups, the ethicality criterion explained more of the variance in firms' reputation ratings than the profitability criterion.
Quantification of skeletal metastases in castrate‐resistant prostate cancer predicts progression‐free and overall survival
Authors: Tait Campbell , Moore David , Hodgson Clare , Brown Michael , Morris Thomas , Growcott Jim , Malone Michael , Hughes Andrew , Renehan Andrew , Clarke Noel W. , Dive Caroline 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo report a simplified and effective method for substratification of M1 castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) by correlating progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with simple quantification of skeletal metastases.Patients and MethodsIn all, 561 men with M1 CRPC were studied longitudinally. Individual bone scan disease burden, quantified by counting bone metastasis number, was correlated with clinical outcome using specific threshold points of 1–4, 5–20 and >20 detectable lesions.ResultsPatients with a higher metastasis number had a shorter PFS and OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–2.4; P < 0.001). Patients with 1–4 metastases had much better PFS and OS than those with 5–20 metastases. The median PFS and OS in the latter was 10.9 (95% CI 8.4–12.8) and 22.1 (95% CI: 18.5–24.5) months, respectively. PFS and OS for patients with >20 metastases were shorter still [median 5.3 (95% CI 3.4–6.9) months and 13.3 (95% CI 11.3–17.6) months, respectively]. Dichotomising into cohorts with 1–4 and ≥5 metastases, the latter group had considerably poorer PFS [8.4 (95% CI 6.8–10.3) months; P < 0.001) and OS [18.7 (95% CI 17.5–22.1) months; P < 0.001].ConclusionsDichotomising patients with CRPC into cohorts with 1–4 or ≥5 skeletal metastases identifies a better and a worse cohort in a manner that is easy and clinically accessible. This simple method facilitates disease stratification and patient management, enabling clinicians to counsel patients more effectively about long‐term outcomes and to help select intervention therapies more effectively.