bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Madden‐Julian oscillation as simulated by the MPI Earth System Model: Over the last and into the next millennium
Authors: Schubert Jonathan J. , Stevens Bjorn , Crueger Traute 
Published: December 2012

Key Points
The MJO varies on interannual to interdecadal time scales
Solar variability and volcanoes may have influenced the MJO strength marginally
CO2 increased by 1% per year over 150 yrs show the MJO to strengthen by 11%
Cyclophilin A predicts clinical outcome in patients with congestive heart failure undergoing endomyocardial biopsy
Authors: Zuern Christine S. , Müller Karin A.L. , Seizer Peter , Geisler Tobias , Banya Winston , Klingel Karin , Kandolf Reinhard , Bauer Axel , Gawaz Meinrad , May Andreas E. 
Published: December 2012

AimsCyclophilin A (CyPA) represents a ubiquitous intracellular protein, which is secreted by inflammatory and by dying/necrotic cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of CyPA expression in endomyocardial biopsies of consecutive patients with congestive heart failure.Methods and resultsA total of 227 unselected patients (age 53.9 ± 15 years) with congestive heart failure undergoing endomyocardial biopsy for diagnostic reasons were enrolled. Biopsies were analysed using established histopathological and immunohistological criteria together with CyPA staining. Virus genome was studied by polymerase chain reaction. CyPA was significantly enhanced in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy (n = 127) as compared with patients with non‐inflammatory cardiomyopathy (n = 100, P < 0.0001). During a mean follow‐up of 16.3 months, 60 patients (26.4%) reached the primary endpoint, a composite of all‐cause death, heart transplantation, malignant arrhythmia, and heart failure‐related rehospitalization. Of all clinical (ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class), laboratory (brain natriuretic peptide), and immunohistological parameters (CyPA, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, CD68, CD3, major hisocompatibility complex II, and virus genome) tested, only CyPA was identified as an independent predictor for the composite endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–5.2; P = 0.019] as well as for all‐cause death and heart transplantation alone (HR 4.7; 95% CI 1.1–19.8; P = 0.036). Subgroup analysis revealed CyPA as a predictor in patients with non‐inflammatory cardiomyopathy for the composite endpoint (HR 3.0; 95% CI 1.3–6.6; P = 0.007) as well as all‐cause death or heart transplantation alone (HR 6.4; 95% CI 1.4–28.1; P = 0.014).ConclusionsCyPA is an independent predictor of clinical outcome in patients with congestive heart failure undergoing endomyocardial biopsy.
The core size of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal
Authors: Amorisco N. C. , Agnello A. , Evans N. W. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
We exploit the detection of three distinct stellar subpopulations in the red giant branch of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal to probe its density distribution. This allows us to resolve directly the evolution of the dark matter mass profile with radius. We find that a cored dark matter halo is consistent well within 1σ with all three stellar populations, and for the first time we are able to put constraints on the core size of such a halo. With respect to previous work, we do not strengthen the statistical exclusion of a dark matter cusp in Fornax, but we find that Navarro–Frenk–White haloes would be required to have unrealistically large scale radii in order to be compatible with the data, hence low values of the concentration parameter. We are then forced to conclude that the Fornax dwarf spheroidal sits within a dark matter halo having a constant-density core, with a core size of r0 = 1+ 0.8− 0.4 kpc.
Defense Activated by 9-Lipoxygenase-Derived Oxylipins Requires Specific Mitochondrial Proteins
Authors: Vellosillo Tamara , Aguilera Verónica , Marcos Ruth , Bartsch Michael , Vicente Jorge , Cascón Tomas , Hamberg Mats , Castresana Carmen 
Published: December 2012

Abstract9-Lipoxygenases (9-LOXs) initiate fatty acid oxygenation, resulting in the formation of oxylipins activating plant defense against hemibiotrophic pathogenic bacteria. Previous studies using nonresponding to oxylipins (noxy), a series of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants insensitive to the 9-LOX product 9-hydroxy-10,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (9-HOT), have demonstrated the importance of cell wall modifications as a component of 9-LOX-induced defense. Here, we show that a majority (71%) of 41 studied noxy mutants have an added insensitivity to isoxaben, an herbicide inhibiting cellulose synthesis and altering the cell wall. The specific mutants noxy2, noxy15, and noxy38, insensitive to both 9-HOT and isoxaben, displayed enhanced susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 as well as reduced activation of salicylic acid-responding genes. Map-based cloning identified the mutation in noxy2 as At5g11630 encoding an uncharacterized mitochondrial protein, designated NOXY2. Moreover, noxy15 and noxy38 were mapped at the DYNAMIN RELATED PROTEIN3A and FRIENDLY MITOCHONDRIA loci, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy and molecular analyses revealed that the three noxy mutants characterized exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction and that 9-HOT added to wild-type Arabidopsis causes mitochondrial aggregation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The results suggest that the defensive responses and cell wall modifications caused by 9-HOT are under mitochondrial retrograde control and that mitochondria play a fundamental role in innate immunity signaling.
Evolution of Conifer Diterpene Synthases: Diterpene Resin Acid Biosynthesis in Lodgepole Pine and Jack Pine Involves Monofunctional and Bifunctional Diterpene Synthases
Authors: Hall Dawn E. , Zerbe Philipp , Jancsik Sharon , Quesada Alfonso Lara , Dullat Harpreet , Madilao Lina L. , Yuen Macaire , Bohlmann Jörg 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Diterpene resin acids (DRAs) are major components of pine (Pinus spp.) oleoresin. They play critical roles in conifer defense against insects and pathogens and as a renewable resource for industrial bioproducts. The core structures of DRAs are formed in secondary (i.e. specialized) metabolism via cycloisomerization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) by diterpene synthases (diTPSs). Previously described gymnosperm diTPSs of DRA biosynthesis are bifunctional enzymes that catalyze the initial bicyclization of GGPP followed by rearrangement of a (+)-copalyl diphosphate intermediate at two discrete class II and class I active sites. In contrast, similar diterpenes of gibberellin primary (i.e. general) metabolism are produced by the consecutive activity of two monofunctional class II and class I diTPSs. Using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing, we discovered 11 diTPS from jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Three of these were orthologous to known conifer bifunctional levopimaradiene/abietadiene synthases. Surprisingly, two sets of orthologous PbdiTPSs and PcdiTPSs were monofunctional class I enzymes that lacked functional class II active sites and converted (+)-copalyl diphosphate, but not GGPP, into isopimaradiene and pimaradiene as major products. Diterpene profiles and transcriptome sequences of lodgepole pine and jack pine are consistent with roles for these diTPSs in DRA biosynthesis. The monofunctional class I diTPSs of DRA biosynthesis form a new clade within the gymnosperm-specific TPS-d3 subfamily that evolved from bifunctional diTPS rather than monofunctional enzymes (TPS-c and TPS-e) of gibberellin metabolism. Homology modeling suggested alterations in the class I active site that may have contributed to their functional specialization relative to other conifer diTPSs.
Expression of the Minor Isoform Pea Ferredoxin in Tobacco Alters Photosynthetic Electron Partitioning and Enhances Cyclic Electron Flow
Authors: Blanco Nicolás E. , Ceccoli Romina D. , Vía María V. Dalla , Voss Ingo , Segretin María E. , Bravo-Almonacid Fernando F. , Melzer Michael , Hajirezaei Mohammad-Reza , Scheibe Renate , Hanke Guy T. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Ferredoxins (Fds) are ferrosulfoproteins that function as low-potential electron carriers in plants. The Fd family is composed of several isoforms that share high sequence homology but differ in functional characteristics. In leaves, at least two isoforms conduct linear and cyclic photosynthetic electron transport around photosystem I, and mounting evidence suggests the existence of at least partial division of duties between these isoforms. To evaluate the contribution of different kinds of Fds to the control of electron fluxes along the photosynthetic electron transport chain, we overexpressed a minor pea (Pisum sativum) Fd isoform (PsFd1) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. The transplastomic OeFd1 plants exhibited variegated leaves and retarded growth and developmental rates. Photosynthetic studies of these plants indicated a reduction in carbon dioxide assimilation rates, photosystem II photochemistry, and linear electron flow. However, the plants showed an increase in nonphotochemical quenching, better control of excitation pressure at photosystem II, and no evidence of photoinhibition, implying a better dynamic regulation to remove excess energy from the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Finally, analysis of P700 redox status during illumination confirmed that the minor pea Fd isoform promotes enhanced cyclic flow around photosystem I. The two novel features of this work are: (1) that Fd levels achieved in transplastomic plants promote an alternative electron partitioning even under greenhouse light growth conditions, a situation that is exacerbated at higher light intensity measurements; and (2) that an alternative, minor Fd isoform has been overexpressed in plants, giving new evidence of labor division among Fd isoforms.
Female, but not male, mice show delayed cutaneous wound healing following aspirin administration
Authors: dos Santos Jeanine S , Monte‐Alto‐Costa Andréa 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) is an enzyme that participates in the wound healing process. Aspirin, a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, simultaneously inhibits the aromatase activity of COX‐1 and COX‐2 isoforms, which is needed for prostaglandin synthesis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether aspirin, and thus COX inhibition, distinctly affects cutaneous wound healing in female and male mice.

Female and male BALB/c mice were treated with aspirin (25 mg/kg per day) for 16 days until they were killed. The control group received vehicle (saline) only. A full‐thickness excisional lesion was made on the back, 2 days after aspirin administration started, and macroscopic, histological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Sections were stained and immunostained for microscopic analysis. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydroxyproline quantity and the protein expression of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also determined.

Female control and aspirin‐treated groups exhibited delayed wound closure and re‐epithelization compared with the male control and aspirin‐treated groups, respectively. The female control group exhibited reduced MPO activity and a decreased number of macrophage inhibitory factor‐positive cells compared with the male control group. In the female aspirin‐treated group, MPO activity and the number of F4/80‐positive macrophages was higher than in the control group. Collagen was reduced only in the female aspirin‐treated group. The expression of vWF and VEGF protein was increased in the female aspirin‐treated group.

In conclusion, aspirin administration impaired the wound healing process in BALB/c female, but not male, mice.
Remote per‐conditioning reduces oxidative stress, downregulates cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 expression and attenuates ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Sedaghat Zahra , Kadkhodaee Mehri , Seifi Behjat , Salehi Eisa , Najafi Atefeh , Dargahi Leila 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Remote per‐conditioning (rPeC) is a phenomenon by which short‐time intermittent ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) of a remote organ during ischaemia protects other organs from I/R injury (IRI). The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of rPeC on renal IRI in rats.

Rats were subjected to right nephrectomy and randomized as into a sham group (no additional intervention), an I/R group (subjected to 45 min left renal pedicle occlusion) and an rPeC group (subjected to four cycles of 5 min I/R of the left femoral artery administered at the beginning of renal ischaemia). After 24 h, blood, urine and tissue samples were collected.

Compared with the sham group, I/R resulted in renal dysfunction, as evidenced by significantly lower creatinine clearance (CCr; 0.52 ± 0.06 vs 0.11 ± 0.02 mL/min, respectively) and higher fractional excretion of sodium (FENa; 0.80 ± 0.07% vs 2.46 ± 0.20%, respectively). This was accompanied by decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD; 6.9 ± 1.7 vs 26.7 ± 2.7 U/g tissue) and catalase (CAT; 20.2 ± 8.8 vs 32.2 ± 8.7 K/g tissue) activity in the I/R group, as well as decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH; 21.7 ± 8.1 vs 81.2 ± 20.2 μmol/g tissue) and increased malondialdehyde levels (MDA; 1.2 to 0.1 vs 0.5 ± 0.2 μmol/100 mg), cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 expression and histological damage.

In the rPeC group, renal histology and function were significantly improved (CCr 0.32 ± 0.02 mL/min; FENa 1.33 ± 0.12%) compared with the I/R group. Furthermore, compared with the I/R group, the rPeC group exhibited increases in SOD and CAT activity (22.8 ± 3.8 U/g tissue and 21.7 ± 8.6 K/g tissue, respectively), increased GSH levels (74.0 ± 4.9) and decreased MDA levels (1.1 ± 0.3 μmol/100 mg) and COX‐2 expression.

In conclusion, rPeC appears to exert protective effects against renal IRI. This protection may be a consequence of reductions in lipid peroxidation, intensification of anti‐oxidant systems and downregulation of COX‐2 expression. A simple approach, rPeC may be a promising strategy for protection against IRI in clinical practice.
Deterioration in biomechanical properties of the vagina following implantation of a high‐stiffness prolapse mesh
Authors: Feola A , Abramowitch S , Jallah Z , Stein S , Barone W , Palcsey S , Moalli P 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo define the impact of prolapse mesh on the biomechanical properties of the vagina by comparing the prototype Gynemesh PS (Ethicon) to two new‐generation lower stiffness meshes, SmartMesh (Coloplast) and UltraPro (Ethicon).DesignA study employing a nonhuman primate model.SettingUniversity of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.PopulationForty‐five parous rhesus macaques.MethodsMeshes were implanted via sacrocolpopexy after hysterectomy and compared with sham. Because its stiffness is highly directional, UltraPro was implanted in two directions: UltraPro Perpendicular (less stiff) and UltraPro Parallel (more stiff), with the indicated direction referring to the position of the blue orientation lines relative to the longitudinal axis of the vagina. The mesh–vaginal complex (MVC) was excised in toto after 3 months.Main outcome measuresActive mechanical properties were quantified as the contractile force generated in the presence of 120 mmol/l KCl. Passive mechanical properties (a tissue's ability to resist an applied force) were measured using a multiaxial protocol.ResultsVaginal contractility decreased by 80% following implantation with the Gynemesh PS (P = 0.001), 48% after SmartMesh (P = 0.001), 68% after UltraPro Parallel (P = 0.001) and was highly variable after UltraPro Perpendicular (P = 0.16). The tissue contribution to the passive mechanical behaviour of the MVC was drastically reduced for Gynemesh PS (P = 0.003), but not for SmartMesh (P = 0.9) or UltraPro independent of the direction of implantation (P = 0.68 and P = 0.66, respectively).ConclusionsDeterioration of the mechanical properties of the vagina was highest following implantation with the stiffest mesh, Gynemesh PS. Such a decrease associated with implantation of a device of increased stiffness is consistent with findings from other systems employing prostheses for support.
Prolapse and sexual function in women with benign joint hypermobility syndrome
Authors: Mastoroudes H , Giarenis I , Cardozo L , Srikrishna S , Vella M , Robinson D , Kazkaz H , Grahame R 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo determine whether pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and sexual dysfunction are more severe in women with benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) than in the normal population.DesignCase–control study.SettingKing's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK and University College Hospital, London, UK.PopulationWomen diagnosed with BJHS (n = 60) at University College Hospital. Control participants (n = 60) recruited from King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.MethodsObjective assessment of POP was undertaken using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP‐Q). Both groups were asked to complete the Prolapse quality of life (P‐QOL) and pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual (PISQ‐12) questionnaires.Main outcome measuresComparison of vaginal anatomy using POP‐Q between the two groups. Comparison of P‐QOL and PISQ‐12 quality of life scores between the two groups.ResultsIn all, 120 women (60 in Study group, 60 in Control group) were recruited. All women in the study group were matched with healthy control women according to age, parity and ethnicity. There was a statistically significant difference between points Aa, Ba, Ap, Bp and C in study and control groups showing that prolapse is objectively more severe in those with BJHS. Significantly more women with BJHS felt that POP interfered with sex and defecation compared with the control group. The impact of prolapse symptoms on quality of life was statistically different in almost all nine P‐QOL domains.ConclusionsA large number of women with BJHS have prolapse symptoms, which significantly affect their quality of life. POP is more severe in women with BJHS.
A comparison of genital sensory and motor innervation in women with pelvic organ prolapse and normal controls including a pilot study on the effect of vaginal prolapse surgery on genital sensation: a prospective study
Authors: North CE , Creighton SM , Smith ARB 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo study genital sensory and motor innervation in women with pelvic organ prolapse and to determine the effect of vaginal prolapse surgery on genital sensation.DesignA prospective observational study.SettingA tertiary referral unit in northwest England.PopulationTwenty women complaining of prolapse symptoms (including seven undergoing vaginal prolapse repair) and a control group of ten healthy women.MethodsWomen attended a research clinic where genital sensory thresholds were determined by quantitative sensory testing and motor innervation was assessed by concentric needle electromyography (EMG) of the pelvic floor muscles. Women undergoing surgery were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome measure was change in genital vibration threshold and the percentage of polyphasic potentials on EMG.ResultsHealthy control women had normal vibration detection thresholds at the vagina and clitoris. Thresholds in the majority of women with prolapse were abnormal and in all women with prolapse over the age of 50 years. Women with prolapse had a significantly larger percentage of polyphasic potentials of the left pubococcygeus but not the right. There was no significant change in genital sensory thresholds at 6 months postoperatively following vaginal repair.ConclusionsThe majority of women with prolapse have abnormal genital vibration detection, which is particularly evident after the age of 50 years. Impaired sensory function does not correlate with EMG markers of partial motor denervation. In women with abnormal sensory thresholds, no additional effect was detected following vaginal prolapse repair.
DNA barcoding of the genus Lepidion (Gadiformes: Moridae) with recognition of Lepidion eques as a junior synonym of Lepidion lepidion
Authors: Bañón R. , Arronte J. C. , Vázquez‐Dorado S. , Del Río J. L. , de Carlos A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDNA sequences of cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI) from Lepidion spp. were employed to test the efficiency of species identification. A sample of 32 individuals from five Lepidion species was sequenced and combined with 26 sequences from other BOLD projects. As a result, 58 Lepidion DNA sequences of the COI gene belonging to eight of the nine recognized Lepidion species were analysed. Sequences were aligned and formed seven clades in a Bayesian phylogenetic tree, where Lepidion lepidion and Lepidion eques grouped jointly. The Kimura 2‐parameter genetic distances, among congeners were, on average, 4.28%, 16 times greater than among conspecifics (0.27%). The main diagnostic meristic data of Lepidion spp. were compiled and a detailed morphological revision of the congeneric species L. eques and L. lepidion was made. The eye diameter was significantly different between L. eques and L. lepidion (P < 0.001). The number of anal fin rays ranged from 45 to 51 in L. lepidion and from 47 to 54 in L. eques, but no significant differences were obtained in the mean values of this variable (P = 0.07). According to the morphological and genetic analyses, the results strongly suggest that the Mediterranean codling L. lepidion and the North Atlantic codling L. eques are conspecific, making L. eques a junior synonym of L. lepidion.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on inflammatory responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: KANG S.‐H. , KIM Y.‐S. , HONG T.‐H. , CHAE M.‐S. , CHO M.‐L. , HER Y.‐M. , LEE J. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundDexmedetomidine has been shown to reduce pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels in rats with sepsis and in severely ill patients. The aim of this study was to document the effects of dexmedetomidine on inflammatory responses during and after surgery.Materials and MethodsPatients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled. After induction of anaesthesia, patients in the dexmedetomidine group (n = 24, group D) received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (1.0 μg/kg), followed by infusion of dexmedetomidine at 0.5 μg/kg/h. A saline‐treated group (n = 23, group S) served as a control. Intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and amount of rescue analgesic administered as post‐anaesthetic care were compared between the groups. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6, and anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10 were quantified by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunoassay at three times: after anaesthesia induction (T0), at the end of peritoneal closure (T1), and 60 min after surgery (T2). The C‐reactive protein (CRP) level and leukocyte count were measured on post‐operative day 1.ResultsAt time points T1 and T2, the IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 levels were lower in group D than in group S (P < 0.05). The CRP level and leukocyte count on post‐operative day 1 were also lower in group D (P < 0.05), as were intraoperative MAP, HR, and amount of rescue analgesic administered after surgery.ConclusionsDexmedetomidine administration during surgery reduced intraoperative and post‐operative secretion of cytokines, as well as post‐operative leukocyte count and CRP level.