bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MAP18 Regulates the Direction of Pollen Tube Growth in Arabidopsis by Modulating F-Actin Organization
Authors: Zhu Lei , Zhang Yan , Kang Erfang , Xu Qiangyi , Wang Miaoying , Rui Yue , Liu Baoquan , Yuan Ming , Fu Ying 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
For fertilization to occur in plants, the pollen tube must be guided to enter the ovule via the micropyle. Previous reports have implicated actin filaments, actin binding proteins, and the tip-focused calcium gradient as key contributors to polar growth of pollen tubes; however, the regulation of directional pollen tube growth is largely unknown. We reported previously that Arabidopsis thaliana MICROTUBULE-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN18 (MAP18) contributes to directional cell growth and cortical microtubule organization. The preferential expression of MAP18 in pollen and in pollen tubes suggests that MAP18 also may function in pollen tube growth. In this study, we demonstrate that MAP18 functions in pollen tubes by influencing actin organization, rather than microtubule assembly. In vitro biochemical results indicate that MAP18 exhibits Ca2+-dependent filamentous (F)-actin-severing activity. Abnormal expression of MAP18 in map18 and MAP18 OX plants was associated with disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in the tube apex, resulting in aberrant pollen tube growth patterns and morphologies, inaccurate micropyle targeting, and fewer fertilization events. Experiments with MAP18 mutants created by site-directed mutagenesis suggest that F-actin-severing activity is essential to the effects of MAP18 on pollen tube growth direction. Our study demonstrates that in Arabidopsis, MAP18 guides the direction of pollen tube growth by modulating actin filaments.
Epidemiological investigation of a temporal increase in atonic postpartum haemorrhage: a population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mehrabadi A , Hutcheon JA , Lee L , Kramer MS , Liston RM , Joseph KS 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveIncreases in atonic postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) have been reported from several countries in recent years. We attempted to determine the potential cause of the increase in atonic and severe atonic PPH.DesignPopulation‐based retrospective cohort study.SettingBritish Columbia, Canada, 2001–2009.PopulationAll women with live births or stillbirths.MethodsDetailed clinical information was obtained for 371 193 women from the British Columbia Perinatal Data Registry. Outcomes of interest were atonic PPH and severe atonic PPH (atonic PPH with blood transfusion ≥1 unit; atonic PPH with blood transfusion ≥3 units or procedures to control bleeding), whereas determinants studied included maternal characteristics (e.g. age, parity, and body mass index) and obstetrics practice factors (e.g. labour induction, augmentation, and caesarean delivery). Year‐specific unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for the outcomes were compared using logistic regression.Main outcome measuresAtonic PPH and severe atonic PPH.ResultsAtonic PPH increased from 4.8% in 2001 to 6.3% in 2009, atonic PPH with blood transfusion ≥1 unit increased from 16.6 in 2001 to 25.5 per 10 000 deliveries in 2009, and atonic PPH with blood transfusion ≥3 units or procedures to control bleeding increased from 11.9 to 17.6 per 10 000 deliveries. The crude 34% (95% CI 26–42%) increase in atonic PPH between 2001 and 2009 remained unchanged (42% increase, 95% CI 34–51%) after adjustment for determinants of PPH. Similarly, adjustment did not explain the increase in severe atonic PPH.ConclusionsChanges in maternal characteristics and obstetric practice do not explain the recent increase in atonic and severe atonic PPH.
Metabolic syndrome and the risk for recurrent pre‐eclampsia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Stekkinger E , Scholten RR , van der Vlugt MJ , van Dijk APJ , Janssen MCH , Spaanderman MEA 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of recurrent pre‐eclampsia between women who have and do not have metabolic syndrome when non‐pregnant.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingThree tertiary referral hospitals in the Netherlands.PopulationFormerly pre‐eclamptic women.MethodsThe presence or absence of metabolic syndrome was assessed in 480 women at least 6 months after their first pre‐eclamptic pregnancy using World Health Organization criteria. We compared the prevalence of recurrent pre‐eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy, calculating odds ratios (OR), adjusted for confounders.Main outcome measureRecurrence of pre‐eclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy.ResultsSubsequent pregnancy outcome data were available for 197 women. Forty women had metabolic syndrome after previous pregnancy (20%). The prevalence of recurrent pre‐eclampsia was 18/40 (45%) in women with metabolic syndrome versus 27/157 (17%) in women without metabolic syndrome; OR 3.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.86–8.33, adjusted OR 3.77 (95% CI 1.61–8.81). The risk of recurrent pre‐eclampsia increased with each extra component of the metabolic syndrome from 11.8% for absent components up to 43.9% for three or more (P for trend < 0.001).ConclusionsInterpregnancy metabolic syndrome predisposes to recurrent pre‐eclampsia.
Enhanced activities of reproductive system in male rat treated with male silkworm pupae extract
Authors: Kwon Mu‐Gil , Kim Deuk‐Su , Lee Jeong‐Hwan , Park Se‐Ra , Ahn Junsik , Kim Joo‐Sung , Ko Kinarm , Park Sungsu , Kang Young‐Sun , Choo Young‐Kug , Ko Kisung 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA male silkworm pupae extract with herbal mixtures such as Rubus coreanus Miquel, Chinese matrimony vine Acanthopanax senticosus and tocopherol can be effectively used to recover or boost stamina. In this study, the effect of the male silkworm pupae extract on the reproductive system of Sprague–Dawley male rats was investigated. No clinical symptoms, and no dying or dead animals were found among experimental male silkworm larvae extract, male silkworm pupae extract and control rat groups during the study. No significant differences were found in body weights, feed or water consumption, or macroscopic examination among the three groups. No lesion was found upon necropsy. However, sperm in the group treated with male silkworm pupae extract were significantly more active than sperm in the control group. Sperm counts in both male groups treated with male silkworm larvae extract and male silkworm pupae extract were significantly higher than sperm counts in the control group. Analysis of phospholipid–hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) gene expression showed that the male silkworm pupae extract increased expression in testes by 26.7%. This study shows that the male silkworm pupae extract has potential to be used to enhance the function of the human reproductive system.
Effect of Immobilization and Salt Concentration on the Growth Dynamics of Escherichia coli K12 and Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Boons Kathleen , Van Derlinden Eva , Mertens Laurence , Peeters Vicky , Van Impe Jan F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractUp to now, it is generally observed that (i) the microbial growth domain is confined by structure‐induced stress, or (ii) a solid(‐like) environment can enhance microbial survival/growth. In most studies in solid(‐like) systems, structure is induced by the addition of gelatin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of other structure‐inducing components on the growth dynamics. Both single and binary gel systems are used. Growth is studied when simultaneously exposed to salt stress. Experiments are performed in spectrophotometer tubes, filled with 1 mL of liquid, or structured inoculated brain heart infusion. Four different (combinations of) gelling agents are tested, that is, gelatin, xanthan gum, a 50% combination of xanthan gum and gelatin, and a 50% combination of carrageenan and gelatin. Experiments determine the growth behavior of both Escherichia coli (0% to 0.5% and 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% NaCl) and Salmonella Typhimurium (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% NaCl) at 23.5 and 27 °C. By means of plate counting, the growth dynamics are determined. At the studied conditions, growth of E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium seems independent of the type of structure‐inducing component. However, at higher concentrations of salt (>2%), lag phases are typically shorter in solid(‐like) systems than in liquid media. For the conditions tested, the effect of a structured environment on growth rate and maximal cell density can be neglected.
Influence of the Colloidal Structure of Dairy Gels on Milk Fat Fusion Behavior: Quantification of the Liquid Fat Content by In Situ Quantitative Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (isq 1H NMR)
Authors: Bouteille Romain , Perez Jeanne , Khifer Farid , Jouan‐Rimbaud‐Bouveresse Delphine , Lecanu Bruno , This Hervé 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDairy gels (DG), such as yoghurts, contain both solid and liquid fats at the time of consumption, as their temperature rises to anything between 10 and 24 °C after being introduced into the mouth at 4 °C. The mass ratio between solid and liquid fats, which depends on the temperature, impacts the organoleptic properties of DG. As the ordinary methods for determining this ratio can only be applied to samples consisting mainly in fat materials, a fat extraction step needs to be added into the analytical process when applied to DG, which prevents the study of the potential impact of their colloidal structure on milk fat fusion behavior. In situ quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (isq 1H NMR) was investigated as a method for direct measurements in DG: at temperatures between 20.0 and 70.0 °C, the liquid fat content and the composition of triacylglycerols of the liquid phase (in terms of alkyl chains length) were determined. Spectra of isolated milk fat also enable the quantification of the double bonds of triacylglycerols. Statistical tests showed no significant difference between isolated milk fat and milk fat inside a DG in terms of melting behavior: the fat globule membrane does not seem to have a significant influence on the fat melting behavior.
Application of liquid‐based cytology test of bronchial lavage fluid in lung cancer diagnosis
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Xiuwei , Lu Jianbao , Zarogoulidis Paul , Wang Xin'an , Huang Haidong 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic significance of the liquid‐based cytologic test (LCT) and conventional smear (CS) in bronchial lavage fluid (BLF) in lung cancer patients, as well as the evaluation of LCT applications in BLF for different types of lung cancer. A total of 210 patients were divided into two groups of LCT and CS. The positive rates of the two groups were compared by stratified analysis of different bronchoscopic appearances. The positive rate of LCT and CS groups was 35.84% and 11.835%, respectively, which indicated a statistical significance between the two groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the detection rate of squamous carcinoma in the LCT group was (72.7%), which was higher than that of the CS group (41.7%) (P = 0.041). However, there was no difference between the biopsy and biopsy combined with LCT groups (P = 0.417), in terms of direct bronchoscopic appearance. We concluded that LCT was superior to CS in BLF that was acquired by bronchoscopy from lung cancer patients. Moreover, LCT was better than CS in diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. LCT could be used as an important complement of bronchoscope biopsy and could have the potential to be widely applied.
Experimental insights into age‐exacerbated cognitive dysfunction after peripheral surgery
Authors: Fidalgo Antonio R. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryHere I comment on the recent contribution by Barrientos et al. J. Neurosci. 32, 14641–14648 (2012) addressing treatment possibilities for surgery‐induced cognitive dysfunction. It has been over 15 years since the publication of a landmark study that indicated age as a major risk factor for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) (Moller et al., Lancet 351, 857–861 1998). With increasing life expectancy, surgical procedures conducted in elderly persons are becoming more common. The prevalence of POCD may mean that some patients will exchange the incapacitating condition that led them to surgery in the first instance for another such condition, which has been created by the surgical procedure itself. The report by Barrientos and collaborators (2012) is a timely and welcome study that further examines treatment possibilities for surgery‐induced cognitive dysfunction. Future studies should address issues such as intensity and onset of inflammation within the brain and additional treatments possibilities beyond IL‐1‐ra.
Anticoagulation With Fondaparinux for Hemodiafiltration in Patients With Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia: Dose‐Finding Study and Safety Evaluation
Authors: Mahieu Elien , Claes Kathleen , Jacquemin Marc , Evenepoel Pieter , Op De Beek Karel , Bogaert Anne‐Marie , Kuypers Dirk , Verhamme Peter , Meijers Björn 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe optimal anticoagulation regimen for hemodialysis (HD) in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) has not been defined. Hemodiafiltration (HDF) adds a large convective component to HD, thereby changing the pharmacokinetics of most anticoagulants. Data on coagulation regimens for HDF are scant. We therefore aimed to study the feasibility, effectiveness, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of fondaparinux anticoagulation in HDF. This was a prospective observational dose‐finding study. Patients were started on fondaparinux at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg postdialysis body weight. Per protocol dose escalation was performed when significant clotting was observed and reduced when the anti‐Xa activity postdialysis exceeded 0.4 IU/mL. Dose adjustments were made by steps of 0.01 mg/kg postdialysis weight. Anti‐Xa activity was measured using a chromogenic method calibrated with low‐molecular‐weight heparin and validated against fondaparinux‐calibrated anti‐Xa activity. Four patients with HIT were followed for 160 sessions in total. At the end of the dose titration study, three patients ended at a maintenance dose of 0.03 mg/kg and one patient at 0.04 mg/kg of fondaparinux. Significant bleeding attributable to fondaparinux did not occur. The occurrence of clotting increased parallel to the reduction of fondaparinux dose, from 0/53 and 0/15 sessions at the higher doses (0.04 and 0.05 mg/kg) to 3/75 (4%) at 0.03 mg/kg and 1/17 (6%) at 0.02 mg/kg. Fondaparinux may be safely used and provides adequate anticoagulation for HDF in patients with HIT. We recommend to adjust dosage of fondaparinux to body weight and to initiate therapy at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg to prevent accumulation. Dose titration can be achieved by targeting postdialysis anti‐Xa activity.
Childhood lung function and the association with β2‐adrenergic receptor haplotypes
Authors: Torjussen Tale M , Munthe‐Kaas Monica C , Mowinckel Petter , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Undlien Dag E , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo determine associations between ADRB2 polymorphisms and lung function through childhood, and possible modification by gender, pet keeping or tobacco smoke.MethodsFour ADRB2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1042711, rs1042713, rs1042714 and rs1800888) were genotyped in 953 children from the prospective birth cohort ‘Environment and Childhood Asthma’ study and analysed for association with flow‐volume parameters at birth (tidal breathing) and at 10 years of age (maximally forced), stratified by environmental exposures.ResultsThe risk of reduced lung function was reduced in 10‐year‐old children carrying the most common ADRB2 haplotype (CGGC) (OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.25, 0.82)), whereas there was no association between lung function at birth and ADRB2 haplotypes. Tobacco smoke exposure, gender and pet keeping did not significantly interact with the haplotypes in influencing lung function.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a possible protective effect by the ADRB2 haplotype I (CGGC) on reduced FEV1 in 10‐year‐old children, whereas no ADRB2 geno‐/haplotypes were significantly associated with neonatal lung function. The ADRB2 gene thus appears to contribute to lung function development in childhood, independently of smoking, pets and gender.
Severe infections caused by Panton–Valentine leukocidin‐positive Staphylococcus aureus in infants: report of three cases and review of literature
Authors: Montagnani Carlotta , Cocchi Priscilla , Bianchi Leila , Resti Massimo , de Martino Maurizio , Galli Luisa 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe report three cases of severe infections in infants caused by Panton–Valentine leukocidin positive Staphylococcus aureus and evolved with a positive outcome. The literature of Panton–Valentine leukocidin positive Staphylococcus aureus infections in infants is reviewed.ConclusionOur findings suggest that a prompt identification of Panton–Valentine leukocidin positive Staphylococcus aureus and an appropriate therapy can reduce mortality and long‐term sequelae. Further research is needed to specify features of Panton–Valentine leukocidin positive Staphylococcus aureus infections in infants.
Gender‐specific effect of smoking on upper tract urothelial carcinoma outcomes
Authors: Rink Michael , Xylinas Evanguelos , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Lotan Yair , Margulis Vitaly , Raman Jay D. , Fisch Margit , Lee Richard K. , Chun Felix K. , Abdennabi Joual , Seitz Christian , Pycha Armin , Zlotta Alexandre R. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Babjuk Marko , Scherr Douglas S. , Shariat Shahrokh F. ,   Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Collaboration (UTUCC)
Published: March 2013

Objective
To evaluate the gender‐specific differential effects of smoking habits and cumulative smoking exposure on outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).
Patients and Methods
A total of 864 consecutive patients, comprising 553 (64%) men and 311 (36%) women, from five international institutions underwent RNU without neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Smoking history included smoking status (current, former or never), quantity of cigarettes per day (CPD), smoking duration in years and years since smoking cessation. Cumulative smoking exposure was categorized as light short‐term (≤19 CPD and ≤19.9 years), moderate (all combinations except light short‐term and heavy long‐term), and heavy long‐term (≥20 CPD and ≥20 years).
Uni‐ and multivariable competing risk regression models were used to assess the associations with outcomes.
Results
Overall, 244 (28.2%), 297 (34.4%) and 323 (37.4%) patients were never, former and current smokers, respectively.
There were no differences in smoking status, quantity and duration between the genders. In female ever smokers, 30 (9.6%), 121 (38.9%) and 67 (21.5%) were light short‐term, moderate and heavy long‐term smokers, respectively. Compared with men, female current smokers were more likely to experience disease recurrence in univariable analysis (P = 0.013).
In heavy long‐term smokers, female gender was significantly associated with disease recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7; P = 0.03) and cancer‐specific mortality (HR 2.0; P = 0.009) in multivariable analysis that adjusted for standard clinico‐pathological features.
In female patients only, smoking quantity, duration and cumulative exposure were associated with disease recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality on multivariable analyses (P ≤ 0.025).
Conclusions
The impact of smoking on UTUC outcomes after RNU is gender‐specific.
Females who are current and heavy long‐term smokers experience worse outcomes than their male counterparts.
Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the gender‐specific differential effect of smoking on UTUC outcomes.
Impact of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing by Dutch general practitioners
Authors: Van der Meer Saskia , Kollen Boudewijn J. , Hirdes Willem H. , Steffens Martijn G. , Hoekstra‐Weebers Josette E.H.M. , Nijman Rien M. , Blanker Marco H. 
Published: March 2013

Objective
To determine the impact of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) publication in 2009 on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level testing by Dutch general practitioners (GPs) in men aged ≥40 years.
Materials and Methods
Retrospective study with a Dutch insurance company database (containing PSA test claims) and a large district hospital‐laboratory database (containing PSA‐test results).
The difference in primary PSA‐testing rate as well as follow‐up testing before and after the ERSPC was tested using the chi‐square test with statistical significance at P < 0.05.
Results
Decline in PSA tests 4 months after ERSPC publication, especially for men aged ≥60 years.
Primary testing as well as follow‐up testing decreased, both for PSA levels of <4 ng/mL as well as for PSA levels of 4–10 ng/mL.
Follow‐up testing after a PSA level result of >10 ng/mL moderately increased (P = 0.171).
Referral to a urologist after a PSA level result of >4 ng/mL decreased slightly after the ERSPC publication (P = 0.044).
Conclusions
After the ERSPC publication primary PSA testing as well as follow‐up testing decreased.
Follow‐up testing seemed not to be adequate after an abnormal PSA result. The reasons for this remain unclear.
A GPR18‐based signalling system regulates IOP in murine eye
Authors: Caldwell Meggie D. , Hu Sherry Shu‐Jung , Viswanathan Suresh , Bradshaw Heather , Kelly Melanie EM , Straiker Alex 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeGPR18 is a recently deorphaned lipid receptor that is activated by the endogenous lipid N‐arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) as well the behaviourally inactive atypical cannabinoid, abnormal cannabidiol (Abn‐CBD). The presence and/or function of any GPR18‐based ocular signalling system remain essentially unstudied. The objectives of this research are: (i) to determine the disposition of GPR18 receptors and ligands in anterior murine eye, (ii) examine the effect of GPR18 activation on intraocular pressure (IOP) in a murine model, including knockout mice for CB1, CB2 and GPR55.Experimental ApproachIOP was measured in mice following topical application of Abn‐CBD, NAGly or the GPR55/GPR18 agonist O‐1602, alone or with injection of the GPR18 antagonist, O‐1918. GPR18 protein localization was assessed with immunohistochemistry. Endocannabinoids were measured using LC/MS‐MS.Key ResultsGPR18 protein was expressed most prominently in the ciliary epithelium and the corneal epithelium and, interestingly, in the trabecular meshwork. The GPR18 ligand, NAGly, was also detected in mouse eye at a level comparable to that seen in the brain. Abn‐CBD and NAGly, but not O‐1602, significantly reduced IOP in all mice tested. The antagonist, O‐1918, blocked the effects of Abn‐CBD and NAGly.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe present evidence for a functional GPR18‐based signalling system in the murine anterior eye, including receptors and ligands. GPR18 agonists, Abn‐CBD and NAGly, reduce IOP independently of CB1, CB2 or GPR55. These findings suggest that GPR18 may serve as a desirable target for the development of novel ocular hypotensive medications.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue‐4 & http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8