bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human myo‐inositol monophosphatase 2 rescues the nematode thermotaxis mutant ttx‐7 more efficiently than IMPA1: functional and evolutionary considerations of the two mammalian myo‐inositol monophosphatase genes
Authors: Ohnishi Tetsuo , Tanizawa Yoshinori , Watanabe Akiko , Nakamura Takemichi , Ohba Hisako , Hirata Haruna , Kaneda Chizu , Iwayama Yoshimi , Arimoto Takafumi , Watanabe Kazutada , Mori Ikue , Yoshikawa Takeo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMammals express two myo‐inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) genes, IMPA1/Impa1 and IMPA2/Impa2. In this study, we compared the spatial expression patterns of the two IMPase gene transcripts and proteins in mouse tissues. Results indicated discrete expression of the two IMPase genes and their protein products in various organs, including the brain. In Caenorhabditis elegans, loss of the IMPase gene, ttx‐7, disrupts cellular polarity in RIA neurons, eliciting abnormal thermotaxis behavior. We performed a rescue experiment in mutant nematodes using mammalian IMPases. Human IMPA2 rescued the abnormal behavioral phenotype in the ttx‐7 mutants more efficiently than IMPA1. These results raise a question about the phylogenetic origin of IMPases and the biological roles of mammalian IMPase 2 in mammals. Impa2 knockout mice generated in our laboratory, exhibited neither behavioral abnormalities nor a significant reduction in myo‐inositol content in the brain and other examined tissues. Given the ability of human IMPA2 to rescue the ttx‐7 mutant, and its genetic association with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, close scrutiny of IMPA2 function and the evolutionary origin of IMPase genes is warranted.
Improved Resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus in Petunia Transformed with Non‐Cytotoxic Pokeweed Antiviral Protein Gene
Authors: Li Li , Li Yu , Chen Dinghu , Feng Hui , Wang Xifeng 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPetunia hybrida is an important ornamental plant that can be seriously affected by cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), a ribosome‐inactivating protein, has been recognized as a broad spectrum virus inhibitory agent. Mutant PAP efficiently inhibited viral gene expression at both the translational and transcriptional levels without causing host cell toxicity. We have transferred the non‐cytotoxic pokeweed antiviral protein (mutant PAP) gene into petunia cells with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Forty‐two putative transgenic regenerated lines were obtained from the selected explants. Fifty‐six plants immune to CMV infection were recovered from nine transgenic lines. Another 51 plants tolerant to CMV were obtained from 10 transgenic regenerated lines. Successful integration of the mutant PAP gene into the genome of transgenic petunia was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. Expression of the PAP gene was further confirmed by RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. These results were consistent with the assay of resistance to CMV.
Changes in Sexual Function Among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ferraresi Sany Rose , Lara Lúcia Alves da Silva , Reis Rosana Maria , Silva Ana Carolina Japur de Sá Rosa e 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be related to sexual dysfunction, especially if associated with obesity. However, it is not clear whether obesity per se is an independent factor for sexual dysfunction. We hypothesized that obese polycystic ovary syndrome (OPCOS) patients have poorer sexual function than controls and nonobese polycystic ovary syndrome (NOPCOS) women.

Aim
To assess the sexual function of women (either obese or nonobese) with PCOS compared to women with regular cycles.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Free Androgen Index (FAI) values.

Methods
We used a cross-sectional study design to evaluate 83 women, including 19 nonobese women without PCOS, 24 nonobese women with PCOS, 16 obese women without PCOS, and 24 obese women with PCOS. The FSFI questionnaire was used to gather data from all women, and free testosterone levels were determined and employed to calculate FAI values.

Results
Higher androgen concentrations were evident in the PCOS groups compared to controls (NOC [nonobese control] 2.3 ± 0.7; OC [obese control] 2.1 ± 0.5; NOPCOS 3.1 ± 0.8; OPCOS 3.5 ± 1.2; P &lt; 0.0001). This was also true for FAI, with the exception of obese controls and nonobese women with PCOS, in whom the levels were similar (NOC 4.9 ± 1.6; OC 6.5 ± 3.1; NOPCOS 7.5 ± 3.9; OPCOS 12.8 ± 5.2; P &lt; 0.05). Evaluation of the total FSFI scores revealed that obese women without PCOS had below-normal sexual function scores, whereas both obese and nonobese women with PCOS had borderline scores compared to controls, who had normal FSFI findings. No association was observed between body mass index, the presence of PCOS, testosterone level, and FSFI score.

Conclusions
The obese women in our sample were at a higher risk for sexual dysfunction and lower FSFI scores, and women with PCOS had borderline FSFI values, regardless of their obesity status. Based on this result, larger studies using the methods described in this pilot study are warranted to elucidate if obesity can impair sexual function in PCOS women.
Development and Validation of the Polish Version of the Female Sexual Function Index in the Polish Population of Females
Authors: Nowosielski Krzysztof , Wróbel Beata , Sioma-Markowska Urszula , Poręba Ryszard 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Unlike male sexual function, which is relatively easy to assess, female sexual function is still a diagnostic challenge. Although numerous new measurements for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) have recently been developed, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) remains the gold standard for screening. It has been validated in more than 30 countries. The FSFI has been used in several studies conducted in Poland, but it has never been standardized for Polish women.

Aim
The aim of this study was to develop a Polish version of the FSFI (PL-FSFI).

Materials and Methods
In total, 189 women aged 18–55 years were included in the study. Eighty-five were diagnosed with FSD as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) criteria; 104 women did not have FSD. All subjects completed the PL-FSFI at baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 28.

Main Outcome Measures
Test–retest reliability was determined by Pearson's product–moment correlations. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's α coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated by principal component analysis using varimax rotation and factor analysis. Discriminant validity was assessed with between-groups analysis of variance.

Results
All domains of the PL-FSFI demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies, with Cronbach's α value of &gt;0.70 for the entire sample. The test–retest reliability demonstrated good-to-excellent agreement between the assessment points. Based on principal component analysis, a 5-factor model was established that explained 83.62% of the total variance. Domain intercorrelations of the PL-FSFI ranged from 0.37–0.77. The optimal PL-FSFI cutoff score was 27.50, with 87.1% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity.

Conclusion
The PL-FSFI is a reliable questionnaire with good psychometric and discriminative validity. Therefore, it can be used as a tool for preliminary screening for FSD among Polish women.
The daily variation in sleepiness and its relation to the preceding sleep episode—a prospective study across 42 days of normal living
Authors: Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Axelsson John , Lekander Mats , Orsini Nicola , Kecklund Göran 
Published: December 2012

SummarySleepiness is linked to accidents and reduced performance, and is usually attributed to short/poor prior sleep and sleepiness. However, while the link between reduced sleep and subsequent sleepiness is well established in laboratory experiments of sleep reduction, very little is known about the day‐to‐day variation of sleepiness in everyday life and its relation to the immediately preceding sleep episode. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of this relation across 42 consecutive days. Fifty volunteers participated. Self‐reports of sleep were given in the morning and recorded with actigraphy; health was rated in the evening; and sleepiness was rated at eight points during the day (on a scale of 1–9). Results from mixed‐model regression analyses showed that, on average, total sleep time predicted sleepiness during the rest of the day across the 42 days, with sleepiness increasing with shorter preceding sleep (β = −0.15 units h−1, P < 0.001). Sleepiness also increased with earlier time of rising and lower‐rated sleep quality. Days off reduced sleepiness, but was accounted for by sleep. Self‐rated health improved when sleepiness was low during the same day (β = −0.36 unit unit−1 of rated health, P < 0.001), but the two were measured simultaneously. Napping was related to high sleepiness during the same day. Actigraphy measures of sleep duration showed similar, but somewhat weaker, effects than diary measures. It was concluded that the main determinants of daytime sleepiness in a real‐life day‐to‐day context were short sleep, poor sleep and early rising, and that days with high sleepiness ended with ratings of poorer health.
Value of IL28B genotyping in patients with HCV‐related mixed cryoglobulinemia: results of a large, prospective study
Authors: Piluso A. , Giannini C. , Fognani E. , Gragnani L. , Caini P. , Monti M. , Petrarca A. , Ranieri J. , Urraro T. , Triboli E. , Laffi G. , Zignego A. L. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryHCV‐related mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is characterized by clonal expansion of B cells producing a polyreactive natural antibody (rheumatoid factor) and interferon (IFN)‐based therapy is the first therapeutic option in mild‐moderate MC. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) proximal to genes involved in the innate response (IL28B/IFN‐λ gene family) are strongly associated with spontaneous and IFN‐induced viral clearance in hepatitis C, but no data exist about their role in HCV‐positive MC. A large cohort of patients with HCV and MC was studied to evaluate the influence of IL28B genotype on the response to treatment and/or the evolution to MC of HCV infection. The rs12979860/rs8099917 IL28B polymorphisms were analysed in 481 consecutive HCV‐positive subjects (250 with MC and 231 without MC, as controls) using real‐time PCR and direct sequencing. Hundred and fifteen HCV patients with MC received standard anti‐HCV therapy, and the results were evaluated according to the IL28B SNP distribution. Similar IL28B SNPs allele frequencies were recorded for patients and controls. IL28B major allele homozygosis (for both SNPs tested) was tightly correlated with virological and clinical response (P = 0.002). A statistically significant association was limited to ‘difficult‐to‐treat’ (G1/4) HCV genotypes. The IL28B genotype was a strong independent predictor of response (P = 0.007, OR 6.06; CI 1.65–22.22). The IL28B genotype was confirmed to be a useful predictor of response to IFN‐based therapy in patients with HCV and MC. The very close correlation between IL28B SNP distribution, virological and clinical response definitively confirmed the key role played by HCV in MC. Conversely, the IL28B genotype does not seem to influence the evolution to MC.
Randomized Trial of Cisplatin versus Firocoxib versus Cisplatin/Firocoxib in Dogs with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Knapp D.W. , Henry C.J. , Widmer W.R. , Tan K.M. , Moore G.E. , Ramos‐Vara J.A. , Lucroy M.D. , Greenberg C.B. , Greene S.N. , Abbo A.H. , Hanson P.D. , Alva R. , Bonney P.L. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundCisplatin combined with a nonselective cyclooxygenase (cox) inhibitor has potent antitumor activity against transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs, but this treatment is limited by renal toxicosis. Cox‐2 is expressed in TCC, but only in limited sites within the kidney. A cox‐2 inhibitor could enhance the antitumor activity of cisplatin with potentially fewer adverse effects on the kidney.HypothesisCisplatin/cox‐2 inhibitor treatment will have greater antitumor activity but no more renal toxicosis than cisplatin alone in dogs with TCC.AnimalsForty‐four dogs with naturally occurring urinary bladder TCC.MethodsDogs were randomized to receive cisplatin (60 mg/m2 IV q21d), firocoxib (5 mg/kg PO q24h), or the combination. Tumor measurements were determined before and at 6‐week intervals during treatment. Renal function was monitored by serum creatinine concentration, iohexol clearance, and urine specific gravity. Toxicoses were graded according to Veterinary Co‐Operative Oncology Group (VCOG) criteria.ResultsThe remission rate with cisplatin/firocoxib (57%) was significantly (P = .021) higher than that with cisplatin alone (13%). Renal and gastrointestinal toxicoses were common in dogs receiving cisplatin, but there were no significant differences between dogs receiving cisplatin or cisplatin/firocoxib. Firocoxib alone induced partial remission or stable disease in 20 and 33% of dogs, respectively.ConclusionsFirocoxib significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin resulting in partial remission in more than half of the cases. The toxicoses inherent to cisplatin, however, were noted in dogs receiving this combination. Firocoxib had antitumor effects as a single agent and can be considered a palliative treatment for dogs with TCC.
Moving towards the edge: matrix matters!
Authors: Cousins Sara A.O. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, Chabrerie et al. use plant inventories and geographical data to investigate effects on species richness and turnover caused by management intensity in the surrounding matrix in new and old forest fragments. Although forest edge age was important, more intensive management of the matrix clearly sharpened the edge–interior gradient.
Protein fingerprinting of the extracellular matrix remodelling in a rat model of liver fibrosis—a serological evaluation
Authors: Leeming Diana J. , Byrjalsen Inger , Jiménez Wladimiro , Christiansen Claus , Karsdal Morten A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground/AimWe investigated nine novel biomarkers of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in a rat model of liver fibrosis.MethodsLiver fibrosis was induced in 52 male Wistar rats by inhalation of carbon tetrachloride and the level of hepatic fibrosis was assessed by Sirius red staining compared with controls. The novel serum biochemical markers assessed in the model were type I‐(C1M), type III‐(C3M), type IV‐(C4M) and type VI‐(C6M) collagen, citrullinated vimentin (VICM) and biglycan (BGM) all protein fragments generated by matrix metalloproteinases; and formation markers of type III‐(P3NP), type VI (P4NP 7S) and type V (P5CP) collagen; hepatic mRNA type I collagen alpha‐1 chain levels, serum potassium, sodium, osmolarity, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin and creatinine.ResultsStratification of the CCl4‐treated rats according to total hepatic collagen showed that the degradation markers were significantly elevated in mild to severe fibrosis except for C6M which was also elevated in early fibrosis (P < 0.05). The highest Z‐scores in early and moderate fibrosis were provided by P4NP 7S and alanine aminotransferase. All nine markers of ECM remodelling were highly related to the extent of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. The novel collagen formation marker, P4NP 7S, was reliable for the detection of early fibrosis, while the combination of the two markers, C6M and P5CP provided the best correlation with hepatic fibrosis in all fibrosis levels.ConclusionAs the markers can be used for translational science, these markers may provide valuable information for the evaluation of liver fibrosis in clinical settings.
Species‐specific residues calibrate SoxR sensitivity to redox‐active molecules
Authors: Sheplock Rebecca , Recinos David A. , Mackow Natalie , Dietrich Lars E. P. , Chander Monica 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn enterics, the transcription factor SoxR triggers a global stress response by sensing a broad spectrum of redox‐cycling compounds. In the non‐enteric bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptomyces coelicolor, SoxR is activated by endogenous redox‐active small molecules and only regulates a small set of genes. We investigated if the more general response in enterics is reflected in the ability of SoxR to sense a wider range of redox‐cycling compounds. Indeed, while Escherichia coli SoxR is tuned to structurally diverse compounds that span a redox range of −450 to +80 mV, P. aeruginosa and S. coelicolor SoxR are less sensitive to viologens, which have redox potentials below −350 mV. Using a mutagenic approach, we pinpointed three amino acids that contribute to the reduced sensitivity of P. aeruginosa and S. coelicolor SoxR. Notably these residues are not conserved in homologues of the Enterobacteriaceae. We further identified a motif within the sensor domain that tunes the activity of SoxR from enterics – inhibiting constitutive activity while allowing sensitivity to drugs with low redox potentials. Our findings highlight how small alterations in structure can lead to the evolution of proteins with distinct specificities for redox‐active small molecules.
The tomato SlSHINE3 transcription factor regulates fruit cuticle formation and epidermal patterning
Authors: Shi Jian Xin , Adato Avital , Alkan Noam , He Yonghua , Lashbrooke Justin , Matas Antonio J. , Meir Sagit , Malitsky Sergey , Isaacson Tal , Prusky Dov , Leshkowitz Dena , Schreiber Lukas , Granell Antonio R. , Widemann Emilie , Grausem Bernard , Pinot Franck , Rose Jocelyn K. C. , Rogachev Ilana , Rothan Christophe , Aharoni Asaph 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Fleshy tomato fruit typically lacks stomata; therefore, a proper cuticle is particularly vital for fruit development and interaction with the surroundings. Here, we characterized the tomato SlSHINE3 (SlSHN3) transcription factor to extend our limited knowledge regarding the regulation of cuticle formation in fleshy fruits.

We created SlSHN3 overexpressing and silenced plants, and used them for detailed analysis of cuticular lipid compositions, phenotypic characterization, and the study on the mode of SlSHN3 action.

Heterologous expression of SlSHN3 in Arabidopsis phenocopied overexpression of the Arabidopsis SHNs. Silencing of SlSHN3 results in profound morphological alterations of the fruit epidermis and significant reduction in cuticular lipids. We demonstrated that SlSHN3 activity is mediated by control of genes associated with cutin metabolism and epidermal cell patterning. As with SlSHN3 RNAi lines, mutation in the SlSHN3 target gene, SlCYP86A69, resulted in severe cutin deficiency and altered fruit surface architecture. In vitro activity assays demonstrated that SlCYP86A69 possesses NADPH‐dependent ω‐hydroxylation activity, particularly of C18:1 fatty acid to the 18‐hydroxyoleic acid cutin monomer.

This study provided insights into transcriptional mechanisms mediating fleshy fruit cuticle formation and highlighted the link between cutin metabolism and the process of fruit epidermal cell patterning.
A gain‐of‐function mutation in the ROC1 gene alters plant architecture in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ma Xiqing , Song Li , Yang Yaxuan , Liu Dong 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Plant architecture is an important agronomic trait and is useful for identification of plant species. The molecular basis of plant architecture, however, is largely unknown.

Forward genetics was used to identify an Arabidopsis mutant with altered plant architecture. Using genetic and molecular approaches, we analyzed the roles of a mutated cyclophilin in the control of plant architecture.

The Arabidopsis mutant roc1 has reduced stem elongation and increased shoot branching, and the mutant phenotypes are strongly affected by temperature and photoperiod. Map‐based cloning and transgenic experiments demonstrated that the roc1 mutant phenotypes are caused by a gain‐of‐function mutation in a cyclophilin gene, ROC1. Besides, application of the plant hormone gibberellic acid (GA) further suppresses stem elongation in the mutant. GA treatment enhances the accumulation of mutated but not of wildtype (WT) ROC1 proteins. The roc1 mutation does not seem to interfere with GA biosynthesis or signaling. GA signaling, however, antagonizes the effect of the roc1 mutation on stem elongation.

The altered plant architecture may result from the activation of an R gene by the roc1 protein. We also present a working model for the interaction between the roc1 mutation and GA signaling in regulating stem elongation.
Facial asymmetry index in normal young adults
Authors: Huang C. S. , Liu X. Q. , Chen Y. R. 
Published: December 2012

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo differentiate a symmetric face from an asymmetric face by analyzing a three‐dimensional (3D) facial image and plotting the asymmetry index (AI) on a facial symmetry diagram.Setting and Sample PopulationSixty healthy Chinese adults (30 men and 30 women, mean age: 27.7 + 4.9 years old) without any craniofacial deformity were recruited on a voluntary basis from a medical center.Material and MethodsA 3D facial image of each participant was captured by a GENEX 3D FACE CAM system. Sixteen facial landmarks, as defined by Farkas, were selected on each 3D facial image. The AI was calculated for each landmark.ResultsThe norm for the AI varied from 0.76 to 2.82. The landmarks located on the upper face had a smaller AI than the landmarks located on the lower face. A facial symmetry diagram was designed according to the mean, one standard deviation, and 2 standard deviations of AI for each landmark.ConclusionsThe 3D facial asymmetry can be documented with AI. The landmarks located on the upper face had a smaller AI than the landmarks located on the lower face. The facial symmetry diagram can identify efficiently the location of asymmetry on a face.
Tuning Parameter Selection in High Dimensional Penalized Likelihood
Authors: Fan Yingying , Tang Cheng Yong 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDetermining how to select the tuning parameter appropriately is essential in penalized likelihood methods for high dimensional data analysis. We examine this problem in the setting of penalized likelihood methods for generalized linear models, where the dimensionality of covariates p is allowed to increase exponentially with the sample size n. We propose to select the tuning parameter by optimizing the generalized information criterion with an appropriate model complexity penalty. To ensure that we consistently identify the true model, a range for the model complexity penalty is identified in the generlized information criterion. We find that this model complexity penalty should diverge at the rate of some power of log (p) depending on the tail probability behaviour of the response variables. This reveals that using the Akaike information criterion or Bayes information criterion to select the tuning parameter may not be adequate for consistently identifying the true model. On the basis of our theoretical study, we propose a uniform choice of the model complexity penalty and show that the approach proposed consistently identifies the true model among candidate models with asymptotic probability 1. We justify the performance of the procedure proposed by numerical simulations and a gene expression data analysis.