bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Steap4 attenuates high glucose and S100B‐induced effects in mesangial cells
Authors: Chuang Chao‐Tang , Guh Jinn‐Yuh , Lu Chi‐Yu , Wang Yeng‐Tseng , Chen Hung‐Chun , Chuang Lea‐Yea 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSix‐transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 (Steap4)‐knockout mice develop hyperglycaemia and inflammation whereas Steap4 overexpression attenuates atherosclerosis in diabetic mice. Thus, we studied the roles of Steap4 in high glucose (HG, 27.5 mM) or S100B (1 μM, a ligand for the receptor for advanced glycation end‐product or RAGE)‐induced effects in mouse mesangial (MES13) cells. We found that HG‐induced Steap4 protein expression was dependent on S100B. HG increased cell membrane, but not cytosolic, Steap4 protein expression. HG increased protein‐protein interaction between Steap4 and S100B, which was confirmed by mass spectrometry of immunoprecipitated S100B. SP600125, LY294002 and AG490 attenuated S100B‐induced Steap4 protein expression or gene transcriptional activity. A mutation in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) site 2 of the Steap4 promoter constructs resulted in a marked decrease in HG or S100B‐induced activation of Steap4 gene transcription. Overexpression of Steap4 attenuates HG or S100B‐induced collagen IV, fibronectin and cyclooxygenase 2 protein expression. Overexpression of Steap4 attenuates HG or S100B‐induced transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). Moreover, overexpression of Steap4 attenuates S100B‐induced signalling. Finally, overexpressing Steap4 attenuated renal expression of fibronectin, S100B, TGF‐β, type IV collagen, p‐Akt, p‐extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and p‐Stat3 in streptozotocin‐diabetic mice. Thus, overexpression of Steap4 attenuated HG or S100B‐induced effects in MES13 cells and attenuated some of S100B‐induced effects in diabetic mouse kidneys.
ADRA2A is involved in neuro‐endocrine regulation of bone resorption
Authors: Mlakar Vid , Jurkovic Mlakar Simona , Zupan Janja , Komadina Radko , Prezelj Janez , Marc Janja 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAdrenergic stimulation is important for osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Previous research shows that this happens through β2‐adrenergic receptor (AR), but there are conflicting evidence on presence and role of α2A‐AR in bone. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of α2A‐AR and its involvement in neuro‐endocrine signalling of bone remodelling in humans. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate α2A‐AR receptor presence and localization in bone cells. Functionality of rs553668 and rs1800544 single nucleotide polymorphism SNPs located in α2A‐AR gene was analysed by qPCR expression on bone samples and luciferase reporter assay in human osteosarcoma HOS cells. Using real‐time PCR, genetic association study between rs553668 A>G and rs1800544 C>G SNPs and major bone markers was performed on 661 Slovenian patients with osteoporosis. α2A‐AR is expressed in osteoblasts and lining cells but not in osteocytes. SNP rs553668 has a significant influence on α2A‐AR mRNA level in human bone samples through the stability of mRNA. α2A‐AR gene locus associates with important bone remodelling markers (BMD, CTX, Cathepsin K and pOC). The results of this study are providing comprehensive new evidence that α2A‐AR is involved in neuro‐endocrine signalling of bone turnover and development of osteoporosis. As shown by our results the neurological signalling is mediated through osteoblasts and result in bone resorption. Genetic study showed association of SNPs in α2A‐AR gene locus with bone remodelling markers, identifying the individuals with higher risk of development of osteoporosis.
A prospective study comparing ultrapulse CO2 laser and trichloroacetic acid in treatment of Xanthelasma palpebrarum
Authors: Goel Khushbu , Sardana Kabir , Garg Vijay Kumar 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundXanthelasma Palpebrarum is a type of xanthoma which presents as cosmetic concern.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of 30% TCA and UpCO2 laser in XP.Methods and materialsFifty patients with XP were categorized clinically into three groups. Patients in each group were alternately allocated to 30% TCA (Group A) and laser (Group B). TCA was applied weekly (maximum: 12 sessions), and laser sessions were given monthly (maximum: three sessions). The primary outcome measures were total patients cured, the number of sessions, and mean VAS at the end of treatment. The secondary outcome measures were total duration of treatment, side effects, and recurrence in follow‐up (6 months) (P < 0.05 significant).ResultsIn Group A, 14 of 25 and in Group B, 25 of 25 patients achieved complete cure (P < 0.05). The mean VAS was lower for Group A (patient: 4.56 vs. 5.36; physician: 4.64 vs. 5.44) [P < 0.05] with significant difference only for group III patients. Mean number of sessions was less with laser group (1.56 vs. 9.74), except in group I. There was no significant difference in pigmentary changes and recurrence.ConclusionFor clinically mild lesions, both TCA and laser are good options, but laser is a better option for severe lesions. Recurrence is a concern with both modalities.
HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF UPPER CRETACEOUS MARINE SOURCE ROCKS IN THE TERMIT BASIN, NIGER
Authors: Liu Bang , Wan Lunkun , Mao Fengjun , Liu Jiguo , Lü Mingsheng , Wang Yuhua 
Published: March 2015

Upper Cretaceous mudstones are the most important source rocks in the Termit Basin, SE Niger. For this study, 184 mudstone samples from the Santonian–Campanian Yogou Formation and the underlying Cenomanian–Coniacian Donga Formation from eight wells were analyzed on the basis of palaeontological, petrographical and geochemical data, the latter including the results of Rock‐Eval, biomarker and stable isotope analyses. Samples from the upper member of the Yogou Formation contain marine algae and ostracods together with freshwater algae (Pediastrum) and arenaceous foraminifera, indicating a shallow‐marine to paralic depositional environment with fresh‐ to brackish waters. Terrestrial pollen and spores are common and of high diversity, suggesting proximity to land. Samples from the lower member contain marine algae and ostracods and arenaceous foraminifera but without freshwater algae, indicating shallow‐marine and brackish‐water settings with less freshwater influence.The wide range of gammacerane index values, gammacerane/C30 hopane (0.07–0.5) and Pr/Ph ratios (0.63–4.68) in samples from the upper member of the Yogou Formation suggest a low to moderately saline environment with oxic to anoxic conditions. In samples from the lower member, the narrower range of the gammacerane index (0.23∼0.35) and Pr/Ph ratios (0.76–1.36) probably indicate a moderately saline environment with suboxic to relatively anoxic conditions.Petrographic analyses of the Yogou Formation samples show that organic matter is dominated by terrestrial higher plant material with vitrinite, inertinite and specific liptinites (sporinite, cutinite and resinite). Extracts are characterized by a dominance of C29 steranes over C27 and C28 homologues. Results of pyrolysis and elemental analyses indicate that the organic matter is composed mainly of Type II kerogen grading to mixed Type II‐III and Type III material with poor to excellent petroleum potential. Mudstones from the upper member of the Yogou Formation have higher petroleum generation potential than those from the lower member. Mudstones in the Donga Formation are dominated by Type III organic matter with poor to fair petroleum generation potential.Geochemical parameters indicate that in terms of thermal maturity the Yogou Formations has reached or surpassed the early phase of oil generation. Samples have Tmax values and 20S/(20S+20R) C29 sterane ratios greater than 435°C and 0.35, respectively. 22S/(22S+22R) ratios of C31 homohopanes range from 0.50 to 0.54.The results of this study will help to provide a better understanding of the hydrocarbon potential of Upper Cretaceous marine source rocks in the Termit Basin and also in coeval intracontinental rift basins such as the Tenere Basin (Niger), Bornu Basin (Nigeria) and Benue Trough (Nigeria).
DIAGENETIC ALTERATIONS AND RESERVOIR QUALITY EVOLUTION OF LOWER CRETACEOUS FLUVIAL SANDSTONES: NUBIAN FORMATION, SIRT BASIN, NORTH‐CENTRAL LIBYA
Authors: El‐Khatri F. , El‐Ghali M. A. K. , Mansurbeg H. , Morad S. , Ogle N. , Kalin R. M. 
Published: March 2015

Lower Cretaceous meandering and braided fluvial sandstones of the Nubian Formation form some of the most important subsurface reservoir rocks in the Sirt Basin, north‐central Libya. Mineralogical, petrographical and geochemical analyses of sandstone samples from well BB6–59, Sarir oilfield, indicate that the meandering fluvial sandstones are fine‐ to very fine‐grained subarkosic arenites (av. Q91F5L4), and that braided fluvial sandstones are medium‐ to very coarse‐grained quartz arenites (av. Q96F3L1). The reservoir qualities of these sandstones were modified during both eodiagenesis (ca. <70°C; <2 km) and mesodiagenesis (ca. >70°C; >2 km). Reservoir quality evolution was controlled primarily by the dissolution and kaolinitization of feldspars, micas and mud intraclasts during eodiagenesis, and by the amount and thickness of grain‐coating clays, chemical compaction and quartz overgrowths during mesodiagenesis. However, dissolution and kaolinitization of feldspars, micas and mud intraclasts resulted in the creation of intercrystalline micro‐ and mouldic macro‐porosity and permeability during eodiagenesis, which were more widespread in braided fluvial than in meandering fluvial sandstones. This was because of the greater depositional porosity and permeability in the braided fluvial sandstones which enhanced percolation of meteoric waters. The development of only limited quartz overgrowths in the braided fluvial sandstones, in which quartz grains are coated by thick illite layers, retained high porosity and permeability (12–23% and 30–600 mD). By contrast, meandering fluvial sandstones underwent porosity loss as a result of quartz overgrowth development on quartz grains which lack or have thin and incomplete grain‐coating illite (2–15% and 0–0.1 mD). Further loss of porosity in the meandering fluvial sandstones occurred as a result of chemical compaction (pressure dissolution) induced by the occurrence of micas along grains contacts. Other diagenetic alterations, such as the growth of pyrite, siderite, dolomite/ankerite and albitization, had little impact on reservoir quality. The albitization of feldspars may have had minor positive influence on reservoir quality through the creation of intercrystalline micro‐porosity between albite crystals.The results of this study show that diagenetic modifications of the braided and meandering fluvial sandstones in the Nubian Formation, and resulting changes in reservoir quality, are closely linked to depositional porosity and permeability. They are also linked to the thickness of grain‐coating infiltrated clays, and to variations in detrital composition, particularly the amounts of mud intraclasts, feldspars and mica grains as well as climatic conditions.
Is Pornography Use Associated with Sexual Difficulties and Dysfunctions among Younger Heterosexual Men?
Authors: Landripet Ivan , Štulhofer Aleksandar 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Recent epidemiological studies reported high prevalence rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) among younger heterosexual men (≤40). It has been suggested that this “epidemic” of ED is related to increased pornography use. However, empirical evidence for such association is currently lacking.

Aim
This study analyzes associations between pornography use and sexual health disturbances among younger heterosexual men using four large-scale online samples from three European countries.

Methods
The analyses were carried out using a 2011 cross-sectional online study of Croatian, Norwegian, and Portuguese men (Study 1; N = 2,737) and a 2014 cross-sectional online study of Croatian men (Study 2; N = 1,211). Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the associations between pornography use and sexual difficulties.

Main Outcome Measures
In Study 1, erectile difficulties, inability to reach orgasm, and a lack of sexual desire were measured using the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behavior indicators. In Study 2, ED was measured with the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Delayed ejaculation and a decrease of sexual desire were assessed with one-item indicators.

Results
In Study 1, only the relationship between pornography use and ED among Croatian men was statistically significant (χ2[2] = 18.76, P &lt; 0.01). The association was small and inconsistent. Compared with infrequent use of pornography, moderate but not high frequency of pornography use increased the odds of reporting ED (adjusted odds ratio = 0.53, P &lt; 0.01). In Study 2, no significant associations both between either the frequency or the recent dynamics of pornography use and male sexual dysfunctions were observed.

Conclusion
We found little evidence of the association between pornography use and male sexual health disturbances. Contrary to raising public concerns, pornography does not seem to be a significant risk factor for younger men's desire, erectile, or orgasmic difficulties.
Reports on badgers Meles meles in Dutch newspapers 1900–2013: same animals, different framings?
Authors: Runhaar Hens , Runhaar Marjolein , Vink Hans 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Culling wild badgers Meles meles in an attempt to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infections in domestic cattle has provoked a long and fierce debate in the UK. Research has shown that the controversy over badger culling exists because of fundamental differences in how badgers and their relationship with humans are framed (viewed and described) by various people and groups. However, these different framings pre‐existed the bTB badger culling debate.
In the Netherlands, bTB is absent in cattle. Until the 1980s, the badger population showed a strong decline, due to persecution and increasing road traffic intensity. Since the 1990s, the badger population has increased substantially, which has led to more confrontations with humans (more collisions with vehicles, more damage to crops, etc.). Yet badgers seem far less controversial than in the UK. Moreover, cases of persecution are now seldom reported. This suggests that badger framings in the Netherlands are less extreme than those in the UK, and have become less focused on negative aspects of badgers.
Badger framings can facilitate or hinder badger protection. We identify badger framings in the Netherlands, provide explanations for these framings and how they change over time, and explore the consequences of framings in terms of how humans act towards badgers. We then compare the Dutch badger framings to the UK badger framings.
The paper is based on an analysis of over 1400 reports in almost 1200 articles that were published during the last century in Dutch newspapers.
Dutch badger framings are more nuanced than those in the UK. The specific situation of badger–human interaction appears to have an important influence on badger framings, and thus on the protection of badgers.
A meta‐analysis reveals a positive correlation between genetic diversity metrics and environmental status in the long‐lived seagrassPosidonia oceanica
Authors: Jahnke Marlene , Olsen Jeanine L. , Procaccini Gabriele 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe seagrassPosidonia oceanicais a key engineering species structuring coastal marine systems throughout much of theMediterranean basin. Its decline is of concern, leading to the search for short‐ and long‐term indicators of seagrass health. UsingArcGISmaps from a recent, high‐resolution (1–4 km) modelling study of 18 disturbance factors affecting coastal marine systems across theMediterranean (Micheliet al. 2013,http://globalmarine.nceas.ucsb.edu/mediterranean/), we tested for correlations with genetic diversity metrics (allelic diversity, genotypic/clonal diversity and heterozygosity) in a meta‐analysis of 56 meadows. Contrary to initial predictions, weak but significantlypositivecorrelations were found for commercial shipping, organic pollution (pesticides) and cumulative impact. This counterintuitive finding suggests greater resistance and resilience of individuals with higher genetic and genotypic diversity under disturbance (at least for a time) and/or increased sexual reproduction under an intermediate disturbance model. We interpret the absence of low and medium levels of genetic variation at impacted locations as probable local extinctions of individuals that already exceeded their resistance capacity. Alternatively, high diversity at high‐impact sites is likely a temporal artefact, reflecting the mismatch with pre‐environmental impact conditions, especially because flowering and sexual recruitment are seldom observed. While genetic diversity metrics are a valuable tool for restoration and mitigation, caution must be exercised in the interpretation of correlative patterns as found in this study, because the exceptional longevity of individuals creates a temporal mismatch that may falsely suggest good meadow health status, while gradual deterioration of allelic diversity might go unnoticed.
Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in HIV‐ sero‐negative patients: case series from India
Authors: Chopra Shimpi , Capoor Malini R. , Mallik Rupali , Gupta Sonal , Ray Animesh , Khanna Geetika , Suri J. C. , Bhattacharya D. , Raghavan Samudrala 
Published: March 2015

SummaryPulmonary cryptococcosis is likely to be misdiagnosed due to relatively non‐specific clinical and radiological features. It is more frequently associated with immuno‐suppressed conditions especially acquired immuno‐deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Four cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis were diagnosed over a period of eleven years. All patients in this case series were human immune‐deficiency virus (HIV)‐negative. The predisposing factors in these patients were diabetes mellitus (DM), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), post‐partum and pregnancy in one each of the patients. Relapse was seen in two cases. All the patients survived due to strict follow‐up. Pulmonary cryptococcosis is common in non‐AIDS patients and it warrants rapid diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up to prevent relapse.
Fetal growth trajectory and risk for eczema in a Saudi population
Authors: AlMakoshi Amel , Ellahi Awaiss , Sallout Bala , Devereux Graham , Turner Steve 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies in Western cohorts have identified associations between increasing fetal abdominal circumference (AC) during mid‐pregnancy and increased risk for eczema and atopy. We sought to replicate these findings in a Saudi population where antenatal environmental exposures are different compared with Western countries.MethodsA Saudi birth cohort was recruited to relate maternal dietary intake and fetal growth to wheeze, eczema, and rhinitis in the first 2 yrs. Fetal size was determined from routine ultrasound scan measurements in the second and third trimesters and birthweight was noted. Parent‐reported outcomes during the first 2 yrs were acquired by telephone‐administered questionnaire.ResultsThere were 1076 mothers recruited. AC was determined in 562 for the second, in 632 for the third, and in 281 for both second and third trimesters. A history of eczema was determined in 814 children at 2 yrs of age. There was an inverse relationship between change in abdominal circumference between the second and third trimesters for eczema (OR 0.66 per z score increase in AC [95% CI 0.49, 0.89]), and the quartile with the greatest faltering growth were at increased risk compared with other groups (p ≤ 0.045). Change in fetal size between the third trimester and birth was not associated with altered eczema risk. There were no associations between fetal growth and wheeze at the age of 2 yrs.ConclusionsOur findings contrast observations made in Western populations but nonetheless suggest that factors associated with changing fetal growth trajectory in the second half of pregnancy are also relevant to atopy development on the global setting.
Effect of suppression of arabinoxylan synthetic genes in wheat endosperm on chain length of arabinoxylan and extract viscosity
Authors: Freeman Jackie , Lovegrove Alison , Wilkinson Mark David , Saulnier Luc , Shewry Peter Robert , Mitchell Rowan Andrew Craig 
Published: March 2015

SummaryArabinoxylan (AX) is the dominant component within wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) endosperm cell walls, accounting for 70% of the polysaccharide. The viscosity of aqueous extracts from wheat grain is a key trait influencing the processing for various end uses, and this is largely determined by the properties of endosperm AX. We have previously shown dramatic effects on endosperm AX in transgenic wheat by down‐regulating either TaGT43_2 or TaGT47_2 genes (orthologues to IRX9 and IRX10 in Arabidopsis, respectively) implicated in AX chain extension and the TaXAT1 gene responsible for monosubstitution by 3‐linked arabinose. Here, we use these transgenic lines to investigate the relationship between amounts of AX in soluble and insoluble fractions, the chain‐length distribution of these measured by intrinsic viscosity and the overall effect on extract viscosity. In transgenic lines expressing either the TaGT43_2 or TaGT47_2 RNAi transgenes, the intrinsic viscosities of water‐extractable (WE‐AX) and of a water‐insoluble alkaline‐extracted fraction (AE‐AX) were decreased by between 10% and 50% compared to control lines. In TaXAT1 RNAi lines, there was a 15% decrease in intrinsic viscosity of WE‐AX but no consistent effect on that of AE‐AX. All transgenic lines showed decreases in extract viscosity with larger effects in TaGT43_2 and TaGT47_2 RNAi lines (by up to sixfold) than in TaXAT1 RNAi lines (by twofold). These effects were explained by the decreases in amount and chain length of WE‐AX, with decreases in amount having the greater influence. Extract viscosity from wheat grain can therefore be greatly decreased by suppression of single gene targets.
1H‐NMR screening for the high‐throughput determination of genotype and environmental effects on the content of asparagine in wheat grain
Authors: Corol Delia I. , Ravel Catherine , Rakszegi Marianna , Charmet Gilles , Bedo Zoltan , Beale Michael H. , Shewry Peter R. , Ward Jane L. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryFree asparagine in cereals is known to be the precursor of acrylamide, a neurotoxic and carcinogenic product formed during cooking processes. Thus, the development of crops with lower asparagine is of considerable interest to growers and the food industry. In this study, we describe the development and application of a rapid 1H‐NMR‐based analysis of cereal flour, that is, suitable for quantifying asparagine levels, and hence acrylamide‐forming potential, across large numbers of samples. The screen was applied to flour samples from 150 bread wheats grown at a single site in 2005, providing the largest sample set to date. Additionally, screening of 26 selected cultivars grown for two further years in the same location and in three additional European locations in the third year (2007) provided six widely different environments to allow estimation of the environmental (E) and G x E effects on asparagine levels. Asparagine concentrations in the 150 genotypes ranged from 0.32 to 1.56 mg/g dry matter in wholemeal wheat flours. Asparagine levels were correlated with plant height and therefore, due to recent breeding activities to produce semi‐dwarf varieties, a negative relationship with the year of registration of the cultivar was also observed. The multisite study indicated that only 13% of the observed variation in asparagine levels was heritable, whilst the environmental contribution was 36% and the GxE component was 43%. Thus, compared to some other phenotypic traits, breeding for low asparagine wheats presents a difficult challenge.