bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Small RNAs Associated with Meiotic Silencing by Unpaired DNA
Authors: Hammond Thomas M , Spollen William G , Decker Logan M , Blake Sean M , Springer Gordon K , Shiu Patrick K T 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn Neurospora crassa, unpaired genes are silenced by a mechanism called meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA (MSUD). Although some RNA interference proteins are necessary for this process, its requirement of small RNAs has yet to be formally established. Here we report the characterization of small RNAs targeting an unpaired region, using Illumina sequencing.
The Innate Immune Response Transcription Factor Relish Is Necessary for Neurodegeneration in aDrosophilaModel of Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Authors: Petersen Andrew J , Katzenberger Rebeccah J , Wassarman David A 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNeurodegeneration is a hallmark of the human disease ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) that is caused by mutation of the A-T mutated (ATM) gene. We have analyzed Drosophila melanogaster ATM mutants to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in A-T. Previously, we found that ATM mutants upregulate the expression of innate immune response (IIR) genes and undergo neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. Here, we present evidence that activation of the IIR is a cause of neurodegeneration in ATM mutants. Three lines of evidence indicate that ATM mutations cause neurodegeneration by activating the Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor Relish, a key regulator of the Immune deficiency (Imd) IIR signaling pathway. First, the level of upregulation of IIR genes, including Relish target genes, was directly correlated with the level of neurodegeneration in ATM mutants. Second, Relish mutations inhibited upregulation of IIR genes and neurodegeneration in ATM mutants. Third, overexpression of constitutively active Relish in glial cells activated the IIR and caused neurodegeneration. In contrast, we found that Imd and Dif mutations did not affect neurodegeneration in ATM mutants. Imd encodes an activator of Relish in the response to gram-negative bacteria, and Dif encodes an immune responsive NF-κB transcription factor in the Toll signaling pathway. These data indicate that the signal that causes neurodegeneration in ATM mutants activates a specific NF-κB protein and does so through an unknown activator. In summary, these findings suggest that neurodegeneration in human A-T is caused by activation of a specific NF-κB protein in glial cells.
Ventilation via Cut Nasotracheal Tube During General Anesthesia
Authors: Asahi Yoshinao , Omichi Shiro , Adachi Seita , Kagamiuchi Hajime , Kotani Junichiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Many patients with disabilities need recurrent dental treatment under general anesthesia because of high caries prevalence and the nature of dental treatment. We evaluated the use of a nasal device as a possible substitute for flexible laryngeal mask airway to reduce the risk of unexpected failure accompanying intubation; we succeeded in ventilating the lungs with a cut nasotracheal tube (CNT) with its tip placed in the pharynx. We hypothesized that this technique would be useful during dental treatment under general anesthesia and investigated its usefulness as part of a minimally invasive technique. A prospective study was designed using general anesthesia in 37 dental patients with disabilities such as intellectual impairment, autism, and cerebral palsy. CNT ventilation was compared with mask ventilation with the patient in 3 positions: the neck in flexion, horizontal position, and in extension. The effect of mouth gags was also recorded during CNT ventilation. The percentages of cases with effective ventilation were similar for the 2 techniques in the neck extension and horizontal positions (89.2–97.3%). However, CNT ventilation was significantly more effective than mask ventilation in the neck flexion position (94.6 vs 45.9%; P < .0001). Mouth gags slightly reduced the rate of effective ventilation in the neck flexion position. Most dental treatments involving minor oral surgeries were performed using mouth gags during CNT ventilation. CNT ventilation was shown to be superior to mask ventilation and is useful during dental treatment under general anesthesia.
Multifidus and Paraspinal Muscle Group Cross-Sectional Areas of Patients With Low Back Pain and Control Patients: A Systematic Review With a Focus on Blinding
Authors: Fortin Maryse , Macedo Luciana Gazzi 
Published: March 2013

Background
Several studies have investigated differences in paraspinal muscle morphology between patients with low back pain (LBP) and control patients. However, inconsistencies in the results of some of these studies may limit generalizations.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to systematically review studies evaluating paraspinal muscle morphology in patients with LBP and control patients, with a focus on the effects of blinding.

Data Sources
An electronic search was performed with the use of relevant databases. Study quality was evaluated by means of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.

Study Selection
Case-control studies investigating paraspinal muscle size between patients with LBP and control patients who were healthy were included. Studies that compared paraspinal muscle size between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides of patients with unilateral LBP also were included.

Data Extraction
Studies investigating the same outcome—at the same spinal level and for the same muscle and population—were pooled. Mean differences with 95% confidence interval were calculated for each study.

Data Synthesis
Eleven studies were included. With 1 exception, all pooled results were significantly different statistically between groups, suggesting that paraspinal muscles are smaller in patients with chronic LBP than in control patients and on the symptomatic side of patients with chronic unilateral LBP. In patients with acute unilateral LBP, there was no significant difference between sides. A qualitative examination demonstrated a trend toward an increased effect size when outcome assessors were unblinded.

Limitations
Limitations of this review include the small number of studies included and their small sample size. Misclassification of blinding status may have occurred when the study did not report blinding status.

Conclusions
Evidence suggests that paraspinal muscles are significantly smaller in patients with chronic LBP than in control patients. Although no definite conclusion could be taken as to the effects of blinding, future imaging studies should consider the use of blinded outcome assessors.
Interaction of Tillage System and Irrigation Amount on Peanut Performance in the Southeastern U.S
Authors: Faircloth W. H. , Rowland D. L. , Lamb M. C. , Balkcom K. S. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A five-year study to investigate the potential interaction of conservation tillage with reduced irrigation amounts was conducted near Dawson, GA on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Conventional tillage was compared to two conservation tillage programs (wide-strip and narrow-strip tillage) under four irrigation levels (100, 66, 33, and 0% of a recommended amount). Peanut yield did not exhibit a tillage by irrigation interaction as expected, although the main effects of irrigation and tillage were each significant by year due to weather variations. Peanut yield in narrow-strip tillage or wide-strip tillage were individually superior to conventional tillage in three seasons out of five, however only in one year did both conservation tillage systems outperform the conventional system. No detrimental effects on yields could be attributed to conservation tillage. Peanut quality and digging loss were dependent on the tillage by year effect as well as the main effect of irrigation. Irrigation increased total sound mature kernels (TSMK) 2% versus non-irrigated (0% irrigation level); tillage was not significant each year of the study but increased TSMK 2% in three of five years. Digging losses were greater in plots with increased yield potential such as those receiving irrigation. Net economic returns revealed a moderate trend towards sustained profitability under reduced irrigation levels through narrow-strip tillage and to a lesser extent, wide-strip tillage. Under conventional tillage systems, returns decreased with decreasing amounts of irrigation applied.
Prevalence and Determinants of Virological Failure in HIV-Infected Children on Antiretroviral Therapy in Rural Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zoufaly Alexander , Fillekes Quirine , Hammerl Raffaela , Nassimi Nilofar , Jochum Johannes , Drexler Jan F , Awasom Charles N , Sunjoh Frida , Burchard Gerd D , Burger David M , Van Lunzen Jan , Feldt Torsten 
Published: March 2013

Background In Africa, success of antiretroviral treatment (ART) seems to lag behind in children compared with adults, and high therapeutic failure rates have been reported. We aimed to identify prevalence and determinants of virological failure in HIV-infected children treated under programmatic conditions. Methods All patients <18 years on ART presenting to the HIV clinic at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, a secondary referral hospital in rural Cameroon, from September 2010 to August 2011, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Clinical data, self-reported adherence, CD4+ T-cell counts and viral load were recorded. Therapeutic drug monitoring was performed on stored plasma samples. Determinants of virological failure were identified using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results A total of 230 children with a mean age of 8.9 years (sd 3.7) were included. At the time of analysis, the mean duration of HAART was 3.5 years (sd 1.7) and 12% had a CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/μl. In total, 53% of children experienced virological failure (>200 copies/ml). Among children on nevirapine (NVP), plasma levels were subtherapeutic in 14.2% and supratherapeutic in 42.2%. Determinants of virological failure included male sex, lower CD4+ T-cell counts, subtherapeutic drug levels, longer time on ART and a deceased mother. Poor adherence was associated with subtherapeutic NVP plasma levels and advanced disease stages (WHO stage 3/4). Conclusions This study demonstrates high virological failure rates and a high variability of NVP plasma levels among HIV-infected children in a routine ART programme in rural Cameroon. Strategies to improve adherence to ART in HIV-infected children are urgently needed.
The Downregulation of microRNA let-7a Contributes to the Excessive Expression of Type I Collagen in Systemic and Localized Scleroderma
Authors: Makino Katsunari , Jinnin Masatoshi , Hirano Ayaka , Yamane Keitaro , Eto Mitsuhiko , Kusano Takamitsu , Honda Noritoshi , Kajihara Ikko , Makino Takamitsu , Sakai Keisuke , Masuguchi Shinichi , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Systemic and localized scleroderma (SSc and LSc) is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and tissue fibrosis in the skin. Although they have fundamental common characteristics including autoimmunity, little is known about the exact mechanism that mediates the excessive collagen expression in these disorders. In the current study, we tried to evaluate the possibility that microRNAs (miRNAs) play some roles in the pathogenesis of fibrosis seen in these diseases. miRNA expression patterns were evaluated by miRNA array analysis, real-time PCR, and in situ hybridization. The function of miRNAs in dermal fibroblasts was assessed using miRNA inhibitors, precursors, or protectors. In the mouse model of bleomycin-induced dermal sclerosis, the overexpression of miRNAs was performed by i.p. miRNA injection. We demonstrated let-7a expression was downregulated in SSc and LSc skin both in vivo and in vitro, compared with normal or keloid skin. The inhibition or overexpression of let-7a in human or mouse skin fibroblasts affected the protein expression of type I collagen or luciferase activity of collagen 3′-untranslated region. Also, we found let-7a was detectable and quantitative in the serum and investigated serum let-7a levels in patients with SSc or LSc. let-7a concentration was significantly decreased in these patients, especially in LSc patients. Moreover, we revealed that the intermittent overexpression of let-7a in the skin by i.p. miRNA injection improved the skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice. Investigation of more detailed mechanisms of miRNA-mediated regulation of collagen expression may lead to new therapeutic approaches against SSc and LSc.
Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid Is the Most Effective TLR Adjuvant for SIV Gag Protein–Induced T Cell Responses In Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Park Haesun , Adamson Lauren , Ha Tae , Mullen Karl , Hagen Shoko I. , Nogueron Arys , Sylwester Andrew W. , Axthelm Michael K. , Legasse Al , Piatak Michael , Lifson Jeffrey D. , McElrath Juliana M. , Picker Louis J. , Seder Robert A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPrime-boost immunization with heterologous vaccines elicits potent cellular immunity. In this study, we assessed the influence of various TLR ligands on SIV Gag–specific T cell immunity and protection following prime-boost immunization. Rhesus macaques (RMs) were primed with SIV Gag protein emulsified in Montanide ISA51 with or without TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly-IC]), TLR4 (monophosphoryl lipid A), TLR7/8 (3M-012), TLR9 (CpG), or TLR3 (poly-IC) combined with TLR7/8 ligands, then boosted with replication defective adenovirus 5 expressing SIV Gag (rAd5-Gag). After priming, RMs that received SIV Gag protein plus poly-IC developed significantly higher frequencies of SIV Gag–specific CD4+ Th1 responses in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid lymphocytes compared with all other adjuvants, and low-level SIV Gag–specific CD8+ T cell responses. After the rAd5-Gag boost, the magnitude and breadth of SIV Gag–specific CD8+ T cell responses were significantly increased in RM primed with SIV Gag protein plus poly-IC, with or without the TLR7/8 ligand, or CpG. However, the anamnestic, SIV Gag–specific CD8+ T cell response to SIVmac251 challenge was not significantly enhanced by SIV Gag protein priming with any of the adjuvants. In contrast, the anamnestic SIV Gag–specific CD4+ T cell response in BAL was enhanced by SIV Gag protein priming with poly-IC or CpG, which correlated with partial control of early viral replication after SIVmac251 challenge. These results demonstrate that prime-boost vaccination with SIV Gag protein/poly-IC improves magnitude, breadth, and durability of CD4+ T cell immune responses, which could have a role in the control of SIV viral replication.
Three Years After Transplants in Human Mandibles, Histological and In-Line Holotomography Revealed That Stem Cells Regenerated a Compact Rather Than a Spongy Bone: Biological and Clinical Implications
Authors: Giuliani Alessandra , Manescu Adrian , Langer Max , Rustichelli Franco , Desiderio Vincenzo , Paino Francesca , De Rosa Alfredo , Laino Luigi , d'Aquino Riccardo , Tirino Virginia , Papaccio Gianpaolo 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells deriving from dental pulp differentiate into osteoblasts capable of producing bone. In previous studies, we extensively demonstrated that, when seeded on collagen I scaffolds, these cells can be conveniently used for the repair of human mandible defects. Here, we assess the stability and quality of the regenerated bone and vessel network 3 years after the grafting intervention, with conventional procedures and in-line holotomography, an advanced phase-imaging method using synchrotron radiation that offers improved sensitivity toward low-absorbing structures. We found that the regenerated tissue from the graft sites was composed of a fully compact bone with a higher matrix density than control human alveolar spongy bone from the same patient. Thus, the regenerated bone, being entirely compact, is completely different from normal alveolar bone. Although the bone regenerated at the graft sites is not of the proper type found in the mandible, it does seem to have a positive clinical impact. In fact, it creates steadier mandibles, may well increase implant stability, and, additionally, may improve resistance to mechanical, physical, chemical, and pharmacological agents.
Caregiver Burden: Meeting the Needs of People who Support the Person with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Wollin Judy , Reiher Christine , Spencer Nancy , Madl Romana , Nutter Helen 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Reliance on informal arrangements to support the person with multiple sclerosis (MS) is an increasingly common phenomenon. The focus of this Australian-based research is on the impact of the caregiver role, the identification of stressors that might prevent a continuation of the role, and the determination of resources needed by caregivers to continue in this role.
Using surveys that were sent through the mail, the views of 34 people who care for an individual with MS were collected in order to identify the caregivers’ views on the impact of their role. The results indicate that caregivers provide between 2 and 10 hours daily of physical, emotional, financial, or informational support to the person with MS. The majority of people who provide support to individuals with MS are married to them; they provide care out of love; and they are overtaxed by day-to-day tasks with reduced physical, emotional, and financial resources. Caregivers requested practical support rather than information to reduce their burden.
Coordinatable and High Charge‐Carrier‐Mobility Water‐Soluble Conjugated Copolymers for Effective Aqueous‐Processed Polymer–Nanocrystal Hybrid Solar Cells and OFET Applications
Authors: Wei Haotong , Zhang Hao , Jin Gan , Na Tianyi , Zhang Guoyan , Zhang Xue , Wang Yan , Sun Haizhu , Tian Wenjing , Yang Bai 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA water‐soluble conjugated polymer (WCP) poly[(3,4‐dibromo‐2,5‐thienylene vinylene)‐co‐(p‐phenylene‐vinylene)] (PBTPV), containing thiophene rings with high charge‐carrier mobility and benzene rings with excellent solubility is designed and prepared through Wessling polymerization. The PBTPV precursor can be easily processed by employing water or alcohols as the solvents, which are clean, environmentally friendly, and non‐toxic compared with the highly toxic organic solvents such as chloroform and chlorobenzene. As a novel photoelectric material, PBTPV presents excellent hole‐transport properties with a carrier mobility of 5 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 measured in an organic field‐effect transistor device. By integrating PBTPV with aqueous CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) to produce the active layer of water‐processed hybrid solar cells, the devices exhibit effective power conversion efficiency up to 3.3%. Moreover, the PBTPV can form strong coordination interactions with the CdTe NCs through the S atoms on the thiophene rings, and effective coordination with other nanoparticles can be reasonably expected.
Fe(PyTACN)‐Catalyzed cis‐Dihydroxylation of Olefins with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Prat Irene , Font David , Company Anna , Junge Kathrin , Ribas Xavi , Beller Matthias , Costas Miquel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA family of iron complexes with general formula [Fe(II)(R,Y,XPyTACN)(CF3SO3)2], where R,Y,XPyTACN=1‐[2′‐(4‐Y‐6‐X‐pyridyl)methyl]‐4,7‐dialkyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane, X and Y refer to the groups at positions 4 and 6 of the pyridine, respectively, and R refers to the alkyl substitution at N‐4 and N‐7 of the triazacyclononane ring, are shown to be catalysts for efficient and selective alkene oxidation (epoxidation and cis‐dihydroxylation) employing hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. Complex [Fe(II)(Me,Me,HPyTACN)(CF3SO3)2] (7), was identified as the most efficient and selective cis‐dihydroxylation catalyst among the family. The high activity of 7 allows the oxidation of alkenes to proceed rapidly (30 min) at room temperature and under conditions where the olefin is not used in large amounts but instead is the limiting reagent. In the presence of 3 mol% of 7, 2 equiv. of H2O2 as oxidant and 15 equiv. of water, in acetonitrile solution, alkenes are cis‐dihydroxylated reaching yields that might be interesting for synthetic purposes. Competition experiments show that 7 exhibits preferential selectivity towards the oxidation of cis olefins over the trans analogues, and also affords better yields and high [syn‐diol]/[epoxide] ratios when cis olefins are oxidized. For aliphatic substrates, reaction yields attained with the present system compare favourably with state of the art Fe‐catalyzed cis‐dihydroxylation systems, and it can be regarded as an attractive complement to the iron and manganese systems described recently and which show optimum activity against electron‐deficient and aromatic olefins.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Allylamine Derivatives by Iodine‐ Catalyzed Three‐Component Reaction of N‐Heterocycles, Paraformaldehyde and Styrenes
Authors: Quan Zheng‐Jun , Hu Wang‐Hua , Zhang Zhang , Da Yu‐Xia , Jia Xiao‐Dong , Wang Xi‐Cun 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe molecular iodine‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of amides or amide derivatives, paraformaldehyde and styrenes allows for the clean generation of allylamine derivatives in good yields and high regioselectivities. The reaction, forming water as the sole co‐product, is an experimentally easy to conduct transformation in the absence of transition metals under mild conditions.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Tri‐ and Tetrasubstituted Enamides via Palladium‐Catalyzed Silaboration of Ynamides
Authors: Saito Nozomi , Saito Keiichi , Sato Hiroyasu , Sato Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe palladium‐catalyzed silaboration of ynamides is demonstrated. The silaboration proceeds in a highly regioselective manner to give the corresponding tri‐ and tetrasubstituted enamide derivatives having both a silyl group and a boryl group on the alkene. Furthermore, the silaborated enamide could be utilized as a coupling partner in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling with aryl iodides to give the corresponding cross‐coupling product in good yield.
Sex dependent influence of a functional polymorphism in steroid 5‐α‐reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) on post‐traumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Gillespie Charles F. , Almli Lynn M. , Smith Alicia K. , Bradley Bekh , Kerley Kimberly , Crain Daniel F. , Mercer Kristina B. , Weiss Tamara , Phifer Justine , Tang Yilang , Cubells Joseph F. , Binder Elisabeth B. , Conneely Karen N. , Ressler Kerry J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA non‐synonymous, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene coding for steroid 5‐α‐reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) is associated with reduced conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Because SRD5A2 participates in the regulation of testosterone and cortisol metabolism, hormones shown to be dysregulated in patients with PTSD, we examined whether the V89L variant (rs523349) influences risk for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Study participants (N = 1,443) were traumatized African‐American patients of low socioeconomic status with high rates of lifetime trauma exposure recruited from the primary care clinics of a large, urban hospital. PTSD symptoms were measured with the post‐traumatic stress symptom scale (PSS). Subjects were genotyped for the V89L variant (rs523349) of SRD5A2. We initially found a significant sex‐dependent effect of genotype in male but not female subjects on symptoms. Associations with PTSD symptoms were confirmed using a separate internal replication sample with identical methods of data analysis, followed by pooled analysis of the combined samples (N = 1,443, sex × genotype interaction P < 0.002; males: n = 536, P < 0.001). These data support the hypothesis that functional variation within SRD5A2 influences, in a sex‐specific way, the severity of post‐traumatic stress symptoms and risk for diagnosis of PTSD. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.