bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Activity Rates do not Predict Growth and Future Body Size of Juvenile Eastern Fence Lizards, Sceloporus undulatus
Authors: Rosier Renee L. , Langkilde Tracy 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSelection favors larger body size in many taxa. In some species, larger individuals are more active and bolder than smaller conspecifics, but the nature of this relationship is unclear: Is body size a predictor or a consequence of behavior? Any effect of behavior on body size may be through its effect on competitive ability, suggesting that the presence of potential competitors could exaggerate or suppress this relationship. In this study, we tested whether an individual's activity rates early in life predict its future body size by measuring same‐aged, sibling eastern fence lizards before (8 d) and after (8 wk) they significantly diverged in body size. We tested for an effect of conspecific presence (potential competition) on the relationship between early behavior and future body size by housing some lizards in sibling groups and others individually, using a split‐clutch design. Our results reveal that individuals' activity rates do not significantly differ between 8 d and 8 wk of age. At 8 wk (but not 8 d) of age, more active siblings were also larger in both housing treatments; however, early activity rates did not predict body size later in development for either of these groups. Conversely, body size at hatching did predict size at 8 wk. Although variation in activity rates exists prior to divergence in body size, and activity and body size are correlated later in development, our results suggest that higher activity rates are unlikely to be driving body size divergence in this species. Instead, very small differences in body size at hatching appear to be compounded over time and drive much more exaggerated differences in later body size.
TNFα‐ and IL‐17A‐mediated S100A8 expression is regulated by p38 MAPK
Authors: Mose Maike , Kang Zhanyuan , Raaby Line , Iversen Lars , Johansen Claus 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe antimicrobial peptide S100A8 is known to be upregulated in lesional psoriatic skin compared with non‐lesional psoriatic skin and is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, little is known about the signalling pathways involved in the regulation of S100A8 expression. Using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR analysis, we demonstrated that stimulation with TNFα and IL‐17A in combination resulted in a significant and synergistic induction of S100A8 mRNA in human keratinocytes. TNFα and IL‐17A also induced the S100A8 promoter activity synergistically. This was demonstrated by a gene reporter assay in cells transfected with a luciferase plasmid construct, consisting of 3502 base pairs of the human S100A8 promoter. The TNFα‐ and IL‐17A‐mediated induction of S100A8 mRNA and protein was mediated by a p38 MAPK‐dependent mechanism, as demonstrated by the use of a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Finally, adalimumab treatment for patients with psoriasis significantly decreased S100A8 mRNA at day fourteen after start of treatment, but not at day four. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the p38 MAPK signalling pathway plays a key role in the TNFα‐ and IL‐17A‐induced expression of S100A8 in cultured human keratinocytes.
Medicago truncatula histidine‐containing phosphotransfer protein
Authors: Ruszkowski Milosz , Brzezinski Krzysztof , Jedrzejczak Robert , Dauter Miroslawa , Dauter Zbigniew , Sikorski Michal , Jaskolski Mariusz 
Published: May 2013

Histidine‐containing phosphotransfer proteins (HPts) take part in hormone signal transduction in higher plants. The overall pathway of this process is reminiscent of the two‐component system initially identified in prokaryotes. HPts function in histidine–aspartate phosphorelays in which they mediate the signal from sensory kinases (usually membrane proteins) to RRs in the nucleus. Here, we report the crystal structure of an HPt protein from Medicago truncatula (MtHPt1) determined at 1.45 Å resolution and refined to an R‐factor of 16.7% using low‐temperature synchrotron‐radiation X‐ray diffraction data. There is one MtHPt1 molecule in the asymmetric unit of the crystal lattice with P212121 symmetry. The protein fold consists of six α helices, four of which form a C‐terminal helix bundle. The coiled‐coil structure of the bundle is stabilized by a network of S–aromatic interactions involving highly conserved sulfur‐containing residues. The structure reveals a solvent‐exposed side chain of His79, which is the phosphorylation site, as demonstrated by autoradiography combined with site‐directed mutation. It is surrounded by highly conserved residues present in all plant HPts. These residues form a putative docking interface for either the receiver domain of the sensory kinase, or for the RR. The biological activity of MtHPt1 was tested by autoradiography. It demonstrated phosphorylation by the intracellular kinase domain of the cytokinin receptor MtCRE1. Complex formation between MtHPt1 and the intracellular fragment of MtCRE1 was confirmed by thermophoresis, with a dissociation constant Kd of 14 μm.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors for the crystal structure of histidine‐containing phosphotransfer protein MtHPt1 from Medicago truncatula have been deposited with the RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession code 3us6.
Drivers of overall satisfaction with primary care: evidence from the English General Practice Patient Survey
Authors: Paddison Charlotte A. M. , Abel Gary A. , Roland Martin O. , Elliott Marc N. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Campbell John L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground/objectivesTo determine which aspects of primary care matter most to patients, we aim to identify those aspects of patient experience that show the strongest relationship with overall satisfaction and examine the extent to which these relationships vary by socio‐demographic and health characteristics.Design/settingData from the 2009/10 English General Practice Patient Survey including 2 169 718 respondents registered with 8362 primary care practices.Measures/analysesLinear mixed‐effects regression models (fixed effects adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation, self‐reported health, self‐reported mental health condition and random practice effect) predicting overall satisfaction from six items covering four domains of care: access, helpfulness of receptionists, doctor communication and nurse communication. Additional models using interactions tested whether associations between patient experience and satisfaction varied by socio‐demographic group.ResultsDoctor communication showed the strongest relationship with overall satisfaction (standardized coefficient 0.48, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.48), followed by the helpfulness of reception staff (standardized coefficient 0.22, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.22). Among six measures of patient experience, obtaining appointments in advance showed the weakest relationship with overall satisfaction (standardized coefficient 0.06, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.06). Interactions showed statistically significant but small variation in the importance of drivers across different patient groups.ConclusionsFor all patient groups, communication with the doctor is the most important driver of overall satisfaction with primary care in England, along with the helpfulness of receptionists. In contrast, and despite being a policy priority for government, measures of access, including the ability to obtain appointments, were poorly related to overall satisfaction.
Electrochemical Deposition of 58SiO2‐33CaO‐9P2O5 Nanobioactive Glass Particles on Ti‐6Al‐4V Alloy for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Saravanakumar Balasubramaniam , Prabhu Muthusamy , Rajendran Venkatachalam , Gopal Judy , Mudali Uthandi Kamachi 
Published: May 2013

The nanobioactive glass (58SiO2‐33CaO‐9P2O5) powders were synthesized by simple sol–gel method. The prepared samples reveal amorphous nature, agglomerated spherical morphology with particle size of 100–150 nm. The specific surface area of nanobioactive glass (NBG) particle is 147 m2/g. The NBG samples were coated on titanium (Ti‐6Al‐4V) alloy through electrochemical deposition method. The particle size of the NBG‐coated surface was in the order of 200–300 nm, and it was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. In vitro and AFM studies reveal the existence of higher bioactivity and uniform coating of NBG on implants at 80 V for 1 h.
Severe acute respiratory infections caused by 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among American Indians—southwestern United States, May 1–July 21, 2009
Authors: Suryaprasad Anil , Redd John T. , Hancock Kathy , Branch Alicia , Steward‐Clark Evelene , Katz Jacqueline M. ,   For the Influenza Serology Working Group, Fry Alicia M. , Cheek James E. ,   For the American Indian and Alaska Native Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Investigation Team
Published: May 2013

BackgroundDuring April–July 2009, U.S. hospitalization rates for 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (H1N1pdm09) infection were estimated at 4·5/100 000 persons. We describe rates and risk factors for H1N1pdm09 infection among American Indians (AIs) in four isolated southwestern U.S. communities served by the Indian Health Service (IHS).MethodsWe reviewed clinical and demographic information from medical records of AIs hospitalized during May 1–July 21, 2009 with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Hospitalization rates were determined using denominator data provided by IHS. H1N1pdm09 infection was confirmed with polymerase chain reaction, rapid tests, or convalescent serology. Risk factors for more severe (SARI) versus milder [influenza‐like illness (ILI)] illness were determined by comparing confirmed SARI patients with outpatients with ILI.ResultsAmong 168 SARI‐hospitalized patients, 52% had confirmed H1N1pdm09 infection and 93% had >1 high‐risk condition for influenza complications. The H1N1pdm09 SARI hospitalization rate was 131/100 000 persons [95% confidence interval (CI), 102–160] and was highest among ages 0–4 years (353/100 000; 95% CI, 215–492). Among children, asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3·2; 95% CI, 1·2–8·4) and age <2 years (aOR 3·8; 95% CI, 1·4–10·0) were associated with H1N1pdm09 SARI‐associated hospitalization, compared with outpatient ILI. Among adults, diabetes (aOR 3·1; 95% CI, 1·5–6·4) was associated with hospitalization after controlling for obesity.ConclusionsH1N1pdm09 hospitalization rates among this isolated AI population were higher than reported for other U.S. populations. Almost all case patients had high‐risk health conditions. Prevention strategies for future pandemics should prioritize AIs, particularly in isolated rural areas.
MRI patterns of T1 enhancing radiation necrosis versus tumour recurrence in high‐grade gliomas
Authors: Reddy Krishna , Westerly David , Chen Changhu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionDespite the emergence of new imaging technologies, the differentiation of treatment‐related changes from recurrent tumour in patients with high‐grade gliomas remains a difficult challenge. We evaluated whether specific MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) T1 post‐contrast enhancement patterns can help to distinguish between radiation necrosis and tumour recurrence.MethodsThis study was approved by local institutional review board. Fifty‐one patients with World Health Organization grade III–IV glioma underwent reoperation after prior chemoradiation. The percentage of radiation necrosis versus recurrent tumour in reoperation specimens was estimated by an experienced neuropathologist. Enhancement patterns on T1 post‐contrast sequences from the MRIs obtained prior to reoperation were evaluated according to pathology.ResultsT1 contrast enhancement patterns correlating with recurrent tumour included focal solid nodules and solid uniform enhancement with distinct margins. Eighty‐five per cent (17/20) of patients with ≥70% recurrent tumour at reoperation demonstrated one of these patterns on preoperative MRI. Enhancement patterns correlating with radiation necrosis included a hazy mesh‐like diffuse enhancement and rim enhancement with feathery indistinct margins. Ninety‐four per cent (17/18) of patients with ≥70% radiation necrosis demonstrated one of these two patterns. Thirteen cases had more mixed pathology (>30% of tumour/necrosis) and demonstrated patterns associated with recurrence and/or necrosis. Compared to MR spectroscopy performed in 10 patients, enhancement patterns on MRI were just as accurate in predicting pathologic diagnosis.ConclusionIdentifying distinct patterns of contrast enhancement on MRI may help to differentiate between radiation necrosis and tumour recurrence in high‐grade gliomas.
Evolution of sympatric species: a case study of the coral reef fish genus Pomacanthus (Pomacanthidae)
Authors: Hodge Jennifer R. , Read Charmaine I. , Bellwood David R. , van Herwerden Lynne 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTo establish a spatial and temporal framework within which we can begin to investigate the role of geography in the evolution of Pomacanthus species. This study examines the phylogenetic relationships among Pomacanthus species, tests whether the degree of sympatry among sister taxa correlates with their age, and explores potential modes of diversification.LocationPan‐tropical coral reef systems.MethodsThree gene regions (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and nuclear S7) from all 13 Pomacanthus species were used in conjunction with fossil calibration to reconstruct a chronogram. IUCN maps were used to evaluate geographical range overlap. Various age–range correlation (ARC) analyses were used to test for a correlation between range overlap and node age. Range‐size symmetry and node age were also examined.ResultsBiogeographical splits within the phylogeny corroborated key biogeographical events well, suggesting a potential role for allopatric speciation in the evolutionary history of the genus. ARC analyses suggested that speciation leading to sympatry is widespread in Pomacanthus, with 80% of sister species showing complete or substantial (> 85%) range overlap. No significant relationship between degree of sympatry and node age was recovered, which demonstrates that, for this group, exceptional sympatry is not necessarily a result of relatively old lineages. Range‐size symmetry analysis was consistent with models of peripatric speciation within a finite area.Main conclusionsWe present evidence consistent with allopatric speciation, while our ARC results are consistent with simulations of sympatric speciation, with the possibility of peripheral budding having led to the richness of sympatric species in the West Indian Ocean. We discuss how these processes can affect the interpretation of temporal and spatial analyses, and provide a basis for future investigations into the processes driving speciation.
Enhanced Blood Pressure–Lowering Effect of Olmesartan in Hypertensive Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease–Associated Sympathetic Hyperactivity: HONEST Study
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Saito Ikuo , Kushiro Toshio , Teramukai Satoshi , Mori Yoshihiro , Hiramatsu Katsutoshi , Kobayashi Fumiaki , Shimada Kazuyuki 
Published: May 2013

To investigate the blood pressure (BP)–lowering effect of olmesartan in relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD)–associated sympathetic nerve activity, a subanalysis was performed using data from the first 16 weeks of the Home BP Measurement With Olmesartan‐Naive Patients to Establish Standard Target Blood Pressure (HONEST) study, a prospective observational study of hypertensive patients. Essential hypertensive patients who took no antihypertensive agent at baseline were classified based on baseline morning home systolic BP (MHSBP) in quartiles. In each class, patients were further classified based on baseline morning home pulse rate (MHPR). A subgroup analysis in patients with/without chronic kidney disease (CKD) was performed. A total of 5458 patients (mean age, 63.0 years; 51.6% women) were included. In the 4th quartile of baseline MHSBP (≥165 mm Hg), patients with MHPR ≥70 beats per minute had a greater BP reduction (by 3.2 mm Hg) than those with MHPR <70 beats per minute after 16 weeks of olmesartan‐based treatment (P=.0005). An even greater BP reduction (by 6.6 mm Hg) was observed in patients with CKD than in patients without CKD in this group (P=.0084). Olmesartan was more effective in hypertensive patients with high MHSBP and MHPR ≥70 beats per minute, especially in patients with CKD. Olmesartan may have enhanced BP‐lowering effects by improving renal ischemia in hypertensive CKD patients with potential increased sympathetic nerve activity.
Postprandial serum C‐peptide value is the optimal index to identify patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily insulin injection: Analysis of C‐peptide values before and after short‐term intensive insulin therapy
Authors: Fujiwara Daisuke , Takahashi Kenji , Suzuki Takahiro , Shii Masakazu , Nakashima Yukako , Takekawa Sato , Yoshida Atsushi , Matsuoka Takashi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionType 2 diabetes is a progressive disease characterized by a yearly decline in insulin secretion; however, no definitive evidence exists showing the relationship between decreased insulin secretion and the need for insulin treatment. To determine the optimal insulin secretory index for identifying patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily insulin injection (MDI), we evaluated various serum C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) values.Materials and MethodsWe near‐normalized blood glucose with intensive insulin therapy (IIT) over a 2‐week period in 291 patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes, based on our treatment protocol. After improving hyperglycemia, we challenged with oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA), and according to the responsiveness to OHA, patients were classified into three therapy groups: OHA alone (n = 103), basal insulin plus OHA (basal insulin‐supported oral therapy [BOT]; n = 56) and MDI (n = 132). Glucagon‐loading CPR increment (ΔCPR), fasting CPR (FCPR), CPR 2 h after breakfast (CPR2h), the ratio of FCPR to FPG (CPI), CPI 2 h after breakfast (CPI2h) and secretory unit of islets in transplantation (SUIT) were submitted for the analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multiple logistic analyses for these CPR indices were carried out.ResultsMany CPR values were significantly lower in the MDI group compared with the OHA alone or BOT groups. ROC and multiple logistic analyses disclosed that post‐prandial CPR indices (CPR2h and CPI2h) were the most reliable CPR markers to identify patients requiring MDI.ConclusionsPostprandial CPR level after breakfast is the most useful index for identifying patients with non‐obese type 2 diabetes who require MDI therapy.
Critical role of Nrf2 in oxidative stress‐induced retinal ganglion cell death
Authors: Himori Noriko , Yamamoto Kotaro , Maruyama Kazuichi , Ryu Morin , Taguchi Keiko , Yamamoto Masayuki , Nakazawa Toru 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNF‐E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in endogenous protection against oxidative stress. However, the role of Nrf2 in visual disorders remains unclear. It has been reported that oxidative stress is thought of as one of the causes of glaucoma. Here, we investigate whether the function of Nrf2 in oxidative stress‐induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. This study used adult male Nrf2 deficient mice (Nrf2 KO) and age‐ and sex‐matched wild‐type (WT) mice. We dissociated and purified N‐4‐[4‐didecylaminostryryl]‐N‐methyl‐pyridinium iodide‐labeled RGCs with fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and tried to detect the Nrf2 and Keap1 genes. In the absence of nerve crush (NC), the number of RGCs in Nrf2 KO mice was almost same as that in WT mice. 1‐(2‐cyano‐3‐, 12‐dioxooleana‐1, 9 (11)‐dien‐28‐oyl) imidazole (CDDO‐Im), an Nrf2 activator, prevented NC‐induced loss of RGCs in WT mice. Seven days after NC, without treatment, the number of RGCs in Nrf2 KO mice was significantly lower than in WT mice. In addition, after CDDO‐Im treatment, quantitative RT‐PCR showed increased expression of antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes. These results suggest that up‐regulation of Nrf2 signaling after CDDO‐Im treatment may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the protection of RGCs, especially in glaucoma.image
This study suggests that NF‐E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in counteracting oxidative stress. Most importantly, a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress‐induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death was achieved with the pharmacological Nrf2 activator CDDO‐Im. This suggests that pharmacological treatment to up‐regulate Nrf2 signaling may be a new therapeutic technique to protect RGCs.
Optineurin suppression causes neuronal cell death via NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Akizuki Mayumi , Yamashita Hirofumi , Uemura Kengo , Maruyama Hirofumi , Kawakami Hideshi , Ito Hidefumi , Takahashi Ryosuke 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMutations in more than 10 genes are reported to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among these genes, optineurin (OPTN) is virtually the only gene that is considered to cause classical ALS by a loss‐of‐function mutation. Wild‐type optineurin (OPTNWT) suppresses nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activity, but the ALS‐causing mutant OPTN is unable to suppress NF‐κB activity. Therefore, we knocked down OPTN in neuronal cells and examined the resulting NF‐κB activity and phenotype. First, we confirmed the loss of the endogenous OPTN expression after siRNA treatment and found that NF‐κB activity was increased in OPTN‐knockdown cells. Next, we found that OPTN knockdown caused neuronal cell death. Then, overexpression of OPTNWT or OPTNE50K with intact NF‐κB‐suppressive activity, but not overexpression of ALS‐related OPTN mutants, suppressed the neuronal death induced by OPTN knockdown. This neuronal cell death was inhibited by withaferin A, which selectively inhibits NF‐κB activation. Lastly, involvement of the mitochondrial proapoptotic pathway was suggested for neuronal death induced by OPTN knockdown. Taken together, these results indicate that inappropriate NF‐κB activation is the pathogenic mechanism underlying OPTN mutation‐related ALS.
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Among the genes for typical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotypes, optineurin (OPTN) is virtually the only gene in which a loss‐of‐function mutation is considered as the principal disease mechanism. We found that OPTN knockdown induced neuronal cell death via NF‐κB activation. Furthermore, proapoptotic molecules such as p53 and Bax representing downstream targets of NF‐κB are suggested to be involved in neuronal death.