bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of orally administered epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate on ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats
Authors: Cho A.‐R. , Kim J.‐H. , Lee D.‐E. , Lee J.‐S. , Jung U.‐W. , Bak E.‐J. , Yoo Y.‐J. , Chung W.‐G. , Choi S.‐H. 
Published: April 2013

Background and ObjectiveEpigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is known for its beneficial properties, including anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative activities. Recently, reports have suggested that EGCG plays a pivotal role in regulating cytokine expression and osteoclastic activity. In the present study, we investigated whether orally administered EGCG has a therapeutic effect on ligature‐induced periodontitis.Materials and MethodsForty‐eight Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with EGCG or phosphate‐buffered saline. Periodontitis was induced by tying a ligature for 7 d. After removing ligation, EGCG (200 mg/kg) or phosphate‐buffered saline was administered via oral gavage on a daily basis. Rats were killed after 1, 2 and 4 wk of administration. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and immunohistochemistry were carried out.ResultsIn the control group, bone loss did not recover even after the causative factor of periodontitis was eliminated. On the other hand, distance from cemento‐enamel junction to alveolar bone crest, long junctional epithelium and collagen destruction were reduced in the EGCG group. Decreased interleukin (IL)‐6 expression was shown from the early stage of EGCG administration, followed by reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression at week 4 EGCG group. The CT area showed a higher decrease of IL‐6 expression between the control and EGCG group than alveolar bone area. Downregulation of TNF and IL‐6 expression led to a decrease in osteoclast number and activity, which resulted in reduced bone loss.ConclusionsSystemic administration of EGCG could have a therapeutic effect on damaged periodontal tissue. Inhibited cytokine expression, including TNF and IL‐6 is responsible for the reduction in osteoclast formation, osteoclastic activity and collagen destruction.
Expression of an Arabidopsis molybdenum cofactor sulphurase gene in soybean enhances drought tolerance and increases yield under field conditions
Authors: Li Yajun , Zhang Jiachang , Zhang Juan , Hao Ling , Hua Jinping , Duan Liusheng , Zhang Mingcai , Li Zhaohu 
Published: April 2013

SummaryLOS5/ABA3 gene encoding molybdenum cofactor sulphurase is involved in aldehyde oxidase (AO) activity in Arabidopsis, which indirectly regulates ABA biosynthesis and increased stress tolerance. Here, we used a constitutive super promoter to drive LOS5/ABA3 overexpression in soybean (Glycine max L.) to enhance drought tolerance in growth chamber and field conditions. Expression of LOS5/ABA3 was up‐regulated by drought stress, which led to increasing AO activity and then a notable increase in ABA accumulation. Transgenic soybean under drought stress had reduced water loss by decreased stomatal aperture size and transpiration rate, which alleviated leaf wilting and maintained higher relative water content. Exposed to drought stress, transgenic soybean exhibited reduced cell membrane damage by reducing electrolyte leakage and production of malondialdehyde and promoting proline accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities. Also, overexpression of LOS5/ABA3 enhanced expression of stress‐up‐regulated genes. Furthermore, the seed yield of transgenic plants is at least 21% higher than that of wide‐type plants under drought stress conditions in the field. These data suggest that overexpression of LOS5/ABA3 could improve drought tolerance in transgenic soybean via enhanced ABA accumulation, which could activate expression of stress‐up‐regulated genes and cause a series of physiological and biochemical resistant responses.
Genetic modulation of the iris transillumination defect: a systems genetics analysis using the expanded family of BXD glaucoma strains
Authors: Swaminathan Shankar , Lu Hong , Williams Robert W. , Lu Lu , Jablonski Monica M. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWe investigated the contributions of Tyrp1 and Gpnmb to the iris transillumination defect (TID) in five age cohorts of BXD mice. Using systems genetics, we also evaluated the role of other known pigmentation genes (PGs). Mapping studies indicate that Tyrp1 contributes to the phenotype at all ages, yet the TID maps to Gpnmb only in the oldest cohort. Composite interval mapping reveals secondary loci viz. Oca2, Myo5a, Prkcz, and Zbtb20 that modulate the phenotype in the age groups up to 10–13 months. The contributions of Tyrp1 and Gpnmb were highly significant in all age cohorts. Moreover, in young mice, all six gene candidates had substantial interactions in our model. Our model accounted for 71–88% of the explained variance of the TID phenotype across the age bins. These results demonstrate that along with Tyrp1 and Gpnmb, Oca2, Myo5a, Prkcz, and Zbtb20 modulate the TID in an age‐dependent manner.
Resistance to cisplatin‐induced cell death conferred by the activity of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP) in human melanoma cells
Authors: Silvy Françoise , Lissitzky Jean‐Claude , Bruneau Nadine , Zucchini Nathalie , Landrier Jean‐François , Lombardo Dominique , Verrando Patrick 
Published: April 2013

SummaryExpression of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP) transporters can be modified with potential incidence in cancers, yet they have not been considered in melanoma. Here, we demonstrate transcriptional and protein expression of OATP members in human melanoma cell lines with sodium‐independent organic anion uptake activity. Importantly, uptake of different organic anions over 24 h led to a common resistance signal to apoptotic cell death, induced further by cisplatin in 24 h. The mechanism is not dependent on the transport of cisplatin by the OATP, as it is not an OATP substrate. The resistance signal was modulated by PKC, disclosing it as signal mediator. This study suggests that OATP, which can be constantly activated by endobiotics, may contribute to melanoma chemotherapeutic resistance, thereby justifying the development of OATP targeting strategies.
Cognitive–behavioral therapy modifies the naturalistic course of social anxiety disorder: Findings from an ABA design study in routine clinical practices
Authors: Furukawa Toshi A. , Nakano Yumi , Funayama Tadashi , Ogawa Sei , Ietsugu Tetsuji , Noda Yumiko , Chen Junwen , Watanabe Norio , Akechi Tatsuo 
Published: April 2013

AimsWhile randomized evidence appears to have established efficacy of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and some pharmacotherapy for social anxiety disorder (SAD), their real‐world effectiveness has been called into question by long‐term naturalistic cohort studies of patients with SAD as they show very low probability of recovery and sustained social dysfunctions despite some drug and psychological therapies.MethodThe present study examines the effectiveness of group CBT for SAD in real‐world settings (n = 62) by examining the course of patients' symptomatology and social functions through approximately 6 months on the waiting list, through 6 months receiving the manualized group CBT intervention consisting of 16 2‐h sessions, and for 12 months after the treatment.ResultsWe found: (i) that the patients with SAD changed little or possibly worsened through the 6 months on the waiting list, although two in three of them were on antidepressants, benzodiazepines or both; (ii) that both their symptomatology and social function improved significantly and substantively through the group CBT; and (iii) that this improvement was maintained through the 3‐ and 12‐month follow ups.ConclusionsWe can implement and must disseminate evidence‐based, effective CBT for more patients with SAD to lessen their suffering and stop the perpetuation of their symptoms.
Assessing The Positional Accuracy Of Airborne Laser Scanning in urban areas
Authors: Höhle Joachim 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA new method for assessment of the absolute positional accuracy of lidar point clouds is described. It is based on the plane surfaces of building roofs which are derived from laser footprints. Three such planes intersect at a point and the coordinates of several of these well‐defined points are compared with points determined from aerial photography. From the differences obtained accuracy measures are derived. An analysis regarding the type of error distribution is carried out in order to determine whether to apply either standard or robust accuracy measures. Confidence intervals are derived for each accuracy measure by means of a unique computational method. A practical test with the proposed method revealed a high precision in the intersected points. The absolute positional accuracy of the lidar point cloud was determined with both standard and robust accuracy measures; the latter always produced smaller values. Suggestions for standards in the assessment of the positional accuracy of laser point clouds are made.
Automated Imaging and other developments in whole‐organism anthelmintic screening
Authors: Paveley R. A. , Bickle Q. D. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryHelminth infections still represent a huge public health problem throughout the developing world and in the absence of vaccines control is based on periodic mass drug administration. Poor efficacy of some anthelmintics and concerns about emergence of drug resistance has highlighted the need for new drug discovery. Most current anthelmintics were discovered through in vivo screening of selected compounds in animal models but recent approaches have shifted towards screening for activity against adult or larval stages in vitro. Larvae are normally available in greater numbers than adults, can often be produced in vitro and are small enough for microplate assays. However, the manual visualization of drug effects in vitro is subjective, laborious and slow. This can be overcome by application of automated readouts including high‐content imaging. Incorporated into robotically controlled HTS platforms such methods allow the very large compound collections being made available by the pharmaceutical industry or academic organizations to be screened against helminths for the first time, invigorating the drug discovery pipeline. Here, we review the status of whole‐organism screens based on in vitro activity against living worms and highlight the recent progress towards automated image‐based readouts.
Influence of Seroreactivity to Leptospira and Reproductive Failures in Recipient Mares of Equine Embryo Transfer Programmes
Authors: Pinna A , Martins G , Souza G , Lilenbaum W 
Published: April 2013

ContentsThe aim of this study was to demonstrate that seroreactivity against Leptospira is significantly associated to the reproductive efficiency of recipient mares of an embryo transfer (ET) programme. A serosurvey was conducted from August 2007 to March 2009 in five herds from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with high rates of reproductive failure, as early embryonic death (>12%), abortion (>12%) and perinatal death. Detailed information about the losses was obtained from practitioner. A total of 338 recipient mares were tested by microscopic agglutination test, and 226 (66.9%) were seroreactive, mainly against serovars Bratislava and Copenhageni. Seroreactivity could be associated to reproductive failure (p < 0.001), and it was demonstrated that a seroreactive mare is 1.8 times more likely (relative risk – RR) to present reproductive failure than a seronegative one, particularly in relation to early embryonic death (p < 0.0001; RR 8.4) but also to abortions (p < 0.0001; RR 3.5), and to perinatal death (p < 0.05; RR 7.3). Therefore, seroreactivity to Leptospira is associated to reproductive failure in all phases of pregnancy in recipient mares, impairing equine ET programmes.
Immigrant Homeownership and Immigration Status: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Amuedo‐Dorantes Catalina , Mundra Kusum 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBecause of the many advantages of homeownership for immigrants and for the communities where immigrants reside, a variety of countries have implemented policies that facilitate immigrant homeownership. Although these policies hinge on immigration status, the link between immigration status and homeownership is yet to be carefully explored. Using a recent survey of immigrants in Spain, we find that permanent residents from the EU15 enjoy the highest homeownership rates, even after accounting for a wide range of individual and family characteristics known to impact housing ownership. Permanent residents from countries outside the EU15, temporary residents and undocumented immigrants are, respectively, 12, 29, and 33 percentage‐points less likely to own a home than permanent residents from the EU15. Overall, the findings highlight the differences in homeownership by immigrant status, possibly reflecting differences in cultural adaptation and integration across immigrants in the host country.
Earnings Gap, Cohort Effect and Economic Assimilation of Immigrants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in the United States
Authors: Lin Carl 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUsing 1990, 2000 censuses and a 2010 survey, the economic performance of ethnically Chinese immigrants from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (CHT) in the US labor market is examined. Since 1990, relative wages of CHT migrants have been escalating in contrast to other immigrants. It is shown that these widening gaps are largely explained by individual's endowments, mostly education. Rising US‐earned degrees by CHT migrants can account for this relatively successful economic assimilation. Cohort analysis shows that the economic performance of CHT migrants admitted to the USA has been improving, even allowing for the effect of aging.
Migration and Diversity: Human versus Social Capital
Authors: Manole Vlad , Schiff Maurice 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the welfare implications associated with different degrees of diversity or similarity between migrants and natives under both migration and trade. We argue that the formation and use of social capital depend on culture. We use a general equilibrium model of migration, human capital, and social capital and find that there are three equilibrium solutions. Welfare under any of the equilibrium solutions rises with the diversity in human capital and decreases with the diversity in social capital between migrants and natives.
Stratum corneum evaluation methods: overview
Authors: Myer Kaley , Maibach Howard 
Published: April 2013

Background/purposeThe stratum corneum serves as a main barrier for the skin, minimizing water loss and regulating absorption of substances. Because of its surface location, it is readily available for analysis. Consequently, many techniques are amenable to investigating its content and function. Here, we review the methods employed to evaluate the stratum corneum and its function.MethodsWe reviewed Pubmed and Embase search results for ‘stratum corneum, ‘method,’ methods,’ ‘technique,’ and ‘evaluation’ and extracted pertinent articles that discussed ways to examine the stratum corneum and its constituents.ResultsTraditional and novel methods vary by accuracy, ease of use, time requirements, cost, invasiveness, and equipment requirements.ConclusionThe methods reviewed all contribute to our current picture of the stratum corneum. Tape stripping continues to be the most widely used, but variations in the use of the corneocytes obtained further contribute to the diversity in evaluation methods.
Racial Neutrality by Any Other Name: An Examination of Collateral Consequence Policies in the United States
Authors: Christie Natasha V. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveThis study highlights the complex role that race plays in the restrictiveness of felon collateral consequence policies in the 50 states by introducing the combination of symbolic racism and racial threat as integral dimensions of the traditional race‐based arguments made in this policy area.MethodsUsing Alec Ewald's felon collateral consequence scores for the 50 states as the dependent variable and symbolic racism and racial threat variables as the major independent variables, an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model estimated the effects of race‐based, ideological, political, and demographic independent variables on a state's felon collateral consequence score.ResultsThe combination of symbolic racism and racial threat add an additional dimension to the traditional race‐policy connection within this policy area. Specifically, states with high levels of racial threat and symbolic racism were more likely to have higher felon collateral consequence scores. Yet, the presence of a state with a high level of black representatives in its state's legislature negated the effect of these variables.ConclusionsAlthough similar studies have confirmed that racially neutral policies, such as felon collateral consequence policies, are affected by race, they have limited their discussion to one specific dimension—racial threat. The evidence presented in this study provided support for the inclusion of a multidimensional race‐based argument in this policy area.
Microbially mediated dolomite in Cambrian stromatolites from the Tarim Basin, north‐west China: implications for the role of organic substrate on dolomite precipitation
Authors: You Xuelian , Sun Shu , Zhu Jingquan , Li Qing , Hu Wenxuan , Dong Hailiang 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] is abundant in sedimentary rocks throughout the geological record, but it is rarely found in modern sediments. Also, it cannot be precipitated under low‐temperature conditions in the laboratory without microbial mediation and, as a result, its origin remains a long‐standing enigma. This study reports biologically mediated dolomite precipitation in ancient microbial mats and biofilms from the Cambrian Tarim Basin. The ambient temperature at the time of dolomite precipitation was estimated from δ18O values from early diagenetic dolomite, and the presence of structures associated with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), is composed of fibres arranged in a reticular pattern, would favour epitaxial crystallization of dolomite on an organic substrate. In addition, poorly crystallized dolomite formed nanocrystal aggregates that strongly resemble the morphology and size distribution observed in microbial culture experiments. These lines of evidence confirm that microbial structures can be preserved in ancient dolomite and validate their use as biosignatures.
Recurrence of preterm birth and perinatal mortality in northern Tanzania: registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Mahande Michael J. , Daltveit Anne K. , Obure Joseph , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Masenga Gileard , Manongi Rachel , Lie Rolv T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the recurrence risk of preterm delivery and estimate the perinatal mortality in repeated preterm deliveries.MethodsProspective study in Tanzania of 18 176 women who delivered a singleton between 2000 and 2008 at KCMC hospital. The women were followed up to 2010 for consecutive births. A total of 3359 women were identified with a total of 3867 subsequent deliveries in the follow‐up period. Recurrence risk of preterm birth and perinatal mortality was estimated using log‐binomial regression and adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsFor women with a previous preterm birth, the risk of preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy was 17%. This recurrence risk was estimated to be 2.7‐fold (95% CI: 2.1–3.4) of the risk of women with a previous term birth. The perinatal mortality of babies in a second preterm birth of the same woman was 15%. Babies born at term who had an older sibling that was born preterm had a perinatal mortality of 10%. Babies born at term who had an older sibling who was also born at term had a perinatal mortality of 1.7%.ConclusionPrevious delivery of a preterm infant is a strong predictor of future preterm births in Tanzania. Previous or repeated preterm births increase the risk of perinatal death substantially in the subsequent pregnancy.
Granulocyte collections: comparison of two apheresis systems
Authors: Thorausch Kristin , Schulz Miriam , Bialleck Heike , Luxembourg Beate , Seifried Erhard , Bonig Halvard 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundDonor granulocyte concentrates are routinely administered to patients with granulocyte function defects or transient neutropenia and (risk of) bacterial or fungal exacerbations, despite lack of definitive clinical proof for patient‐relevant outcome improvement. Granulocytes are collected by apheresis from healthy donors treated with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor and/or steroids for neutrophil mobilization the evening before apheresis, as well as with hydroxyethyl starch during apheresis, to enhance sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) and thus to facilitate accessibility of neutrophils for collection.Study Design and MethodsGranulocyte apheresis procedures are performed with standard apheresis equipment, including with the frequently used apheresis system for peripheral blood “stem cell” collection, COBE Spectra MNC (Terumo BCT), using the same tubing set as for MNC collection, but a different software protocol, PMN. An automated apheresis system for granulocyte collection, Spectra Optia IDL (Terumo BCT), became available in October 2011. Since then, 70 granulocyte apheresis procedures have been performed at our site, 35 each with the new and old systems.ResultsApheresis procedures were well tolerated throughout. The target dose of 1 × 1010 neutrophils was achieved in all but one collection with Spectra Optia IDL. Spectra Optia IDL collections were approximately 20% more efficient. Products contained more nontarget white blood cells (mononuclear cells), but fewer RBCs and platelets. Although less blood had to be processed with Spectra Optia IDL to achieve the same granulocyte dose, clinically relevant differences between the two apheresis devices were not apparent.ConclusionBoth apheresis systems are similarly capable of generating granulocyte concentrates.
Physiology is rocking the foundations of evolutionary biology
Authors: Noble Denis 
Published: April 2013

New FindingsWhat is the topic of this review?Have recent experimental findings in evolutionary biology concerning the transmission of inheritance opened the way to a reintegration of physiology with evolutionary biology?What advances does it highlight?The answer is yes, and that this requires a new synthesis between evolutionary theory and experimental physiology.The ‘Modern Synthesis’ (Neo‐Darwinism) is a mid‐20th century gene‐centric view of evolution, based on random mutations accumulating to produce gradual change through natural selection. Any role of physiological function in influencing genetic inheritance was excluded. The organism became a mere carrier of the real objects of selection, its genes. We now know that genetic change is far from random and often not gradual. Molecular genetics and genome sequencing have deconstructed this unnecessarily restrictive view of evolution in a way that reintroduces physiological function and interactions with the environment as factors influencing the speed and nature of inherited change. Acquired characteristics can be inherited, and in a few but growing number of cases that inheritance has now been shown to be robust for many generations. The 21st century can look forward to a new synthesis that will reintegrate physiology with evolutionary biology.