bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Analysis ofDEFECTIVE KERNEL1Loop Function in Three-Dimensional Body Patterning inPhyscomitrella patens
Authors: Demko Viktor , Perroud Pierre-François , Johansen Wenche , Delwiche Charles F. , Cooper Endymion D. , Remme Pål , Ako Ako Eugene , Kugler Karl G. , Mayer Klaus F.X. , Quatrano Ralph , Olsen Odd-Arne 
Published: September 2014

AbstractDEFECTIVE KERNEL1 (DEK1) of higher plants plays an essential role in position-dependent signaling and consists of a large transmembrane domain (MEM) linked to a protease catalytic domain and a regulatory domain. Here, we show that the postulated sensory Loop of the MEM domain plays an important role in the developmental regulation of DEK1 activity in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Compared with P. patens lacking DEK1 (∆dek1), the dek1∆loop mutant correctly positions the division plane in the bud apical cell. In contrast with an early developmental arrest of ∆dek1 buds, dek1∆loop develops aberrant gametophores lacking expanded phyllids resulting from misregulation of mitotic activity. In contrast with the highly conserved sequence of the protease catalytic domain, the Loop is highly variable in land plants. Functionally, the sequence from Marchantia polymorpha fully complements the dek1∆loop phenotype, whereas sequences from maize (Zea mays) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) give phenotypes with retarded growth and affected phyllid development. Bioinformatic analysis identifies MEM as a member of the Major Facilitator Superfamily, membrane transporters reacting to stimuli from the external environment. Transcriptome analysis comparing wild-type and ∆dek1 tissues identifies an effect on two groups of transcripts connected to dek1 mutant phenotypes: transcripts related to cell wall remodeling and regulation of the AINTEGUMENTA, PLETHORA, and BABY BOOM2 (APB2) and APB3 transcription factors known to regulate bud initiation. Finally, sequence data support the hypothesis that the advanced charophyte algae that evolved into ancestral land plants lost cytosolic calpains, retaining DEK1 as the sole calpain in the evolving land plant lineage.
Voltage-Sensor Transitions of the Inward-Rectifying K+ Channel KAT1 Indicate a Latching Mechanism Biased by Hydration within the Voltage Sensor
Authors: Lefoulon Cécile , Karnik Rucha , Honsbein Annegret , Gutla Paul Vijay , Grefen Christopher , Riedelsberger Janin , Poblete Tomás , Dreyer Ingo , Gonzalez Wendy , Blatt Michael R. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The Kv-like (potassium voltage-dependent) K+ channels at the plasma membrane, including the inward-rectifying KAT1 K+ channel of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), are important targets for manipulating K+ homeostasis in plants. Gating modification, especially, has been identified as a promising means by which to engineer plants with improved characteristics in mineral and water use. Understanding plant K+ channel gating poses several challenges, despite many similarities to that of mammalian Kv and Shaker channel models. We have used site-directed mutagenesis to explore residues that are thought to form two electrostatic countercharge centers on either side of a conserved phenylalanine (Phe) residue within the S2 and S3 α-helices of the voltage sensor domain (VSD) of Kv channels. Consistent with molecular dynamic simulations of KAT1, we show that the voltage dependence of the channel gate is highly sensitive to manipulations affecting these residues. Mutations of the central Phe residue favored the closed KAT1 channel, whereas mutations affecting the countercharge centers favored the open channel. Modeling of the macroscopic current kinetics also highlighted a substantial difference between the two sets of mutations. We interpret these findings in the context of the effects on hydration of amino acid residues within the VSD and with an inherent bias of the VSD, when hydrated around a central Phe residue, to the closed state of the channel.
In Vivo 31P-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Glyphosate Uptake, Vacuolar Sequestration, and Tonoplast Pump Activity in Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed
Authors: Ge Xia , d’Avignon D. André , Ackerman Joseph J.H. , Sammons R. Douglas 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) is considered a significant glyphosate-resistant (GR) weed in agriculture, spreading to 21 states in the United States and now found globally on five continents. This laboratory previously reported rapid vacuolar sequestration of glyphosate as the mechanism of resistance in GR horseweed. The observation of vacuole sequestration is consistent with the existence of a tonoplast-bound transporter. 31P-Nuclear magnetic resonance experiments performed in vivo with GR horseweed leaf tissue show that glyphosate entry into the plant cell (cytosolic compartment) is (1) first order in extracellular glyphosate concentration, independent of pH and dependent upon ATP; (2) competitively inhibited by alternative substrates (aminomethyl phosphonate [AMPA] and N-methyl glyphosate [NMG]), which themselves enter the plant cell; and (3) blocked by vanadate, a known inhibitor/blocker of ATP-dependent transporters. Vacuole sequestration of glyphosate is (1) first order in cytosolic glyphosate concentration and dependent upon ATP; (2) competitively inhibited by alternative substrates (AMPA and NMG), which themselves enter the plant vacuole; and (3) saturable. 31P-Nuclear magnetic resonance findings with GR horseweed are consistent with the active transport of glyphosate and alternative substrates (AMPA and NMG) across the plasma membrane and tonoplast in a manner characteristic of ATP-binding cassette transporters, similar to those that have been identified in mammalian cells.
An Investigation of PCR Inhibition Using Plexor®‐Based Quantitative PCR and Short Tandem Repeat Amplification
Authors: Thompson Robyn E. , Duncan George , McCord Bruce R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA common problem in forensic DNA typing is PCR inhibition resulting in allele dropout and peak imbalance. In this paper, we have utilized the Plexor® real‐time PCR quantification kit to evaluate PCR inhibition. This is performed by adding increasing concentrations of various inhibitors and evaluating changes in melt curves and PCR amplification efficiencies. Inhibitors examined included calcium, humic acid, collagen, phenol, tannic acid, hematin, melanin, urea, bile salts, EDTA, and guanidinium thiocyanate. Results were plotted and modeled using mathematical simulations. In general, we found that PCR inhibitors that bind DNA affect melt curves and CT takeoff points while those that affect the Taq polymerase tend to affect the slope of the amplification curve. Mixed mode effects were also visible. Quantitative PCR results were then compared with subsequent STR amplification using the PowerPlex® 16 HS System. The overall results demonstrate that real‐time PCR can be an effective method to evaluate PCR inhibition and predict its effects on subsequent STR amplifications.
Ultrasound‐guided block of the suprascapular nerve – a volunteer study of a new proximal approach
Authors: ROTHE C. , STEEN‐HANSEN C. , LUND J. , JENSTRUP M. T. , LANGE K. H. W. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe standard approach for the suprascapular nerve block is deep in the supraspinous fossa. However, with this approach, the suprascapular nerve is difficult to visualize by ultrasound. The aim of this study was to describe a new method to visualize and selectively block the suprascapular nerve in a more superficial and proximal location.MethodsTwelve healthy volunteers were included. We located the brachial plexus in transverse section with ultrasound, and by longitudinal slide, we identified the departure of the suprascapular nerve from the superior trunk. The suprascapular nerve was followed under ultrasound visualization into the subclavian triangle under the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle. We performed in‐plane ultrasound‐guided selective suprascapular nerve block by injecting 1 ml of lidocaine, 20 mg/ml close to the nerve. Nerve identification was aided by nerve stimulation. We assessed sensory and motor block of the suprascapular, axillary, radial, median, and ulnar nerves before, 15 and 30 min after performing the block.ResultsEight volunteers demonstrated a selective suprascapular nerve block. Three had block failure and one volunteer did not receive the intervention.ConclusionsWe describe a new ultrasound‐guided low‐volume local anaesthetic technique to selectively block the suprascapular nerve. The potential clinical role of this new approach remains to be determined.
Ethanol sclerotherapy for venous malformation
Authors: Steiner Frederica , FitzJohn Trevor , Tan Swee T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundEthanol sclerotherapy (ES) is the preferred treatment for venous malformation (VM) with surgery playing an adjunctive role. Results of ES, however, are not well documented in the literature.Methods
VM patients were identified from our vascular anomalies database from 1996 to 2011. After treatment completion, patients completed questionnaires evaluating symptoms and their severity and effect on appearance, function and overall quality of life (QoL), before and >6 months after treatment, using visual analogue scales of 0–10. Patients rated their overall satisfaction with ES using a scale of 0–10.ResultsFifty‐four (23.9%) of the 226 VM patients underwent a total of 90 ES sessions (average 1.7 sessions per patient). Complications occurred in 12 (22.2%) patients in 12 (13.3%) ES sessions. Minor complications occurred in nine (16.7%) patients including transient paraesthesia (n = 3), transient weakness of facial nerve branch(es) (n = 3), skin blistering (n = 2) and spontaneously healing ulceration (n = 1). Major complications occurred in three (5.6%) patients in three (3.3%) ES sessions including skin necrosis (n = 1), Horner's syndrome (n = 1) and finger paraesthesia with joint stiffness (n = 1). ES improved the severity of background pain, episodic pain, contour deformity and skin discoloration in 86.0%, 72.4%, 83.0% and 72.2% of patients respectively. It reduced the effect of VM on appearance, function and overall QoL in 69.8%, 73.0% and 64.3% of patients. Mean treatment satisfaction was 7.9 (range, 0–10).Conclusion
ES reduces pain, contour deformity and skin discoloration, and improves appearance, function and QoL. Our complication rates are consistent with the literature.
The effect of M‐phase stage‐dependent kinase inhibitors on inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1) expression and localization in pig oocytes
Authors: Sathanawongs Anucha , Fujiwara Katsuyoshi , Kato Tsubasa , Hirose Masahiko , Kamoshita Maki , Wojcikiewicz Richard J. H. , Parys Jan B. , Ito Junya , Kashiwazaki Naomi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAt fertilization, inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) has a crucial role in Ca2+ release in mammals. Expression levels, localization and phosphorylation of IP3R1 are important for its function, but it still remains unclear which molecule(s) regulates IP3R1 behavior in pig oocytes. We examined whether there was a difference in localization of IP3R1 after in vitro or in vivo maturation of pig oocytes. In mouse oocytes, large clusters of IP3R1 were formed in the cortex of the oocyte except in a ring‐shaped band of cortex adjacent to the spindle. However, no such clusters of IP3R1 were observed in pig oocytes and there was no difference in its localization between in vitro and in vivo matured oocytes. We next tried to clarify which factor(s) regulates IP3R1 localization, phosphorylation and expression using M‐phase stage‐dependent kinase inhibitors. Our results show that treatments with roscovitine (p34cdc2 kinase inhibitor) or U0126 (mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor) did not affect IP3R1 expression or localization in pig oocytes, although the latter strongly inhibited phosphorylation. However, treatment with BI‐2536, an inhibitor of polo‐like kinase 1 (Plk1), dramatically decreased the expression level of IP3R1 in pig oocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. From these results, it is suggested that Plk1 is involved in the regulation of IP3R1 expression in pig oocytes.
Influence of corpus luteum and ovarian volume on the number and quality of bovine oocytes
Authors: Penitente‐Filho Jurandy Mauro , Jimenez Carolina Rodrigues , Zolini Adriana Moreira , Carrascal Erly , Azevedo Jovana Luiza , Silveira Camila Oliveira , Oliveira Fabrício Albani , Torres Ciro Alexandre Alves 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn order to evaluate whether ovarian volume, presence and diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) have effects on the number and quality of bovine recovered oocytes, 110 ovaries were obtained from the slaughterhouse. Cumulus oocytes complex were aspirated and evaluated under stereomicroscope. Oocytes were counted and classified according to their quality (Grades I, II, III and IV). Ovarian volume was weakly correlated to the number of good quality oocytes (P < 0.05). Ovaries with CL showed greater numbers of good quality oocytes than ovaries without CL (P < 0.05). Further, presence of CL and its diameter positively influenced the probability of recovering good quality oocytes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ovarian volume is not a good parameter itself to predict important ovarian characteristics; moreover, analysis of CL, its presence and diameter, may be a good tool to improve efficiency on in vitro embryo production programs.
Glomerular filtration rate in cows estimated by a prediction formula
Authors: Murayama Isao , Miyano Anna , Sato Tsubasa , Iwama Ryosuke , Satoh Hiroshi , Ichijyo Toshihiro , Sato Shigeru , Furuhama Kazuhisa 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTo testify the relevance of Jacobsson's equation for estimating bovine glomerular filtration rate (GFR), we prepared an integrated formula based on its equation using clinically healthy dairy (n = 99) and beef (n = 63) cows, and cows with reduced renal function (n = 15). The isotonic, nonionic, contrast medium iodixanol was utilized as a test tracer. The GFR values estimated from the integrated formula were well consistent with those from the standard multisample method in each cow strain, and the Holstein equation prepared by a single blood sample in Holstein dairy cows. The basal reference GFR value in healthy dairy cows was significantly higher than that in healthy beef cows, presumably due to a breed difference or physiological state difference. It is concluded that the validity for the application of Jacobsson's equation to estimate bovine GFR is proven and it can be used in bovine practices.
Bioethics and the Framing of Climate Change's Health Risks
Authors: Valles Sean A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCheryl Cox MacPherson recently argued, in an article for this journal, that ‘Climate Change is a Bioethics Problem’. This article elaborates on that position, particularly highlighting bioethicists' potential ability to help reframe the current climate change discourse to give more attention to its health risks. This reframing process is especially important because of the looming problem of climate change skepticism. Recent empirical evidence from science framing experiments indicates that the public reacts especially positively to climate change messages framed in public health terms, and bioethicists are particularly well positioned to contribute their expertise to the process of carefully developing and communicating such messages. Additionally, as climate framing research and practice continue, it will be important for bioethicists to contribute to the creation of that project's nascent ethical standards. The discourse surrounding antibiotic resistance is posited as an example that can lend insight into how communicating a public health‐framed message, including the participation of bioethicists, can help to override public skepticism about the findings of politically contentious scientific fields.
In vitro Antiviral Effects and 3D QSAR Study of Resveratrol Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of Influenza H1N1 Neuraminidase
Authors: Li Chao , Fang Jian‐Song , Lian Wen‐Wen , Pang Xiao‐Cong , Liu Ai‐Lin , Du Guan‐Hua 
Published: September 2014

The anti‐influenza virus activities of 50 resveratrol (RV: 3, 5, 4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene) derivatives were evaluated using a neuraminidase (NA) activity assay. The results showed that 35 compounds exerted an inhibitory effect on the NA activity of the influenza virus strain A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 3.56 to 186.1 μm. Next, the 35 RV derivatives were used to develop 3D quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D QSAR) models for understanding the chemical–biological interactions governing their activities against NA. The comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA r2 = 0.973, q2 = 0.620, qtest2 = 0.661) and the comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA r2 = 0.956, q2 = 0.610, qtest2 = 0.531) were applied. Afterward, molecular docking was performed to study the molecular interactions between the RV derivatives and NA. Finally, a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay was used to evaluate the antiviral effects of the RV derivatives in vitro. Time‐of‐addition studies demonstrated that the RV derivatives might have a direct effect on viral particle infectivity. Our results indicate that the RV derivatives are potentially useful antiviral compounds for new drug design and development for influenza treatment.
Delayed bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection for non‐ampullary superficial duodenal neoplasias might be prevented by prophylactic endoscopic closure: Analysis of risk factors
Authors: Hoteya Shu , Kaise Mitsuru , Iizuka Toshiro , Ogawa Osamu , Mitani Toshifumi , Matsui Akira , Kikuchi Daisuke , Furuhata Tsukasa , Yamashita Satoshi , Yamada Akihiro , Kimura Ryusuke , Nomura Kousuke , Kuribayashi Yasutaka , Miyata Yoshifumi , Yahagi Naohisa 
Published: September 2014

Background and AimDuodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically challenging because of anatomical specificities and, to date, has not been validated concerning the high rate of complications such as perforation and delayed bleeding. In the present study, the risk factors for delayed bleeding after duodenal ESD are presented with the goal of establishing preventive measures.MethodsWe analyzed 63 patients with non‐ampullary superficial duodenal neoplasias treated by ESD from April 2005 to March 2014. To analyze the risk factors of delayed bleeding after duodenal ESD, we divided the patients into a delayed bleeding group and a non‐bleeding group. To verify the risk factors of delayed bleeding after duodenal ESD, we analyzed various patient‐, lesion‐, and treatment‐related factors.ResultsDelayed bleeding was experienced in 11 patients (17.5%) Univariate analysis of patient‐related risk factors of delayed bleeding indicated no significant risk factor. Univariate analysis of lesion‐related and treatment‐related risk factors indicated only endoscopic closure as a significant risk factor. Multivariate analysis also identified endoscopic closure (not done > done: P = 0.049) as an independent factor significantly associated with delayed bleeding after duodenal ESD. Hypertension (present > absent: P = 0.055) showed a non‐significant tendency of association by multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThis retrospective evaluation found that endoscopic closure was associated with a reduced risk of delayed bleeding after duodenal ESD. Delayed bleeding after duodenal ESD might be prevented by prophylactic endoscopic closure.
Variation in prescribing of lipid‐lowering medication in primary care is associated with incidence of cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality in people with screen‐detected diabetes: findings from the ADDITION‐Denmark trial
Authors: Simmons R. K. , Carlsen A. H. , Griffin S. J. , Charles M. , Christiansen J. S. , Borch‐Johnsen K. , Sandbæk A. , Lauritzen T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine variation between general practices in the prescription of lipid‐lowering treatment to people with screen‐detected Type 2 diabetes, and associations with practice and participant characteristics and risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality.MethodsObservational cohort analysis of data from 1533 people with screen‐detected Type 2 diabetes aged 40–69 years from the ADDITION‐Denmark study. One hundred and seventy‐four general practices were cluster randomized to receive: (1) routine diabetes care according to national guidelines (623 individuals), or (2) intensive multifactorial target‐driven management (910 individuals). Multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify the association between the proportion of individuals in each practice who redeemed prescriptions for lipid‐lowering medication in the two years following diabetes diagnosis and a composite cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcome, adjusting for age, sex, prevalent chronic disease, baseline CVD risk factors, smoking and lipid‐lowering medication, and follow‐up time.ResultsThe proportion of individuals treated with lipid‐lowering medication varied widely between practices (0–100%). There were 118 CVD events over 9431 person‐years of follow‐up. For the whole trial cohort, the risk of CVD was significantly higher in practices in the lowest compared with the highest quartile for prescribing lipid‐lowering medication [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–7.3]. Similar trends were found for all‐cause mortality.ConclusionsMore frequent prescription of lipid‐lowering treatment was associated with a lower incidence of CVD and all‐cause mortality. Improved understanding of factors underlying practice variation in prescribing may enable more frequent use of lipid‐lowering treatment. The results highlight the benefits of intensive treatment of people with screen‐detected diabetes (Clinical Trials Registry No; NCT 00237549).
Increase in the pharmacological management of Type 2 diabetes with pay‐for‐performance in primary care in the UK
Authors: Gallagher N. , Cardwell C. , Hughes C. , O'Reilly D. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimsTo determine whether the financial incentives for tight glycaemic control, introduced in the UK as part of a pay‐for‐performance scheme in 2004, increased the rate at which people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes were started on anti‐diabetic medication.MethodsA secondary analysis of data from the General Practice Research Database for the years 1999–2008 was performed using an interrupted time series analysis of the treatment patterns for people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (n = 21 197).ResultsOverall, the proportion of people with newly diagnosed diabetes managed without medication 12 months after diagnosis was 47% and after 24 months it was 40%. The annual rate of initiation of pharmacological treatment within 12 months of diagnosis was decreasing before the introduction of the pay‐for‐performance scheme by 1.2% per year (95% CI −2.0, −0.5%) and increased after the introduction of the scheme by 1.9% per year (95% CI 1.1, 2.7%). The equivalent figures for treatment within 24 months of diagnosis were −1.4% (95% CI −2.1, −0.8%) before the scheme was introduced and 1.6% (95% CI 0.8, 2.3%) after the scheme was introduced.ConclusionThe present study suggests that the introduction of financial incentives in 2004 has effected a change in the management of people newly diagnosed with diabetes. We conclude that a greater proportion of people with newly diagnosed diabetes are being initiated on medication within 1 and 2 years of diagnosis as a result of the introduction of financial incentives for tight glycaemic control.