bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epiregulin can promote proliferation of stem cells from the dental apical papilla via MEK/Erk and JNK signalling pathways
Authors: Cao Y. , Xia D. S. , Qi S. R. , Du J. , Ma P. , Wang S. L. , Fan Z. P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a reliable resource for tissue regeneration, but their molecular mechanisms of differentiation and proliferation remain unclear; this situation has restricted use of MSCs to a limited number of applications. A previous study of ours found a member of the epidermal growth factor family, epiregulin (EREG), to be involved in regulation of MSC differentiation. In the present study, we have used human dental stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) to investigate the role of EREG on proliferation of MSCs.Materials and methodsSCAPs were isolated from apical papillae of immature third molars. Retroviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to silence EREG gene expression, and human recombinant EREG protein was used to stimulate SCAPs. SCAP proliferation was examined using tetrazolium dye colorimetric assay/cell growth curve. Western blotting was performed to detect expressions of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (Erk1/2), mitogen‐activated protein kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2), protein kinase B (Akt), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK).ResultsDepletion of EREG with shRNA inhibited SCAP proliferation and repressed phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and JNK. Human recombinant EREG protein promoted cell proliferation and enhanced Erk1/2, MEK and JNK phosphorylation in SCAPs. Furthermore, blocking MEK/Erk signalling with specific Erk1/2 inhibitor PD98059, or JNK signalling with specific inhibitor SP600125, abolished effects of EREG on cell proliferation.ConclusionThese findings indicate that EREG could enhance cell proliferation in dental tissue‐derived MSCs by activating MEK/Erk and JNK signalling pathways.
Egg laying preferences and larval performance inDermestes maculatus
Authors: Woodcock Laura , Gennard Dorothy , Eady Paul 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDermestes maculatusDeGeer (Coleoptera:Dermestidae) is both a pest of dried stored products and, through its colonization of carrion, a forensically important species. However, little is known about the consequences of female oviposition site preferences on larval growth and development. To examine this, non‐virgin female beetles were offered a choice of food resources that had been aged to various extents to explore the adaptive nature of female oviposition preferences.Dermestes maculatusfemales consistently preferred to oviposit on muscle in contrast to either fat or bone marrow. Constraining larvae onto one of the three resource types confirmed that larvae grew faster and eclosed into larger adults when fed on muscle than when fed on either fat or bone marrow. In addition, the degree of sexual dimorphism was also related to food resource, with the greatest extent of size dimorphism (females larger than males) being evident on the preferred muscle resource. This conforms to the view that intraspecific variation in sexual size dimorphism is driven by intersexual differences in phenotypic plasticity, with females being able to reach greater size than males when conditions are good. The results indicate thatD. maculatusfemale oviposition preferences are adaptive in that adult oviposition choice can enhance offspring fitness and so broadly conforms to the oviposition preference‐larval performance hypothesis as noted in a number of phytophagous insects.
Salix tetradenia Hand.‐Mazz: a new natural plant host of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma’
Authors: Mou H.‐Q. , Xu X. , Wang R.‐R. , Tian Q. , Wei Y. , Zhu S.‐F. , Liao X.‐L. , Zhao W.‐J. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThis article reports Salix tetradenia Hand.‐Mazz as a new host of Candidatus phytoplasma and demonstrates its association with witches' broom disease on S. tetradenia plants. Plants exhibited typical visual symptoms of phytoplasma with virescence, abnormality of flowers and witches' broom, and phytoplasma bodies were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Products of 1.2 kb were amplified by nested PCR using phytoplasma universal primer pairs R16F2n/R16R2, but no amplification products were obtained from symptomless plants. The sequence analysis of three 16S rDNA isolates showed 99.84%, 99.68% and 99.76% identify, respectively, with the homologous gene (nc_005303) of member of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI) group. Phylogenetic and virtual computer‐simulated restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 16S rRNA, tuf and rp gene sequences confirmed that this phytoplasma clustered in the 16SrI‐B subgroup. These results indicated that the diseased S. tetradenia plants were infected by a phytoplasma of the 16SrI group. This is the first report on the occurrence of phytoplasma disease on S. tetradenia worldwide.
Genetic manipulations of mutant huntingtin in mice: new insights into Huntington's disease pathogenesis
Authors: Lee C. Y. Daniel , Cantle Jeffrey P. , Yang X. William 
Published: July 2013

This year (2013) marks the 20th anniversary of identification of the causal genetic mutation for Huntington's disease (HD), a landmark discovery that heralded study of the biological underpinnings of this most common dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Among the variety of model organisms used to study HD pathogenesis, the mouse model is by far the most commonly used mammalian genetic model. Much of our current knowledge regarding mutant huntingtin (mHtt)‐induced disease pathogenesis in mammalian models has been obtained by studying transgenic mouse models expressing mHtt N‐terminal fragments, full‐length murine or human mHtt. In this review, we focus on recent progress in using novel HD mouse models with targeted mHtt expression in specific brain cell types. These models help to address the role of distinct neuronal and non‐neuronal cell types in eliciting cell‐autonomous or non‐cell‐autonomous disease processes in HD. We also describe several mHtt transgenic mouse models with targeted mutations in Htt cis‐domains to address specific pathogenic hypotheses, ranging from mHtt proteolysis to post‐translational modifications. These novel mouse genetic studies, through direct manipulations of the causal HD gene, utilize a reductionist approach to systematically unravel the cellular and molecular pathways that are targeted by mHtt in disease pathogenesis, and to potentially identify novel targets for therapy.
Lasting effects of climate disturbance on perennial grassland above‐ground biomass production under two cutting frequencies
Authors: Zwicke Marine , Alessio Giorgio A. , Thiery Lionel , Falcimagne Robert , Baumont René , Rossignol Nicolas , Soussana Jean‐François , Picon‐Cochard Catherine 
Published: July 2013

AbstractClimate extremes can ultimately reshape grassland services such as forage production and change plant functional type composition. This 3‐year field research studied resistance to dehydration and recovery after rehydration of plant community and plant functional types in an upland perennial grassland subjected to climate and cutting frequency (Cut+, Cut−) disturbances by measuring green tissue percentage and above‐ground biomass production (ANPP). In year 1, a climate disturbance gradient was applied by co‐manipulating temperature and precipitation. Four treatments were considered: control and warming‐drought climatic treatment, with or without extreme summer event. In year 2, control and warming‐drought treatments were maintained without extreme. In year 3, all treatments received ambient climatic conditions. We found that the grassland community was very sensitive to dehydration during the summer extreme: aerial senescence reached 80% when cumulated climatic water balance fell to −156 mm and biomass declined by 78% at the end of summer. In autumn, canopy greenness and biomass totally recovered in control but not in the warming‐drought treatment. However ANPP decreased under both climatic treatments, but the effect was stronger on Cut+ (−24%) than Cut− (−15%). This decline was not compensated by the presence of three functional types because they were negatively affected by the climatic treatments, suggesting an absence of buffering effect on grassland production. In the following 2 years, lasting effects of climate disturbance on ANPP were observable. The unexpected stressful conditions of year 3 induced a decline in grassland production in the Cut+ control treatment. The fact that this treatment cumulated higher (45%) N export over the 3 years suggests that N plays a key role in ANPP stability. As ANPP in this mesic perennial grassland did not show engineering resilience, long‐term experimental manipulation is needed. Infrequent mowing appears more appropriate for sustaining grassland ANPP under future climate extremes.
Estimating Missing Data Values for GeoreferencedPoisson Counts
Authors: Griffith Daniel A. 
Published: July 2013

Empirical scientists often are faced with incomplete data and desire imputations for their missing data values. The expectation–maximization algorithm is a generic tool that offers maximum likelihood solutions for such data sets. This article pursues this type of solution forPoisson random variables, utilizing a generalized linear model extension that mirrors the linear analysis of a covariance regression specification. This formulation allows a mixed model to be implemented and contrasted with aPoisson‐gamma mixture (i.e., negative binomial) model. Simple comparisons are made between model specification results for a population counts example, with and without a constraint on the total of the missing counts.实证研究常面临数据缺失问题，需要相应的数据插补方法。最大期望算法（EM）为此类数据集进行最大似然求解提供了通用工具。本文通过提出一个可包含线性协方差回归(ANCOVA)等在内的扩展广义线性模型，将该类解决方案拓展到泊松随机变量。该方法允许建立混合模型，并可与泊松‐伽玛混合模型（即负二项式）对比。以人口计数为案例对有无缺失数据条件下模型的设定与结果进行了简要的对比。
Quantitative evaluation of apically extruded debris with different single‐file systems: Reciproc, F360 and OneShape versus Mtwo
Authors: Bürklein S. , Benten S. , Schäfer E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo assess in a laboratory setting the amount of apically extruded debris associated with different single‐file nickel–titanium instrumentation systems compared to one multiple‐file rotary system.MethodologyEighty human mandibular central incisors were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20 teeth per group). The root canals were instrumented according to the manufacturers' instructions using the reciprocating single‐file system Reciproc, the single‐file rotary systems F360 and OneShape and the multiple‐file rotary Mtwo instruments. The apically extruded debris was collected and dried in pre‐weighed glass vials. The amount of debris was assessed with a micro balance and statistically analysed using anova and post hoc Student–Newman–Keuls test. The time required to prepare the canals with the different instruments was also recorded.ResultsReciproc produced significantly more debris compared to all other systems (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted between the two single‐file rotary systems and the multiple‐file rotary system (P > 0.05). Instrumentation with the three single‐file systems was significantly faster than with Mtwo (P < 0.05).ConclusionsUnder the condition of this study, all systems caused apical debris extrusion. Rotary instrumentation was associated with less debris extrusion compared to reciprocal instrumentation.
Human β defensin‐3 induces chemokines from monocytes and macrophages: diminished activity in cells from HIV‐infected persons
Authors: Petrov Velizar , Funderburg Nicholas , Weinberg Aaron , Sieg Scott 
Published: July 2013

SummaryHuman β defensin‐3 (hBD‐3) is an antimicrobial peptide with diverse functionality. We investigated the capacity of hBD‐3 and, for comparison, Pam3CSK4 and LL‐37 to induce co‐stimulatory molecules and chemokine expression in monocytes. These stimuli differentially induced CD80 and CD86 on the surface of monocytes and each stimulant induced a variety of chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), Gro‐α, macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP1β), while only hBD‐3 and Pam3CSK4 significantly induced the angiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Human BD‐3 induced similar chemokines in monocyte‐derived macrophages and additionally induced expression of Regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) in these cells. Comparison of monocytes from HIV+ and HIV– donors indicated that monocytes from HIV+ donors were more likely to spontaneously express certain chemokines (MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and MCP‐1) and less able to increase expression of other molecules in response to hBD‐3 (MDC, Gro‐α and VEGF). Chemokine receptor expression (CCR5, CCR2 and CXCR2) was relatively normal in monocytes from HIV+ donors compared with cells from HIV– donors with the exception of diminished expression of the receptor for MDC, CCR4, which was reduced in the patrolling monocyte subset (CD14+ CD16++) of HIV+ donors. These observations implicate chemokine induction by hBD‐3 as a potentially important mechanism for orchestrating cell migration into inflamed tissues. Alterations in chemokine production or their receptors in monocytes of HIV‐infected persons could influence cell migration and modify the effects of hBD‐3 at sites of inflammation.
Human α1‐antitrypsin modifies B‐lymphocyte responses during allograft transplantation
Authors: Mizrahi Mark , Cal Pablo , Rosenthal Martin , Ochayon David , Shahaf Galit , Kaner Ziv , Kachker Peter , Lewis Eli C. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryB‐lymphocyte activities are associated with allograft rejection. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) ‐expressing B cells, however, exhibit regulatory attributes. Human α1‐antitrypsin (hAAT), a clinically available anti‐inflammatory circulating glycoprotein that rises during acute‐phase responses, promotes semi‐mature dendritic cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells during alloimmune responses. Whether B lymphocytes are also targets of hAAT activity has yet to be determined. Here, we examine whether hAAT modulates B‐cell responses. In culture, hAAT reduced the lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated Ki‐67+ B‐cell population, IgM release and surface CD40 levels, but elevated IL‐10‐producing cells 1.5‐fold. In CD40 ligand‐stimulated cultures, hAAT promoted a similar trend; reduction in the Ki‐67+ B‐cell population and in surface expression of CD86, CD80 and MHCII. hAAT increased interferon‐γ‐stimulated macrophage B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) secretion, and reduced BAFF‐receptor levels. Draining lymph nodes of transgenic mice that express circulating hAAT (C57BL/6 background) and that received skin allografts exhibited reduced B‐lymphocyte activation compared with wild‐type recipients. BSA‐vaccinated hAAT transgenic mice exhibited 2.9‐fold lower BSA‐specific IgG levels, but 2.3‐fold greater IgM levels, compared with wild‐type mice. Circulating Treg cells were 1.3‐fold greater in transgenic hAAT mice, but lower in B‐cell knockout (BKO) and chimeric hAAT–BKO mice, compared with wild‐type mice. In conclusion, B cells are cellular targets of hAAT. hAAT‐induced Treg cell expansion appears to be B‐cell‐dependent. These changes support the tolerogenic properties of hAAT during immune responses, and suggest that hAAT may be beneficial in pathologies that involve excessive B‐cell responses.
Estimates and determinants of economic impacts from influenza‐like illnesses caused by respiratory viruses inAustralian children attending childcare: a cohort study
Authors: Yin Jiehui Kevin , Salkeld Glenn , Lambert Stephen B. , Dierig Alexa , Heron Leon , Leask Julie , Yui Kwan Chow Maria , Booy Robert 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundInfluenza and other respiratory infections cause excess winter morbidity in children. This study assessed the economic impact of influenza‐like illness (ILI) on families with children attending childcare using a societal perspective.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in 90 childcare centres and one general practitioner clinics in Sydney, Australia, during 2010. Healthy children aged ≥6 months to <3 years were enrolled. Economic impacts ofILI(temperature ≥37·8°C or parental report of fever, plus ≥1 respiratory symptoms) were collected at 2 and 4 weeks afterILIonset by telephone interview. Parent‐collected respiratory specimens were tested for respiratory viruses using real‐timePCR(RT‐PCR). Costs associated with healthcare visits, medication usage, carer time lost (work or recreation) and home care and/or additional childcare were collected. Influenza‐like illness costs were described and further analysed using a Tobit model. Zero‐inflated Poisson regression was employed to compare the numbers of healthcare visits for eachILI.ResultsOf 381 children enrolled and analysed, 105 developed 124ILIs. Specimens were available for 117ILIs: five were positive byRT‐PCRfor A(H1N1)pdm09, 39 for adenovirus, 39 for rhinovirus, 15 for a coronavirus and 27 for a polyomavirus. The mean cost of allILIs wasAU$626 (95% confidence interval:AU$484–768) perILIwith no significant differences observed between viruses. Carers lost on average 13 hours of work and 3 hours of leisure time perILI. Independent drivers ofILIcosts were having both parents in employed work and longer duration ofILI. In multivariate analyses, four variables were significantly associated with an increased number of healthcare visits perILI: non‐Caucasian child, living in a detached house, both parents in employed work and having anILIwith one or more viruses identified.ConclusionsFor families with a child attending childcare,ILIs cause a substantial economic burden. AnILIin a child with working parents and/or with longer duration appears to cost more in monetary terms. Healthcare visits were increased if the child was non‐Caucasian, lived in a detached house, had working parents or had a virus‐positiveILI. Our findings on the estimates and determinants of economic impacts from respiratory virus infection highlight the importance and feasibility of an interdisciplinary (epidemiology/health economics) approach to such research.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT AND PERCEIVED SUPPORT IN RENAL NURSING: A COMPARATIVE INTERVIEW STUDY
Authors: Brown Stephen , Bain Paul , Broderick Pia , Sully Max 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundSocial support is an important moderator of poor well‐being outcomes for nurses engaged in emotional labour with patients; however, the most effective support for renal nurses is not well understood compared with other specialties.ObjectivesTo identify patterns and themes in how renal nurses and two other specialties engage with patients' emotional expressions, express their own emotion and access and provide support for emotional expenditure.MethodRenal, emergency and palliative care nurses from Perth, Western Australia, were interviewed.ResultsRenal nurses engage in significant amounts of emotional labour with patients, and identify co‐workers as the most important source of support due to their availability and a sense of shared experience. However, comparative analysis showed that renal nurses do not recognise their emotional expenditure as readily and have less certainty of co‐worker support.ConclusionsBecause their high levels of emotional engagement with patients are mostly positive, renal nurses are less prepared than other nurses to manage difficult emotional situations. As co‐worker support is highly valued, organisations should train renal nurses specifically to support one another.
Aberrant dynamin 2‐dependent Na+/H+ exchanger‐1 trafficking contributes to cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Li Jun , Xu Liang , Ye Jiangchuan , Li Xiang , Zhang Dasheng , Liang Dandan , Xu Xinran , Qi Man , Li Changming , Zhang Hong , Wang Jing , Liu Yi , Zhang Yuzhen , Zhou Zhaonian , Liang Xingqun , Li Jue , Peng Luying , Zhu Weidong , Chen Yi‐Han 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSarcolemmal Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) activity is essential for the intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis in cardiac myocytes. Emerging evidence indicates that sarcolemmal NHE1 dysfunction was closely related to cardiomyocyte death, but it remains unclear whether defective trafficking of NHE1 plays a role in the vital cellular signalling processes. Dynamin (DNM), a large guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), is best known for its roles in membrane trafficking events. Herein, using co‐immunoprecipitation, cell surface biotinylation and confocal microscopy techniques, we investigated the potential regulation on cardiac NHE1 activity by DNM. We identified that DNM2, a cardiac isoform of DNM, directly binds to NHE1. Overexpression of a wild‐type DNM2 or a dominant‐negative DNM2 mutant with defective GTPase activity in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs) facilitated or retarded the internalization of sarcolemmal NHE1, whereby reducing or increasing its activity respectively. Importantly, the increased NHE1 activity associated with DNM2 deficiency led to ARVMs apoptosis, as demonstrated by cell viability, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling assay, Bcl‐1/Bax expression and caspase‐3 activity, which were effectively rescued by pharmacological inhibition of NHE1 with zoniporide. Thus, our results demonstrate that disruption of the DNM2‐dependent retrograde trafficking of NHE1 contributes to cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
MEASURING MACROECONOMIC INSTABILITY: A CRITICAL SURVEY ILLUSTRATED WITH EXPORTS SERIES
Authors: Cariolle Joël , Goujon Michaël 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFor at least 40 years, the analysis of the causes and consequences of macroeconomic instability has greatly deepened our understanding of the handicaps faced by developing countries. This concern on economic instability is evidenced by a broad spectrum of indicators, based on the deviation of observed values of a given economic aggregate from its reference or trend value. In general, the choice of this or that indicator is not discussed advocating that the resulting instability indicators are closely correlated. Focusing on measurements of instability in export revenue data for 134 countries from 1970 to 2005, this paper finds that this assertion may be true for variance‐based indicators, measuring the average magnitude of deviations from the trend. However, great discrepancies may arise between different measures of the asymmetry or of the occurrence of extreme deviations around the trend when different trend computation methods are used. Our purpose is, therefore, to invite further discussions regarding the use of these indicators, and to highlight the different dimensions of instability, which have been so far unheeded by the economic literature.