bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A MC motif in silkworm Argonaute 1 is indispensible for translation repression
Authors: Zhu L. , Masaki Y. , Tatsuke T. , Li Z. , Mon H. , Xu J. , Lee J. M. , Kusakabe T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSmall RNA‐mediated gene silencing is a fundamental gene regulatory mechanism, which is conserved in many organisms. Argonaute (Ago) family proteins in the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) play crucial roles in RNA interference (RNAi) pathways. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, four Ago proteins have been identified, named as Ago1, Ago2, Ago3 and Siwi. Ago2 participates in double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐induced RNAi, whereas Ago3 and Siwi are involved in the Piwi‐interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway. However, there is no experimental evidence concerning silkworm Ago1 (BmAgo1) in the RNAi mechanism. In the present study, we analysed the function of BmAgo1 in the microRNA (miRNA)‐mediated RNAi pathway using tethering and miRNA sensor reporter assays. These results clearly demonstrate that BmAgo1 plays an indispensable role in translation repression in silkworm. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation data indicated that BmAgo1 interacts with BmDcp2, an orthologue of mRNA‐decapping enzyme 2 (Dcp2) protein in the Drosophila processing‐bodies (P‐bodies). Substitutions of two conserved phenylalanines (F522 and F557) by valines in the MC motif strongly impaired the function of BmAgo1 in translation repression and its localization in P‐bodies, suggesting that these two amino acid residues in the MC motif of BmAgo1 are prerequisites for mRNA translation repression in B. mori.
Young Infants Match Facial and Vocal Emotional Expressions of Other Infants
Authors: Vaillant‐Molina Mariana , Bahrick Lorraine E. , Flom Ross 
Published: March 2013

Research has demonstrated that infants recognize emotional expressions of adults in the first half year of life. We extended this research to a new domain, infant perception of the expressions of other infants. In an intermodal matching procedure, 3.5‐ and 5‐month‐old infants heard a series of infant vocal expressions (positive and negative affect) along with side‐by‐side dynamic videos in which one infant conveyed positive facial affect and another infant conveyed negative facial affect. Results demonstrated that 5‐month‐olds matched the vocal expressions with the affectively congruent facial expressions, whereas 3.5‐month‐olds showed no evidence of matching. These findings indicate that by 5 months of age, infants detect, discriminate, and match the facial and vocal affective displays of other infants. Further, because the facial and vocal expressions were portrayed by different infants and shared no face–voice synchrony, temporal, or intensity patterning, matching was likely based on detection of a more general affective valence common to the face and voice.
Processes and effects of Solution‐Focused Brief Therapy in people with intellectual disabilities: a controlled study
Authors: Roeden J. M. , Maaskant M. A. , Curfs L. M. G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundSolution‐Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a form of behaviour therapy that focuses on evoking desired behaviour rather than on diminishing existing problem behaviour. SFBT has a number of advantages that makes it attractive for use with people who have intellectual disabilities (ID). These advantages include: focus on empowerment for the person, unique intervention strategies for each person based on their particular skills, and recognition of the expert status of the individual identified as the patient resulting in a sense of self‐efficacy.MethodsTo investigate the effects of SFBT, we conducted a controlled pre‐ and post‐test and follow‐up study with 20 people with mild ID (MID) receiving SFBT and 18 people with MID receiving care as usual (CAU). We expected that SFBT could help people with MID with (1) reaching treatment goals; (2) improving quality of life (i.e. psychological and social functioning); (3) reducing maladaptive behaviour; and (4) increasing resilience (autonomy and social optimism).ResultsTwo of the 20 clients terminated SFBT prematurely. Most clients receiving SFBT (13 of 18 clients) showed clinically relevant progressions (more than two points on a 1 to 10 scale) towards their treatment goals after SFBT and at follow‐up, an additional client showed clinically relevant progress (total of 14 of 18 clients). Directly after therapy, the SFBT group performed statistically significantly better than the CAU group on psychological functioning, social functioning, maladaptive behaviour, autonomy and social optimism. The effect sizes of these improvements were medium to large. At 6‐week follow‐up, the improvements in psychological functioning, social functioning and maladaptive behaviour in the treatment group were still statistically significant compared with CAU, with medium to large effect sizes.ConclusionsAlthough the study had limitations because of the short follow‐up period and the non‐random selection of participants, the statistically significant differences between the SFBT and CAU groups and the medium to large effect sizes, indicate the potential effectiveness of SFBT for people with MID.
Complementary and dose‐dependent action of AtCCS52A isoforms in endoreduplication and plant size control
Authors: Baloban Mikhail , Vanstraelen Marleen , Tarayre Sylvie , Reuzeau Christophe , Cultrone Antonietta , Mergaert Peter , Kondorosi Eva 
Published: March 2013

Summary

The dimension of organs depends on the number and the size of their component cells. Formation of polyploid cells by endoreduplication cycles is predominantly associated with increases in the cell size and implicated in organ growth. In plants, the CCS52A proteins play a major role in the switch from mitotic to endoreduplication cycles controlling thus the number of mitotic cells and the endoreduplication events in the differentiating cells.

Arabidopsis has two CCS52A isoforms; AtCCS52A1 and AtCCS52A2. Here we focused on their roles in endoreduplication and cell size control during plant development.

We demonstrate their complementary and dose‐dependent actions that are dependent on their expression patterns. Moreover, the impact of CCS52A overexpression on organ size in transgenic plants was dependent on the expression level; while enhanced expression of the CCS52A genes positively correlated with the ploidy levels, organ sizes were negatively affected by strong overexpression whereas milder overexpression resulted in a significant increase in the organ sizes.

Taken together, these finding support both complementary and dose‐dependent actions for the Arabidopsis CCS52A isoforms in plant development and demonstrate that elevated ectopic CCS52A expression positively correlates with organ size, opening a route to higher biomass production.
Evidence for recent evolution of cold tolerance in grasses suggests current distribution is not limited by (low) temperature
Authors: Humphreys Aelys M. , Linder H. Peter 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Temperature is considered an important determinant of biodiversity distribution patterns. Grasses (Poaceae) occupy among the warmest and coldest environments on earth but the role of cold tolerance evolution in generating this distribution is understudied.

We studied cold tolerance of Danthonioideae (c. 280 species), a major constituent of the austral temperate grass flora. We determined differences in cold tolerance among species from different continents grown in a common winter garden and assessed the relationship between measured cold tolerance and that predicted by species ranges. We then used temperatures in current ranges and a phylogeny of 81% of the species to study the timing and mode of cold tolerance evolution across the subfamily.

Species ranges generally underestimate cold tolerance but are still a meaningful representation of differences in cold tolerance among species. We infer cold tolerance evolution to have commenced at the onset of danthonioid diversification, subsequently increasing in both pace and extent in certain lineages. Interspecific variation in cold tolerance is better accounted for by spatial than phylogenetic distance.

Contrary to expectations, temperature – low temperature in particular – appears not to limit the distribution of this temperate clade. Competition, time or dispersal limitation could explain its relative absence from northern temperate regions.
The effects of 11 yr ofCO2enrichment on roots in aFlorida scrub‐oak ecosystem
Authors: Day Frank P. , Schroeder Rachel E. , Stover Daniel B. , Brown Alisha L. P. , Butnor John R. , Dilustro John , Hungate Bruce A. , Dijkstra Paul , Duval Benjamin D. , Seiler Troy J. , Drake Bert G. , Hinkle C. Ross 
Published: March 2013

SummaryUncertainty surrounds belowground plant responses to rising atmosphericCO2because roots are difficult to measure, requiring frequent monitoring as a result of fine root dynamics and long‐term monitoring as a result of sensitivity to resource availability.We report belowground plant responses of a scrub‐oak ecosystem inFlorida exposed to 11 yr of elevated atmosphericCO2using open‐top chambers. We measured fine root production, turnover and biomass using minirhizotrons, coarse root biomass using ground‐penetrating radar and total root biomass using soil cores.Total root biomass was greater in elevated than in ambient plots, and the absolute difference was larger than the difference aboveground. Fine root biomass fluctuated by more than a factor of two, with no unidirectional temporal trend, whereas leaf biomass accumulated monotonically. Strong increases in fine root biomass with elevatedCO2occurred after fire and hurricane disturbance. Leaf biomass also exhibited stronger responses following hurricanes.Responses after fire and hurricanes suggest that disturbance promotes the growth responses of plants to elevatedCO2. Increased resource availability associated with disturbance (nutrients, water, space) may facilitate greater responses of roots to elevatedCO2. The disappearance of responses in fine roots suggests limits on the capacity of root systems to respond toCO2enrichment.
Effect of Bovine Ovarian Tissue Vitrification on the Structural Preservation of Antral Follicles
Authors: Faheem MS , Carvalhais I , Baron E , Moreira da Silva F 
Published: March 2013

ContentsThis study was performed to evaluate the structural preservation of antral follicles after bovine ovarian tissue vitrification using histological analysis. Ovaries (n = 30) of slaughtered cows were cut into small fragments using a scalpel blade, and the ovarian tissues were randomly assigned to vitrification using 15% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and 15% ethylene glycol (EG) and fresh tissues (control) groups. For histological evaluations, fresh and post‐thawing ovarian tissues were immediately fixed, serially sectioned into 5‐μm sections and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Nine serial sections per fragment were subjected for morphological assessment. The diameter of the antral follicles was determined and classified into four groups: 1 (≤1 mm), 2 (>1–2 mm), 3 (>2–3 mm) and 4 (>3–4 mm). Then, follicular morphology was evaluated in relation to atresia and categorized into seven grades: Grade A (healthy follicle); Grades B, C and D (early atresia); Grades E and F (moderate atresia); and Grade G (advanced atresia). The results revealed that small diameters of antral follicles (1 and 2 mm) were more susceptible for cryoinjury. The normal follicular morphology (Grade A) was not affected by vitrification throughout follicle diameters. Nevertheless, some damage features were monitored after vitrification. In conclusion, the morphological structure of bovine antral follicles could be successfully preserved by ovarian tissue vitrification.
Safety and effectiveness of microdebrider bronchoscopy for the management of central airway obstruction
Authors: Casal Roberto F. , Iribarren Juan , Eapen George , Ost David , Morice Rodolfo , Lan Charlie , Cornwell Lorraine , Almeida Francisco A. , Grosu Horiana , Jimenez Carlos A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveMicrodebrider bronchoscopy is a relatively new modality for the management of central airway obstruction (CAO) of both benign and malignant origin. Our objective was to describe our experience with this technique, with special attention to its safety and effectiveness.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed cases of therapeutic bronchoscopies using microdebrider for CAO from two institutions (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center, Houston) from August 2008 through February 2012.ResultsWe identified 51 cases. Malignant CAO was detected in 36 cases (71%): non‐small‐cell lung cancer (n = 22), melanoma (n = 3), small‐cell‐lung cancer (n = 2), thyroid cancer (n = 2), esophageal carcinoma (n = 2), breast cancer (n = 2), and others (n = 3). Benign diseases included: papillomas (n = 8), granulation tissue (n = 3), and others (n = 4). Obstruction was purely endoluminal in 32 cases (63%). Pre‐treatment obstruction was severe in 25 cases (49%), moderate in 20 cases (39%) and mild in 6 (12%). Lesions were located in the trachea (n = 23), main stem bronchi (n = 25), and bronchus intermedius (n = 8), with some patients having more than one lesion. After tumor debulking with microdebrider, the residual airway obstruction was insignificant (n = 27 cases; 53%), mild (n = 23 cases; 45%), and moderate (n = 1; 2%). No major complications were encountered, only 2 patients had mild adverse events: one case of pneumomediastinum, and one self‐expandable stent damage requiring its removal. Two patients (4%) died within 30 days of causes unrelated to the procedure or the CAO.ConclusionsMicrodebrider bronchoscopy is a potentially safe and effective way to manage central airway obstruction of both malignant and benign origin.
Radial Artery Harvest: A Potential Cause of Arteriovenous Access‐Associated Hand Ischemia
Authors: Asif Arif , Siskin Gary , Kumar Vishesh , Haqqie Syed S , Mathew Roy O , Wang Shouwen , Nayer Ali , Merrill Donna , Salman Loay 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHand ischemia has multiple causes. In this article, we report an additional factor that can induce hand ischemia in hemodialysis patients. A 64‐year‐old white man with coronary artery disease underwent a coronary artery bypass graft procedure using the left radial artery as the bypass graft. Several months later, a left extremity Gracz fistula was created for arteriovenous access. Ever since dialysis was performed via the fistula the patient has experienced a cold hand and pain during dialysis that was somewhat relieved by wearing a woolen glove while on dialysis. Absence of the radial artery in the context of an ipsilateral arteriovenous access was highlighted as a possible etiology. A complete arteriography to determine the presence of stenoses, distal arteriopathy, and true steal was recommended, but the patient refused to undergo any investigation or procedure and instead decided to continue wearing the glove during the treatment. A plan for close follow‐up and possible interventions in the event of worsening pain/ulceration was agreed upon. Radial artery harvest can result in hand ischemia if an ipsilateral arteriovenous access is created. We suggest that the contralateral extremity should be considered if an arteriovenous access is required to minimize this risk of this phenomenon.
Focusing and depth of field in photography: application in dermatology practice
Authors: Taheri Arash , Yentzer Brad A. , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundConventional photography obtains a sharp image of objects within a given ‘depth of field’; objects not within the depth of field are out of focus. In recent years, digital photography revolutionized the way pictures are taken, edited, and stored. However, digital photography does not result in a deeper depth of field or better focusing.MethodsIn this article, we briefly review the concept of depth of field and focus in photography as well as new technologies in this area.ResultsA deep depth of field is used to have more objects in focus; a shallow depth of field can emphasize a subject by blurring the foreground and background objects. The depth of field can be manipulated by adjusting the aperture size of the camera, with smaller apertures increasing the depth of field at the cost of lower levels of light capture. Light‐field cameras are a new generation of digital cameras that offer several new features, including the ability to change the focus on any object in the image after taking the photograph.ConclusionUnderstanding depth of field and camera technology helps dermatologists to capture their subjects in focus more efficiently.
Comparison between high‐frequency ultrasonography (Dermascan C, version 3) and histopathology in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Polańska Adriana , Dańczak‐Pazdrowska Aleksandra , Silny Wojciech , Woźniak Aldona , Maksin Konstantin , Jenerowicz Dorota , Janicka‐Jedyńska Małgorzata 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe main purpose of this study was the exact comparison of B‐scan images obtained from 16 patients suffering from AD with histological.MethodsSixteen patients diagnosed with AD aged between 14 and 57 years, were chosen for the study. In all patients before the introduction of proper treatment regimen, the high frequency skin ultrasonography (Derma Scan Cortex Technology, version 3, Hadsund, Germany) has been performed and then a 5 mm wide punch biopsies have been taken from the area of scanned lesions. Control group consisted of 15 healthy individuals without any signs of atopic and chronic diseases.ResultsThere was 7.8 ± 0.4% mean skin echogenicity from lesional antecubital skin in AD patients (min value 7.2%, max value 8.5%). The skin hypoechoic band was detected in fifteen out of sixteen patients (93.7%). There were statistically significant correlations between the hypoechoic band thickness and the following parameters: degree of epidermal hyperplasia, the degree of epidermal hyperkeratosis, the degree of parakeratosis and the degree of spongiosis as well as the intensity of inflammatory infiltrates. Skin echogenicity strongly correlated negatively with the intensity of inflammatory infiltrates.ConclusionOn the basis of analysis of 16 specimens we can conclude that all pathological changes of AD influence ultrasound image and in addition, the USG picture depends on the phase of disease process.
Characterization of facial skin of various Asian populations through visual and non‐invasive instrumental evaluations: influence of age and skincare habits
Authors: Galzote Carlos , Estanislao Roderico , Suero Michael Oliver , Khaiat Alain , Mangubat Maria Isabel , Moideen Rafeeq , Tagami Hachiro , Wang Xuemin 
Published: March 2013

Background/purposeWe aimed to evaluate the impact of age and skincare habits on facial skin of different Asian ethnicities by comparing skin properties and skincare habits among various Asian populations of varying age groups.MethodsWe evaluated approximately 100 female subjects each from a total of eight Asian cities in China, India, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines grouped according to age ranging from 14 to 75 years during a summer season. Facial skin was characterized using dermatological examinations of the cheek and instrumental evaluations of the forehead and cheek. Information regarding personal skincare habits was collected using a questionnaire.ResultsIn 834 female subjects, characteristics related to skin surface moisture, elasticity, and sebum level decreased with age. Differences in skincare habits corresponded with variations in skin parameters. Subjects with the least severe photodamage reported a generally early onset of their skincare habits.ConclusionThese results demonstrate common trends as well as inherent differences in skin characteristics among Asian populations, reflecting the impact of age and the diversity of skincare habits of Asian women. These results may be beneficial when developing new skincare products that are well suited to these Asian populations.
Salicylic acid for the treatment of melasma: new acquisitions for monitoring the clinical improvement
Authors: Fabbrocini Gabriella , De Vita Valerio , Marasca Claudio , Palmisano Franco , Monfrecola Giuseppe 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThe Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and the Melasma Severity Score (MSS) are calculated on the basis of only a subjective clinical assessment. This raises the need to have an objective score, uniform in the evaluation by different clinicians. The purpose of this study was to establish if the images by Canfield Reveal Imager can be correlated to MASI score to better evaluate the clinical efficacy of salicylic acid 33% peeling in the treatment of melasma respect to the clinical observation.MethodsThe study was a voluntary observational study. Twenty female patients affected with melasma, aged between 30 and 60 years, were included in the study. Treatment with salicylic acid 33% was performed once a month, for a total of four times. The dermatologist (Doc A) examined each patient's melasma areas using MASI score, at the face‐to‐face observation and at Reveal images evaluation during the first (T0) and the end point time (T4). Digital photographs were also evaluated by another experienced dermatologist (Doc B), who has never seen clinically the patients before and who evaluated MASI score by Reveal images at time T0 and T4.ResultsStudent's t‐test and linear regression test were performed, showing statistically significant values comparing MASI score obtained by digital photo and MASI score obtained clinically.ConclusionThe monitoring of the improvement by Reveal images can optimize the treatment approach and the efficacy of same dermocosmetics procedures can be revised following standard criteria.
Diagnosing tuberculous meningitis – have we made any progress?
Authors: Ho Jennifer , Marais Ben J. , Gilbert Gwendolyn L. , Ralph Anna P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTuberculous meningitis (TBM) comprises a significant proportion of TB cases globally and causes substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in children and HIV‐infected patients. It is a challenging condition to diagnose due to its non‐specific clinical presentation and the limited sensitivity of existing laboratory techniques. Smear microscopy and culture are the most widely available diagnostic tools yet are negative in a significant proportion of TBM cases. Simplified and more affordable nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are increasing in use in resource‐limited settings but have not been optimised for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Novel diagnostic methods such as CSF interferon‐gamma release assays and various biomarkers have been developed but require further evaluation to establish their utility as diagnostic tools. There is an urgent need for further research into optimal diagnostic strategies to decrease the morbidity and mortality as a result of delayed or missed diagnosis of TBM. In this review, we discuss current and novel diagnostic tests in TBM and areas where future research should be prioritised.