bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemerin neutralization blocks hematopoietic stem cell osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Muruganandan Shanmugam , Dranse Helen J. , Rourke Jillian L. , McMullen Nichole M. , Sinal Christopher J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBone is a dynamic tissue that is continuously remodeled through the action of formative osteoblasts and resorptive osteoclasts. Chemerin is a secreted protein that activates chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), a G protein-coupled receptor expressed by various cell types including adipocytes, osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and macrophages. Previously, we identified chemerin as a regulator of adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation of MSCs. Herein we examined the role of chemerin in Lin− Sca1+ c-kit+ CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) osteoclastogenesis. We found that HSCs expressed both chemerin and CMKLR1 mRNA and secreted chemerin protein into the extracellular media. Neutralization of chemerin with a blocking antibody beginning prior to inducing osteoclast differentiation resulted in a near complete loss of osteoclastogenesis as evidenced by reduced marker gene expression and matrix resorption. This effect was conserved in an independent model of RAW264.7 cell osteoclastogenesis. Reintroduction of chemerin by reversal of neutralization rescued osteoclast differentiation indicating that chemerin signaling is essential to permit HSC differentiation into osteoclasts but following blockade the cells maintained the potential to differentiate into osteoclasts. Mechanistically, neutralization of chemerin blunted the early receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand induction of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 2 (NFAT2), Fos, Itgb3, and Src associated with preosteoclast formation. Consistent with a central role for NFAT2, induction or activation of NFAT2 by forced expression or stimulation of intracellular calcium release rescued the impairment of HSC osteoclastogenesis caused by chemerin neutralization. Taken together, these data support a novel autocrine/paracrine role for chemerin in regulating osteoclast differentiation of HSCs through modulating intracellular calcium and NFAT2 expression/activation.
Concise review: Adult mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for inflammatory diseases: How well are we joining the dots?
Authors: Griffin Matthew D. , Elliman Stephen J. , Cahill Emer , English Karen , Ceredig Rhodri , Ritter Thomas 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) continue to be a strong area of focus for academic- and industry-based researchers who share the goal of expanding their therapeutic use for diverse inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. Recently, there has been an accelerated rate of scientific publication, clinical trial activity, and commercialisation in the field. This has included the reporting of exciting new developments in four areas that will be of key importance to future successful use of MSC-based therapies in large numbers of patients: (a) fundamental biology of the primary cells in bone marrow and other tissues that give rise to MSCs in culture. (b) Mechanisms by which MSCs modulate immune and inflammatory responses in vivo. (c) Insights into MSC kinetics, safety, and efficacy in relevant animal disease models. (d) Isolation, definition, and clinical trial-based testing of human MSCs by biomedical companies and academic medical centers. Despite this progress, it remains unclear whether MSCs will enter mainstream therapeutic practice as a frequently used alternative to pharmacotherapy or surgical/radiological procedures in the foreseeable future. In this review, we summarize some of the most significant new developments for each of the four areas that contribute to the process of translating MSC research to the clinical arena. In the context of this recent progress, we discuss key challenges and specific knowledge gaps which, if not addressed in a coordinated fashion, may hinder the creation of robust “translational pipelines” for consolidating the status of MSC-based therapies.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 and corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor‐1 gene expression is differently regulated by BDNF in rat primary cortical neurons
Authors: Jørgensen Christinna V. , Klein Anders B. , EL‐Sayed Mona , Knudsen Gitte M. , Mikkelsen Jens D. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important for neuronal survival and plasticity. Incorporation of matured receptor proteins is an integral part of synapse formation. However, whether BDNF increases synthesis and integration of receptors in functional synapses directly is unclear. We are particularly interested in the regulation of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5‐HT2AR). This receptor form a functional complex with the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) and is recruited to the cell membrane by the corticotrophin‐releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF‐R1). The effect of BDNF on gene expression for all these receptors, as well as a number of immediate‐early genes, was pharmacologically characterized in primary neurons from rat frontal cortex. BDNF increased CRF‐R1 mRNA levels up to fivefold, whereas mGluR2 mRNA levels were proportionally downregulated. No effect on 5‐HT2AR mRNA was seen. The effects were dose‐dependent with half‐maximal effective concentrations (EC50) around 1 ng/ml. After 24 h of incubation with BDNF, CRF‐R1 mRNA levels had returned to baseline levels, whereas mGluR2 mRNA levels remained low. A significant reduction of all three receptor transcripts was observed after neuronal depolarization produced by high potassium. This study emphasizes the role of BDNF as an important regulator of receptor compositions in the synapse and provides further evidence that BDNF directly regulates important drug targets involved in cognition and mood. Synapse 67:794–800, 2013.. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship of isolated single umbilical artery to fetal growth, aneuploidy and perinatal mortality: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Voskamp B. J. , Fleurke‐Rozema H. , Oude‐Rengerink K. , Snijders R. J. M. , Bilardo C. M. , Mol B. W. J. , Pajkrt E. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo review the available literature on outcome of pregnancy when an isolated single umbilical artery (iSUA) is diagnosed at the time of the mid‐trimester anomaly scan.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE (1948–2012), EMBASE (1980–2012) and the Cochrane Library (until 2012) for relevant citations reporting on outcome of pregnancy with iSUA seen on ultrasound. Data were extracted by two reviewers. Where appropriate, we pooled odds ratios (ORs) for the dichotomous outcome measures: small for gestational age (SGA), perinatal mortality and aneuploidy. For birth weight we determined the mean difference with 95% CI.ResultsWe identified three cohort studies and four case–control studies reporting on 928 pregnancies with iSUA. There was significant heterogeneity between cohort and case–control studies. Compared to fetuses with a three‐vessel cord, fetuses with an iSUA were more likely to be SGA (OR 1.6 (95% CI, 0.97–2.6); n = 489) or suffer perinatal mortality (OR 2.0 (95% CI, 0.9–4.2); n = 686), although for neither of the outcomes was statistical significance reached. The difference in mean birth weight was 51 g (95% CI, –154.7 to 52.6 g): n = 407), but again this difference was not statistically significant. We found no evidence that fetuses with iSUA have an increased risk for aneuploidy.ConclusionIn view of the non‐significant association between iSUA and fetal growth and perinatal mortality, and in view of the heterogeneity in studies on aneuploidy, we feel that large‐scale, prospective cohort studies are needed to reach definitive conclusions on the appropriate work‐up in iSUA pregnancies. At present, targeted growth assessment after diagnosis of iSUA should not be routine practice. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The politics of climate change in China
Authors: Qi Ye , Wu Tong 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article reviews recent studies on the politics of climate change in China. We explain the evolution of policy‐making and implementation processes and mechanisms over the past two decades, and discuss how they have eventuated in contemporary trends and challenges. Within the unitary hierarchy of the Chinese political system, the central government is responsible for making major policies, and subnational and local governments are responsible for the implementation. The policy‐making process is characterized by a consensus building at the center, in contrast to the open public and partisan debate in Western democracies. Climate policy implementation has been based on a so‐called ‘target responsibility system’, which disaggregates targets amongst all levels of local governments and related enterprises. While this system has proven effective in achieving the national targets set by the central government, the high costs associated with it have been a source of concern. The key challenge in making and implementing climate policy is to balance economic growth and environmental protection. This challenge is of critical importance in central–local political interactions. Clean energy development has been proposed as a ‘win–win’ solution to help balance economic development and climate change mitigation, and to satisfy both central and local government prerogatives, but the sustainability of such a model is questioned when the global and domestic economy experience difficulties. The central government is trying to translate its consensus in climate change and green development into priorities for local governments through policy pilots and market instruments; the real results will soon be seen. WIREs Clim Change 2013, 4:301–313. doi: 10.1002/wcc.221This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior
Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy
The politics of climate change in Germany: ambition versus lobby power
Authors: Michaelowa Axel 
Published: June 2013

In 30 years of climate policy in Germany, a high level of declared ambition has coexisted with an eclectic mix of climate policy measures. Well‐organized lobbies were either exempt from policy instruments such as the energy tax or directly benefitted from them, as in the case of the renewable feed‐in tariff or windfall profits from free allocation of emissions allowances. As a result, German emissions mitigation is much more costly than it would have to be. Moreover, the challenges because of the imminent phase‐out of nuclear power are increasing due to failures in a number of relevant policy fields such as offshore wind, grid reinforcement, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). WIREs Clim Change 2013, 4:315–320. doi: 10.1002/wcc.224This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior
Policy and Governance > National Climate Change Policy
Biometric face recognition: from classical statistics to future challenges
Authors: Givens Geof H. , Beveridge J. Ross , Lui Yui Man , Bolme David S. , Draper Bruce A. , Phillips P. Jonathon 
Published: June 2013

Face recognition involves at least three major concepts from statistics: dimension reduction, feature extraction, and prediction. A selective review of algorithms, from seminal to state‐of‐the‐art, explores how these concepts persist as organizing principles in the field. Algorithms based directly upon classical statistical techniques include linear methods like principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis. Nonlinear manifold methods, such as Laplacianfaces and Stiefel quotients, offer considerable performance improvements. Other noteworthy ideas include three‐dimensional morphable models, methods using local regions and/or alternative feature spaces (e.g., elastic bunch graph matching and local binary patterns) and sparse representation approaches. Opportunities for innovative statistical and collaborative research in face recognition are expanding in tandem with the growing complexity and diversity of applications.WIREs Comput Stat2013, 5:288–308. doi: 10.1002/wics.1262This article is categorized under:Applications of Computational Statistics > Defense and National SecuritySoftware for Computational Statistics > Artificial Intelligence and Expert SystemsApplications of Computational Statistics > Signal and Image Processing and Coding
Specificity factors in cytoplasmic polyadenylation
Authors: Charlesworth Amanda , Meijer Hedda A. , de Moor Cornelia H. 
Published: June 2013

Poly(A) tail elongation after export of an messenger RNA (mRNA) to the cytoplasm is called cytoplasmic polyadenylation. It was first discovered in oocytes and embryos, where it has roles in meiosis and development. In recent years, however, has been implicated in many other processes, including synaptic plasticity and mitosis. This review aims to introduce cytoplasmic polyadenylation with an emphasis on the factors and elements mediating this process for different mRNAs and in different animal species. We will discuss the RNA sequence elements mediating cytoplasmic polyadenylation in the 3′ untranslated regions of mRNAs, including the CPE, MBE, TCS, eCPE, and C‐CPE. In addition to describing the role of general polyadenylation factors, we discuss the specific RNA binding protein families associated with cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements, including CPEB (CPEB1, CPEB2, CPEB3, and CPEB4), Pumilio (PUM2), Musashi (MSI1, MSI2), zygote arrest (ZAR2), ELAV like proteins (ELAVL1, HuR), poly(C) binding proteins (PCBP2, αCP2, hnRNP‐E2), and Bicaudal C (BICC1). Some emerging themes in cytoplasmic polyadenylation will be highlighted. To facilitate understanding for those working in different organisms and fields, particularly those who are analyzing high throughput data, HUGO gene nomenclature for the human orthologs is used throughout. Where human orthologs have not been clearly identified, reference is made to protein families identified in man. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:437–461. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1171This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Translation > Translation Regulation
RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
U6 RNA biogenesis and disease association
Authors: Mroczek Seweryn , Dziembowski Andrzej 
Published: June 2013

U6 snRNA is one of five uridine‐rich noncoding RNAs that form the major spliceosome complex. Unlike other U‐snRNAs, it reveals many distinctive aspects of biogenesis such as transcription by RNA polymerase III, transcript nuclear retention and particular features of transcript ends: monomethylated 5′‐guanosine triphosphate as cap structure and a 2′,3′‐cyclic phosphate moiety (>P) at the 3′ termini. U6‐snRNA plays a central role in splicing and thus its transcription, maturation, snRNP formation, and recycling are essential for cellular homeostasis. U6 snRNA enters the splicing cycle as part of the tri‐U4/U6.U5snRNP complex, and after significant structural arrangements forms the catalytic site of the spliceosome together with U2 snRNA and Prp8. U6 snRNA also contributes to the splicing reaction by coordinating metal cations required for catalysis. Many human diseases are associated with altered splicing processes. Disruptions of the basal splicing machinery can be lethal or lead to severe diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or retinitis pigmentosa. Recent studies have identified a new U6 snRNA biogenesis factor Usb1, the absence of which leads to poikiloderma with neutropenia (PN) (OMIM 604173), an autosomal recessive skin disease. Usb1 is an evolutionarily conserved 3′→5′ exoribonuclease that is responsible for removing 3′‐terminal uridines from U6 snRNA transcripts, which leads to the formation of a 2′,3′ cyclic phosphate moiety (>P). This maturation step is fundamental for U6 snRNP assembly and recycling. Usb1 represents the first example of a direct association between a spliceosomal U6 snRNA biogenesis factor and human genetic disease.WIREs RNA 2013, 4:581–592. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1181This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Changes in the catalytic properties and substrate specificity of Bacillus sp. US149 maltogenic amylase by mutagenesis of residue 46
Authors: Ben Mabrouk Sameh , Ayadi-Zouari Dorra , Ben Hlima Hajer , Bejar Samir 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Maltogenic amylase from Bacillus sp. US149 (MAUS149) is a cyclodextrin (CD)-degrading enzyme with a high preference for CDs over maltooligosaccharides. In this study, we investigated the roles of residue Asp46 in the specificity and catalytic properties of MAUS149 by using site-directed mutagenesis. Three mutated enzymes (D46V, D46G and D46N) were constructed and studied. The three mutants were found to be similar to the wild-type MAUS149 regarding thermoactivity, thermostability and pH profile. Nevertheless, the kinetic parameters for all the substrates of the mutant enzymes D46V and D46G were altered enormously as compared with those of the wild type. Indeed, the K m values of MAUS149/D46G for all substrates were strongly increased. Nevertheless, the affinity and catalytic efficiency of MAUS149/D46V toward β-CD were increased fivefold as compared with those of MAUS149. Molecular modelling suggests that residue D46 forms a salt bridge with residue K282. This bond would maintain the arrangement of side chains of residues Y45 and W47 in a particular orientation that promotes access to the catalytic site and maintains the substrate therein. Hence, any replacement with uncharged amino acids influenced the flexibility of the gate wall at the substrate binding cleft resulting in changes in substrate selectivity.
Severity of psychosis syndrome and change of metabolic abnormality in chronic schizophrenia patients: Severe negative syndrome may be related to a distinct lipid pathophysiology
Authors: Chen S.-F. , Hu T.-M. , Lan T.-H. , Chiu H.-J. , Sheen L.-Y. , Loh E.-W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground:Metabolic abnormality is common among schizophrenia patients. Some metabolic traits were found associated with subgroups of schizophrenia patients.Objectives:We examined a possible relationship between metabolic abnormality and psychosis profile in schizophrenia patients.Method:Three hundred and seventy-two chronic schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics for more than 2 years were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. A set of metabolic traits was measured at scheduled checkpoints between October 2004 and September 2006.Results:Multiple regressions adjusted for sex showed negative correlations between body mass index (BMI) and total score and all subscales; triglycerides (TG) was negatively correlated with total score and negative syndrome, while HDLC was positively correlated with negative syndrome. When sex interaction was concerned, total score was negatively correlated with BMI but not with others; negative syndrome was negatively correlated with BMI and positively with HDLC. No metabolic traits were correlated with positive syndrome or general psychopathology.Conclusions:Loss of body weight is a serious health problem in schizophrenia patients with severe psychosis syndrome, especially the negative syndrome. Schizophrenia patients with severe negative syndrome may have a distinct lipid pathophysiology in comparison with those who were less severe in the domain.
Reproductive health information and abortion services: Standards developed by the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Westeson Johanna 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIn 3 recent judgments, the European Court of Human Rights addressed the issue of access to abortion and related reproductive health services. In 2 of the judgments, the Court declared that the state violated women's rights by obstructing access to legal health services, including abortion. In so doing, it referred to the state's failure to implement domestic norms on prenatal testing and conscientious objection, and recognized the relevance of international medical guidelines. This illustrates that domestic and international medical standards can serve as critical guidance to human rights courts. In the third case, the Court showed its unwillingness to declare access to abortion a human right per se, which is troubling from the perspective of women's right to health and dignity. The present article outlines the relevance of these cases for the reproductive health profession and argues that medical professional societies can influence human rights courts by developing and enforcing medical standards, not only for the benefit of abortion rights domestically but also for the advancement of women's human rights worldwide.
Judging disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis by serum free kappa and lambda light chain levels
Authors: Ye Yun , Li Su‐Liang , Xie Ming , Jiang Ping , Liu Kai‐Ge , Li Ya‐Jun 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe study aimed to evaluate the levels of serum free kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) light chains in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as exploring the association between serum free κ and λ light chains and activity of RA. For this purpose, healthy individuals and patients with active RA and RA in remission were enrolled, and their serum levels of free κ and λ light chains were measured using rate nephelometry. The diagnostic accuracy of serum free κ and λ light chains was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves and 95% confidence intervals for areas under the curve (AUC). The results obtained indicated that the levels of serum free κ and λ light chains in patients with active RA were significantly higher than those of patients in remission and of healthy controls (p < 0.05). Further, the AUC values in patients with active RA were 0.871 for free κ light chain and 0.781 for free λ light chain. When the optimal cut‐off point for serum κ light chain was 8.02 g/L, the maximum sensitivity and specificity were 82.5% and 82.5%, respectively, and when the optimal cut‐off point for serum λ light chain was 3.57 g/L, the maximum sensitivity and specificity were 80% and 82.5%, respectively. It was thus found that serum levels of free κ and λ light chains were positively correlated with disease activity in RA, the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), and values for C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet count (PLT), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, high serum levels of free κ and λ light chains in patients with active RA are closely correlated with disease activity parameters including DAS28, CRP, ESR, PLT, RF, and ACPA. Thus, the above‐mentioned levels of serum free κ and λ light chains may be used as important indicators of activity of RA.