bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Negotiating Imagined Genetic Communities: Unity and Diversity in Brazilian Science and Society
Authors: Kent Michael , Santos Ricardo Ventura , Wade Peter 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTIn this article, we explore the ways in which genetic research reconfigures historically rooted debates on race and national identity by analyzing the intense debates that have taken place in the past decade in Brazil around the genetic profile of the nation's population. Such debates have not only featured a significant variety of interpretations by different geneticists but also involved the media, policy makers, and social movements. Here we focus in particular on the ways in which genetic knowledge and the arguments it makes possible have reproduced, contested, or transformed pre existing narratives about race and national identity in Brazil. A central underlying tension in these debates is that between unity and diversity—between views that consider the Brazilian population as a single unit that cannot be differentiated except at the individual level and alternative interpretations that emphasize the multiplicity of its populations in terms of race, region, and genetic ancestry. [genetics, imagined communities, Brazil, identity politics]
British and Pakistani children's understanding of death: Cultural and developmental influences
Authors: Panagiotaki Georgia , Nobes Gavin , Ashraf Aisha , Aubby Herjit 
Published: September 2014

This study explored British and Pakistani 4‐ to 7‐year‐olds’ (N = 188) understanding of death. The aim was to examine possible influences on the acquisition of the subcomponents of the death concept by investigating how they are understood by children of different ages and cultural and religious backgrounds. Three groups of children were compared: White British and British Muslim living in London, and Pakistani Muslim living in rural Pakistan. In line with previous research (Slaughter, 2005, Aust. Psychol., 40(3), 179), irreversibility of death was one of the first subcomponents to be acquired, while causality was the last. The two groups of British children shared many similarities in their understanding of inevitability, applicability, irreversibility, and cessation. Pakistani Muslim children understood irreversibility earlier than did children in both British groups. In all three cultural groups, children's responses demonstrated very limited understanding of causality. Our findings support the view that aspects of a mature understanding of death develop between the ages of 4 and 7 years and that the process of understanding death as a biological event is, to a great extent, universal. They also suggest that aspects of children's reasoning are influenced by culturally specific experiences, particularly those arising from living in rural versus urban settings.
Targeting the cis‐dimerization of LINGO‐1 with low MW compounds affects its downstream signalling
Authors: Cobret L , De Tauzia M L , Ferent J , Traiffort E , Hénaoui I , Godin F , Kellenberger E , Rognan D , Pantel J , Bénédetti H , Morisset‐Lopez S 
Published: September 2014

Background and PurposeThe transmembrane protein LINGO‐1 is a negative regulator in the nervous system mainly affecting axonal regeneration, neuronal survival, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating its functions are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the formation and the role of LINGO‐1 cis‐dimers in the regulation of its biological activity.Experimental ApproachLINGO‐1 homodimers were identified in both HEK293 and SH‐SY5Y cells using co‐immunoprecipitation experiments and BRET saturation analysis. We performed a hypothesis‐driven screen for identification of small‐molecule protein–protein interaction modulators of LINGO‐1 using a BRET‐based assay, adapted for screening. The compound identified was further assessed for effects on LINGO‐1 downstream signalling pathways using Western blotting analysis and AlphaScreen technology.Key ResultsLINGO‐1 was present as homodimers in primary neuronal cultures. LINGO‐1 interacted homotypically in cis‐orientation and LINGO‐1 cis‐dimers were formed early during LINGO‐1 biosynthesis. A BRET‐based assay allowed us to identify phenoxybenzamine as the first conformational modulator of LINGO‐1 dimers. In HEK‐293 cells, phenoxybenzamine was a positive modulator of LINGO‐1 function, increasing the LINGO‐1‐mediated inhibition of EGF receptor signalling and Erk phosphorylation.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data suggest that LINGO‐1 forms constitutive cis‐dimers at the plasma membrane and that low MW compounds affecting the conformational state of these dimers can regulate LINGO‐1 downstream signalling pathways. We propose that targeting the LINGO‐1 dimerization interface opens a new pharmacological approach to the modulation of its function and provides a new strategy for drug discovery.
Inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase reduces nicotine withdrawal
Authors: Muldoon P P , Chen J , Harenza J L , Abdullah R A , Sim‐Selley L J , Cravatt B F , Miles M F , Chen X , Lichtman A H , Damaj M I 
Published: September 2014

Background and PurposeAbrupt discontinuation of nicotine, the main psychoactive component in tobacco, induces a withdrawal syndrome in nicotine‐dependent animals, consisting of somatic and affective signs, avoidance of which contributes to drug maintenance. While blockade of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the primary catabolic enzyme of the endocannabinoid arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide), exacerbates withdrawal responses in nicotine‐dependent mice, the role of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the main hydrolytic enzyme of a second endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG), in nicotine withdrawal remains unexplored.Experimental ApproachTo evaluate the role of MAGL enzyme inhibition in nicotine withdrawal, we initially performed a genetic correlation approach using the BXD recombinant inbred mouse panel. We then assessed nicotine withdrawal intensity in the mouse after treatment with the selective MAGL inhibitor, JZL184, and after genetic deletion of the enzyme. Lastly, we assessed the association between genotypes and smoking withdrawal phenotypes in two human data sets.Key ResultsBXD mice displayed significant positive correlations between basal MAGL mRNA expression and nicotine withdrawal responses, consistent with the idea that increased 2‐AG brain levels may attenuate withdrawal responses. Strikingly, the MAGL inhibitor, JZL184, dose‐dependently reduced somatic and aversive withdrawal signs, which was blocked by rimonabant, indicating a CB1 receptor‐dependent mechanism. MAGL‐knockout mice also showed attenuated nicotine withdrawal. Lastly, genetic analyses in humans revealed associations of the MAGL gene with smoking withdrawal in humans.Conclusions and ImplicationsOverall, our findings suggest that MAGL inhibition maybe a promising target for treatment of nicotine dependence.
Flow‐mediated dilation in the inactive limb following acute hypoxic exercise
Authors: Katayama Keisho , Yamashita Shin , Iwamoto Erika , Ishida Koji 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of acute aerobic exercise performed under hypoxic conditions on flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) in the inactive limb. Seven males participated in the study. The subjects performed two submaximal leg cycling on a semirecumbent ergometer at the same relative intensity (60% peak oxygen uptake) in normoxia [inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2) = 0·21] and hypoxia (FIO2 = 0·12–0·13) for 30 min. The brachial artery diameter and blood velocity during exercise were measured via ultrasound, and the antegrade and retrograde shear rates were calculated. Before and 5, 30 and 60 min after exercise, brachial artery FMD was measured in normoxia. FMD was estimated as the percentage increase in peak diameter from the baseline diameter at prior occlusion (%FMD) and as the controlling changes in baseline diameter (the corrected‐%FMD). No difference in antegrade shear rate during exercise was detected between the normoxic and hypoxic conditions, whereas the retrograde shear rate was larger during hypoxic exercise. The %FMD decreased significantly at 5 min after exercise in both normoxia and hypoxia, and it returned to pre‐exercise levels within 60 min of recovery. Significant decreases in FMD at 5 min after exercise had disappeared when the baseline diameter was controlled using an analysis of covariance (the corrected‐%FMD). No significant differences were observed between the normoxic and hypoxic trials in the %FMD and corrected‐%FMD following exercise. These results suggest that hypoxia has no impact on endothelial function in the inactive limb following acute aerobic exercise.
Detection of mitotic figures and G2+ tumor nuclei with histone markers correlates with worse overall survival in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Henderson Samuel A. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Pattanaprichakul Penvadee , Fox Patricia , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Bassett Roland L. , Prieto Victor G. , Richards Hunter W. , Curry Jonathan L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundHigh mitotic figure count (MFC) correlates with low survival rate in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). However, the prognostic impact of histone biomarkers as surrogates of MFC in MCC is unknown. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the immunodetection of mitotic figures and of G2+ tumor nuclei with histone‐associated mitotic markers H3K79me3T80ph (H3KT) and phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) in MCC.MethodsImmunohistochemical analyses of H3KT and PHH3 and proliferative marker Ki‐67 were performed in a series of 21 cases of MCC. The significance of the pathologic data and immunoreactivity with these markers was evaluated with Pearson correlation and paired Student t‐test. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to assess the relationships between these markers and survival.ResultsH3KT detected a higher number of mitotic figure (p<0.0001) and G2+ tumor nuclei (p<0.0052) than did PHH3. Furthermore, the MFC combined with G2+ tumor nuclei detected with H3KT compared to PHH3 and manual MFC was a significant predictor of impaired survival in patients with MCC (p=0.035;HR=1.0172), corresponding to a 1.72% increased risk of death for each unit increase in H3KT.ConclusionsBiomarker analysis of proliferative rates with histone markers may have relevance in stratifying risk in patients with MCC.
Morphology and ultrastructure of the alimentary canal of the cicada Platypleura kaempferi (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)
Authors: Zhong Haiying , Zhang Yalin , Wei Cong 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe alimentary canal of cicada Platypleura kaempferi is described. It comprises the oesophagus, filter chamber, external midgut section and hindgut. The elongate oesophagus expands posteriorly, with its posterior end constricting to become a bulb. The filter chamber consists of two parts: a very thin sheath and a filter organ. The filter organ is composed of the anterior and posterior ends of the midgut (internal midgut section), and the internal proximal ends of the Malpighian tubules. The external midgut section differentiates into a collapsed sac and a midgut loop. The latter is divided into three distinct segments. The hindgut contains a dilated rectum and a long narrow ileum. The distal portions of the four Malpighian tubules are enclosed in a peritoneal sheath together with the distal ileum before reaching to the rectum. Ultrastructurally, the oesophagus and the hindgut are lined with a cuticle. The filter chamber sheath consists of cells with large irregular nuclei. Filamentous substances coat the microvilli of the cells of the internal midgut section. The posterior end of the midgut comprises two types of cells, with the first type of cells containing many vesicles and scattered elements of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The anterior and posterior segments of the midgut loop cells have ferritin‐like granules. The ileum cells have well‐developed apical leaflets associated with mitochondria. Accumulations of virus‐like particles enclosed in the membrane are observed in the esophagus, conical segment, mid‐ and posterior segments of the midgut loop.
Complex Relationships amongst Parasite Load and Escape Behaviour in an Insular Lizard
Authors: Garrido Mario , Pérez‐Mellado Valentín , Cooper William E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEconomic escape models predict escape decisions of prey which are approached by predators. Flight initiation distance (FID, predator–prey distance when prey begins to flee) and distance fled (DF) are major variables used to characterize escape responses. In optimal escape theory, FID increases as cost of not fleeing also increases. Moreover, FID decreases as cost of fleeing increases, due to lost opportunities to perform activities that may increase fitness. Finally, FID further increases as the prey's fitness increases. Some factors, including parasitism, may affect more than one of these predictors of FID. Initially, parasitized prey may have lower fitness as well as impaired locomotor ability, which would avoid predation and/or reduce their foraging ability, further decreasing the opportunity of fleeing. For example, if parasites decrease body condition, prey fitness is reduced and escape ability may be impaired. Hence, the overall influence of parasitism on FID is difficult to predict. We examined relationships between escape decisions and different traits: parasite load, body size and body condition in the Balearic lizard,Podarcis lilfordi. Lizards that showed higher haemogregarines load had longer FID and shorter DF. Although results did not confirm our initial predictions made on the basis of optimal escape theory, our findings suggest that parasites can alter several aspects of escape behaviour in a complex way.
Neck manipulation, stroke and the precautionary principle
Authors: Homola Samuel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn view of the increasing number of case reports associating stroke with neck manipulation, it is essential that patients and providers alike be made aware of the risk involved when undergoing or providing such treatment. A plausible explanation of how upper neck manipulation can cause stroke by damaging vertebral or internal carotid arteries begs for use of the precautionary principle when considering use of neck manipulation for any reason.
Screening of biomass production of cultivated forage grasses in response to mycorrhizal symbiosis under nutritional deficit conditions
Authors: Cavagnaro Romina A. , Oyarzabal Mariano , Oesterheld Martín , Grimoldi Agustín A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonize the root systems of most natural grassland species and usually increase plant growth by enhancing nutrients provision. This effect on growth responses of cultivated forage grasses is scarcely known, particularly under nutritional deficit conditions. We examined total biomass production, aboveground and belowground biomass and tillering of three temperate and three tropical cultivated forage grasses. Seedlings of each species were inoculated with a mixture of mycorrhizal fungi and later grown for 5 months under nutritional deficit conditions. The mycorrhizal symbiosis promoted aboveground and belowground biomass production in five out of six grass species. Grass species differed in their mycorrhizal responsiveness: tropical grasses (Panicum coloratum cv. Klein = Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú > Paspalum dilatatum cv. Primo) responded better than temperate (Festuca arundinacea cv. Royal > Agropyron elongatum cv. Hulk), while the temperate Dactylis glomerata cv. Porto did not respond to AMF inoculation. In four of the species, the changes observed in aboveground biomass were explained by the total number of tillers, while, in P. dilatatum, changes were accounted for by the individual weight of mature tillers. On the whole, the screening of cultivated forage grasses revealed that tropical grasses were highly responsive to mycorrhizae, in contrast to a lower effect on the growth of temperate grasses.
Initiation of antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected adults with skin complaints in northern Tanzania
Authors: Mavura Daudi R. , Masenga E. John , Minja Eli , Grossmann Henning , Crump John A. , Bartlett John A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAbnormal skin findings are identified in over 90% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected persons globally. A prospective cohort study of HIV‐infected patients with skin complaints commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in northern Tanzania was undertaken. Consecutive HIV‐infected subjects presenting with skin complaints, who met criteria for ART initiation, were recruited at a Tanzanian Regional Dermatology Training Center. A single dermatologist evaluated all subjects; baseline skin biopsies were performed, and CD4+ cell counts and plasma HIV RNA levels were measured. All subjects received a fixed‐dose combination of stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine. A total of 100 subjects were enrolled; 86 subjects completed six months of follow‐up. Median baseline CD4+ cell counts and plasma HIV RNA levels were 120 cells/μl and 5.2 log10 copies/ml. The most common dermatologic condition was papular pruritic eruption (47%). The median baseline score on the Burn Scale was 38%. After six months, 10 subjects had achieved the complete resolution of skin abnormalities. In those without complete resolution, the median Burn Scale score improved to 7%. Five patients developed new eruptions by month 3, which in two cases were attributed to drug reactions. In the 86 subjects remaining on ART after six months, the median CD4+ cell count had increased to 474 cells/μl, and plasma HIV RNA levels were <400 copies/ml in 85 (99%) subjects. Patients with HIV infection with skin complaints experienced marked clinical improvements following ART initiation.
The spectrum of genodermatoses and congenital cutaneous conditions in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Dassoni Federica , Morrone Aldo , Padovese Valeska 
Published: September 2014

AbstractReports of congenital diseases in Africa are scanty, probably because of their rarity, the lack of knowledge among health workers, and the difficult political and social situation in different African countries. We describe here the spectrum of genetic and rare congenital cutaneous conditions encountered at the Italian Dermatological Center of Ayder referral hospital of Mekele, Ethiopia, over a 3‐year period. All patients attending the Italian Dermatological Center were registered in a database, and medical records of genetic and congenital disorders diagnosed from January 2008 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Over the total, 24 different genetic and congenital disorders affecting 122 individuals (0.4% of the total case load) were observed. In our case series, we did not report any patient affected by albinism, in contrast with literature from other African countries. To our knowledge, this is the first report from northern Ethiopia. A brief update on the commonest disorders is included.
Refining of edible oils: a critical appraisal of current and potential technologies
Authors: Vaisali Chandrasekar , Charanyaa Sampath , Belur Prasanna D. , Regupathi I. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe major sources of dietary lipids are edible oils, which include both vegetable and fish oils. Crude oil extracted from vegetable and fish sources contain mono‐, di‐, triacylglycerols along with impurities, which necessitates refining. The main objective of refining is to remove the contaminants that adversely affect the quality of oil, thereby reducing the shelf life and consumer acceptance. However, this refining process needs to be tailored as the composition of crude oil is highly variable, depending upon the plant/fish species, geographical location of the source and method of oil extraction. Recently, extensive efforts have been made to develop refining technology, using either conventional physical/chemical processes or several unconventional processes including biological and membrane processes. The first section of this review gives a brief description of general composition of some commonly used vegetable and fish oils, followed by the review of various refining methods and their effects on the oil constituents. Finally, an effort is made to understand the technological gaps in the existing methods and possible directions of research to overcome the said gaps.
A SURVEY OF THE ECONOMICS OF FAIR TRADE
Authors: Dammert Ana C. , Mohan Sarah 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFair Trade has spread in developing countries as an initiative aimed at lifting poor smallholder farmers out of poverty by providing them with premium prices, availability of credit, and improved community development and social goods. Fair Trade is also viewed as a niche market for high value products in a context of globalization and trade liberalization policies that affect smallholder farmers in developing countries. This paper provides an overview of the potential effects of Fair Trade, both theoretical and empirical, on small‐scale producers in developing countries. Our review discusses the empirical evidence on prices and income, as well as the importance of limited market access and productivity. We discuss evidence on labor markets and human capital investments as well.
Vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 and genistein‐induced changes in the vascular reactivity of rat's aorta
Authors: Fernandez Anne R. , Husain Ruby 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimDuring preeclampsia (PE), the excessive circulation of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) hinders the vasodilatory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This effect has been proven in vitro in the renal artery of rats. The endothelium of the blood vessels is also said to be dysfunctional in PE. Genistein has shown the ability to antagonize the vascular contractions caused by a wide range of contractile agents. We conducted vascular reactivity studies to demonstrate the effect of: (i) sFLT1 on the vasodilatory effect of VEGF; and (ii) genistein on the vasodilatory effect of VEGF and its effects on denuded blood vessels (dysfunctional endothelium).Material and MethodsIsolated aortas of male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to sFLT1 or genistein and then subjected to increasing doses of VEGF.ResultsThe presence of sFLT1 inhibited the vasodilatory effect of VEGF in the rats' aortas. Genistein significantly potentiated the vasodilatory effect by the VEGF.ConclusionThe results suggest that genistein may help overcome the vasospasm in PE. It may be a promising therapeutic approach to PE.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in vacuum‐assisted delivery with the Kiwi OmniCup and Malmström metal cup
Authors: Turkmen Sahruh 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of different types of vacuum cups on maternal and neonatal outcomes following assisted vaginal delivery.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was undertaken of all vacuum‐assisted deliveries performed over a period of 2 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether a Kiwi OmniCup (n = 230) or Malmström metal cup (n = 98) was used. Maternal outcomes included maternal genital tract injury and total blood loss. Neonatal outcomes included Apgar score, umbilical cord blood gases, neonatal scalp injury and time spent in the neonatal unit.ResultsMaternal or neonatal outcomes and failure rates did not differ between the two groups, however, the duration of the procedure and the fundal pressure maneuver was more frequent in the Malmström group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the Kiwi OmniCup and Malmström metal cup vacuum extractors are safe and functionally effective for vacuum‐assisted delivery.