bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Axon targeting of the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor in developing hippocampal neurons by Gprin1 regulates growth
Authors: Nordman Jacob C. , Phillips Wiktor S. , Kodama Nathan , Clark Sarah G. , Del Negro Christopher A. , Kabbani Nadine 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCholinergic signaling plays an important role in regulating the growth and regeneration of axons in the nervous system. The α7 nicotinic receptor (α7) can drive synaptic development and plasticity in the hippocampus. Here, we show that activation of α7 significantly reduces axon growth in hippocampal neurons by coupling to G protein‐regulated inducer of neurite outgrowth 1 (Gprin1), which targets it to the growth cone. Knockdown of Gprin1 expression using RNAi is found sufficient to abolish the localization and calcium signaling of α7 at the growth cone. In addition, an α7/Gprin1 interaction appears intimately linked to a Gαo, growth‐associated protein 43, and CDC42 cytoskeletal regulatory pathway within the developing axon. These findings demonstrate that α7 regulates axon growth in hippocampal neurons, thereby likely contributing to synaptic formation in the developing brain.
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Stages in the development of CA3 neurons illustrate how the α7 nicotinic receptor (nAChR) can contribute to axon growth. Protein expression of α7 and G protein‐regulated inducer of neurite outgrowth 1 (Gprin1) peaks between E18 and P10 in rodents. This time period is characterized by significant changes in synaptic structure and circuit development in the hippocampus. α7‐mediated elevations in intracellular calcium within the growth cone (GC) are proposed to serve as ‘stop’ signal for axon growth, thereby possibly contributing to synaptic pruning. Interaction with Gprin1 ensures localization of α7 at the GC, and mediates coupling to a Gαo, GAP‐43, and CDC42 signaling pathway.
Association Between Inflammatory Markers, Hemostatic Markers, and Traditional Risk Factors on Coronary Artery Spasm in Patients with Normal Coronary Angiography
Authors: MAHEMUTI AILIMAN , ABUDUREHEMAN KAILIBINUER , SCHIELE FRANCOIS , ECARNOT FIONA , ABUDUREYIMU SHAJIDAN , TANG BAOPEN , UPUR HALMURAT , MENEVEAU NICOLAS 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundCoronary artery spasm is an important pathophysiological mechanism in some forms of myocardial ischemic disease. The relationship between inflammatory markers, mean platelet volume (MPV), and coronary artery spasm is unclear.Methods and ResultsDuring coronary angiography, methylergometrin was injected intravenously to 345 patients with chest pain but without significant coronary disease on angiogram to provoke coronary artery spasm. Based on provocation test results, patients were divided into 2 groups: spasm group (60 patients) and nonspasm group (285 patients). Inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, CRP; white blood cells; polymorphonuclear neutrophils, PMN; monocytes, MO; lymphocytes, LY), hemostasis markers (MPV; platelet count; fibrinogen [FIB]; D‐dimers), and traditional risk factors (body mass index; hyperlipidemia; triglycerides [TGs]; total, low‐density, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [TC, LDL‐C, and HDL‐C]) were measured and compared between groups. More male patients experienced spasm (23.56% vs. 11.11%, P = 0.002). CRP, PMN, and MO were significantly higher in the spasm group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum levels of LDL‐C, HDL‐C, TG, TC, LY, MPV, and FIB between groups. Smoking and hyperlipidemia were more common among patients with spasm; males more frequently were smokers (58.04% vs. 46.78%, P = 0.041). By multivariate analysis, smoking, PMN, and MO were significantly associated with coronary artery spasm with odds ratios of 3.52 (95% CI 1.79–6.90, P = 0.0001), 1.21 (95% CI 1.07–1.46, P = 0.04), and 5.35 (95% CI 1.37–21.07, P = 0.01), respectively.ConclusionsInflammation may partake in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm. Smoking, PMN count, and MO count appear to be clinical risk factors for coronary artery spasm. Conversely, coronary artery spasm does not seem to be associated with abnormalities in thrombogenesis. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:29–35)
Donor information based prediction of early allograft dysfunction and outcome in liver transplantation
Authors: Hoyer Dieter P. , Paul Andreas , Gallinat Anja , Molmenti Ernesto P. , Reinhardt Renate , Minor Thomas , Saner Fuat H. , Canbay Ali , Treckmann Jürgen W. , Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Mathé Zoltan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsPoor initial graft function was recently newly defined as early allograft dysfunction (EAD) [Olthoff KM, Kulik L, Samstein B, et al. Validation of a current definition of early allograft dysfunction in liver transplant recipients and analysis of risk factors. Liver Transpl 2010; 16: 943]. Aim of this analysis was to evaluate predictive donor information for development of EAD.MethodsSix hundred and seventy‐eight consecutive adult patients (mean age 51.6 years; 60.3% men) who received a primary liver transplantation (LT) (09/2003–12/2011) were included. Standard donor data were correlated with EAD and outcome by univariable/multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards to identify prognostic donor factors after adjustment for recipient confounders. Estimates of relevant factors were utilized for construction of a new continuous risk index to develop EAD.Results38.7% patients developed EAD. 30‐day survival of grafts with and without EAD was 59.8% and 89.7% (P < 0.0001). 30‐day survival of patients with and without EAD was 68.5% and 93.1% (P < 0.0001) respectively. Donor body mass index (P = 0.0112), gGT (P = 0.0471), macrosteatosis (P = 0.0006) and cold ischaemia time (CIT) (P = 0.0031) were predictors of EAD. Internal cross validation showed a high predictive value (c‐index = 0.622).ConclusionsEarly allograft dysfunction correlates with early results of LT and can be predicted by donor data only. The newly introduced risk index potentially optimizes individual decisions to accept/decline high risk organs. Outcome of these organs might be improved by shortening CIT.
Role of gap junctions modulating hepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis
Authors: Hernández‐Guerra Manuel , González‐Méndez Yanira , de Ganzo Zaida A. , Salido Eduardo , García‐Pagán Juan C. , Abrante Beatriz , Malagón Antonio M. , Bosch Jaime , Quintero Enrique 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsGap junctions are formed by connexins (Cx), a family of proteins that couple endothelial and smooth muscle cells in systemic vessels. In this context, Cx allow the transmission of signals modulating vascular tone. Recently, vascular Cx have been observed in liver cells implicated in liver blood flow regulation. Here, we investigated the role of Cx in the regulation of intrahepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis.MethodsLivers of Sprague–Dawley control and cirrhotic (common bile duct ligation‐CBDL and CCl4) rats were perfused, and concentration–effect curves in response to acetylcholine (ACh) precontracted with methoxamine were obtained in the presence of the specific Cx inhibitor 18‐alpha‐glycyrrhetinic acid or vehicle. Cx expression was assessed by immunofluorescence, western blot and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction in liver tissue, hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes isolated from control and cirrhotic rat livers. Cx protein expression was also determined in cirrhotic human tissue.ResultsGap junction blockade markedly attenuated relaxation of hepatic vasculature in response to ACh in control (maximal relaxation, −55 ± 10.5% vs. −95.3 ± 10% with vehicle; P < 0.01) and CBDL rats (50.9 ± 18.5% vs. −18.7 ± 5.5% with vehicle; P = 0.01). Livers from CBDL rats and patients with cirrhosis exhibited Cx overexpression. By contrast, CCl4‐cirrhotic rats did not show attenuated relaxation of hepatic vasculature after blockade and Cx expression was significantly lower than in controls.ConclusionsGap junctions may contribute to modulating portal pressure and intrahepatic vascular relaxation. Liver gap junctions may represent a new therapeutic target in cirrhotic portal hypertension.
Postoperative recurrence pattern and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, with particular reference to the hepatitis viral infection status
Authors: Naito Shigetoshi , Imamura Hiroshi , Tukada Akira , Matsuyama Yutaka , Yoshimoto Jiro , Sugo Hiroyuki , Ishizaki Yoichi , Kawasaki Seiji 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsVarious modalities have been employed effectively according to the tumour recurrence status in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy. Therefore, their overall prognosis depends largely on the pattern of recurrence/treatment. We investigated the patterns of recurrence and prognosis in HCC patients, especially in relation to the hepatitis virus infection status.MethodsThe study population comprised 244 patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy. Curative treatments, including repeated hepatectomies, were performed for recurrences, whenever possible. Detailed information on recurrences was collected until the recurrences exceeded Milan criteria.ResultsThe 5‐year disease‐free survival, survival within the Milan criteria and overall survival were 38.4%, 56.3% and 74.5% respectively. In the comparison between patients with hepatitis C and B virus‐related HCC (HC‐HCC: n = 122; and HB‐HCC: n = 45 respectively), the former showed lower disease‐free (30.2% vs. 40.7% at 5 years, P = 0.061) and overall (65.7% vs. 89.7% at 5 years, P = 0.011) survivals; they also showed a higher incidence of multinodular (≥4) intrahepatic recurrences (19.4% vs. 5.3% at 3 years, P = 0.010). However, the incidences of recurrences exceeding the Milan criteria because of other components were comparable. Patients with HC‐HCC showed a higher incidence of intrahepatic recurrences characterized by multiple lesions and the difference became increasingly more pronounced with time.ConclusionsPatients with HC‐HCC were associated with a higher carcinogenesis in the background liver than those with HB‐HCC, and this difference was aggravated with time after hepatic resection.
Population size and time since island isolation determine genetic diversity loss in insular frog populations
Authors: Wang Supen , Zhu Wei , Gao Xu , Li Xianping , Yan Shaofei , Liu Xuan , Yang Ji , Gao Zengxiang , Li Yiming 
Published: December 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that contribute to loss of genetic diversity in fragmented populations is crucial for conservation measurements. Land‐bridge archipelagoes offer ideal model systems for identifying the long‐term effects of these factors on genetic variations in wild populations. In this study, we used nine microsatellite markers to quantify genetic diversity and differentiation of 810 pond frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) from 24 islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago and three sites on nearby mainland China and estimated the effects of the island area, population size, time since island isolation, distance to the mainland and distance to the nearest larger island on reduced genetic diversity of insular populations. The mainland populations displayed higher genetic diversity than insular populations. Genetic differentiations and no obvious gene flow were detected among the frog populations on the islands. Hierarchical partitioning analysis showed that only time since island isolation (square‐root‐transformed) and population size (log‐transformed) significantly contributed to insular genetic diversity. These results suggest that decreased genetic diversity and genetic differentiations among insular populations may have been caused by random genetic drift following isolation by rising sea levels during the Holocene. The results provide strong evidence for a relationship between retained genetic diversity and population size and time since island isolation for pond frogs on the islands, consistent with the prediction of the neutral theory for finite populations. Our study highlights the importance of the size and estimated isolation time of populations in understanding the mechanisms of genetic diversity loss and differentiation in fragmented wild populations.
Ecological adaptation and reproductive isolation in sympatry: genetic and phenotypic evidence for native host races of Rhagoletis pomonella
Authors: Powell Thomas H. Q. , Forbes Andrew A. , Hood Glen R. , Feder Jeffrey L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEcological speciation with gene flow may be an important mode of diversification for phytophagous insects. The recent shift of Rhagoletis pomonella from its native host downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) to introduced apple (Malus domestica) in the northeastern United States is a classic example of sympatric host race formation. Here, we test whether R. pomonella has similarly formed host races on four native Crataegus species in the southern United States: western mayhaw (C. opaca), blueberry hawthorn (C. brachyacantha), southern red hawthorn (C. mollis var. texana) and green hawthorn (C. viridis). These four southern hosts differ from each other in their fruiting phenology and in the volatile compounds emitted from the surface of their fruits. These two traits form the basis of ecological reproductive isolation between downy hawthorn and apple flies in the north. We report evidence from microsatellite population surveys and eclosion studies supporting the existence of genetically differentiated and partially reproductively isolated host races of southern hawthorn flies. The results provide an example of host shifting and ecological divergence involving native plants and imply that speciation with gene flow may be commonly initiated in Rhagoletis when ecological opportunity presents itself.
Revisiting comparisons of genetic diversity in stable and declining species: assessing genome‐wide polymorphism in North American bumble bees using RAD sequencing
Authors: Lozier J. D. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGenetic variation is of key importance for a species’ evolutionary potential, and its estimation is a major component of conservation studies. New DNA sequencing technologies have enabled the analysis of large portions of the genome in nonmodel species, promising highly accurate estimates of such population genetic parameters. Restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) is used to analyse thousands of variants in the bumble bee species Bombus impatiens, which is common, and Bombus pensylvanicus, which is in decline. Previous microsatellite‐based analyses have shown that gene diversity is lower in the declining B. pensylvanicus than in B. impatiens. RADseq nucleotide diversities appear much more similar in the two species. Both species exhibit allele frequencies consistent with historical population expansions. Differences in diversity observed at microsatellites thus do not appear to have arisen from long‐term differences in population size and are either recent in origin or may result from mutational processes. Additional research is needed to explain these discrepancies and to investigate the best ways to integrate next‐generation sequencing data and more traditional molecular markers in studies of genetic diversity.
The bacterial communities in plant phloem‐sap‐feeding insects
Authors: Jing Xiangfeng , Wong Adam C‐N , Chaston John M. , Colvin John , McKenzie Cindy L. , Douglas Angela E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe resident microbiota of animals represents an important contribution to the global microbial diversity, but it is poorly known in many animals. This study investigated the bacterial diversity in plant phloem‐sap‐feeding whiteflies, aphids and psyllids by pyrosequencing bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons. After correction for sequencing error, just 3–7 bacterial operational taxonomic units were recovered from each insect sample sequenced to sufficient depth for saturation of rarefaction curves. Most samples were dominated by primary and secondary symbionts, which are localized to insect cells or the body cavity, indicative of a dearth of bacterial colonists of the gut lumen. Diversity indices of the bacterial communities (Shannon's index: 0.40–1.46, Simpson's index: 0.15–0.74) did not differ significantly between laboratory and field samples of the phloem‐feeding insects, but were significantly lower than in drosophilid flies quantified by the same methods. Both the low bacterial content of the phloem sap diet and biological processes in the insect may contribute to the apparently low bacterial diversity in these phloem‐feeding insects.
Metabolism and development – integration of micro computed tomography data and metabolite profiling reveals metabolic reprogramming from floral initiation to silique development
Authors: Bellaire Anke , Ischebeck Till , Staedler Yannick , Weinhaeuser Isabell , Mair Andrea , Parameswaran Sriram , Ito Toshiro , Schönenberger Jürg , Weckwerth Wolfram 
Published: December 2013

Summary

The interrelationship of morphogenesis and metabolism is a poorly studied phenomenon. The main paradigm is that development is controlled by gene expression. The aim of the present study was to correlate metabolism to early and late stages of flower and fruit development in order to provide the basis for the identification of metabolic adjustment and limitations.

A highly detailed picture of morphogenesis is achieved using nondestructive micro computed tomography. This technique was used to quantify morphometric parameters of early and late flower development in an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant with synchronized flower initiation. The synchronized flower phenotype made it possible to sample enough early floral tissue otherwise not accessible for metabolomic analysis.

The integration of metabolomic and morphometric data enabled the correlation of metabolic signatures with the process of flower morphogenesis. These signatures changed significantly during development, indicating a pronounced metabolic reprogramming in the tissue. Distinct sets of metabolites involved in these processes were identified and were linked to the findings of previous gene expression studies of flower development. High correlations with basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors and nitrogen metabolism genes involved in the control of metabolic carbon : nitrogen partitioning were revealed.

Based on these observations a model for metabolic adjustment during flower development is proposed.
The tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor (TRAF)‐like family protein SEVEN IN ABSENTIA 2 (SINA2) promotes drought tolerance in an ABA‐dependent manner in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bao Yan , Wang Cuiting , Jiang Chunmei , Pan Jing , Zhang Guobin , Liu Hua , Zhang Hongxia 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor (TRAF) proteins play crucial roles in plant development and response to abiotic stress. Here, we present genetic evidence that SEVEN IN ABSENTIA 2 (SINA2), a TRAF‐like family protein, is involved in abscisic acid (ABA)‐related drought stress signaling in Arabidopsis.

Gene expression, protein subcellular localization, protein–protein interaction, and a transient transcription dual‐luciferase assay were performed. The drought tolerance of SINA2 loss‐of‐function mutants and SINA2‐overexpressing plants was investigated.

In Arabidopsis, SINA2 was significantly induced by ABA and drought treatment. The SINA2‐YFP fusion protein was predominately localized in the nuclei and cytoplasm. Loss of function of SINA2 (sina2) reduced drought tolerance, whereas overexpression of SINA2 increased stomatal closure, decreased water loss, and therefore improved drought resistance in transgenic plants. Upon ABA treatment, expression of some key ABA‐ and stress‐responsive genes decreased in the sina2 mutant, but increased in SINA2‐overexpressing plants. Furthermore, SINA2 was induced in the ABA‐deficient mutant by ABA, but not by drought stress. Thus, the drought response of SINA2 was ABA‐dependent. ProSINA2::LUC expression in Arabidopsis protoplasts further revealed that ABA‐responsive element (ABRE) binding (AREB) protein 1 (AREB1) AREB2 and ABRE‐binding factor 3 (ABF3) might regulate SINA2 expression at the transcriptional level.

Our results indicate that SINA2 functions as a positive molecular link between drought tolerance and ABA signaling in Arabidopsis.
Measuring pain after oral surgery
Authors: Coulthard P. , Patel N. , Bailey E , Coulthard M.B. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo describe the measurement of pain after oral surgery.Materials and methodsA review of the literature describing the scales used to rate pain intensity, pain assessment by questionnaire, assessment of pain in children and older adults, the third molar pain model and factors affecting the pain experience in the context of managing pain after oral surgery.ResultsThe most frequently used single‐rating scales are the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Faces Pain Scale. The surgical removal of a lower third molar with bone removal is associated with severe post‐operative pain and the procedure is used as a model for investigation of analgesic efficacy.ConclusionsIf pain is not assessed, then it is unlikely that it will be properly treated. The scales to measure pain intensity such as the NRS that can be used readily in the hospital, clinic or over the phone when the patient has been discharged home.
Photodamage in a Mitochondrial Membrane Model Modulated by the Topology of Cationic and Anionic Meso‐Tetrakis Porphyrin Free Bases
Authors: Kawai Cintia , Araújo‐Chaves Juliana C. , Magrini Taciana , Sanches Camila O. C. C. , Pinto Sandra M. S. , Martinho Herculano , Daghastanli Nasser , Nantes Iseli L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe photodynamic effects of the cationic TMPyP (meso‐tetrakis [N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl]porphyrin) and the anionic TPPS4 (meso‐tetrakis[4‐sulfonatophenyl]porphyrin) against PC/CL phosphatidylcholine/cardiolipin (85/15%) membranes were probed to address the influence of phorphyrin binding on lipid damage. Electronic absorption spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements demonstrated that only TMPyP binds to PC/CL large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). The photodamage after irradiation with visible light was analyzed by dosages of lipid peroxides (LOOH) and thiobarbituric reactive substance and by a contrast phase image of the giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Damage to LUVs and GUVs promoted by TMPyP and TPPS4 were qualitatively and quantitatively different. The cationic porphyrin promoted damage more extensive and faster. The increase in LOOH was higher in the presence of D2O, and was impaired by sodium azide and sorbic acid. The effect of D2O was higher for TPPS4 as the photosensitizer. The use of DCFH demonstrated that liposomes prevent the photobleaching of TMPyP. The results are consistent with a more stable TMPyP that generates long‐lived singlet oxygen preferentially partitioned in the bilayer. Conversely, TPPS4 generates singlet oxygen in the bulk whose lifetime is increased in D2O. Therefore, the affinity of the porphyrin to the membrane modulates the rate, type and degree of lipid damage.