bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sod on the Expression of Stress‐Related Genes in Listeria monocytogenes 4b G with/without Paraquat Treatment
Authors: Suo Yujuan , Liu Yanhong , Zhou Xiujuan , Huang Yanyan , Shi Chunlei , Matthews Karl , Shi Xianming 
Published: August 2014

AbstractListeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis. Paraquat can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, which results in oxidative stress. It was first shown that 1 mM of paraquat inhibited the growth rate of a superoxide dismutase (sod)‐deletion mutant (∆sod) generated from L. monocytogenes 4b G but not in the wild‐type, and induced the expression of other resistance genes (kat, fri, perR, sigB, and recA) as well as sod in the wild type. Interestingly, without paraquat treatment the expression of all the 5 genes were repressed in ∆sod compared to the wild type, while the expression of recA triggering SOS response, a global response to DNA damage, was increased in ∆sod in the presence of 1 mM paraquat. Taken together, these results suggest that SOD plays a central role in oxidant defense of L. monocytogenes 4b G, and SOS probably significantly impacts ∆sod survival under oxidative stress.
A novel genome‐wide microsatellite resource for species of Eucalyptus with linkage‐to‐physical correspondence on the reference genome sequence
Authors: Grattapaglia Dario , Mamani Eva M. C. , Silva‐Junior Orzenil B. , Faria Danielle A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractKeystone species in their native ranges, eucalypts, are ecologically and genetically very diverse, growing naturally along extensive latitudinal and altitudinal ranges and variable environments. Besides their ecological importance, eucalypts are also the most widely planted trees for sustainable forestry in the world. We report the development of a novel collection of 535 microsatellites for species of Eucalyptus, 494 designed from ESTs and 41 from genomic libraries. A selected subset of 223 was evaluated for individual identification, parentage testing, and ancestral information content in the two most extensively studied species, Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus globulus. Microsatellites showed high transferability and overlapping allele size range, suggesting they have arisen still in their common ancestor and confirming the extensive genome conservation between these two species. A consensus linkage map with 437 microsatellites, the most comprehensive microsatellite‐only genetic map for Eucalyptus, was built by assembling segregation data from three mapping populations and anchored to the Eucalyptus genome. An overall colinearity between recombination‐based and physical positioning of 84% of the mapped microsatellites was observed, with some ordering discrepancies and sporadic locus duplications, consistent with the recently described whole genome duplication events in Eucalyptus. The linkage map covered 95.2% of the 605.8‐Mbp assembled genome sequence, placing one microsatellite every 1.55 Mbp on average, and an overall estimate of physical to recombination distance of 618 kbp/cM. The genetic parameters estimates together with linkage and physical position data for this large set of microsatellites should assist marker choice for genome‐wide population genetics and comparative mapping in Eucalyptus.
Palliative colonic stenting: a safe alternative to surgery in stage IV colorectal cancer
Authors: Finlayson Andrew , Hulme‐Moir Michael 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe morbidity associated with surgery for obstructing or near‐obstructing stage IV colorectal cancer can be high including the frequent need for a stoma. Self‐expandable metal stents (SEMS) offer an alternative to surgery. Our aim was to analyse our palliative SEMS outcomes and compare this with a palliative surgery group.MethodsA retrospective study of a single institutions' experience with SEMS or surgery in the management of stage IV colorectal cancer was performed.ResultsSixty‐five patients treated with SEMS were included in the study. These were compared with an unmatched group of 63 patients who underwent surgery. Within the SEMS group was a 98.5% technical success and 100% clinical success of deployed SEMS. Overall complication rate was low at 23.1% (restenosis 7.7%, migration 7.7%, perforation 4.6% and bleeding 3.1%). Only 7.7% of patients in the SEMS group required an operation. SEMS insertion was associated with a shorter hospital stay (2.9 days versus 14.6 days; P < 0.001) and reduced requirement for a stoma (4.6% versus 44.4%; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in 30‐day mortality (13.8% versus 11.1%; P = 0.640), 1‐year survival (42.9% versus 41.4%; P = 0.949) or 2‐year survival (24.5% versus 21.4%; P = 0.700). Overall survival was equivalent between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval 0.88–1.88; P = 0.212).Conclusion
SEMS is a safe alternative to surgery in obstructing or near‐obstructing stage IV colorectal cancer. It offers high success rate, a shorter hospital stay and a reduced stoma rate while not impacting overall survival.
Sexual function in women before and after tension‐free vaginal tape operation for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Glavind Karin , Larsen Thomas , Lindquist Anna S.I. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate sexual function in women before and after tension‐free vaginal tape operation for stress urinary incontinence.DesignProspective study.SettingAalborg University Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics between November 2008 and June 2010.PopulationSixty‐three women who had a tension‐free vaginal tape operation performed.MethodsPatients completed the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire‐12 (PISQ‐12) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) before undergoing surgery and 6 months postoperatively.Main outcome measuresDifferences in PISQ‐12 measures 6 months after the tension‐free vaginal tape operation.ResultsTwelve women were excluded because of non‐completed questionnaires. Preoperatively the PISQ‐12 score was 33.7 and postoperatively 36.7, giving a significant difference of 3.0 (p < 0.05). Forty women (78%) scored higher postoperatively, five (10%) scored the same and six (12%) reported lower scores postoperatively. Only PISQ‐12 questions in the physical domain were significantly improved. These values were elevated close to the maximum score. Preoperatively 18 women (35%) experienced coital incontinence always, often or sometimes. Postoperatively this was only the case in two women.ConclusionMost women experience an improvement in sexual life after a tension‐free vaginal tape procedure mainly because of absence of incontinence during sexual activity or absence of fear of incontinence during sexual activity.
A prospective study of screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at 11–13 weeks in a Scandinavian population
Authors: Skråstad Ragnhild B. , Hov Gunhild G. , Blaas Harm‐Gerd K. , Romundstad Pål R. , Salvesen Kjell Å. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prediction of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension using maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI), pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) at gestational weeks 11–13 in a Scandinavian population with a medium to high prior risk for developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.DesignProspective screening study.SettingNational Center for Fetal Medicine, Trondheim, Norway.Population579 women who were nulliparous or had a previous history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.MethodsWomen were examined between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks, with interviews for maternal characteristics and measurements of MAP, UtAPI, PAPP‐A and PlGF. The tests were evaluated separately and in combined models with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.Main outcome measuresPrediction of preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.ResultsThe best model for severe preeclampsia (MAP+UtAPI+PlGF+PAPP‐A) achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.866 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.756–0.976]. The best models for preeclampsia (MAP+UtAPI+age) achieved 0.738 (0.634–0.841), gestational hypertension (MAP) 0.820 (0.727–0.913) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy overall (MAP+PlGF+age) 0.783 (0.709–0.856). Using the best model we could identify 61.5% (95% CI 31.6–86.1) of severe preeclampsia, 38.5% (95% CI 20.2–59.4) of preeclampsia and 42.9% (95% CI 21.8–66) of gestational hypertension at a fixed 10% false‐positive rate.ConclusionsMaternal characteristics, MAP, UtAPI, PAPP‐A and PlGF showed limited value as screening tests. Further research on biochemical and biophysical tests and algorithms combining these parameters is needed before first trimester screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is included in antenatal care in Scandinavia.
Impacts of prairie grass species restoration on plant community invasibility and soil processes in abandoned agricultural fields
Authors: Mahaney Wendy M. , Gross Katherine L. , Blackwood Christopher B. , Smemo Kurt A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractQuestionCan plant species with particular traits be used to address common problems encountered during agricultural land restoration, including invasion by undesirable species and altered soil conditions? How does the establishment of dominant old‐field and prairie grasses with different functional traits affect community invasibility and soil nitrogen (N) cycling in abandoned agricultural fields?LocationW.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, Michigan,USA.MethodsWe established seedlings of several common old‐field and prairie grasses in a Trait Assessment Study to determine the magnitude of species differences in traits expected to influence community invasibility and soil processes. We also established monocultures of these species in a field experiment to determine how species with particular traits impacted community invasibility and soil processes 2 and 4 yr after restoration.ResultsThe prairie species consistently produced more shoot, root and litter biomass, and had more recalcitrant tissue than the old‐field species, and there were corresponding differences in invasibility and nutrient cycling. Soils under the three prairie grasses had significantly lower inorganicNafter 2 yr and significantly lower potentialN‐mineralization after 4 yr. The prairie plots also had significantly less invasion than the old‐field plots after 4 yr. Plots dominated by the old‐field species had higher biomass of non‐native species, and higher numbers of colonizing species than plots dominated by prairie species.ConclusionsRestoration using prairie grasses with particular effect traits can reduceNcycling and availability, and lead to a decrease in invasion by undesirable species from adjacent unrestored sites.
Structural and Binding Studies of SAP‐1 Protein With Heparin
Authors: Yadav Vikash K. , Mandal Rahul S. , Puniya Bhanwar L. , Kumar Rahul , Dey Sharmistha , Singh Sarman , Yadav Savita 
Published: August 2014

SAP‐1 is a low molecular weight cysteine protease inhibitor (CPI) which belongs to type‐2 cystatins family. SAP‐1 protein purified from human seminal plasma (HuSP) has been shown to inhibit cysteine and serine proteases and exhibit interesting biological properties, including high temperature and pH stability. Heparin is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (with varied chain length) which interacts with a number of proteins and regulates multiple steps in different biological processes. As an anticoagulant, heparin enhances inhibition of thrombin by the serpin antithrombin III. Therefore, we have employed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to improve our understanding of the binding interaction between heparin and SAP‐1 (protease inhibitor). SPR data suggest that SAP‐1 binds to heparin with a significant affinity (KD = 158 nm). SPR solution competition studies using heparin oligosaccharides showed that the binding of SAP‐1 to heparin is dependent on chain length. Large oligosaccharides show strong binding affinity for SAP‐1. Further to get insight into the structural aspect of interactions between SAP‐1 and heparin, we used modelled structure of the SAP‐1 and docked with heparin and heparin‐derived polysaccharides. The results suggest that a positively charged residue lysine plays important role in these interactions. Such information should improve our understanding of how heparin, present in the reproductive tract, regulates cystatins activity.
Differential modification of genetic susceptibility to childhood eczema by two probiotics
Authors: Morgan A. R. , Han D. Y. , Wickens K. , Barthow C. , Mitchell E. A. , Stanley T. V. , Dekker J. , Crane J. , Ferguson L. R. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled birth cohort, we have recently shown a beneficial effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) for the prevention of eczema in children through to 6 years of age but no effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis HN019 (HN019).ObjectiveAmong this cohort of children, we aim to investigate whether these probiotics could modify the expression of genetic predisposition to eczema conferred by genetic variation in susceptibility genes.MethodsThirty‐three eczema susceptibility SNPs (in eleven genes) were genotyped in 331 children of European ancestry.ResultsChildren who carried a genetic variant that put them at a high risk of developing eczema were less likely to develop eczema if they had been randomized to the HN001 intervention group compared to those in the placebo group. HN019 was also able to protect against the effects of some SNPs. As well as modifying genetic susceptibility to childhood eczema, HN001 was also found to modify genetic susceptibility to eczema severity and atopy risk.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThis is the first study to show an effect of a probiotic on reducing eczema risk amongst those with particular eczema‐associated genotypes. Our findings suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 may be particularly effective in preventing eczema in children with specific high‐risk genotypes.
γδT cells regulate chronic airway inflammation and development of airway remodelling
Authors: Murdoch J. R. , Gregory L. G. , Lloyd C. M. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundγδT cells play a crucial immunoregulatory role in the lung, maintaining normal airway tone and preventing hyperresponsiveness to innocuous allergen. During acute inflammatory episodes, γδT cells promote resolution of acute inflammation. However, their contribution to inflammation‐associated airway remodelling remains unexplored. Here we investigate the effects of γδT cell blockade on established allergic airway inflammation and development of remodelling.MethodsSensitised mice were exposed to prolonged ovalbumin challenge or continuous house‐dust mite exposure to induce chronic inflammation and remodelling. Functional blocking anti‐TCRδ antibody was administered therapeutically, and parameters of airway inflammation and remodelling were examined.ResultsTherapeutic blockade of γδT cells prevented the typical resolution of acute airway inflammation characterised by elevated eosinophil and Th2 cell numbers. Moreover, the lung displayed exacerbated airway remodelling, typified by excess peribronchiolar collagen deposition.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate a unique role for γδT cells in constraining allergen‐induced airway remodelling. Manipulating the γδT cell compartment may therefore contribute to strategies to prevent and treat remodelling.
Glucocorticoid‐Induced Leucine Zipper (GILZ) Controls Inflammation and Tissue Damage after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Mazzon Emanuela , Bruscoli Stefano , Galuppo Maria , Biagioli Michele , Sorcini Daniele , Bereshchenko Oxana , Fiorucci Chiara , Migliorati Graziella , Bramanti Placido , Riccardi Carlo 
Published: August 2014

SummaryAimsSpinal cord injury (SCI) occurs following damage to the spinal column. Following trauma, tissue damage is further exacerbated by a secondary damage due to a SCI‐activated inflammatory process. Control of leukocytes activity is essential to therapeutic inhibition of the spinal cord damage to ameliorate the patient's conditions. The mechanisms that regulate neuroinflammation following SCI, including T‐cell infiltration, have not been completely clarified. Glucocorticoids (GC) are antiinflammatory drugs widely used in therapy, including treatment of SCI. GC efficacy may be linked to many molecular mechanisms that are involved in regulation of leukocytes migration, activation, and differentiation. We have previously shown that the antiinflammatory activity of GC is in part mediated by glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ). Here, we investigated the role of GILZ in inflammation and spinal cord tissue damage following a spinal trauma.MethodsWe address the role of GILZ in SCI‐induced inflammation and tissue damage using a model of SCI in gilz knockout (gilz KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice.ResultsWe found that GILZ deficiency is associated with a strong reduction of SCI‐induced inflammation and a significantly reduced lesion area following SCI.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that GILZ is involved in induction of neuroinflammation and functional outcomes of spinal cord trauma.
μ‐Opioid Receptor Attenuates Aβ Oligomers‐Induced Neurotoxicity Through mTOR Signaling
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Yan‐Xia , Liu Ting , Law Ping‐Yee , Loh Horace H. , Qiu Yu , Chen Hong‐Zhuan 
Published: August 2014

SummaryAimsμ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) exerts many functions such as antinociception, neuroprotection, and hippocampal plasticity. A body of evidence has shown that OPRM1 activation could stimulate downstream effectors of mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, it is not clear whether OPRM1 protects neurons against β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) neurotoxicity through mTOR signaling.MethodsThe effects of OPRM1 activation on Aβ oligomers‐induced neurotoxicity were assessed by cell viability and neurite outgrowth assay in primary cultured cortical neurons. The activities of mTOR, protein kinase B (Akt) and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70 S6k) upon OPRM1 activation by morphine were measured by immunoblotting their phosphorylation status.ResultsMorphine dose‐dependently attenuated Aβ oligomers‐induced neurotoxicity. Aβ oligomers downregulated mTOR signaling. Morphine significantly rescued mTOR signaling by reversal of Aβ oligomers’ effect on mTOR and its upstream signaling molecule Akt, as well as its downstream molecule p70 S6k. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect of morphine could be reversed by OPRM1 selective antagonist and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K), Akt and mTOR inhibitors. Furthermore, endogenous opioids–enkaphalins also attenuated Aβ oligomers‐induced neurotoxicity.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated OPRM1 activation attenuated Aβ oligomers‐induced neurotoxicity through mTOR signaling. It may provide new insight into the pathological process and useful strategy for therapeutic interventions against Aβ neurotoxicity.
Association between white matter hyperintensity and medial temporal atrophy at various stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kandiah N. , Chander R. J. , Ng A. , Wen M. C. , Cenina A. R. , Assam P. N. 
Published: August 2014

Background and purposeWhilst there is evidence implicating small vessel cerebrovascular disease in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), its specific contribution to the pathophysiology of AD remains unclear. The burden of small vessel cerebrovascular disease visualized as white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and its association with medial temporal atrophy (MTA) at different stages of AD was studied.MethodsOne hundred and sixty‐five cognitively normal (CN) community controls, 103 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, 141 mild AD patients and 68 moderate−severe AD patients were studied. Clinical, cognitive and risk factor data were collected, and WMH and MTA were quantified by trained raters. The Jonckheere−Terpstra test for ordered alternatives was used to study the association between WMH and MTA in different stages of AD.ResultsThe burden of total WMH increased significantly with increasing severity of AD, even after correcting for confounders. The proportion of CN, MCI, mild AD and moderate−severe AD subjects with severe burden of WMH was 6.7%, 9.7%, 28.4%, and 39.7%, respectively. A strong positive association between WMH severity and MTA was evident amongst MCI (P = 0.011) and mild AD (P = 0.003) subjects, but not in CN (P = 0.953) and moderate−severe AD subjects (P = 0.301).ConclusionsThe burden of WMH increased significantly from the stage of CN to MCI to AD. The association between WMH and MTA was greatest at the stage of MCI and mild AD. This has implications on the strategy to slow the progression of AD, where measures to reduce WMH, including control of vascular risk factors, need to be optimized at the stage of MCI and mild AD.
Diagenesis and elemental geochemistry under varying reservoir oil saturation in the Junggar Basin of NW China: implication for differentiating hydrocarbon‐bearing horizons
Authors: Cao J. , Hu W. , Wang X. , Zhu D. , Tang Y. , Xiang B. , Wu M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we attempt to differentiate hydrocarbon‐bearing reservoir horizons of the Junggar Basin of NW China based on the characteristics of diagenesis and associated elemental geochemistry. Reservoirs at this site have varying levels of oil saturation that correlate with the degree of dissolution in minerals (e.g., calcite and feldspar). Four different horizons with varying diagenetic mineral assemblages were observed, including (i) kaolinite‐rich, oil‐dominated horizons, (ii) kaolinite–pyrite–hematite‐rich, oil–water‐dominated horizons, (iii) siderite–chlorite‐rich, water‐dominated horizons, and (iv) chlorite‐rich horizons with negligible hydrocarbon production. The mean MnO content of the representative diagenetic mineral (e.g., calcite) in each of the above horizons is >2.5, 2.0–2.5, 1.5–2.0, and <1.0 wt%, respectively. We propose that the above methodology can be used for the identification of reservoir hydrocarbon‐bearing horizons. We argue that the indicators presented here can be applied in oil exploration across the Junggar Basin.
Parents of children with haemophilia at an early age: assessment of perceived stress and family functioning
Authors: Torres‐Ortuño A. , Cuesta‐Barriuso R. , Nieto‐Munuera J. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryHaemophilia is a chronic disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach for proper management and control of its clinical manifestations. The perception and management of parents of children with haemophilia can be affected by stressful situations as a result of treatment or disease progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of stress and family functioning in parents of children with haemophilia 1–7 years. This is an observational clinical study involving 49 parents of children with haemophilia 1–7 years who attended the VIII Workshop for Parents of Children with haemophilia, organized by the Spanish Federation of Hemophilia in La Charca, Murcia (Spain). After obtaining parental consent, the questionnaires was applied to them, FACES III (family functioning) and Pediatric Inventory for Parents (perceived stress), and a record of data on the clinical characteristics and treatment. Significant differences in the perception of stressors by gender of parents were found. A family history of haemophilia, the use of port‐a‐cath, inhibitor development and gender of the parents were the descriptive variables most correlated with dependents variables. These variables, together with the type of haemophilia affect significantly in the parental stress and family functioning. Parents have difficulty adjusting to disease management, perceiving many stressors. Gender and family history, can hinder the proper compliance with treatments, reducing its effectiveness.