bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new approach to quantify the adaptive potential of gene expression variation in gymnosperms
Authors: Renaut Sébastien 
Published: April 2013

Variation in patterns of gene expression contributes to phenotypic diversity and can ultimately predict adaptive responses. However, in many cases, the consequences of regulatory mutations on patterns of gene expression and ultimately phenotypic differences remain elusive. A standard way to study the genetic architecture of expression variation in model systems has been to map gene expression variation to genetic loci (Fig. 1a). At the same time, in many nonmodel species, especially for long‐lived organisms, controlled crosses are not feasible. If we are to expand our understanding of the role of regulatory mutations on phenotypes, we need to develop new methodologies to study species under ecologically relevant conditions. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Verta et al. () present a new approach to analyse gene expression variation and regulatory networks in gymnosperms (Fig. 1b). They capitalized on the fact that gymnosperm seeds contain an energy storage tissue (the megagametophyte) that is directly derived from a single haploid cell (the megaspore). The authors identified over 800 genes for which expression segregated in this maternally inherited haploid tissue. Based on the observed segregation patterns, these genes (Mendelian Expression Traits) are most probably controlled by biallelic variants at a single locus. Most of these genes also belonged to different regulatory networks, except for one large group of 180 genes under the control of a putative trans‐acting factor. In addition, the approach developed here may also help to uncover the effect of rare recessive mutations, which usually remain hidden in a heterozygous state in diploid individuals. The appeal of the work by Verta et al. () to study gene expression variation is in its simplicity, which circumvents several of the hurdles behind traditional expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies, and could potentially be applied to a large number of species.
Spatial and numerical regulation of flagellar biosynthesis in polarly flagellated bacteria
Authors: Kazmierczak Barbara I. , Hendrixson David R. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryControl of surface organelle number and placement is a crucial aspect of the cell biology of many Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, yet mechanistic insights into how bacteria spatially and numerically organize organelles are lacking. Many surface structures and internal complexes are spatially restricted in the bacterial cell (e.g. type IV pili, holdfasts, chemoreceptors), but perhaps none show so many distinct patterns in terms of number and localization as the flagellum. In this review, we discuss two proteins, FlhF and FlhG (also annotated FleN/YlxH), which control aspects of flagellar assembly, placement and number in polar flagellates, and may influence flagellation in some bacteria that produce peritrichous flagella. Experimental data obtained in a number of bacterial species suggest that these proteins may have acquired distinct attributes influencing flagellar assembly that reflect the diversity of flagellation patterns seen in different polar flagellates. Recent findings also suggest FlhF and FlhG are involved in other processes, such as influencing the rotation of flagella and proper cell division. Continued examination of these proteins in polar flagellates is expected to reveal how different bacteria have adapted FlhF or FlhG with specific activities to tailor flagellar biosynthesis and motility to fit the needs of each species.
Attenuation of Clostridium difficile toxin‐induced damage to epithelial barrier by ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) and adenosine receptor signaling
Authors: Patrick Schenck L. , Hirota S. A. , Hirota C. L. , Boasquevisque P. , Tulk S. E. , Li Y. , Wadhwani A. , Doktorchik C. T. A. , MacNaughton W. K. , Beck P. L. , MacDonald J. A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundClostridium difficile (Cdf) releases toxins (TcdA and TcdB) that damage the intestinal epithelial barrier. Ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (CD73) is expressed on intestinal epithelial cells, and it is hypothesized to protect against toxin‐induced epithelial damage through the cleavage of 5′‐AMP to adenosine (Ado) and subsequent activation of adenosine receptors (AdoRs). Herein, we sought to assess the potential protective effects of CD73 and AdoR signaling on the injurious effects of Cdf toxins.MethodsBarrier function was assessed with T84 colonocytes. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran flux, and tight junction protein (ZO‐1) integrity were monitored. Intrarectal installation of Cdf toxin was used to assess epithelial damage in vivo.Key ResultsTcdA/B caused reduced TEER and increased paracellular flux in vitro. Concurrent treatment with 5′‐AMP attenuated these responses to Cdf toxin; an effect that was blocked with ZM241385 (AdoRA2 antagonist). APCP, a CD73 inhibitor, also suppressed the protective effects of 5′‐AMP on paracellular flux. 5′‐AMP reduced toxin‐induced disruption of ZO‐1, an effect that was abolished by APCP and ZM241385. Inhibition of CD73 with APCP during Cdf toxin exposure led to increased intestinal barrier permeability and epithelial damage in vivo. Intrarectal instillation of 5′‐AMP had no effect on toxin‐induced intestinal injury.Conclusions & InferencesOur data suggest that CD73 has a protective role against TcdA/B‐induced damage. 5′‐AMP treatment attenuated the damaging effects of Cdf toxin in vitro, and inhibitors of CD73 (APCP) and AdoRs (ZM241385) revealed that the cleavage of 5′‐AMP to Ado was necessary for the protective effects. Inhibition of CD73 in vivo increases colonic tissue damage and epithelial permeability during Cdf toxin exposure.
Factors associated with development of excessive fatness in children and adolescents: a review of prospective studies
Authors: Pate R. R. , O'Neill J. R. , Liese A. D. , Janz K. F. , Granberg E. M. , Colabianchi N. , Harsha D. W. , Condrasky M. M. , O'Neil P. M. , Lau E. Y. , Taverno Ross S. E. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this review was to examine the factors that predict the development of excessive fatness in children and adolescents.Medline,Web of Science and PubMed were searched to identify prospective cohort studies that evaluated the association between several variables (e.g. physical activity, sedentary behaviour, dietary intake and genetic, physiological, social cognitive, family and peer, school and community factors) and the development of excessive fatness in children and adolescents (5–18 years). Sixty‐one studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. There is evidence to support the association between genetic factors and low physical activity with excessive fatness in children and adolescents. Current studies yielded mixed evidence for the contribution of sedentary behaviour, dietary intake, physiological biomarkers, family factors and the community physical activity environment. No conclusions could be drawn about social cognitive factors, peer factors, school nutrition and physical activity environments, and the community nutrition environment. There is a dearth of longitudinal evidence that examines specific factors contributing to the development of excessive fatness in childhood and adolescence. Given that childhood obesity is a worldwide public health concern, the field can benefit from large‐scale, long‐term prospective studies that use state‐of‐the‐art measures in a diverse sample of children and adolescents.
Electrophysiologic Mechanism of Typical Atrial Flutter Termination by Nifekalant: Effect of a Pure IKr‐Selective Blocking Agent
Authors: YAMABE HIROSHIGE , TANAKA YASUAKI , MORIHISA KENJI , UEMURA TAKASHI , KOYAMA JUNJIROH , KANAZAWA HISANORI , HOSHIYAMA TADASHI , OGAWA HISAO 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundLittle is known about the effect of nifekalant, a pure IKr‐selective blocker, on typical atrial flutter (AFL) and its termination mechanism.MethodsThe effects of nifekalant on AFL were elucidated in 17 patients. During AFL, the conduction time from the lateral to septal cavotricuspid isthmus (IS) and that through the reminder of the right atrium (nIS); AFL‐cycle length (CL) variability, which was quantified by the standard deviation; and the maximum difference in AFL‐CL were measured before and after administration of nifekalant (0.2–0.3 mg/kg). A single extrastimulus was delivered from the lateral cavotricuspid isthmus to elucidate the resetting response curves and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) before and after administration of nifekalant.ResultsThere was no significant difference in AFL‐CL, IS, and nIS before and after nifekalant; however, AERP was increased after nifekalant (155 ± 22 ms vs 184 ± 32 ms, P < 0.001). The standard deviation and the maximum difference in AFL‐CL were both increased after nifekalant (1.7 ± 0.7 ms vs 3.6 ± 2.3 ms, P < 0.001 and 4.1 ± 1.9 ms vs 8.5 ± 5.2 ms, P < 0.001). The total excitable gap decreased (94 ± 17 ms vs 66 ± 21 ms, P < 0.001) with rightward shift of the resetting response curves and loss of full excitability after nifekalant. In 11 patients (65%), AFL was terminated spontaneously (n = 7) or by a single extrastimulus (n = 4), which was not observed before nifekalant. Termination was associated with orthodromic block in the cavotricuspid isthmus in all patients.ConclusionsNifekalant increases AERP and AFL‐CL variability by abolishing a fully excitable gap, without prolongation of AFL‐CL. These unique effects facilitate the termination of AFL.
Is Shale Gas Drilling an Energy Solution or Public Health Crisis?
Authors: Rafferty Margaret A. , Limonik Elena 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHigh‐volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, a controversial new mining technique used to drill for shale gas, is being implemented worldwide. Chemicals used in the process are known neurotoxins, carcinogens, and endocrine disruptors. People who live near shale gas drilling sites report symptoms that they attribute to contaminated air and water. When they seek help from clinicians, a diagnosis is often elusive because the chemicals to which the patients have been exposed are a closely guarded trade secret. Many nurses have voiced grave concern about shale gas drilling safety. Full disclosure of the chemicals used in the process is necessary in order for nurses and other health professionals to effectively care for patients. The economic exuberance surrounding natural gas has resulted in insufficient scrutiny into the health implications. Nursing research aimed at determining what effect unconventional drilling has on human health could help fill that gap. Public health nurses using the precautionary principle should advocate for a more concerted transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. Any initiation or further expansion of unconventional gas drilling must be preceded by a comprehensive Health Impact Assessment (HIA).
Identification of phenotypic markers of B cells from patients with Chagas disease
Authors: Fares R. C. G. , Correa‐Oliveira R. , de Araújo F. F. , Keesen T. S. L. , Chaves A. T. , Fiuza J. A. , Ferreira K. S. , Rocha M. O. C. , Gomes J. A. S. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryChagas disease was discovered more than a hundred years ago, but its pathogenesis is still not completely understood. Autoimmunity is one of the mechanisms shown to contribute to its pathogenesis, which may indicate an important participation of B lymphocytes. Patients with Chagas disease have shown increased percentage of B cells producing IL‐10. However, there are no reports of the phenotypic markers of B cells producing IL‐10 in patients with Chagas disease. For the first time in the literature, we evaluated the phenotypic profile of distinct markers of B cells from peripheral blood of noninfected individuals and patients with Chagas disease. Our results showed that patients with Chagas disease had a higher expression of CD21 and CD24 on the surface of CD19+ B cells, while CD43 and CD23 were expressed equally in all groups. Moreover, the expression of MHC‐II (HLA‐DR), CD80, CD86, caspase‐3, granzyme B and intracellular IL‐10 and TGF‐β by CD19+ B cells was higher in patients with Chagas disease. The results of IL‐10 production within CD19+CD5+CD1d+ B cells showed a higher percentage of this cytokine in patients with Chagas disease. Thus, our data bring a new knowledge about distinct markers of B cells in immune responses of Chagas disease.
Respiratory muscle training extends exercise tolerance without concomitant change to peak oxygen uptake: Physiological, performance and perceptual responses derived from the same incremental exercise test
Authors: Edwards A. M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveThere is conjecture over the efficacy of respiratory muscle training (RMT). The aim of this study was to establish whether or not exercise tolerance, physical performance and effort perceptions are influenced by RMT.MethodsThirty‐six healthy males (age 24 ± 4) agreed to participate (experimental group (EXP) n = 18, control (CON) n = 18). RMT was performed using an inspiratory pressure‐threshold training device at either 55% (EXP) or 10% (CON) of maximal inspiratory effort. Measurements of spirometry and maximal static inspiratory mouth pressure were taken before and after 4 weeks of RMT in addition to an incremental test to volitional exhaustion for the determination of: (i) ; (ii) maximal velocity at volitional exhaustion ()); (iii) time to volitional exhaustion; and (iv) effort perceptions.ResultsThere were no differences in spirometry, but mean maximal static inspiratory mouth pressure increased significantly in EXP (P < 0.01). was unchanged following the 4‐week intervention for both EXP and CON, although the proportion of EXP attaining the criteria for a plateau significantly increased (P < 0.05). Both time to volitional exhaustion (P < 0.05) and were significantly improved for EXP (P < 0.05), while effort perceptions were reduced (P < 0.05).ConclusionsEXP tolerated higher running velocities during incremental exercise and demonstrated a significant flattening (plateau) of after training. This suggests that RMT may promote an improved performance outcome probably as a result of blunted afferent sensations reducing the perceived discomfort of exercise at high ventilatory loads.
Disseminated Ochroconis gallopava infection in a heart transplant patient
Authors: Cardeau‐Desangles I. , Fabre A. , Cointault O. , Guitard J. , Esposito L. , Iriart X. , Berry A. , Valentin A. , Cassaing S. , Kamar N. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractOchroconis gallopava is an emerging cause of mycosis in solid organ transplant recipients. Herein, we report a rare case of disseminated O. gallopava infection that involved lung, subcutaneous area, brain and peritoneum in a heart transplant recipient. Despite voriconazole therapy, the patient died 2 months after diagnosis.
Phloem long‐distance delivery of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) to the apex
Authors: Yoo Soo‐Cheul , Chen Cheng , Rojas Maria , Daimon Yasufumi , Ham Byung‐Kook , Araki Takashi , Lucas William J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCucurbita moschata FLOWERING LOCUS T‐LIKE 2 (hereafter FTL2) and Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), components of the plant florigenic signaling system, move long‐distance through the phloem from source leaves to the vegetative apex where they mediate floral induction. The mechanisms involved in long‐distance trafficking of FT/FTL2 remain to be elucidated. In this study, we identified the critical motifs on both FT and FTL2 required for cell‐to‐cell trafficking through mutant analyses using a zucchini yellow mosaic virus expression vector. Western blot analysis, performed on phloem sap collected from just beneath the vegetative apex of C. moschata plants, established that all mutant proteins tested retained the ability to enter the phloem translocation stream. However, immunolocalization studies revealed that a number of these FTL2/FT mutants were defective in the post‐phloem zone, suggesting that a regulation mechanism for FT trafficking exists in the post‐phloem unloading step. The selective movements of FT/FTL2 were further observed by microinjection and trichome rescue studies, which revealed that FT/FTL2 has the ability to dilate plasmodesmata microchannels during the process of cell‐to‐cell trafficking, and various mutants were compromised in their capacity to traffic through plasmodesmata. Based on these findings, a model is presented to account for the mechanism by which FT/FTL2 enters the phloem translocation stream and subsequently exits the phloem and enters the apical tissue, where it initiates the vegetative to floral transition.
A Surface-based Analysis of Language Lateralization and Cortical Asymmetry
Authors: Greve Douglas N. , Van der Haegen Lise , Cai Qing , Stufflebeam Steven , Sabuncu Mert R. , Fischl Bruce , Brysbaert Marc 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAmong brain functions, language is one of the most lateralized. Cortical language areas are also some of the most asymmetrical in the brain. An open question is whether the asymmetry in function is linked to the asymmetry in anatomy. To address this question, we measured anatomical asymmetry in 34 participants shown with fMRI to have language dominance of the left hemisphere (LLD) and 21 participants shown to have atypical right hemisphere dominance (RLD). All participants were healthy and left-handed, and most (80%) were female. Gray matter (GM) volume asymmetry was measured using an automated surface-based technique in both ROIs and exploratory analyses. In the ROI analysis, a significant difference between LLD and RLD was found in the insula. No differences were found in planum temporale (PT), pars opercularis (POp), pars triangularis (PTr), or Heschl's gyrus (HG). The PT, POp, insula, and HG were all significantly left lateralized in both LLD and RLD participants. Both the positive and negative ROI findings replicate a previous study using manually labeled ROIs in a different cohort [Keller, S. S., Roberts, N., Garcia-Finana, M., Mohammadi, S., Ringelstein, E. B., Knecht, S., et al. Can the language-dominant hemisphere be predicted by brain anatomy? Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 23, 2013–2029, 2011]. The exploratory analysis was accomplished using a new surface-based registration that aligns cortical folding patterns across both subject and hemisphere. A small but significant cluster was found in the superior temporal gyrus that overlapped with the PT. A cluster was also found in the ventral occipitotemporal cortex corresponding to the visual word recognition area. The surface-based analysis also makes it possible to disentangle the effects of GM volume, thickness, and surface area while removing the effects of curvature. For both the ROI and exploratory analyses, the difference between LLD and RLD volume laterality was most strongly driven by differences in surface area and not cortical thickness. Overall, there were surprisingly few differences in GM volume asymmetry between LLD and RLD indicating that gross morphometric asymmetry is only subtly related to functional language laterality.
Look Again: Effects of Brain Images and Mind–Brain Dualism on Lay Evaluations of Research
Authors: Hook Cayce J. , Farah Martha J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBrain scans have frequently been credited with uniquely seductive and persuasive qualities, leading to claims that fMRI research receives a disproportionate share of public attention and funding. It has been suggested that functional brain images are fascinating because they contradict dualist beliefs regarding the relationship between the body and the mind. Although previous research has indicated that brain images can increase judgments of an article's scientific reasoning, the hypotheses that brain scans make research appear more interesting, surprising, or worthy of funding have not been tested. Neither has the relation between the allure of brain imaging and dualism. In the following three studies, laypersons rated both fictional research descriptions and real science news articles accompanied by brain scans, bar charts, or photographs. Across 988 participants, we found little evidence of neuroimaging's seductive allure or of its relation to self-professed dualistic beliefs. These results, taken together with other recent null findings, suggest that brain images are less powerful than has been argued.
Evaluation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for the analysis of sweat chloride and sodium for use in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Pullan N J , Thurston V , Barber S 
Published: April 2013

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive condition that has an incidence of 1:2500 live births in Northern Europe. Due to the large number of mutations that can result in classical or atypical CF phenotype, the sweat test, which quantifies the amount of chloride and sodium in sweat, is vital in supporting the diagnosis of CF. Patients with CF have raised concentrations of chloride and sodium in their sweat; however, it is the concentration of chloride in sweat which provides the greatest diagnostic sensitivity for CF. Method An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the analysis of sweat chloride and sodium was evaluated for the routine measurement of sweat collected using the Wescor Macroduct® Sweat Collection System. The precision, linearity and agreement with the all laboratories trimmed means (ALTMs) and ‘weighed-in’ concentrations of sodium and chloride in samples supplied by the UK NEQAS external quality assessment (EQA) Sweat Testing Scheme were assessed. Results This ICP-MS method for the quantification of chloride and sodium in sweat samples was shown to be accurate, precise and suitable for the routine analysis of sweat chloride and sodium. Conclusion The method performs well and is now used in the routine analysis of sweat in this laboratory.
Evaluation of erectile dysfunction in permanent pacemaker implanted patients with cardiac rhythm disorder prediagnosis
Authors: Sagnak L , Ersoy H , Karakoyunlu N , Murat S , Ozok U , Topaloglu H , Ozturk U , Akdemir R 
Published: April 2013

Background and aims To evaluate the anxiety, depression and related psychogenic erectile dysfunction that might be developed before and after pacemaker implantation in patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Material and methods Thirty permanent pacemaker implanted male patients, were enrolled to study between September 2006 and September 2008. Erectile function domain questions of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐6) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) questionnaires were applied to patients, 6 months before pacemaker implantation (BP6) and on month 1 (AP1) and 6 after application (AP6). Patients were included in a multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation-adaptation program with a duration of 1–2 months. Patients were evaluated in subgroups. Results Mean age was 51.5 ± 10.3. Most frequent diagnosis was observed as AV block in etiology. The mean IIEF values were changed 22.8→20.2→24.6 in BP6, AP1 and AP6 time frames consecutively. However, the mean HAD-Anxiety scores were evaluated as 8.1→17.0→7.3 and the mean HAD-Depression as 3.9→7.9→8.9 consecutively in the same time frames. Conclusion Cardiac arrhythmia plus permanent pacemaker implantation, increased anxiety and depression of patients and decreased erectile function at AP1; however, the improvement in cardiac symptoms at AP6 with the possible positive effects of rehabilitation program, helps to reduce anxiety and increased IIEF scores, although there was still a slight increase in depression levels.