bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of G9a and MCM7 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Zhong Xinwen , Chen Xiaolong , Guan Xiaojiao , Zhang Heng , Ma Yinan , Zhang Shuguang , Wang Enhua , Zhang Lin , Han Yuchen 
Published: May 2014

AimsHistone methyltransferase G9a has been primarily understood as a co‐repressor of gene expression, but it has been shown that G9a also positively regulates nuclear receptor‐mediated transcription. MCM7, a critical component of the DNA replication licensing complex, is amplified and overexpressed in a variety of human malignancies. The objectives of the present study were to study the relationship between the expression of G9a and MCM7 and the pathological grade, clinical stage and prognosis of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Methods and resultsWe collected 139 formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues from patients with OSCC and surveyed them by tissue microarray‐based immunohistochemical staining. Associations between the expression of MCM7 and G9a and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of OSCC were examined. From tissue microarray immunohistochemistry staining results, we found that nuclear staining intensity for MCM7 and G9a was associated with histological grade (both P < 0.001), tumour depth (P = 0.050, 0.034), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001, 0.009) and tumour stage (P < 0.001, =0.003). G9a expression was correlated with that of MCM7. G9a overexpression independently predicted poor cancer‐specific survival in OSCC (hazard ratio 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.006–0.417, P = 0.006) and MCM7 (hazard ratio 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.013–0.441, P = 0.004). OSCC patients whose tumours showed double‐positive expression of G9a and MCM7 (G9a+MCM7+) had much shorter survival than those from either the G9a or MCM7 low expression groups (G9a−MCM7−, G9a+MCM7−, G9a−MCM7+).ConclusionsMCM7 and G9a may serve as effective prognostic factors and could also be used as biomarkers for predicting various clinical outcomes of OSCCs in the Chinese population.
The changing role of the pathologist in the management of Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Hopcroft Suzanne A , Shepherd Neil A 
Published: May 2014

Pathological specimens from columnar‐lined oesophagus (CLO) comprise a considerable proportion of the workload of gastrointestinal pathologists in Western countries. There remain controversies concerning the diagnostic role of pathology. More recently, in the UK at least, the diagnosis has been regarded as primarily an endoscopic endeavour, with pathology being corroborative and only diagnostic when endoscopic features are equivocal or when there are additional features that make the endoscopic diagnosis unclear. There is also recognition that demonstration of intestinalisation or ‘goblet cells’ is not paramount, and should not be required for the diagnosis. There have been notable changes in the management of CLO neoplasia: pathologists are centrally involved in its management. Pathological assessment of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) specimens provides the most useful means of determining the management of early neoplasia and of determining indications for surgery. This represents an extraordinarily rapid change in management, in that, <10 years ago, laborious Seattle‐type biopsy protocols were recommended, and high grade dysplasia was an indication for resectional surgery. Now, individual patient management is paramount: multi‐professional meetings determine management after biopsy and EMR assessment. One significant change is that major resections are undertaken less often, in Western countries, for CLO neoplasia.
Moth communities and agri‐environment schemes: Examining the effects of hedgerow cutting regime on diversity, abundance, and parasitism
Authors: Facey Sarah L. , Botham Marc S. , Heard Matthew S. , Pywell Richard F. , Staley Joanna T. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Hedgerows provide an important habitat for wildlife including invertebrates, representing a large proportion of semi‐natural habitat patches in the modern agricultural landscapes of the UK and Europe. Around 40% of hedgerow length in England is managed under agri‐environment scheme (AES) options, which specify less frequent cutting and advise cutting in winter.

Hedgerow management can alter habitat structure and quality, potentially influencing invertebrate community structure. We assessed the impacts of management treatments on moth communities and their parasitoids. Two treatments (‘cutting frequency’: once every 1, 2, or 3 years, and ‘cutting time’: autumn vs. winter) were applied to a long‐running hedgerow experiment, mimicking AES prescriptions. Moth larvae were collected from the hedgerows, identified and reared to determine parasitism. Hedgerow structure and foliar quality were quantified and related to changes in moth abundance, diversity, species richness, and parasitism.

Hedgerow management did not significantly affect overall abundance of moth larvae, but did affect the abundance of certain feeding guilds and trophic interactions with parasitoids. Concealed moth larvae (mining, tentiform, and case bearing) were more abundant on hedgerows cut infrequently (every 2 or 3 years vs. annually). Parasitism rates were higher on hedgerows cut less often, when these were cut in autumn. There was a strong trend towards greater moth species richness and diversity on winter cut hedgerows.

Agri‐environment scheme management can thus have complex effects on invertebrate communities. The abundance of some moths may be positively affected by AES hedgerow management and this can have knock‐on effects on parasitoid abundance.
Preparation of CeO2 Nano Rods Through a Sonication‐Assisted Precipitation
Authors: Kim‐Lohsoontorn Pattaraporn , Tiyapongpattana Veerinrada , Asarasri Nipat , Seeharaj Panpailin , Laosiripojana Navadol 
Published: May 2014

A CeO2 nanopowder has been synthesized using sonication‐assisted precipitation. The use of ultrasonics during precipitation showed potential morphology control during synthesis. The sonication‐assisted precipitation with highly aqueous base (20 M NaOH) successfully induced the formation of a one‐dimensional nanostructure of CeO2 rods with a homogeneous shape and size (TEM: 24 nm diameter and 129 nm long). A conventional precipitation under the same conditions provided the CeO2 in nonuniform sizes and shapes. Heat treatment (1100°C for 4 h) was required for CeO2 formation when (NH4)2C2O4 was used instead of NaOH. The concentration of the precipitation agent (15–20 M) strongly affected the size and shape of the product. Importantly, according to the temperature‐programmed reduction/oxidation study, the CeO2 prepared using the sonication‐assisted route showed a relatively higher level of reversible oxygen storage capacity (2384 μmol/g), compared with the CeO2 prepared by conventional route (1748 μmol/g).
Interstitial cystitis and the painful bladder: A brief history of nomenclature, definitions and criteria
Authors: Meijlink Jane M 
Published: May 2014

Abstract“Practically every author writing on this subject has suggested a new name which only adds to the confusion and multiplication” (Kretschmer H, 1922).Despite multiple names and many definitions and classifications over the past two centuries, the medical world is no closer to discovering the cause or causes of this enigmatic bladder disorder, currently known as interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome or painful bladder syndrome and hypersensitive bladder. International consensus on nomenclature, definitions and diagnosis is now essential to ensure that studies are carried out on the same basis, thereby generating meaningful data that can be relied on for further use. In our electronic age, multiple names and definitions cause confusion for researchers, clinicians and patients, even leading to the patient's diagnosis being unrecognized by authorities, resulting in refusal to reimburse treatment or provide social benefits. As the key to the puzzle lies in the patients, with all their symptoms and comorbidities, and as patients are directly affected by changes in nomenclature and definitions, patient organization representatives should be given every opportunity to participate in discussions on guidelines, taxonomy, definitions and terminology.
A comparative review of 3D container loading algorithms
Authors: Zhao Xiaozhou , Bennell Julia A. , Bektaş Tolga , Dowsland Kath 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThree‐dimensional cutting and packing problems have a range of important applications and are of particular relevance to the transportation of cargo in the form of container loading problems. Recent years have seen a marked increase in the number of papers examining a variant of the container loading problem ranging from largely theoretical to implementations that focus on meeting the many critical real‐world constraints. In this paper, we review the literature focusing on the solution methodologies employed by researchers, with the aim of providing insight into some of the critical algorithmic design issues. In addition, we provide an extensive comparison of algorithm performance across the benchmark literature.
Widespread Cutaneous Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia
Authors: Sarnoff Deborah S. , Schiff Gilbert M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAngiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (AHE) is classically characterized by benign vascular tumors on the head and neck of young adults. An unusual case of widespread cutaneous AHE that clinically mimicked prurigo nodularis is presented and illustrated. The relationship of AHE to the recently described entity, histiocytoid hemangioma, is discussed.
Treatment of Prurigo Nodularis: Use of Cryosurgery and Intralesional Steroids Plus Lidocaine
Authors: Stoll David M. , Fields James P. , King Lloyd E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTwo patients with prurigo nodularis resistant to most modalities of therapy were treated successfully with the combined use of cryosurgery and intralesional steroids plus lidocaine. This appears to be a successful treatment regimen for a dermatosis that is often difficult to control.
Pseudosarcomatous Angioplasia: Atypical Presentation of Pyogenic Granuloma
Authors: Goldman R. David , Gottlieb Bernard , Indianer Leo , Marmelzat Jeffrey , Rea Thomas H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAn unusual case of pyogenic granuloma is presented. Clinical and histological features of this lesion are reviewed. Differential diagnosis, common variants, and treatment modalities are also discussed.
Sun Exposure Habits in Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma: A Case Control Study
Authors: Lew Robert A. , Sober Arthur J. , Cook Nancy , Marvell Richard , Fitzpatrick Thomas B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTelephone interviews were conducted with 111 patients with cutaneous melanoma and 107 controls to determine sun‐exposure habits during various life periods. Painful or blistering sunburns during either childhood or adolescence were associated with subsequent increased risk of developing cutaneous melanoma. While solar exposure does not appear to be a factor in some patients, when patients were divided into subgroups by age, sex, or sun type, each subset showed some increased risk associated with a factor related to short‐term excessive sun exposure. Ill effects due to such exposures appeared to increase the risk of melanoma.
How Can We Improve Mediterranean Cropping Systems?
Authors: Benlhabib O. , Yazar A. , Qadir M. , Lourenço E. , Jacobsen S. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn the Mediterranean region, crop productivity and food security are closely linked to the adaptation of cropping systems to multiple abiotic stresses. Limited and unpredictable rainfall and low soil fertility have reduced agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. For this reason, crop management technologies have been developed, with a special focus on the Mediterranean region, to enhance crop production by increasing land productivity and sustaining soil fertility under influence of climate changes and population increases. The main objective of this study was to analyse dryland Mediterranean cropping systems, and to discuss and recommend sustainable cropping technologies that could be used at the small‐scale farm level. Four crop management practices were evaluated: crop rotations, reduced tillage, use of organic manure, and supplemental and deficit irrigation. Among the tested interventions, incorporation of crop residues coupled with supplementary irrigation showed a significantly positive effect on crop productivity, yield stability and environmental sustainability.
The moderating effect of prior attitudes on intergroup face‐to‐face contact
Authors: Graham Heather E. , Frame Mark C. , Kenworthy Jared B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe present study examined cooperative contact as an antecedent to reducing negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, as measured by Herek's Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale—Short Form (ATLG). In a scripted role‐play, participants were paired with a confederate who declared their character's sexual orientation as either heterosexual or homosexual. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that contact with homosexual individuals affected participants' attitudes toward gay men and lesbians over and above the participants' prior ATLG scores. A moderating effect for prior ATLG scores was also found. The effect of confederate's sexual orientation was stronger for participants with more negative ATLG scores compared to those with more favorable attitudes. Implications for decreasing homophobia in organizations are discussed.
Biogeography of the Kimberley, Western Australia: a review of landscape evolution and biotic response in an ancient refugium
Authors: Pepper Mitzy , Scott Keogh J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimWe review the biogeography of the Kimberley, with a particular focus on the geological and landscape history of the region. We identified broad geological and biogeographical discontinuities across the Kimberley, and propose a number of testable hypotheses concerning how the evolution of these land‐forms may have harboured and structured genetic diversity across the region.LocationThe Kimberley region, north‐western Australia.MethodsThe literature available on the Kimberley is summarized, in particular regarding the evolution of Kimberley landscapes and climate. Previous genetic work was assessed in order to establish whether common patterns exist, and to identify concordance with four putative broad‐scale biogeographical breaks to be tested when appropriate fine‐scale genetic data become available: (1) the geological division between the Kimberley Plateau and surrounding deformation zones of the King Leopold and Halls Creek orogens; (2) the east–west geological divide between different sandstone units of the Kimberley Plateau; (3) major drainage divisions and river courses; and (4) the previously defined bioregions and subregions of the Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA), the Northern and Central Kimberley.ResultsGenetic patterns across a number of taxonomic groups in the Kimberley lend support to the four biogeographical scenarios we outline, and these now need to be tested with additional data.Main conclusionsThe biogeographical patterns emerging from studies of Kimberley biota are characterized by high endemism and deep divergences. In addition, a complex relationship between the Kimberley and other monsoon tropical bioregions and the adjacent deserts suggests multiple expansions into the arid zone, and vicariance and isolation in upland refugia within the topographically complex region. Fine‐scale genetic data are beginning to be accumulated for Kimberley taxa, and concordant phylogeographical patterns across disparate groups suggest that regional differences in geological structure and land‐forms may have played an important role in shaping the distribution and evolutionary patterns of extant biota. Future palaeoecological, geomorphological and finer scale phylogenetic investigations based on increased sampling and emerging genetic technologies will shed more light on the evolution of the Kimberley biome amidst one of the greatest environmental changes in the Cenozoic: the widespread aridification of the Australian continent.
Ciliates in Extreme Environments
Authors: Hu Xiaozhong 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAs eukaryotic microbial life, ciliated protozoan may be found actively growing in some extreme condition where there is a sufficient energy source to sustain it because they are exceedingly adaptable and not notably less adaptable than the prokaryotes. However, a crucial problem in the study of ciliates in extreme environments is the lack of reliable cultivation techniques. To our knowledge, only a tiny fraction of ciliates can be cultured in the laboratory, even for a very limited period, which can partly explain the paucity of our understanding about ciliates diversity in various extremes although the interest in the biodiversity of extremophiles increased significantly during the past three decades. This mini‐review aims to compile the knowledge of several groups of free‐living ciliates that can be microscopically observed in extreme environmental samples, although most habitats have not been sufficiently well explored for sound generalizations.
Regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor β/δ expression and activity levels by toll‐like receptor agonists and MAP kinase inhibitors in rat astrocytes
Authors: Chistyakov Dmitry V. , Aleshin Stepan , Sergeeva Marina G. , Reiser Georg 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) is a potential regulator of neuroinflammation. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are innate immunity‐related receptors of inflammatory stimuli. In the present report, we evaluate the molecular mechanisms of regulation of mRNA, protein, and transcriptional activity levels of PPARβ/δ by agonists of TLR4, TLR1/2, and TLR5, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan, and flagellin, respectively. We found that these stimuli increase the PPARβ/δ levels in astrocytes. Expression and activity of PPARβ/δ are separately regulated by inhibitors of p38, MEK1/2, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2, and c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase mitogen‐activated protein kinases. The LPS‐induced kinetics of PPARβ/δ expression is similar to that of the proinflammatory gene cyclooxygenase 2. Moreover, for both genes the expression depends on nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells and p38, and is induced after inhibition of protein synthesis. The up‐regulation of the expression after inhibition of protein synthesis signifies the participation of a labile protein in regulation of PPARβ/δ expression. In contrast to cyclooxygenase 2, the cycloheximide‐sensitive PPARβ/δ expression was not responsive to nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells inhibition. Measurements of PPARβ/δ mRNA stability showed that the PPARβ/δ mRNA levels are regulated post‐transcriptionally. We found that in LPS‐stimulated astrocytes, the half‐life of PPARβ/δ mRNA was 50 min. Thus, we demonstrate that PPARβ/δ expression and activity are regulated in TLR agonist‐stimulated astrocytes by mechanisms that are widely used for regulation of proinflammatory genes.
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Protein expression level of nuclear receptor PPARβ/δ is important for functions of this transcription factor. We investigate the regulatory mechanisms of PPARβ/δ in rat primary astrocytes stimulated by agonists of toll‐like receptors (TLR): TLR4, TLR1/2, and TLR5. Expression, activity, mRNA stability, and superinduction of PPARβ/δ were up‐regulated after TLR stimulation. These processes are sensitive to MAPKs and NF‐kB inhibitors. Superinduction is up‐regulation of mRNA expression after inhibition of protein synthesis.
Protein kinase CK2 contributes to diminished small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel activity of hypothalamic pre‐sympathetic neurons in hypertension
Authors: Pachuau Judith , Li De‐Pei , Chen Shao‐Rui , Lee Hae‐Ahm , Pan Hui‐Lin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSmall conductance calcium‐activated K+ (SK) channels regulate neuronal excitability. However, little is known about changes in SK channel activity of pre‐sympathetic neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in essential hypertension. SK channels, calmodulin, and casein kinase II (CK2) form a molecular complex. Because CK2 is up‐regulated in the PVN in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), we hypothesized that CK2 increases calmodulin phosphorylation and contributes to diminished SK channel activity in PVN pre‐sympathetic neurons in SHRs. Perforated whole‐cell recordings were performed on retrogradely labeled spinally projecting PVN neurons in Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHRs. Blocking SK channels with apamin significantly increased the firing rate of PVN neurons in WKY rats but not in SHRs. CK2 inhibition restored the stimulatory effect of apamin on the firing activity of PVN neurons in SHRs. Furthermore, apamin‐sensitive SK currents and depolarization‐induced medium after‐hyperpolarization potentials of PVN neurons were significantly larger in WKY rats than in SHRs. CK2 inhibition significantly increased the SK channel current and medium after‐depolarization potential of PVN neurons in SHRs. In addition, CK2‐mediated calmodulin phosphorylation level in the PVN was significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY rats. Although SK3 was detected in the PVN, its expression level did not differ significantly between SHRs and WKY rats. Our findings suggest that CK2‐mediated calmodulin phosphorylation is increased and contributes to diminished SK channel function of PVN pre‐sympathetic neurons in SHRs. This information advances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying hyperactivity of PVN pre‐sympathetic neurons and increased sympathetic vasomotor tone in hypertension.
imageSmall conductance calcium‐activated K+ (SK) channels, calmodulin, and protein kinase CK2 form a molecular complex and regulate neuronal excitability. Our study suggests that augmented CK2 activity in hypertension can increase calmodulin (CaM) phosphorylation, which leads to diminished SK channel function in pre‐sympathetic neurons. Diminished SK channel activity plays a role in hyperactivity of pre‐sympathetic neurons in the hypothalamus in hypertension.