bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of uterine ion transporters for mineralisation precursors of the avian eggshell
Authors: Jonchère Vincent , Brionne Aurélien , Gautron Joël , Nys Yves 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
In Gallus gallus, eggshell formation takes place daily in the hen uterus and requires large amounts of the ionic precursors for calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Both elements (Ca2+, HCO3
-) are supplied by the blood via trans-epithelial transport. Our aims were to identify genes coding for ion transporters that are upregulated in the uterine portion of the oviduct during eggshell calcification, compared to other tissues and other physiological states, and incorporate these proteins into a general model for mineral transfer across the tubular gland cells during eggshell formation.

Results
A total of 37 candidate ion transport genes were selected from our database of overexpressed uterine genes associated with eggshell calcification, and by analogy with mammalian transporters. Their uterine expression was compared by qRTPCR in the presence and absence of eggshell formation, and with relative expression levels in magnum (low Ca2+/HCO3
- movement) and duodenum (high rates of Ca2+/HCO3
- trans-epithelial transfer). We identified overexpression of eleven genes related to calcium movement: the TRPV6 Ca2+ channel (basolateral uptake of Ca2+), 28 kDa calbindin (intracellular Ca2+ buffering), the endoplasmic reticulum type 2 and 3 Ca2+ pumps (ER uptake), and the inositol trisphosphate receptors type 1, 2 and 3 (ER release). Ca2+ movement across the apical membrane likely involves membrane Ca2+ pumps and Ca2+/Na+ exchangers. Our data suggests that Na+ transport involved the SCNN1 channel and the Na+/Ca2+ exchangers SLC8A1, 3 for cell uptake, the Na+/K+ ATPase for cell output. K+ uptake resulted from the Na+/K+ ATPase, and its output from the K+ channels (KCNJ2, 15, 16 and KCNMA1).
We propose that the HCO3
- is mainly produced from CO2 by the carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) and that HCO3
- is secreted through the HCO3
-/Cl- exchanger SLC26A9. HCO3
- synthesis and precipitation with Ca2+ produce two H+. Protons are absorbed via the membrane’s Ca2+ pumps ATP2B1, 2 in the apical membrane and the vacuolar (H+)-atpases at the basolateral level. Our model incorporate Cl- ions which are absorbed by the HCO3
-/Cl- exchanger SLC26A9 and by Cl- channels (CLCN2, CFTR) and might be extruded by Cl-/H+ exchanger (CLCN5), but also by Na+ K+ 2 Cl- and K+ Cl- cotransporters.

Conclusions
Our Gallus gallus uterine model proposes a large list of ion transfer proteins supplying Ca2+ and HCO3
- and maintaining cellular ionic homeostasis. This avian model should contribute towards understanding the mechanisms and regulation for ionic precursors of CaCO3, and provide insight in other species where epithelia transport large amount of calcium or bicarbonate.
Association of Alanine Aminotransferase Levels (ALT) with the Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index (HIRI): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gómez-Sámano Miguel Ángel , Cuevas-Ramos Daniel , Mehta Roopa , Brau-Figueroa Hasan , Meza-Arana Clara Elena , Gulias-Herrero Alfonso 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The association between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and hepatic insulin resistance (IR) has been evaluated with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. However, there is no information about the association of ALT with the Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index (HIRI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum ALT levels and HIRI in subjects with differing degrees of impaired glucose metabolism.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included subjects that had an indication for testing for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Clinical and biochemical evaluations were carried out including serum ALT level quantification. HIRI was calculated for each participant. Correlation analyses and lineal regression models were used to evaluate the association between ALT levels and HIRI.

Results
A total of 324 subjects (37.6% male) were included. The mean age was 40.4 ± 14.3 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.0 ± 7.3 kg/m2. Individuals were divided into 1 of 5 groups: without metabolic abnormalities (n = 113, 34.8%); with the metabolic syndrome (MetS, n = 179, 55.2%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG, n = 85, 26.2%); impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, n = 91, 28.0%), and T2DM (n = 23, 7.0%). The ALT (p < 0.001) and HOMA2-IR (p < 0.001) values progressively increased with HIRI quartiles, while ISI-Matsuda (p < 0.001) progressively decreased. After adjustment for sex, age, and BMI, we identified a significant correlation between HIRI and ALT in persons with the MetS (r = 0.22, p = 0.003), IFG (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), IGT (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), and T2DM (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Lineal regression analysis adjusting for age, HDL-C, TG and waist circumference (WC) showed an independent association between ALT and HIRI in subjects with the MetS (beta = 0.07, p = 0.01), IFG (beta = 0.10, p = 0.02), IGT (beta = 0.09, p = 0.007), and T2DM (beta = 0.31, p = 0.003). This association was not identified in subjects without metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusions
ALT levels are independently associated with HIRI in subjects with the MetS, IFG, IGT, and T2DM. The ALT value in these subjects may be an indirect parameter to evaluate hepatic IR.
Collaborative learning about e-health for mental health professionals and service users in a structured anonymous online short course: pilot study
Authors: Ashurst Emily J , Jones Ray B , Williamson Graham R , Emmens Tobit , Perry Jon 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Professionals are interested in using e-health but implementation of new methods is slow. Barriers to implementation include the need for training and limited awareness or experience. Research may not always convince mental health professionals (MHPs). Adding the 'voice' of mental health service users (MHSUs) in collaborative learning may help. Involving MHSUs in face-face education can be difficult. We had previously been unable to engage MHPs in online discussion with MHSUs. Here we assessed the feasibility of short online courses involving MHSUs and MHPs.

Methods
We ran three e-health courses, comprising live interactive webcast, week’s access to a discussion forum, and final live interactive webcast. We recruited MHPs via posters, newsletters, and telephone from a local NHS trust, and online via mailing lists and personal contacts from NHS trusts and higher education. We recruited MHSUs via a previous project and an independent user involvement service. Participants were presented with research evidence about e-health and asked to discuss topics using professional and lived experience. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and attrition, participation, and researcher workloads. Outcomes of self-esteem and general self-efficacy (MHSUs), and Internet self-efficacy and confidence (MHPs) were piloted.

Results
Online recruiting was effective. We lost 15/41 from registration to follow-up but only 5/31 that participated in the course failed to complete follow-up. Nineteen MHPs and 12 MHSUs took part and engaged with each other in online discussion. Feedback was positive; three-quarters of MHPs indicated future plans to use the Internet for practice, and 80% of MHSUs felt the course should be continued. Running three courses for 31 participants took between 200 to 250 hours. Before and after outcome measures were completed by 26/31 that participated. MHP Internet self-efficacy and general Internet confidence, MHSU self-esteem and general self-efficacy, all seemed reliable and seemed to show some increase.

Conclusions
Collaborative learning between MHSUs and MHPs in a structured online anonymous environment over a one-week course is feasible, may be more practical and less costly than face-face methods, and is worthy of further study.
Using financial incentives to increase initial uptake and completion of HPV vaccinations: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mantzari Eleni , Vogt Florian , Marteau Theresa M 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
HPV vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Uptake however, of the ‘catch-up’ campaign in England for 17-18 year old girls is below the 80% NHS target. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the impact of financial incentives on (a) the uptake and completion of an HPV vaccination programme and (b) the quality of the decisions to undertake the vaccination.

Method/Design
One thousand (n = 1000) 16-18 year-old girls will be invited to participate in an HPV vaccination programme: Five-hundred (n = 500) will have received a previous invitation to get vaccinated but will have failed to do so (previous non-attenders) and 500 will not have previously received an invitation (first-time invitees). Girls will be randomly selected from eligible participants who are registered with a GP in areas covered by the Birmingham East and North (BEN) and Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Trusts. The two samples of girls will be randomised to receive either a standard vaccination invitation letter or an invitation letter including the offer of vouchers worth £45 for receiving three vaccinations. Girls will also complete a questionnaire to assess the quality of their decisions to be vaccinated. The primary outcome will be uptake of the 1st and 3rd vaccinations. The secondary outcome will be the quality of the decisions to undertake the vaccination, measured by assessing attitudes towards and knowledge of the HPV vaccination.

Discussion
The key results will be: a) the effectiveness of financial incentives in increasing uptake of the 1st and 3rd vaccinations; b) the role of participants’ socio-economic status in the moderation of the impact of incentives on uptake; and c) the impact of incentives on the quality of decisions to undertake the HPV vaccinations.
Immobilization of Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 for efficient asymmetric reduction of ketones and biocatalyst recycling
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hong , Wang Xiao-Ting , Lou Wen-Yong , Li Ying , Wu Hong , Zong Min-Hua , Smith Thomas J , Chen Xin-De 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The bacterium Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 is a promising whole-cell biocatalyst with exclusive anti-Prelog stereoselectivity for the reduction of prochiral ketones that can be used to make valuable chiral alcohols such as (R)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-3-butyn-2-ol. Although it has promising catalytic properties, its stability and reusability are relatively poor compared to other biocatalysts. Hence, we explored various materials for immobilizing the active cells, in order to improve the operational stability of biocatalyst.

Results
It was found that Ca-alginate give the best immobilized biocatalyst, which was then coated with chitosan to further improve its mechanical strength and swelling-resistance properties. Conditions were optimized for formation of reusable immobilized beads which can be used for repeated batch asymmetric reduction of 4′-chloroacetophenone. The optimized immobilized biocatalyst was very promising, with a specific activity of 85% that of the free-cell biocatalyst (34.66 μ mol/min/g dw of cells for immobilized catalyst vs 40.54 μ mol/min/g for free cells in the asymmetric reduction of 4′-chloroacetophenone). The immobilized cells showed better thermal stability, pH stability, solvent tolerance and storability compared with free cells. After 25 cycles reaction, the immobilized beads still retained >50% catalytic activity, which was 3.5 times higher than degree of retention of activity by free cells reused in a similar way. The cells could be recultured in the beads to regain full activity and perform a further 25 cycles of the reduction reaction. The external mass transfer resistances were negligible as deduced from Damkohler modulus Da < <1, and internal mass transfer restriction affected the reduction action but was not the principal rate-controlling step according to effectiveness factors η < 1 and Thiele modulus 0.3<∅ <1.

Conclusions
Ca-alginate coated with chitosan is a highly effective material for immobilization of Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 cells for repeated use in the asymmetric reduction of ketones. Only a small cost in terms of the slightly lower catalytic activity compared to free cells could give highly practicable immobilized biocatalyst.
Malaria resistance genes are associated with the levels of IgG subclasses directed against Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage antigens in Burkina Faso
Authors: Afridi Sarwat , Atkinson Alexandre , Garnier Séverine , Fumoux Francis , Rihet Pascal 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundHBB, IL4, IL12,TNF, LTA, NCR3andFCGR2Apolymorphisms have been associated with malaria resistance in humans, whereas cytophilic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are thought to play a critical role in immune protection against asexual blood stages of the parasite. Furthermore,HBB, IL4, TNF,andFCGR2Ahave been associated with both malaria resistance and IgG levels. This suggests that some malaria resistance genes influence the levels of IgG subclass antibodies.MethodsIn this study, the effect ofHBB, IL4, IL12,TNF, LTA, NCR3andFCGR2Apolymorphisms on the levels of IgG responses againstPlasmodium falciparumblood-stage extract was investigated in 220 individuals living in Burkina Faso. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient among IgG subclasses was determined. A family-based approach was used to assess the association of polymorphisms with anti-P. falciparumIgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 levels.ResultsAfter applying a multiple test correction, several polymorphisms were associated with IgG subclass or IgG levels. There was an association of i) haemoglobin C with IgG levels; ii) the FcγRIIa H/R131 with IgG2 and IgG3 levels; iii)TNF-863 with IgG3 levels; iv)TNF-857 with IgG levels; and, v)TNF1304 with IgG3, IgG4, and IgG levels.ConclusionTaken together, the results support the hypothesis that some polymorphisms affect malaria resistance through their effect on the acquired immune response, and pave the way towards further comprehension of genetic control of an individual’s humoral response against malaria.
Molecular heterogeneity in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Thomas Laura , Mautner Victor-Felix , Cooper David N , Upadhyaya Meena 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1), resulting from NF1 gene loss of function, is characterized by an increased risk of developing benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Whereas the cellular heterogeneity of NF1-associated tumors has been well studied, the molecular heterogeneity of MPNSTs is still poorly understood. Mutational heterogeneity within these malignant tumors greatly complicates the study of the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis. We have explored this molecular heterogeneity by performing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis of the NF1, TP53, RB1, PTEN, and CDKN2A genes on sections of 10 MPNSTs derived from 10 unrelated NF1 patients. LOH data for the TP53 gene was found to correlate with the results of p53 immunohistochemical analysis in the same tumor sections. Further, approximately 70% of MPNSTs were found to display intra-tumoral molecular heterogeneity as evidenced by differences in the level of LOH between different sections of the same tumor samples. This study constitutes the first systematic analysis of molecular heterogeneity within MPNSTs derived from NF1 patients. Appreciation of the existence of molecular heterogeneity in NF1-associated tumors is important not only for optimizing somatic mutation detection, but also for understanding the mechanisms of NF1 tumorigenesis, a prerequisite for the development of specifically targeted cancer therapeutics.
Distributed user selection scheme for uplink multiuser MIMO systems in a multicell environment
Authors: Lee Byong Ok , Shin Oh-Soon , Lee Kwang Bok 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We propose an interference-aware user selection scheme for uplink multiuser multiple-input multiple-output systems in a multicell environment. The proposed scheme works in a distributed manner. Each mobile station determines its transmit beamforming vector based on the locally available channel state information, and informs the associated base station (BS) of the amount of potential interference caused to adjacent cells along with the resulting beamforming vector. Then, the BS selects a set of users to be served simultaneously with consideration of intercell interference. The user selection scheme is devised either to maximize the sum rate or to achieve proportional fairness among users. For each case, we derive an optimal user selection criterion and propose a suboptimal distributed user selection algorithm with low complexity. Simulation results confirm that the proposed scheme offers significant throughput enhancement due to reduction of the intercell interference in a multicell environment.
Common fixed points of Ćirić-type contractive mappings in two ordered generalized metric spaces
Authors: Abbas M , Cho YJ , Nazir T 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In this paper, using the setting of two ordered generalized metric spaces, a unique common fixed point of four mappings satisfying a generalized contractive condition is obtained. We also present an example to demonstrate the results presented herein.

MSC:54H25, 47H10, 54E50.
Intuitionistic random almost additive-quadratic mappings
Authors: Park Choonkil , Eshaghi Gordji Madjid , Ghanifard Masumeh , Khodaei Hamid 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the Hyers-Ulam stability of the additive-quadratic functional equation

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MSC:39B52, 34K36, 46S50, 47S50, 34Fxx.
TGFβ signalling plays an important role in IL4-induced alternative activation of microglia
Authors: Zhou Xiaolai , Spittau Björn , Krieglstein Kerstin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundMicroglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system and are accepted to be involved in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that microglia, like peripheral macrophages, exhibit two entirely different functional activation states, referred to as classical (M1) and alternative (M2) activation. TGFβ is one of the most important anti-inflammatory cytokines and its effect on inhibiting microglia or macrophage classical activation has been extensively studied. However, the role of TGFβ during alternative activation of microglia has not been described yet.MethodsTo investigate the role of TGFβ in IL4-induced microglia alternative activation, both, BV2 as well as primary microglia from new born C57BL/6 mice were used. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blots were performed to detect mRNA and protein levels of the alternative activation markers Arginase1 (Arg1) and Chitinase 3-like 3 (Ym1) after treatment with IL4, TGFβ or both. Endogenous TGFβ release after IL4 treatment was evaluated using the mink lung epithelial cell (MLEC) assay and a direct TGFβ2 ELISA. TGFβ receptor type I inhibitor and MAPK inhibitor were applied to address the involvement of TGFβ signalling and MAPK signalling in IL4-induced alternative activation of microglia.ResultsTGFβ enhances IL4-induced microglia alternative activation by strongly increasing the expression of Arg1 and Ym1. This synergistic effect on Arg1 induction is almost completely blocked by the application of the MAPK inhibitor, PD98059. Further, treatment of primary microglia with IL4 increased the expression and secretion of TGFβ2, suggesting an involvement of endogenous TGFβ in IL4-mediated microglia activation process. Moreover, IL4-mediated induction of Arg1 and Ym1 is impaired after blocking the TGFβ receptor I indicating that IL4-induced microglia alternative activation is dependent on active TGFβ signalling. Interestingly, treatment of primary microglia with TGFβ alone results in up regulation of the IL4 receptor alpha, indicating that TGFβ increases the sensitivity of microglia for IL4 signals.ConclusionsTaken together, our data reveal a new role for TGFβ during IL4-induced alternative activation of microglia and consolidate the essential functions of TGFβ as an anti-inflammatory molecule and immunoregulatory factor for microglia.
LTR point mutations in the Tax-responsive elements of HTLV-1 isolates from HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients
Authors: Magri Mariana Cavalheiro , Costa Emanuela Avelar Silva , Caterino-de-Araujo Adele 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
In Virology Journal 2011, 8:535, Neto et al. described point mutations into Tax-responsive elements (TRE) of the LTR region of HTLV-1 isolates from asymptomatic carriers from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and hypothesized that the presence of the G232A mutation in the TRE-1 increase viral proliferation and consequently the proviral load (PvL), while the A184G mutation in the TRE-2 do not have such effect.

Findings
We performed the real-time PCR assay (pol) and sequenced LTR region of HTLV-1 isolates from 24 HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients without HTLV-1-associated diseases from the same geographic area. These sequences were classified as belonging to the transcontinental subgroup A of the Cosmopolitan subtype a. The frequency of G232A mutation (16/24, 66.7%) was high as much as 61.8% reported by Neto’s in HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers with high PvL. High frequency (13/24, 54.2%) of double mutations G232A and A184G was also detected in HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients. We did not quantify PvL, but comparative analyses of the cycle threshold (Ct) median values of the group of isolates presenting the mutated-types sequences (Ct 33.5, n = 16) versus the group of isolates with the wild-type sequences (Ct 32, n = 8) showed no statistical difference (p = 0.4220).

Conclusion
The frequencies of mutated-type sequences in the TRE-1 and TRE-2 motifs were high in HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients from Sao Paulo, Brazil. If these LTR point mutations have predictive value for the development of HTLV-1-associated diseases or they correspond to the subtype of virus that circulate in this geographic area has to be determined.