bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) transcriptome: a resource for molecular ecology and immunogenetics
Authors: Ekblom Robert , Wennekes Paul , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Burke Terry 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is an important model species in ecology and evolution. However, until recently, genomic resources for molecular ecological projects have been lacking in this species. Here, we present transcriptome sequencing data (RNA‐Seq) from three different house sparrow tissues (spleen, blood and bursa). These tissues were specifically chosen to obtain a diverse representation of expressed genes and to maximize the yield of immune‐related gene functions. After de novo assembly, 15 250 contigs were identified, representing sequence data from a total of 8756 known avian genes (as inferred from the closely related zebra finch). The transcriptome assembly contain sequence data from nine manually annotated MHC genes, including an almost complete MHC class I coding sequence. There were 407, 303 and 68 genes overexpressed in spleen, blood and bursa, respectively. Gene ontology terms related to ribosomal function were associated with overexpression in spleen and oxygen transport functions with overexpression in blood. In addition to the transcript sequences, we provide 327 gene‐linked microsatellites (SSRs) with sufficient flanking sequences for primer design, and 3177 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within genes, that can be used in follow‐up molecular ecology studies of this ecological well‐studied species.
Stronger transferability but lower variability in transcriptomic‐ than in anonymous microsatellites: evidence from Hylid frogs
Authors: Dufresnes Christophe , Brelsford Alan , Béziers Paul , Perrin Nicolas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA simple way to quickly optimize microsatellites in nonmodel organisms is to reuse loci available in closely related taxa; however, this approach can be limited by the stochastic and low cross‐amplification success experienced in some groups (e.g. amphibians). An efficient alternative is to develop loci from transcriptome sequences. Transcriptomic microsatellites have been found to vary in their levels of cross‐species amplification and variability, but this has to date never been tested in amphibians. Here, we compare the patterns of cross‐amplification and levels of polymorphism of 18 published anonymous microsatellites isolated from genomic DNA vs. 17 loci derived from a transcriptome, across nine species of tree frogs (Hyla arborea and Hyla cinerea group). We established a clear negative relationship between divergence time and amplification success, which was much steeper for anonymous than transcriptomic markers, with half‐lives (time at which 50% of the markers still amplify) of 1.1 and 37 My, respectively. Transcriptomic markers are significantly less polymorphic than anonymous loci, but remain variable across diverged taxa. We conclude that the exploitation of amphibian transcriptomes for developing microsatellites seems an optimal approach for multispecies surveys (e.g. analyses of hybrid zones, comparative linkage mapping), whereas anonymous microsatellites may be more informative for fine‐scale analyses of intraspecific variation. Moreover, our results confirm the pattern that microsatellite cross‐amplification is greatly variable among amphibians and should be assessed independently within target lineages. Finally, we provide a bank of microsatellites for Palaearctic tree frogs (so far only available for H. arborea), which will be useful for conservation and evolutionary studies in this radiation.
Detection of a key Hg methylation gene, hgcA, in wetland soils
Authors: Schaefer J. K. , Kronberg R.‐M. , Morel F. M. M. , Skyllberg U. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe corrinoid protein, HgcA has been shown to be essential for Hg methylation in anaerobic bacteria. We investigated the diversity of hgcA from temperate and tropical wetland soils where Hg methylation is demonstrated. Sequences obtained from both environments clustered with those from the δ‐Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi and Methanomicrobia with significant overlap in hgcA phylogeny between libraries. Clear differences in hgcA distribution were observed between two highly contrasting sites within a tropical wetland in Everglades National Park, USA. hgcA sequences obtained from the northern site clustered primarily with those of methanogens, while sequences from the estuarine site clustered primarily with sulphate‐reducing bacteria and syntrophs in the δ‐Proteobacteria. Libraries obtained from soils collected from a temperate swamp in Sweden were dominated by hgcA sequences within the δ‐Proteobacteria with hgcA sequences clustering primarily with iron reducers in the upstream portion of the swamp and with sulphate reducers in the downstream portion of the swamp. Interestingly, enrichments prepared from the lower portion of this temperate wetland contained a high abundance of hgcA sequences clustering with methanogens. This first report on hgcA diversity in environmental samples suggests a role in Hg methylation for various phenotypic groups in different portions of wetlands.
Modulation of p25 and inflammatory pathways by fisetin maintains cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice
Authors: Currais Antonio , Prior Marguerite , Dargusch Richard , Armando Aaron , Ehren Jennifer , Schubert David , Quehenberger Oswald , Maher Pamela 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. It is the only one of the top ten causes of death in the USA for which prevention strategies have not been developed. Although AD has traditionally been associated with the deposition of amyloid β plaques and tau tangles, it is becoming increasingly clear that it involves disruptions in multiple cellular systems. Therefore, it is unlikely that hitting a single target will result in significant benefits to patients with AD. An alternative approach is to identify molecules that have multiple biological activities that are relevant to the disease. Fisetin is a small, orally active molecule which can act on many of the target pathways implicated in AD. We show here that oral administration of fisetin to APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic AD mice from 3 to 12 months of age prevents the development of learning and memory deficits. This correlates with an increase in ERK phosphorylation along with a decrease in protein carbonylation, a marker of oxidative stress. Importantly, fisetin also reduces the levels of the cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activator p35 cleavage product, p25, in both control and AD brains. Elevated levels of p25 relative to p35 cause dysregulation of Cdk5 activity leading to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. These fisetin‐dependent changes correlate with additional anti‐inflammatory effects, including alterations in global eicosanoid synthesis, and the maintenance of markers of synaptic function in the AD mice. Together, these results suggest that fisetin may provide a new approach to the treatment of AD.
The co‐occurrence of mtDNA mutations on different oxidative phosphorylation subunits, not detected by haplogroup analysis, affects human longevity and is population specific
Authors: Raule Nicola , Sevini Federica , Li Shengting , Barbieri Annalaura , Tallaro Federica , Lomartire Laura , Vianello Dario , Montesanto Alberto , Moilanen Jukka S. , Bezrukov Vladyslav , Blanché Hélène , Hervonen Antti , Christensen Kaare , Deiana Luca , Gonos Efstathios S. , Kirkwood Tom B. L. , Kristensen Peter , Leon Alberta , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Poulain Michel , Rea Irene M. , Remacle Josè , Robine Jean Marie , Schreiber Stefan , Sikora Ewa , Eline Slagboom Peternella , Spazzafumo Liana , Antonietta Stazi Maria , Toussaint Olivier , Vaupel James W. , Rose Giuseppina , Majamaa Kari , Perola Markus , Johnson Thomas E. , Bolund Lars , Yang Huanming , Passarino Giuseppe , Franceschi Claudio 
Published: December 2013

SummaryTo re‐examine the correlation between mtDNA variability and longevity, we examined mtDNAs from samples obtained from over 2200 ultranonagenarians (and an equal number of controls) collected within the framework of the GEHA EU project. The samples were categorized by high‐resolution classification, while about 1300 mtDNA molecules (650 ultranonagenarians and an equal number of controls) were completely sequenced. Sequences, unlike standard haplogroup analysis, made possible to evaluate for the first time the cumulative effects of specific, concomitant mtDNA mutations, including those that per se have a low, or very low, impact. In particular, the analysis of the mutations occurring in different OXPHOS complex showed a complex scenario with a different mutation burden in 90+ subjects with respect to controls. These findings suggested that mutations in subunits of the OXPHOS complex I had a beneficial effect on longevity, while the simultaneous presence of mutations in complex I and III (which also occurs in J subhaplogroups involved in LHON) and in complex I and V seemed to be detrimental, likely explaining previous contradictory results. On the whole, our study, which goes beyond haplogroup analysis, suggests that mitochondrial DNA variation does affect human longevity, but its effect is heavily influenced by the interaction between mutations concomitantly occurring on different mtDNA genes.
Rapamycin‐mediated lifespan increase in mice is dose and sex dependent and metabolically distinct from dietary restriction
Authors: Miller Richard A. , Harrison David E. , Astle Clinton M. , Fernandez Elizabeth , Flurkey Kevin , Han Melissa , Javors Martin A. , Li Xinna , Nadon Nancy L. , Nelson James F. , Pletcher Scott , Salmon Adam B. , Sharp Zelton Dave , Van Roekel Sabrina , Winkleman Lynn , Strong Randy 
Published: December 2013

SummaryRapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR kinase, increased median lifespan of genetically heterogeneous mice by 23% (males) to 26% (females) when tested at a dose threefold higher than that used in our previous studies; maximal longevity was also increased in both sexes. Rapamycin increased lifespan more in females than in males at each dose evaluated, perhaps reflecting sexual dimorphism in blood levels of this drug. Some of the endocrine and metabolic changes seen in diet‐restricted mice are not seen in mice exposed to rapamycin, and the pattern of expression of hepatic genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism is also quite distinct in rapamycin‐treated and diet‐restricted mice, suggesting that these two interventions for extending mouse lifespan differ in many respects.
Superoxide signaling in perivascular adipose tissue promotes age‐related artery stiffness
Authors: Fleenor Bradley S. , Eng Jason S. , Sindler Amy L. , Pham Bryant T. , Kloor Jackson D. , Seals Douglas R. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryWe tested the hypothesis that superoxide signaling within aortic perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) contributes to large elastic artery stiffening in old mice. Young (4–6 months), old (26–28 months), and old treated with 4‐Hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPOL), a superoxide scavenger (1 mm in drinking water for 3 weeks), male C57BL6/N mice were studied. Compared with young, old had greater large artery stiffness assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV, 436 ± 9 vs. 344 ± 5 cm s‐1) and intrinsic mechanical testing (3821 ± 427 vs. 1925 ± 271 kPa) (both P < 0.05). TEMPOL treatment in old reversed both measures of arterial stiffness. Aortic PVAT superoxide production was greater in old (P < 0.05 vs. Y), which was normalized with TEMPOL. Compared with young, old controls had greater pro‐inflammatory proteins in PVAT‐conditioned media (P < 0.05). Young recipient mice transplanted with PVAT from old compared with young donors for 8 weeks had greater aPWV (409 ± 7 vs. 342 ± 8 cm s‐1) and intrinsic mechanical properties (3197 ± 647 vs. 1889 ± 520 kPa) (both P < 0.05), which was abolished with TEMPOL supplementation in old donors. Tissue‐cultured aortic segments from old in the presence of PVAT had greater mechanical stiffening compared with old cultured in the absence of PVAT and old with PVAT and TEMPOL (both, P < 0.05). In addition, PVAT‐derived superoxide was associated with arterial wall hypertrophy and greater adventitial collagen I expression with aging that was attenuated by TEMPOL. Aging or TEMPOL treatment did not affect blood pressure. Our findings provide evidence for greater age‐related superoxide production and pro‐inflammatory proteins in PVAT, and directly link superoxide signaling in PVAT to large elastic artery stiffness.
Increased impulsivity in rats as a result of repeated cycles of alcohol intoxication and abstinence
Authors: Irimia Cristina , Wiskerke Joost , Natividad Luis A. , Polis Ilham Y. , de Vries Taco J. , Pattij Tommy , Parsons Loren H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractImpulsivity is a risk factor for alcoholism, and long‐term alcohol exposure may further impair impulse control in a manner that propels problematic alcohol use. The present study employed the rat 5‐choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRTT) to measure behavioral inhibition and attentional capacity during abstinence from repeated 5‐day cycles of alcohol liquid diet consumption. Task performance was not disrupted following the first cycle of alcohol exposure; however, evidence of impaired behavioral inhibition emerged following the third cycle of alcohol exposure. In comparison with controls, alcoholic rats exhibited deficits in inhibitory control during cognitively challenging 5‐CSRTT tests employing variable intertrial interval (varITI). This behavioral disruption was not present during early abstinence (3 days) but was evident by 7 days of abstinence and persisted for at least 34 days. Interestingly, renewed alcohol consumption ameliorated these disruptions in impulse control, although deficient behavioral inhibition re‐emerged during subsequent abstinence. Indices of increased impulsivity were no longer present in tests conducted after 49 days of abstinence. Alcohol‐related impairments in impulse control were not evident in sessions employing highly familiar task parameters regardless of the abstinence period, and control experiments confirmed that performance deficits during the challenge sessions were unlikely to result from alcohol‐related disruption in the adaptation to repeated varITI testing. Together, the current findings demonstrate that chronic intermittent alcohol consumption results in decreased behavioral inhibition in rats that is temporally similar to clinical observations of disrupted impulsive control in abstinent alcoholics performing tasks of behavioral inhibition.
Unlicensed and off‐label drug use in an Irish neonatal intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kieran Emily A , O'Callaghan Noreen , O'Donnell Colm PF 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimMany drugs are not licensed for use in children and drugs that are licensed may be given to them in an unapproved manner. We wanted to determine the extent of unlicensed and off‐label prescribing in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodsAll infants admitted to our tertiary‐level NICU over 2 months were prospectively studied. We recorded demographic data, and all the drugs prescribed and compared the use of each drug to the licensed indications in the Summary of Product Characteristics.ResultsAll the 110 infants admitted received a prescribed drug, with 69 different drugs prescribed, a median (IQR) of four (range: 3–11) drugs each. Just less than a fifth (19%) were unlicensed and 39% were off‐label, with 45 infants (44%) receiving both an unlicensed and off‐label drug, three (3%) receiving an unlicensed drug and 35 (32%) receiving just an off‐label drug. Most infants <32 weeks received unlicensed (91%) and off‐label (94%) drugs, and all infants <28 weeks received an unlicensed and an off‐label drug.ConclusionMost drugs prescribed to newborns are unlicensed or used for off‐label reasons. Many infants, and the majority of preterm infants, admitted to our NICU received unlicensed and off‐label drugs.
Institute of Medicine 2009 Gestational Weight Gain Guideline Knowledge: Survey of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine Residents of the United States
Authors: Moore Simas Tiffany A , Waring Molly E , Sullivan Gina M T , Liao Xun , Rosal Milagros C , Hardy Janet R , Berry Jr Robert E 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn 2009, the Institute of Medicine revised gestational weight gain recommendations; revisions included body mass index (BMI) category cut‐point changes and provision of range of gain for obese women. Our objective was to examine resident prenatal caregivers' knowledge of revised guidelines.MethodsAnonymous electronic survey of obstetrics/gynecology and family medicine residents across the United States from January to April 2010.ResultsOverall, 660 completed the survey; 79 percent female and 69 percent aged between 21 and 30. When permitted to select ≥ 1 response, 87.0 percent reported using BMI to assess weight status at initial visits, 44.4 percent reported using “clinical impression based on patient appearance,” and 1.4 percent reported not using any parameters. When asked the most important baseline parameter for providing recommendations, 35.8 percent correctly identified prepregnancy BMI, 2.1 percent reported “I don't provide guidelines,” and 4.5 percent reported “I do not discuss gestational weight gain.” Among respondents, 57.6 percent reported not being aware of new guidelines. Only 7.6 percent selected correct BMI ranges for each category, and only 5.8 percent selected correct gestational weight gain ranges. Only 2.3 percent correctly identified both BMI cutoffs and recommended gestational weight gain ranges per 2009 guidelines.ConclusionsGuideline knowledge is the foundation of accurate counseling, yet resident prenatal caregivers were minimally aware of the 2009 Institute of Medicine gestational weight gain guidelines almost a year after their publication.
Sexual Violence and Antenatal Hospitalization
Authors: Henriksen Lena , Vangen Siri , Schei Berit , Lukasse Mirjam 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundStudies have shown the negative impact sexual violence has on pregnancy outcome, yet the impact on antenatal hospitalization has been poorly examined. The aim of this study was to investigate if a history of sexual violence was associated with hospitalization during pregnancy.MethodsA population‐based national cohort study conducted by the Institute of Public Health, The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study. Women filled out questionnaires at 17 and 30 weeks' gestation. History of sexual violence was reported at three levels: pressured to sexual acts (mild), forced with violence (moderate), and raped (severe). The comparison group did not report sexual violence. Differences were assessed using Pearson's X2 tests and logistic regression analyses.ResultsOf 78,660 women, 12.0% were pressured to sexual acts, 2.8% forced with violence, and 3.6% reported rape. A history of sexual violence was associated with significantly more hospitalizations during pregnancy, 6.6 percent for mild, 8.7 percent for moderate and 12.5 percent for severe, compared to 5.8 percent for no sexual violence. Women were significantly more often admitted for hyperemesis, bleeding, threatening preterm birth, other reasons and admitted without giving any reason. Reporting severe sexual violence had an AOR for being hospitalized with hyperemesis or threatening preterm birth of 1.9 (95% CI 1.4–2.5), and 1.9 (1.3–2.7) respectively. Similarly, severe sexual violence was associated with being admitted more than once during pregnancy AOR 1.9 (1.3–2.7).ConclusionWomen with a history of sexual violence reported significantly more antenatal hospitalizations during pregnancy than women without such a history.
Referral for Management of Emotional Health Issues During the Perinatal Period: Does Mental Health Assessment Make a Difference?
Authors: Reilly Nicole , Harris Sheree , Loxton Deborah , Chojenta Catherine , Forder Peta , Milgrom Jeannette , Austin Marie‐Paule 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere exists little evidence that routine assessment of current or past mental health in the perinatal period positively impacts on rates of referral for emotional health issues. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this early intervention approach on reported referrals for emotional health issues during pregnancy and the first postpartum year.MethodA subsample of women (N = 1,804) drawn from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health participated in the study.ResultsMultivariate analyses showed that predictors of being given a referral for emotional health issues during pregnancy and the postnatal period, respectively, included assessment of past mental health (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.40, p < 0.001, and AOR = 5.69, p < 0.001), assessment of current mental health (AOR = 2.47, p < 0.001, and AOR = 2.72, p < 0.001), and reported experience of significant emotional distress (AOR = 2.58, p < 0.001, and AOR = 2.83, p < 0.001). The odds of receiving a referral were up to 16 times greater for women who were asked about both their past and current mental health than for women who did not receive any form of mental health assessment.ConclusionsThis study highlights that enquiry into risk factors such as past history (in addition to current mental health) enhances initiation of referrals. Importantly, results suggest that enquiry about current mental health is associated with appropriate rates of referral rather than a nonspecific inflation of referrals. In line with Australia's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Perinatal Mental Health, the value of a comprehensive approach to mental health assessment to aid decision making around referral for further assessment or care is particularly evident.
“Too Posh to Push”: The Rise and Rise of a Catchphrase
Authors: Weaver Jane , Magill‐Cuerden Julia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe phrase “too posh to push” was coined over 14 years ago to describe maternal request for cesarean section in the absence of clinical indications. The phrase was readily taken up and used by the United Kingdom media despite limited evidence that many women request cesarean sections or have an aversion to vaginal birth. The objectives of this study were to explore the way in which the phrase was used; the context and themes associated with it.MethodsTo better understand the part the news media might play in public and health care professionals' perceptions, all articles using the phrase in eight UK national weekday newspapers from 1999 to 2011 (n = 335) were subjected to content analysis.ResultsKey themes have changed over the years but some themes, such as celebrity cesareans, the risks of cesarean section, and the rising cesarean rate, have remained. Four different definitions of the term “too posh to push” were identified. Levels of usage of these terms changed over time. Misinterpretation of the National Sentinel Cesarean Section Audit results and a tendency to confuse elective cesarean section with maternal request for a cesarean have suggested that more “too posh to push” cesareans occurred than is probably the case.ConclusionThe phrase seems to have become well established. It is likely that press handling of the topic has continued to contribute to the impression that cesarean purely for maternal request is common. The association with celebrity continues to fuel press interest in the topic.