bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genistein induces oestrogen receptor-α gene expression in osteoblasts through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases/NF-κB/activator protein-1 and promotes cell mineralisation
Authors: Liao Mei-Hsiu , Tai Yu-Ting , Cherng Yih-Giun , Liu Shing-Hwa , Chang Ya-An , Lin Pei-I , Chen Ruei-Ming 
Published: July 2013

Oestrogen and oestrogen receptors (ER) play critical roles in the maintenance of bone remodelling. Genistein, structurally similar to 17β-oestradiol, is a phyto-oestrogen that may be beneficial for treating osteoporosis. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of genistein on the regulation ofERαgene expression and osteoblast mineralisation using MC3T3-E1 cells and primary rat calvarial osteoblasts as our experimental models. Exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells and primary rat osteoblasts to genistein at ≤ 10 μmfor 24 h did not affect the cell morphology or viability. However, treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with 10 μm-genistein enhanced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 in a time-dependent manner. Sequentially, genistein increased the translocation of NF-κB and c-Jun from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Consequently, exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to genistein inducedERαmRNA expression in concentration- and time-dependent manners. In parallel, the amounts of cytosolic and nuclear ERα in MC3T3-E1 cells were increased following genistein administration. Additionally, genistein also increased the levels ofERαmRNA and nuclear ERα protein in rat calvarial osteoblasts. A bioinformatic search revealed that there are several ERα-specific DNA-binding elements in the 5′-promoter regions of the bone morphogenetic protein-6, collagen type I and osteocalcin genes. As a result, genistein could induce the expressions of these osteoblast differentiation-related genes in primary rat osteoblasts. Co-treatment with genistein and traditional differentiation reagents synergistically increased osteoblast mineralisation. Therefore, the present study showed that genistein can induceERαgene expression via the activation of MAPK/NF-κB/activator protein-1 and accordingly stimulates differentiation-related gene expressions and osteoblast mineralisation.
Effects of high-protein diets on body weight, glycaemic control, blood lipids and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Dong Jia-Yi , Zhang Zeng-Li , Wang Pei-Yu , Qin Li-Qiang 
Published: July 2013

High-protein diets are popular for weight management, but the health effects of such diets in diabetic persons are inconclusive. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effects of high-protein diets on body weight and metabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases for relevant randomised trials up to August 2012. Either a fixed- or a random-effects model was used to combine the net changes in each outcome from baseline to the end of the intervention. Overall, nine trials including a total of 418 diabetic patients met our inclusion criteria. The study duration ranged from 4 to 24 weeks. The actual intake of dietary protein ranged from 25 to 32 % of total energy in the intervention groups and from 15 to 20 % in the control groups. Compared with the control diets, high-protein diets resulted in more weight loss (pooled mean difference: − 2·08, 95 % CI − 3·25, − 0·90 kg). High-protein diets significantly decreased glycated Hb A1C (HbA1C) levels by 0·52 (95 % CI − 0·90, − 0·14) %, but did not affect the fasting blood glucose levels. There were no differences in lipid profiles. The pooled net changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were − 3·13 (95 % CI − 6·58, 0·32) mmHg and − 1·86 (95 % CI − 4·26, 0·56) mmHg, respectively. However, two studies reported a large influence on weight loss and HbA1C levels, respectively. In summary, high-protein diets (within 6 months) may have some beneficial effects on weight loss, HbA1C levels and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, further investigations are still required to draw a conclusion.
HIV AWARENESS IN CHINA AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE (1997–2005): A DECOMPOSITION ANALYSIS
Authors: MASLOVSKAYA OLGA , BROWN JAMES J. , SMITH PETER W. F. , PADMADAS SABU S. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryHIV prevalence in China is less than one per cent, but the absolute number of people living with HIV/AIDS is large and growing. Given the limited scope of any potential cure for HIV, prevention plays a crucial role in controlling the epidemic. This paper examines the evolution of HIV awareness among women in China between 1997 and 2005. A regression decomposition analysis technique was used to disentangle the two main components driving a change in HIV awareness. The results show that HIV awareness has increased over time in China. The gaps between groups are narrowing over time and lower HIV awareness groups are catching up with the higher awareness groups. In 2005 education remained one of the main factors associated with HIV awareness, the other main factors being ethnicity, exposure to TV and newspapers. The increases in HIV awareness observed between 1997 and 2001 are similar between groups of women with different demographic characteristics, whereas between 2003 and 2005 increases are more pronounced among specific groups of women such as women from rural areas, women from Western parts of the country, women who belong to ethnic minorities and those with no education or with only primary education. The results suggest that the main driver of the observed change in HIV awareness over time in China is change in the environment such as in political commitment, interventions and campaigns rather than change in population structure.
John Bishop's leaps of faith: doxastic ventures and the logical equivalence of religious faith and agnosticism
Authors: BEACH JAMES 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn recent essays John Bishop proposes a ‘doxastic venture’ model of religious faith. This author notices that a so-called doxastic venture model of theistic faith is self-defeating for the following reason: a venture suggests a process with an outcome; by definition a venture into Christian faith denies itself an outcome in virtue of the transcendent character of its claims – for what is claimed cannot be settled. Taking instruction from logical positivism, I stress the nonsensical character of religious claims while attacking Bishop's model. However, I wish to avail myself of this same model to describe a state of belief among certain parties which does not refer to transcendent matters, in order to show that a doxastic venture is indeed a valid description of a state of belief, and that pursuing this model shows in relief the transformative nature of belief, along with its essentially scientific status. It is my ambition to show, turning Bishop's model against itself, that a state of religious belief suffers from a precise logical equivalence to a condition of agnosticism. I ask whether we are justified in believing in belief.
Survey of Japanese encephalitis virus in pigs and wild boars on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: NIDAIRA M. , KYAN H. , TAIRA K. , OKANO S. , OSHIRO T. , KATO T. , KUDO N. , AZAMA Y. , MAHOE Y. , KUDAKA J. , TAMANAHA K. , TAKASAKI T. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYWe previously revealed that Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) seroprevalence was 4·5% in pigs on Ishigaki Island from 2005 to 2007. However, a partial E gene sequence (151 bp) of the JEV genome (JEV/sw/Ishigaki/1/2005) was detected in one pig. Phylogenetic analysis showed that JEV/sw/Ishigaki/1/2005 belonged to genotype III and to the same lineages isolated in Taiwan from 2006 to 2008. Serum samples were collected from 128 pigs on Ishigaki from 2009 to 2010, 24 wild boars on Ishigaki from 2008 to 2010, and 117 wild boars on Iriomote Island from 2008 to 2010. Four (3·1%) pigs on Ishigaki were positive for JEV antibody, but all wild boars on the island were negative. Fifty-two (44·4%) wild boars on Iriomote were positive for JEV antibody, in contrast to a seroprevalence of 3·7% in 2000 and 2004. JEV on Iriomote and/or in Taiwan might be related to transmission on Ishigaki.
Optimal design of studies of influenza transmission in households. II: Comparison between cohort and case-ascertained studies
Authors: KLICK B. , NISHIURA H. , LEUNG G. M. , COWLING B. J. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYBoth case-ascertained household studies, in which households are recruited after an ‘index case’ is identified, and household cohort studies, where a household is enrolled before the start of the epidemic, may be used to test and estimate the protective effect of interventions used to prevent influenza transmission. A simulation approach parameterized with empirical data from household studies was used to evaluate and compare the statistical power of four study designs: a cohort study with routine virological testing of household contacts of infected index case, a cohort study where only household contacts with acute respiratory illness (ARI) are sampled for virological testing, a case-ascertained study with routine virological testing of household contacts, and a case-ascertained study where only household contacts with ARI are sampled for virological testing. We found that a case-ascertained study with ARI-triggered testing would be the most powerful design while a cohort design only testing household contacts with ARI was the least powerful. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that these conclusions varied by model parameters including the serial interval and the risk of influenza virus infection from outside the household.
Caregiver perceptions of the food marketing environment of African-American 3–11-year-olds: a qualitative study
Authors: Baskin Monica L , Herbey Ivan , Williams Ronnie , Ard Jamy D , Ivankova Nataliya , Odoms-Young Angela 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess caregivers’ perceptions of the extent to which the food marketing environment influences food consumption among African-American children (aged 3–11 years) in order to generate potential strategies to make the marketing environment more favourable to healthier eating.DesignIndividual semi-structured interviews with caregivers were conducted by trained community leaders to ascertain their awareness of and perceptions about food marketing environments contributing to African-American children's food consumption.SettingSix predominantly African-American communities in metro Birmingham, Alabama, USA with high proportions of school-age children and lower-income residents.SubjectsCaregivers (n 25) were predominantly female (93 %) and either parents/guardians (64 %) or grandparents (28 %) of African-American children aged 3–11 years. Caregiver mean age was 43 years and 46 % had lived in their current residence for over 10 years.ResultsCaregivers reported all aspects of the food marketing matrix as supporting unhealthy eating among African-American youth. Child preference for foods higher in fat and sugar, lower pricing of less healthy foods, limited access to healthier food retailers and targeted advertisements were particularly influential on the food selection, acquisition and consumption of children. Company loyalty, corporate sponsorship of local events and conflicts over parental v. food company responsibility contributed to less consensus about the overall impact (positive or negative) of food companies in African-American communities.ConclusionsWhile caregivers perceived aspects of their food marketing environments as primarily contributing to unhealthy eating among African-American children, framing the demand for changes in the food marketing environments of African-American youth may be particularly challenging.
The Australian Food and Health Dialogue – the implications of the sodium recommendation for pasta sauces
Authors: Trevena Helen , Dunford Elizabeth , Neal Bruce , Webster Jacqueline 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the change in Na content of Australian pasta sauces between 2008 and 2011. A secondary objective was to project the mean Na content of these same products in 2014 using the Australian Food and Health Dialogue Na commitment and compare projections with the 2012 UK Na target for pasta sauce.DesignNa data were collected from the product labels of pasta sauce products. Mean Na content was calculated for 2008 and 2011 and change assessed. Projected mean values for 2014 were derived by applying a 15 % reduction to the 2011 products above the ‘action point’ of 420 mg Na/100 g, consistent with the Food and Health Dialogue commitment (scenario 1). A 15 % reduction was applied to products already below the ‘action point’ (scenario 2). Projections were compared with the 2012 UK target.SettingNa data for pasta sauce products in Australian supermarkets (July–September) in 2008 and 2011.SubjectsNot applicable.ResultsData were available for 124 (2008) and 187 (2011) products, and mean Na levels were not significantly different (451 mg/100 gv. 423 mg/100 g;P= 0·16). The projected means (381 mg Na/100 g in scenario 1; 375 mg Na/100 g in scenario 2) exceeded the 2012 UK target (330 mg Na/100 g) and to attain this would require a 22 % reduction from 2011 levels.ConclusionsThere is little evidence that all Australian manufacturers of pasta sauces systematically reduced the Na content of their products between 2008 and 2011. Even if all manufacturers achieve the current voluntary commitment by 2014, average salt levels in Australian products would still be above the 2012 UK target.
Identification of Two Maternal Transmission Ratio Distortion Loci in Pedigrees of the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Liangliang , Xu Shuhua , Hu Landian , Hurst Laurence D. , Kong Xiangyin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTransmission ratio distortion (TRD) is indicated by the recovery of alleles in offspring in non-Mendelian proportions. An assumption of Mendelian proportion is central to many methods to identify disease-associated markers. This seems reasonable as, while TRD cases have been occasionally observed in various species few instances have been identified in humans. Here we search for evidence of paternal or maternal TRD with genome-wide SNP data of pedigrees from the Framingham Heart Study. After excluding many examples as better explained by genotyping errors we identified two maternal-specific TRD loci for autosomal SNPs rs6733122 and rs926716 (corrected P = 0.029 and P = 0.018) on LRP2 and ZNF133, respectively. The transmission ratios were as high as 1.7~1.8:1. Genotyping validation and further replication is still necessary to confirm the TRD. This study shows that there may be large-effect maternal-specific TRD loci of common SNPs in the human genome but that these are rare.
Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) associates with zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2) and modulates the epithelial tight junction
Authors: Zimmerman Seth P. , Hueschen Christina L. , Malide Daniela , Milgram Sharon L. , Playford Martin P. 
Published: July 2013

Proteins of the SNX (sorting nexin) superfamily are characterized by the presence of a PX (Phox homology) domain and associate with PtdIns3P (phosphatidylinositol-3-monophosphate)-rich regions of the endosomal system. SNX27 is the only sorting nexin that contains a PDZ domain. In the present study, we used a proteomic approach to identify a novel interaction between SNX27 and ZO-2 [zonula occludens-2; also known as TJP2 (tight junction protein 2)], a component of the epithelial tight junction. The SNX27–ZO-2 interaction requires the PDZ domain of SNX27 and the C-terminal PDZ-binding motif of ZO-2. When tight junctions were perturbed by chelation of extracellular Ca2+, ZO-2 transiently localized to SNX27-positive early endosomes. Depletion of SNX27 in mpkCCD (mouse primary kidney cortical collecting duct) cell monolayers resulted in a decrease in the rate of ZO-2, but not ZO-1, mobility at cell–cell contact regions after photobleaching and an increase in junctional permeability to large solutes. The findings of the present study identify an important new SNX27-binding partner and suggest a role for endocytic pathways in the intracellular trafficking of ZO-2 and possibly other tight junction proteins. Our results also indicate a role for SNX27–ZO-2 interactions in tight junction maintenance and function.
Avocado weevils of the genus Heilipus.
Authors: Castañeda-Vildózola A. , Equihua-Martinez A. , Peña J. E. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

This chapters describes the distribution, developmental stages, host plants, biology, damage, sampling, monitoring, assessment of damage and economic thresholds, and management tactics (including cultural, chemical and biological) of avocado weevils of the genus Heilipus. These include the seed borers H. lauri, H. pittieri and H. trifasciatus, and the stem borers H. albopictus, H. apiatus, H. elegans, H. catagraphus and H. rufipes.
Exotic bark and ambrosia beetles in the USA: potential and current invaders.
Authors: Haack R. A. , Rabaglia R. J. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are among the most important insects affecting trees and forests worldwide. This chapter (i) summarizes recent US interceptions of scolytines with a focus on those that were intercepted in association with wood; (ii) discusses the 58 scolytine species that were known to be established in the continental USA as of 2010; (iii) briefly describes the biology and impact of the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus; and (iv) presents current international efforts aimed at reducing the international movement of exotic plant pests. Future prospects are mentioned.
Diabrotica speciosa: an important soil pest in South America.
Authors: Ávila C. J. , Santana A. G. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

This chapter describes the biology, life cycle, distribution, host plants, damage, and control (using insecticides, sex pheromones, plant resistance and biological control agents), and rearing of Diabrotica speciosa, an important soil pest in South America.
Potential lepidopteran pests associated with avocado fruit in parts of the home range of Persea americana.
Authors: Hoddle M. S. , Parra J. R. P. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

This chapter focuses on potential invasion threats posed by well-recognized and poorly known lepidopteran pests associated with avocado fruit in the home range of this plant. It focuses on the most notorious of these fruit-feeding lepidopteran pests, namely Stenoma catenifer, describing its distribution, morphology, taxonomy, biology, ecology, developmental and reproductive biology, and control measures (using sex pheromones, natural enemies, cultural methods, sterile insect release, and insecticides).
The tomato fruit borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an insect pest of neotropical Solanaceous fruits.
Authors: Montilla A. E. D. , Solis M. A. , Kondo T. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

The tomato fruit borer, N. elegantalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the most important pests in the production of Solanaceae in South America. This chapter reports several aspects of its biology (including life cycle and morphology), habits, geographical range, monitoring and sampling techniques, damage to the crop, and integrated pest management (involving chemical, biological, cultural, physical, plant resistance and quarantine methods). It also aims to provide information on species of the same genus.
Copitarsia spp.: biology and risk posed by potentially invasive lepidoptera from south and central America.
Authors: Gould J. , Simmons R. , Venette R. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the state of knowledge for members of Copitarsia, in terms of their pest status and control. It reviews the taxonomic difficulties involved with members of Copitarsia, their geographic range, host plant preferences and associated economic impacts. It also summarizes the life histories of these species and procedures for rearing them in colonies for future study. Their interception, control and assessment of risk for large-scale damage to domestic agriculture are discussed.
Host range of the nettle caterpillar Darna pallivitta (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) in Hawai'i.
Authors: Hara A. H. , Kishimoto C. M. , Niino-DuPonte R. Y. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

This chapter describes the life cycle, control (using chemical, biological and heat treatments), and host range (based on field observations and no-choice host range tests) of the Nettle Caterpillar Darna pallivitta. Confirming host plant species and preferred food sources of D. pallivitta will enable entomologists and plant quarantine regulators to monitor and regulate movement of these plants to prevent the spread of D. pallivitta.
The citrus orthezia, Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas) (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae), a potential invasive species.
Authors: Kondo T. , Peronti A. L. , Kozár F. , Szita É. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

The citrus orthezia, Praelongorthezia praelonga (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae), is a highly polyphagous scale insect that causes plant damage both directly by its feeding and indirectly due to its associated sooty moulds (generally caused by a fungus, Capnodium sp.). This Neotropical species currently is largely confined to Central and South America and the Caribbean Region, but has the potential to be invasive if accidentally introduced into other climatically suitable parts of the world. The citrus orthezia was recently introduced into the Afro-tropical region where it has become a pest. This chapter provides a brief summary of the vast literature on the citrus orthezia, which is often difficult to access, including its taxonomy, biology, host records, economic importance, world distribution, and integrated management (including chemical, mechanical, cultural, physical, biological and quarantine methods). The scale insect can have multiple generations per year and has a lengthy life cycle lasting between 40 and 200 days.
Potential invasive species of scale insects for the USA and Caribbean Basin.
Authors: Evans G. A. , Dooley J. W. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

This chapter deals with potential invasive scale insect pests for the USA and the Caribbean Basin. There are approximately 7500 known species of scale insects (Coccoidea) belonging to 45 families (extant and fossil); however, the most common species, and the ones that are usually intercepted at US ports of entry on plant material, belong to one of the following eight families: Asterolecaniidae, Coccidae, Dactylopiidae, Diaspididae, Monophlebidae (formerly part of Margardodidae), Ortheziidae, Pseudococcidae and Stictococcidae. Tabulated data are provided on the number of species in these families that are known worldwide, and on the number of species known to occur in the USA and in the following seven zoogeographic regions: Nearctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, Palearctic, Oriental, Australasian and Antarctica. These data were extracted from ScaleNet (2011), an online database that includes all published information on scale insect species.