bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased astrocytic thrombospondin‐1 secretion after chronic ammonia treatment reduces the level of synaptic proteins: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Jayakumar Arumugam R. , Tong Xiao Y. , Curtis Kevin M. , Ruiz‐Cordero Roberto , Shamaladevi Nagarajarao , Abuzamel Missa , Johnstone Joshua , Gaidosh Gabriel , Rama Rao Kakulavarapu V. , Norenberg Michael D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractChronic hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) is a major complication in patients with severe liver disease. Elevated blood and brain ammonia levels have been implicated in its pathogenesis, and astrocytes are the principal neural cells involved in this disorder. Since defective synthesis and release of astrocytic factors have been shown to impair synaptic integrity in other neurological conditions, we examined whether thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), an astrocytic factor involved in the maintenance of synaptic integrity, is also altered in CHE. Cultured astrocytes were exposed to ammonia (NH4Cl, 0.5–2.5 mM) for 1–10 days, and TSP‐1 content was measured in cell extracts and culture media. Astrocytes exposed to ammonia exhibited a reduction in intra‐ and extracellular TSP‐1 levels. Exposure of cultured neurons to conditioned media from ammonia‐treated astrocytes showed a decrease in synaptophysin, PSD95, and synaptotagmin levels. Conditioned media from TSP‐1 over‐expressing astrocytes that were treated with ammonia, when added to cultured neurons, reversed the decline in synaptic proteins. Recombinant TSP‐1 similarly reversed the decrease in synaptic proteins. Metformin, an agent known to increase TSP‐1 synthesis in other cell types, also reversed the ammonia‐induced TSP‐1 reduction. Likewise, we found a significant decline in TSP‐1 level in cortical astrocytes, as well as a reduction in synaptophysin content in vivo in a rat model of CHE. These findings suggest that TSP‐1 may represent an important therapeutic target for CHE.image
Defective release of astrocytic factors may impair synaptic integrity in chronic hepatic encephalopathy. We found a reduction in the release of the astrocytic matricellular proteins thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) in ammonia‐treated astrocytes; such reduction was associated with a decrease in synaptic proteins caused by conditioned media from ammonia‐treated astrocytes. Exposure of neurons to CM from ammonia‐treated astrocytes, in which TSP‐1 is over‐expressed, reversed (by approx 75%) the reduction in synaptic proteins. NF‐kB = nuclear factor kappa B; PSD95 = post‐synaptic density protein 95; ONS = oxidative/nitrative stress.
Aberrant DNA methylation of G‐protein‐coupled bile acid receptor Gpbar1 predicts prognosis of acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure
Authors: Gao S. , Ji X.‐F. , Li F. , Sun F.‐K. , Zhao J. , Fan Y.‐C. , Wang K. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe G‐protein‐coupled bile acid receptor Gpbar1 (TGR5) has been demonstrated to be able to negatively regulate hepatic inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to determine the methylation status of TGR5 promoter in patients with acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) and its predictive value for prognosis. We enrolled 76 consecutive ACHBLF patients, 80 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 30 healthy controls (HCs). Methylation status of TGR5 promoter in peripheral mononuclear cell (PBMC) was detected by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). The mRNA level of TGR5 was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). We found that the frequency of TGR5 promoter methylation was significantly higher in ACHBLF (35/76, 46.05%) than CHB patients (5/80, 6.25%; χ2 = 32.38, P < 0.01) and HCs (1/30, 3.33%; χ2 = 17.50, P < 0.01). TGR5 mRNA level was significantly lower (Z = −9.12, P < 0.01) in participants with aberrant methylation than those without. TGR5 methylation showed a sensitivity of 46.05% (35/76), specificity of 93.75% (75/80), positive predictive value (PPV) of 87.5% (35/40) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64.66% (75/116) in discriminating ACHBLF from CHB patients. ACHBLF patients with methylated TGR5 showed significantly poor survival than those without (P < 0.01). When used to predict 3‐month mortality of ACHBLF, TGR5 methylation [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.75] performed significantly better than model for end‐stage liver diseases (MELD) score (AUC = 0.65; P < 0.05). Therefore, our study demonstrated that aberrant TGR5 promoter methylation occurred in ACHBLF and might be a potential prognostic marker for the disease.
Interleukin‐28B genetic variants in untreated Italian HCV‐infected patients: a multicentre study
Authors: Mottola Leonardo , Cenderello Giovanni , Piazzolla Valeria A. , Forte Paolo , Carretta Vito , Mecenate Fabrizio , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Minisini Rosalba , Zuin Massimo , Terreni Natalia , Monti Monica , Colombo Alberto Eraldo , Nosotti Lorenzo , Minerva Nicola , Luzzitelli Ilaria , Kostandini Alba , Cuccorese Giuseppe , Russello Maurizio , Santoro Rosanna , Mangia Alessandra 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsDifferent prevalence of favourable IL28BCC genotype have been reported in studies performed in different countries around the world. Data on distribution of IL28B genotypes in healthy Italian subjects are lacking.MethodsStudies on prospectively collected untreated chronic HCV‐infected Italian patients led to conflicting results. To investigate the prevalence of IL28B genotypes in untreated HCV‐infected patients and in subjects able to clear HCV, and to compare them to the prevalence registered in healthy Italian controls. To evaluate IL28B prevalence across different HCV genotypes.ResultsIL28BCC was observed in 30.9% of chronic HCV patients, in 71.0% of subjects able to clear HCV infection and in 41.6% of the Italian controls. The frequency of IL28BCC was higher in HCV genotype 2 and 3 than in 1 (38.3 vs. 28.2) (P = 0.02). Levels of ALT higher in IL28BCC than in non‐CC were observed regardless of HCV genotypes (P = 0.0014).ConclusionsIL28BCC frequencies progressively decline from subjects with spontaneous HCV clearance to normal non‐infected subjects and to chronically infected. This study suggests that patients with IL28BCC, if genotype 1, are able to clear HCV more often than if genotype 2 and 3 infected, and that CC genotype is associated with higher grade of necro‐inflammation.
The gravity of pollination: integrating at‐site features into spatial analysis of contemporary pollen movement
Authors: DiLeo Michelle F. , Siu Jenna C. , Rhodes Matthew K. , López‐Villalobos Adriana , Redwine Angela , Ksiazek Kelly , Dyer Rodney J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPollen‐mediated gene flow is a major driver of spatial genetic structure in plant populations. Both individual plant characteristics and site‐specific features of the landscape can modify the perceived attractiveness of plants to their pollinators and thus play an important role in shaping spatial genetic variation. Most studies of landscape‐level genetic connectivity in plants have focused on the effects of interindividual distance using spatial and increasingly ecological separation, yet have not incorporated individual plant characteristics or other at‐site ecological variables. Using spatially explicit simulations, we first tested the extent to which the inclusion of at‐site variables influencing local pollination success improved the statistical characterization of genetic connectivity based upon examination of pollen pool genetic structure. The addition of at‐site characteristics provided better models than those that only considered interindividual spatial distance (e.g. IBD). Models parameterized using conditional genetic covariance (e.g. population graphs) also outperformed those assuming panmixia. In a natural population of Cornus florida L. (Cornaceae), we showed that the addition of at‐site characteristics (clumping of primary canopy opening above each maternal tree and maternal tree floral output) provided significantly better models describing gene flow than models including only between‐site spatial (IBD) and ecological (isolation by resistance) variables. Overall, our results show that including interindividual and local ecological variation greatly aids in characterizing landscape‐level measures of contemporary gene flow.
Association of angiotensin type 2 receptor gene polymorphisms with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in Brazilian patients
Authors: Miranda Debora M , dos Santos Augusto Cesar , Sarubi Helena C , Bastos‐Rodrigues Luciana , Rosa Daniela Valadão , Freitas Izabella S , De Marco Luiz Armando , Oliveira Eduardo A , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptor takes part in the process of ureteric bud during kidney development. Therefore, the gene encoding AT2 receptor, the AGTR2 gene located in the X chromosome, is a potential candidate for genetic association with Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT). This study aimed to investigate whether AGTR2 gene polymorphisms are associated with CAKUT in general or even with common phenotypes of CAKUT in a Brazilian sample of paediatric patients.MethodsWe analyzed 290 paediatric patients with CAKUT and 262 healthy controls from the same geographic area. TaqMan single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays for AGTR2 gene at rs1403543, rs3736556, rs35474657, rs5193 and rs5194 were performed. The sample was in Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium for all five SNPs.ResultsThe presence of CAKUT in general was not significantly associated with the SNPs included in this study. However, when patients were segregated according to major phenotypes, the diagnosis of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO) was significantly associated with AGTR2 gene polymorphisms at rs3736556 and at rs5194. On the other hand, the diagnoses of vesicoureteral reflux and of multicystic dysplastic kidney were not associated with AGTR2 gene polymorphisms.ConclusionOur results support that the AGTR2 gene may contribute to the pathogenesis of UPJO and the genetic origin of CAKUT could vary according to phenotype expression.
Establishing equations to evaluate 24 hour urine protein excretion using routine urinalysis
Authors: Yang Yang , Xie Yuansheng , Wang Chao , Chen Guanglei , Kong Deyang , Zhou Zhuliang , Wang Yaping , Qi Ka , Song Minghui , Ma Lu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimIt is necessary to screen people at high risk for proteinuria with an economical, reliable and convenient method. The aim of this study is to establish a new approach to predict 24 h urine protein (24 h UP) by routine laboratory assays.MethodsFive centres were included and a total of 4211 hospitalized patients were enrolled. All samples were assayed for dipstick protein (DSP), specific gravity (SG), 24 h UP and serum albumin (ALB) simultaneously. 4211 patients were randomly divided into two groups for establishing and testing the equations. Equations were built by multiple log‐linear regressions.Results(i) DSP is significantly correlated to 24 h UP in a logarithmic pattern; (ii) SG interprets 24 h UP for specific DSP; (iii) Equation 1 = 0.203 × 10dummy‐variable F × [100 (SG‐1)]−0.470; and (iv) Equation 2 = 13.366 × 10dummy‐variable F × [100 (SG‐1)]−0.547 × [ALB (g/L)]−1.130 The dummy‐variable F had a point‐to‐point accordance to DSP (detailed in text).ConclusionCombination of DSP and SG can interpret normal‐range proteinuria well, and helped by ALB, their interpretation for macro proteinuria is much improved. It is dependable and economical for routine urinalysis to evaluate pathological proteinuria by equation.
Efficacy of the Greater Occipital Nerve Block for Cervicogenic Headache: Comparing Classical and Subcompartmental Techniques
Authors: Lauretti Gabriela R. , Corrêa Selma W. R. O. , Mattos Anita L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of the greater occipital nerve (GON) block using the classical technique and different volumes of injectate with the subcompartmental technique for the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CH).MethodsThirty patients acted as his/her own control. All patients were submitted to the GON block by the classical technique with 10 mg dexamethasone, plus 40 mg lidocaine (5 mL volume). Patients were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 groups (n = 10) when pain VAS was > 3 cm. Each group was submitted to a GON subcompartmental technique (10 mg dexamethasone + 40 mg lidocaine + nonionic iodine contrast + saline) under fluoroscopy using either 5, 10, or 15 mL final volume. Analgesia and quality of life were evaluated.ResultsThe classical GON technique resulted in 2 weeks of analgesia and less rescue analgesic consumption, compared to 24 weeks after the subcompartmental technique (P < 0.01). Quality of life improved at 2 and 24 weeks after the classical and the suboccipital techniques, respectively (P < 0.05). The data revealed that groups were similar regarding analgesia when compared to volume of injection (P > 0.05).ConclusionsWhile the classical technique for GON block resulted in only 2 weeks of analgesia, the subcompartmental technique resulted in at least 24 weeks of analgesia, being 5 mL volume sufficient for the performance of the block under fluoroscopy.
The auxin response factor, OsARF19, controls rice leaf angles through positively regulating OsGH3‐5 and OsBRI1
Authors: ZHANG SAINA , WANG SUIKANG , XU YANXIA , YU CHENLIANG , SHEN CHENJIA , QIAN QIAN , GEISLER MARKUS , JIANG DE AN , QI YANHUA 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAuxin and brassinosteroid (BR) are important phytohormones for controlling lamina inclination implicated in plant architecture and grain yield. But the molecular mechanism of auxin and BR crosstalk for regulating lamina inclination remains unknown. Auxin response factors (ARFs) control various aspects of plant growth and development. We here report that OsARF19‐overexpression rice lines show an enlarged lamina inclination due to increase of its adaxial cell division. OsARF19 is expressed in various organs including lamina joint and strongly induced by auxin and BR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and yeast one‐hybrid assays demonstrate that OsARF19 binds to the promoter of OsGH3‐5 and brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (OsBRI1) directing their expression. OsGH3‐5‐overexpression lines show a similar phenotype as OsARF19‐O1. Free auxin contents in the lamina joint of OsGH3‐5‐O1 or OsARF19‐O1 are reduced. OsGH3‐5 is localized at the endoplasmic retieulum (ER) matching reduction of the free auxin contents in OsGH3‐5‐O1. osarf19‐TDNA and osgh3‐5‐Tos17 mutants without erected leaves show a function redundancy with other members of their gene family. OsARF19‐overexpression lines are sensitive to exogenous BR treatment and alter the expressions of genes related to BR signalling. These findings provide novel insights into auxin and BR signalling, and might have significant implications for improving plant architecture of monocot crops.
Diffusional limitations explain the lower photosynthetic capacity of ferns as compared with angiosperms in a common garden study
Authors: CARRIQUÍ M. , CABRERA H. M. , CONESA M. À. , COOPMAN R. E. , DOUTHE C. , GAGO J. , GALLÉ A. , GALMÉS J. , RIBAS‐CARBO M. , TOMÁS M. , FLEXAS J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractFerns are thought to have lower photosynthetic rates than angiosperms and they lack fine stomatal regulation. However, no study has directly compared photosynthesis in plants of both groups grown under optimal conditions in a common environment. We present a common garden comparison of seven angiosperms and seven ferns paired by habitat preference, with the aims of (1) confirming that ferns do have lower photosynthesis capacity than angiosperms and quantifying these differences; (2) determining the importance of diffusional versus biochemical limitations; and (3) analysing the potential implication of leaf anatomical traits in setting the photosynthesis capacity in both groups.On average, the photosynthetic rate of ferns was about half that of angiosperms, and they exhibited lower stomatal and mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm), maximum velocity of carboxylation and electron transport rate. A quantitative limitation analysis revealed that stomatal and mesophyll conductances were co‐responsible for the lower photosynthesis of ferns as compared with angiosperms. However, gm alone was the most constraining factor for photosynthesis in ferns. Consistently, leaf anatomy showed important differences between angiosperms and ferns, especially in cell wall thickness and the surface of chloroplasts exposed to intercellular air spaces.
The Phenomenal Use of ‘Look’ and Perceptual Representation
Authors: Brogaard Berit 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe article provides the state of the art on the debate about whether the semantics of ‘look’ statements commits us to any particular theory of perceptual experience. The debate began with Frank Jackson's argument that ‘look’ statements commit us to a sense‐datum theory of perception. Thinkers from different camps have since then offered various rejoinders to Jackson's argument. Others have provided novel arguments from considerations of the semantics of ‘look’ to particular theories of perception. The article closes with an argument of this sort for a representational theory of perceptual experience.
Controlling Illegal Immigration: On the Scope for Cooperation with a Transit Country
Authors: Djajić Slobodan , Michael Michael S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe consider the implications of cooperation with respect to immigration control between a final‐destination country (D) and its poorer neighbor (T). Assuming that the latter serves as a transit country for undocumented immigrants, a key question is how much aid should D provide to T for the purpose of strengthening its immigration controls. The problem for T is to determine what proportion of aid to use strictly for immigration control rather than trying to meet other border‐security objectives. We examine the Nash equilibrium values of the policy instruments of both countries and compare them with those which are optimal when international cooperation on immigration control extends to maximization of joint welfare. We also consider a two‐stage game in which D first decides on how much aid to transfer to T, with the latter subsequently choosing how to use it.
Bayesian Analysis of Measurement Error Models Using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximations
Authors: Muff Stefanie , Riebler Andrea , Held Leonhard , Rue Håvard , Saner Philippe 
Published: July 2014

SummaryTo account for measurement error (ME) in explanatory variables, Bayesian approaches provide a flexible framework, as expert knowledge can be incorporated in the prior distributions. Recently, integrated nested Laplace approximations have been proven to be a computationally convenient alternative to sampling approaches for Bayesian inference in latent Gaussian models. We show how the most common approaches to adjust for ME, the classical and the Berkson ME, fit into this framework. This is achieved through a reformulation with augmented pseudo-observations and a suitable extension of the latent Gaussian field. Two specific classes are described, which allow for a particularly simple implementation using integrated nested Laplace approximations. We present three applications within the framework of generalized linear (mixed) models with ME. To illustrate the practical feasibility, R code is provided in on-line supplementary material.
Political Violence and Adolescent Out‐group Attitudes and Prosocial Behaviors: Implications for Positive Inter‐group Relations
Authors: Taylor Laura K. , Merrilees Christine E. , Goeke‐Morey Marcie C. , Shirlow Peter , Cairns Ed , Cummings E. Mark 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe negative impact of political violence on adolescent adjustment is well established. Less is known about factors that affect adolescents' positive outcomes in ethnically divided societies, especially influences on prosocial behaviors toward the out‐group, which may promote constructive relations. For example, understanding how inter‐group experiences and attitudes motivate out‐group helping may foster inter‐group co‐operation and help to consolidate peace. The current study investigated adolescents' overall and out‐group prosocial behaviors across two time points in Belfast, Northern Ireland (N = 714 dyads; 49% male; Time 1: M = 14.7, SD = 2.0, years old). Controlling for Time 1 prosocial behaviors, age, and gender, multi‐variate structural equation modeling showed that experience with inter‐group sectarian threat predicted fewer out‐group prosocial behaviors at Time 2 at the trend level. On the other hand, greater experience of intra‐group non‐sectarian threat at Time 1 predicted more overall and out‐group prosocial behaviors at Time 2. Moreover, positive out‐group attitudes strengthened the link between intra‐group threat and out‐group prosocial behaviors one year later. Finally, experience with intra‐group non‐sectarian threat and out‐group prosocial behaviors at Time 1 was related to more positive out‐group attitudes at Time 2. The implications for youth development and inter‐group relations in post‐accord societies are discussed.
Learning on the Ground: Ecology, Engagement, and Embodiment
Authors: Ayres Jennifer R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIf theological education is to prepare religious leaders who will respond faithfully and capably to ecological challenges, what models of teaching and learning will best equip them for this work? In conversation with environmental education theory and examples from diverse learning contexts, this paper proposes a model of “learning on the ground” which is characterized by engaged and embodied pedagogy through participation in earth‐honoring social practices. See a companion essay in this issue of the journal (Kevin J. O'Brien, “Balancing Critique and Commitment”) and a response to both these essays (Forrest Clingerman, “Pedagogy as a Field Guide to the Ecology of the Classroom”) also published in this issue of the journal.
Determination of Babesia microti seroprevalence in blood donor populations using an investigational enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Levin Andrew E. , Williamson Phillip C. , Erwin James L. , Cyrus Sherri , Bloch Evan M. , Shaz Beth H. , Kessler Debra , Telford Sam R. , Krause Peter J. , Wormser Gary P. , Ni Xiaoyan , Wang Haihong , Krueger Neil X. , Caglioti Sally , Busch Michael P. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundTransfusion‐transmitted babesiosis caused by Babesia microti has emerged as a significant risk to the US blood supply. This study estimated the prevalence of B. microti antibodies in blood donors using an investigational enzyme immunoassay (EIA).Study Design and MethodsA peptide‐based EIA that detects both immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies to B. microti was developed and validated. Donor samples randomly selected from areas defined as high‐risk endemic, lower‐risk endemic, and nonendemic for B. microti were deidentified and tested using the investigational EIA. Samples that were EIA repeat reactive were further tested by B. microti immunofluorescent assay (IFA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on red blood cell lysates, and peripheral blood smear examination. A random subset of 1272 samples from high‐risk endemic areas was tested by IFA, PCR, and peripheral blood smear in parallel with EIA.ResultsAmong 15,000 donations tested with the investigational B. microti EIA, EIA repeat‐reactive rates were 1.08% (54/5000) in a high‐risk endemic area, 0.74% (37/5000) in a lower‐risk area, and 0.40% (20/5000) in a nonendemic area. After application of a revised cutoff, these values were reduced to 0.92%, (46/5000), 0.54% (27/5000), and 0.16% (8/5000). Overall concordance between EIA and IFA among donor samples was 99.34%. One seropositive sample was positive by PCR.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of B. microti in blood donors in a high‐risk area measured by an investigational EIA was approximately 1%. The EIA shows promise as an efficient high‐throughput blood donor screening assay for B. microti.