bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast growth factor 2 involved in the pathogenesis of synovial chondromatosis of temporomandibular joint
Authors: Li Yingjie , Cai Hengxing , Fang Wei , Meng Qinggong , Li Jian , Deng Mohong , Long Xing 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundSynovial chondromatosis (SC) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare proliferative disorder characterized by the formation of cartilaginous or osteocartilaginous nodules in synovium and joint space. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) is frequently applied in chondrogenic differentiation assays. Therefore, we hypothesized that FGF‐2 might involved in the pathogenesis of SC.MethodsSC synovium and loose bodies (LBs) specimens were observed by histological and immunohistochemical methods. Real‐time PCR was conducted for comparing genes expressions in SC and normal synovium. SC synoviocytes were stimulated by FGF‐2 in the presence or absence of its antagonist long pentraxin‐3 (PTX3) for 6 days. Real‐time PCR and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were performed to examine the effects exerted by FGF‐2 and PTX3.ResultsSC synovium, no matter facing the articular cavity or covering LB, was characterized by increased quantity of synoviocytes and blood vessels. FGF‐2 was expressed in chondrocytes and fibroblast‐like cells of LBs, and the wall of blood vessels. Expressions of chondrogenic genes (Sox9 and Wnt‐4), osteogenic genes (Foxc2), FGF‐2, and VEGF‐A mRNA were significantly higher in SC synovium than that of the control group. The stimulation of FGF‐2 on SC synoviocytes increased ALP activity and expressions of chondrogenic genes (Sox9, Col2α1, and Aggrecan), osteogenic genes (Foxc2, osteocalcin, and Col1α1), and VEGF‐A, but PTX3 inhibited these effects.ConclusionFGF‐2 was responsible for the formation of cartilaginous loose bodies and involved in the pathogenesis of SC.
The Gudaga Study: Development in 3‐year‐old urban Aboriginal children
Authors: McDonald Jenny , Webster Vana , Knight Jennifer , Comino Elizabeth 
Published: December 2013

AimThe aim of this analysis was to study and explore factors associated with the developmental progress in urban Aboriginal children at 3 years.MethodsThe Gudaga Study is a longitudinal birth cohort study of urban Aboriginal infants. The children were assessed using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales, Extended Revised (GMDS‐ER) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Fourth Edition (PPVT‐IV). Student's t‐tests and multiple linear regression analysis were used to test the association between developmental progress and possible risk factors.ResultsOverall, the mean general quotient (GQ) for Gudaga children was significantly lower than the standardised norm (P < 0.001). In the GMDS‐ER subscales, the scores were higher than expected in the locomotor (P = 0.002) and personal–social domains (P = 0.002) and lower than expected for language (P < 0.001), eye and hand coordination (P < 0.001), performance (P < 0.001) and practical reasoning (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that maternal age (P = 0.02) and single‐mother status (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with lower performance on the GMDS‐ER. The GQ was inversely proportional to the number of risk factors present (P = 0.001). The mean score of the PPVT‐IV was also lower than the PPVT‐IV norms (P < 0.001).ConclusionAt 3 years, urban Aboriginal children show relative strengths in their locomotor and self‐care skills and emerging delays in their language, fine motor and performance skills. Slower developmental progress was more likely in the context of young maternal age and single parenthood.
A Technique Combining Immunoprecipitation and RT‐PCR for RNA Plant Virus Detection
Authors: Lima José Albersio Araujo , Nascimento Aline Kelly Queiroz , Radaelli Paula , Silva Ana Kelly Firmino , Silva Fabiana Rodrigues 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPlant virus identification and characterization can be accomplished by several methods involving their morphological, physical, biological, cytological, serological and molecular properties. The use of molecular techniques is increasing worldwide, and some have been developed for identification and characterization of plant viruses. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) has been shown to be a suitable method for research with RNA plant viruses. In this study, a new approach of RT‐PCR involving previous virus immunoprecipitation (IP) was used for RNA amplification of five virus species of the genera Comovirus, Cucumovirus, Potyvirus and Sobemovirus from infected plant tissues. IP‐RT‐PCR was practical, sensitive and minimized problems with total RNA extractions from infected tissues. The technique provides partial virus particle purification by its specific immunoprecipitation, and it should be especially useful for RNA amplification of viruses that occur in low or variable concentrations in plant tissues or when the tissues contain various forms of RT‐PCR amplification inhibitors.
Occurrence of Meloidogyne spp. in Cerrado Vegetations and Reaction of Native Plants to Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Silva Joelma G. P. , Furlanetto Cleber , Almeida Maria R. A. , Rocha David B. , Mattos Vanessa S. , Correa Valdir R. , Carneiro Regina M. D. G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Cerrado biome represents a hotspot of biodiversity. Despite this, the nematofauna in this biome has not been well characterized, especially that related to root‐knot nematodes. This work aimed to identify Meloidogyne species present in different cerrado vegetations and to investigate potential hosts of Meloidogyne javanica in this biome. Soil samples (250) were collected in native areas of cerrado vegetation located at the National Park of Brasília (PNB) (125 samples) and Água Limpa Farm (FAL) (125 samples), and transferred to sterile pots. Single tomato plants cv. Santa Clara (susceptible) were transplanted into individual pots and maintained for 90 days under glasshouse. Females of Meloidogyne spp. were extracted from tomato roots and identified based upon esterase phenotypes and confirmed with PCR using specific sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) primers. Native plants were inoculated with 10 000 individuals (eggs + J2) of a pure culture of M. javanica and maintained under glasshouse for 6 months. From the 250 samples collected, 57 (22.8%) presented Meloidogyne spp. A total of 66 Meloidogyne populations were identified as follows: M. javanica (75.76%), M. incognita (10.60%), M. hapla (9.1%), M. morocciensis (3.03%) and M. arenaria (1.51%). The following esterase phenotypes were detected: M. javanica (J3 and J2), M. incognita (I1 and I2), M. hapla (H1), M. morocciensis (A3) and M. arenaria (A2). The SCAR primers incK14F/incK14R, Fjav/Rjav and Fh/Rh amplified specific fragments in M. incognita (399 bp), M. javanica (670 bp) and M. hapla (610 bp) and can be used for identification of indigenous Meloidogyne spp. from cerrado. The primer set Far/Rar is not specific for M. arenaria due to the amplification of DNA in M. morocciensis. Mimosa caesalpiniifolia was the only native plant in which M. javanica developed a high reproductive rate, and it is probably a host for this nematode in cerrado.
Eugenol derivatives as potential anti-oxidants: is phenolic hydroxyl necessary to obtain an effect?
Authors: d' Avila Farias Marília , Oliveira Pathise Souto , Dutra Filipe S Pereira , Fernandes Thiely Jacobsen , de Pereira Claudio M P , de Oliveira Simone Quintana , Stefanello Francieli Moro , Lencina Claiton Leonetti , Barschak Alethéa Gatto 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Eugenol, obtained from clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllata), possess several biological activities. It is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anaesthesic, antipyretic, antiplatelet, anti-anaphylactic, anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal and antiviral. The anti-oxidant activity of eugenol have already been proven. From this perspective testing, a series of planned structural derivatives of eugenol were screened to perform structural optimization and consequent increase of the potency of these biological activities.

Methods
In an attempt to increase structural variability, 16 compounds were synthesized by acylation and alkylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group. Anti-oxidant activity capacity was based on the capture of DPPH radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl), ABTS radical 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), measure of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive species), total sulfhydryl and carbonyl content (eugenol derivatives final concentrations range from 50 to 200 μm).

Key findings
Four derivatives presented an efficient concentration to decrease 50% of the DPPH radical (EC50) &lt; 100 μm, which has a good potential as a free-radical scavenger. Three of these compounds also showed reduction of ABTS radical. Eugenol derivatives presenting alkyl or aryl (alkylic or arylic) groups substituting hydroxyl 1 of eugenol were effective in reducing lipid peroxidation, protein oxidative damage by carbonyl formation and increase total thiol content in cerebral cortex homogenates. In liver, the eugenol derivatives evaluated had no effect.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that these molecules are promising anti-oxidants agents.
Molecular deficiency (ies) in MT1 melatonin signaling pathway underlies the melatonin‐unresponsive phenotype in MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Mao Lulu , Yuan Lin , Xiang Shulin , Zeringue Samantha B. , Dauchy Robert T. , Blask David E. , Hauch Adam , Hill Steven M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMelatonin has been shown repeatedly to inhibit the growth of human breast tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Its antiproliferative effects have been well studied in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells and several other estrogen receptor α (ERα)‐positive human breast cancer cell lines. However, the MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell line, an ERα‐negative cell line widely used in breast cancer research, has been shown to be unresponsive to melatonin's growth‐suppressive effect in vitro. Here, we examined the effect of melatonin on the cell proliferation of several ERα‐negative breast cancer cell lines including MDA‐MB‐231, BT‐20, and SK‐BR‐3 cells. Although the MT1 G‐protein‐coupled receptor is expressed in all three cell lines, melatonin significantly suppressed the proliferation of SK‐BR‐3 cells without having any significant effect on the growth of MDA‐MB‐231 and BT‐20 cells. We confirmed that the MT1‐associated Gα proteins are expressed in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Further studies demonstrated that the melatonin unresponsiveness in MDA‐MB‐231 cells may be caused by aberrant signaling downstream of the Gαi proteins, resulting in differential regulation of ERK1/2 activity.
2‐Amino‐N‐(2,6‐dichloropyridin‐3‐yl)acetamide derivatives as a novel class of HBV capsid assembly inhibitor
Authors: Cho M. H. , Jeong H. , Kim Y. S. , Kim J.‐W. , Jung G. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryCapsid structure is crucial for the maturation and maintenance of the stable hepatitis B virion. Therefore, chemicals that inhibit capsid assembly might potentially act as potent antiviral compounds. However, only a few chemicals are known to block the capsid assembly process and further viral proliferation. In this study, we present a novel family of capsid assembly inhibitors that act against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Based on X‐ray crystallographic data of the HBV core protein (Cp), we built dimer and hexamer structural models to be used in library searches. Several chemicals in the 2‐amino‐N‐(2,6‐dichloropyridin‐3‐yl)acetamide family were predicted to have high affinity for the groove structure in Cp. Using in vitro assembly and the HepG2.2.15 cell culture test, we verified that these chemicals demonstrated inhibitory effects on capsid assembly. Furthermore, we investigated the combinatorial effects of these assembly inhibitor chemicals with lamivudine and revealed that, in combination, they have synergistic inhibitory effects on decreasing viral concentration. We propose that these inhibitors could be utilized as an effective combination treatment against HBV infection.
Treatment of Aldosterone‐Secreting Adrenocortical Tumors in Cats by Unilateral Adrenalectomy: 10 Cases (2002–2012)
Authors: Lo A.J. , Holt D.E. , Brown D.C. , Schlicksup M.D. , Orsher R.J. , Agnello K.A. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundPrimary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) in cats occurs as a consequence of excessive hormone production by an adrenocortical tumor. Median survival time, association between tumor type and prognosis, and the likelihood that cats require continued medical therapy after surgery have not been systematically evaluated.ObjectivesTo determine the median survival time of cats with PHA treated by unilateral adrenalectomy. To examine if tumor type, anesthesia time, or tumor location (left or right side) affect survival and if affected cats require continued postoperative treatment for persistent hypertension or hypokalemia.AnimalsTen client‐owned cats.MethodsRetrospective study. Cats were diagnosed with PHA based on clinical signs, increased plasma aldosterone concentration, and advanced imaging. Cats underwent unilateral adrenalectomy. Survival time (days alive after surgery) was determined for each cat. Factors affecting median survival time were investigated, including histopathology, anesthesia time, and location (side) of the tumor.ResultsEight of 10 cats survived to discharge from the hospital post adrenalectomy. Overall median survival was 1,297 days (range 2–1,582 days). The only significant factor affecting median survival time was anesthesia time >4 hours. Tumor type and location (side) did not significantly affect median survival time. No cats required continued medical treatment for PHA.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough PHA in cats is still considered an uncommon condition, it should be considered in middle to older aged cats with hypokalemic polymyopathy and systemic hypertension. Surgical correction by unilateral adrenalectomy is a viable approach to definitive treatment of PHA with no need for continued medical management.
Evaluation of the Effects of a Therapeutic Renal Diet to Control Proteinuria in Proteinuric Non‐Azotemic Dogs Treated with Benazepril
Authors: Cortadellas O. , Talavera J. , Fernández del Palacio M.J. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundAngiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are currently used to control proteinuria in dogs with chronic kidney disease. Renal diets (RDs) have beneficial effects in the management of azotemic dogs, but its role in proteinuric non‐azotemic (PNAz) dogs has been poorly documented.HypothesisAdministration of a RD to PNAz dogs treated with benazepril (Be) improves proteinuria control compared with the administration of a maintenance diet (MD).AnimalsTwenty‐two PNAz (urine protein/creatinine ratio [UPC] >1) dogs.MethodsRandomized open label clinical trial design. Dogs were assigned to group‐MD (5.5 g protein/100 kcal ME)/Be or to group‐RD (3.7 g protein/100 kcal ME)/Be group during 60 days. Dogs with serum albumin (Alb) <2 g/dL received aspirin (1 mg/kg/12 hours). A physical examination, systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement, complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry panel, urinalysis, and UPC were performed at day 0 (D0) and day 60 (D60).ResultsAt D0, there were no significant differences between groups in the evaluated variables. During the study, logUPC (geometric mean (95% CI) and SBP (mean±SD mmHg) significantly decreased (paired t‐test, P = 0.001) in Group‐RD (logUPCD0 = 3.16[1.9–5.25]; UPCD60 = 1.20 [0.59–2.45]; SBPD0 = 160 ± 17.2; SBPD60 = 151 ± 15.8), but not in Group‐MD (UPCD0 = 3.63[2.69–4.9]; UPCD60 = 2.14 [0.76–6.17]; SBPD0 = 158 ± 14.7; SBPD60 = 153 ± 11.5). However, RM‐ANOVA test did not confirm that changes were consequence of dietary modification. Weight and Alb concentration did not change significantly in any group.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThe administration of a RD to PNAz dogs treated with Be might help to control proteinuria and SBP compared with the administration of a MD, without inducing clinically detectable malnutrition, but more studies are warranted.
Serum Adipokine Concentrations in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Cho K.‐D. , Paek J. , Kang J.‐H. , Chang D. , Na K.‐J. , Yang M.‐P. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundAn excess of intra‐abdominal fat is observed frequently in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Adipokine dysregulation is a possible cause of complications related to visceral obesity, but little information is available on adipokine in dogs with naturally occurringHAC.ObjectivesTo examine the differences in the circulating adipokines concentrations in overweight dogs with and without pituitary‐dependentHAC(PDH).AnimalsThirty healthy dogs and 15 client‐owned dogs withPDH.MethodsCase–controlled observational study, which enrolled 15 overweight dogs diagnosed withPDHand 30 otherwise healthy dogs of similar body condition score. Nine of 15 dogs withPDHwere treated with low‐dose trilostane twice daily and reassessed after treatment.ResultsThe serum leptin (P < .0001) and insulin (P < .0001) concentrations were significantly higher in thePDHgroup (leptin, 22.8 ± 8.8 [mean ± SD]; insulin, 9.1 ± 6.1) than the healthy group (leptin, 4.9 ± 3.7; insulin, 1.9 ± 0.9). However, there were no significant differences in the adiponectin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β,IL‐6,IL‐10, andIL‐18 levels between the 2 groups. In thePDHgroup, the serum cortisol concentrations had a linear association with the leptin concentrations, and there were significant decreases in the leptin (P = .0039) and insulin (P = .0039) levels after trilostane treatment. However, the leptin and insulin levels remained higher after trilostane treatment than in healthy control dogs with similar body condition score.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceHypercortisolemia in dogs withPDHmight upregulate the circulating leptin levels. However, a large population‐based study will be necessary to determine whether the upregulation of leptin is involved directly with the complications caused byHAC.
The influence of tree‐scale and ecosystem‐scale factors on epiphytic lichen communities across a long‐term retrogressive chronosequence
Authors: Asplund Johan , Sandling Aron , Kardol Paul , Wardle David A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractQuestionsWe tested the relationship between total cover, species richness and composition of epiphytic lichens on trunks of Betula pubescens and ecosystem retrogression (i.e. prolonged absence of major disturbance). We then investigated how the relationships changed when also accounting for tree‐scale factors (aspect, height and bark characteristics) and ecosystem‐scale factors (e.g. light transmission, tree species diversity and soil fertility).LocationThirty forested islands in northern Sweden differing in fire history, which collectively represent a retrogressive chronosequence spanning ca. 5000 yr.ResultsTotal lichen cover responded negatively to long‐term absence of major disturbance, but only at exposed positions on the tree trunk, indicating that lichen cover on substrates with more favourable microclimates is less susceptible to environmental change at the ecosystem scale. Further, although there was no overall effect of island size on lichen species richness, we did find a significant interactive effect between island size and height on trunk on species richness. This emerged because species richness decreased with retrogression for lichen communities at breast height, but showed a hump‐shaped response to retrogression at the trunk base. Shifts in ecosystem properties with retrogression explained some of the variation in lichen community composition, but most of the variation could be explained by tree‐scale factors, notably height on the trunk.ConclusionsWhile it has frequently been shown that lichens increase in abundance and richness during the first two or three centuries of succession, our results highlight that over a much longer time scale, encompassing soil aging and declining soil fertility, the lichen flora can be negatively affected. However, these effects are heavily mediated by tree‐scale factors. These changes in the lichen community may be of potential importance for ecosystem processes and higher trophic level interactions driven by lichen communities.
Guided reading: young pupils' perspectives on classroom practice
Authors: Hanke Veronica 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGuided reading is widely perceived to be tricky in English primary schools; prior research has found difficulties with teacher interpretation and implementation. The study reported here suggests that to understand the problems associated with it we should also take into account pupils' perspectives on their guided reading lessons. In this case, the pupils were 4–7 years old. The special challenges of accessing young pupil perspectives were addressed through co‐authored drawings, a type of graphic elicitation. The drawings, together with other collected data, generated insights into pupil perceptions of literacy practices, of the role of friends and ability grouping in learning to read, and of their teachers' organisational challenges. A socio‐cultural analysis of these data indicates that these pupils were sensitive to the social and cultural contexts of their guided reading lessons. It may be that precise official advice for guided reading in England, originating in the National Literacy Strategy documents in 1999 and the Primary National Strategy documents in 2003 and 2008, has been insufficiently sensitive to the complex teaching and learning contexts of guided reading and that this discrepancy has contributed to the identified difficulties. The paper concludes that some rethinking of the literacy practice of guided reading would be valuable.
Sponge heterotrophic capacity and bacterial community structure in high‐ and low‐microbial abundance sponges
Authors: Poppell Ericka , Weisz Jeremy , Spicer Lori , Massaro Andrew , Hill April , Hill Malcolm 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe ecological and evolutionary forces that shape interactions between marine sponges and their symbiotic microbiota remain poorly understood. Considerable work has been done to characterize the sponge microbiome, and this research has shown that there are two distinct types of sponges: those with high microbial abundances (HMA) and those with low microbial abundances (LMA). There is no clear evolutionary driver for this distinction, and we have only a limited understanding of how HMA or LMA status affects host phenotypes (e.g. feeding behavior, capacity for nutrient cycling). We had two primary goals with the present study. First, we used a variety of microscopic techniques to compare aspects of host biology (e.g. choanocyte chamber morphology and density) in the context of symbiont status. Secondly, we used molecular approaches to uncover components of ecological structure of bacterial communities in HMA versus LMA sponges (e.g. species richness, evenness). We found that choanocyte chamber density is greater in LMA sponges than in HMA sponges. We also found distinct patterns of organization for bacterial communities in HMA and LMA sponges, although environmental factors, to a lesser degree, also influence community structure in the Floridian sponges we examined. These results suggest that the large bacterial communities found in HMA sponges may allow the host to decrease their heterotrophy versus that of LMA sponges with minimal bacterial communities.