bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender dimorphic increase in RBP‐4 and NGAL in children born after IVF: an epigenetic phenomenon?
Authors: Sakka Sophia D. , Margeli Alexandra , Loutradis Dimitrios , Chrousos George P. , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Kanaka‐Gantenbein Christina 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn vitro fertilisation (IVF) has been widely used during the last decades. Recent studies demonstrated some alterations in IVF children's metabolic profile compared with controls. The recently reported lipocalins retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP‐4) and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), as well as visfatin, which are associated with glucose intolerance and could help in the early detection of metabolic abnormalities, have not been studied in IVF children as yet. We studied the lipocalins RBP‐4 and NGAL as well as visfatin in children born after IVF.Subjects and methodsA total of 100 children born after IVF (47 boys) and 60 controls born after normal conception (30 boys), aged 4–14 year, were studied cross‐sectionally. All children had a physical examination, their fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, RBP‐4, NGAL, and visfatin were determined and their homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index was calculated.ResultsChildren born after IVF had significantly higher RBP‐4 (P = 0·009) and NGAL (P = 0·028) levels than controls. When divided by gender, RBP‐4 remained higher in IVF girls (P = 0·002), whereas NGAL was higher in IVF boys (P = 0·021). Linear regression analysis had revealed that the differences are attributed to the IVF procedure per se.ConclusionsIn our study, IVF children had significantly higher RBP‐4 and NGAL levels than controls, suggesting early metabolic derangements that could be attributed to an epigenetic phenomenon. These results are in accordance with our earlier findings of higher blood pressure and triglycerides in IVF children than controls. Further prospective studies in IVF children will determine the natural course of their metabolic profile.
Niche conservatism in non‐native birds in Europe: niche unfilling rather than niche expansion
Authors: Strubbe Diederik , Broennimann Olivier , Chiron François , Matthysen Erik 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimNiche conservatism, or the extent to which niches are conserved across space and time, is of special concern for the study of non‐native species as it underlies predictions of invasion risk. Based on the occurrence of 28 non‐native birds in Europe, we assess to what extent Grinnellian realized niches are conserved during invasion, formulate hypotheses to explain the variation in observed niche changes and test how well species distribution models can predict non‐native bird occurrence in Europe.LocationEurope.MethodsTo quantify niche changes, a recent method that applies kernel smoothers to densities of species occurrence in a gridded environmental space was used. This corrects for differences in the availability of environments between study areas and allows discrimination between ‘niche expansion’ into environments new to the species and ‘niche unfilling’, whereby the species only partially fills its niche in the invaded range. Predictions of non‐native bird distribution in Europe were generated using several distribution modelling techniques.ResultsNiche overlap between native and non‐native bird populations is low, but niche changes are smaller for species having a higher propagule pressure and that were introduced longer ago. Non‐native birds in Europe occupy a subset of the environments they inhabit in their native ranges. Niche expansion into novel environments is rare for most species, allowing species distribution models to accurately predict invasion risk.Main conclusionsBecause of the recent nature of most bird introductions, species occupy only part of the suitable environments available in the invaded range. This signals that apart from purely ecological factors, patterns of niche conservatism may also be contingent on population‐specific historical factors. These results also suggest that many claims of niche differences may be due to a partial filling of the native niche in the invaded range and thus do not represent true niche changes.
Histological features in western patients with idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: Verheij Joanne , Schouten Jeoffrey N L , Komuta Mina , Nevens Frederik , Hansen Bettina E , Janssen Harry L A , Roskams Tania 
Published: February 2013

AimsIn the western world, idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a rare disease. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological features in western INCPH patients and to assess pathological differences between liver specimens of INCPH with and without HIV.Methods and resultsBiopsies of 70 INCPH patients (of which 15 were HIV‐infected) were compared to 23 patients with non‐cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which served as a control group for non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension. Phlebosclerosis, nodular regeneration (NR), sinusoidal dilatation, paraportal shunting vessels, perisinusoidal fibrosis and portal tract remnants were the most prevalent morphological features of INCPH. There were significant (P < 0.01) morphological differences between INCPH and PVT liver specimens with regard to portal tract remnants (46% versus 0%), phlebosclerosis (95% versus 65%), portal vein dilatation (34% versus 78%) and NR (56% versus 22%). The degree of NR correlated with the severity of phlebosclerosis (P < 0.01). NR was seen more frequently in the HIV–INCPH group, compared to the non‐HIV‐infected patients (P < 0.001).ConclusionPortal tract remnants, phlebosclerosis and nodular regeneration are typical features of INCPH. Sinusoidal dilatation, paraportal shunting vessels and increased portal and parenchymal vessels might represent pressure‐related morphological signs of portal hypertension. Finally, more nodular regeneration was observed in HIV‐associated INCPH.
Skin cell targeting with self‐assembled ligand addressed nanoemulsion droplets
Authors: Atrux‐Tallau N. , Delmas T. , Han S.‐H. , Kim J.‐W. , Bibette J. 
Published: February 2013

SynopsisDermo‐pharmacy and cosmetic industries have utilized nanotechnologies for two decades. Initially proposed as vector systems for encapsulation of actives, they gained interest in increasing cutaneous bioavailability. Here, we assay the benefits of self‐assembled nanoemulsions bearing ligands for targeting specific skin cells. Nanoemulsions, small droplets ranging typically from 20 nm to 150 nm, possess key properties for further use in cosmetics: long‐term stability, optical transparency, extended range of textures and versatility. We investigated this nanoemulsion system and show ability to encapsulate a range of cosmetic actives with various physicochemical properties. Furthermore, this nanoemulsion presents a low cytotoxicity and is capable of directly targeting skin cells through simple addition of specific ligand in a one‐step production protocol. This is of interest for increasing bioavailability of actives encapsulated into nanoemulsion droplets which may have penetrated the skin barrier to specific skin cell. Taken together, these chemical and in vitro observations suggest follow‐up with in vivo models.
Coverage of urethroplasty in pediatric hypospadias: Randomized comparison between different flaps
Authors: Cimador Marcello , Pensabene Marco , Sergio Maria , Catalano Pieralba , de Grazia Enrico 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesThe use of covering urethroplasty with flaps in hypospadias surgery has been well recommended. Various techniques have been described for flap harvesting. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcome and complication rate of dorsal preputial flaps and ventral dartos flaps.MethodsA total of 130 patients were prospectively evaluated from January 2008 to December 2011. Using the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty procedure, urethroplasty was carried out by a single surgeon. Patients were randomly divided in two groups: group A (57 patients), in which a preputial flap was carried out using three different techniques; and group B (73 patients), in which a single or a double ventral dartos flap was used.ResultsA total of 41 complications occurred in 24 patients. Urethrocutaneous fistulas were observed in 14.9%, quite equally distributed between groups A and B. There was only one urethrocutaneous fistula in a patient treated with the double ventral dartos flaps. Five cases (3.8%) of glans dehiscence were observed: four after single ventral dartos flap and one after dorsal preputial flap. Six patients in group A and seven in group B experienced meatal stenosis. In three cases of iatrogenic torsion of the penis, a dorsal preputial flap was laterally transposed. Finally, a lower complication rate was observed for double ventral dartos flap versus the other techniques.ConclusionsThe use of a double ventral dartos flap should represent the first‐line technique for coverage of distal urethroplasty.
Nursing interventions in inpatient psychiatry
Authors: Frauenfelder F. , Müller‐Staub M. , Needham I. , van Achterberg T. 
Published: February 2013

Accessible summaryThe use of a standardized nursing language enhances nursing quality. The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) considers any treatment by nurses that improve patient outcomes.The present study identifies nursing interventions in journal articles on adult psychiatric inpatient nursing care. These interventions are compared with the NIC entries to elucidate how well this classification covers the realities of nursing in inpatient psychiatric settings.The NIC encompasses most interventions mentioned in the articles. Only a few interventions need to be added to the NIC classification or require a reorganization of the taxonomy.AbstractThe successful application of theNursingInterventionsClassification (NIC) in inpatient psychiatry depends on whether the classification adequately describes nursing care in this setting. The present study aimed to identify nursing interventions mentioned in journal articles on psychiatric inpatient nursing care and to compare these with the labels, definitions and activities described in theNICto elucidate how well the classification covers these interventions. TheMedLine,PsychInfo,Cochrane andCINAHLdatabases were searched for journal articles about nursing care in the adult inpatient setting. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to indentify nursing interventions in the articles. About 84% of the statements (terms and definitions) are encompassed by the interventions listed by theNIC. Very few interventions need to be added to theNICclassification or necessitate a reorganization of the taxonomy. Nevertheless, the further development of theNICwill promote its use in the daily work of psychiatric nurses and enhance the quality of nursing care in the inpatient setting.
Telomeric gene deletion and intrachromosomal amplification in antimony‐resistant Leishmania
Authors: Mukherjee Angana , Boisvert Sébastien , Monte‐Neto Rubens Lima do , Coelho Adriano C. , Raymond Frederic , Mukhopadhyay Rita , Corbeil Jacques , Ouellette Marc 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAntimonials are still the mainstay of treatment against leishmaniasis but drug resistance is increasing. We carried out short read next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) of three independent Leishmania major antimony‐resistant mutants. Copy number variations were consistently detected with both NGS and CGH. A major attribute of antimony resistance was a novel terminal deletion of variable length (67 kb to 204 kb) of the polyploid chromosome 31 in the three mutants. Terminal deletions in two mutants occurred at the level of inverted repeated sequences. The AQP1 gene coding for an aquaglyceroporin was part of the deleted region and its transfection into resistant mutants reverted resistance to SbIII. We also highlighted an intrachromosomal amplification of a subtelomeric locus on chromosome 34 in one mutant. This region encoded for ascorbate‐dependent peroxidase (APX) and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). Overexpression of these genes in revertant backgrounds demonstrated resistance to SbIII and protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Generation of a G6PDH null mutant in one revertant exhibited SbIII sensitivity and a decreased protection of ROS. Our genomic analyses and functional validation highlighted novel genomic rearrangements, functionally important resistant loci and the implication of new genes in antimony resistance in Leishmania.
Biogeography of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with alders (Alnus spp.) in relation to biotic and abiotic variables at the global scale
Authors: Põlme Sergei , Bahram Mohammad , Yamanaka Takashi , Nara Kazuhide , Dai Yu Cheng , Grebenc Tine , Kraigher Hojka , Toivonen Mika , Wang Pi‐Han , Matsuda Yosuke , Naadel Triin , Kennedy Peter G. , Kõljalg Urmas , Tedersoo Leho 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Much of the macroecological information about microorganisms is confounded by the lack of standardized methodology, paucity of metadata and sampling effect of a particular substrate or interacting host taxa.

This study aims to disentangle the relative effects of biological, geographical and edaphic variables on the distribution of Alnus‐associated ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi at the global scale by using comparable sampling and analysis methods.

Ribosomal DNA sequence analysis revealed 146 taxa of ECM fungi from 22 Alnus species across 96 sites worldwide. Use of spatial and phylogenetic eigenvectors along with environmental variables in model selection indicated that phylogenetic relations among host plants and geographical links explained 43 and 10%, respectively,in ECM fungal community composition, whereas soil calcium concentration positively influenced taxonomic richness.

Intrageneric phylogenetic relations among host plants and regional processes largely account for the global biogeographic distribution of Alnus‐associated ECM fungi. The biogeography of ECM fungi is consistent with ancient host migration patterns from Eurasia to North America and from southern Europe to northern Europe after the last glacial maximum, indicating codispersal of hosts and their mycobionts.
Drought predisposes piñon–juniper woodlands to insect attacks and mortality
Authors: Gaylord Monica L. , Kolb Thomas E. , Pockman William T. , Plaut Jennifer A. , Yepez Enrico A. , Macalady Alison K. , Pangle Robert E. , McDowell Nate G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryTo test the hypothesis that drought predisposes trees to insect attacks, we quantified the effects of water availability on insect attacks, tree resistance mechanisms, and mortality of mature piñon pine (Pinus edulis) and one‐seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) using an experimental drought study in New Mexico, USA.The study had four replicated treatments (40 × 40 m plot/replicate): removal of 45% of ambient annual precipitation (H2O−); irrigation to produce 125% of ambient annual precipitation (H2O+); a drought control (C) to quantify the impact of the drought infrastructure; and ambient precipitation (A).Piñon began dying 1 yr after drought initiation, with higher mortality in the H2O− treatment relative to other treatments. Beetles (bark/twig) were present in 92% of dead trees. Resin duct density and area were more strongly affected by treatments and more strongly associated with piñon mortality than direct measurements of resin flow. For juniper, treatments had no effect on insect resistance or attacks, but needle browning was highest in the H2O− treatment.Our results provide strong evidence that ≥ 1 yr of severe drought predisposes piñon to insect attacks and increases mortality, whereas 3 yr of the same drought causes partial canopy loss in juniper.
Conserved transport mechanisms but distinct auxin responses govern shoot patterning in Selaginella kraussiana
Authors: Sanders Heather L. , Langdale Jane A. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

To provide a comparative framework to understand the evolution of auxin regulation in vascular plants, the effect of perturbed auxin homeostasis was examined in the lycophyte Selaginella kraussiana.

Polar auxin transport was measured by tracing tritiated IAA in excised shoots. Shoots were cultured in the presence of auxin efflux inhibitors and exogenous auxin, and developmental abnormalities were documented.

Auxin transport in Selaginella shoots is exclusively basipetal, as in angiosperms. Perturbed auxin transport results in the loss of meristem maintenance and abnormal shoot architecture. Dichotomous root branching in Selaginella appears to be regulated by an antagonistic relationship between auxin and cytokinin.

The results suggest that basipetal polar auxin transport occurred in the common ancestor of lycophytes and euphyllophytes. Although the mechanisms of auxin transport appear to be conserved across all vascular plants, distinct auxin responses govern shoot growth and development in lycophytes and euphyllophytes.
Genetic manipulation of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt in rice: overexpression of truncated glutamate decarboxylase (GAD2) and knockdown of γ‐aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA‐T) lead to sustained and high levels of GABA accumulation in rice kernels
Authors: Shimajiri Yasuka , Oonishi Takayuki , Ozaki Kae , Kainou Kumiko , Akama Kazuhito 
Published: February 2013

SummaryGamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non‐protein amino acid commonly present in all organisms. Because cellular levels of GABA in plants are mainly regulated by synthesis (glutamate decarboxylase, GAD) and catabolism (GABA‐transaminase, GABA‐T), we attempted seed‐specific manipulation of the GABA shunt to achieve stable GABA accumulation in rice. A truncated GAD2 sequence, one of five GAD genes, controlled by the glutelin (GluB‐1) or rice embryo globulin promoters (REG) and GABA‐T‐based trigger sequences in RNA interference (RNAi) cassettes controlled by one of these promoters as well, was introduced into rice (cv. Koshihikari) to establish stable transgenic lines under herbicide selection using pyriminobac. T1 and T2 generations of rice lines displayed high GABA concentrations (2–100 mg/100 g grain). In analyses of two selected lines from the T3 generation, there was a strong correlation between GABA level and the expression of truncated GAD2, whereas the inhibitory effect of GABA‐T expression was relatively weak. In these two lines both with two T‐DNA copies, their starch, amylose, and protein levels were slightly lower than non‐transformed cv. Koshihikari. Free amino acid analysis of mature kernels of these lines demonstrated elevated levels of GABA (75–350 mg/100 g polished rice) and also high levels of several amino acids, such as Ala, Ser, and Val. Because these lines of seeds could sustain their GABA content after harvest (up to 6 months), the strategy in this study could lead to the accumulation GABA and for these to be sustained in the edible parts.
Analysis of metabolic flux using dynamic labelling and metabolic modelling
Authors: FERNIE A. R. , MORGAN J. A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMetabolic fluxes and the capacity to modulate them are a crucial component of the ability of the plant cell to react to environmental perturbations. Our ability to quantify them and to attain information concerning the regulatory mechanisms that control them is therefore essential to understand and influence metabolic networks. For all but the simplest of flux measurements labelling methods have proven to be the most informative. Both steady‐state and dynamic labelling approaches have been adopted in the study of plant metabolism. Here the conceptual basis of these complementary approaches, as well as their historical application in microbial, mammalian and plant sciences, is reviewed, and an update on technical developments in label distribution analyses is provided. This is supported by illustrative cases studies involving the kinetic modelling of secondary metabolism. One issue that is particularly complex in the analysis of plant fluxes is the extensive compartmentation of the plant cell. This problem is discussed from both theoretical and experimental perspectives, and the current approaches used to address it are assessed. Finally, current limitations and future perspectives of kinetic modelling of plant metabolism are discussed.
The Arabidopsis tandem CCCH zinc finger proteins AtTZF4, 5 and 6 are involved in light‐, abscisic acid‐ and gibberellic acid‐mediated regulation of seed germination
Authors: BOGAMUWA SRIMATHI , JANG JYAN‐CHYUN 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTandem CCCH zinc finger proteins (TZFs) are post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression in animals and yeast. Genetic studies indicate that plant TZFs are involved in hormone‐mediated developmental and environmental responses. We have demonstrated previously that Arabidopsis AtTZF1 can localize to processing bodies (PBs) and stress granules (SGs), and affects abscisic acid (ABA)‐ and gibberellic acid (GA)‐mediated growth, stress and gene expression responses. Here we show that AtTZF4, 5 and 6 are specifically expressed in seeds. Consistent with the observation that their expression levels decline during seed imbibition, AtTZF4, 5 and 6 are up‐regulated by ABA and down‐regulated by GA. Mutant analyses indicate that AtTZF4, 5 and 6 act as positive regulators for ABA‐ and negative regulators for light‐ and GA‐mediated seed germination responses. Results of gene expression analysis indicate that AtTZF4, 5 and 6 affect seed germination by controlling genes critical for ABA and GA response. Furthermore, AtTZF4, 5 and 6 can co‐localize with both PB and SG markers in Arabidopsis cells. Specifically, AtTZF6 can be assembled into PBs and SGs in embryos with the induction of stress hormone methyl jasmonate under the control of native AtTZF6 promoter.