bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence that an evolutionary transition from dehiscent to indehiscent fruits in Lepidium (Brassicaceae) was caused by a change in the control of valve margin identity genes
Authors: Mühlhausen Andreas , Lenser Teresa , Mummenhoff Klaus , Theißen Günter 
Published: November 2012

SummaryIn the Brassicaceae, indehiscent fruits evolved from dehiscent fruits several times independently. Here we use closely related wild species of the genus Lepidium as a model system to analyse the underlying developmental genetic mechanisms in a candidate gene approach. ALCATRAZ (ALC), INDEHISCENT (IND), SHATTERPROOF1 (SHP1) and SHATTERPROOF2 (SHP2) are known fruit developmental genes of Arabidopsis thaliana that are expressed in the fruit valve margin governing dehiscence zone formation. Comparative expression analysis by quantitative RT‐PCR, Northern blot and in situ hybridization show that their orthologues from Lepidium campestre (dehiscent fruits) are similarly expressed at valve margins. In sharp contrast, expression of the respective orthologues is abolished in the corresponding tissue of indehiscent Lepidium appelianum fruits, indicating that changes in the genetic pathway identified in A. thaliana caused the transition from dehiscent to indehiscent fruits in the investigated species. As parallel mutations in different genes are quite unlikely, we conclude that the changes in gene expression patterns are probably caused by changes in upstream regulators of ALC, IND and SHP1/2, possible candidates from A. thaliana being FRUITFULL (FUL), REPLUMLESS (RPL) and APETALA2 (AP2). However, neither expression analyses nor functional tests in transgenic plants provided any evidence that the FUL or RPL orthologues of Lepidium were involved in evolution of fruit indehiscence in Lepidium. In contrast, stronger expression of AP2 in indehiscent compared to dehiscent fruits identifies AP2 as a candidate gene that deserves further investigation.
Seasonal periodicity of plankton and benthic fauna community structure and diversity in a small North African reservoir
Authors: Iskaros Isaac A. , El‐Otify Ahmed M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAquatic biota in terms of phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthic fauna were qualitatively and quantitatively followed seasonally during 2007 in a North African small reservoir, Aswan Reservoir. Simultaneously, seasonal variations in water quality were investigated in order to determine how far the aquatic biota could be altered by physicochemical and biotic factors. In phytoplankton of the investigated reservoir, 75 species belonging to four systematic groups were recorded, comprising 11 Cyanoprokaryota, 24 Bacillariophyceae, 2 Dinophyceae and 38 Chlorophyceae. Most numerous zooplankton were Rotifera (23 species). Cladocera and Copepoda were less numerous, with only seven and three species, respectively. Early development stages of copepods, nauplii and copepodites were sometimes recorded in considerable numbers. Twenty‐two invertebrate species related to five animal groups were exclusively benthic fauna: three Oligochaeta, nine Mollusca, seven larvae of Chironomidae, one Platyhelminthes, one Hirudinea and one Decapoda. Generally, the estimated values of phytoplankton species richness were relatively higher than those of zooplankton or benthic fauna. In particular, phytoplankton was influenced by physicochemical factors – water transparency, salinity and soluble reactive silica contents – as well as biotic factors – zooplankton and benthic fauna. Levels of pH value, Mg+2, NO3‐N and chlorophyll‐a contents appeared to be the most influential parameters dictating the pattern of seasonal periodicity of benthic fauna. Numerically, the phytoplankton was somewhat more abundant in winter and autumn than in spring or summer. The peak of zooplankton population densities was observed in spring season. Benthic fauna tended to be abundant in summer and autumn seasons, showing a reverse seasonal trend from that of zooplankton. Cyanoprokaryota and Bacillariophyceae were the most important groups that determined the seasonal fluctuation pattern of phytoplankton. Rotifera and Copepoda were the most predominant groups influencing the seasonal periodicity of zooplankton. Oligochaeta and Mollusca alternated the dominancy of benthic fauna community in Aswan Reservoir.
The complex colonization history of nocturnal geckos (Paroedura) in the Comoros Archipelago
Authors: Hawlitschek Oliver , Glaw Frank 
Published: November 2012

Hawlitschek, O. & Glaw, F. (2012). The complex colonization history of nocturnal geckos (Paroedura) in the Comoros Archipelago. —Zoologica Scripta, 00, 000–000.Oceanic islands have attracted special attention from evolutionary biologists because their mostly species‐poor, but highly endemic biota are exposed to selection regimes different to those of their mainland relatives. While many groups of oceanic islands worldwide have been used as natural laboratories of evolutionary biology, few such studies have been performed on the Comoros Archipelago in the Western Indian Ocean. We study Paroedura sanctijohannis Günther 1879, a nocturnal gecko endemic to this archipelago as only species of an otherwise Malagasy endemic genus. According to our phylogeny, P. sanctijohannis is not monophyletic, the population of the geologically oldest island Mayotte is clustering with related Malagasy species. We describe this population as Paroedura stellata sp.n. and provide morphological evidence distinguishing it from other Paroedura species. A molecular clock analysis shows that genetic divergence within P. sanctijohannis of the youngest island Grand Comoro is higher than expected based on its geological age. Additionally, this population is paraphyletic with respect to the population of the older island Anjouan, suggesting that the latter island was colonized long after its initial emergence, possibly after extinction of an original Paroedura population. Furthermore, we find that P. stellata sp.n. and P. sanctijohannis are more similar to each other than to other Paroedura species regarding adult coloration and juvenile coloration. Because these two species are not each other’s closest relatives, we discuss possible explanations for this pattern and suggest that it represents convergent adaptation to a relaxed insular selection regime.
Information transfer to out-of-hours co-operatives: a survey of general practitioners’ views in relation to palliative patients
Authors: Kiely Fiona , Murphy Marie , O'Brien Tony 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundIn Ireland, weekend and night medical cover for community based patients is largely provided by general practice co-operatives. Doctors working in this service do not have direct access to patients’ medical records which challenges continuity of care.ObjectivesThis study investigates the opinion of general practitioners (GPs) on the potential value of a formalised method of information transfer regarding their palliative patients to out-of-hours GP co-operatives. The survey was designed to identify the information that is necessary to offer appropriate anticipated end-of-life care.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to all 414 GPs registered in the Irish Medical Directory in the southwest of Ireland. Data were analysed with Microsoft Excel and SPSS V.12.0.Results52% response rate with exclusion of incomplete questionnaires allowed analysis of 212 data sets. Currently, 82% of GPs do not routinely transfer information pertaining to end-of-life issues to the out-of-hours service. Despite this, 96% would value a standardised way of transferring information. 67% felt they sometimes refer unnecessarily to hospital emergency departments due to lack of information. The most important items of information identified by study participants are as follows:▸ Diagnosis (97%)▸ Medications (94%)▸ Patient insight (91%)▸ Patient wishes regarding end-of-life care (90%)▸ Anticipated problems and suggested management(90%).ConclusionsA structured format for information transfer regarding end-of-life care is deemed important by GPs when working on-call at night and weekends. Diagnosis, patient preference and management plans are valued.
Brentuximab Vedotin
Authors: Deng Changchun , Pan Beiqing , O'Connor Owen A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35), an intravenously administered CD30-specific antibody–drug conjugate, has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for two indications, including (i) patients with Hodgkin lymphoma relapsing after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT), or after two multidrug regimens in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who are not candidates for ASCT; and (ii) patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) who failed at least one prior multidrug chemotherapy regimen. Patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and ALCL treated with brentuximab vedotin showed markedly high response rates for a single agent, exceeding 70% and 80% for Hodgkin lymphoma and ALCL, respectively. The complete response rate was equally as impressive, at 34% and 57% for Hodgkin lymphoma and ALCL, respectively. Results like these and from many other upcoming clinical trials, in which brentuximab vedotin is being investigated in the frontline setting, promise to profoundly change how we manage the CD30-positive lymphoproliferative malignancies. The mechanism of action, preclinical antitumor activity, and clinical activity of brentuximab vedotin against Hodgkin lymphoma, ALCL, and other CD30-expressing lymphomas are reviewed. Clin Cancer Res; 19(1); 22–27. ©2012 AACR.
Enhanced cortisol suppression following administration of low-dose dexamethasone in first-episode psychosis patients
Authors: Phassouliotis Christina , Garner Belinda A , Phillips Lisa J , Bendall Sarah , Yun Yang , Markulev Connie , Kerr Melissa , McGorry Patrick D 
Published: November 2012

Objective: Impaired regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and hyper-activity of this system have been described in patients with psychosis. Conversely, some psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are characterised by HPA hypo-activity, which could be related to prior exposure to trauma. This study examined the cortisol response to the administration of low-dose dexamethasone in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and its relationship to childhood trauma. Method: The low-dose (0.25 mg) Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) was performed in 21 neuroleptic-naïve or minimally treated FEP patients and 20 healthy control participants. Childhood traumatic events were assessed in all participants using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and psychiatric symptoms were assessed in patients using standard rating scales. Results: FEP patients reported significantly higher rates of childhood trauma compared to controls ( p = 0.001) and exhibited lower basal (a.m.) cortisol ( p = 0.04) and an increased rate of cortisol hyper-suppression following dexamethasone administration compared to controls (33% (7/21) vs 5% (1/20), respectively; p = 0.04). There were no significant group differences in mean cortisol decline or percent cortisol suppression following the 0.25 mg DST. This study shows for the first time that a subset of patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis display enhanced cortisol suppression. Conclusions: These findings suggest there may be distinct profiles of HPA axis dysfunction in psychosis which should be further explored.
Effect of nanoclay on the decay resistance and physicomechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced plastic composites against white-rot fungi (Trametes versicolor)
Authors: Kord Behzad , Jari Ehsan , Najafi Abdollah , Tazakorrezaie Vahid 
Published: November 2012

In this research, we have investigated the effects of addition of different percentages of nanoclay on the decay resistance and physicomechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced plastic composites against white-rot fungi ( Trametes versicolor). To meet this objective, the beech wood flour was mixed with polypropylene (PP) at 50% by weight fiber loading. The samples were prepared by melt compounding and injection molding. The concentration varied as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 per hundred compounds (phc) for nanoclay. The amount of maleic anhydride-grafted PP (PP- g-MA) as a coupling agent was fixed at 2 phc for all formulations. Physical and mechanical properties of all the specimens were determined prior to and after incubation with the fungus for 8 weeks at 25°C and 75% relative humidity. Weight losses of the specimens were also determined after incubation. The results indicated that the flexural strength and modulus increased with an increase in nanoclay up to 3 phc and then decreased. However, the impact strength and water absorption were decreased with an increase in nanoclay loading. Furthermore, the lowest weight loss and the highest hardness were observed in the composite containing 5 phc nanoclay. The morphological findings showed that the samples containing 3 phc of nanoclay had higher order of intercalation and better dispersion.
Influence of coadministration of artemether and lumefantrine on selected plasma biochemical and erythrocyte oxidative stress indices in female Wistar rats
Authors: Abolaji A. O. , Eteng M. U. , Omonua O. , Adenrele Y. 
Published: November 2012

Among the artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regimens, artemisinin derivative, artemether in combination with lumefantrine (artemether–lumefantrine, AL) has achieved excellent results in the fight against malarial scourge. In this study, we evaluated the toxic potential of these drugs at the therapeutic doses in female Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: those administered 1% Tween 80 (control), those administered artemether (4 mg/kg body weight), those administered lumefantrine (24 mg/kg body weight), and those coadministered artemether (4 mg/kg body weight) and lumefantrine (24 mg/kg body weight). The drugs were orally administered twice daily for 3 days by gastric intubation after which selected plasma biochemical indices, and erythrocytes antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation markers were evaluated. Coadministration of artemether and lumefantrine raised liver and renal function markers and increased atherogenic index. While reduced glutathione, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and catalase activities were reduced, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase activities increased in all the treated groups compared to the control group. The drugs caused significant ( p < 0.05) elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the control group. These results imply that coadministration of artemether and lumefantrine may increase the risks of atherosclerosis as well as liver and renal function impairments in the users. In addition, the drugs may also promote oxidative stress in the erythrocytes.
Polychlorinated biphenyls impair blood–brain barrier integrity via disruption of tight junction proteins in cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus of female Wistar rats
Authors: Selvakumar K. , Prabha R. Lakshmi , Saranya K. , Bavithra S. , Krishnamoorthy G. , Arunakaran J. 
Published: November 2012

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) comprise a ubiquitous class of toxic substances associated with carcinogenic and tumor-promoting effects as well as neurotoxic properties. Reactive oxygen species, which is produced from PCBs, alters blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, which is paralleled by cytoskeletal rearrangements and redistribution and disappearance of tight junction proteins (TJPs) like claudin-5 and occludin. Quercetin, a potent antioxidant present in onion and other vegetables, appears to protect brain cells against oxidative stress, a tissue-damaging process associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of quercetin on oxidative stress markers and transcription of transmembrane and cytoplasmic accessory TJPs on cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus of female rats exposed to PCBs. Rats were divided into the following four groups. Group I: received only vehicle (corn oil) intraperitoneally (i.p.); group II: received Aroclor 1254 at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight (bwt)/day (i.p); group III: received Aroclor 1254 (i.p.) and simultaneously quercetin 50 mg/kg bwt/day through gavage and group IV: received quercetin alone gavage. From the experiment, the levels of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were observed to increase significantly in cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus as 50%, 25% and 20%, respectively, after exposure to PCB, and the messenger RNA expression of TJP in rats exposed to PCBs is decreased and is retrieved to the normal level simultaneously in quercetin-treated rats. Hence, quercetin can be used as a preventive medicine to PCBs exposure and prevents neurodegenerative disorders.
Minority language and the stability of bilingual equilibria
Authors: Iriberri Nagore , Uriarte José-Ramón 
Published: November 2012

We investigate a society with two official languages: A, shared by all individuals, and B, spoken by a bilingual minority. A model is developed in which the bilingual agents must make strategic decisions about the language to be used in a conversation. The decisions are taken under imperfect information about the linguistic type of the participants. We show that the bilingual population is optimally partitioned into two groups, one composed of agents who strategically hide their bilingual nature and the other composed of those who reveal it. As a consequence, in the interactions between members of the former group the language used is A, having therefore coordination failures on the minority language. We show that this mixed strategy Nash equilibrium has strong stability properties: it is evolutionarily stable and, dynamically, asymptotically stable for the one-population replicator dynamics. These properties might explain the difficulties encountered by language policies directed at promoting the use of minority languages. JEL Classification Numbers: C72, D81.
A 12-week nursing support programme for carers of children and adolescents in the UK with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder prescribed atomoxetine
Authors: Savill Nicola , Pelton Jeremy , Lenox-Smith Alan , Bushe Chris J. 
Published: November 2012

Introduction: Patient support programmes are assuming greater importance in the UK in many therapeutic areas, mostly with the aim of improving adherence to medication and many being provided by the pharmaceutical industry. Atomoxetine is a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that has recently demonstrated incremental efficacy for at least 12 weeks. Issues of adherence may be predicted over this initial period particularly if adverse events are reported. The Strattera Support Service was initiated in 2006 ( funded by Eli Lilly) to provide advice, initially through telephone contact, by trained nurses during the first 12 weeks of atomoxetine therapy and is offered to carers of patients diagnosed with ADHD after atomoxetine has been prescribed. The aim of this pilot service evaluation is to assess discontinuation rates and compare them with historical control data. Methods: Data from patients in the service who initiated atomoxetine between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2010 were analysed to provide a pilot service evaluation. Continuation rates of patients in the service who were taking atomoxetine at week 12 were assessed and compared with historical control data. Results: Between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2010, 346 patients (300 male patients) enrolled in the programme and commenced treatment with atomoxetine. The mean age of patients was 10.5 years. At 12 weeks, 33 (9.5%) patients had discontinued treatment; continuation rates were similar regardless of age and sex. Discontinuation rates of 39% are reported from historical control data. Conclusions: Preliminary data from a 12-week atomoxetine patient support programme are supportive that discontinuation rates may be lower than historically expected. Further service evaluations of this programme may be required.
Repair of tracheal epithelium by basal cells after chlorine-induced injury
Authors: Musah Sadiatu , Chen Jing , Hoyle Gary W 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Chlorine is a widely used toxic compound that is considered a chemical threat agent. Chlorine inhalation injures airway epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary abnormalities. Efficient repair of injured epithelium is necessary to restore normal lung structure and function. The objective of the current study was to characterize repair of the tracheal epithelium after acute chlorine injury.

Methods
C57BL/6 mice were exposed to chlorine and injected with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) to label proliferating cells prior to sacrifice and collection of tracheas on days 2, 4, 7, and 10 after exposure. Airway repair and restoration of a differentiated epithelium were examined by co-localization of EdU labeling with markers for the three major tracheal epithelial cell types [keratin 5 (K5) and keratin 14 (K14) for basal cells, Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) for Clara cells, and acetylated tubulin (AcTub) for ciliated cells]. Morphometric analysis was used to measure proliferation and restoration of a pseudostratified epithelium.

Results
Epithelial repair was fastest and most extensive in proximal trachea compared with middle and distal trachea. In unexposed mice, cell proliferation was minimal, all basal cells expressed K5, and K14-expressing basal cells were absent from most sections. Chlorine exposure resulted in the sloughing of Clara and ciliated cells from the tracheal epithelium. Two to four days after chlorine exposure, cell proliferation occurred in K5- and K14-expressing basal cells, and the number of K14 cells was dramatically increased. In the period of peak cell proliferation, few if any ciliated or Clara cells were detected in repairing trachea. Expression of ciliated and Clara cell markers was detected at later times (days 7–10), but cell proliferation was not detected in areas in which these differentiated markers were re-expressed. Fibrotic lesions were observed at days 7–10 primarily in distal trachea.

Conclusion
The data are consistent with a model where surviving basal cells function as progenitor cells to repopulate the tracheal epithelium after chlorine injury. In areas with few remaining basal cells, repair is inefficient, leading to airway fibrosis. These studies establish a model for understanding regenerative processes in the respiratory epithelium useful for testing therapies for airway injury.