bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in skinfold thickness and body composition among children and adolescents in Shandong, China from 1995 to 2010
Authors: Zhang Y.‐X. , Wang S.‐R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is strong evidence of a upward secular trend in skinfold thickness (SFT) and the prevalence of obesity has increased substantially over recent decades in developed countries. However, no studies on this trend have been reported in Shandong Province, China. The present study aimed to assess the decennial change in SFT and body composition among children and adolescents in Shandong Province during the past 15 years (1995–2010).MethodsData were obtained from two national surveys on student's constitution and health carried out by the government in 1995 and 2010 in Shandong Province, China. A total of 14 780 (7198 in 1995 and 7582 in 2010) students aged 7–18 years participated in the present study. Weight and SFT of all subjects were measured. Percentage body fat (%FM) was estimated by SFT, and fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) were calculated from: FM (kg) = %FM × weight (kg)/100; FFM (kg) = weight (kg)−FM(kg). The range of differences of weight, SFT, FM and FFM over the different age groups between the 1995 and 2010 samples were calculated.ResultsIn the past 15 years, mean values of SFT have increased. The mean (range) increments of SFT were 6.28 (2.91–11.22) mm for boys and 3.29 (2.22–4.29) mm for girls, demonstrating a mean increase of 32% for boys and 14% for girls. The mean (range) increments of weight, FM and FFM were 7.26 (4.41–10.82) kg, 3.70 (1.47–6.58) kg and 3.56 (1.24–5.27) kg, at rates of 18%, 47% and 10% for boys, respectively, and 4.14 (2.78–5.64) kg, 1.68 (1.02–2.27) kg and 2.46 (1.52–3.49) kg, at rates of 11%, 20% and 8% for girls, respectively.ConclusionsThe mean values of SFT, FM and FFM have increased over time. Rates of increase were greater for FM than FFM.
Arabidopsis AtADF1 is Functionally Affected by Mutations on Actin Binding Sites
Authors: Dong Chun‐Hai , Tang Wei‐Ping , Liu Jia‐Yao 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe plant actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) binds to both monomeric and filamentous actin, and is directly involved in the depolymerization of actin filaments. To better understand the actin binding sites of the Arabidopsis thaliana L. AtADF1, we generated mutants of AtADF1 and investigated their functions in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of mutants harboring amino acid substitutions revealed that charged residues (Arg98 and Lys100) located at the α‐helix 3 and forming an actin binding site together with the N‐terminus are essential for both G‐ and F‐actin binding. The basic residues on the β‐strand 5 (K82/A) and the α‐helix 4 (R135/A, R137/A) form another actin binding site that is important for F‐actin binding. Using transient expression of CFP‐tagged AtADF1 mutant proteins in onion (Allium cepa) peel epidermal cells and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana L. plants overexpressing these mutants, we analyzed how these mutant proteins regulate actin organization and affect seedling growth. Our results show that the ADF mutants with a lower affinity for actin filament binding can still be functional, unless the affinity for actin monomers is also affected. The G‐actin binding activity of the ADF plays an essential role in actin binding, depolymerization of actin polymers, and therefore in the control of actin organization.
The influence of occlusion on masticatory performance and satisfaction in complete denture wearers
Authors: Deniz D. A. , Kulak Ozkan Y. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryComplete dentures should satisfy patients' needs for comfort, function and aesthetics. Thirty edentulous patients were enrolled in this study. Two sets of complete dentures were made for each patient: one with bilaterally balanced occlusion and the other with lingualised occlusion. The patients used each type of denture for 6 months. A single‐blind study design was used in which the patients were not aware of the exchange of dentures. In each 3‐month period, electromyographic measurements of the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles were performed. At the end of 6 months, patient satisfaction was evaluated. The second measurement of lingualised occlusion showed the greatest muscle activity, while chewing gum in both the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles (174·5 and 208·19 μV, respectively). The greatest maximum voluntary contraction was also found for the second measurement of lingualised occlusion for both the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles (142·91 and 187·55 μV, respectively). The mean chewing time decreased with lingualised occlusion. The percent distribution of the patients' ratings of their complete dentures and patient satisfaction with lingualised occlusion were higher than those for bilaterally balanced occlusion. Complete dentures with lingualised occlusion increased masticatory performance, maximum voluntary contraction and patient satisfaction and decreased chewing time.
Patterns and controls of the dynamics of net primary production by understory macroalgal assemblages in giant kelp forests
Authors: Harrer Shannon L. , Reed Daniel C. , Holbrook Sally J. , Miller Robert J. 
Published: November 2012

Macroalgae are important primary producers in many subtidal habitats, yet little information exists on the temporal and spatial dynamics of net primary production (NPP) by entire subtidal assemblages. This knowledge gap reflects the logistical challenges in measuring NPP of diverse macroalgal assemblages in shallow marine habitats. Here, we couple a simple primary production model with nondestructive estimates of taxon‐specific biomass on subtidal reefs off Santa Barbara, California to produce a 4‐year time series of net primary production by intact assemblages of understory macroalgae in giant kelp forests off Santa Barbara, California, USA. Daily bottom irradiance varied significantly throughout the year, and algal assemblages were on average exposed to saturating irradiance for only 1.3–4.5 h per day, depending on the time of year. Despite these variable light‐limiting conditions, biomass rather than irradiance explained the vast majority of variation observed in daily NPP at all times of the year. Measurements of peak biomass in spring and summer proved to be good predictors of NPP for the entire year, explaining as much as 76% of the observed variation. In contrast, bottom irradiance was a poor predictor of NPP, explaining <10% of the variation in NPP when analyzed seasonally and ~2% when evaluated annually. Our finding that annual NPP by macroalgal assemblages can be predicted from a single, nondestructive measurement of biomass should prove useful for developing time series data that are necessary to evaluate natural and anthropogenic changes in NPP by one of the world's most productive ecosystems.
Identification of a Marine Cyanophage in a Protist Single‐cell Metagenome Assembly
Authors: Bhattacharya Debashish , Price Dana C. , Bicep Cedric , Bapteste Eric , Sarwade Mihir , Rajah Veeran D. , Yoon Hwan Su 
Published: November 2012

Analysis of microbial biodiversity is hampered by a lack of reference genomes from most bacteria, viruses, and algae. This necessitates either the cultivation of a restricted number of species for standard sequencing projects or the analysis of highly complex environmental DNA metagenome data. Single‐cell genomics (SCG) offers a solution to this problem by constraining the studied DNA sample to an individual cell and its associated symbionts, prey, and pathogens. We used SCG to study marine heterotrophic amoebae related to Paulinella ovalis (A. Wulff) P.W. Johnson, P.E. Hargraves & J.M. Sieburth (Rhizaria). The genus Paulinella is best known for its photosynthetic members such as P. chromatophora Lauterborn that is the only case of plastid primary endosymbiosis known outside of algae and plants. Here, we studied the phagotrophic sister taxa of P. chromatophora that are related to P. ovalis and found one SCG assembly to contain α‐cyanobacterial DNA. These cyanobacterial contigs are presumably derived from prey. We also uncovered an associated cyanophage lineage (provisionally named phage PoL_MC2). Phylogenomic analysis of the fragmented genome assembly suggested a minimum genome size of 200 Kbp for phage PoL_MC2 that encodes 179 proteins and is most closely related to Synechococcus phage S‐SM2. For this phage, gene network analysis demonstrates a highly modular genome structure typical of other cyanophages. Our work demonstrates that SCG is a powerful approach for discovering algal and protist biodiversity and for elucidating biotic interactions in natural samples.
PI3K andMAPKs Regulate Neutrophil Migration Toward the Airways in Heaves
Authors: Bullone M. , Moran K. , Lavoie‐Lamoureux A. , Lavoie J.P. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundNeutrophils accumulate in the airways of horses with heaves. They likely play an important role in the disease pathogenesis. Understanding the pathways regulating their migration may help identifying new therapeutic targets.HypothesisMAPKandPI3K pathways are involved in neutrophil migration toward the airway lumen in heaves.AnimalsTwelve heaves‐affected horses and 4 healthy horses.MethodsMigratory activity of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) from horses with heaves and healthy horses was compared by means of a Boyden chamber. Involvement ofMAPKandPI3K pathways in neutrophil migration was investigated by pretreating neutrophils with inhibitors of p38MAPK,JNK,MEK1/2, andPI3K. The capacity of a p38MAPKinhibitor at decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis toward the airways was also evaluated in vivo.ResultsBALFfrom symptomatic heaves‐affected horses induced a greater degree of chemokinesis (P = .0004) thanBALFfrom healthy horses. Although all pathways tested were involved in neutrophil migration, inhibition ofPI3K was most potent in vitro. An inhibitor of p38MAPKadministered before challenge in horses with heaves did not alterBALFchemokinetic properties.BALFneutrophil percentage andBALFmigratory activity were positively correlated after 14 and 35 days of antigen challenge in healthy (P = .05; R2 = 0.82) and heaves‐affected horses (P = .03; R2 = 0.76), respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMAPKandPI3K pathways regulate neutrophil migration induced byBALFof horses with heaves. Inhibition of multiple pathways might be required to completely abolishBALF‐induced neutrophil migratory activity and possibly inflammation in heaves.
Use of an Implanted Sacral Nerve Stimulator to Restore Urine Voiding in Chronically Paraplegic Dogs
Authors: Granger N. , Chew D. , Fairhurst P. , Fawcett J.W. , Lacour S.P. , Craggs M. , Mosse C.A. , Donaldson N. , Jeffery N.D. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundLoss of urinary control after spinal cord injury increases risk of urinary tract disease and is problematical for owners of affected dogs.ObjectivesTo design, implant, and test a sacral nerve stimulating device for controlling urine voiding in paraplegic dogs.AnimalsNine pet dogs with severe thoracolumbar spinal cord injury causing paraplegia, loss of hindquarter sensation, and incontinence for more than 3 months. The procedure was offered prospectively to owners of suitable candidates after the irreversibility of the incontinence had been ascertained.MethodsOpen label clinical study. Surgically implantable electrode “books” were designed for insertion and retention of mixed sacral nerves. Sacral nerves were accessed via laminectomy and stimulated to test their ability to elicit detrusor contraction and then inserted into the electrode book, which was attached to a subcutaneously implanted, externally activated receiver.ResultsIn 8/9 dogs, S2 nerves elicited the largest increases in intravesicular pressure with minimum stimulation and were placed in electrode books. Voiding efficiency was >90% in 8 of the 9 implanted dogs. No important detrimental effects of the procedure were observed.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis sacral nerve stimulating implant is a simple and apparently effective neuroprosthetic device that restores urine voiding in paraplegic dogs.
Three‐Dimensional Kinematic Gait Analysis of Doberman Pinschers with and without Cervical Spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Foss K. , da Costa R.C. , Moore S. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundThe optimal treatment of cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is controversial, with the owner's and clinician's perception of gait improvement often being used as outcome measures. These methods are subjective and suffer from observer bias.ObjectivesTo establish kinematic gait parameters utilizing digital motion capture in normal Doberman Pinschers and compare them with CSM‐affected Dobermans.AnimalsNineteen Doberman Pinschers; 10 clinically normal and 9 with CSM.MethodsAll dogs were enrolled prospectively and fitted with a Lycra® body suit, and motion capture was performed and used to reconstruct a 3‐D stick diagram representation of each dog based on 32 reflective markers, from which several parameters were measured. These included stride duration, length, and height; maximal and minimal spinal angles; elbow and stifle flexion and extension; and maximum and minimum distances between the thoracic and pelvic limbs. A random‐effects linear regression model was used to compare parameters between groups.ResultsSignificant differences between groups included smaller minimum (mean = 116 mm; P = .024) and maximum (mean = 184 mm; P = .001) distance between the thoracic limbs in CSM‐affected dogs. Additionally, thoracic limb stride duration was also smaller (P = .009) in CSM‐affected dogs (mean = 0.7 seconds) when compared with normal dogs (mean = 0.8 seconds). In the pelvic limbs, the average stifle flexion (mean = 100°; P = .048) and extension (mean = 136°; P = .009), as well as number of strides (mean = 2.7 strides; P = .033) were different between groups.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOur findings suggest that computerized gait analysis reveals more consistent kinematic differences in the thoracic limbs, which can be used as future objective outcome measures.
Toxoplasma gondii infection enhances testicular steroidogenesis in rats
Authors: Lim Audrey , Kumar Vineet , Hari Dass Shantala A. , Vyas Ajai 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii enhances the sexual attractiveness of infected male rats and attenuates the innate fear of cat odour in infected individuals. These behavioural changes plausibly lead to greater transmission of parasites through sexual and trophic routes, respectively. Testosterone, a testicular steroid, is known to reduce fear and enhance sexual attractiveness in males. Here, we show that Toxoplasma gondii infection enhances expression of genes involved in facilitating synthesis of testosterone, resulting in greater testicular testosterone production in male rats. In several species, testosterone mediates trade‐offs between sexually selected traits and life history decisions. Augmentation of testosterone synthesis by Toxoplasma gondii suggests that parasites may manipulate these trade‐offs in rats.
Brassinosteroid production and signaling differentially control cell division and expansion in the leaf
Authors: Zhiponova Miroslava K. , Vanhoutte Isabelle , Boudolf Véronique , Betti Camilla , Dhondt Stijn , Coppens Frederik , Mylle Evelien , Maes Sara , González‐García Mary‐Paz , Caño‐Delgado Ana I. , Inzé Dirk , Beemster Gerrit T. S. , De Veylder Lieven , Russinova Eugenia 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Brassinosteroid (BR) hormones control plant growth through acting on both cell expansion and division. Here, we examined the role of BRs in leaf growth using the Arabidopsis BR‐deficient mutant constitutive photomorphogenesis and dwarfism (cpd).

We show that the reduced size of cpd leaf blades is a result of a decrease in cell size and number, as well as in venation length and complexity. Kinematic growth analysis and tissue‐specific marker gene expression revealed that the leaf phenotype of cpd is associated with a prolonged cell division phase and delayed differentiation.

cpd‐leaf‐rescue experiments and leaf growth analysis of BR biosynthesis and signaling gain‐of‐function mutants showed that BR production and BR receptor‐dependent signaling differentially control the balance between cell division and expansion in the leaf.

Investigation of cell cycle markers in leaves of cpd revealed the accumulation of mitotic proteins independent of transcription. This correlated with an increase in cyclin‐dependent kinase activity, suggesting a role for BRs in control of mitosis.
Metabolic engineering of plant oils and waxes for use as industrial feedstocks
Authors: Vanhercke Thomas , Wood Craig C. , Stymne Sten , Singh Surinder P. , Green Allan G. 
Published: November 2012

SummarySociety has come to rely heavily on mineral oil for both energy and petrochemical needs. Plant lipids are uniquely suited to serve as a renewable source of high‐value fatty acids for use as chemical feedstocks and as a substitute for current petrochemicals. Despite the broad variety of acyl structures encountered in nature and the cloning of many genes involved in their biosynthesis, attempts at engineering economic levels of specialty industrial fatty acids in major oilseed crops have so far met with only limited success. Much of the progress has been hampered by an incomplete knowledge of the fatty acid biosynthesis and accumulation pathways. This review covers new insights based on metabolic flux and reverse engineering studies that have changed our view of plant oil synthesis from a mostly linear process to instead an intricate network with acyl fluxes differing between plant species. These insights are leading to new strategies for high‐level production of industrial fatty acids and waxes. Furthermore, progress in increasing the levels of oil and wax structures in storage and vegetative tissues has the potential to yield novel lipid production platforms. The challenge and opportunity for the next decade will be to marry these technologies when engineering current and new crops for the sustainable production of oil and wax feedstocks.
Modulation of Glycolysis and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway Influences Porcine Oocyte In Vitro Maturation
Authors: Alvarez GM , Ferretti EL , Gutnisky C , Dalvit GC , Cetica PD 
Published: November 2012

ContentsGlycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activities were modulated in porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation (IVM) by the addition of inhibitors or stimulators of key enzymes of the pathways to elucidate their relative participation in oocyte maturation. The activities of glycolysis and PPP were evaluated by lactate production per COC and by the brilliant cresyl blue test, respectively. Glucose uptake per COC and the oocyte maturation rate were also evaluated. Lactate production, glucose uptake and the percentage of oocytes reaching metaphase II decreased in a dose‐dependent manner in the presence of the pharmacological (NaF) or the physiological (ATP) inhibitors of glycolysis (p < 0.05). The addition of the physiological stimulator of glycolysis (AMP) caused no effect on lactate production, glucose uptake or the meiotic maturation rate. The pharmacological (6‐AN) and the physiological (NADPH) inhibitors of PPP induced a dose‐dependent decrease in the percentage of oocytes with high PPP activity and in the nuclear maturation rate (p < 0.05). The physiological stimulator of PPP (NADP) caused no effect on the percentage of oocytes with high PPP activity. The glycolytic and PPP activities of porcine COCs and maturational competence of oocytes seem to be closely related events. This study shows for the first time the regulatory effect of ATP and NADPH as physiological inhibitors of glycolysis and PPP in porcine COCs, respectively. Besides, these pathways seem to reach their maximum activities in porcine COCs during IVM because no further increases were achieved by the presence of AMP or NADP.
Matriptase, HAT, and TMPRSS2 Activate the Hemagglutinin of H9N2 Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Baron Joanna , Tarnow Carolin , Mayoli-Nüssle Deborah , Schilling Eva , Meyer Daniela , Hammami Maya , Schwalm Folker , Steinmetzer Torsten , Guan Yi , Garten Wolfgang , Klenk Hans-Dieter , Böttcher-Friebertshäuser Eva 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT
Influenza A viruses of the subtype H9N2 circulate worldwide and have become highly prevalent in poultry in many countries. Moreover, they are occasionally transmitted to humans, raising concern about their pandemic potential. Influenza virus infectivity requires cleavage of the surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) at a distinct cleavage site by host cell proteases. H9N2 viruses vary remarkably in the amino acid sequence at the cleavage site, and many isolates from Asia and the Middle East possess the multibasic motifs R-S-S-R and R-S-R-R, but are not activated by furin. Here, we investigated proteolytic activation of the early H9N2 isolate A/turkey/Wisconsin/1/66 (H9-Wisc) and two recent Asian isolates, A/quail/Shantou/782/00 (H9-782) and A/quail/Shantou/2061/00 (H9-2061), containing mono-, di-, and tribasic HA cleavage sites, respectively. All H9N2 isolates were activated by human proteases TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease, serine S1 member 2) and HAT (human airway trypsin-like protease). Interestingly, H9-782 and H9-2061 were also activated by matriptase, a protease widely expressed in most epithelia with high expression levels in the kidney. Nephrotropism of H9N2 viruses has been observed in chickens, and here we found that H9-782 and H9-2061 were proteolytically activated in canine kidney (MDCK-II) and chicken embryo kidney (CEK) cells, whereas H9-Wisc was not. Virus activation was inhibited by peptide-mimetic inhibitors of matriptase, strongly suggesting that matriptase is responsible for HA cleavage in these kidney cells. Our data demonstrate that H9N2 viruses with R-S-S-R or R-S-R-R cleavage sites are activated by matriptase in addition to HAT and TMPRSS2 and, therefore, can be activated in a wide range of tissues what may affect virus spread, tissue tropism and pathogenicity.
Return to play? Athletes with congenital long QT syndrome
Authors: Johnson Jonathan N , Ackerman Michael J 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundCompetitive sports participation for athletes with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is guided by the 2005 36th Bethesda Conference and the 2005 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and outcomes of patients with LQTS who chose to remain athletes following their diagnosis.MethodsRecords of all patients between 6 and 40 years of age who were first evaluated in Mayo Clinic's LQTS Clinic from July 2000 to November 2010 were reviewed, for documentation of athletic participation after LQTS diagnosis and LQTS-related events during follow-up. Average follow-up was 5.5±3.4 years.ResultsThe cohort included 353 patients with LQTS (199 females, mean age 17±11 years, mean QTc 472±42 ms), of whom 182 had LQT1, 130 had LQT2, 37 had LQT3 and 4 had multiple LQTS mutations. The majority of patients (223, 63%) were either not involved in sports (88%) or chose to discontinue sports (12%) following evaluation. 130 patients (37%, 60 females, mean age 11±7 years, mean QTc 471±46 ms) remained in competitive athletics, including 20 with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Of these 130, 70 (54%) were genotype-positive/phenotype-negative and competing contrary to ESC guidelines but within the Bethesda guidelines. None of these athletes had a sport-related event. Of the 60 LQTS athletes continuing in sports contrary to both the Bethesda and ESC guidelines (genotype-positive/phenotype-positive), only one had a sporting-related event with appropriate ICD shock.ConclusionsAthletes and their families are fully capable of self-disqualification. Among those athletes with LQTS who chose to remain in competitive sports, a low rate of cardiac events and no deaths were observed in over 650 athlete-years of follow-up. Current guideline-based recommendations for disqualification may be excessive for this disease.