bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells is accompanied by activation of p53/p21 pathway in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Fei Chengming , Zhao Youshan , Guo Juan , Gu Shucheng , Li Xiao , Chang Chunkang 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe contribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) to the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has created controversies. In this study, we confirmed that BMMSCs from MDS patients showed prominent features of senescence, which were characterized by increased cell size, decreased proliferation and colony‐forming potential, alteration of cytoskeleton, and increased senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) activity. Interestingly, the apoptosis assay results showed that the percentage of apoptosis cells was very low and the difference was not significant between MDS patients and normal controls. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation potential of BMMSCs from lower risk but not higher risk MDS was impaired, indicated by cytochemical stainings and reduced expressions of RUNX2. In addition, BMMSCs from MDS patients had impaired hematopoietic supporting function. Furthermore, the expression of p53 and p21 which played an important role in regulating the senescence progress of BMMSCs was significantly increased, whereas levels of p16 and pRb expression were not changed in the BMMSCs from MDS patients. Taken together, our comprehensive analysis shows that BMMSCs from MDS patients exhibited senescent behavior and activation of p53/p21 pathway probably played an important role in the senescence process.
Usefulness and safety of oral cryotherapy in the prevention of oral mucositis after conditioning regimens with high‐dose melphalan for autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma and myeloma
Authors: Batlle Montserrat , Morgades Mireia , Vives Susana , Ferrà Christelle , Oriol Albert , Sancho Juan‐Manuel , Xicoy Blanca , Moreno Miriam , Magallón Laura , Ribera Josep‐Maria 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundOral mucositis (OM) is a common complication of conditioning regimens with high‐dose melphalan (HDmel). This retrospective cohort study analyzes the impact of oral cryotherapy (OC) or room temperature saline rinses on the prevention of OM in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) or lymphoid neoplasias submitted to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in a single center.Patients and methodsFrom August 2006 to July 2011, 134 consecutive patients were enrolled. Two consecutive groups were included: Non‐OC (August 2006 to April 2009, 68 patients) and OC (May 2009 to July 2011, 66 cases). MM cases (78, 58%) received HDmel as the conditioning regimen and 56 patients (42%) with lymphoma received BEAM.ResultsThe non‐OC and OC groups were comparable for the main clinicobiologic features and type of neoplasia. OM was more frequent and severe in patients receiving BEAM as the conditioning therapy. The group of OC showed less frequent and less severe mucositis and fewer days on antibiotics. No differences were observed in the duration of OM, need for parenteral nutrition and narcotics, and the length of hospital stay on comparison with the OC and non‐OC groups. By multivariate analyses, OC was an independent favorable prognostic factor for OM development.ConclusionsThis study shows that OC is more effective than saline rinses in the prevention of OM in patients with lymphoma and myeloma receiving conditioning regimens with HDmel for ASCT.
Subthreshold delta‐frequency resonance in thalamic reticular neurons
Authors: Ulrich Daniel 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe thalamic reticular nucleus (nRt) is an assembly of GABAergic projection neurons that participate in the generation of brain rhythms during synchronous sleep and absence epilepsy. NRt cells receive inhibitory and excitatory synaptic inputs, and are endowed with an intricate set of intrinsic conductances. However, little is known about how intrinsic and synaptic properties interact to generate rhythmic discharges in these neurons. In order to better understand this interaction, I studied the subthreshold responses of nRt cells to time‐varying inputs. Patch‐clamp recordings were performed in acute slices of rat thalamus (postnatal days 12–21). Sinusoidal current waveforms of linearly changing frequencies were injected into the soma, and the resulting voltage oscillations were recorded. At the resting membrane potential, the impedance profile showed a characteristic resonance at 1.7 Hz. The relative strength of the resonance was 1.2, and increased with membrane hyperpolarization. Small suprathreshold current injections led to preferred spike generation at the resonance frequency. Bath application of ZD7288 or Cs+, inhibitors of the hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih), transformed the resonance into low‐pass behaviour, whereas the T‐channel blockers mibefradil and Ni2+ decreased the strength of the resonance. It is concluded that nRt cells have an Ih‐mediated intrinsic frequency preference in the subthreshold voltage range that favours action potential generation in the delta‐frequency band.
Influences of Relatedness, Food Deprivation, and Sex on Adult Behaviors in the Group‐living InsectForficula auricularia
Authors: Weiß Charlotte , Kramer Jos , Holländer Kai , Meunier Joël 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe evolution of group living is generally associated with the emergence of social behaviors that ensure fitness benefits to group members. However, the expression of these behaviors may depend on group composition, which can vary over time with respect to sex, starvation status, and relatedness. Here, we investigated (1) whether adults of the group‐livingEuropean earwig,Forficula auricularia, show cooperative behaviors toward conspecifics and (2) whether sex, food availability, and relatedness shape the nature and frequency of these behaviors. We conducted a full‐factorial experiment using 108 unisexual pairs of adults, in which we manipulated these three factors and video‐recorded the earwig behaviors for 45 min. Our results revealed that adults mostly expressed self‐directed and aggressive behaviors. Nevertheless, they also showed allogrooming, a social behavior that offers scope for cooperation. Pairs of males displayed longer bouts of aggression and allogrooming (when it occurred) than pairs of females. Food deprivation had no effect on male behaviors, but females spent less time self‐grooming and walking when they were food deprived. Finally, low relatedness between adults did not influence any of the measured behaviors, but exacerbated frass production, possibly due to social stress. Overall, these results indicate the limited role of cooperation amongF. auriculariaadults during their group‐living phase.
Macroalgal blooms alter community structure and primary productivity in marine ecosystems
Authors: Lyons Devin A. , Arvanitidis Christos , Blight Andrew J. , Chatzinikolaou Eva , Guy‐Haim Tamar , Kotta Jonne , Orav‐Kotta Helen , Queirós Ana M. , Rilov Gil , Somerfield Paul J. , Crowe Tasman P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEutrophication, coupled with loss of herbivory due to habitat degradation and overharvesting, has increased the frequency and severity of macroalgal blooms worldwide. Macroalgal blooms interfere with human activities in coastal areas, and sometimes necessitate costly algal removal programmes. They also have many detrimental effects on marine and estuarine ecosystems, including induction of hypoxia, release of toxic hydrogen sulphide into the sediments and atmosphere, and the loss of ecologically and economically important species. However, macroalgal blooms can also increase habitat complexity, provide organisms with food and shelter, and reduce other problems associated with eutrophication. These contrasting effects make their overall ecological impacts unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the overall effects of macroalgal blooms on several key measures of ecosystem structure and functioning in marine ecosystems. We also evaluated some of the ecological and methodological factors that might explain the highly variable effects observed in different studies. Averaged across all studies, macroalgal blooms had negative effects on the abundance and species richness of marine organisms, but blooms by different algal taxa had different consequences, ranging from strong negative to strong positive effects. Blooms' effects on species richness also depended on the habitat where they occurred, with the strongest negative effects seen in sandy or muddy subtidal habitats and in the rocky intertidal. Invertebrate communities also appeared to be particularly sensitive to blooms, suffering reductions in their abundance, species richness, and diversity. The total net primary productivity, gross primary productivity, and respiration of benthic ecosystems were higher during macroalgal blooms, but blooms had negative effects on the productivity and respiration of other organisms. These results suggest that, in addition to their direct social and economic costs, macroalgal blooms have ecological effects that may alter their capacity to deliver important ecosystem services.
Methane emissions from Amazonian Rivers and their contribution to the global methane budget
Authors: Sawakuchi Henrique O. , Bastviken David , Sawakuchi André O. , Krusche Alex V. , Ballester Maria V. R. , Richey Jeffrey E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMethane (CH4) fluxes from world rivers are still poorly constrained, with measurements restricted mainly to temperate climates. Additional river flux measurements, including spatio‐temporal studies, are important to refine extrapolations. Here we assess the spatio‐temporal variability of CH4 fluxes from the Amazon and its main tributaries, the Negro, Solimões, Madeira, Tapajós, Xingu, and Pará Rivers, based on direct measurements using floating chambers. Sixteen of 34 sites were measured during low and high water seasons. Significant differences were observed within sites in the same river and among different rivers, types of rivers, and seasons. Ebullition contributed to more than 50% of total emissions for some rivers. Considering only river channels, our data indicate that large rivers in the Amazon Basin release between 0.40 and 0.58 Tg CH4 yr−1. Thus, our estimates of CH4 flux from all tropical rivers and rivers globally were, respectively, 19–51% to 31–84% higher than previous estimates, with large rivers of the Amazon accounting for 22–28% of global river CH4 emissions.
Dialysis access venous stenosis: Treatment with balloon angioplasty 30‐second vs. 1‐minute inflation times
Authors: Elramah Mohsen , Boujelbane Lamya , Yevzlin Alexander S. , Wakeen Maureen , Astor Brad C. , Chan Micah R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPercutaneous balloon angioplasty is the standard of care in the endovascular treatment of dialysis access venous stenosis. The significance of balloon inflation times in the treatment of these stenoses is not well defined. Our objective was to examine the outcomes of 30‐second vs. 1‐minute balloon inflation times on primary‐assisted patency of arteriovenous fistulae and grafts. Using a prospectively collected vascular access database, we identified a total of 75 patients referred for access dysfunction during a 5‐year period. These patients received 223 interventions (178 with 30‐second inflations and 45 with 1‐minute inflations). We compared primary‐assisted patency during the subsequent 9 months across groups defined by inflation times. Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar across groups. Immediate technical success and patency in the first 3 months were similar across groups (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–2.20). After 3 months, however, a 1‐minute inflation time was associated with greater incidence of access failure (adjusted HR [aHR] = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.09–2.79). Other predictors of access failure included age over 60 (aHR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.04), central location of the lesion (aHR = 2.49; CI: 1.27–4.89), and three or more prior procedures (aHR 2.48; CI: 1.19–5.16). Our data suggest that shorter balloon inflation times may be associated with improved longer term access patency, although the benefit was not observed until after 3 months. Given the increasing demands of maintaining access patency in the era of the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative and Fistula First, the role of angioplasty times requires further study.
“Maybe they have found something new” participants’ views on returning cohort psychosocial survey results
Authors: Bureau Eve , Pellegrini Isabelle , Noguès Catherine , Lasset Christine , Julian‐Reynier Claire 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough greater attention is currently being paid to participants in research, no studies have dealt so far with the issue of returning aggregate psychosocial results to cohort participants.Objective(i) To explore participants’ views about disclosure of the aggregate results of a French national psychosocial cohort survey on the epidemiology of preventive behaviour in women from families with a hereditary breast cancer risk. (ii) To assess whether it is worth consulting participants before designing the disclosure process.DesignA qualitative study using semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews and a thematic analysis based on Grounded Theory methods.ParticipantsNineteen interviews were conducted with cancer‐free femaleBRCAmutation carriers/non‐carriers aged 31–79 who had participated in a cohort survey by answering self‐administered questionnaires.ResultsParticipants showed considerable interest in the issue of result disclosure. The preferences expressed about disclosure were rarely relevant to the topic investigated, however, as they often focused on medical knowledge aboutBRCAand not on the psychosocial findings obtained. This confusion may have been due to the participants’ experience of the survey procedures, including its longitudinal nature, the occurrence of very few interactions with the investigators and the wide range of topics addressed in the questionnaires.ConclusionInvestigators should ascertain participants’ expectations and preferences by consulting them before disclosing the results obtained. Although the disclosure process may not meet participants’ expectations completely, consultation is the key to preventing them from having irrealistic expectations about the information they are going to receive.
Spatial and temporal patterns of range expansion of white‐winged doves in the USA from 1979 to 2007
Authors: Butcher Jerrod A. , Collier Bret A. , Silvy Nova J. , Roberson Jay A. , Mason Corey D. , Peterson Markus J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThe geographical expansion of white‐winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) in North America has attracted the attention of biologists and sportsmen because of their recreational and aesthetic value; however, data on factors driving the spatial spread of this species are lacking. We examined spatial and temporal patterns of range expansion for white‐winged doves along the northern edge of their geographical range from 1979 to 2007 and used a dynamic occupancy model to estimate when and where doves would be found along an expansion gradient.LocationSouthern half of the USA.MethodsWe modelled spatial variation in the range expansion of white‐winged doves from 1979 to 2007 using data from the North American Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) and distance from initial population centre, area of urban land cover, and ecoregion. We used a robust design occupancy analysis to estimate species expansion rate based on a model set grounded in broad‐scale conditions likely to drive dove distribution. We evaluated our best fitting model (using Akaike's information criterion adjusted for small sample size) by comparing estimates to actual observations in 1993 and 2007 using area under the curve (AUC) metrics from receiver‐operating characteristic plots.ResultsOur spatial distribution model indicated that range expansion of white‐winged doves was primarily influenced by distance from the core population centre, with additive effects of ecoregion and land cover. In 1979, white‐winged doves were present in 12% of survey locations, whereas presence increased to 41% by 2007. Across all ecoregions, urban land cover was positively related to probability of occupancy. We evaluated our model for 1993 and 2007 by comparing derived occupancy estimates to sightings of white‐winged doves within our sample hexagons using BBS survey data. Based on high AUC statistics (> 0.85), we concluded that our model was useful for accurately predicting range expansion.Main conclusionsEstimating occurrence and range expansion of white‐winged doves and other expanding/invasive avian species at large spatial scales can be effectively conducted using BBS data. Using these nationwide, long‐term survey data to relate expansion to a suite of conditions likely to drive population dynamics is an effective approach to developing predictive models of range expansion.
Regulatory T cells modulate inflammation and reduce infarct volume in experimental brain ischaemia
Authors: Brea David , Agulla Jesús , Rodríguez‐Yáñez Manuel , Barral David , Ramos‐Cabrer Pedro , Campos Francisco , Almeida Angeles , Dávalos Antoni , Castillo José 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBrain ischaemia (stroke) triggers an intense inflammatory response predominately mediated by the accumulation of inflammatory cells and mediators in the ischaemic brain. In this context, regulatory T (Treg) cells, a subpopulation of CD4+ T cells with immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory properties, are activated in the late stages of the disease. To date, the potential therapeutic usefulness of Treg cells has not been tested. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Treg cells exert protection/repair following stroke. Both the adoptive transfer of Treg cells into ischaemic rats and the stimulation of endogenous T‐cell proliferation using a CD28 superagonist reduced the infarct size at 3–28 days following the ischaemic insult. Moreover, T cell‐treated animals had higher levels of FoxP3 and lower levels of IL‐1β, CD11b+ and CD68+ cells in the infarcted hemisphere when compared with control animals. However, T‐cell treatment did not alter the rate of proliferation of NeuN‐, NCAM‐ or CD31‐positive cells, thereby ruling out neurogenesis and angiogenesis in protection. These results suggest that adoptive transfer of T cells is a promising therapeutic strategy against the neurological consequences of stroke.
Epigenetic reprogramming of human lung cancer cells with the extract of bovine parthenogenetic oocytes
Authors: Wang Zhenfei , Dao Rinuo , Bao Luri , Dong Yanhua , Wang Haiyang , Han Pengyong , Yue Yongli , Yu Haiquan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe tumour suppressor gene silencing and proto‐oncogene activation caused by epigenetic alterations plays an important role in the initiation and progression of cancer. Re‐establishing the balance between the expression of tumour suppressor genes and proto‐oncogenes by epigenetic modulation is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated whether cancer cells can be epigenetically reprogrammed by oocyte extract. H460 human lung cancer cells were reversibly permeabilized and incubated with the extract of bovine parthenogenetic oocytes. Bisulphite sequencing showed that bovine parthenogenetic oocyte extract induced significant demethylation at the promoters of the tumour suppressor genes RUNX3 and CDH1, but not at the promoter of the oncogenic pluripotency gene SOX2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that the histone modifications at RUNX3 and CDH1 promoters were modulated towards a transcriptionally activating state, while those at SOX2 promoter towards a transcriptionally repressive state. Correspondingly, bovine parthenogenetic oocyte extract reversed the epigenetic silencing of RUNX3 and CDH1, and repressed the expression of SOX2. At the functional level, proliferation, anchorage‐independent growth, migration and invasion of H460 cells was strongly inhibited. These results indicate that bovine parthenogenetic oocyte extract changes the expression patterns of tumour suppressor and oncogenic genes in cancer cells by remodelling the epigenetic modifications at their promoters. Bovine parthenogenetic oocyte extract may provide a useful tool for epigenetically reprogramming cancer cells and for dissecting the epigenetic mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis.
Reward anticipation and processing of social versus nonsocial stimuli in children with and without autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Stavropoulos Katherine K.M. , Carver Leslie J. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundHow children respond to social and nonsocial rewards has important implications for both typical and atypical social‐cognitive development. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are thought to process rewards differently than typically developing (TD) individuals. However, there is little direct evidence to support this claim.MethodsTwo event‐related potentials were measured. The stimulus preceding negativity (SPN) was utilized to measure reward anticipation, and the feedback related negativity (FRN) was utilized to measure reward processing. Participants were 6‐ to 8‐year‐olds with (N = 20) and without (N = 23) ASD. Children were presented with rewards accompanied by incidental face or nonface stimuli. Nonface stimuli were composed of scrambled face elements in the shape of arrows, controlling for low‐level visual properties.ResultsChildren with ASD showed smaller responses while anticipating and processing rewards accompanied by social stimuli than TD children. Anticipation and processing of rewards accompanied by nonsocial stimuli was intact in children with ASD.ConclusionsThis is the first study to measure both reward anticipation and processing in ASD while controlling for reward properties. The findings provide evidence that children with autism have reward anticipation and processing deficits for social stimuli only. Our results suggest that while typically developing children find social stimuli more salient than nonsocial stimuli, children with ASD may have the opposite preference.
Developmental temperature affects the expression of ejaculatory traits and the outcome of sperm competition in Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Vasudeva R. , Deeming D. C. , Eady P. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe outcome of post‐copulatory sexual selection is determined by a complex set of interactions between the primary reproductive traits of two or more males and their interactions with the reproductive traits of the female. Recently, a number of studies have shown the primary reproductive traits of both males and females express phenotypic plasticity in response to the thermal environment experienced during ontogeny. However, how plasticity in these traits affects the dynamics of sperm competition remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate plasticity in testes size, sperm size and sperm number in response to developmental temperature in the bruchid beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. Males reared at the highest temperature eclosed at the smallest body size and had the smallest absolute and relative testes size. Males reared at both the high‐ and low‐temperature extremes produced both fewer and smaller sperm than males reared at intermediate temperatures. In the absence of sperm competition, developmental temperature had no effect on male fertility. However, under conditions of sperm competition, males reared at either temperature extreme were less competitive in terms of sperm offence (P2), whereas those reared at the lowest temperature were less competitive in terms of sperm defence (P1). This suggests the developmental pathways that regulate the phenotypic expression of these ejaculatory traits are subject to both natural and sexual selection: natural selection in the pre‐ejaculatory environment and sexual selection in the post‐ejaculatory environment. In nature, thermal heterogeneity during development is commonplace. Therefore, we suggest the interplay between ecology and development represents an important, yet hitherto underestimated component of male fitness via post‐copulatory sexual selection.