bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-34a regulates the longevity-associated protein SIRT1 in coronary artery disease: effect of statins on SIRT1 and microRNA-34a expression
Authors: Tabuchi Tsuyoshi , Satoh Mamoru , Itoh Tomonori , Nakamura Motoyuki 
Published: February 2012

Endothelial senescence is thought to play a role in CAD (coronary artery disease). miR-34a (microRNA-34a) and other SIRT1 (silent information regulator 1)-related miRs have recently been found to target SIRT1 leading to endothelial senescence. In the present study, we investigated whether SIRT1-related miRs, including miR-9, miR-34a, miR-132, miR-181a, miR-195, miR-199a, miR-199b and miR-204, and SIRT1 were expressed in EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) obtained from patients with CAD, and whether statins (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin) affected these levels. To determine the effects of miR-34a on SIRT1, cultured EPCs transfected with miR-34a were analysed for total SIRT1 protein levels. EPCs were obtained from 70 patients with CAD and 48 subjects without CAD. Patients with CAD were randomized to 8 months of treatment with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. EPCs were obtained from peripheral blood at baseline and after 8 months of statin therapy. Levels of miRs and SIRT1 in EPCs were measured by real-time RT–PCR (reverse transcription–PCR) and FACS. Functional approaches to miR-34a have shown that transfection of miR-34a into EPCs resulted in regulation of SIRT1 expression. Levels of miR-34a were higher in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group, whereas levels of SIRT1 protein were lower in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group. There were no significant differences in other miRs (miR-9, miR-132, miR-181a, miR-195, miR-199a, miR-199b and miR-204) between the two groups. Levels of miR-34a were mildly negatively correlated with SIRT1 protein levels. A randomized clinical study has shown that the atorvastatin group had markedly decreased miR-34a levels and increased SIRT1 levels, whereas the rosuvastatin group showed no change in these levels. Levels of other miRs remained unchanged in the atorvastatin and rosuvastatin groups. In conclusion the results of the present study suggest that miR-34a may regulate SIRT1 expression in EPCs and that atorvastatin up-regulates SIRT1 expression via inhibition of miR-34a, possibly contributing to the beneficial effects of atorvastatin on endothelial function in CAD.
Space environment of an asteroid preserved on micrograins returned by the Hayabusa spacecraft
Authors: Nakamura Eizo , Makishima Akio , Moriguti Takuya , Kobayashi Katsura , Tanaka Ryoji , Kunihiro Tak , Tsujimori Tatsuki , Sakaguchi Chie , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Ota Tsutomu , Yachi Yusuke , Yada Toru , Abe Masanao , Fujimura Akio , Ueno Munetaka , Mukai Toshifumi , Yoshikawa Makoto , Kawaguchi Jun’ichiro 
Published: February 2012

Records of micrometeorite collisions at down to submicron scales were discovered on dust grains recovered from near-Earth asteroid 25143 (Itokawa). Because the grains were sampled from very near the surface of the asteroid, by the Hayabusa spacecraft, their surfaces reflect the low-gravity space environment influencing the physical nature of the asteroid exterior. The space environment was examined by description of grain surfaces and asteroidal scenes were reconstructed. Chemical and O isotope compositions of five lithic grains, with diameters near 50 μm, indicate that the uppermost layer of the rubble-pile-textured Itokawa is largely composed of equilibrated LL-ordinary-chondrite-like material with superimposed effects of collisions. The surfaces of the grains are dominated by fractures, and the fracture planes contain not only sub-μm-sized craters but also a large number of sub-μm- to several-μm-sized adhered particles, some of the latter composed of glass. The size distribution and chemical compositions of the adhered particles, together with the occurrences of the sub-μm-sized craters, suggest formation by hypervelocity collisions of micrometeorites at down to nm scales, a process expected in the physically hostile environment at an asteroid’s surface. We describe impact-related phenomena, ranging in scale from 10
-9
to 10
4
meters, demonstrating the central role played by impact processes in the long-term evolution of planetary bodies. Impact appears to be an important process shaping the exteriors of not only large planetary bodies, such as the moon, but also low-gravity bodies such as asteroids.
Water mass transport variability to the North Icelandic shelf, 1994–2010
Authors: Jónsson Steingrímur , Valdimarsson Héðinn 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Jónsson, S., and Valdimarsson, H. 2012. Water mass transport variability to the North Icelandic shelf, 1994–2010. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 809–815. In the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland, the north-flowing warm, saline Atlantic Water (AW) of the Irminger Current meets the south-flowing cold, relatively fresh Polar Water (PW) of the East Greenland Current. A mixture of these two surface water masses then flows along the shelf north of Iceland. The mixture can vary from being almost pure AW to consisting, to a large extent, of PW. The relative quantities of each water mass to some extent determine the productivity and the living conditions on the shelf north of Iceland. The flow has been monitored with current meters on a section north of Iceland since 1994, and these measurements, together with hydrographic data, are used to study its structure and variability. The amount of AW carried by the flow is calculated along with the associated heat transport. In the period 1994–2010, the flow consisted on average of 68% of AW with a transport of 0.88 Sv and an associated heat transport of 24 TW. There is notable seasonal variation in the flow and strong interannual variability.
21st century fisheries management: a spatio-temporally explicit tariff-based approach combining multiple drivers and incentivising responsible fishing
Authors: Kraak Sarah B. M. , Reid Dave G. , Gerritsen Hans D. , Kelly Ciarán J. , Fitzpatrick Mike , Codling Edward A. , Rogan Emer 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Kraak, S. B. M., Reid, D. G., Gerritsen, H. D., Kelly, C. J., Fitzpatrick, M., Codling, E. A., and Rogan, E. 2012. 21st century fisheries management: a spatio-temporally explicit tariff-based approach combining multiple drivers and incentivising responsible fishing. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 590–601. Traditionally fisheries management has focused on biomass and mortality, expressed annually and across large management units. However, because fish abundance varies at much smaller spatio-temporal scales, fishing mortality can potentially be controlled more effectively if managed at finer scale. The ecosystem approach requires more indicators at finer scales as well. Incorporating ecosystem targets would need additional management tools with potentially conflicting results. We present a simple, integrated, management approach that provides incentives for “good behaviour”. Fishers would be given a number of fishing-impact credits, called real-time incentives (RTIs), to spend according to spatio-temporally varying tariffs per fishing day. RTI quotas and tariffs could be based on commercial stocks and ecosystem targets. Fishers could choose how to spend their RTIs, e.g. by limited fishing in high-catch or sensitive areas or by fishing longer in lower-catch or less sensitive areas. The RTI system does not prescribe and forbid, but instead allows fishers to fish wherever and whenever they want; ecosystem costs are internalized and fishers have to take them into account in their business decisions. We envisage no need for traditional landings or catch quotas for the fleets while operating under the scheme. The approach could facilitate further devolution of responsibility to industry.
The Phosphatidylcholine Diacylglycerol Cholinephosphotransferase Is Required for Efficient Hydroxy Fatty Acid Accumulation in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Hu Zhaohui , Ren Zhonghai , Lu Chaofu 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe previously identified an enzyme, phosphatidylcholine diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PDCT), that plays an important role in directing fatty acyl fluxes during triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis. The PDCT mediates a symmetrical interconversion between phosphatidylcholine (PC) and diacylglycerol (DAG), thus enriching PC-modified fatty acids in the DAG pool prior to forming TAG. We show here that PDCT is required for the efficient metabolism of engineered hydroxy fatty acids in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds. When a fatty acid hydroxylase (FAH12) from castor (Ricinus communis) was expressed in Arabidopsis seeds, the PDCT-deficient mutant accumulated only about half the amount of hydroxy fatty acids compared with that in the wild-type seeds. We also isolated a PDCT from castor encoded by the RcROD1 (Reduced Oleate Desaturation1) gene. Seed-specific coexpression of this enzyme significantly increased hydroxy fatty acid accumulation in wild type-FAH12 and in a previously produced transgenic Arabidopsis line coexpressing a castor diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2. Analyzing the TAG molecular species and regiochemistry, along with analysis of fatty acid composition in TAG and PC during seed development, indicate that PDCT acts in planta to enhance the fluxes of fatty acids through PC and enrich the hydroxy fatty acids in DAG, and thus in TAG. In addition, PDCT partially restores the oil content that is decreased in FAH12-expressing seeds. Our results add a new gene in the genetic toolbox for efficiently engineering unusual fatty acids in transgenic oilseeds.
Low Red/Far-Red Ratios Reduce Arabidopsis Resistance toBotrytis cinereaand Jasmonate Responses via a COI1-JAZ10-Dependent, Salicylic Acid-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Cerrudo Ignacio , Keller Mercedes M. , Cargnel Miriam D. , Demkura Patricia V. , de Wit Mieke , Patitucci Micaela S. , Pierik Ronald , Pieterse Corné M.J. , Ballaré Carlos L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLight is an important modulator of plant immune responses. Here, we show that inactivation of the photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) by a low red/far-red ratio (R:FR), which is a signal of competition in plant canopies, down-regulates the expression of defense markers induced by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea, including the genes that encode the transcription factor ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR1 (ERF1) and the plant defensin PLANT DEFENSIN1.2 (PDF1.2). This effect of low R:FR correlated with a reduced sensitivity to jasmonate (JA), thus resembling the antagonistic effects of salicylic acid (SA) on JA responses. Low R:FR failed to depress PDF1.2 mRNA levels in a transgenic line in which PDF1.2 transcription was up-regulated by constitutive expression of ERF1 in a coronatine insensitive1 (coi1) mutant background (35S::ERF1/coi1). These results suggest that the low R:FR effect, in contrast to the SA effect, requires a functional SCFCOI1-JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) JA receptor module. Furthermore, the effect of low R:FR depressing the JA response was conserved in mutants impaired in SA signaling (sid2-1 and npr1-1). Plant exposure to low R:FR ratios and the phyB mutation markedly increased plant susceptibility to B. cinerea; the effect of low R:FR was (1) independent of the activation of the shade-avoidance syndrome, (2) conserved in the sid2-1 and npr1-1 mutants, and (3) absent in two RNA interference lines disrupted for the expression of the JAZ10 gene. Collectively, our results suggest that low R:FR ratios depress Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) immune responses against necrotrophic microorganisms via a SA-independent mechanism that requires the JAZ10 transcriptional repressor and that this effect may increase plant susceptibility to fungal infection in dense canopies.
Disruptive behaviour disorders: a systematic review of environmental antenatal and early years risk factors
Authors: Latimer K. , Wilson P. , Kemp J. , Thompson L. , Sim F. , Gillberg C. , Puckering C. , Minnis H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDisruptive behaviour disorders (DBDs), including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) are chronic disorders with significant overlap in aetiology and presentation. An integrative examination of environmental risk factors is lacking. Six literature searches of web‐based bibliographic databases were completed to identify literature on DBDs in general and five disorders in particular: CD, ODD, ADHD, deficits of attention, motor control and perception, and reactive attachment disorder. Searches were filtered to focus on studies including diagnostic assessment, focussing on environmental risk and protective factors in the first 4 years of life. The database searches generated 9806 papers of which 47 were reviewed after filters had been applied. The evidence suggests links between a number of early life risk factors and DBDs, including prenatal cigarette smoking and alcohol use, prenatal viral illness, maternal stress and anxiety, low birthweight, peri‐partum and early neonatal complications, parental stress and parenting styles in infancy, early deprivation, adoption and separation. Despite the understanding that there is sharing of risk factors between the DBDs, there has been a disproportionate focus on the role of certain risk factors at the expense of others and the field is weakened by difficulties in controlling for all potential confounding variables.
The association between neurodevelopmental disability and economic outcomes during mid‐childhood
Authors: Petrou S. , Johnson S. , Wolke D. , Marlow N. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground There is a paucity of evidence on the association between childhood disability and economic outcomes. This study estimates the economic costs and health utilities associated with neurodevelopmental impairment or serious neurodevelopmental disability during the 11th year of life.Methods Standardized tests of cognitive ability and clinical assessments of functional abilities were performed on participants of a whole population study of extremely preterm children and term‐born controls (EPICure). Profiles of children's use of health, social and education services, and descriptions of their health status using the Health Utilities Index Mark 2 and Mark 3 health status classification systems, were extracted from detailed questionnaires completed by the main parent. Descriptive and multiple regression techniques were used to explore the association between neurodevelopmental impairment or serious neurodevelopmental disability and two sets of economic outcomes; economic costs and health utilities.Results Mean health and social service costs over the 12‐month period were estimated at £577 [standard error (SE): £141] among children without neurodevelopmental impairment, £831 (£112) among children with a mild neurodevelopmental impairment, £1053 (£176) among children with a moderate neurodevelopmental impairment and £1662 (£316) among children with a severe neurodevelopmental impairment. Mean health and social service costs were estimated at £1223 (£157) and £695 (£92) among children with and without serious neurodevelopmental disability, respectively. After controlling for clinical and sociodemographic confounders, mild, moderate and severe neurodevelopment impairment increased health and social service costs by an average of £397 (95% CI: £86, £707;P= 0.012), £655 (95% CI: £167, £1144;P= 0.009) and £1065 (95% CI: −£113, £2243;P= 0.076), respectively. Cost differences were accentuated when broader public sector costs were considered. The mean (SE) Health Utilities Index Mark 3 multi‐attribute utility score for the children with neurodevelopmental disability was 0.652 (0.039), compared with 0.923 (0.009) for children without neurodevelopmental disability, generating a mean difference in utility score of 0.272 (95% CI: 0.220, 0.323) that was statistically significant (P< 0.001).Conclusions Our data should act as a significant new resource for economic analysts modelling the overall economic impact of childhood neurodevelopment impairment or disability or the cost‐effectiveness of interventions targeted at neurodevelopmentally impaired or disabled children.
The experience of disabled children as inpatients: a structured review and synthesis of qualitative studies reporting the views of children, parents and professionals
Authors: Shilling V. , Edwards V. , Rogers M. , Morris C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDisabled children are a broad group that includes those with complex, special or additional health needs as a result of chronic physical, cognitive, communication or behavioural problems. These children are more frequently admitted to hospital than other children; however, there appears to be relatively little research on their experience as inpatients. The aim of this structured review and synthesis was to integrate findings from qualitative studies reporting the experience of disabled children when they are hospital inpatients. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative studies that focused on the experience of children less than 18 years old, with a chronic health condition or neurodisability, during an inpatient stay. Studies of outpatient episodes or intensive care units were excluded. A systematic search identified relevant abstracts, selected papers were reviewed and data were extracted. The synthesis involved elucidating and integrating common themes. Eight relevant papers were identified; data were gathered from children, parents and staff. Communication between children and staff was a dominant theme and comprised giving the child information about their condition and appropriate involvement of the child/young person in discussions and decision making that affected them. Also important was communication between parents and staff, particularly around the division of care for their child. Other themes included emotions, particularly fears, the ward environment and confidence in staff. The review suggests that disabled children's experience as inpatients is not always optimal. Improving the communication skills of ward staff and providing information to disabled children and their families would improve disabled children's experience when they are inpatients.
Prediction of asthma exacerbations in children: results of a one‐year prospective study
Authors: Robroeks C. M. H. H. T. , van Vliet D. , Jöbsis Q. , Braekers R. , Rijkers G. T. , Wodzig W. K. W. H. , Bast A. , Zimmermann L. J. I. , Dompeling E. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackgroundUnderdiagnosis and low levels of asthma control are frequent occurring problems in patients with asthma.ObjectiveThe study aim was to evaluate the ability of non‐invasive inflammatory markers in exhaled breath to predict exacerbations of childhood asthma, and to assess the time course of changes in these exhaled markers before, during and after exacerbations.MethodsThe design was a prospective one‐year longitudinal study. Regular two‐month visits at the outpatient clinic were performed. Forty children with asthma (aged 6–16 years) participated. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of an exacerbation. Assessment was made of the presence and severity of pulmonary symptoms, use of medication, and measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 s using home monitor. The following independent parameters were assessed during outpatient visits: (1) exhaled nitric oxide, (2) inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate: acidity, nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, interleukin‐1α, ‐5, ‐13, interferon‐γ, (3) lung function, (4) asthma control score.ResultsThirty‐eight of 40 children completed the study. Sixteen children developed exacerbations, of which ten were moderate and six severe. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that condensate acidity, interleukin‐5 and asthma control score were significant predictors of an asthma exacerbation (P < 0.05). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, exacerbations were best predicted by the asthma control score and by the level of interleukin‐5 in exhaled breath condensate (Wald scores of 7.19 and 4.44, P = 0.007 and P = 0.035 respectively). The predicted survival curve of this multivariate model showed a two times reduced risk on exacerbations in the category of children with the 10% most optimal values of IL‐5 and asthma control score.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceBoth exhaled breath condensate interleukin‐5 level and asthma control score were significant predictors of asthma exacerbations. These findings open up the possibility of assessing the potential of such parameters to titrate asthma treatment in future studies.
Total testosterone may not decline with ageing in Korean men aged 40 years or older
Authors: Kim Young‐Sang , Hong Doohee , Lee Duck‐Joo , Joo Nam‐Seok , Kim Kwang‐Min 
Published: February 2012

SummaryObjectiveIt is generally believed that gonadal function in men declines with ageing. However, observations on ageing‐related decrease in total testosterone (TT) are not consistent. The aim of this study is to examine the ageing‐related changes of testosterone and to investigate the influence of the ageing‐related factors on TT.DesignChanges of TT with ageing were observed in longitudinal design in a single health promotion centre.SubjectsA total of 220 Korean men aged ≥40 years were included between 2002 and 2011. TT assay was repeated for all subjects, with an interval of ≥3 years.MeasurementsInformation of medical history and lifestyle habits was collected. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured. TT, glucose, creatinine, highly sensitive C‐reactive protein, liver enzymes and lipid profiles were tested.ResultsMean TT level did not decline significantly with ageing during median 4·3 years follow‐up (18·1 vs 17·8 nm, P = 0·439). Longitudinal change of TT was approximately + 0·8% per year. TT was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and glucose. With mixed effects model, diabetes (P = 0·038) and BMI (P = 0·007) affected TT level, but age and follow‐up interval did not.ConclusionsTT did not change significantly in 220 Korean men for a median 4·3 years follow‐up. TT was not influenced by the age and follow‐up interval. BMI and diabetes mellitus affected TT decline.