bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Palynology and stratigraphy of the Mesozoic Khorat Group red bed sequences from Thailand
Authors: Racey Andrew , Goodall Jeffery G. S. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

New palynological results are presented and integrated with previous data for the Mesozoic Khorat Group continental red bed succession of NE Thailand. The Khorat Group is traditionally considered to comprise, from bottom to top, the Nam Phong, Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan, Sao Khua, Phu Phan and Khok Kruat Formations. The group is unconformably overlain by the continental evaporitic Maha Sarakham Formation, which has been palynologically dated as mid-Albian–Cenomanian, therefore giving a minimum age for the underlying Khorat Group. Traditionally the Nam Phong Formation is considered to be Late Triassic, the Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan and Sao Khua Formations are assigned to the Jurassic, and the Phu Phan and Khok Kruat Formations to the Early Cretaceous. This age dating has mainly been based on plant macrofossil and vertebrate studies. Palynology supports the Late Triassic age for the Lower Nam Phong and underlying Huai Hin Lat Formations but suggests an Early Cretaceous (Berriasian–Barremian) age for the Phu Kradung, Sao Khua and Phra Wihan Formations, and an Aptian age for the Khok Kruat Formation. The Phu Phan has yet to yield useful age-diagnostic palynomorphs but must also be Early Cretaceous based on the age of the under- and overlying formations. The key palynomorph present for ascribing an Early Cretaceous age is
Dicheiropollis etruscus
, a taxon that is restricted to this age interval and has been found in the Phu Kradung (both at outcrop and in subsurface exploration wells), Phra Wihan and Sao Khua Formations. The lithostratigraphy and age of the Nam Phong Formation is, at present, still problematic. From subsurface seismic data it is clear that the Nam Phong Formation comprises two distinct units separated by an unconformity, referred to herein as the Lower and Upper Nam Phong Formations. The age of the Lower Nam Phong Formation based on palynology is Late Triassic (Rhaetian) whereas the age of the Upper Nam Phong Formation is poorly constrained but can be no older than Pliensbachian based on data from the Phu Horm-1 well. The absence of the Early Cretaceous marker
D. etruscus
may be taken as indirect evidence for a Jurassic age for the Upper Nam Phong Formation in the Phu Horm-1 well. This revised age dating suggests the presence of a significant depositional hiatus within the Nam Phong Formation, and consequently the Lower Nam Phong Formation should be removed from the Khorat Group. Overall the palynomorph assemblages of the Khorat Group are dominated by the gymnosperm pollen
Corollina
(synonymous with
Classopollis
) and
Dicheiropollis
, both of which belong to the Cheirolepidaceae and would indicate deposition in a warm, dominantly seasonally dry subtropical climate.
WITHDRAWN: The re-mythologization of Islam and the Arab world in Adam Curtis's The Power of Nightmares
Authors: Khoury-Machool Makram 
Published: May 2009

Khoury-Machool, M. 'The re-mythologization of Islam and the Arab world in Adam Curtis's The Power of Nightmares', Global Media and Communication, 2009 5 vol 5 no. 1: 35-55. DOI: 10.1177/1742766508101313 In compliance with a request from the University of Hertfordshire, dated 2 November 2010, the authorship of this article has been changed to: Makram Khoury-Machool and Lisa Thomas In compliance with a request from Lisa Thomas, dated 19 November 2010, this article has been withdrawn from the journal.
Psychological processes underlying nurses' handwashing behaviour
Authors: Hanna Declan , Davies Mark , Dempster Martin 
Published: May 2009

im/Background: Psychological models of behaviour A change have been found to be useful in predicting health-related behaviour in patients but have rarely been used in relation to the health behaviour of staff. This study explored the association between a range of psychological variables and self-reported handwashing in a sample of nurses who work in a large general hospital. Method: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional, cor-relational study was used. Questionnaires examining demographics, self-efficacy, perceived importance of handwashing, perception of risk, occupational stress and training related to handwashing were administered to an opportunity sample ( n = 76) of nurses drawn from an acute hospital. ANOVAs, correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine significant covariates of handwashing behaviour. Findings: There was a weak relationship between demographic variables and self-reported handwashing. The degree to which employees perceived their workplace to assist handwashing and the perceived importance of handwashing were related to self-reported handwashing. Accordingly further covariates of these variables were sought. Training received and occupational stress both covaried with nurses' perceptions of the degree to which their workplace assisted handwashing. Nurses' beliefs regarding the transmission of infections covaried with perceived importance of handwashing. Conclusion: Occupational stress was observed to reduce the perception of having a supportive employer: organisations need to facilitate handwashing and protect staff from factors that have a detrimental impact, such as work-related stress. Nurses' perceived importance of the potential for poor handwashing practice to contribute to the transmission of infections should be highlighted in interventions.
Restoration and reversible expansion of the osteoblastic hematopoietic stem cell niche after marrow radioablation
Authors: Dominici Massimo , Rasini Valeria , Bussolari Rita , Chen Xiaohua , Hofmann Ted J. , Spano Carlotta , Bernabei Daniela , Veronesi Elena , Bertoni Filippo , Paolucci Paolo , Conte PierFranco , Horwitz Edwin M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAdequate recovery of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches after cytotoxic conditioning regimens is essential to successful bone marrow transplantation. Yet, very little is known about the mechanisms that drive the restoration of these niches after bone marrow injury. Here we describe a profound disruption of the marrow microenvironment after lethal total body irradiation of mice that leads to the generation of osteoblasts restoring the HSC niche, followed by a transient, reversible expansion of this niche. Within 48 hours after irradiation, surviving host megakaryocytes were observed close to the endosteal surface of trabecular bone rather than in their normal parasinusoidal site concomitant with an increased stromal-derived factor-1 level. A subsequent increase in 2 megakaryocyte-derived growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor-β and basic fibroblast growth factor, induces a 2-fold expansion of the population of N-cadherin-/osteopontin-positive osteoblasts, relative to the homeostatic osteoblast population, and hence, increases the number of potential niches for HSC engraftment. After donor cell engraftment, this expanded microenvironment reverts to its homeostatic state. Our results demonstrate the rapid recovery of osteoblastic stem cell niches after marrow radioablation, provide critical insights into the associated mechanisms, and suggest novel means to manipulate the bone marrow microenvironment to promote HSC engraftment.
Molecular targeting of the oncogene eIF4E in acute myeloid leukemia (AML): a proof-of-principle clinical trial with ribavirin
Authors: Assouline Sarit , Culjkovic Biljana , Cocolakis Eftihia , Rousseau Caroline , Beslu Nathalie , Amri Abdellatif , Caplan Stephen , Leber Brian , Roy Denis-Claude , Miller Wilson H. , Borden Katherine L. B. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E is elevated in 30% of malignancies including M4/M5 subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The oncogenic potential of eIF4E arises from its ability to bind the 7-methyl guanosine (m7G) cap on mRNAs, thereby selectively enhancing eIF4E-dependent nuclear mRNA export and translation. We tested the clinical efficacy of targeting eIF4E in M4/M5 AML patients with a physical mimic of the m7G cap, ribavirin. Among 11 evaluable patients there were 1 complete remission (CR), 2 partial remissions (PRs), 2 blast responses (BRs), 4 stable diseases (SDs), and 2 progressive diseases (PDs). Ribavirin-induced relocalization of nuclear eIF4E to the cytoplasm and reduction of eIF4E levels were associated with clinical response. Lack of response or relapse coincided with continued or renewed nuclear localization of eIF4E. This first clinical study to target eIF4E in human malignancy demonstrates clinical activity and associated molecular responses in leukemic blasts. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00559091).
eCOMPAGT – efficient Combination and Management of Phenotypes and Genotypes for Genetic Epidemiology
Authors: Schönherr Sebastian , Weißensteiner Hansi , Coassin Stefan , Specht Günther , Kronenberg Florian , Brandstätter Anita 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
High-throughput genotyping and phenotyping projects of large epidemiological study populations require sophisticated laboratory information management systems. Most epidemiological studies include subject-related personal information, which needs to be handled with care by following data privacy protection guidelines. In addition, genotyping core facilities handling cooperative projects require a straightforward solution to monitor the status and financial resources of the different projects.

Description
We developed a database system for an efficient combination and management of phenotypes and genotypes (eCOMPAGT) deriving from genetic epidemiological studies. eCOMPAGT securely stores and manages genotype and phenotype data and enables different user modes with different rights. Special attention was drawn on the import of data deriving from TaqMan and SNPlex genotyping assays. However, the database solution is adjustable to other genotyping systems by programming additional interfaces. Further important features are the scalability of the database and an export interface to statistical software.

Conclusion
eCOMPAGT can store, administer and connect phenotype data with all kinds of genotype data and is available as a downloadable version at http://dbis-informatik.uibk.ac.at/ecompagt.
Up-regulation of uPARAP/Endo180 during culture activation of rat hepatic stellate cells and its presence in hepatic stellate cell lines from different species
Authors: Mousavi Seyed A , Fønhus Marita S , Berg Trond 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe urokinase plasminogen activator receptor associated protein (uPARAP)/Endo180 is a novel endocytic receptor that mediates collagen uptake and is implicated to play a role in physiological and pathological tissue-remodelling processes by mediating intracellular collagen degradation.ResultThis study investigates the expression of uPARAP/Endo180 protein and messenger RNA in primary rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC) cultures. The results show that uPARAP/Endo180 protein is not expressed in freshly isolated HSCs or during the first few days of culture while the cells still display quiescent features. In contrast, uPARAP/Endo180 protein is expressed early during HSC activation when cells are transdifferentiated into myofibroblast-like cells. Very low levels of uPARAP/Endo180 mRNA are detectable during the first days of culture but uPARAP/Endo180 mRNA is strongly up-regulated with increasing time in culture. Moreover, endocytic uptake of denatured collagen increases as transdifferentiation proceeds over time and correlates with increased expression of uPARAP/Endo180. Finally, analysis of uPARAP/Endo180 expression in four hepatic stellate cell lines from three different species showed that all these cell lines express uPARAP/Endo180 and are able to take up denatured collagen efficiently.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that uPARAP/Endo180 expression by rat HSCs is strongly up-regulated during culture activation and identify this receptor as a feature common to culture-activated HSCs.
Dynamic changes in transcripts during regeneration of the secondary vascular system in Populus tomentosa Carr. revealed by cDNA microarrays
Authors: Wang Minjie , Qi Xiaoli , Zhao Shutang , Zhang Shougong , Lu Meng-Zhu 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Wood is the end product of secondary vascular system development, which begins from the cambium. The wood formation process includes four major stages: cell expansion, secondary wall biosynthesis, lignification, and programmed cell death. Transcriptional profiling is a rapid way to screen for genes involved in these stages and their transitions, providing the basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms that control this process.

Results
In this study, cDNA microarrays were prepared from a subtracted cDNA library (cambium zone versus leaf) of Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.) and employed to analyze the transcriptional profiles during the regeneration of the secondary vascular system, a platform established in our previous study. Two hundred and seven genes showed transcript-level differences at the different regeneration stages. Dramatic transcriptional changes were observed at cambium initiation, cambium formation and differentiation, and xylem development, suggesting that these up- or downregulated genes play important roles in these stage transitions. Transcription factors such as AUX/IAA and PINHEAD, which were previously shown to be involved in meristem and vascular tissue differentiation, were strongly transcribed at the stages when cambial cells were initiated and underwent differentiation, whereas genes encoding MYB proteins and several small heat shock proteins were strongly transcribed at the stage when xylem development begins.

Conclusion
Employing this method, we observed dynamic changes in gene transcript levels at the key stages, including cambium initiation, cambium formation and differentiation, and xylem development, suggesting that these up- or downregulated genes are strongly involved in these stage transitions. Further studies of these genes could help elucidate their roles in wood formation.
Evaluation of high efficiency gene knockout strategies for Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Xu Dan , Pérez Brandán Cecilia , Basombrío Miguel Ángel , Tarleton Rick L 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi, a kinetoplastid protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease, infects approximately 15 million people in Central and South America. In contrast to the substantial in silico studies of the T. cruzi genome, transcriptome, and proteome, only a few genes have been experimentally characterized and validated, mainly due to the lack of facile methods for gene manipulation needed for reverse genetic studies. Current strategies for gene disruption in T. cruzi are tedious and time consuming. In this study we have compared the conventional multi-step cloning technique with two knockout strategies that have been proven to work in other organisms, one-step-PCR- and Multisite Gateway-based systems.

Results
While the one-step-PCR strategy was found to be the fastest method for production of knockout constructs, it does not efficiently target genes of interest using gene-specific sequences of less than 80 nucleotides. Alternatively, the Multisite Gateway based approach is less time-consuming than conventional methods and is able to efficiently and reproducibly delete target genes.

Conclusion
Using the Multisite Gateway strategy, we have rapidly produced constructs that successfully produce specific gene deletions in epimastigotes of T. cruzi. This methodology should greatly facilitate reverse genetic studies in T. cruzi.
Expression of Hyaluronan Synthases (HAS1–3) and Hyaluronidases (HYAL1–2) in Serous Ovarian Carcinomas: Inverse Correlation between HYAL1 and Hyaluronan Content
Authors: Nykopp Timo K , Rilla Kirsi , Sironen Reijo , Tammi Markku I , Tammi Raija H , Hämäläinen Kirsi , Heikkinen Anna-Mari , Komulainen Marja , Kosma Veli-Matti , Anttila Maarit 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Hyaluronan, a tumor promoting extracellular matrix polysaccharide, is elevated in malignant epithelial ovarian tumors, and associates with an unfavorable prognosis. To explore possible contributors to the accumulation of hyaluronan, we examined the expression of hyaluronan synthases (HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3) and hyaluronidases (HYAL1 and HYAL2), correlated with hyaluronidase enzyme activity hyaluronan content and HAS1–3 immunoreactivity.

Methods
Normal ovaries (n = 5) and 34 serous epithelial ovarian tumors, divided into 4 groups: malignant grades 1+2 (n = 10); malignant grade 3 (n = 10); borderline (n = 4) and benign epithelial tumors (n = 10), were analyzed for mRNA by real-time RT-PCR and compared to hyaluronidase activity, hyaluronan staining, and HAS1–3 immunoreactivity in tissue sections of the same specimens.

Results
The levels of HAS2 and HAS3 mRNA (HAS1 was low or absent), were not consistently increased in the carcinomas, and were not significantly correlated with HAS protein or hyaluronan accumulation in individual samples. Instead, the median of HYAL1 mRNA level was 69% lower in grade 3 serous ovarian cancers compared to normal ovaries (P = 0.01). The expression of HYAL1, but not HYAL2, significantly correlated with the enzymatic activity of tissue hyaluronidases (r = 0.5; P = 0.006). An inverse correlation was noted between HYAL1 mRNA and the intensity of hyaluronan staining of the corresponding tissue sections (r = -0.4; P = 0.025).

Conclusion
The results indicate that in serous epithelial ovarian malignancies HAS expression is not consistently elevated but HYAL1 expression is significantly reduced and correlates with the accumulation of hyaluronan. (233 words)
The -271 G>A polymorphism of kinase insert domain-containing receptor gene regulates its transcription level in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: An She-Juan , Chen Zhi-Hong , Lin Qiu-Xiong , Su Jian , Chen Hua-Jun , Lin Jia-Ying , Wu Yi-Long 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundKinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) plays a critical role in the metastasis of cancer and is used as a molecular target in cancer therapy. We investigated the characteristics of the -271 G>A polymorphism of the KDR gene to gain information that may benefit the development of individualized therapies for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThe -271 G>A polymorphism of the KDR gene in 106 lung cancer patients and 203 healthy control individuals was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate KDR mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively, in frozen tumor specimens.ResultsThe -271 G>A polymorphism was associated with the mRNA expression level of the KDR gene in tumor tissues (t = 2.178, P = 0.032, independent samplest-test). Compared with the AG/GG genotype, the AA genotype was associated with higher KDR mRNA expression in tumor tissues. We found no relationship between the genotype and the KDR protein expression level and no significant difference in the distribution of the KDR gene polymorphism genotypes between lung cancer patients and the control group (χ2= 1.269, P = 0.264, Fisher's exact test).ConclusionThis study is the first to show that the -271 G>A polymorphism of the KDR gene may be a functional polymorphism related to the regulation of gene transcription. These findings may have important implications for therapies targeting KDR in patients with NSCLC.
The ADDITION-Cambridge trial protocol: a cluster – randomised controlled trial of screening for type 2 diabetes and intensive treatment for screen-detected patients
Authors: Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B , Simmons Rebecca K , Williams Kate M , Barling Roslyn S , Prevost A Toby , Kinmonth Ann Louise , Wareham Nicholas J , Griffin Simon J 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes poses a major public health challenge. Population-based screening and early treatment for type 2 diabetes could reduce this growing burden. However, the benefits of such a strategy remain uncertain.

Methods and design
The ADDITION-Cambridge study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of (i) a stepwise screening strategy for type 2 diabetes; and (ii) intensive multifactorial treatment for people with screen-detected diabetes in primary care. 63 practices in the East Anglia region participated. Three undertook the pilot study, 33 were allocated to three groups: no screening (control), screening followed by intensive treatment (IT) and screening plus routine care (RC) in an unbalanced (1:3:3) randomisation. The remaining 27 practices were randomly allocated to IT and RC. A risk score incorporating routine practice data was used to identify people aged 40–69 years at high-risk of undiagnosed diabetes. In the screening practices, high-risk individuals were invited to take part in a stepwise screening programme. In the IT group, diabetes treatment is optimised through guidelines, target-led multifactorial treatment, audit, feedback, and academic detailing for practice teams, alongside provision of educational materials for newly diagnosed participants. Primary endpoints are modelled cardiovascular risk at one year, and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity at five years after diagnosis of diabetes. Secondary endpoints include all-cause mortality, development of renal and visual impairment, peripheral neuropathy, health service costs, self-reported quality of life, functional status and health utility. Impact of the screening programme at the population level is also assessed through measures of mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, health status and health service use among high-risk individuals.

Discussion

ADDITION-Cambridge is conducted in a defined high-risk group accessible through primary care. It addresses the feasibility of population-based screening for diabetes, as well as the benefits and costs of screening and intensive multifactorial treatment early in the disease trajectory. The intensive treatment algorithm is based on evidence from studies including individuals with clinically diagnosed diabetes and the education materials are informed by psychological theory. ADDITION-Cambridge will provide timely evidence concerning the benefits of early intensive treatment and will inform policy decisions concerning screening for type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration
Current Controlled trials ISRCTN86769081