bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of dietary treatments for epilepsy
Authors: Neal E. G. , Cross J. H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat, restricted carbohydrate regime that has been used as a treatment for seizures since the 1920s, when it was designed to induce a similar metabolic response to fasting. A modification of this early classical version of the KD was introduced in the 1970s using medium chain triglycerides as an alternative fat source. More recently, two alternative, less‐restrictive dietary treatments have been developed: the modified Atkins diet and the low glycaemic index diet. There are many case reports and observational studies reporting successful use of the KD, and a growing number of studies reporting similar success with the modified Atkins protocol. A recent randomised controlled trial has shown a significant benefit of the KD compared to no change in treatment. The use of these dietary therapies in the UK is supported by literature evidence, although often is limited by a lack of resources; increasing awareness and knowledge is fundamental to ensure availability for those individuals with intractable epilepsy who may benefit from them.
Season‐related variation in dietary recalls used in a paediatric population
Authors: Yannakoulia M. , Drichoutis A. C. , Kontogianni M. D. , Magkanari F. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  The effect of seasonality in estimating population mean nutrient intake using a single dietary recall has not been fully explored. The present study aimed to evaluate variation in energy and nutrient intake using a single 24‐h recall between two seasons (spring/summer and autumn/winter) in a sample of children and adolescents.Methods:  A randomly selected subgroup (n = 623) of a representative sample of 3–18‐year‐old Greek children and adolescents was used in the present analysis. Information on participants’ socio‐demographic characteristics, body weight/height and dietary intake were collected through telephone interviews. Dietary assessment was based on two 24‐h recalls (the first during the spring/summer season and the second 6 months later, during autumn/winter season).Results:  Reported daily energy intake in spring/summer was 344 ± 130 kJ (82 ± 31 kcal) higher compared to the one in autumn/winter after adjusting for potential confounders (P = 0.008). However, the contribution of the macronutrients to the total energy intake was not statistically different between the two periods and the same was also true for vitamin C and calcium. The results remained unchanged after excluding low energy reporters.Conclusions:  The use of a second 24‐h recall in a different season of the year does not confer additional information with regard to a population assessment of macronutrient contribution to the total energy intake in paediatric samples; its use appears to be justified in the light of a more accurate assessment of energy intake.
The current and future role of the dietetic support worker
Authors: Le Cornu K. A. , Halliday D. A. , Swift L. , Ferris L. A. , Gatiss G. A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  The role of the dietetic support worker (DSW) was developed to provide cost‐effective support to dietetic services in the National Health Service (NHS). However, there is little evidence about how the role is perceived or the impact of the introduction of Agenda for Change in 2004 (a guide to pay terms and conditions for NHS staff) on role definition. The present study aimed to gather evidence from DSWs and dietitians on the current role of the DSW to help inform the future development of the role.Methods:  A questionnaire survey was conducted on DSWs and dietitians in 10 trusts in the East of England. Issues included qualifications, experience, training, satisfaction with Agenda for Change, supervision and responsibility. Themes were further explored by semi‐structured telephone interviews conducted on a subsample.Results:  Eighteen out of 24 DSWs and 62 out of 98 dietitians responded to the questionnaire. The role of the DSW is highly valued by dietitians. Over three‐quarters of DSWs and over 90% of dietitians agree that the employment of DSWs improved the working lives of dietitians. Only 50% of DSWs were happy with their Agenda for Change banding, although this did not adversely affect their job satisfaction. Both groups saw the role of the DSW becoming more specialised, despite concerns about access to appropriate training and the lack of a structured career pathway.Conclusions:  This study identified issues relating to the future development of the role of the DSW from the viewpoint of DSWs and dietetic assistants.
Distinct roles for Caf1, Ccr4, Edc3 and CutA in the co‐ordination of transcript deadenylation, decapping and P‐body formation in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Morozov Igor Y. , Jones Meriel G. , Spiller Dave G. , Rigden Daniel J. , Dattenböck Christoph , Novotny Rene , Strauss Joseph , Caddick Mark X. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryTranscript degradation is a key step in gene regulation. In eukaryotes, mRNA decay is generally initiated by removal of the poly(A) tail mediated by the Ccr4–Caf1–Not complex. Deadenylated transcripts are then rapidly degraded, primarily via the decapping‐dependent pathway. Components of this pathway can be localized into highly dynamic cytoplasmic foci, the mRNA processing (P)‐bodies. We have undertaken confocal fluorescence microscopy to monitor P‐bodies in Aspergillus nidulans. As in other organisms a dynamic shift in P‐body formation occurs in response to diverse physiological signals. Significantly, both this cellular response and the signalled degradation of specific transcripts are dependent on the nuclease activity of Caf1 but not Ccr4. P‐body formation is disrupted in A. nidulans strains deleted for Edc3, an enhancer of decapping, or CutA, which encodes a nucleotidyltransferase that triggers mRNA decapping by the addition of a CUCU tag to the poly(A) tail. As with ΔcutA, Δedc3 led to reduced rates of transcript degradation. These data link P‐bodies to both the optimization and regulation of transcript degradation.
Shotguns and SNPs: how fast and cheap sequencing is revolutionizing plant biology
Authors: Rounsley Steven D. , Last Robert L. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryIn 1998 Cereon Genomics LLC, a subsidiary of Monsanto Co., performed a shotgun sequencing of the Arabidopsis thaliana Landsberg erecta genome to a depth of twofold coverage using ‘classic’ Sanger sequencing. This sequence was assembled and aligned to the Columbia ecotype sequence produced by the Arabidopsis Genome Initiative. The analysis provided tens of thousands of high‐confidence predictions of polymorphisms between these two varieties of A. thaliana, and the predicted polymorphisms and Landsberg erecta sequence were subsequently made available to the not‐for‐profit research community by Monsanto. These data have been used for a wide variety of published studies, including map‐based gene identification from forward genetic screens, studies of recombination and organelle genetics, and gene expression studies. The combination of resequencing approaches with next‐generation sequencing technology has led to an increasing number of similar studies of genome‐wide genetic diversity in A. thaliana, including the 1001 genomes project (http://1001genomes.org). Similar approaches are becoming possible in any number of crop species as DNA sequencing costs plummet and throughput rapidly increases, promising to lay the groundwork for revolutionizing our understanding of the relationship between genotype and phenotype in plants.
The ubiquitin‐proteasome system regulates plant hormone signaling
Authors: Santner Aaron , Estelle Mark 
Published: March 2010

SummaryPlants utilize the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) to modulate nearly every aspect of growth and development. Ubiquitin is covalently attached to target proteins through the action of three enzymes known as E1, E2, and E3. The ultimate outcome of this post‐translational modification depends on the nature of the ubiquitin linkage and the extent of polyubiquitination. In most cases, ubiquitination results in degradation of the target protein in the 26S proteasome. During the last 10 years it has become clear that the UPS plays a prominent regulatory role in hormone biology. E3 ubiquitin ligases in particular actively participate in hormone perception, de‐repression of hormone signaling pathways, degradation of hormone specific transcription factors, and regulation of hormone biosynthesis. It is certain that additional functions will be discovered as more of the nearly 1200 potential E3s in plants are elucidated.
Arabidopsis and primary photosynthetic metabolism – more than the icing on the cake
Authors: Stitt Mark , Lunn John , Usadel Björn 
Published: March 2010

SummaryHistorically speaking, Arabidopsis was not the plant of choice for investigating photosynthesis, with physiologists and biochemists favouring other species such as Chlorella, spinach and pea. However, its inherent advantages for forward genetics rapidly led to its adoption for photosynthesis research. In the last ten years, the availability of the Arabidopsis genome sequence – still the gold‐standard for plant genomes – and the rapid expansion of genetic and genomic resources have further increased its importance. Research in Arabidopsis has not only provided comprehensive information about the enzymes and other proteins involved in photosynthesis, but has also allowed transcriptional responses, protein levels and compartmentation to be analysed at a global level for the first time. Emerging technical and theoretical advances offer another leap forward in our understanding of post‐translational regulation and the control of metabolism. To illustrate the impact of Arabidopsis, we provide a historical review of research in primary photosynthetic metabolism, highlighting the role of Arabidopsis in elucidation of the pathway of photorespiration and the regulation of RubisCO, as well as elucidation of the pathways of starch turnover and studies of the significance of starch for plant growth.
A second‐order schedule of food reinforcement in rats to examine the role of CB1 receptors in the reinforcement‐enhancing effects of nicotine
Authors: Wing Victoria C. , Shoaib Mohammed 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTNicotine is believed to enhance the motivational value of reinforcers. Although endogenous cannabinoids acting on CB1 receptors have been implicated in the motivational effects of nicotine, their role in the ‘reinforcement‐enhancing’ properties of nicotine is unknown. This study compared the effect of acute and chronic non‐contingent nicotine administration on responding for an unconditioned reinforcing stimulus (UCS) and a visual conditioned stimulus (CS) and the role of CB1 receptors was examined. Male hooded Lister rats were trained on a second‐order schedule [FI 15′ (FR5: S)] under which presentation of the CS (5s/5Hz light oscillation) was intermittently reinforced by the UCS (food). The rats were treated with daily saline or nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, subcutaneous [s.c.]) throughout the study. The effect of the acute nicotine challenge (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg, s.c.) and the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) on responding for the CS and/or UCS was examined. The acute nicotine challenge increased responding for both the UCS and CS in the rats chronically treated with nicotine, an effect which was less robust in the nicotine‐naive rats. AM251 significantly reduced responding for the UCS and CS, and an interaction with the nicotine challenge was found. These data support and extend the hypothesis that nicotine can enhance the motivational value of reinforcing stimuli and suggest the increases in responding produced by nicotine involve CB1 receptors. Furthermore, this study highlights the utility of second‐order schedules of reinforcement for investigation of the neural circuits underlying the reinforcement‐enhancing effects of nicotine.
Second‐order schedules of nicotine reinforcement in rats: effect of AM251
Authors: Wing Victoria C. , Shoaib Mohammed 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThe endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the motivational effects of nicotine and nicotine‐associated stimuli but the neural circuitry underlying tobacco addiction is not fully characterised. The present study aimed to establish a second‐order schedule of nicotine reinforcement to compare the role of the endocannabinoid system in nicotine‐ and cue‐maintained responding. The male rats were successfully trained to respond on a second‐order schedule [FR5 (FR5: S) or FI 10′ (FR3: S)] under which presentation of the CS (brief light oscillation) was intermittently reinforced by nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/infusion). The relative contribution of nicotine and the CS towards responding was then compared. Nicotine and the CS were only able to independently maintain responding to similar level under the [FI 10′ (FR3: S)] schedule, which was subsequently employed to examine the effects of the selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251. AM251 (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) was used to examine the role of endocannabinoids in responding under the second‐order schedule and responding maintained by independent presentation of nicotine and the CS. Responding under the second‐order schedule was dose‐dependently attenuated by AM251, whereas responding for independent presentation of nicotine and the CS was not affected. The establishment of second‐order schedules of nicotine reinforcement in rodents highlighted the utility of such schedules for investigation of the neurobiology that underlies nicotine‐ and cue‐maintained behaviour. Additionally, the role of CB1 receptors in nicotine‐motivated behaviours was extended to those controlled under a second‐order schedule.
Extracellular vesicles are key intercellular mediators in the development of immune dysfunction to allergens in the airways
Authors: Shin T.‐S. , Kim J. H. , Kim Y.‐S. , Jeon S. G. , Zhu Z. , Gho Y. S. , Kim Y.‐K. 
Published: March 2010

To cite this article: Shin T‐S, Kim JH, Kim Y‐S, Jeon SG, Zhu Z, Gho YS, Kim Y‐K. Extracellular vesicles are key intercellular mediators in the development of immune dysfunction to allergens in the airways. Allergy 2010; 65: 1256–1265.AbstractBackground:  Previous evidence indicates that inhalation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐containing with allergens induced mixed Th1 and Th17 cell responses in the airways. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanometer‐sized spherical, lipid‐bilayered structures and are recently in the public eye as an intercellular communicator in immune responses.Objective:  To evaluate the role of EVs secreted by LPS inhalation in the development of airway immune dysfunction in response to allergens.Methods:  Extracellular vesicles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of BALB/c mice were isolated and characterized 24 h after applications to the airway of 10 μg of LPS for 3 days. To evaluate the role of LPS‐induced EVs on the development of airway immune dysfunction, in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed using the isolated LPS‐induced EVs.Results:  The inhalation of LPS enhanced EVs release into the BAL fluid, when compared to the application of PBS. Airway sensitization with allergens and LPS‐induced EVs resulted in a mixed Th1 and Th17 cell responses, although that with allergens and PBS‐induced EVs induced immune tolerance. In addition, LPS‐induced EVs enhanced the production of Th1‐ and Th17‐polarizing cytokines (IL‐12p70 and IL‐6, respectively) by lung dendritic cells. Moreover, the immune responses induced by the LPS‐induced EVs were blocked by denaturation of the EV‐bearing proteins.Conclusion:  These data suggest that EVs (especially, the protein components) secreted by LPS inhalation are a key intercellular communicator in the development of airway immune dysfunction to inhaled LPS‐containing allergens.
A clinical prospective comparison of anesthetics sensitivity and hemodynamic effect among patients with or without obstructive jaundice
Authors: YANG L.‐Q. , SONG J.‐C. , IRWIN M. G. , SONG J.‐G. , SUN Y.‐M. , YU W.‐F. 
Published: March 2010

Background: To compare isoflurane anesthesia in patients with or without hyperbilirubinemia undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.Methods: Forty‐two patients with obstructive jaundice and 40 control patients with normal liver function scheduled for hepatobiliary surgery under isoflurane anesthesia were studied. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (1.5–2 mg/kg) and remifentanil (2 μg/kg). After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was titrated using isoflurane in oxygen‐enriched air, adjusted to maintain a bispectral index (BIS) value of 46–54. Ephedrine, atropine and remifentanil were used to maintain hemodynamic parameters within 30% of the baseline. The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), drug doses and the time taken to recover from anesthesia were recorded.Results: Demographic data, duration and BIS values were similar in both groups. Anesthesia induction and maintenance were associated with more hemodynamic instability in the patients with jaundice and they received more ephedrine and atropine and less remifentanil and isoflurane (51.1±24.2 vs. 84.6±20.3 mg/min; P for all <0.05) than control patients. Despite less anesthetic use, the time to recovery and extubation was significantly longer than that in control.Conclusion: Patients with obstructive jaundice have an increased sensitivity to isoflurane, more hypotension and bradycardia during anesthesia induction and maintenance and a prolonged recovery time compared with controls.
Acoustic Properties of Long Calls Given by Flanged Male Orang‐Utans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) Reflect Both Individual Identity and Context
Authors: Spillmann Brigitte , Dunkel Lynda P. , Van Noordwijk Maria A. , Amda Rahmalia N. A. , Lameira Adriano R. , Wich Serge A. , Van Schaik Carel P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractLong calls by flanged male Bornean orang‐utans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) serve as a long‐distance communication signal in this semi‐solitary species and allow individuals to adjust their ranging behavior. Long calls can be heard up to circa 1 km in dense rainforest. Only flanged males emit them, in various contexts: spontaneously (where no disturbances from the environment are perceived by human observers), when highly aroused by another male’s long call or a falling tree nearby, or right after having pushed over a dead tree themselves. In this study, acoustic analyses of orang‐utan long calls at Tuanan in Central Kalimantan not only confirm the discrimination of individual males by their long calls but also demonstrate the discrimination of context based on the long calls’ acoustic structure, which is further supported by the females’ ranging responses according to long call contexts. Females with dependent offspring move away from spontaneous long call sources but appear to ignore long calls elicited by disturbance. Hence, Bornean orang‐utan females perceive measurable differences in acoustic characteristics of long calls given in different contexts. These findings concur with vocal discrimination of contexts in other non‐human primates.
Warfare and children
Authors: Shann Frank 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn 2007, 136 million children were born in the world, and 9.2 million died before they were 5 years old; 99.8% of these deaths were in developing countries, and 8.2 million were unnecessary. This is 23 000 unnecessary deaths every day. Approximately 0.2 million children die from the direct effects of war every year, and at least twice as many die from the indirect effects. However, most child deaths are caused by common childhood infections in communities that are not affected by war. In 2007, overseas development aid totalled only $104 billion, and world military expenditure totalled US$1339 billion. The 49 poorest countries in the world have a population of 1.3 billion; they spent only $27 per person on health in 2006, but the world spent $201 per person on military activity. The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council account for 90% of weapons sales to developing countries, yet they are the very countries that have accepted responsibility for ensuring world security. Unfortunately, many governments in both rich and poor countries do not want to limit military spending – the vested interests that support military activity are too powerful. War is immensely harmful, but not primarily because of the horrible injuries, nor the large number of deaths it causes indirectly from infection, malnutrition, and social and political disruption. By far, the greatest harm comes from the diversion of huge amounts of money that could be used for beneficial development into harmful and destructive military activity.
Intravesical Toll‐like receptor 7 agonist R‐837: Optimization of its formulation in an orthotopic mouse model of bladder cancer
Authors: Hayashi Tomoko , Crain Brian , Corr Maripat , Chan Michael , Cottam Howard B , Maj Roberto , Barberis Alcide , Leoni Lorenzo , Carson Dennis A 
Published: March 2010

Objective:  To study the immune response caused by the intravesical administration of the immunomodulator R‐837 in various formulations and to estimate its therapeutic potential for bladder cancer.Methods:  Female C57BL/6 mice were intravesically treated with different formulations of R‐837, a Toll‐like receptor 7 agonist used for treating genital warts and skin malignancy. The tested formulation mixtures contained different ratios of lactic acid, a thermosensitive poloxamer polymer (Lutrol F127) and 2‐(hydroxypropyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD). Induction of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC) was analyzed by Luminex microbeads assay. The therapeutic potential of intravesical administration of R‐837 was assessed in an orthotopic, syngeneic mouse model of bladder cancer using MB49 cells.Results:  Intravesical administration of R‐837 in lactic acid alone induced systemic and bladder TNFα and KC in a dose‐dependent manner. Formulations including poloxamer decreased systemic absorption of R‐837 and significantly reduced systemic and local induction of KC. Addition of HPβCD in the poloxamer formulation particularly reversed levels of systemic and local levels of TNFα and KC. Histological examination showed that poloxamer‐HPβCD formulation allowed infiltration of mononuclear cells into urothelium and lamina propria. In studies using orthotopic mouse bladder cancer, the tumor loads in R‐837‐treated mice were significantly lower than those in vehicle‐treated or non‐treated mice.Conclusion:  The optimized poloxamer‐HPβCD formulation of R‐837 shows therapeutic potential for bladder cancer while avoiding adverse side‐effects.
Towards a unification of unified theories of biodiversity
Authors: McGill Brian J. 
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 627–642AbstractA unified theory in science is a theory that shows a common underlying set of rules that regulate processes previously thought to be distinct. Unified theories have been important in physics including the unification of electricity and magnetism and the unification of the electromagnetic with the weak nuclear force. Surprisingly, ecology, specifically the subfields of biodiversity and macroecology, also possess not one but at least six unified theories. This is problematic as only one unified theory is desirable. Superficially, the six unified theories seem very different. However, I show that all six theories use the same three rules or assertions to describe a stochastic geometry of biodiversity. The three rules are: (1) intraspecifically individuals are clumped together; (2) interspecifically global or regional abundance varies according to a hollow curve distribution; and (3) interspecifically individuals are placed without regard to individuals of other species. These three rules appear sufficient to explain local species abundance distributions, species–area relationships, decay of similarity of distance and possibly other patterns of biodiversity. This provides a unification of the unified theories. I explore implications of this unified theory for future research.