bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SIAMESE Cooperates With the CDH1-like Protein CCS52A1 to Establish Endoreplication in Arabidopsis thaliana Trichomes
Authors: Kasili Remmy , Walker Jason D , Simmons L Alice , Zhou Jing , De Veylder Lieven , Larkin John C 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Endoreplication, also known as endoreduplication, is a phyogenetically widespread modified version of the cell cycle in which DNA replication is not followed by cell division. The SIAMESE (SIM) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes the founding member of a novel class of plant-specific cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors and is a key regulator of endoreplication during the development of trichomes (shoot epidermal hairs). Here, we have identified mutations in the CCS52A1 gene as genetic modifiers of the multicellular trichome phenotype of sim mutants. Loss-of-function ccs52A1 mutations dramatically enhance the multicellularity of sim mutants trichomes in double mutants, whereas overexpression of CCS52A1 completely suppresses the sim mutant phenotype. CCS52A1 encodes a CDH1/FZR-like protein, a class of proteins that function as activators of the anaphase-promoting complex. Unicellular ccs52A1 trichomes become multicellular upon overexpression of B-type cyclin, consistent with repression of the accumulation of mitotic cyclins in the developing trichome by CCS52A1. As these M-phase-specific cyclins are known to accumulate in sim mutant trichomes, our data suggest that CCS52A1 and SIM cooperate in repressing accumulation of mitotic cyclins to establish the trichome endocycle. Comparison with endoreplication pathways in Drosophila and mammals indicates that while these organisms all use similar components to initiate endoreplication, the components are deployed differently in each organism.
The Nucleosome Remodeling Factor ISWI Functionally Interacts With an Evolutionarily Conserved Network of Cellular Factors
Authors: Arancio Walter , Onorati Maria C , Burgio Giosalba , Collesano Marianna , Ingrassia Antonia M R , Genovese Swonild I , Fanto Manolis , Corona Davide F V 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
ISWI is an evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factor playing central roles in DNA replication, RNA transcription, and chromosome organization. The variety of biological functions dependent on ISWI suggests that its activity could be highly regulated. Our group has previously isolated and characterized new cellular activities that positively regulate ISWI in Drosophila melanogaster. To identify factors that antagonize ISWI activity we developed a novel in vivo eye-based assay to screen for genetic suppressors of ISWI. Our screen revealed that ISWI interacts with an evolutionarily conserved network of cellular and nuclear factors that escaped previous genetic and biochemical analyses.
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of Genes Under Selection Across Multiple Years and Sites inAvena barbata: Epistasis, Pleiotropy, and Genotype-by-Environment Interactions
Authors: Latta Robert G , Gardner Kyle M , Staples David A 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe genetic architecture of variation in evolutionary fitness determines the trajectory of adaptive change. We identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting fitness in a mapping population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between moist- and dry- associated ecotypes of Avena barbata. We estimated fitness in 179 RILs in each of two natural environments in each of 4 years. Two loci account for over half of the variation in geometric mean fitness across environments. These loci are associated in repulsion phase in the wild ecotypes, suggesting the potential for strong transgressive segregation, but also show significant epistasis giving hybrid breakdown. This epistasis is the result of sharply lower fitness in only one of the recombinant genotypes, suggesting that the loci may contain synergistically acting mutations. Within each trial (year/site combination), we can explain less of the variation than for geometric mean fitness, but the two major loci are associated with variation in fitness in most environments. Tests for pleiotropic effects of QTL on fitness in different environments reveal that the same loci are under selection in all trials. Genotype-by-environment interactions are significant for some loci, but this reflects variation in the strength, not the direction of selection.
Condensins Promote Coorientation of Sister Chromatids During Meiosis I in Budding Yeast
Authors: Brito Ilana L , Yu Hong-Guo , Amon Angelika 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe condensin complex is a key determinant of higher-ordered chromosome structure. We show here that the complex is also important for the correct alignment of chromosomes on the meiosis I spindle. Unlike during mitosis and meiosis II, when sister chromatids attach to microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles (biorientation), accurate meiosis I chromosome segregation requires that sister chromatids attach to microtubules emanating from the same spindle pole (coorientation). The monopolin complex, consisting of Lrs4, Csm1, and the meiosis-specific component Mam1, brings about meiosis I coorientation. We find that in the absence of functional condensin complexes, a fraction of sister kinetochores biorient on the meiosis I spindle and association of the monopolin complex subunit Mam1 with kinetochores is decreased. Our studies uncover a new locus-specific effect of the condensin complex.
Polymorphisms and Haplotypes in the Interleukin‐4 Gene are Associated With Chronic Periodontitis in a Brazilian Population
Authors: Anovazzi Giovana , Kim Yeon J. , Viana Aline C. , Curtis Karen M.C. , Orrico Silvana R.P. , Cirelli Joni A. , Scarel‐Caminaga Raquel M. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Some haplotypes in the interleukin‐4 (IL4) gene were reported to influence IL‐4 cytokine production and were associated with inflammatory diseases. Association studies focusing on IL4 gene polymorphisms and periodontal disease provided conflicting results. The aim of this study is to investigate whether IL4 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes were related to chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population.Methods: The polymorphisms –590(C/T) and +33(C/T) in the IL4 gene were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment‐length polymorphism methods; the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) was identified by PCR. To assess the differences between the periodontitis group (n = 125) and control group (n = 125), the χ2 test was used to assess genotype and allele distributions of individual polymorphisms. For haplotypes reconstructed by an expectation‐maximization algorithm, the CLUMP program and Fisher exact test were used. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to assess the association of age, gender, smoking status, and polymorphism/haplotype with periodontitis.Results: The −590(T), +33(C), and insertion (I) of 70‐base pair (bp) alleles and genotypes were more prevalent in the periodontitis group, even after adjusting for covariates. The −590, +33, and insertion (TCI) haplotype was associated with a susceptibility to periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio [ORadjusted] = 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50 to 4.80) as was the genotype TCI/CCI (ORadjusted = 5.27; 95% CI = 2.28 to 12.18), whereas the TTD (ORadjusted = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.91), CTI (ORadjusted = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.70), and TTD/CTI (ORadjusted = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.08 to 1.13) genotypes were a associated with protection against the development of chronic periodontitis.Conclusion: Significant associations between alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of polymorphisms in the IL4 gene and chronic periodontitis were verified in Brazilian individuals.
Knowledge and Orientations of Internal Medicine Trainees Toward Periodontal Disease
Authors: Quijano Aimee , Shah Amit J. , Schwarcz Aron I. , Lalla Evanthia , Ostfeld Robert J. 
Published: March 2010

Background: There is growing evidence that periodontal disease may be a source of systemic inflammation that impacts overall health. As such, periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of systemic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and adverse outcomes in diabetes mellitus and pregnancy. With the aim of assessing oral health knowledge and orientations of physicians in training, we surveyed incoming internal medicine trainees about their general knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors/practices about periodontal health and disease.Methods: A 16‐question survey was distributed during orientation to incoming internal medicine trainees at a single urban teaching hospital in New York City in 2007 and 2008. Questions aimed to assess the knowledge levels of the subjects about periodontal disease and their attitudes toward discussing/evaluating the periodontal status of their patients. The study was approved by the Montefiore Institutional Review Board.Results: Of 125 incoming medical trainees queried, 115 responded (92% response rate). Of the 115 responders, 96% were medical interns. The median age of the trainees was 27 years (interquartile range: 26 to 29 years), and 61% were female. Overall, 34% of the trainees answered all five true/false general knowledge questions correctly, 82% reported that they never asked patients if they were diagnosed with periodontal disease, 90% reported not receiving any training about periodontal disease during medical school, 69% reported that they were not comfortable at all performing a simple periodontal examination, 17% agreed that patients expect physicians to discuss/screen for periodontal disease, 46% felt that discussing/evaluating the periodontal status of their patients was peripheral to their role as physicians, 76% reported never screening patients for periodontal disease, and 23% stated that they never referred patients to dentists.Conclusions: In this study, incoming internal medicine trainees had inadequate knowledge regarding periodontal disease. They were also generally uncomfortable with performing a simple periodontal examination. Oral health training in medical school and the medical postgraduate setting is recommended.
Salivary Interleukin‐6, Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8, and Osteoprotegerin in Patients With Periodontitis and Diabetes
Authors: Costa Priscila P. , Trevisan Glauce L. , Macedo Guilherme O. , Palioto Daniela B. , Souza Sergio L.S. , Grisi Marcio F.M. , Novaes Arthur B. , Taba Mario 
Published: March 2010

Background: Diabetes and periodontitis produce a protein discharge that can be reflected in saliva. This study evaluates the salivary concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with periodontitis with type 2 diabetes.Methods: Whole saliva samples were obtained from 90 subjects who were divided into four groups: healthy (control; n = 22), untreated periodontitis (UPD; n = 24), diabetes mellitus (DM; n = 20), and UPD + DM (n = 24) groups. Clinical and metabolic data were recorded. Salivary IL‐6, MMP‐8, and OPG concentrations were determined by a standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The UPD and UPD + DM groups exhibited higher salivary IL‐6 than the control and DM groups (P <0.01). The salivary MMP‐8 concentrations in all diseased groups (UPD, DM, and UPD + DM) were higher than in the control group (P <0.01). The salivary OPG concentrations in the DM group were higher than in the UPD and control groups (P <0.05). In the UPD + DM group, salivary IL‐6 was correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (r = 0.60; P <0.05). The regression analysis indicated that the number of remaining teeth, clinical attachment level, and IL‐6 might have influenced the HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes.Conclusions: Salivary IL‐6 concentrations were elevated in patients with periodontitis with or without diabetes. Salivary MMP‐8 and OPG concentrations were elevated regardless of periodontal inflammation in patients with diabetes. Therefore, periodontitis and diabetes are conditions that may interfere with protein expression and should be considered when using saliva for diagnoses.
Isostatic response and geomorphological evolution of the Nile valley during the Messinian salinity crisis
Authors: Gargani Julien , Rigollet Christophe , Scarselli Sonia 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
During the Messinian salinity crisis (5.96–5.33 Ma), the Mediterranean Sea was disconnected from the Atlantic Ocean. As a consequence, a dramatic sea-level fall occurred during part of the crisis and deep erosion has been observed on the Mediterranean margins as well as on the continent. Here, we demonstrate that the erosion and the large sea-level fall generated a significant uplift along the Nile River delta valley, due to isostatic rebound. Based on a quantitative analysis, our results suggest that the uplift of the Egyptian margin and of the Nile valley flanks may have triggered an enclosed environment during the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC). We estimated a mean rate of regressive erosion of −2.5 m/y along the River Nile during the MSC and of 1.25 and 0.4 m/y for the smaller rivers. The water discharge of the River Nile necessary to trigger this erosion rate was at least 5 to 25 times superior than the water discharge of the smaller one’s.
Sea bottom current activity recorded on the southern margin of the Vocontian basin (southeastern France) during the lower Aptian. Evidence for a climatic signal
Authors: Cotillon Pierre 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Numerous current marks are recorded on an Early Aptian unconformity surface observed over a large area of the Vocontian basin and its southern margin (southeastern France, Subalpine ranges). They occur in the transition zone between that basin and the adjacent Provence platform and correspond to various erosion marks, oriented biogenic remains (sponge spicules, belemnite rostra) and trace fossil directions (Rhizocorallium). Three local current orientations occur : 1) a westward orientation in the neritic zone, probably resulting from the trade winds that prevailed in the Tethyan domain; 2) a northward orientation in the deeper hemipelagic and pelagic zones probably resulting from a deviation of the westward currents by the Coriolis force; 3) a southward orientation in the eastern and western margins of the studied area, possibly induced by upwellings resulting from offshore northward deviated currents. These upwellings were characterized by cold water enriched with silica, phosphorous and organic matter. Some characteristics of the Early Aptian unconformity surface result from these different currents : 1) a specific type of erosion linked to mechanical and/or chemical features, 2) an erosion intensity displayed by the importance of the pre-Aptian stratigraphic gaps, 3) an erosion duration illustrated by the importance of the post-Aptian gaps. The spatial distribution of these features was controlled by the water-depth, depending locally on the occurrence of hemipelagic submarine reliefs of tectonic origin.
Increases in current activity in the Early Aptian, linked to an acceleration of the atmospheric circulation, and highlighed by erosion and phosphatisation had previously been recorded for many other Eurasian and North Atlantic sites. This large spatial distribution suggests a global cause such as a temporary increase in the latitudinal thermal gradient and seasonal contrasts. According to the literature, these events may be related to the Early Aptian cooling, described by several authors in both high and low latitudes, which led to a remarkable pause in the middle Cretaceous warming.
GJB2 Mutations in Non Syndromic Hearing Loss in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Stefanovska E , Momirovska A , Cakar M , Efremov G 
Published: February 2010

GJB2 Mutations in Non Syndromic Hearing Loss in the Republic of MacedoniaHearing impairment is a common sensori-neural disorder with the incidence of profound deafness in one per 1,000 births. Non syndromic recessive deafness (NSHL), accounts for approximately 80% of cases of hereditary deafness. It is extremely heterogeneous genetically with over 130 gene loci. Mutations in the GJB2 and GJB6 genes for DFNB1 locus (13q12) are responsible for about half of all cases of autosomal recessive prelingual hearing loss.We determined the prevalence and mutations in the GJB2 gene, and the presence of delD13S1830 in the GJB6 gene in DNA samples from 33 unrelated Macedonian families with recesive NSHL and 200 normal hearing individuals using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis followed by direct sequencing and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR).We found mutations in the GJB2 gene in 12 patients, but no delD13S1830 in the GJB6 gene. In 22 mutated chromosomes, 15 (68.2%) had the 35delG mutation, four (6.1%) W24X, two (3.0%) V37I and one (1.5%) R127H.Because of the high mutation rate (36.4%) in the GJB2 gene in NSHL patients, testing should be performed in all cases with prelingual deafness.
Copy Number Changes in 1q21.3 and 1q23.3 have Different Clinical Relevance in Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Dimova I , Orsetti B , Theillet Ch. , Dimitrov R. , Toncheva D 
Published: February 2010

Copy Number Changes in 1q21.3 and 1q23.3 have Different Clinical Relevance in Ovarian TumorsMany studies have reported aberrations such as amplifications, deletions and translocations of 1q21-q23 in ovarian tumors. These findings increase the scientific interest in analyzing this region using specific gene probes. We investigated the frequency of copy number changes of two specific bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) clones in 1q21.3 and 1q23.3 by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on tissue microarrays consisting of 540 ovarian tumors of different malignancies, histology, stage and grade. Such changes in 1q21.3 were established in 9.64% of malignant (2.41% amplification), in 8.33% of low malignant potential (LMP) and in 13.13% of benign ovarian tumors. Copy number changes of 1q23.3 were found in 17.78% of malignant (1.48% amplification), in 16.67% of LMP and in 12.64% of benign ovarian tumors. We found a significantly higher gain of 1q23.3 in non epithelial (50%) compared to epithelial tumors (14.73%) (p <0.03). The gain of 1q21.3 prevailed in non serous malignant and LMP ovarian tumors in comparison to serous tumors. In non serous tumors, both gains were associated with higher grade. The frequency of gain in 1q23.3 was 2.5-times higher than that in 1q21.3 of ovarian cancers.
Contrast medium nephrotoxicity after renal artery and coronary angioplasty
Authors: Marraccini Paolo , Bianchi Massimiliano , Fommei Enza , Palmieri Cataldo , Ciriello Giuseppe , Ciardetti Marco , Mazzarisi Alessandro , Djukic Goran , L'Abbate Antonio 
Published: March 2010

Background: Renal dysfunction induced by iodinated contrast medium (CM) administration can minimize the benefit of the interventional procedure in patients undergoing renal angioplasty (PTRA). Purpose: To compare the susceptibility to nephrotoxic effect of CM in patients undergoing PTRA with that of patients submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Material and Methods: A total of 33 patients successfully treated with PTRA (PTRA group, mean age 70±12 years, 23 female, basal creatinine 1.46±0.79, range 0.7–4.9 mg/dl) were compared with 33 patients undergoing successful PCI (PCI group), matched for basal creatinine (1.44±0.6, range 0.7–3.4 mg/dl), gender, and age. In both groups postprocedural (48 h) serum creatinine was measured. Results: Postprocedural creatinine level decreased nonsignificantly in the PTRA group (1.46±0.8 vs. 1.34±0.5 mg/dl, P=NS) and increased significantly in the PCI group (1.44±0.6 vs. 1.57±0.7 mg/dl, P<0.02). Changes in serum creatinine after intervention (after-before) were significantly different between the PTRA and PCI groups (−0.12±0.5 vs. 0.13±0.3, P=0.014). This difference was not related to either a different clinical risk profile or to the volume of CM administered. Conclusion: In this preliminary study patients submitted to PTRA showed a lower susceptibility to renal damage induced by CM administration than PCI patients. The effectiveness of PTRA on renal function seems to be barely influenced by CM toxicity.
Positron emission tomography 2008 in Germany
Authors: Oehme L. , Lindner O. , Hellwig D. , Kotzerke J. ,   Arbeitsausschuss PET der DGN
Published: March 2010

Summary
Aim: The working group on positron emission tomography (PET) of the DGN (German Society of Nuclear Medicine) initiated this first survey to collect and analyse information on the practise of PET in Germany in the year 2008. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to PET performing facilities (medical practices, hospitals, university hospitals and others) for retrospective data acquisition. Details regarding the equipment and examination procedures were examined as well as indications and number of studies. In addition, the role of PET within the diagnostic process was evaluated. Results: Responses from 65 sites were analysed. Their technical equipment consisted of 77 PET scanners (40 of them were combined PET/CT devices). About 63 500 PET studies had been performed with 86% in the field of oncology, 8% in neurology and 3% in cardiology. The radiotracers were labelled with 18F in 91% of the studies, whereas 68Ga was used in 4% and 11C in 3%. The analyses revealed lung tumours as the most investigated tumour entity, followed by malignant lymphoma, tumours of the gastro-intestinal tract and prostate cancer (about 14 000, 6000, 5000 and 2000). Corresponding to the new scanners and software procedures, the number of studies with attenuation correction by CT was high (68%) and nearly all studies were reconstructed iteratively (99%). The PET images were analysed quantitatively in the majority of cases (91%). The clinical reports, which included image documentation for the greater part, were posted regularly within 3 days. However, in 70% of the sites electronic transfer possibilities were used additionally to speed up the diagnostic process. The high standard of quality was demonstrated by the fact, that 40 facilities were engaged in a tumour board. Further on, one third of the physicians had gained a PET certification awarded by the DGN. Conclusion: Relative to the high general standard of diagnostic instrumentation in Germany, PET is less established, in particular when compared with other industrialised countries such as USA and Switzerland.
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy 2008 in Germany
Authors: Burchert W. , Bengel F. M. , Zimmermann R. , vom Dahl J. , Schäfer W. , Schober O. , Schäfers M. , Lindner O. 
Published: March 2010

Summary
Aim: The working group Cardiovascular Nuclear Medicine of the German Society of Nuclear Medicine in cooperation with the working group Nuclear Cardiology of the German Cardiac Society herewith present the results of the 4th survey on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) of the year 2008. Method: 310 questionnaires (191 private practices (PP), 93 hospitals (HO), 31 university hospitals (UH)) were evaluated. Results: MPS of 98 947 patients were reported. 15% of them were younger than 50 y, 57% between 50 and 70 y and 28% older than 70 y. 88% [2007: 83%] of all were studied with Tc-99m perfusion tracers. The patient radiation exposure of a stress and rest protocol considering German standard recommended doses was 8.5 mSv, of a stress-only protocol 1.9 mSv. 77% [2007: 76%] of the MPS were performed in PP, 15% [2007: 15%] in HO and 8% [2007: 9%] in UH. From 2005 to 2008 there was a mild increase in the MPS numbers by 1.2% (PP +7.1%, HO −5.5%, UH −31.4%). The type of stress was pharmacological in 30% [2007: 27%]; 68% adenosine (of these 22% with exercise), 29% dipyridamole (of these 64% with exercise), and <1% dobutamine. Gated SPECT was performed in 46% [2007: 47%] of all rest and in 42% [2007: 44%] of all stress MPS. 62% [2007: 61%] of all institutions did not use perfusion scores. Conclusion: The MPS numbers from 2005 to 2008 in Germany can be regarded as stable. However, there are considerable shifts from HO and UH to PP. The well known potential of MPS considering risk stratification and functional analysis has not been tapped so far. Both gated SPECT and a quantitative perfusion analysis should be performed routinely in every patient.