bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MC1R genotypes and risk of melanoma before age 40 years: A population‐based case‐control‐family study
Authors: Cust Anne E. , Goumas Chris , Holland Elizabeth A. , Agha‐Hamilton Chantelle , Aitken Joanne F. , Armstrong Bruce K. , Giles Graham G. , Kefford Richard F. , Schmid Helen , Hopper John L. , Mann Graham J. , Jenkins Mark A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe contribution of melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) gene variants to the development of early‐onset melanoma is unknown. Using an Australian population‐based, case‐control‐family study, we sequenced MC1R for 565 cases with invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between ages 18 and 39 years, 409 unrelated controls and 518 sibling controls. Variants were classified a priori into “R” variants (D84E, R142H, R151C, I155T, R160W, D294H) and “r” variants (all other nonsynonymous variants). We estimated odds ratios (OR) for melanoma using unconditional (unrelated controls) and conditional (sibling controls) logistic regression. The prevalence of having at least one R or r variant was 86% for cases, 73% for unrelated controls and 81% for sibling controls. R151C conferred the highest risk (per allele OR 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.86–3.56 for the case‐unrelated‐control analysis and 1.70 (1.12–2.60) for the case‐sibling‐control analysis). When mutually adjusted, the ORs per R allele were 2.23 (1.77–2.80) and 2.06 (1.47–2.88), respectively, from the two types of analysis, and the ORs per r allele were 1.69 (1.33–2.13) and 1.25 (0.88–1.79), respectively. The associations were stronger for men and those with none or few nevi or with high childhood sun exposure. Adjustment for phenotype, nevi and sun exposure attenuated the overall log OR for R variants by approximately 18% but had lesser influence on r variant risk estimates. MC1R variants explained about 21% of the familial aggregation of melanoma. Some MC1R variants are important determinants of early‐onset melanoma. The strength of association with melanoma differs according to the type and number of variants.
Resveratrol acts as a topoisomerase II poison in human glioma cells
Authors: Leone Stefano , Basso Emiliano , Polticelli Fabio , Cozzi Renata 
Published: November 2011

AbstractRecently, we demonstrated that Resveratrol (RSV), a well known natural stilbene, is able to induce a delay in S progression with a concomitant increase in γH2AX expression in U87 glioma cells. Furthermore, we showed that it inhibits the ability of recombinant human topoisomerase IIα to decatenate kDNA in vitro. Because proliferating tumor cells express topoisomerases at high levels and these enzymes are important targets of some of the most successful anticancer drugs, we tested whether RSV is able to poison topoisomerase IIα in glioma cells. Then, we monitored the increase of micronuclei in RSV treated U87 cells as a consequence of the conversion of TOPOII/DNA cleavable complexes to permanent DNA damage. Finally, we assayed the ability of RSV in modulating the expression of target proteins involved in DNA damage signalling, namely ATR, ATM, Chk1, Chk2 and γH2AX. Through a molecular modelling here we show that RSV binds at the TOPOII/DNA interface thus establishing several hydrogen bonds. Moreover, we show that RSV poisons TOPOIIα so inducing DNA damage; ATM, Chk2 and γH2AX are involved in the DNA damage signalling after RSV treatment.
Reducing lipid peroxidation for improving colour stability of beef and lamb: on‐farm considerations
Authors: Li Yanfei , Liu Shimin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMeat colour and lipid stability are important sensory properties. Myoglobin oxidation is correlated with lipid oxidation, and one can exacerbate the occurrence of the other. Approaches to reduce both oxidative processes could focus on minimising oxidising agents in meat. In on‐farm practices, dietary supplementation of antioxidants is a useful approach for improving lipid stability and then meat colour stability, and further improvement could be a combination of using hydrophobic and hydrophilic antioxidants. Genetic variations in the endogenous antioxidant systems could be identified for the development of a breeding strategy to bring a long‐term benefit to the meat industry. To have a better understanding of oxidative stress and oxidation of long chain unsaturated fatty acids in live animals, the isoprostanes could be measured as an effective marker in vivo. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Connectivity in piping plovers: Do breeding populations have distinct winter distributions?
Authors: Gratto‐Trevor Cheri , Amirault‐Langlais Diane , Catlin Daniel , Cuthbert Francesca , Fraser James , Maddock Sidney , Roche Erin , Shaffer François 
Published: November 2011

AbstractResightings of uniquely marked birds from 2001 to 2008 were used to determine winter distributions of 4 breeding populations of a species at risk, the piping plover (Charadrius melodus). Although considerable overlap exists, a distinct pattern in winter distributions was evident. Birds originating from eastern Canada wintered farthest north compared to other populations. Most individuals from the United States Great Lakes were found in South Carolina and Georgia in winter, whereas birds from eastern Canada were found primarily in North Carolina. Although the great majority of birds marked in Prairie Canada were observed wintering in Texas, particularly southern Texas, breeding plovers from the United States Great Plains were more widely distributed on the gulf coast from Florida to Texas. Very few large‐scale movements of individuals in winter were reported either within or between years. This study highlights the significance of geographic regions for eastern Canada, the United States Great Lakes, the United States Great Plains, and Prairie Canada populations, and demonstrates relatively high winter site fidelity. This information will help focus conservation efforts for specific breeding populations during the winter. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Habitat and landscape effects on abundance of Missouri's grassland birds
Authors: Jacobs Robert B. , Thompson Frank R. , Koford Rolf R. , La Sorte Frank A. , Woodward Hope D. , Fitzgerald Jane A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractOf 6 million ha of prairie that once covered northern and western Missouri, <36,500 ha remain, with planted, managed, and restored grasslands comprising most contemporary grasslands. Most grasslands are used as pasture or hayfields. Native grasses largely have been replaced by fescue (Festucaspp.) on most private lands (almost 7 million ha). Previously cropped fields set aside under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) varied from a mix of cool‐season grasses and forbs, or mix of native warm‐season grasses and forbs, to simple tall‐grass monocultures. We used generalized linear mixed models and distance sampling to assess abundance of 8 species of breeding grassland birds on 6 grassland types commonly associated with farm practices in Missouri and located in landscapes managed for grassland‐bird conservation. We selected Bird Conservation Areas (BCAs) for their high percentage of grasslands and grassland‐bird species, and for <5% forest cover. We used an information‐theoretic approach to assess the relationship between bird abundance and 6 grassland types, 3 measures of vegetative structure, and 2 landscape variables (% grassland and edge density within a 1‐km radius). We found support for all 3 levels of model parameters, although there was less support for landscape than vegetation structure effects likely because we studied high‐percentage‐grassland landscapes (BCAs). Henslow's sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) counts increased with greater percentage of grassland, vegetation height‐density, litter depth, and shrub cover and lower edge density. Henslow's sparrow counts were greatest in hayed native prairie. Dickcissel (Spiza americana) counts increased with greater vegetation height‐density and were greatest in planted CRP grasslands. Grasshopper sparrow (A. savannarum) counts increased with lower vegetation height, litter depth, and shrub cover. Based on distance modeling, breeding densities of Henslow's sparrow, dickcissel, and grasshopper sparrow in the 6 grassland types ranged 0.9–2.6, 1.4–3.2, and 0.1–1.5 birds/ha, respectively. We suggest different grassland types and structures (vegetation height, litter depth, shrub cover) are needed to support priority grassland‐bird species in Missouri. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Experimental test of nest‐site limitation in mature mixed forests of central British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Aitken Kathryn E. H. , Martin Kathy 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNest‐site availability limits cavity‐using populations in many harvested forests; however, little is known about the extent of nest‐site limitation in mature forests with a full complement of excavator species and intact processes of cavity creation and loss. To examine the role of nest‐site availability in limiting cavity‐using populations in mature mixed conifer forests in central British Columbia, Canada, we conducted an 11‐year before‐after control‐impact experiment in which we increased nest‐site availability via nest box addition. Our 7 sites (3 treatments, 4 controls) had low cavity densities (<2/ha) prior to treatment and cavity occupation rates were also low (<10%/yr), which is a relationship often cited in the literature as evidence of non‐limitation in cavity‐nesting populations. Following nest box addition at our treatment sites, which tripled the availability of cavities, total density of bird and mammal nests more than tripled. Density of mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli) nests increased 9‐fold on treatment sites and returned to pre‐treatment levels following box removal, suggesting that chickadee populations were limited by cavity availability at our study sites. Density of red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) nests and roosts also increased significantly at treatment sites following box addition and declined following box removal. We noted little change in chickadee or squirrel nest density at control sites monitored concurrently. Squirrels preferred large‐sized over small‐sized boxes, and significantly enlarged the entrance areas of small boxes by chewing, suggesting that there may have been a shortage of suitable nest and roost sites for them in our study area. We contend that low cavity occupancy rates may not accurately reflect nest‐site availability for cavity nesters in mature forests, and that cavity size may influence the true availability of cavities on the landscape. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Population genetic structure of white‐tailed deer: Understanding risk of chronic wasting disease spread
Authors: Lang Krista R. , Blanchong Julie A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractUnderstanding factors that influence the spread of wildlife diseases can assist in designing effective surveillance programs and appropriate management strategies. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion disease of cervids, was detected in south‐central Wisconsin in 2002 and over time has been identified increasingly farther west in the state leading to concerns about CWD spreading to Iowa. Our objective was to characterize genetic connectivity between white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in eastern Iowa and western Wisconsin to assess the risk of CWD‐infected deer dispersing to Iowa. We hypothesized that the Mississippi River, which separates the states, may restrict the movement of deer and thus disease. We genotyped hunter‐harvested female deer collected from both states at 12 nuclear microsatellite loci (n = 249) and sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (n = 173). Microsatellite data indicated there was low genetic differentiation (ΦPT = 0.005) between states and weak spatial genetic structure across the study area as a whole. Verifying expectations that dispersal in deer is male‐biased, maternally inherited mtDNA data showed stronger spatial structuring across the study area and greater genetic differentiation between the states (ΦPT = 0.052) such that clustering analysis grouped the majority of deer from Iowa and Wisconsin into separate clusters. The low level of genetic differentiation between deer in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, primarily the result of dispersing males who have greater CWD prevalence than females, indicates that the Mississippi River is unlikely to prohibit the westward spread of CWD, and underscores the importance of continued CWD surveillance in Iowa. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Potentiometric Behavior of Polyampholytes Based on N,N′‐diallyl‐N,N′‐dimethylammonium Chloride and Maleamic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Fechner Mabya , Koetz Joachim 
Published: November 2011

AbstractStrongly alternating copolymers (PalH, PalPh, PalPhBisCarb) composed of N,N′‐diallyl‐N,N′‐dimethyl‐ammonium chloride (DADMAC) and maleamic acid derivatives (MAD) are synthesized by a water‐based free radical copolymerization using 4,4‐azobis(4‐cyanovaleric acid) (V501) as the initiator. The structure of the copolymers is verified by 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric measurements, and the physicochemical properties are investigated by viscometric and potentiometric techniques. Potentiometric titration curves show that the acidity of the carboxylic groups strongly depends on the degree of dissociation and the ionic strength. Since all copolymers behave as polycations at low degree of dissociation, a transition from an extended chain to a coil conformation can be identified by reaching the isoelectric point (IEP).
Genetic and pathological links between Parkinson's disease and the lysosomal disorder Sanfilippo syndrome
Authors: Winder‐Rhodes Sophie E. , Garcia‐Reitböck Pablo , Ban Maria , Evans Jonathan R. , Jacques Thomas S. , Kemppinen Anu , Foltynie Thomas , Williams‐Gray Caroline H. , Chinnery Patrick F. , Hudson Gavin , Burn David J. , Allcock Liesl M. , Sawcer Stephen J. , Barker Roger A. , Spillantini Maria Grazia 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology. The characteristic α‐synuclein aggregation of PD is also a feature of Sanfilippo syndrome, a storage disorder caused by α‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU) gene mutations. We explored genetic links between these disorders and studied the pathology of Sanfilippo syndrome to investigate a common pathway toward α‐synuclein aggregation.Methods:We typed the 2 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms that tag the common haplotypes of NAGLU in 926 PD patients and 2308 controls and also stained cortical tissue from 2 cases of Sanfilippo A syndrome using the anti‐α‐synuclein antibody, Per7.Results:Allelic analysis showed an association between rs2071046 and risk for PD (P 1.3 × 10−3). Intracellular α‐synuclein accumulation was observed in the cortical tissue of both Sanfilippo A syndrome cases.Conclusions:This study suggests a possible role of NAGLU in susceptibility to PD while extending evidence for α‐synuclein aggregation in the brain in lysosomal storage disorders. Our findings support a mechanism involving lysosomal dysfunction more generally in the pathogenesis of PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Comparison between eight‐ and sixteen‐channel TEM transceive arrays for body imaging at 7 T
Authors: Snyder C. J. , DelaBarre L. , Moeller S. , Tian J. , Akgun C. , Van de Moortele P.‐F. , Bolan P. J. , Ugurbil K. , Vaughan J. T. , Metzger G. J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractEight‐ and sixteen‐channel transceive stripline/TEM body arrays were compared at 7 T (297 MHz) both in simulation and experiment. Despite previous demonstrations of similar arrays for use in body applications, a quantitative comparison of the two configurations has not been undertaken to date. Results were obtained on a male pelvis for assessing transmit, signal to noise ratio, and parallel imaging performance and to evaluate local power deposition versus transmit B1 (B1+). All measurements and simulations were conducted after performing local B1+ phase shimming in the region of the prostate. Despite the additional challenges of decoupling immediately adjacent coils, the sixteen‐channel array demonstrated improved or nearly equivalent performance to the eight‐channel array based on the evaluation criteria. Experimentally, transmit performance and signal to noise ratio were 22% higher for the sixteen‐channel array while significantly increased reduction factors were achievable in the left–right direction for parallel imaging. Finite difference time domain simulations demonstrated similar results with respect to transmit and parallel imaging performance, however, a higher transmit efficiency advantage of 33% was predicted. Simulations at both 3 and 7 T verified the expected parallel imaging improvements with increasing field strength and showed that, for a specific B1+ shimming strategy used, the sixteen‐channel array exhibited lower local and global specific absorption rate for a given B1+. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust method for 3D arterial spin labeling in mice
Authors: Chugh Brige Paul , Bishop Jonathan , Zhou Yu‐Qing , Wu Jian , Henkelman R. Mark , Sled John G. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractArterial spin labeling is a versatile perfusion quantification methodology, which has the potential to provide accurate characterization of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in mouse models. However, a paucity of physiological data needed for accurate modeling, more stringent requirements for gradient performance, and strong artifacts introduced by magnetization transfer present special challenges for accurate CBF mapping in the mouse. This article describes robust mapping of CBF over three‐dimensional brain regions using amplitude‐modulated continuous arterial spin labeling. To provide physiological data for CBF modeling, the carotid artery blood velocity distribution was characterized using pulsed‐wave Doppler ultrasound. These blood velocity measurements were used in simulations that optimize inversion efficiency for parameters meeting MRI gradient duty cycle constraints. A rapid slice positioning algorithm was developed and evaluated to provide accurate positioning of the labeling plane. To account for enhancement of T1 due to magnetization transfer, a binary spin bath model of magnetization transfer was used to provide a more accurate estimate of CBF. Finally, a study of CBF was conducted on 10 mice with findings of highly reproducible inversion efficiency (mean ± standard‐error‐of‐the‐mean, 0.67 ± 0.03), statistically significant variation in CBF over 12 brain regions (P < 0.0001) and a mean ± standard‐error‐of‐the‐mean whole brain CBF of 219 ± 6 mL/100 g/min. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrasound evaluation of peripheral neuropathy in POEMS syndrome
Authors: Lucchetta Marta , Pazzaglia Costanza , Granata Giuseppe , Briani Chiara , Padua Luca 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroduction:Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder associated with plasma cell dyscrasia whose main neurological feature is a demyelinating polyneuropathy. The aim of our study was to assess the pattern of ultrasound (US) nerve abnormalities in POEMS syndrome patients.Methods:Eight POEMS syndrome patients underwent neurological examination and US evaluation of the median, ulnar, fibular, tibial, and sural nerves. Nerve cross‐sectional area and echogenicity abnormalities were analyzed.Results:US abnormalities were mostly localized at entrapment sites. Enlargements outside the entrapment sites were uncommon. No correlation was found between muscle weakness and focal US findings.Conclusions:No specific pattern of US abnormalities was identified in this cohort of patients with POEMS syndrome. The lack of correlation between US and clinical findings may be secondary to the chronic nerve damage that is common in POEMS syndrome, where the diagnosis is often delayed. Muscle Nerve 2011
Substance abuse increases the risk of neuropathy in an HIV‐infected cohort
Authors: Robinson‐Papp Jessica , Gelman Benjamin B. , Grant Igor , Singer Elyse , Gensler Gary , Morgello Susan ,   for the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients commonly develop distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). Age, ethnicity, and toxic exposures may influence the risk. In this study we examined the association between substance use, antiretrovirals, ethnicity, and incident neuropathy in an HIV‐infected cohort. Methods: Data were obtained from the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (NNTC), an ongoing, prospective cohort started in 1998. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of substance use, demographics, neurotoxic antiretrovirals, and laboratory parameters with incident neuropathy in 636 participants who were neuropathy‐free at baseline. Results: The cumulative incidence of DSP was 41%. Substance use (P = 0.04), number of substances used (P = 0.04), and longer duration of HIV infection (P = 0.05) were associated with incident DSP, but demographic factors, use of neurotoxic antiretrovirals, and laboratory parameters were not. Conclusions: Substance use and longer duration of HIV infection are risk factors for DSP in HIV‐infected patients. Use of multiple substances may be particularly risky. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Electrical impedance myography in spinal muscular atrophy: A longitudinal study
Authors: Rutkove Seward B. , Gregas Matt C. , Darras Basil T. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroduction: New approaches for assessing disease progression in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are needed. In this study, we evaluate whether electrical impedance myography (EIM) can detect disease progression in SMA compared with a group of healthy children of similar age. Methods: Twenty‐eight children with SMA and 20 normal children underwent repeated EIM testing in four muscles at regular intervals for up to 3 years. An average rate of change of EIM was calculated for each subject and normalized to subcutaneous fat thickness and muscle girth. Results: Multiple EIM parameters showed a change in normal subjects over a mean of 16.7 months; however, no change was found in SMA patients over this period. Conclusions: EIM could detect non–mass‐dependent muscle maturation in healthy children. In contrast, the muscle in children with SMA, as measured by EIM, was virtually static, showing no evidence of growth or active deterioration. Muscle Nerve, 2012
The thoracic outlet syndromes
Authors: Ferrante Mark A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe term thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders, all of which have in common compression of one or more neurovascular elements at some point within the thoracic outlet. Of the five disorders comprising this group, four have all of the features expected of a syndrome—a recognized constellation of clinical features; an anatomic derangement accounting for these features; and a method of testing that identifies the anatomic derangement. Consequently, their recognition and management are relatively straightforward. Conversely, one of these five disorders (nonspecific TOS) lacks these correlations, which has generated considerable debate in the literature and caused some experts to doubt its existence altogether. The primary focus in this study is on the neurologic forms of TOS. However, for completeness and a better understanding of these neurologic manifestations, the vascular forms are also reviewed. Muscle Nerve 45: 780–795, 2012