bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elk distribution and spatial overlap with livestock during the brucellosis transmission risk period
Authors: Proffitt Kelly M. , Gude Justin A. , Hamlin Kenneth L. , Garrott Robert A. , Cunningham Julie A. , Grigg Jamin L. 
Published: December 2010

Summary 1. The presence of Brucella abortus within free‐ranging wildlife populations is an important conservation and management issue because of the risk of brucellosis transmission between wildlife and livestock. Predicting wildlife distributions is necessary to forecast wildlife and livestock spatial overlap and the potential for brucellosis transmission. 2. We used Global Positioning System data collected from telemetry‐collared female elk Cervus elaphus to develop resource selection function (RSF) models during the brucellosis transmission risk period (the abortion and calving periods). We validated extrapolation of predictive models at two nearby elk ranges within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Additionally, we integrated extrapolated RSF maps and domestic livestock distributions to estimate the relative probability of elk and livestock commingling during the brucellosis transmission risk period. 3. The top‐ranked model predicted that areas selected by elk had a lower probability of wolf Canis lupus occupancy, were privately owned and south facing, and had steeper slopes, lower road densities and higher Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Elk selected forests and shrublands over grasslands; however, the strength of selection decreased as snowpack increased. Elk selection for privately owned lands may lead to spatial overlap with livestock and increase the risk of elk and livestock intermingling. Furthermore, if both elk and livestock concentrate in areas of higher NDVI, increased spatial overlap may occur in these areas. 4. Predictive accuracy was highest in the study area where the model was developed. When compared to the model development area, predictive accuracy of extrapolated RSF maps was similar or better in one of the elk ranges and lower in the other elk range. 5. Synthesis and applications. Extrapolated RSF and spatial overlap maps can provide a foundation for identifying the highest risk areas of elk and livestock spatial overlap during the brucellosis transmission risk period. However, the predictive accuracy of the models is limited when applied to different areas. Site‐specific models of spatial overlap would therefore be needed to provide the most accurate estimates of elk and livestock spatial overlap during the transmission risk period. The degree to which spatial overlap may lead to actual transmission risk needs to be investigated as this is not yet known and could have important implications for managing transmission risk.
BAC‐recombineering for studying plant gene regulation: developmental control and cellular localization of SnRK1 kinase subunits
Authors: Bitrián Marta , Roodbarkelari Farshad , Horváth Mihály , Koncz Csaba 
Published: December 2010

SummaryRecombineering, permitting precise modification of genes within bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) through homologous recombination mediated by lambda phage‐encoded Red proteins, is a widely used powerful tool in mouse, Caenorhabditis and Drosophila genetics. As Agrobacterium‐mediated transfer of large DNA inserts from binary BACs and TACs into plants occurs at low frequency, recombineering is so far seldom exploited in the analysis of plant gene functions. We have constructed binary plant transformation vectors, which are suitable for gap‐repair cloning of genes from BACs using recombineering methods previously developed for other organisms. Here we show that recombineering facilitates PCR‐based generation of precise translational fusions between coding sequences of fluorescent reporter and plant proteins using galK‐based exchange recombination. The modified target genes alone or as part of a larger gene cluster can be transferred by high‐frequency gap‐repair into plant transformation vectors, stably maintained in Agrobacterium and transformed without alteration into plants. Versatile application of plant BAC‐recombineering is illustrated by the analysis of developmental regulation and cellular localization of interacting AKIN10 catalytic and SNF4 activating subunits of Arabidopsis Snf1‐related (SnRK1) protein kinase using in vivo imaging. To validate full functionality and in vivo interaction of tagged SnRK1 subunits, it is demonstrated that immunoprecipitated SNF4–YFP is bound to a kinase that phosphorylates SnRK1 candidate substrates, and that the GFP‐ and YFP‐tagged kinase subunits co‐immunoprecipitate with endogenous wild type AKIN10 and SNF4.
Evaluation of noninvasive methods for the estimation of haemoglobin content in red blood cell concentrates
Authors: Reikvam H. , van de Watering L. , Prowse C. , Devine D. , Heddle N. M. , Hervig T. ,   on behalf of the BEST collaborative
Published: December 2010

Objectives: Red blood cell concentrates (RCCs) are the major blood component transfused to patients. There is a great variability in patient response, depending on both the patient's blood volume and haemoglobin content in the RCC. Standardisation of transfusion practice is needed to improve the prediction of patient outcome. Aim: We hypothesise that labelling of RCCs with haemoglobin content will add possibilities for the standardisation of transfusion practice. Methods: Data from multiple international transfusion services regarding haemoglobin content and weight or volume of RCC were collected and analysed. Results: We demonstrate a strong and highly significant correlation between haemoglobin content with both weight and volume of the RCCs. A linear regression model was used to assess these relationships, and it demonstrates how haemoglobin content can be estimated for different cell production processes. Conclusions: We recommend the use of weight or volume of the RCCs as the basis of estimating haemoglobin in the RCC and postulate that this can be used in future studies to explore the effects of a haemoglobin dose‐based transfusion system. As the weight – and sometimes the volume – of the blood bag is easily accessible, in contrast to direct haemoglobin measurements from each individual unit, this method is feasible and simple.
In vitro activity of multiple antibiotic combinations against Nocardia: relationship with a short‐term treatment strategy in heart transplant recipients with pulmonary nocardiosis
Authors: Tripodi M.‐F. , Durante‐Mangoni E. , Fortunato R. , Cuccurullo S. , Mikami Y. , Farina C. , Utili R. 
Published: December 2010

M.‐F. Tripodi, E. Durante‐Mangoni, R. Fortunato, S. Cuccurullo, Y. Mikami, C. Farina, R. Utili. In vitro activity of multiple antibiotic combinations against Nocardia: relationship with a short‐term treatment strategy in heart transplant recipients with pulmonary nocardiosis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 335–343. All rights reservedBackground/objectives. Pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) chiefly affects immunocompromised patients, particularly transplant recipients. Cotrimoxazole is still the mainstay of treatment, but it is associated with nephro‐ and myelo‐toxicity, and can show unpredictable activity against Nocardia isolates.Methods. Over a 20‐year period, Nocardia isolates were identified from 12 heart transplant (HTx) recipients with PN. The in vitro activity of various antibacterials, alone or in combination, was assessed using disk‐diffusion, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and time‐kill methodology. The in vitro results were compared with the clinical outcome of the patients.Results. Seven different Nocardia strains were identified. Disk diffusion and MIC determinations showed that all isolates were susceptible to amikacin, netilmicin, and linezolid, and that moxifloxacin was the most active of the fluoroquinolones. All but 1 of the isolates were susceptible to imipenem. Time‐kill studies showed that imipenem/amikacin and imipenem/moxifloxacin combinations were bactericidal for most isolates. Of 12 patients who received 3−4 weeks' intravenous (IV) treatment with amikacin or ciprofloxacin in combination with a beta‐lactam, followed by 1−3 months' oral cotrimoxazole, moxifloxacin, or linezolid, 11 were cured; 1 patient died, but not related to Nocardia.Conclusion. Initial PN treatment in HTx recipients can be successfully carried out with bactericidal combinations such as imipenem plus amikacin or moxifloxacin, administered IV for 3–4 weeks. Within 1 month, a significant clinical and radiological improvement may be observed. In our experience, a <3 month oral regimen with cotrimoxazole, moxifloxacin, or doxycycline may then be used. This may allow a reduction of side effects and treatment‐related burden, without any recurrence.
World Health Organization collaborative study to calibrate the 3rd International Standard for Hepatitis C virus RNA nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT)‐based assays
Authors: Baylis S. A. , Heath A. B. ,   the Collaborative Study Group
Published: December 2010

Background and Objectives  A collaborative study was undertaken to evaluate a replacement World Health Organization International Standard for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA for nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT)‐based assays. The candidate preparations were calibrated in International Units (IUs).Materials and Methods  Three new candidate preparations were produced from a single bulk containing anti‐HCV‐negative, genotype 1a HCV RNA–positive plasma. Two samples were lyophilized (coded Sample 2 and Sample 3), whilst a third (Sample 4) contained liquid/frozen material. The samples were distributed together with the 2nd International Standard (Sample 1, NIBSC code 96/798) for evaluation by thirty‐three laboratories, from fourteen countries. The panel of samples were assayed on four separate occasions. Stability studies were performed for the lyophilized samples by accelerated thermal degradation.Results  Participants returned data from a wide range of commercial and in‐house quantitative and qualitative assays. Twenty‐five data sets were returned for quantitative assays and fourteen for qualitative assays. Excellent agreement was observed between laboratories and assay methods. The mean relative potencies of Samples 2–4 were 5·19, 5·41 and 5·70 log10 IU/ml, respectively, when compared against the 2nd International Standard. Samples 2 and 3 demonstrated stability of a similar order to the previous standards.Conclusions  Based upon the results of the collaborative study, Sample 2 (code number 06/100) was established as the 3rd International Standard for HCV RNA with an assigned unitage of 5·19 log10 IU/ml. Each vial contains the equivalent of 0·5 ml of material; each vial contains 4·89 log10 IU of HCV RNA.
Core and surface temperatures in a red‐blood‐cell unit during storage and transport
Authors: Reiter U. , Wagner T. , Kozma N. , Reiter G. , Lanzer G. 
Published: December 2010

Background and Objectives  Temperature tracing of stored red‐blood‐cell concentrates (RBCs) is inevitable with respect to RBC quality control. RBC temperature, which should not exceed 10°C, is usually assessed by devices attached to the surface of the RBC pouch, assuming that surface temperature adequately represents the thermal state of RBC. We investigated under which conditions this assumption is true.Materials and Methods  Eighteen thermocouples (TC) equidistantly mounted on a two‐layer plastic grid were installed in a pouch to determine temperature distribution in the unit. Two TCs were attached to each side of the bag to evaluate surface temperatures. One was further installed in each investigation room to assess ambient room temperatures. Temperature distributions and time–temperature courses were measured under constant temperatures and various warming and cooling conditions.Results  At homogeneous storage temperatures, only small gradients were measured between core and surface temperatures. Removed from cooling chamber to room temperature or back from room to storage temperature, core and surface time–temperature curves drifted apart. Surface and core temperature diverged the more, the faster ambient temperatures altered. The situation could be stabilized by thermal isolation: handled in a transport box, or even better in an air cushion envelope, surface and core courses approached and ultimately closely followed each other, respectively.Conclusion  RBC temperature monitoring devices attached to the surface of the RBC pouch very well describe the core temperature under constant temperature conditions. During transport, thermal isolation of the RBC unit is necessary to control RBC temperature precisely by surface temperature measurements.
Individual income and falls among the elderly in Latin America
Authors: Trujillo Antonio J , Puvanachandra Prasanthi , Hyder Adnan A 
Published: December 2010

Aim:  The burden of falls amongst the elderly raises important public health concerns. Empirical evidence suggests that macroeconomic growth may not be sufficient to reduce mortality and morbidity from injuries among the elderly. This paper consolidates macro‐ and microeconomic evidence of the effect of income on elderly falls in Latin America.Method:  Using household databases, we estimate an empirical model to assess the relationship between income and falls.Results:  The estimations indicate that an increase in personal income reduces the probability of falling; yet, the size of the effect is negligible. A 10% increase in income reduces the probability of falling between 0.001 and 0.002% while a 20% increase reduced the probability by up to 1%.Conclusion:  These findings are consistent with macroeconomic data where morbidity and mortality among seniors are inelastic to economic growth. Policy implications of cash transfer programs targeting the elderly are discussed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 180–190.
Contribution of glial–neuronal interactions to the neuroendocrine control of female puberty
Authors: Ojeda Sergio R. , Lomniczi Alejandro , Sandau Ursula 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMammalian puberty is initiated by an increased pulsatile release of the neuropeptide gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) from hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurons. Although this increase is primarily set in motion by neuronal networks synaptically connected to GnRH neurons, glial cells contribute to the process via at least two mechanisms. One involves production of growth factors acting via receptors endowed with either serine–threonine kinase or tyrosine kinase activity. The other involves plastic rearrangements of glia–GnRH neuron adhesiveness. Growth factors of the epidermal growth factor family acting via erbB receptors play a major role in glia‐to‐GnRH neuron communication. In turn, neurons facilitate astrocytic erbB signaling via glutamate‐dependent cleavage of erbB ligand precursors. The genetic disruption of erbB receptors delays female sexual development due to impaired erbB ligand‐induced glial prostaglandin E2 release. The adhesiveness of glial cells to GnRH neurons involves at least two different cell–cell communication systems endowed with both adhesive and intracellular signaling capabilities. One is provided by synaptic cell adhesion molecule (SynCAM1), which establishes astrocyte–GnRH neuron adhesiveness via homophilic interactions and the other involves the heterophilic interaction of neuronal contactin with glial receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatase‐β. These findings indicate that the interaction of glial cells with GnRH neurons involves not only secreted bioactive molecules, but also cell‐surface adhesive proteins able to set in motion intracellular signaling cascades.
Role of astroglia in the neuroplastic and neuroprotective actions of estradiol
Authors: Azcoitia Iñigo , Santos‐Galindo María , Arevalo María A. , Garcia‐Segura Luis M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAstrocyte–neuron cross‐talk is an essential component of the mechanisms involved in the neuroendocrine and neuroprotective actions of estradiol. Astrocytes express estrogen receptors, show morphological and functional modifications in response to estradiol and participate in the hormonal regulation of synaptic plasticity and neuroendocrine events. In addition, estradiol interferes with the activation of astrocytes under pathological conditions, modulating the release of neurotrophic factors and inflammatory molecules by these cells. Furthermore, under neurodegenerative conditions, astrocytes synthesize estradiol, which acts as a local neuroprotectant. The actions of estradiol on astrocytes can be imitated by selective estrogen receptor modulators. Some of these molecules, which are free of the peripheral risks associated with estrogen therapy, exert estradiol‐like anti‐inflammatory actions on astrocytes and are potential therapeutic candidates for the control of reactive astrogliosis.
The intimate relationship of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone neurons with the polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule revisited across development and adult plasticity
Authors: Franceschini Isabelle , Desroziers Elodie , Caraty Alain , Duittoz Anne 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe neurohormone gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is critical for all the aspects of reproductive life in vertebrates. GnRH is secreted by a small number of neurons dispersed within the preoptic‐hypothalamic region. These neurons are derived from the embryonic olfactory pit. They then migrate along olfactory, vomeronasal and terminal nerves to their final destination. Classical approaches to study the regulation of GnRH secretion during the reproductive cycle have focused on the various neuronal inputs on GnRH neurons and their regulation by ovarian steroids. However, it is well known that steroids will change the microenvironment of neuronal networks and can induce plasticity and functional changes. In this review, we will focus on the intimate relationship of developing and adult GnRH neurons with the polysialylated form of neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM), a major molecular actor in the morphogenesis and adult plasticity of the nervous system. We will first recapitulate the spatiotemporal relationship between PSA‐NCAM and migrating GnRH neurons during embryogenesis of various vertebrate species and discuss its importance for GnRH neuron development as shown by various loss of function studies. In the adult, we will review the relationships between PSA‐NCAM and GnRH neurons across various physiological states, and open the discussion to the use of new model systems that can help to unravel the function and mechanism of action of PSA‐NCAM on GnRH neuronal network activity and GnRH release.
Sex steroid‐induced neuroplasticity and behavioral activation in birds
Authors: Balthazart Jacques , Charlier Thierry D. , Barker Jennifer M. , Yamamura Takashi , Ball Gregory F. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe brain of adult homeothermic vertebrates exhibits a higher degree of morphological neuroplasticity than previously thought, and this plasticity is especially prominent in birds. In particular, incorporation of new neurons is widespread throughout the adult avian forebrain, and the volumes of specific nuclei vary seasonally in a prominent manner. We review here work on steroid‐dependent plasticity in birds, based on two cases: the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) of Japanese quail in relation to male sexual behavior, and nucleus HVC in canaries, which regulates song behavior. In male quail, POM volume changes seasonally, and in castrated subjects testosterone almost doubles POM volume within 2 weeks. Significant volume increases are, however, already observable after 1 day. Steroid receptor coactivator‐1 is part of the mechanism mediating these effects. Increases in POM volume reflect changes in cell size or spacing and dendritic branching, but are not associated with an increase in neuron number. In contrast, seasonal changes in HVC volume reflect incorporation of newborn neurons in addition to changes in cell size and spacing. These are induced by treatments with exogenous testosterone or its metabolites. Expression of doublecortin, a microtubule‐associated protein, is increased by testosterone in the HVC but not in the adjacent nidopallium, suggesting that neuron production in the subventricular zone, the birthplace of newborn neurons, is not affected. Together, these data illustrate the high degree of plasticity that extends into adulthood and is characteristic of avian brain structures. Many questions still remain concerning the regulation and specific function of this plasticity.
Aromatase, brain sexualization and plasticity: the fish paradigm
Authors: Le Page Yann , Diotel Nicolas , Vaillant Colette , Pellegrini Elisabeth , Anglade Isabelle , Mérot Yohann , Kah Olivier 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn contrast to mammals, teleost fish have a very labile genetic sex determination. Sex differentiation is influenced by a combination of hormonal, social and environmental factors and teleost fishes exhibit many examples of hermaphroditism. This means that the brain of fish is not irreversibly sexualized early in life. This review aims at highlighting some unique features of fish that may explain their brain sexual plasticity. Unlike mammals, in which brain aromatase activity decreases after birth, adult teleosts exhibit an intense aromatase activity due to strong expression of one of two aromatase genes (aromatase A or cyp19a1a and aromatase B or cyp19a1b) that arose from a gene duplication event. Interestingly, aromatase B is only expressed in radial glial cells (RGC) of adult fish. These cells persist throughout life and act as progenitors in the brain of both developing and adult fish. In agreement with the fact that brain aromatase activity is correlated with sex steroid levels, the high expression of cyp19a1b is due to an autoregulatory loop through which estrogens and aromatizable androgens upregulate aromatase expression. Given the well‐established roles of estrogens and aromatase on brain sexualization, these features suggest that the brain of fish conserves properties of embryonic mammalian brain throughout life – high neurogenic activity and high aromatase expression in progenitor cells correlated with sex steroid levels. The permanent dialogue between the brain and the gonad would permit sex changes and thus the emergence of a variety of reproductive strategies. Other hypotheses are also discussed.
Emerging new sites for adult neurogenesis in the mammalian brain: a comparative study between the hypothalamus and the classical neurogenic zones
Authors: Migaud Martine , Batailler Martine , Segura Stéphanie , Duittoz Anne , Franceschini Isabelle , Pillon Delphine 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn adult mammalian brain, two main germinative regions located in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and in the subgranular cell layer of the hippocampal dentate gyrus have been considerably documented and are still under intense scrutiny. However, new neuron formation has recently been reported in various other brain areas including the hypothalamus. This central structure, responsible for the control of many major neuroendocrine functions such as reproduction, expresses high levels of PSA‐NCAM and nestin, both proteins being involved in structural and morphological plasticity mechanisms. Cell proliferation and new neuron production have been demonstrated in the adult hypothalamus of numerous species, although not hitherto described in non‐human primates and humans. Similarly to the subventricular zone and in the subgranular cell layer, the adult hypothalamic neurogenesis process is subject to dynamic regulation by various physiological and pharmacological signals. Several pieces of evidence support the hypothesis that a stem cell niche‐like architecture exist in the hypothalamus region lining the third ventricle thereby enabling adult neural stem cells to continuously generate neurons in vivo throughout life. Furthermore, recent data indicating that new hypothalamic neurons may become functionally implicated in sensory information processing endorse the assumption that the hypothalamus might be a neurogenic region.