bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactive responses of old‐field plant growth and composition to warming and precipitation
Authors: Hoeppner Susanne S. , Dukes Jeffrey S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAs Earth's atmosphere accumulates carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, Earth's climate is expected to warm and precipitation patterns will likely change. The manner in which terrestrial ecosystems respond to climatic changes will in turn affect the rate of climate change. Here we describe responses of an old‐field herbaceous community to a factorial combination of four levels of warming (up to 4 °C) and three precipitation regimes (drought, ambient and rain addition) over 2 years. Warming suppressed total production, shoot production, and species richness, but only in the drought treatment. Root production did not respond to warming, but drought stimulated the growth of deeper (> 10 cm) roots by 121% in 1 year. Warming and precipitation treatments both affected functional group composition, with C4 grasses and other annual and biennial species entering the C3 perennial‐dominated community in ambient rainfall and rain addition treatments as well as in warmed treatments. Our results suggest that, in this mesic system, expected changes in temperature or large changes in precipitation alone can alter functional composition, but they have little effect on total herbaceous plant growth. However, drought limits the capacity of the entire system to withstand warming. The relative insensitivity of our study system to climate suggests that the herbaceous component of old‐field communities will not dramatically increase production in response to warming or precipitation change, and so it is unlikely to provide either substantial increases in forage production or a meaningful negative feedback to climate change later this century.
Robust heat‐inducible gene expression by two endogenous hsp70‐derived promoters in transgenic Aedes aegypti
Authors: Carpenetti T. L. G. , Aryan A. , Myles K. M. , Adelman Z. N. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAedes aegypti is an important vector of the viruses that cause dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and yellow fever. Reverse genetic approaches to the study of gene function in this mosquito have been limited by the lack of a robust inducible promoter to allow precise temporal control over a protein‐encoding or hairpin RNA transgene. Likewise, investigations into the molecular and biochemical basis of vector competence would benefit from the ability to activate an antipathogen molecule at specific times during infection. We have characterized the ability of genomic sequences derived from two Ae. aegypti heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) genes to drive heat‐inducible expression of a reporter in both transient and germline transformation contexts. AaHsp70‐luciferase transcripts accumulated specifically after heat shock, and displayed a pattern of rapid induction and decay similar to endogenous AaHsp70 genes. Luciferase expression in transgenic Ae. aegypti increased by ∼25–50‐fold in whole adults by 4 h after heat‐shock, with significant activity (∼20‐fold) remaining at 24 h. Heat‐induced expression was even more dramatic in midgut tissues, with one strain showing a ∼2500‐fold increase in luciferase activity. The AaHsp70 promoters described could be valuable for gene function studies as well as for the precise timing of the expression of antipathogen molecules.
Factors influencing Dutch practice nurses’ intention to adopt a new smoking cessation intervention
Authors: Leitlein Lisa , Smit Eline Suzanne , de Vries Hein , Hoving Ciska 
Published: December 2011

leitlein l., smit e.s., de vries h. & hoving c. (2012) Factors influencing Dutch practice nurses’ intention to adopt a new smoking cessation intervention. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2185–2194.AbstractAims.  This article is a report of a study that aimed to identify factors influencing practice nurses’ and nurse practitioners’ intention to adopt a new smoking cessation intervention.Background.  Although effective smoking cessation interventions exist and practice nurses can offer a considerable resource in advertising patients to quit smoking, due to several reasons the majority of practice nurses do not implement these interventions.Methods.  A cross‐sectional study was undertaken among Dutch practice nurses and nurse practitioners working in general practices (n = 139) using electronic questionnaires. Data were collected from January until March in 2009. T‐tests were used to compare adopters with non‐adopters about their predisposing and motivational factors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the variation in intention explained by these factors.Results.  The majority of practice nurses did not intend to adopt the new intervention (n = 85; 61·2%). More practice nurses than nurse practitioners intended to adopt the intervention. Attitude and perceived social norms were found to be positively correlated with the intention to adopt the intervention whereas satisfaction with current smoking cessation activities was found to be negatively correlated.Conclusion.  Important associations were found between profession, attitude, social norms and satisfaction, and the intention to adopt the new smoking cessation intervention. Practice nurses who do not intend to adopt need to be persuaded of the advantages of adopting. Perceived social norms need to be restructured and before presenting the intervention to a general practice current smoking cessation activities should be determined to increase the intervention’s compatibility with these current practices.
Leaf ageing promotes the shift in defence tactics in Mallotus japonicus from direct to indirect defence
Authors: Yamawo Akira , Suzuki Nobuhiko , Tagawa Jun , Hada Yoshio 
Published: December 2011

Summary1. Most plant species rely upon multiple lines of defence that develop or change functions with leaf age. To date, the effects of leaf age on multiple defence traits have been insufficiently elucidated. For Mallotus japonicus (Euphorbiaceae), we report a shift from direct to indirect defence against herbivory. That shift occurs gradually during leaf ageing.2. First, the densities of trichomes and pellucid dots, the numbers of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) and pearl bodies, and the number of ants on leaves of M. japonicus were examined in the field at weekly intervals. Secondly, herbivore species and the degree of herbivory were examined. Thirdly, the effects of ants on herbivore exclusion were investigated experimentally in the field. Finally, to confirm the effectiveness of trichomes and pellucid dots for defence against two herbivore species [the adult flea beetle, Aphthona strigosa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and the inchworm, Ascotis selenaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)], both young and middle‐aged leaves were tested using laboratory bioassay.3. On newly emerged leaves, densities of trichomes and pellucid dots were extremely high, but they decreased rapidly with leaf age. The respective quantities of EFNs that were actually secreting nectar, the pearl bodies, and the ants on middle‐aged leaves were greater than those on leaves of other ages. On M. japonicus, we found 11 herbivorous insects, among which Ap. strigosa and As. selenaria were the principal herbivores.4. The damaged leaf areas of ant‐excluded plants were much larger than those of control plants. Most herbivory was attributable to As. selenaria. Laboratory bioassay revealed that against Ap. strigosa and small As. selenaria larvae, trichomes and pellucid dots in young leaves functioned well, although those in middle‐aged leaves did not.5. Synthesis. Young M. japonicus leaves are defended against herbivores through the use of direct defence traits such as trichomes and pellucid dots. However, the plant uses indirect defence traits for middle‐aged leaves. This shift from direct defence to indirect defence with leaf ageing supports the ‘optimal defence theory’: plants have evolved multiple defence traits to maximize their fitness.
Detailed three‐dimensional visualization of resilin in the exoskeleton of arthropods using confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: MICHELS J. , GORB S.N. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryResilin is a rubber‐like protein found in the exoskeleton of arthropods. It often contributes large proportions to the material of certain structures in movement systems. Accordingly, the knowledge of the presence and distribution of resilin is essential for the understanding of the functional morphology of these systems. Because of its specific autofluorescence, resilin can be effectively visualized using fluorescence microscopy. However, the respective excitation maximum is in the UV range, which is not covered by the lasers available in most of the modern commercial confocal laser scanning microscopes. The goal of this study was to test the potential of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in combination with a 405 nm laser to visualize and analyse the presence and distribution of resilin in arthropod exoskeletons. The results clearly show that all resilin‐dominated structures, which were visualized successfully using wide‐field fluorescence microscopy (WFM) and a ‘classical’ UV excitation, could also be visualized efficiently with the proposed CLSM method. Furthermore, with the application of additional laser lines CLSM turned out to be very appropriate for studying differences in the material composition within arthropod exoskeletons in great detail. As CLSM has several advantages over WFM with respect to detailed morphological imaging, the application of the proposed CLSM method may reveal new information about the micromorphology and material composition of resilin‐dominated exoskeleton structures leading to new insights into the functional morphology and biomechanics of arthropods.
Two distinct RNA‐dependent RNA polymerases are required for initiation and amplification of RNA silencing in the basal fungus Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Calo Silvia , Nicolás Francisco E. , Vila Ana , Torres‐Martínez Santiago , Ruiz‐Vázquez Rosa M. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryRNA‐dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) play key roles in the RNA silencing pathway in a number of organisms. They have been involved in the production of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules that initiate the silencing mechanism as well as in the amplification of the silencing signal. The roles of RdRPs from fungi in these processes are poorly described compared with other eukaryotes. RNA silencing in the zygomycete Mucor circinelloides exhibits uncommon features, such as induction by self‐replicative sense transgenes and an amplification process associated with two size classes of antisense small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). To investigate the function of fungal RdRP proteins in initiation and amplification of silencing we have cloned and characterized two different rdrp genes in M. circinelloides. Functional analysis of rdrp‐ disruption mutants indicates that rdrp‐1 is essential for initiation of silencing by sense transgenes by producing antisense RNA transcripts derived from the transgene, but it is not necessary for amplification of the silencing signal, whereas rdrp‐2 is required for efficient accumulation of the two different classes of secondary siRNAs regardless the nature of the trigger. Our results provide evidence for a functional diversification of M. circinelloides rdrp genes in different steps of the same RNA silencing pathway.
Gene expression is differently affected by pimecrolimus and betamethasone in lesional skin of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Jensen J. M. , Scherer A. , Wanke C. , Bräutigam M. , Bongiovanni S. , Letzkus M. , Staedtler F. , Kehren J. , Zuehlsdorf M. , Schwarz T. , Weichenthal M. , Fölster‐Holst R. , Proksch E. 
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Jensen JM, Scherer A, Wanke C, Bräutigam M, Bongiovanni S, Letzkus M, Staedtler F, Kehren J, Zuehlsdorf M, Schwarz T, Weichenthal M, Fölster‐Holst R, Proksch E. Gene expression is differently affected by pimecrolimus and betamethasone in lesional skin of atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2012; 67: 413–423.Abstract
Background:  Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors are well‐known treatments of atopic dermatitis (AD) but differ in their efficacy and side effects. We recently showed that betamethasone valerate (BM) although clinically more efficient impaired skin barrier repair in contrast to pimecrolimus in AD.
Objective:  This study elucidates the mode of action of topical BM and pimecrolimus cream in AD.
Methods:  Lesional AD skin samples after topical treatment with either BM or pimecrolimus were subjected to gene expression profile analysis.
Results:  Betamethasone valerate resulted in a significant reduction in mRNA levels of genes encoding markers of immune cells and inflammation, dendritic cells, T cells, cytokines, chemokines, and serine proteases, whereas pimecrolimus exerted minor effects only. This corroborates the clinical finding that BM reduces inflammation more effectively than pimecrolimus. Genes encoding molecules important for skin barrier function were differently affected. Both BM and pimecrolimus normalized the expression of filaggrin and loricrin. BM, but not pimecrolimus, significantly reduced the expression of rate‐limiting enzymes for lipid synthesis and the expression of involucrin and small proline‐rich proteins, which covalently bind ceramides. This may explain the lack of restoration of functional stratum corneum layers observed after BM treatment.
Conclusion:  The gene expression profiles are consistent with our previous findings that corticosteroids may exert a more potent anti‐inflammatory effect but may impair the restoration of the skin barrier. Corticosteroids are still the main treatment for severe and acutely exacerbated AD; pimecrolimus may be preferable for long‐term treatment and stabilization.
Role of chemical and mechanical stimuli in mediating bone fracture healing
Authors: Zhang Lihai , Richardson Martin , Mendis Priyan 
Published: December 2011

Summary1. Bone is a remarkable living tissue that provides a framework for animal body support and motion. However, under excessive loads and deformations, bone is prone is to damage through fracture. Furthermore, once the bone is weakened by osteoporosis, bone fracture can occur even after only minimal trauma.2. Various techniques have been developed to treat bone fractures. Successful treatment outcomes depend on a fundamental understanding of the biochemical and biomechanical environments of the fracture site. Various cell types (e.g. mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts) within the fracture site tightly control the healing process by responding to the chemical and mechanical microenvironment. However, these mechanochemical regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood at the system level owing to the large range of variables, such as age, sex and disease‐associated material properties of the tissue.3. Computational modelling can play an important role in unravelling this complexity by combining mechanochemical interactions, revealing the dominant controlling processes and optimizing system behaviour, thereby enabling the development and evaluation of treatment strategies for individual patients.
Management of T1 colorectal carcinoma with special reference to criteria for curative endoscopic resection
Authors: Nakadoi Koichi , Tanaka Shinji , Kanao Hiroyuki , Terasaki Motomi , Takata Sayaka , Oka Shiro , Yoshida Shigeto , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  In guidelines 2010 for the treatment of colorectal cancer from the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR), the criteria for identifying curable T1 colorectal carcinoma after endoscopic resection were well/moderately differentiated or papillary histologic grade, no vascular invasion, submucosal invasion depth less than 1000 µm and budding grade 1 (low grade). We aimed to expand these criteria.Methods:  A total of 499 T1 colorectal carcinomas, resected endoscopically or surgically, were analyzed. Relationships between clinicopathologic findings and lymph node metastasis were evaluated.Results:  Lymph node metastasis was found in 41 (8.22%) of the 499 cases. The incidence of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in lesions featuring poorly differentiated/mucinous adenocarcinoma, submucosal invasion ≥ 1800 µm, vascular invasion, and high‐grade tumor budding than in other lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed all of these variables to be independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. When cases that met three of the JSCCR 2010 criteria (i.e. all but invasion < 1000 µm) were considered together, the incidence of lymph node metastasis was only 1.2% (3/249, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–3.48%), and there were no cases of lymph node metastasis without submucosal invasion to a depth of ≥ 1800 µm.Conclusions:  Even in cases of colorectal carcinoma with deep submucosal invasion, the risk of lymph node metastasis is minimal under certain conditions. Thus, even for such cases, endoscopic incisional biopsy can be suitable if complete en bloc resection is achieved.
Symptoms and quality of life in underweight gastroesophageal reflux disease patients and therapeutic responses to proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Hongo Michio , Miwa Hiroto , Kusano Motoyasu ,   J‐FAST group
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  A correlation to obesity has been reported in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, insufficient data have been obtained regarding underweight GERD patients. Post hoc analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate subjective symptoms and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in underweight GERD patients (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5) and to evaluate therapeutic response to proton pump inhibitors.Methods:  A total of 2646 patients who underwent endoscopy were classified by BMI and analyzed. Rabeprazole was administered for 8 weeks. Subjective symptoms and HRQOL were assessed using questionnaires (F‐Scale and SF‐8™).Results:  Baseline endoscopy revealed 29.2% of patients had non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD). Underweight status was identified in 5.8% of GERD patients, and mean baseline symptoms score and SF‐8 physical component summary (PCS) score were 18.6 and 42.4, respectively, reflecting greater impairment compared with the values of 15.4 and 45.6 in normal‐weight patients (BMI ≥ 22 but < 25). Treatment with rabeprazole resulted in a decrease from 18.6 at baseline to 6.7 at week 8 in underweight reflux esophagitis subjects, and from 15.0 to 6.3 in underweight NERD patients. PCS score improved in underweight patients. These changes were about the same as in normal‐weight or obese patients.Conclusions:  Japanese GERD patients are often obese, as reported previously, but some GERD patients are underweight. Baseline symptoms and QOL in underweight GERD patients tended to be more severe than in normal‐weight patients, but therapeutic response with proton pump inhibitors was about the same as in normal‐weight or obese patients.
Genetic variation in PNPLA3 but not APOC3 influences liver fat in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hyysalo Jenni , Stojkovic Ivana , Kotronen Anna , Hakkarainen Antti , Sevastianova Ksenia , Makkonen Janne , Lundbom Nina , Rissanen Aila , Krauss Ronald M , Melander Olle , Orho‐Melander Marju , Yki‐Järvinen Hannele 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  A recent study in Indian subjects suggested common variants in apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) (T‐455C at rs2854116 and C‐482T at rs2854117) to contribute to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), plasma apoC3 and triglyceride concentrations. Our aim was to determine the contribution of genetic variation in APOC3 on liver fat content and plasma triglyceride and apoC3 concentrations in a larger European cohort.Methods:  A total of 417 Finnish individuals were genotyped for rs2854116 and rs2854117 in APOC3 and the known rs738409 in patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) influencing liver fat. Plasma apoC3 concentration was measured enzymatically, and liver fat by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Results:  APOC3 wild‐type homozygotes and variant allele (T‐455C or C‐482T or both) carriers did not differ with regard to liver fat, apoC3 concentrations, triglyceride‐, high density lipoprotein‐, fasting plasma glucose, insulin‐, alanine aminotransferase‐ and aspartate aminotransferase‐concentrations, nor was there a difference in prevalence of NAFLD. In contrast, carriers of the PNPLA3 GG genotype at rs738409 had a 2.7‐fold (median 11.3%) higher liver fat than those with the CC (median 4.2%) genotype. The PNPLA3 rs738409 was also an independent predictor of liver fat, together with age, gender, and body mass index.Conclusion:  Genetic variants in PNPLA3 but not APOC3 contribute to the variance in liver fat content due to NAFLD.
Link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease: Implication for clinical practice
Authors: BOSCHETTO PIERA , BEGHÉ BIANCA , FABBRI LEONARDO M. , CECONI CLAUDIO 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are global epidemics that incur significant morbidity and mortality. These diseases are frequently found in combination, and they can also be found independent of the common causal factors, primarily smoking. Both conditions are systemic disorders with overlapping mechanisms and pathophysiologic processes. CAD has a strong effect on the severity and prognosis of COPD and vice versa, including acute exacerbations. Even the most recent practical clinical recommendations driven by Clinical Practice Guidelines still focus on one disease at a time, and do not provide advice for the management of patients with associated chronic conditions. COPD should be approached in a more comprehensive manner, including the treatment of cardiac comorbidities, particularly CAD. To focus treatment on these comorbidities might modify the natural course of the disease in patients with COPD who may not find relief from treatment of COPD alone.
Pre‐treatment diagnosis of endometrial cancer through a combination of CA125 and multiplication of neutrophil and monocyte
Authors: Kim Bo Wook , Jeon Young Eun , Cho Hanbyoul , Nam Eun Ji , Kim Sang Wun , Kim Sunghoon , Kim Young Tae , Kim Jae‐Hoon 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of pre‐treatment leukocyte differential counts and the prediction of endometrial cancer using leukocyte markers.Material and Methods:  Medical records of 238 women with pathologically confirmed endometrial cancer between March 2000 and June 2009 at two Korean hospitals were reviewed and compared to 596 healthy people visiting the Health Promotion Center in Gangnam Severance Hospital. For all study subjects, leukocyte differential counts and CA125 levels in serum obtained prior to operation were recorded. Multiplication of neutrophil and monocyte (MNM) was determined by multiplying neutrophil and monocyte counts then dividing by 10 000. Differences between endometrial cancer patients and healthy controls were compared. The sensitivity and specificity for each marker as well as the combined use of CA125 and other leukocyte markers were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results:  Mean white blood cell (WBC) counts were 6676 (6440–6913) cells/µL in endometrial cancer patients compared to 5663 (5542–5784) cells/µL in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) for CA125 was 0.689 with a sensitivity of 49.13% and specificity of 83.1% using an optimal cut‐off value of 18.7 U/mL. The AUC for MNM was 0.696 with a sensitivity of 62.9% and specificity of 69.1%. The combination of CA125 and MNM showed a higher AUC of 0.760 than use of CA125 or MNM alone.Conclusion:  The combination of MNM and CA125 is a simple and cost‐effective method for predicting endometrial cancer.