bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The environmental endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A, affects germination, elicits stress response and alters steroid hormone production in kiwifruit pollen
Authors: Speranza A. , Crosti P. , Malerba M. , Stocchi O. , Scoccianti V. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract In vitro toxicity of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) to pollen, the male haploid generation of higher plants, was studied. BPA caused significant inhibition of both tube emergence and elongation of kiwifruit pollen in a dose‐dependent manner, beginning at 10 mg·l−1; morphological changes to tubes were also detected. Despite strong inhibition of pollen tube production and growth, a large percentage of treated cells remained viable. Immunoblotting experiments indicated that levels of BiP and 14‐3‐3, which are proteins involved in stress response, substantially increased in BPA‐treated pollen compared to controls. The increases were dose‐dependent in the range 10–50 mg·l−1 BPA, i.e. even when germination ability was completely blocked. Steroid hormones (17 β‐estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) were detected in kiwifruit pollen, and their levels increased during germination in basal medium. In a BPA treatment of 30 mg·l−1, larger increases in both estrogen and testosterone concentrations were detected, in particular, a six‐fold increase of 17 β‐estradiol over control concentration (30 min). The increased hormone levels were maintained for at least the 90 min incubation. Increasing concentrations of exogenous testosterone and 17 β‐estradiol increasingly inhibited pollen tube emergence and elongation. Current data for BPA‐exposed kiwifruit pollen suggest a toxicity mechanism that is at least in part based on a dramatic imbalance of steroid hormone production during tube organisation, emergence and elongation. It may be concluded that BPA, a widespread environmental contaminant, can cause serious adverse effects to essential pollen functions. On a broader scale, this chemical poses a potential risk to the reproductive success of higher plants.
Comparative analysis of abscisic acid‐regulated transcriptomes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Choudhury A. , Lahiri A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTranscription regulation by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a key role in responses to various stresses and has been extensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana using different expression analysis techniques. Previous studies on comparative analysis of expression regulation by ABA and ABA‐related stresses demonstrated marked differences in the targets of ABA. However, as few expression experiments were available during these studies, they encompass only a subset of ABA‐regulated genes. The aim of the present work was to compare gene expression regulated by ABA administration in a wider range of expression experiments. Despite diversity in the actual set of genes regulated by ABA, all ABA‐regulated transcriptomes shared some basic features, such as a common induced gene set, common functional targets and involvement of common regulatory mechanisms. Moreover, the cis‐regulatory architecture of genes belonging to this set is expected to be of interest because of their sensitivity to ABA and apparent independence from other experimental variables. Comparative analysis of cis‐regulatory element (CRE) enrichment also identified a novel CRE that is strongly associated with ABA signalling‐mediated transcription repression.
Morphology of the Lingual Dorsal Surface and Oral Taste Buds in Italian Lizard (Podarcis sicula)
Authors: Abbate F. , Guerrera M. C. , Montalbano G. , Zichichi R. , Germanà A. , Ciriaco E. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryWith 4 figuresThe Italian lizard (Podarcis sicula) is the most diffused reptile in Italy, but it is also present in other European countries. This lizard belongs to the Lacertidae family, lives near walls, slants and along the borders of the paths; its diet includes bugs and aracnids. No data are so far available in literature about the three‐dimensional morphology of the tongue of Podarcis sicula, therefore the aim of the present paper was to study by scanning electron and light microscopy the three‐dimensional characteristics of the dorsal lingual surface and moreover the presence of chemosensory receptors like the taste buds in the oral cavity. Our results demonstrate that the Podarcis sicula tongue is a triangular muscular membranous organ, dorsoventrally flattened and that three different areas can be observed: a bifid apex, a body and a root. No papillae were observed in the apex, characterized by a flattened mucosa and by two deep median pouches. In the body cylindrical papillae with a flat surface are present, aborally gradually substituted by imbricated papillae. Foliate‐like papillae were observed in the lateral parts of the tongue body. No sensory structures were showed on the lingual dorsal surface, while they were numerous in the oral cavity, particularly on the gingival epithelium. The light microscopy shows, on the dorsal surface, a stratified pavimentous not keratinized epithelium, conversely keratinized along the ventral surface. Many caliciform cells on the lateral parts of the papillae, deputed to the secretion of mucus, were also observed. Therefore, the results obtained in this paper could give a contribution to the knowledge of the tongue anatomy in a species widely diffused in different European countries and could be of help for clinical purposes in reptiles.
Flight Distance and Eye Size in Birds
Authors: Møller Anders P. , Erritzøe Johannes 
Published: March 2010

AbstractLarger eyes capture more information from the environment than small eyes, but also require more brain space for information processing. Therefore, individuals have to optimize the size of their eyes, leading to the prediction that larger eyes should have evolved in species with greater benefits from large eyes, such as species subject to intense predation risk. In a comparative analysis of 97 bird species, we found that species that fled at longer distances from an approaching potential predator indeed had relatively large eyes for their body size. In contrast, there was no indication that large eyes had evolved in species living in secluded habitats, or in species eating mobile prey. These findings are consistent with the assumption that eye size is labile and can evolve in response to changing predator environments. They also suggest that eye size may act as a constraint on optimal anti‐predator behavior, if the predator community changes as a consequence of introductions or invasions.
What Makes Vocalisation Frequency an Unreliable Signal of Body Size in Birds? A Study on Black Swans
Authors: Patel Rakhee , Mulder Raoul A. , Cardoso Gonçalo C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn many animal species, the frequency (pitch) of vocalisations correlates negatively with body size and may thus signal competitive ability. However, this relationship is absent in other species. Understanding why this difference exists across species may help to explain some of the diversity of vocal communication systems. We assessed whether vocalisation frequency signals body size in black swans (Cygnus atratus), and how this is affected by (i) variation in frequency within individuals and (ii) size variation across individuals. Frequency was correlated with body size and mass, with slopes close to the allometry expected if the birds were maximising sound radiation, but the explained variation in frequency was low. Within‐individual variation in vocalisation frequency was greater in male than female swans, and the reliability of frequency as a signal of size in males was correspondingly lower. A review of the literature on the relationship between the frequency of avian vocalisations and body size also showed smaller effect sizes for more variable vocalisations (birdsongs), than for simpler vocalisations. Vocalisation frequency was more reliably correlated with body size when the sexes were pooled (creating a larger range of variation in size) than when the relationship was examined for either sex separately, although male and female data followed the same allometric line. These results show that variation in frequency within individuals and low variation in size across individuals reduce the reliability of vocalisation frequency as a signal of body size, which helps to understand differences among species in the signal value of vocalisation frequency.
Behavioural Syndromes in Urban and Rural Populations of Song Sparrows
Authors: Evans Jackson , Boudreau Kyle , Hyman Jeremy 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAnimals in urban habitats are often noticeably bold in the presence of humans. Such boldness may arise due to habituation, as urban animals learn, through repeated exposure, that passing humans do not represent a threat. However, there is growing research suggesting that: (1) inherent traits, as opposed to learned behaviour, influence which species invade urban habitats, and (2) individuals exhibit individual personality traits that limit behavioural flexibility, with the possible result that not all individuals would be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of boldness in urban environments. As a result, perhaps only birds with inherently bold personalities could successfully settle in an area of high human disturbance, and further, we might also expect to see the existence of behavioural syndromes, where boldness is correlated with variation in other behavioural traits such as aggression. In this study, we examined boldness and territorial aggression in urban and rural populations of song sparrows. We found that urban birds were bolder towards humans and that urban birds also showed higher levels of territorial aggression. We also found an overall correlation between boldness and territorial aggression, suggesting that urban boldness may be part of a behavioural syndrome. However, we see no correlation between boldness and aggression in the urban population, and thus, more work is needed to determine the mechanisms accounting for high levels of boldness and aggression urban song sparrows.
Speciation via species interactions: the divergence of mating traits within species
Authors: Hoskin Conrad J. , Higgie Megan 
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 409–420AbstractA species may overlap with a mosaic of species across its geographic range. Many types of species interaction cause selection on mating traits, but their role in generating within‐species divergence has been neglected. The pattern of reproductive character displacement (RCD) has been classically attributed to reinforcement, a process driven by selection against hybridisation. Recent reinforcement research shows that sexual isolation can result between displaced and non‐displaced populations. We argue that RCD (and hence potentially speciation) among populations can be generated by a variety of fundamental species interactions beyond reinforcement. We unify these interactions under one process of mating trait divergence and speciation (‘RCD speciation’). This process can occur in many geographic settings. Because selection is acting directly on mating traits, rapid speciation can result involving little differentiation in other traits. This pattern of diversification is seen in many groups and regions, and has previously been attributed to sexual selection alone.
Effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment of renal cell carcinoma on the accumulation of carbonic anhydrase IX‐specific chimeric monoclonal antibody cG250
Authors: Oosterwijk‐Wakka Jeannette C. , Kats‐Ugurlu Gürsah , Leenders William P.J. , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , Old Lloyd J. , Mulders Peter F.A. , Oosterwijk Egbert 
Published: March 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? TKI combined with chemotherapy has shown significant synergistic activity in glioma, colon‐, and breast carcinoma, possibly through improved delivery of therapeutic molecules through vascular normalization and reduced tumour interstitial fluid pressure. Whether this can be achieved with larger molecules such as antibodies is unclear. Possibly, a narrow time window exists in which lowered interstitial fluid pressures precedes tumour vasculature destruction during which enhanced antibody uptake and synergy might be achieved. Here we show that careful timing will be necessary because the TKI‐induced tumour‐vessel destruction is swift and prevents adequate antibody accumulation.OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of three different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on the biodistribution of chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) cG250, which identifies carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), in nude mice bearing human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) xenografts. TKIs represent the best, but still suboptimal treatment for metastatic RCC (mRCC) and combined therapy or sequential therapy might be beneficial. CAIX is abundantly over expressed in RCC and clinical trials have shown abundant and specific tumour accumulation of cG250. Combining a TKI with mAb cG250, involved in a different effector mechanism, might lead to improved tumour responses and survival in patients with mRCC.MATERIALS AND METHODSNude mice bearing human RCC xenografts were treated orally with 0.75 mg/day sunitinib, 1 mg/day vandetanib, 1 mg/day sorafenib or vehicle control for 7 or 14 days. At 7 days, mice were injected i.v. with 185 kBq/5 µg 125I‐cG250. Mice were killed at predetermined days and cG250 biodistribution was determined. Tumours were analysed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of endothelial cells, laminin, smooth muscle actin, CAIX expression and uptake of mAb cG250.RESULTSWhile on TKI treatment, tumour uptake of cG250 decreased dramatically, tumour growth was slightly inhibited and vascular density decreased considerably as judged by various markers. When treatment was stopped at 7 days, there was robust neovascularization, mainly at the tumour periphery. Consequently, cG250 uptake also recovered, albeit cG250 uptake appeared to be restricted to the tumour periphery where vigorous neovascularization was visible.CONCLUSIONSSimultaneous administration of a TKI and mAb cG250 severely compromised mAb accumulation. However, shortly after discontinuation of TKI treatment mAb accumulation was restored. Combined treatment strategies with TKI and mAb should be carefully designed.
Serum lipid profile in highly active antiretroviral therapy‐naïve HIV‐infected patients in Cameroon: a case–control study
Authors: Nguemaïm Nf , Mbuagbaw J , Nkoa T , Alemnji G , Této G , Fanhi Tc , Asonganyi T , Samé‐Ekobo A 
Published: March 2010

BackgroundHIV status has commonly been found to affect the serum lipid profile.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of HIV infection on lipid metabolism; such information may be used to improve the management of HIV‐infected patients.MethodsSamples were collected from December 2005 to May 2006 at Yaounde University Teaching Hospital, Yaounde, Cameroon. Lipid parameters were obtained using colorimetric enzyme assays, while low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) values were calculated using the formula of Friedewald et al. (1972) and atherogenicity index by total cholesterol (TC)/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and LDLC/HDLC ratios.ResultsHIV infection was most prevalent in subjects aged 31 to 49 years. Most of the HIV‐positive patients belonged to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categories B (43.0%) and C (30.23%). Compared with control subjects, patients with CD4 counts<50 cells/μL had significantly lower TC (P<0.0001) and LDLC (P<0.0001) but significantly higher triglyceride (TG) values (P<0.001) and a higher atherogenicity index for TC/HDLC (P<0.01) and HDLC/LDLC (P=0.02); patients with CD4 counts of 50–199 cells/μL had significantly lower TC (P<0.001) and significantly higher TG values (P<0.001); patients with CD4 counts of 200–350 cells/μL had significantly higher TG (P=0.003) and a higher atherogenicity index for TC/HDLC (P<0.0002) and HDLC/LDLC (P=0.04); and those with CD4 counts >350 cells/μL had a higher atherogenicity index for TC/HDLC (P<0.0001) and HDLC/LDLC (P<0.001). HDLC was significantly lower in HIV‐positive patients irrespective of the CD4 cell count. Lipid parameters were also influenced by the presence of opportunistic infections (OIs).ConclusionHIV infection is associated with dyslipidaemia, and becomes increasingly debilitating as immunodeficiency progresses. HDLC was found to be lower than in controls in the early stages of HIV infection, while TG and the atherogenicity index increased and TC and LDLC decreased in the advanced stages of immunodeficiency.
Altered longevity‐assurance activity of p53:p44 in the mouse causes memory loss, neurodegeneration and premature death
Authors: Pehar Mariana , O’Riordan Kenneth J. , Burns‐Cusato Melissa , Andrzejewski Matthew E. , Del Alcazar Carlos Gil , Burger Corinna , Scrable Heidi , Puglielli Luigi 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThe longevity‐assurance activity of the tumor suppressor p53 depends on the levels of Δ40p53 (p44), a short and naturally occurring isoform of the p53 gene. As such, increased dosage of p44 in the mouse leads to accelerated aging and short lifespan. Here we show that mice homozygous for a transgene encoding p44 (p44+/+) display cognitive decline and synaptic impairment early in life. The synaptic deficits are attributed to hyperactivation of insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) signaling and altered metabolism of the microtubule‐binding protein tau. In fact, they were rescued by either Igf1r or Mapt haploinsufficiency. When expressing a human or a ‘humanized’ form of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), p44+/+ animals developed a selective degeneration of memory‐forming and ‐retrieving areas of the brain, and died prematurely. Mechanistically, the neurodegeneration was caused by both paraptosis‐ and autophagy‐like cell deaths. These results indicate that altered longevity‐assurance activity of p53:p44 causes memory loss and neurodegeneration by affecting IGF‐1R signaling. Importantly, Igf1r haploinsufficiency was also able to correct the synaptic deficits of APP695/swe mice, a model of Alzheimer’s disease.
Metacognition as a mediator of the effects of impairments in neurocognition on social function in schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Lysaker P. H. , Shea A. M. , Buck K. D. , Dimaggio G. , Nicolò G. , Procacci M. , Salvatore G. , Rand K. L. 
Published: March 2010

Lysaker PH, Shea AM, Buck KD, Dimaggio G, Nicolò G, Procacci M, Salvatore G, Rand KL. Metacognition as a mediator of the effects of impairments in neurocognition on social function in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.Objective:  This study explored whether Mastery, a domain of metacognition that reflects the ability to use knowledge about mental states to respond to psychological challenges, mediated the effects of neurocognition on the frequency of social contact and persons’ capacity for social relatedness.Method:  Participants were 102 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Neurocognition was represented by a single factor score produced by a principal components analysis of a neurocognitive test battery. Mastery was assessed using the metacognitive assessment scale and social functioning by the quality of life scale.Results:  Using structural equation modeling, specifically measured‐variable path analysis, a mediational model consisting of neurocognitive capacity linked to mastery and capacity for social relationships and mastery linked with frequency of social contact and capacity for social relatedness showed acceptable fit to the observed data. This persisted after controlling for negative and cognitive symptoms.Conclusion:  Results suggest that certain forms of metacognition mediate the influence of neurocognition upon function in schizophrenia.
The perceived and predicted implications of psychiatric genetic knowledge among persons with multiple cases of depression in the family
Authors: Laegsgaard M. M. , Stamp A. S. , Hall E. O. C. , Mors O. 
Published: March 2010

Laegsgaard MM, Stamp AS, Hall EOC, Mors O. The perceived and predicted implications of psychiatric genetic knowledge among persons with multiple cases of depression in the family.Objective:  Psychiatric genetic research raises hope regarding better treatment and prevention, but also regarding a possible de‐stigmatizing effect of attributing mental illness to genetics. This study explores i) the impact on family relations of participating in a genetic study; ii) the impact of biogenetic attributions on perceptions of depression and stigma and iii) the perceived benefits and concerns regarding psychiatric genetic testing.Method:  Focus groups were conducted with 17 participants suffering from depression, with multiple cases of depression in the family, and previously participating in a genetic study.Results:  Participating in a genetic study caused more openness about depression in most families. A biogenetic explanation of depression was perceived as having the potential of diminishing self stigma. Testing of self and children was widely accepted, whereas prenatal testing raised concern.Conclusion:  Persons suffering from depression may benefit from endorsing a biogenetic explanation, especially in relation to self‐understanding and self‐stigma.
Osteoprotegerin induces cytoskeletal reorganization and activates FAK, Src, and ERK signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Kobayashi‐Sakamoto Michiyo , Isogai Emiko , Holen Ingunn 
Published: March 2010

AbstractOsteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor family member that is expressed by a range of cell types in bone as well as in the vasculature. However, the specific role of OPG in the vascular system is unclear. We recently reported that OPG treatment protects endothelial cells from detachment and apoptotic cell death induced by cysteine proteases of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important pathogen of adult periodontitis. We also found that OPG activates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, which has been linked to cell survival and angiogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that exposure to OPG induces a substantial morphological change in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Our results show that OPG induced a dose‐dependent increase in the length of microtubules, which coincided with the transition of the cells from a polygonal to an elongated shape. Furthermore, we demonstrated that OPG activates signaling pathways that lead to the activation of Src, focal adhesion kinase, and ERK1/2. These findings suggest that OPG regulates at least two distinct pathways: one that induces cell proliferation via ERK signaling and another that induces angiogenesis via Src signaling. The findings of this study suggest that OPG may function as a regulator of angiogenesis.