bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polycystic ovary syndrome is not associated with polymorphisms of the TCF7L2,CDKAL1,HHEX,KCNJ11,FTO and SLC30A8 genes
Authors: Kim Jin Ju , Choi Young Min , Cho Young Min , Hong Min A. , Chae Soo Jin , Hwang Kyu Ri , Hwang Seung Sik , Yoon Sang Ho , Moon Shin Yong 
Published: March 2012

SummaryObjectiveInsulin resistance is a core feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recently, genome‐wide association studies have reported a number of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with reproducible associations and susceptibilities to type 2 diabetes. We examined the potential association between the diabetogenic genes uncovered in the genome‐wide association studies and PCOS in Korean women.DesignCase–control study.PatientsWomen with or without PCOS.MeasurementsDNA samples from 377 patients with PCOS and 386 age‐matched controls were genotyped.ResultsNone of the 12 SNPs in the six genes (KCNJ11, TCF7L2, SLC30A8, HHEX, FTO and CDKAL1) uncovered in the genome‐wide association studies were associated with PCOS. For further analysis, the patients with PCOS were divided into two or three subgroups according to genotype, and the associations between the genotypes and insulin resistance or insulin secretory capacity were assessed. No SNPs were significantly associated with HOMA‐IR, HOMA βcell (%), or 2‐h 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test insulin levels in the patients with PCOS; there were no significant associations with other serum hormonal and metabolic markers, such as androgen or glucose levels.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the six type 2 diabetes–associated genes identified in genome‐wide association studies are not associated with PCOS.
Clinical and genetic analysis of patients with vitamin D‐dependent rickets type 1A
Authors: Durmaz Erdem , Zou Minjing , Al‐Rijjal Roua A. , Bircan İffet , Akçurin Sema , Meyer Brian , Shi Yufei 
Published: March 2012

SummaryContextVitamin D‐dependent rickets type 1A (VDDR‐IA, OMIM 264700) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder and is caused by mutations in the CYP27B1 gene.ObjectivesWe aim to investigate CYP27B1 mutation in seven patients from four separate families and characterize the genotype–phenotype correlation.MethodsThe entire coding region of the CYP27B1 gene was sequenced, and genotype–phenotype correlation among patients was assessed.ResultsSequencing analysis identified biallelic CYP27B1 mutations in all patients and monoallelic mutations in their parents. One patient from the first family was compound heterozygous for c.1166G>A (p.Arg389His) and a novel nonsense mutation c.1079 C>A (p.Ser360*). Two patients from the second family were homozygous for a novel splice donor site mutation in intron 1 (c.195 + 2 T>G), causing partial retention of the intron and a shift in the reading frame. Both novel mutations lead to the complete loss of vitamin D1α‐hydroxylase activity. Four patients from families 3 and 4 were homozygous for a previously reported duplication mutation in exon 8 (1319–1325dupCCCACCC, Phe443Profs*24). Interestingly, one patient who was presented with severe hypocalcaemia and seizures at 4 months of age as a result of Phe443Profs*24 has improved spontaneously since 11 years of age and does not need regular treatment. Her laboratory tests showed normal serum calcium and 1,25(OH)2D after refusing to take medication for 12 months.ConclusionsThere is a good genotype–phenotype correlation in VDDR‐IA. However, some patients may recover from the loss of CYP27B1 function, probably due to 1α‐hydroxylase activity exerted by a non‐CYP27B1 enzyme.
Introduction to the special issue: ‘Achieving ecological outcomes’. Why is translational ecology so difficult?
Authors: HARRIS GRAHAM P. 
Published: March 2012

Summary1. This short piece introduces papers in a special issue arising from the second Freshwater Biological Association Summit held in Windermere, U.K., in April 2010 on the topic ‘Achieving Ecological Outcomes: aquatic ecological responses to catchment management’.2. The papers in this special issue highlight a number of uncertainties, knowledge gaps and research needs when translating ecological research into management practice and achieving the desired outcomes.3. The papers in this special issue span the spectrum from fundamental and theoretical science to community engagement and improved tools for more effective policy development.4. At present, there is a gap between policy aspirations and realisable outcomes, but these papers identify some general issues and suggest possible new approaches.5. Some more critical analysis of both scientific shortcomings and policy goals (particularly in densely populated landscapes) is in order. At the very least, we require a more transparent dialogue between science and the broader community about what is possible in desirable time frames.
The expansion of woody riparian vegetation, and subsequent stream restoration, influences the metabolism of prairie streams
Authors: RILEY ALYSSA J. , DODDS WALTER K. 
Published: March 2012

Summary1. Tallgrass prairies and their streams are highly endangered ecosystems, and many remaining streams are threatened by the encroachment of woody riparian vegetation. An increase in riparian vegetation converts the naturally open‐canopy prairie streams to closed‐canopy systems. The effects of a change in canopy cover on stream metabolism are unknown.2. Our goal was to determine the effects of canopy cover on prairie stream metabolism during a 4‐year period in Kings Creek, KS, U.S.A. Metabolic rates from forested reaches were compared to rates in naturally open‐canopy reaches and restoration reaches, the latter having closed canopies in 2006 and 2007 and open canopies in 2008 and 2009. Whole‐stream metabolism was estimated using the two‐station diurnal method. Chlorophyllaconcentrations and mass of filamentous algae were measured after riparian removal to assess potential differences in algal biomass between reaches with open or closed canopies.3. Metabolic rates were spatially and temporally variable even though the sites were on very similar streams or adjacent to each other within streams. Before riparian vegetation removal, whole‐stream community respiration (CR) and net ecosystem production were greater with greater canopy cover. In the vegetation removal reaches, gross primary production was slightly greater after removal.4. Chlorophyllaconcentrations were marginally significantly greater in open (naturally open and removal reaches) than in closed canopy and differed significantly between seasons. Filamentous algal biomass was greater in open than in closed‐canopy reaches.5. Overall, the restoration allowed recovery of some features of open‐canopy prairie streams. Woody expansion apparently increases CR and moves prairie stream metabolism towards a more net heterotrophic state. An increase in canopy cover decreases benthic chlorophyll, decreases dominance of filamentous algae and potentially alters resources available to the stream food web. The results of this study provide insights for land managers and conservationists interested in preserving prairie streams in their native open‐canopy state.
New anticoagulant drugs for treatment of venous thromboembolism and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tripodi A. , Palareti G. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  Tripodi A, Palareti G (IRCCS Cà Granda Maggiore Hospital Foundation and Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; S.Orsola‐Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy). New anticoagulant drugs for treatment of venous thromboembolism and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 554–565.Venous thromboembolism (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and atrial fibrillation are common conditions in Western countries. The mainstay of treatment and prevention for these diseases is fast‐acting anticoagulant drugs such as heparins and vitamin K antagonists. The use of these drugs is, however, complex and demanding for both patients and physicians. Recently, new antithrombotic drugs that act directly by inhibiting activated coagulation factors such as factor X or thrombin have been developed and investigated in phase III clinical trials. The aim of this article is to review: (i) the need to develop new drugs; (ii) their efficacy/safety as demonstrated in clinical trials; (iii) the need for laboratory monitoring and (iv) the direction towards the use of these new drugs in the real‐life clinical situation.
Andean bear Tremarctos ornatus natural history and conservation
Authors: GARCÍA‐RANGEL Shaenandhoa 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
A wealth of information has been generated for the Andean bear Tremarctos ornatus during the past four decades, and a thorough review of the species' natural history, ecology and conservation is provided here.
The Andean bear is the only remaining bear species in South America. Evolutionarily, it is the youngest of all ursids and the only remnant taxon within the subfamily Tremarctinae. The species is distributed throughout the Andes mountain range from Venezuela to Bolivia, but the limits of its current and past range are uncertain.
The species is polyestrous, capable of delayed implantation and a facultative seasonal breeder. Genetic information is scarce, and species‐specific markers need to be developed for a more appropriate assessment of the genetic structure of wild populations.
Andean bears inhabit a wide variety of habitats across the Andes including different forest types and high‐elevation grasslands. They are omnivorous with a frugivorous/folivorous emphasis that is reflected by adaptations of the typical tremarctine mandible.
Andean bears are vulnerable to extinction due to land conversion and poaching. Efforts have been made to protect them, but threats have not been reduced significantly. Therefore, the species is expected to move faster towards extinction than any other carnivore in the region.
Ghrelin prevents levodopa‐induced inhibition of gastric emptying and increases circulating levodopa in fasted rats
Authors: Wang L. , Murphy N. P. , Stengel A. , Goebel‐Stengel M. , Pierre D. H. St , Maidment N. T. , Taché Y. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground  Levodopa (l‐dopa) is the most commonly used treatment for alleviating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, l‐dopa delays gastric emptying, which dampens its absorption. We investigated whether ghrelin prevents l‐dopa action on gastric emptying and enhances circulating l‐dopa in rats.Methods  Gastric emptying of non‐nutrient methylcellulose/phenol red viscous solution was determined in fasted rats treated with orogastric or intraperitoneal (i.p.) l‐dopa, or intravenous (i.v.) ghrelin 10 min before orogastric l‐dopa. Plasma l‐dopa and dopamine levels were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Plasma acyl ghrelin levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Fos expression in the brain was immunostained after i.v. ghrelin (30 μg kg−1) 10 min before i.p. l‐dopa.Key Results  Levodopa (5 and 15 mg kg−1) decreased significantly gastric emptying by 32% and 62%, respectively, when administered orally, and by 91% and 83% when injected i.p. Ghrelin (30 or 100 μg kg−1, i.v.) completely prevented l‐dopa’s (15 mg kg−1, orogastrically) inhibitory action on gastric emptying and enhanced plasma l‐dopa and dopamine levels compared with vehicle 15 min after orogastric l‐dopa. Levodopa (5 mg kg−1) did not modify plasma acyl ghrelin levels at 30 min, 1, and 2 h after i.v. injection. Levodopa (15 mg kg−1, i.p.) induced Fos in brain autonomic centers, which was not modified by i.v. ghrelin.Conclusions & Inferences  Ghrelin counteracts l‐dopa‐induced delayed gastric emptying but not Fos induction in the brain and enhances circulating l‐dopa levels. Potential therapeutic benefits of ghrelin agonists in Parkinson’s disease patients treated with l‐dopa remain to be investigated.
Retinoic acid signalling in gastrointestinal parasite infections: lessons from mouse models
Authors: HURST R. J. M. , ELSE K. J. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryRetinoic acid or vitamin A is important for an extensive range of biological processes, including immunomodulatory functions, however, its role in gastrointestinal parasite infections is not yet clear. Despite this, parasite infected individuals are often supplemented with vitamin A, given the co‐localised prevalence of parasitic infections and vitamin deficiencies. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of this vitamin on the immune responses to gastrointestinal parasites. Here, we review data regarding the role of retinoic acid signalling in mouse models of intestinal nematode infection, with a view to understanding better the practice of giving vitamin A supplements to worm‐infected people.
Recent macroids on the Kikai‐jima shelf, Central Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: BASSI DAVIDE , IRYU YASUFUMI , HUMBLET MARC , MATSUDA HIROKI , MACHIYAMA HIDEAKI , SASAKI KEIICHI , MATSUDA SHINYA , ARAI KOHSAKU , INOUE TAKAHIKO 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTSandy and gravelly carbonate sediments found off Kikai‐jima, southern Japan, a coral reef‐related island shelf, represent the northernmost sub‐tropical, carbonate deposits in the Central Ryukyu Islands (Ryukyus). On the Kikai‐jima shelf, at water depths of 61 to 105 m, these sediments are characterized by macroid pavements. Since the abundance of very small and of exceptionally large macroids may indicate specific hydrodynamic controls regarding constraints on growth and taphonomy, the detailed analysis of recent and fossil macroid pavements is meaningful ecologically and environmentally. Macroids, ranging in size from ca 25 to 130 mm in diameter, are spheroidal and sub‐spheroidal in shape and consist mainly of the encrusting foraminifer Acervulina inhaerens and subordinate thin encrusting and lumpy coralline algae. Accessory components include bryozoans, serpulids and, to a lesser extent, encrusting arborescent foraminifera (Homotrema and Miniacina). Low sedimentation rates and occasional movement due to current action are indicated by sizes, shapes and growth‐forms of the studied macroids, the Entobia–Gastrochaenolites–Trypanites–Maeandropolydora ichnocoenosis and the ‘Bioerosion Index’ for coated grains (introduced herein). The deep‐water tidally induced current energy was sufficient to maintain multi‐directional growth (spheroidal shapes) of the larger macroids and to initiate macroid growth using the diverse biogenic remnants as nuclei. The asymmetrical inner arrangement suggests possible periods of stability for the macroids. The residence time of the coated grain in its original environment determines the size and morphology of the macroid and the selection of coating organisms. The composition of the coating community is mainly a consequence of component growth rates in relation to turnover time and residence time. Long‐term studies are needed to assess the spatial and temporal resolution of present‐day encrusting communities across biogeographic provinces and shelf to slope regions.
MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 promote cell proliferation and axial growth in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Lucas Jessica R. , Shaw Sidney L. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryWe investigated the role of the Arabidopsis microtubule associated proteins 65‐1 and 65‐2 (MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2) in the control of axial root growth. Transgenic plants expressing fluorescent fusion proteins from native promoters indicated exactly overlapping accumulation of MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 in the root tip and elongation zone. Nearly identical protein accumulation patterns were observed when MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 were expressed behind a constitutive CaMV 35S promoter, suggesting a level of post‐transcriptional control that restricts these proteins to rapidly growing portions of the root. Co‐expression of MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 fusion proteins showed precise co‐localization to interphase and cytokinetic microtubule arrays. In interphase root tip cells, the fluorescent protein fusions labeled microtubules that were organized into a variety of different array patterns. In the rapidly growing cells of the root elongation zone, we found MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 co‐localized exclusively to the lateral faces of cells that were axially extending. Genetic analysis showed that MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 are coordinately required for proper root elongation. Double map65‐1‐1 map65‐2‐2 mutant roots from dark‐grown plants contained 50% fewer cells per file than wild‐type roots, but we found no evidence that cytokinesis was disrupted. We additionally discovered that cell length was significantly shorter in the mature regions of the root beyond the zone where MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 accumulated. Our data indicate that MAP65‐1 and MAP65‐2 play a critical role in root growth by promoting cell proliferation and axial extension.
Epidermal cell differentiation in cotton mediated by the homeodomain leucine zipper gene, GhHD‐1
Authors: Walford Sally‐Ann , Wu Yingru , Llewellyn Danny J. , Dennis Elizabeth S. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryGossypium hirsutum L. (cotton) fibres are specialized trichomes a few centimetres in length that grow from the seed coat. Few genes directly involved in the differentiation of these epidermal cells have been identified. These include GhMYB25‐like and GhMYB25, two related MYB transcription factors that regulate fibre cell initiation and expansion. We have also identified a putative homeodomain leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP) transcription factor, GhHD‐1, expressed in trichomes and early fibres that might play a role in cotton fibre initiation. Here, we characterize GhHD‐1 homoeologues from tetraploid G. hirsutum and show, using reporter constructs and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), that they are expressed predominantly in epidermal tissues during early fibre development, and in other tissues bearing epidermal trichomes. Silencing of GhHD‐1 reduced trichome formation and delayed the timing of fibre initiation. Constitutive overexpression of GhHD‐1 increased the number of fibres initiating on the seed, but did not affect leaf trichomes. Expression of GhHD‐1 in cotton silenced for different fibre MYBs suggest that in ovules it acts downstream of GhMYB25‐like, but is unaffected in GhMYB25‐ or GhMYB109‐silenced plants. Microarray analysis of silencing and overexpression lines of GhHD‐1 indicated that it potentially regulates the levels of ethylene and reactive oxidation species (ROS) through a WRKY transcription factor and calcium‐signalling pathway genes to activate downstream genes necessary for cell expansion and elongation.
Large bowel obstruction due to colorectal carcinoma can be safely treated by colonic stent insertion – case series from a UK district general hospital
Authors: Blake P. , Delicata R. , Cross N. , Sturgeon G. , Hargest R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of this study is to audit our outcomes and experience of colonic stent insertion for malignant bowel obstruction.Method  Retrospective audit of all stent insertions in a single district general hospital between August 2003 and December 2009. All patients had presented with acute bowel obstruction caused by malignant colorectal disease and details were collected prospectively and contemporaneously onto a database. Stent insertion was a combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic procedure involving a colorectal surgeon and consultant radiologist.Results  Stenting was attempted on 62 occasions in 54 patients. The technical success rate was 86% and the clinical success rate 84%. The indications for stenting were for relief of acute bowel obstruction, palliation and as a bridge to surgery. There were complications in 14 cases (22.5%) including three perforations and one perioperative mortality. There were three cases of stent migration, six cases of re‐stenosis and two stents became impacted with stool. There were no incidents of acute or delayed haemorrhage in any patients.Conclusion  Our experience shows that stenting for obstructing colorectal cancer is a safe and effective method of alleviating acute and impending bowel obstruction and can be provided safely and effectively in a district general hospital.
The hero, the anima and the claustrum: anality and idealization
Authors: Meredith‐Owen William 
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Joe Redfearn's (1979) classic paper ‘The captive, the treasure, the hero and the anal stage of development’ is recognized as seminal to the development of Jungian thought about anality, particularly its integration with mainstream (Freudian, Kleinian) psychoanalytic perspectives. This paper develops such an approach through drawing on contributions from Meltzer, Green, Bion, Chasseguet‐Smirgel and Kernberg. More specifically, it is argued that over‐investment in hero and anima archetypal configurations may represent an attempt to replace the resource of the internal parental couple that, at the level of unconscious phantasy, has been destroyed by the aggrieved child's attack on the primal scene. Unless this usually dissociated sadism can be integrated, the creative epistemophilic instinct may remain blunted, giving rise, through projective identification, to the adoption of a pseudo‐adult identity based on appropriation or assertion. This in turn may lead to manic attempts to reach authentic (‘animating’) experience through the (often erotized) excitement of heroic endeavour.Consideration of both Redfearn's and the author's own clinical material demonstrates how close attention to process as well as content is fundamental to revealing and addressing such likely‐to‐be dissociated scenarios.
A broadly tuned mouse odorant receptor that detects nitrotoluenes
Authors: Li Jingyi , Haddad Rafi , Chen Sisi , Santos Vanessa , Luetje Charles W. 
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 881–890.AbstractMammals employ large numbers of odorant receptors to sample and identify volatile chemicals in the environment. These receptors are thought to vary not only in specificity for particular odorants, but also in breadth of tuning. That is, some odorant receptors are narrowly focused on a few closely related structures, while other odorant receptors may be ‘broadly tuned’, responding to a wide variety of odorant structures. In this study, we have performed a detailed examination the mouse odorant receptor MOR256‐17, demonstrating that this receptor is broadly tuned. This receptor responds to odorant structures that span a significant portion of a multi‐dimensional odor space. However, we found that broad tuning was not a defining characteristic of other members the MOR256 subfamily. Two additional members of this odorant receptor subfamily (MOR256‐8 and MOR256‐22) were more narrowly focused on small sets of odorant structures. Interestingly, the receptive range of MOR256‐17 encompassed a variety of nitrotoluenes, including various trinitrotoluene synthesis intermediates, degradation products and trinitrotoluene itself, suggesting the potential utility of odorant receptors in the development of sensing technologies for the detection of explosives and other forms of contraband.