bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergence of mammals by emergency: exaptation
Authors: Okada Norihiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Shimogori Tomomi , Nishihara Hidenori 
Published: July 2010

With the development of molecular embryology and the coming of the post‐genomic era, the molecular mechanisms of morphological evolution have recently begun to be elucidated. Whole genome sequences of many vertebrate species have been determined, and comparative genomics has suggested that one source of biodiversity is conserved non‐coding elements (CNEs), which may be involved in generating new networks of gene expression. Nishihara et al. (Genome Res. 2006; 16, 864) discovered retroposon (AmnSINE1s)‐derived CNEs in the human genome, and suggested that the AmnSINE1s obtained their function (i.e., exapted) in a common mammalian ancestor and are involved in generating mammalian‐specific morphology. Therefore, investigation of the function of AmnSINE1‐derived CNEs in morphogenesis helps us understand the molecular events of how mammals obtained their specific morphological characters by exaptation that occurred when the first mammalian ancestor emerged about 250 Ma (million years ago). Because there are more than 100 AmnSINE1‐derived CNE loci in the mammalian genome, a burst of exaptation of AmnSINE1s must have occurred, possibly triggered by the Permian‐Triassic mass extinction 250 Ma. In this review, we discuss morphological evolution of the mammalian‐specific characters including brain that were exapted after retrotransposition of AmnSINE1s by referring to two CNE loci described by Sasaki et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2008; 105, 4220).
The influence of regulatory T cells and diurnal hormone rhythms on T helper cell activity
Authors: Bollinger Thomas , Bollinger Annalena , Naujoks Julius , Lange Tanja , Solbach Werner 
Published: July 2010

SummarySymptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is T helper 1 (Th1) dependent, and asthma, which is T helper 2 (Th2) dependent, are influenced by diurnal rhythms and natural regulatory T cells (nTreg). However, the mechanisms responsible for the diurnal rhythm of disease activity have not been identified and it is unclear whether nTreg activity is diurnal rhythm‐dependent. We therefore investigated whether a 24‐hr diurnal cycle affected the ability of various helper T‐cell populations to generate immunomodulatory and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, as well as its suppression by nTreg cells. Using a within‐subject crossover design, sleep versus continuous wakefulness was compared over a 24‐hr period in healthy young volunteers under defined environmental conditions. Venous blood was drawn periodically every 5 hr and the function of T cells was explored in vitro. We demonstrated that interleukin (IL)‐2, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and IL‐10 secretion by naïve CD4+ T cells follows a diurnal rhythm. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis, as well as subsequent in vitro experiments, suggested that serum levels of cortisol and prolactin are part of the underlying mechanism. Additionally, we observed that nTreg suppressed the secretion of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and TNF‐α, but not the secretion of IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐17A. However, the abrogation of IL‐2 release was reversed upon inhibiting CD25 on nTreg. Highly purified nTreg secreted IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐17A, but not IL‐2, IL‐4, IFN‐γ or TNF‐α. Taken together, our results demonstrate that hormones and nTreg modulate the diurnal rhythm of T helper cell activity.
Inhibition of a C‐rich oligodeoxynucleotide on activation of immune cells in vitro and enhancement of antibody response in mice
Authors: Yang Guang , Wan Min , Zhang Yongsheng , Sun Luguo , Sun Ran , Hu Dali , Zhou Xiaojing , Wang Li , Wu Xiuli , Wang Liying , Yu Yongli 
Published: July 2010

SummaryTo explore the possibility that human mitochondrial genomic DNA‐mimicking oligodeoxynucleotides could regulate the immune response, a series of mitochondrial DNA‐based oligodeoxynucleotides (MTODNs) were designed and studied to determine their immunoregulatory effects on immune cells activated by toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation. The results showed that a C‐rich MTODN, designated MT01, was able to inhibit the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced by cytosine–phosphate–guanosine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and the production of type I interferon (IFN) from human PBMCs stimulated by TLR agonists, including inactivated influenza virus, imiquimod, inactivated herpes simplex virus‐1 (HSV‐1) and CpG ODNs. In addition, MT01 inhibited the CpG ODN‐enhanced antibody response and this inhibition could be related to the antagonism of TLR9‐activation pathways in B cells. Notably, unlike the G‐rich suppressive ODNs reported, MT01 is composed of ACCCCCTCT repeats. These data imply that MT01 represents a novel class of immunosuppressive ODNs that could be candidate biologicals with therapeutic use in TLR activation‐associated diseases.
An evaluation of the effect of blood and human serum on the surface microhardness and surface microstructure of mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Nekoofar M. H. , Oloomi K. , Sheykhrezae M. S. , Tabor R. , Stone D. F. , Dummer P. M. H. 
Published: July 2010

Nekoofar MH, Oloomi K, Sheykhrezae MS, Tabor R, Stone DF, Dummer PMH. An evaluation of the effect of blood and human serum on the surface microhardness and surface microstructure of mineral trioxide aggregate. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 849–858, 2010.AbstractAim  Short‐term and long‐term evaluation of the effect of whole human blood or serum contamination on the surface microhardness value and microstructure of white and grey mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).Methodology  Three groups of 10 samples for each type of MTA were prepared. The first group was mixed with and exposed to fresh whole human blood. The second and third groups were mixed with distilled water and exposed to fresh whole human blood or human serum, respectively. The control group samples were mixed with and exposed to distilled water. During preparation, 1 g of MTA was triturated with 0.33 g of the selected liquid using an amalgamator and placed inside borosilicate cylindrical moulds. The samples were treated with ultrasonic energy. Vickers surface microhardness values were compared after 4 and 180 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed after 4 days.Results  White MTA had a greater microhardness value than grey MTA in all groups. There was a significant difference between the control and the experimental groups (P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between the microhardness values obtained after 4 and 180 days, apart from grey MTA mixed with blood or exposed to serum (P < 0.00001). SEM analysis showed the contaminated samples were devoid of acicular crystals that were prominent in the control groups.Conclusion  Blood contamination had a detrimental effect on the surface microhardness of MTA in the short and long term. If blood or serum contamination is unavoidable under clinical conditions, it might be preferable to use white MTA.
Monocyte chemotactic protein‐3: possible involvement in apical periodontitis chemotaxis
Authors: Dezerega A. , Osorio C. , Mardones J. , Mundi V. , Dutzan N. , Franco M. , Gamonal J. , Oyarzún A. , Overall C. M. , Hernández M. 
Published: July 2010

Dezerega A, Osorio C, Mardones J, Mundi V, Dutzan N, Franco M, Gamonal J, Oyarzún A, Overall CM, Hernández M. Monocyte chemotactic protein‐3: possible involvement in apical periodontitis chemotaxis. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 902–908, 2010.AbstractAim  To study the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein‐3 (MCP‐3, also known as chemokine CCL‐7) in tissue from apical lesions (AL) and to associate MCP‐3 expression with symptomatic or asymptomatic apical periodontitis.Methodology  To determine the expression of MCP‐3 in AL, biopsies obtained during tooth extraction procedures were fixed, subjected to routine processing and diagnosed as apical granuloma (AG) (n = 7) or radicular cyst (RC) (n = 5). As controls, apical periodontal ligament (PDL) specimens from healthy premolars extracted for orthodontics reasons were included (n = 7). All specimens were immunostained for MCP‐3 and examined under a light microscope. In addition, homogenates from AL (n = 14) and healthy PDL samples (n = 7) were studied through immunowestern blot. Finally, periapical exudates samples were collected from root canals of teeth having diagnosis of symptomatic (n = 14) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (n = 14) during routine endodontic treatments and analysed by immunowestern blot and densitometry.Results  MCP‐3 was detected in AG and RC and localized mainly to inflammatory leucocytes, whereas no expression was observed in healthy PDLs. MCP‐3 was also detected in periapical exudate, and its levels were significantly higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic apical periodontitis.Conclusions  MCP‐3 was expressed in AL and its levels associated with clinical symptoms. MCP‐3 might play a role in disease pathogenesis, possibly by stimulating mononuclear chemotaxis.
Comparison of dentine removal using V‐taper and K‐Flexofile instruments
Authors: Akhlaghi N. M. , Kahali R. , Abtahi A. , Tabatabaee S. , Mehrvarzfar P. , Parirokh M. 
Published: July 2010

Akhlaghi NM, Kahali R, Abtahi A, Tabatabaee S, Mehrvarzfar P, Parirokh M. Comparison of dentine removal using V‐taper and K‐Flexofile instruments. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 1029–1036, 2010.AbstractAim  To compare the dentine removal ability of V‐Taper and K‐Flexofile instruments in mesiobuccal canals of extracted mandibular first molar teeth.Methodology  Preoperative images of 40 mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars (with a curvature between 20° and 35°) were obtained at 2, 4.5, and 7 mm from the root apices by CT‐scan and divided into two groups. Group F was prepared with K‐Flexofiles and Gates Glidden drills and Group V with V‐Taper Ni–Ti rotary and stainless steel hand instruments. Post‐instrumentation images were then obtained and compared with the preoperative images. The ratio of dentine removal based on pre‐ and postoperative images was calculated, and data was analysed by anova and Tukey post hoc test.Results  In group F in the coronal sections, the least ratio of the dentine removal to the initial root thickness was on the buccal aspect (15.14% ± 6.72), and the greatest ratio was found on the distolingual (29.38% ± 8.19). In group V in the coronal, the least ratio of the dentine removal to the initial root thickness was on the buccal aspect (9.81% ± 3.26); the greatest ratio was found on the distolingual surface in the coronal sections (34.38% ± 10.51). In the middle sections, the least ratio was on the buccal (10.51% ± 3.39) and the greatest on the distolingual aspects (27.46% ± 12.34) of the roots. In the apical sections, the amount of the dentine removed from the mesial and distal surfaces in group V was significantly more than group F (P < 0.01).Conclusion  The distolingual aspect of the root canal is a danger zone for the mesiobuccal canal of the mesial root in mandibular molar teeth, and preparation of that area should be performed with caution. Except the apical part of the canal, no significant difference was found between the two preparation files or techniques used. Apart from the apical part of the canal, neither instrument maintained the original shape of the coronal and middle parts of the canal.
The role of support staff in promoting the social inclusion of persons with an intellectual disability
Authors: McConkey R. , Collins S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Past studies have found that people supported in more individualised housing options tend to have levels of community participation and wider social networks than those in other accommodation options. Yet, the contribution of support staff in facilitating social inclusion has received relatively scant attention.Methods  In all 245 staff working in either supported living schemes, or shared residential and group homes, or in day centres completed a written questionnaire in which they rated in terms of priority to their job, 16 tasks that were supportive of social inclusion and a further 16 tasks that related to the care of the person they supported. In addition staff identified those tasks that they considered were not appropriate to their job.Results  Across all three service settings, staff rated more care tasks as having higher priority than they did the social inclusion tasks. However, staff in supported living schemes rated more social inclusion tasks as having high priority than did staff in the other two service settings. Equally the staff who were most inclined to rate social inclusion tasks as not being applicable to their job were those working day centres; female rather than male staff, those in front‐line staff rather than senior staff, and those in part‐time or relief positions rather than full‐time posts. However, within each service settings, there were wide variations in how staff rated the social inclusion tasks.Conclusions  Staff working in more individualised support arrangements tend to give greater priority to promoting social inclusion although this can vary widely both across and within staff teams. Nonetheless, staff gave greater priority to care tasks especially in congregated service settings. Service managers may need to give more emphasis to social inclusion tasks and provide the leadership, training and resources to facilitate support staff to re‐assess their priorities.
Prevalence of autism in an urban population of adults with severe intellectual disabilities – a preliminary study
Authors: Saemundsen E. , Juliusson H. , Hjaltested S. , Gunnarsdottir T. , Halldorsdottir T. , Hreidarsson S. , Magnusson P. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Research on the prevalence of autism in Iceland has indicated that one possible explanation of fewer autism cases in older age groups was due to an underestimation of autism in individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The present study systematically searched for autism cases in the adult population of individuals with severe ID living in the city of Reykjavik, Iceland.Methods  Potential participants (n = 256) were recruited through the Regional Office for the Affairs of the Handicapped in Reykjavik. First, a screening tool for autism was applied, followed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and finally the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R).Results  The point prevalence of severe ID was 3.7/1000 (95% CI 3.2–4.1) with a male–female ratio of 1.2:1. Participation rate in the study was 46.5%. Participants were younger than non‐participants and more often residents of group homes. The prevalence of autism was 21% (25/119) (95% CI 14.7–29.2) with a male–female ratio of 1.8:1. Of the individuals with autism, 10/25 (40%) were verbal according to the ADI‐R definition, and 18/25 (72%) had active epilepsy and/or other neurological conditions and handicaps.Conclusion  The study identified twice the number of autism cases than those previously recognised within the service system. Autism is a prevalent additional handicap in individuals with severe ID, which should always be considered in this population. There are indications that the estimated prevalence of autism found should be considered minimal.
Work stress and depression among direct support professionals: the role of work support and locus of control
Authors: Gray‐Stanley J. A. , Muramatsu N. , Heller T. , Hughes S. , Johnson T. P. , Ramirez‐Valles J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Although work stress can impede the capacity of direct support professionals and contribute to mental health challenges, external (i.e. work social support) and internal resources (i.e. an internal locus of control) have been shown to help DSPs cope more actively. We examined how work stress was associated with depression, with a particular focus on the role of resources.Method  Direct support professionals (n = 323) who serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from five community‐based organisations completed a cross‐sectional, self‐administered survey which measured work stress, work support, locus of control, and depression.Results  Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that work stress was positively associated with depression, while resources were negatively associated with depression. In particular, work support moderated the effects of client disability stress, supervisory support lessened the effects of role conflict, and locus of control moderated the effects of workload.Conclusions  Such findings suggest the importance of external and internal resources for staff mental health. This research underscores the need for strong work social support systems and interventions to help staff manage work stressors.
Borate promotes the formation of a complex between legume AGP‐extensin and Rhamnogalacturonan II and enhances production of Rhizobium capsular polysaccharide during infection thread development in Pisum sativum symbiotic root nodules
Authors: REGUERA MARÍA , ABREU ISIDRO , BREWIN NICHOLAS J. , BONILLA ILDEFONSO , BOLAÑOS LUIS 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTThe capacity to bind to biomolecules is considered to be the basis for any physiological role of boron (B). Legume arabinogalactan protein‐extensin (AGPE), a major component of the infection thread matrix of legume nodules is a potential B‐ligand. Therefore, its role in infection threads development was investigated in Pisum sativum grown under B deficiency. Using the AGPE‐specific antibody MAC265, immunochemical analysis revealed that a 175 kDa MAC265 antigen was abundant in +B but much weaker in –B nodule extracts. A B‐dependent complex involving AGPE and rhamnogalacturonan II (RGII) could be co‐purified using anti‐RGII antiserum. Following fractionation of –B nodules, MAC265 antigens were mostly associated with the bacterial pellet. Immunogold staining confirmed that AGPE was closely associated with the surface of rhizobia in the lumen of threads in −B nodules whereas in +B nodules, AGPE was separated from the bacterial surface by a sheath of capsular polysaccharide. Interestingly, colonies of rhizobia grown in free‐living culture without B developed low capsule production. Therefore, we propose that B could be important for apical growth of infection threads by strengthening thread wall through a B‐dependent AGPE‐RGII interaction and by promoting bacterial advance through a B‐dependent production of a stable rhizobial capsule that prevents AGPE attachment.
Regulation of subtilisin‐like protease prC expression by nematode cuticle in the nematophagous fungus Clonostachys rosea
Authors: Zou Cheng‐Gang , Tao Nan , Liu Wen‐Jing , Yang Jin‐Kui , Huang Xiao‐Wei , Liu Xian‐Yong , Tu Hui‐Hui , Gan Zhong‐Wei , Zhang Ke‐Qin 
Published: July 2010

SummaryNematophagous fungi have been used as biological control agents against nematodes parasitic to plants and animals. These fungi can secret subtilisin‐like extracellular serine proteases during the infection of nematodes. The expression of these subtilisin‐like serine proteases is regulated by nitrogen sources, including nematode cuticle. However, the mechanisms underlying the nitrogen sources‐induced expression of these serine proteases is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of nitrogen sources on the expression of a subtilisin‐like extracellular protease, prC, in the nematophagous fungus Clonostachys rosea. Disruption of prC attenuated infection of the fungus to nematodes, indicating that this gene functions as a virulence factor. The inhibition of basal expression of prC by the preferred nitrogen sources (glutamine, ammonia) occurred at the transcriptional level. In contrast, nematode cuticle induced the expression of prC at the post‐transcriptional level. The inducible expression of prC by nematode cuticle was significantly suppressed by glutamine, ammonia and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (an inhibitor of serine protease). Thus, the existence of active PrC, albeit at a low level in the medium, is probably essential for further induction of this gene by nematode cuticle. Moreover, the low molecule weight (< 3 kD) degradation products of nematode cuticle could significantly induce the expression of prC. Ammonia suppresses the virulence of C. rosea against nematodes, probably by inhibiting prC expression. Thus, the nematophagous fungi probably could not function well as biocontrol agents in fields fertilized with a large amount of ammonium salt.
Chain Shape Matching for Simulating Complex Hairstyles
Authors: Rungjiratananon W. , Kanamori Y. , Nishita T. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract Animations of hair dynamics greatly enrich the visual attractiveness of human characters. Traditional simulation techniques handle hair as clumps or continuum for efficiency; however, the visual quality is limited because they cannot represent the fine‐scale motion of individual hair strands. Although a recent mass‐spring approach tackled the problem of simulating the dynamics of every strand of hair, it required a complicated setting of springs and suffered from high computational cost. In this paper, we base the animation of hair on such a fine‐scale on Lattice Shape Matching (LSM), which has been successfully used for simulating deformable objects. Our method regards each strand of hair as a chain of particles, and computes geometrically derived forces for the chain based on shape matching. Each chain of particles is simulated as an individual strand of hair. Our method can easily handle complex hairstyles such as curly or afro styles in a numerically stable way. While our method is not physically based, our GPU‐based simulator achieves visually plausible animations consisting of several tens of thousands of hair strands at interactive rates.