bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incubation Feeding and Nest Attentiveness in a Socially Monogamous Songbird: Role of Feather Colouration, Territory Quality and Ambient Environment
Authors: Matysioková Beata , Remeš Vladimír 
Published: April 2010

AbstractParental investment and environmental conditions determine reproductive success in wild‐ranging animals. Parental effort during incubation, and consequently factors driving it, has profound consequences for reproductive success in birds. The female nutrition hypothesis states that high male feeding enables the incubating female to spend more time on eggs, which can lead to higher hatching success. Moreover, both male and female parental investment during incubation might be signalled by plumage colouration. To test these hypotheses, we investigated relationships between male and female incubation behaviour and carotenoid and melanin‐based plumage colouration, territory quality and ambient temperature in the Great Tit Parus major. We also studied the effect of female incubation behaviour on hatching success. Intensity of male incubation feeding increased with lower temperatures and was higher in territories with more food supply, but only in poor years with low overall food supply. Female nest attentiveness increased with lower temperatures. Plumage colouration did not predict incubation behaviour of either parent. Thus, incubation behaviour of both parents was related mainly to environmental conditions. Moreover, there was no relationship between male incubation feeding, female nest attentiveness and hatching success. Consequently, our data were not consistent with the female nutrition hypothesis.
Development and characterization of 296 new polymorphic microsatellite markers for rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: Le Guen V. , Gay C. , Xiong T. C. , Souza L. M. , Rodier‐Goud M. , Seguin M. 
Published: April 2010

With 2 figures and 1 table AbstractEnriched genomic libraries in GA and GT tandem repeat motifs were generated from rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Design of appropriate primer pairs in the flanking regions enables to produce amplified fragments for 310 of these sequences. The test of these genomic microsatellites on a set of 10 rubber tree genotypes allows the characterization of 296 new polymorphic markers. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.10 to 0.93 and allele numbers from 2 to 11. Microsatellite loci with GA motifs were more abundant, longer and more polymorphic than GT motifs. Such a high variability suggests the utility of these markers for the establishment of integrated linkage maps, as well as the characterization of linkage disequilibrium in rubber tree populations.
Spatial patterns and light‐driven variation of microbial population gene expression in surface waters of the oligotrophic open ocean
Authors: Hewson Ian , Poretsky Rachel S. , Tripp H. James , Montoya Joseph P. , Zehr Jonathan P. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryBecause bacterioplankton production rates do not vary strongly across vast expanses of the ocean, it is unclear how variability in community structure corresponds with functional variability in the open ocean. We surveyed community transcript functional profiles at eight locations in the open ocean, in both the light and in the dark, using the genomic subsystems approach, to understand variability in gene expression patterns in surface waters. Metatranscriptomes from geographically distinct areas and collected during the day and night shared a large proportion of metabolic functional similarity (74%) at the finest metabolic resolution possible. The variability between metatranscriptomes could be explained by phylogenetic differences between libraries (Mantel test, P < 0.0001). Several key gene expression pathways, including Photosystem I, Photosystem II and ammonium uptake, demonstrated the most variability both geographically and between light and dark. Libraries were dominated by transcripts of the cyanobacterium Prochlorocococcus marinus, where most geographical and diel variability between metatranscriptomes reflected between‐station differences in cyanobacterial phototrophic metabolism. Our results demonstrate that active genetic machinery in surface waters of the ocean is dominated by photosynthetic microorganisms and their site‐to‐site variability, while variability in the remainder of assemblages is dependent on local taxonomic composition.
Obesity might not be a risk factor for female sexual dysfunction
Authors: Kadioglu Pinar , Yetkin Demet Ozgil , Sanli Oner , Yalin Ayse Serap , Onem Kadir , Kadioglu Ates 
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (case control) Level of Evidence 3bOBJECTIVETo evaluate female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in obese women in comparison with age‐matched control group, emphasising their hormonal and psychological status.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSSixty‐four sexually active obese premenauposal women were compared with a control group of 27 age‐matched healthy volunteers with a normal body mass index (BMI). The obese group was evaluated in three categories according to BMI (kg/m2), as group 1 (30–34.9), group 2 (35–39.9) and group 3 (>40). All women were evaluated with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In addition, serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone‐SO4, free testosterone, 17α‐hydroxyprogestrone, androstenedione, oestradiol, free thyroxine and thyrotropin were determined.RESULTSThe mean FSFI scores were not statistically significant between control and obese patients (P= 0.29). FSD was diagnosed in 50% (32/64) and 41% (11/27) of the patients in the obese and control groups, respectively (P= 0.34). There were no differences between total FSFI and FSFI domain scores among BMI categories. BDI scores were significantly higher in the obese groups than in healthy controls, and negatively correlated with total FSFI and all FSFI domain scores. Among hormonal analyses, only free testosterone levels were negatively correlated with total FSFI scores.CONCLUSIONThis study showed that obesity has no significant relationship with FSD, but obese patients were found to be in a more depressive mood than age‐matched normal counterparts.
Luther's Understanding of Imputatio in the Context of his Doctrine of Justification and Its Consequences for the Preaching of the Gospel
Authors: ROLF SIBYLLE 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis article deals with the problem of how to understand the notion of imputatio within Martin Luther's doctrine of justification, which for Luther is both necessary and sufficient. The author shows that Luther interprets imputatio in a threefold way: by outlining (1) the non‐imputation of sin, (2) the imputation of faith as righteousness, and (3) the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the sinner. Interpreting imputatio in this particular way, Luther maintains his view of Christian faith as a communicative, dynamic and changeable reality which is crucially dependent on communication. For that reason, Luther's understanding of justification cannot be considered without his understanding of preaching the gospel, in which the gospel of Christ is communicated to individuals. Thus in the preaching and the hearing of God's word, imputation is taking place in the communication of the gospel, mirroring the communicative structure of faith's reality itself.
Supporting Adults with an Intellectual Disability During Experiences of Loss and Bereavement: Staff Views, Experiences and Suggestions for Training
Authors: McEvoy John , Guerin Suzanne , Dodd Philip , Hillery John 
Published: April 2010

Background  Care staff are a major source of information and support for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) following a bereavement. How staff perceive the loss experience has implications for the quality and level of support provided to individuals with ID at times of personal loss.Method  Twenty‐four staff members participated in the three focus groups aimed at examining staff knowledge and attitudes to bereavement, experiences of supporting people with ID during times of loss, the degree of service agency support and staff training needs.Results  Staff described service users’ reactions to loss as for the most part similar to those observed in the typical population. Staff reported a lack of confidence and uncertainty, particularly around operational procedures following bereavement. Conflicting attitudes between themselves and the service agency around bereavement support procedures and a lack of awareness of the emotional impact of grief on service users and staff were highlighted by participants along with the need for quality information, skill development and further training.Conclusions  Service agencies need to be more proactive in supporting staff and in developing policy and guidelines in conjunction with practical training initiatives. There is a general need for greater awareness of the emotional impact of loss on staff and service users within specialist services.
Comparison of Iroquois gene expression in limbs/fins of vertebrate embryos
Authors: McDonald Laura A. , Gerrelli Dianne , Fok Yvonne , Hurst Laurence D. , Tickle Cheryll 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn Drosophila, Iroquois (Irx) genes have various functions including the specification of the identity of wing veins. Vertebrate Iroquois (Irx) genes have been reported to be expressed in the developing digits of mouse limbs. Here we carry out a phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate Irx genes and compare expression in developing limbs of mouse, chick and human embryos and in zebrafish pectoral fin buds. We confirm that the six Irx gene families in vertebrates are well defined and that Clusters A and B are duplicates; in contrast, Irx1 and 3, Irx2 and 5, and Irx4 and 6 are paralogs. All Irx genes in mouse and chick are expressed in developing limbs. Detailed comparison of the expression patterns in mouse and chick shows that expression patterns of genes in the same cluster are generally similar but paralogous genes have different expression patterns. Mouse and chick Irx1 are expressed in digit condensations, whereas mouse and chick Irx6 are expressed interdigitally. The timing of Irx1 expression in individual digits in mouse and chick is different. Irx1 is also expressed in digit condensations in developing human limbs, thus showing conservation of expression of this gene in higher vertebrates. In zebrafish, Irx genes of all but six of the families are expressed in early stage pectoral fin buds but not at later stages, suggesting that these genes are not involved in patterning distal structures in zebrafish fins.
Effects of combination therapy with montelukast and carbocysteine in allergen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation
Authors: Takeda K , Shiraishi Y , Matsubara S , Miyahara N , Matsuda H , Okamoto M , Joetham A , Gelfand EW 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Montelukast and S‐carbocysteine have been used in asthmatic patients as an anti‐inflammatory or mucolytic agent respectively. S‐carbocysteine also exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties.Experimental approach:  Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized BALB/c mice were challenged with OVA for 3 days followed by single OVA re‐challenge (secondary challenge) 2 weeks later. Forty‐eight hours after secondary challenge, mice were assessed for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and cell composition in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Suboptimal doses of 10 mg·kg−1 of S‐carbocysteine by intraperitoneal injection (ip), 20 mg·kg−1 of montelukast by gavage, the combination of S‐carbocysteine and montelukast or 3 mg·kg−1 of dexamethasone as a control were administered from 1 day before the secondary challenge to the last experimental day. Isolated lung cells were cultured with OVA and montelukast to determine the effects on cytokine production.Key results:  Treatment with S‐carbocysteine or montelukast reduced both AHR and the numbers of eosinophils in BAL fluid. Neutralizing IFN‐γ abolished the effects of S‐carbocysteine on these airway responses. Combination of the two drugs showed further decreases in both AHR and eosinophils in the BAL fluid. Goblet cell metaplasia and Th2‐type cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13, in BAL fluid were decreased with montelukast treatment. Conversely, S‐carbocysteine increased Th1‐type cytokines, IFN‐γ and IL‐12 in BAL fluid.Conclusions and inplications:  The combination of two agents, montelukast and S‐carbocysteine, demonstrated additive effects on AHR and airway inflammation in a secondary allergen model most likely through independent mechanisms of action.
Alternative splicing modulates diltiazem sensitivity of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle Cav1.2 calcium channels
Authors: Zhang Heng Yu , Liao Ping , Wang Jue Jin , Yu De Jie , Soong Tuck Wah 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose: As a calcium channel blocker, diltiazem acts mainly on the voltage‐gated calcium channels, Cav1.2, for its beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina and/or supraventricular arrhythmias. However, the effects of diltiazem on different isoforms of Cav1.2 channels expressed in heart and vascular smooth muscles remain to be investigated. Here, we characterized the effects of diltiazem on the splice variants of Cav1.2 channels, predominant in cardiac and vascular smooth muscles.Experimental approach: Cardiac and smooth muscle isoforms of Cav1.2 channels were expressed in human embryonic kidney cells and their electrophysiological properties were characterized using whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques.Key results: Under closed‐channel and use‐dependent block (0.03 Hz), cardiac splice variant Cav1.2CM was less sensitive to diltiazem than two major smooth muscle splice variants, Cav1.2SM and Cav1.2b. Cav1.2CM has a more positive half‐inactivation potential than the smooth muscle channels, and diltiazem shifted it less to negative potential. Additionally, the current decay was slower in Cav1.2CM channels. When we modified alternatively spliced exons of cardiac Cav1.2CM channels into smooth muscle exons, we found that all three loci contribute to the different diltiazem sensitivity between cardiac and smooth muscle splice isoforms.Conclusions and implications: Alternative splicing of Cav1.2 channels modifies diltiazem sensitivity in the heart and blood vessels. Gating properties altered by diltiazem are different in the three channels.
Haemin‐enhanced expression of haem oxygenase‐1 stabilizes erythrocyte‐induced vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Lin Hui Li , Zhang Lei , Liu Chun Xi , Xu Xin Sheng , Tang Meng Xiong , Lv Hui Xia , Li Chang Jiang , Sun Hui Wen , Zhang Mei , Hong Jiang , Zhang Yun 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Previous studies demonstrated that intraplaque haemorrhage increased the contents of cholesterol and oxidants in atherosclerotic plaques. The present study was aimed to test the hypothesis that enhanced expression of haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) may stabilize vulnerable plaques.Experimental approach:  Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed to identify three similar abdominal aortic plaques in each of 58 fat‐fed New Zealand rabbits after aortic balloon injury. With the guidance of IVUS, 50 µL autologous erythrocytes (RBC) or normal saline (NS) were injected from adventitia into two of the pre‐selected plaques, respectively, whereas the third plaque served as a blank control. All rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, receiving intraperitoneal injection of haemin and saline respectively.Key results:  Compared with NS or control plaques, RBC plaques had more macrophage infiltration and lipid content, thinner plaque fibrous cap, and higher expression of inflammatory factors and incidence of plaque rupture. RBC plaques in the haemin group had about a 50% lower incidence of plaque rupture than those in the control group.Conclusions and implications:  Haem oxygenase‐1 may eliminate haem or other oxidants, exert unexpected anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects and serve as a promising approach to the direct inhibition of erythrocyte‐induced plaque instability.
Openers of small conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels selectively enhance NO‐mediated bradykinin vasodilatation in porcine retinal arterioles
Authors: Dalsgaard T , Kroigaard C , Misfeldt M , Bek T , Simonsen U 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Small (SKCa or KCa2) and intermediate (IKCa or KCa3.1) conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels are involved in regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. The present study investigated whether NS309 (6,7‐dichloro‐1H‐indole‐2,3‐dione 3‐oxime) and CyPPA (cyclohexyl‐[2‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐6‐methyl‐pyrimidin‐4‐yl]‐amine), which are selective openers of SKCa and IKCa channels and of SKCa2 and SKCa3 channels, respectively, enhance endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in porcine retinal arterioles.Experimental approach:  In porcine retinal arterioles, SKCa3 and IKCa protein localization was examined by immunolabelling. Endothelial cell calcium was measured by fluorescence imaging. For functional studies, arterioles with internal diameters of 116 ± 2 µm (n = 276) were mounted in microvascular myographs for isometric tension recordings.Key results:  SKCa3 and IKCa protein was localized in the endothelium. Bradykinin, but not NS309 or CyPPA increased endothelial cell calcium. Pre‐incubation with NS309 or CyPPA enhanced bradykinin relaxation without changing endothelial cell calcium. This enhanced relaxation was abolished by blocking SKCa channels with apamin. In the presence of NS309 or CyPPA, mainly inhibition of NO synthase with asymmetric dimethylarginine, but also inhibition of cyclooxygenase with indomethacin, reduced bradykinin relaxation. Bradykinin relaxation was completely abolished by NO synthase and cyclooxygenase inhibition together with a NO scavenger, oxyhaemoglobin.Conclusions and implications:  In porcine retinal arterioles, bradykinin increases endothelial cell calcium leading to activation of SKCa and IKCa channels. Without altering endothelial cell calcium, NS309 and CyPPA open SKCa channels that enhance NO‐mediated bradykinin relaxations. These results imply that opening SKCa channels improves endothelium‐dependent relaxation and makes this channel a potential target for treatments aimed at restoring retinal blood flow.
Who Receives Outpatient Monitoring During High‐Risk Depression Treatment Periods?
Authors: Kales Helen C. , Kim H. Myra , Austin Karen L. , Valenstein Marcia 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the intensity of monitoring received by important patient subgroups during high‐risk periods (the 12 weeks after psychiatric hospitalization and after new antidepressant starts).DESIGN: Retrospective secondary analysis of data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) National Registry for Depression using patients aged 65 and older receiving depression treatment from 1999 to 2004.SETTING: VA healthcare system.PARTICIPANTS: VA patients in depression treatment between April 1, 1999, and September 30, 2004, who had psychiatric inpatient stays (n=73,137) or new antidepressant starts (n=421,536).MEASUREMENTS: The relationship between the number of outpatient visits for each group and patient characteristics in the 12‐week period after psychiatric hospitalizations and antidepressant starts.RESULTS: The characteristic associated with significantly lower rates of monitoring for both high‐risk treatment periods was aged 65 and older. White race and living in the south or northeast were also associated with significantly lower rates of monitoring after new antidepressant starts and inpatient stays, respectively. Substance abuse disorders were associated with greater monitoring after both types of depression events but did not seem to interact with other patient characteristics in determining levels of monitoring.CONCLUSION: VA patients who are older, white, and living in the south or northeast receive less‐intensive monitoring during high‐risk treatment periods for suicide. This is of concern, given that older patients appear to be at higher risk for suicide, particularly after inpatient stays, and may need particular attention during this time frame. Adapted interventions and proactive outreach may be needed that target this patient group.
Generation of HLA‐deficient platelets from hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Figueiredo Constança , Goudeva Lilia , Horn Peter A. , Eiz‐Vesper Britta , Blasczyk Rainer , Seltsam Axel 
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Exposure to allogeneic blood products often leads to the development of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. Refractoriness to platelet (PLT) transfusion caused by alloimmunization against HLA Class I antigens constitutes a significant clinical problem.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We developed an RNA interference (RNAi)‐based approach to silence the expression of HLA Class I molecules on PLTs derived from CD34+ progenitor cells. A lentiviral‐based system was used to express short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting β2‐microglobulin (β2m) transcripts in CD34+ progenitor cells. Differentiation to PLTs was performed by incubating progenitor cells in the presence of thrombopoietin and interleukin‐3.RESULTS: The transduction of RNAi cassettes containing the sequences for shRNAs targeting β2m caused up to 85% reduction of progenitor cells HLA Class I antigen expression, which was maintained in the culture‐derived PLTs. The HLA‐deficient PLTs derived from HLA‐silenced CD34+ cells proved to be fully functional in in vitro tests when compared to peripheral blood–derived PLTs.CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that in vitro generating HLA Class I–deficient PLTs from hematopoietic progenitor cells prove to be feasible. As malignancy risks associated with insertional mutagenesis are not to be expected in anucleated PLTs, provision of HLA‐deficient PLTs from large‐scale production units may become reality in the management of patients suffering from PLT transfusion refractoriness.
Stability of coagulation factors in plasma prepared after a 24‐hour room temperature hold
Authors: Alhumaidan Hiba , Cheves Tracey , Holme Stein , Sweeney Joseph 
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: The manufacture of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) requires that plasma be frozen within 8 hours of collection and 24‐hour frozen plasma requires 1 to 6°C refrigeration before freezing. Manufacture of plasma after a room temperature hold for 24 hours, while convenient, could compromise clotting factor levels.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Pairs of FFP and 24‐hour room temperature–frozen plasma (PLT‐rich plasma [PRP]‐24HRTFP) were manufactured from PRP after a room temperature hold for 8 and 24 hours, respectively. Additional whole blood (WB) donations were kept at room temperature for 24 hours before plasma manufacture (WB‐24HRTFP). The frozen plasma products were stored at −18°C, thawed, and then stored at 1 to 6°C, with coagulation factor assays performed for up to 7 days.RESULTS: On the day of thaw, Factor (F)VIII was lower in PRP‐24HRTFP by 13% (p = 0.002) but not in WB‐24HRTFP (p = 0.3) compared to FFP. All other clotting factors were within normal range. During the postthaw period FVIII and FV declined 25 and 6%, respectively, in WB‐24HRTFP and 23 to 50% in the paired products; however, the difference between both types of 24HRTFP and FFP is insignificant by Day 7 (p > 0.05). Other clotting factors either were unchanged or showed minimal reduction (<15%).CONCLUSION: Plasma manufactured after a 24‐hour room temperature hold contains coagulation factors comparable to FFP except for a possible reduction of up to 20% in FVIII. This plasma appears suitable as a transfusable product and extension of liquid storage to 7 days merits consideration.