bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional study of acetylcholinesterase genes in Bombyx mori ovary cells using RNA interference
Authors: Cao Y. Q. , Liu L. H. , Wang J. M. , Wang Y. H. , Shen W. D. , Li B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAcetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a key role in neurotransmission, in which it maintains the transmission of nerve impulses by catalyzing acetylcholine in the neuronal synapse. Acetylcholinesterase in Lepidoptera is encoded by two ace genes, ace1 and ace2. In this study, we used RNA interference to individually knock down the expression of ace1 or ace2 in a Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) cell line (BmN) to explore their functions and relationships. Knockdown efficiency was confirmed using quantitative real‐time PCR. We also monitored transcription levels of ace1 and ace2 at different time points after B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection. We found that when the expression of ace1 was knocked down to 37.5%, the expression of ace2 increased by 66%; when ace2 expression was reduced to 33.4%, the ace1 expression was similarly reduced to 26.7%. Acetylcholinesterase activity was decreased to 86.2% when ace2 expression was inhibited. However, no significant difference was observed in AChE activity when ace1 expression was knocked down. After BmNPV infection, ace1 expression was gradually increasing, whereas ace2 expression was gradually decreasing. Our study indicates that ace2 plays an important compensatory role for the loss of ace1 in maintaining AChE activity by increasing its expression level. In addition, ace2 may also regulate transcription of ace1. Overall, our findings help elucidate the relationship between the two ace genes in Lepidoptera.
Foliar N concentration and δ15N signature reflect the herb layer species diversity and composition in oak‐dominated forests
Authors: Hofmeister Jeňýk , Hošek Jan , Bůzek František , Roleček Jan 
Published: January 2012

AbstractQuestionsIs the herb layer species diversity and composition in species‐rich oak‐dominated forests related to the (i) soil nitrogen (N) pool, (ii) foliar N concentration, and (iii) foliar 15N/14N isotope ratio (δ15N), as indicators of the N status in ecosystems? How do they correspond to the Ellenberg indicator value for N (EIV‐N) of the herb layer vegetation?LocationThree areas in central Bohemia (Czech Republic) underlain by different geological substrates.MethodsWe assessed the herb layer species composition in nine oak‐dominated forests growing on different substrates, in relation to both soil nutrient pools and oak leaf nutrient concentrations. Data on the herb layer vegetation composition were collected in 16 square plots (25 m2 each) distributed according to a fixed stratified random design at each site. Soil nutrient pools were calculated on the basis of nutrient concentration and weight of quantitative soil samples taken from six defined depth strata at each of two or three 0.5‐m2 pits at each site. Foliar analyses were based on samples of 150 leaves from the upper part of the canopy of five oaks at each site.ResultsThe mean Shannon diversity index of herb layer vegetation was negatively related to the mean foliar Ntot. concentration, whereas the mean recovery rate (RR) of herb layer species was strongly positively related to foliar δ15N signatures and, less markedly, to the soil Ntot. pool. Similarly, both the foliar δ15N and the soil Ntot. pool were positively correlated with mean‐weighted EIV‐N in the herb layer vegetation.ConclusionsThe herb layer species diversity and composition was significantly related to N availability at our study sites. Foliar N concentration and the δ15N signature may reliably indicate: (i) the current N status of oak‐dominated forests, in accordance with previous published findings; and (ii) the consequences of that N status for the herb layer species diversity and composition. Foliar δ15N may also be used to detect the susceptibility of an ecosystem to the spread of a few species with high colonization ability in the herb layer, at the expense of other forest species.
Garden waste deposits as a source for non‐native plants in mixed deciduous forests
Authors: Rusterholz Hans‐Peter , Wirz Dino , Baur Bruno 
Published: January 2012

AbstractQuestionIs illegal garden waste dumping in mixed deciduous forests a source for establishment of non‐native plants in deciduous forests?LocationNorthwestern Switzerland.MethodsWe quantified the amount of illegally dumped garden waste at 20 sites over 1 yr and compared the soil conditions, species richness and abundance of plants in the ground vegetation at disposal sites with those at 20 control sites in urban deciduous forests.ResultsWe found that illegal garden waste dumping frequently occurs in urban forests. At single sites, 0.1–12.5 m3 (mean: 2.6 m3) garden waste was dumped per month, resulting in a total annual amount of 2.2–35.8 m3 (mean: 17.8 m3) waste deposited. Thirty‐seven of the 163 plant species recorded were not native to Switzerland. All 37 non‐native species were recorded in waste disposal sites, but only three of them in control sites. Thus, garden waste dumping sites harboured a larger number of non‐native species than control sites, but the two groups of sites did not differ in number of native species. The species composition also differed between disposal and control sites: larger proportions of species typical of disturbed habitats, more therophytes and species with autochorous seed dispersal were recorded in disposal sites than in control sites.ConclusionsWe provide evidence that numerous non‐native horticultural plant species escape from dumping sites and colonize forests. There is an urgent need to increase awareness of garden owners concerning problems associated with illegal garden waste dumping.
The Mu‘tazila in Islamic History and Thought
Authors: Campanini Massimo 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Mu‘tazila was a current of thought that flourished in Iraq in the third/ninth century, but whose creative influences continued at least into the twelfth century. It had a fundamental role in Islamic history and thought, particularly in the early period when it became the state theology under the ‘Abbasid caliph al‐Ma’mun. The Mu‘tazila developed a type of rationalism, partly influenced by Greek philosophy, based around three fundamental principles: the oneness and justice of God, human freedom of action and the creation of the Qur’an. During the history of Islamic thought, these ideas were challenged and then abandoned in the name of an orthodoxy that found expression particularly in Ash‘arism. Despite this crisis, the Mu‘tazila survived in Islamic thought, most importantly in relation to Shi‘ite theology. In modern times it has seen a revival, at a moment when the evolution of Islamic history has been obliged to confront the modern world. Many contemporary Islamic thinkers have looked to the rationalism of the Mu‘tazila and its principles in an attempt to give new life to Islamic thought, seeking to equip it to face the challenges of history.
Falciparum malaria parasitemia index for predicting severe malaria
Authors: TANGPUKDEE N. , KRUDSOOD S. , KANO S. , WILAIRATANA P. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryIntroduction:  While hyperparasitemia is considered an important indicator for the development of severe malaria, there is currently no consensus on the quantitative definition of hyperparasitemia. This study was conducted to establish a cutoff point for peripheral parasitemia among patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, to define severe malaria.Methods:  The clinical presentations of 200 uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, and 189 severe P. falciparum malaria, patients, admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, were analyzed.Results:  A peripheral parasitemia of 0.5% was found to be the optimal cutoff point for defining severe malaria, demonstrating highest sensitivity (85.1%), specificity (62.0%), and accuracy (73.2%).Conclusion:  Symptoms of severe falciparum malaria depend on many factors. For the definition of hyperparasitemia in areas of low or seasonal transmission, peripheral parasitemia of 0.5% might be considered a cutoff point for discrimination between severity levels. This value might be useful for the clinical management of malaria, particularly in hypo‐endemic areas, unstable transmission areas, and other areas with similar transmission patterns.
Clarifying and developing analyses of biodiversity: towards a generalisation of current approaches
Authors: Pavoine Sandrine 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. Quadratic entropy (QE) was developed as a fundamental function for measuring the diversity within a collection, such as a community, or population, from indices of abundance and distance among categories, such as species or alleles. Based on a literature review in the fields of genetics, ecology and statistics and new developments, I analyse the potential of this function for biodiversity studies.2. Quadratic entropy was established as a generalisation of well‐known diversity indices, and has been widely used in molecular ecology and genetics research. It is now integrated within more general frameworks for analysing functional and phylogenetic diversity in ecology.3. Quadratic entropy can be maximised by removing categories, and several collections can share the maximum diversity, even with highly distinct compositions. Clarifying these statements, I identify all potential indices of the abundance of the categories that maximise QE.4. By quantifying changes in diversity when mixing collections together, QE can measure differences among collections. Here, I provide a geometric interpretation of these differences that demonstrates their relevance as classical geometric distances.5. A critical aspect of these distances is obtained if QE is strictly concave; that is, diversity always strictly increases by mixing distinct collections together. More generally, QE can be used to evaluate the effects of various factors on diversity in a framework designated ANOQE (analysis of QE). Generalising ANOVA (analysis of variance), ANOQE uses QE to measure distances between centroids.6. Importantly, QE is estimated from sampled data and thus requires estimators. Based on these estimators, tests have been developed to compare levels of diversity. Tests of factor effects are evaluated by parametric, jackknife, bootstrap and permutational approaches. However, the procedures associated with these tests that have been suggested thus far only treat a few factors.7. There is an urgent need for the development of such approaches in biology to deal with experimental factors, observed population and community structure, and different spatial and temporal scales. Together, QE and the ANOQE procedure are likely to have a critical impact on all scientific disciplines interested in any form of diversity.
Reliability and validity of three pain provocation tests used for the diagnosis of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy
Authors: Cacchio Angelo , Borra Fabrizio , Severini Gabriele , Foglia Andrea , Musarra Frank , Taddio Nicola , De Paulis Fosco 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe clinical assessment of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) in athletes is a challenge to sports medicine. To be able to compare the results of research and treatments, the methods used to diagnose and evaluate PHT must be clearly defined and reproducible.ObjectiveTo assess the reliability and validity of three pain provocation tests used for the diagnosis of PHT.MethodsNinety-two athletes with (N=46) and without (N=46) PHT were examined by one physician and two physiotherapists, who were trained in the examination techniques before the study. The examiners were blinded to the symptoms and identity of the athletes. The three pain provocation tests examined were the Puranen–Orava, bent-knee stretch and modified bent-knee stretch tests. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) based on the repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyse the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability, while sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios were used to determine the validity of the three tests.ResultsThe ICC values in all three tests revealed a high correlation (range 0.82 to 0.88) for the interexaminer reliability and a high-to-very high correlation (range 0.87 to 0.93) for the intraexaminer reliability. All three tests displayed a moderate-to-high validity, with the highest degree of validity being yielded by the modified bent-knee stretch test.ConclusionAll three pain provocation tests proved to be of potential value in assessing chronic PHT in athletes. However, we recommend that they be used in conjunction with other objective measures, such as MRI.
Physical activity and all-cause mortality in older women and men
Authors: Brown Wendy J , McLaughlin Deirdre , Leung Janni , McCaul Kieran A , Flicker Leon , Almeida Osvaldo P , Hankey Graeme J , Lopez Derrick , Dobson Annette J 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundRegular physical activity is associated with reduced risk of mortality in middle-aged adults; however, associations between physical activity and mortality in older people have been less well studied. The objective of this study was to compare relationships between physical activity and mortality in older women and men.MethodsThe prospective cohort design involved 7080 women aged 70–75 years and 11 668 men aged 65–83 years at baseline, from two Australian cohorts – the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health and the Health in Men Study. Self-reported low, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity, socio-demographic, behavioural and health characteristics were assessed in relation to all-cause mortality from the National Death Index from 1996 to 2009; the median follow-up of 10.4 (women) and 11.5 (men) years.ResultsThere were 1807 (25.5%) and 4705 (40.3%) deaths in women and men, respectively. After adjustment for behavioural risk factors, demographic variables and self-reported health at baseline, there was an inverse dose – response relationship between physical activity and all-cause mortality. Compared with women and men who reported no activity, there were statistically significant lower hazard ratios for women who reported any activity and for men who reported activities equivalent to at least 300 metabolic equivalent.min/week. Risk reductions were 30–50% greater in women than in men in every physical activity category.ConclusionsPhysical activity is inversely associated with all-cause mortality in older men and women. The relationship is stronger in women than in men, and there are benefits from even low levels of activity.
Inhibition of the Nedd8 System Sensitizes Cells to DNA Interstrand Cross-linking Agents
Authors: Kee Younghoon , Huang Min , Chang Sophia , Moreau Lisa A. , Park Eunmi , Smith Peter G. , D'Andrea Alan D. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The Fanconi anemia pathway is required for repair of DNA interstrand cross-links (ICL). Fanconi anemia pathway–deficient cells are hypersensitive to DNA ICL–inducing drugs such as cisplatin. Conversely, hyperactivation of the Fanconi anemia pathway is a mechanism that may underlie cellular resistance to DNA ICL agents. Modulating FANCD2 monoubiquitination, a key step in the Fanconi anemia pathway, may be an effective therapeutic approach to conferring cellular sensitivity to ICL agents. Here, we show that inhibition of the Nedd8 conjugation system increases cellular sensitivity to DNA ICL–inducing agents. Mechanistically, the Nedd8 inhibition, either by siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nedd8-conjugating enzymes or treatment with a Nedd8-activating enzyme inhibitor MLN4924, suppressed DNA damage–induced FANCD2 monoubiquitination and CHK1 phosphorylation. Our data indicate that inhibition of the Fanconi anemia pathway is largely responsible for the heightened cellular sensitivity to DNA ICLs upon Nedd8 inhibition. These results suggest that a combination of Nedd8 inhibition with ICL-inducing agents may be an effective strategy for sensitizing a subset of drug-resistant cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res; 10(3); 369–77. ©2012 AACR.
Temporal evolution of remission following multiple sclerosis relapse and predictors of outcome
Authors: Hirst Claire L , Ingram Gillian , Pickersgill Trevor P , Robertson Neil P 
Published: January 2012

Background: Relapse is a characteristic clinical feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is commonly employed as a measure of efficacy following therapeutic intervention. However, less is known about the temporal evolution of subsequent disability or factors predicting recovery. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the pattern of recovery following relapse and identify factors which predict recovery and residual disability following relapse. Methods: A total of 226 relapses were studied prospectively in a cohort of 144 patients with standardised clinical assessments of physical disability including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 10-m timed walk, 9-hole peg test and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) at 0, 2, 6 and 12 months. A total of 82 patients completed 12 months of follow up without further relapse. Results: Thirty per cent of relapses were severe (change in EDSS >2.0) of which 11% failed to recover. All measures showed significant improvement at 2 months but additional improvement was also observed in 9-hole peg test and MSIS-29 up to 12 months following initial assessment. Mean time to second relapse was 382 days. The only predictor of relapse severity in the model tested was younger age; however, increasing age and initial relapse severity were also predictors of poor outcome. Conclusions: This study shows that the majority of improvement in physical disability following relapse occurs by 2 months but that more subtle recovery can take place over 12 months in a small sub-group of patients. These data will aid in patient counselling and will also inform the timing of therapeutic intervention and physical support.
Systematic review: conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema
Authors: Oremus Mark , Dayes Ian , Walker Kathryn , Raina Parminder 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Several conservative (i.e., nonpharmacologic, nonsurgical) treatments exist for secondary lymphedema. The optimal treatment is unknown. We examined the effectiveness of conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema, as well as harms related to these treatments.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE®, EMBASE®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials®, AMED, and CINAHL from 1990 to January 19, 2010. We obtained English- and non-English-language randomized controlled trials or observational studies (with comparison groups) that reported primary effectiveness data on conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema. For English-language studies, we extracted data in tabular form and summarized the tables descriptively. For non-English-language studies, we summarized the results descriptively and discussed similarities with the English-language studies.

Results
Thirty-six English-language and eight non-English-language studies were included in the review. Most of these studies involved upper-limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. Despite lymphedema's chronicity, lengths of follow-up in most studies were under 6 months. Many trial reports contained inadequate descriptions of randomization, blinding, and methods to assess harms. Most observational studies did not control for confounding. Many studies showed that active treatments reduced the size of lymphatic limbs, although extensive between-study heterogeneity in areas such as treatment comparisons and protocols, and outcome measures, prevented us from assessing whether any one treatment was superior. This heterogeneity also precluded us from statistically pooling results. Harms were rare (< 1% incidence) and mostly minor (e.g., headache, arm pain).

Conclusions
The literature contains no evidence to suggest the most effective treatment for secondary lymphedema. Harms are few and unlikely to cause major clinical problems.
Expression of apoptosis-regulating genes in the rat prostate following botulinum toxin type a injection
Authors: Gorgal Tiago , Charrua Ana , Silva João F , Avelino António , Dinis Paulo , Cruz Francisco 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA) injection has been investigated as a novel treatment for benign prostatic enlargement caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. An OnabotA - induced volume reduction caused by sympathetic fibers impairment has been proposed as a potential mechanism of action. Our aim was to investigate the expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins in the rat prostate following OnabotA intraprostatic injection.

Methods
Adult Wistar rats were injected in the ventral lobes of the prostate with 10 U of OnabotA or saline. A set of OnabotA-injected animals was further treated with 0.5 mg/kg of phenylephrine (PHE) subcutaneously daily. All animals were sacrificed after 1 week and had their prostates harvested. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for Bax, Bcl-xL and caspase-3 proteins and visualized by the avidin-biotin method. The optical density of the glandular cells was also determined, with measurement of differences between average optical densities for each group.

Results
Saline-treated animals showed intense epithelial staining for Bcl-xL and a faint labelling for both Bax and Caspase-3. OnabotA-treated rats showed a reduced epithelial staining of Bcl-xL and a consistently increased Bax and Caspase-3 staining when compared with saline-treated animals. PHE-treated animals showed a stronger Bcl-xL staining and reduced staining of both Bax and Caspase-3 when compared to the OnabotA group. Mean signal intensity measurements for each immunoreaction confirmed a significant decrease of the signal intensity for Bcl-xL and a significant increase of the signal intensity for Bax and Caspase 3 in OnabotA-injected animals when compared with the control group. In OnabotA+PHE treated animals mean signal intensity for Bcl-xL, Bax and Caspase 3 immunoreactions was identical to that of the control animals.

Conclusions
These results support the hypothesis that OnabotA activates apoptotic pathways in the rat prostate through a mechanism that involves sympathetic outflow impairment.
Fixed point theorems for multivalued maps in cone metric spaces
Authors: Cho Seong-Hoon , Bae Jong-Sook 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe aim of this article is to generalize a result which is obtained by Mizoguchi and Takahashi [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 141, 177-188 (1989)] to the case of cone metric spaces.MSC: 47H10; 54H25.