bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus) select habitats of high thermal quality at the northern extreme of their range
Authors: Picard Gabriel , Carrière Marie-Andrée , Blouin-Demers Gabriel 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
In ectotherms, variation in body temperature (Tb) affects physiological
performance and, ultimately, fitness. Therefore, reptiles regulate Tb
behaviourally by choosing habitats of optimal temperature. The main goal of
this study was to determine the link between patterns of thermoregulation
and habitat selection in Common Musk Turtles inhabiting a thermally
challenging region. We expected habitat selection to be based on the
fulfillment of thermoregulatory requirements, which can be accomplished by
selecting thermally superior habitats. From early May to late August 2007,
we tracked 22 Common Musk Turtles with temperature-sensitive
radio-transmitters and collected daily Tb profiles with automated
radio-telemetry data loggers. In addition, temperature data loggers were
placed in the study area to measure the range of environmental operative
temperatures (Te) available to musk turtles. The habitats with the highest
thermal quality were aquatic habitats with surface cover (i.e., lily pads,
macrophytes, etc.) followed by shallow water. As expected, musk turtles used
habitats non-randomly and had a strong preference for thermally superior
habitats. This is consistent with the typical aquatic basking behaviour
observed in musk turtles, suggesting that there is a strong link between
thermal quality of habitats and habitat selection, even in this almost
entirely aquatic turtle.
Is the horned pitviper Ceratrimeresurus shenlii Liang and Liu, 2003 from China a valid Protobothrops?
Authors: Gong Shiping , Hitschfeld Ellen , Hundsdörfer Anna , Auer Markus , Wang Fumin , Zhou Lihua , Fritz Uwe 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Previous records of horned pitvipers from Vietnam and China are reviewed and
the phylogenetic placement of four snakes from two sites in Tianjingshan
Forest, China (Ruyan County, Guangdong Province; 24°43′N, 113°03′E, 563 m
a.s.l.; 24°43′N, 113°02′E, 585 m a.s.l.) is examined. Using mitochondrial
DNA sequence data (12S, 16S, ND4, cyt b; 2306 bp) and Bayesian and Maximum
Likelihood analyses, the Tianjingshan pitvipers are revealed as sister to
Protobothrops cornutus with a differentiation resembling those of P.
flavoviridis and P. tokarensis. This indicates a close relationship with P.
cornutus and suggests that Ceratrimeresurus shenlii Liang and Liu, 2003,
previously considered a junior synonym of P. cornutus (Smith, 1930), could
be a valid subspecies of P. cornutus or a recently split distinct species.
However, further studies and samples from intermediate localities are needed
to decide whether the observed differentiation reflects a pattern of
isolation-by-distance or a phylogeographic, and thus perhaps taxonomically
relevant, break.
Genetic patterns of a range expansion: The spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca graeca in southeastern Spain
Authors: Graciá Eva , Giménez Andrés , Anadón José Daniel , Botella Francisco , García-Martínez Santiago , Marín María 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
In the present work we analyzed the genetic structure of the populations of
the terrestrial tortoise Testudo graeca graeca in southeastern Spain,
identified as a recent range expansion from North Africa. The study and
interpretation of the species' genetic spatial pattern could provide clues
to the processes related to the species' arrival and, because of its
endangered status, is especially useful in implementing appropriate
management measures. We used microsatellite markers to analyze 17
populations located in the coastal region of the species' range in
southeastern Spain, and an external group of Algerian tortoises. Three
genetic units with a high level of spatial coherence and moderate levels of
admixture resulted from a cluster analysis, and an isolation-by-distance
pattern covering the entire study area was detected. These results suggest
that southeastern Spanish populations show a complex spatial genetic pattern
resulting from their isolation from North African populations and their
natural dispersal in this region. Finally, our work shows that conservation
actions such as captive breeding, introductions or translocations, may have
played a relevant role in the modification of the genetic structure of some
populations in southeastern Spain. Therefore, these types of conservation
measures should be carried out with more caution.
Activity and body orientation of Gallotia galloti in different habitats and daily times
Authors: Bohórquez-Alonso Martha , Font Enrique , Molina-Borja Miguel 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
In lizards, site selection is related to the acquisition of resources such as
refuges, mates or prey, but also to the exploitation of sites suitable for
thermoregulation. The latter process may be affected by lizard posture and
body axis orientation in relation to the sun as a way to optimize heat
exchange throughout the day. Specific postures and body orientations could
also contribute to more efficient signal transmission in social contexts. In
this paper we analyze activity and body axis orientation of adult males and
females of the lacertid Gallotia galloti in two localities of Tenerife with
different structural habitats. We performed transects at both sampling
localities in the morning and at midday during May and June of three years
(2002-2004). The numbers of lizards detected per unit time during transects
at both localities were similar; however, significantly more males than
females were detected. Moreover, more lizards were found oriented parallel
or perpendicular to the sun than in alternative (oblique) orientations.
Heating rates were not different for copper lizard models oriented parallel
or perpendicular to the sun, neither in the morning nor at midday, and there
was no significant relationship between air temperature and lizard body
orientation. This suggests that lizard body orientation is not constrained
by thermoregulatory requirements. We discuss alternative hypotheses and
conclude that body axis orientation in G. galloti lizards may reflect a
compromise between the conflicting demands imposed by thermoregulation and
social communication.
Breeding-site selection by red-belly toads, Melanophryniscus stelzneri (Anura: Bufonidae), in Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Pereyra Laura , Lescano Julián , Leynaud Gerardo 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Differences among wetlands can have important consequences on reproductive
success of amphibians; therefore habitat selection is expected to be of
particular importance for anurans inhabiting heterogeneous environments. To
investigate if the red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus stelzneri; Anura:
Bufonidae) uses available habitats differentially and to determine the main
factors influencing the use of certain water bodies as breeding habitat, we
surveyed 30 spawning sites used by red-belly toads, and 30 adjacent unused
sites, in an area of the Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina. We evaluated the
relative importance of morphological and biotic features of ponds, and the
presence of other organisms within the water body on the use of ponds as
breeding sites by red-belly toads. Eight habitat variables related to
important water body features were recorded and were used to fit a habitat
selection model with GLM. Red-belly toads presented a positive selection to
mallines, a wetland characteristic of the Sierras of Córdoba. They were
associated with small, shallow ephemeral ponds with muddy banks and a high
percent of vegetation cover. In general, the ponds used did not host other
anuran species or potential predators. Breeding site selection by red-belly
toads is largely consistent with records for other species of the genus in
other parts of Argentina.
Effect of Palatal Implants on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Compliance
Authors: Gillespie M. Boyd , Wylie Paul E. , Lee‐Chiong Teofilo , Rapoport David M. 
Published: December 2010

ObjectiveDetermine if the Pillar palatal implant system reduces continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) pressure and improves patient compliance with CPAP therapy.Study DesignRandomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.SettingFour geographically dispersed tertiary sleep disorder referral centers.MethodsSubjects with mild to moderate sleep apnea dissatisfied with CPAP because of pressure‐related complaints were randomized to receive Pillar implants or a sham procedure performed in double‐blind fashion. Active and sham groups were compared for changes in therapeutic CPAP pressures (primary outcome) with a 90‐day follow‐up sleep study and CPAP compliance (secondary outcome) with a 90‐day smart card report.ResultsTwenty‐six subjects were randomized to Pillar implants and 25 to a sham implant procedure. There were no differences between groups with regard to demographics and baseline parameters. Both sham and active groups had reduced mean CPAP pressure (−1.1 vs −0.5 cm H2O) with no difference between groups (P =. 32) at 90‐day follow‐up. In addition, there was no difference in average daily CPAP use between groups (P =. 80). Both groups experienced improvements in Epworth sleepiness scores and Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire scores at 90 days with no differences between groups. The active group reported significantly higher CPAP satisfaction scores than the sham group (P =. 04).ConclusionPillar implants do not significantly reduce CPAP pressure or increase CPAP compliance compared to sham controls but may subjectively improve CPAP satisfaction. These findings do not presently support the use of Pillar implants as an adjunctive treatment to improve CPAP compliance.
Ex vivo maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells by quiescence induction through Fbxw7α overexpression
Authors: Iriuchishima Hirono , Takubo Keiyo , Matsuoka Sahoko , Onoyama Ichiro , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Nojima Yoshihisa , Suda Toshio 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Cell-cycle quiescence in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is essential for maintaining stemness by protecting cells from differentiation or senescence. F-box and WD-40 domain protein 7 (Fbxw7) maintains HSCs and suppresses leukemogenesis by mediating ubiquitin-dependent degradation of cell-cycle activators and oncoproteins. Fbxw7α was shown to be the preferentially expressed Fbxw7 isoform in primitive HSCs. Forced Fbxw7α expression in lineage marker Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells led to cell-cycle dormancy by reducing the protein levels of the Fbxw7 substrates c-Myc, Notch1, and phosphorylated S6 (a key downstream element of mTOR). Hypoxia, an essential factor for HSC quiescence, suppressed c-Myc in an Fbxw7α-dependent manner. Fbxw7α-overexpressing lineage marker Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells sustained high reconstitution capacities during in vitro culture. These data suggest that Fbxw7α sustains HSC dormancy through c-Myc, Notch1, and the mTOR pathways. The modulation of Fbxw7α expression or activity represents a promising new tool for ex vivo HSC maintenance.
Rara haploinsufficiency modestly influences the phenotype of acute promyelocytic leukemia in mice
Authors: Welch John S. , Klco Jeffery M. , Varghese Nobish , Nagarajan Rakesh , Ley Timothy J. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
RARA (retinoic acid receptor alpha) haploinsufficiency is an invariable consequence of t(15;17)(q22;q21) translocations in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Retinoids and RARA activity have been implicated in hematopoietic self-renewal and neutrophil maturation. We and others therefore predicted that RARA haploinsufficiency would contribute to APL pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we crossed Rara+/− mice with mice expressing PML (promyelocytic leukemia)-RARA from the cathepsin G locus (mCG-PR). We found that Rara haploinsufficiency cooperated with PML-RARA, but only modestly influenced the preleukemic and leukemic phenotype. Bone marrow from mCG-PR+/− × Rara+/− mice had decreased numbers of mature myeloid cells, increased ex vivo myeloid cell proliferation, and increased competitive advantage after transplantation. Rara haploinsufficiency did not alter mCG-PR–dependent leukemic latency or penetrance, but did influence the distribution of leukemic cells; leukemia in mCG-PR+/− × Rara+/− mice presented more commonly with low to normal white blood cell counts and with myeloid infiltration of lymph nodes. APL cells from these mice were responsive to all-trans retinoic acid and had virtually no differences in expression profiling compared with tumors arising in mCG-PR+/− × Rara+/+ mice. These data show that Rara haploinsufficiency (like Pml haploinsufficiency and RARA-PML) can cooperate with PML-RARA to influence the pathogenesis of APL in mice, but that PML-RARA is the t(15;17) disease-initiating mutation.
An observational study of outcomes after initial infused therapy in Medicare patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Danese Mark D. , Griffiths Robert I. , Gleeson Michelle , Satram-Hoang Sacha , Knopf Kevin , Mikhael Joseph , Reyes Carolina 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The study goal was to characterize older chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and to evaluate outcomes in those patients who initiated infused therapy. Patients 66 years of age and older in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program with a CLL diagnosis were matched to their Medicare Part A and Part B claims for long-term follow-up. Treatment patterns, survival after initiation of infused therapy, and both hematologic and hospitalization outcomes were assessed. There were 6433 CLL patients identified, and 2040 received infused therapy. Treated patients were categorized as receiving rituximab monotherapy (16%), rituximab plus chemotherapy (14%), and chemotherapy alone (70%) based on the initial 60 days after infusion. Rituximab plus chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone was associated with a 25% lower risk of overall mortality (95% confidence interval, 9%-38%). Restricting to patients age 70 years and older did not change the risk reduction for rituximab plus chemotherapy. Hematologic interventions were more common with rituximab plus chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone, but there was no difference in all-cause hospitalizations. These analyses, based on observational data, suggest that the benefits of initial therapy with rituximab in a heterogeneous group of older CLL patients are comparable with those demonstrated in younger patients.
Effects of a partly self-administered exercise program before, during, and after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wiskemann Joachim , Dreger Peter , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Bondong Andrea , Huber Gerhard , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Bohus Martin 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Before, during, and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), patients experience considerable physical and psychologic distress. Besides graft-versus-host disease and infections, reduced physical performance and high levels of fatigue affect patients' quality of life. This multicenter randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a partly self-administered exercise intervention before, during, and after allo-HSCT on these side effects. After randomization to an exercise and a social contact control group 105 patients trained in a home-based setting before hospital admission, during inpatient treatment and a 6- to 8-week period after discharge. Fatigue, physical performance, quality of life, and physical/psychologic distress were measured by standardized instruments at baseline, admission to, and discharge from hospital and 6 to 8 weeks after discharge. The exercise group showed significantly improvement in fatigue scores (up to 15% improvement in exercise group vs up to 28% deterioration in control; P < .01-.03), physical fitness/functioning (P = .02-.03) and global distress (P = .03). All effects were at least detectable at one assessment time point after hospitalization or repeatedly. Physical fitness correlated significantly with all reported symptoms/variables. In conclusion, this partly supervised exercise intervention is beneficial for patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Because of low personnel requirements, it might be valuable to integrate such a program into standard medical care.
Induction of Ca2+-driven apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells by peptide-mediated disruption of Bcl-2–IP3 receptor interaction
Authors: Zhong Fei , Harr Michael W. , Bultynck Geert , Monaco Giovanni , Parys Jan B. , De Smedt Humbert , Rong Yi-Ping , Molitoris Jason K. , Lam Minh , Ryder Christopher , Matsuyama Shigemi , Distelhorst Clark W. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Bcl-2 contributes to the pathophysiology and therapeutic resistance of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Therefore, developing inhibitors of this protein based on a thorough understanding of its mechanism of action is an active and promising area of inquiry. One approach centers on agents (eg, ABT-737) that compete with proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family for binding in the hydrophobic groove formed by the BH1-BH3 domains of Bcl-2. Another region of Bcl-2, the BH4 domain, also contributes to the antiapoptotic activity of Bcl-2 by binding to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) Ca2+ channel, inhibiting IP3-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. We report that a novel synthetic peptide, modeled after the Bcl-2–interacting site on the IP3R, binds to the BH4 domain of Bcl-2 and functions as a competitive inhibitor of the Bcl-2–IP3R interaction. By disrupting the Bcl-2–IP3R interaction, this peptide induces an IP3R-dependent Ca2+ elevation in lymphoma and leukemia cell lines and in primary CLL cells. The Ca2+ elevation evoked by this peptide induces apoptosis in CLL cells, but not in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes, suggesting the involvement of the Bcl-2–IP3R interaction in the molecular mechanism of CLL and indicating the potential merit of targeting this interaction therapeutically.
Somatic mutations at EZH2 Y641 act dominantly through a mechanism of selectively altered PRC2 catalytic activity, to increase H3K27 trimethylation
Authors: Yap Damian B. , Chu Justin , Berg Tobias , Schapira Matthieu , Cheng S.-W. Grace , Moradian Annie , Morin Ryan D. , Mungall Andrew J. , Meissner Barbara , Boyle Merrill , Marquez Victor E. , Marra Marco A. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Humphries R. Keith , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Morin Gregg B. , Aparicio Samuel A. J. R. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractNext-generation sequencing of follicular lymphoma and diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma has revealed frequent somatic, heterozygous Y641 mutations in the histone methyltransferase EZH2. Heterozygosity and the presence of equal quantities of both mutant and wild-type mRNA and expressed protein suggest a dominant mode of action. Surprisingly, B-cell lymphoma cell lines and lymphoma samples harboring heterozygous EZH2Y641 mutations have increased levels of histone H3 Lys-27–specific trimethylation (H3K27me3). Expression of EZH2Y641F/N mutants in cells with EZH2WT resulted in an increase of H3K27me3 levels in vivo. Structural modeling of EZH2Y641 mutants suggests a “Tyr/Phe switch” model whereby structurally neutral, nontyrosine residues at position 641 would decrease affinity for unmethylated and monomethylated H3K27 substrates and potentially favor trimethylation. We demonstrate, using in vitro enzyme assays of reconstituted PRC2 complexes, that Y641 mutations result in a decrease in monomethylation and an increase in trimethylation activity of the enzyme relative to the wild-type enzyme. This represents the first example of a disease-associated gain-of-function mutation in a histone methyltransferase, whereby somatic EZH2 Y641 mutations in lymphoma act dominantly to increase, rather than decrease, histone methylation. The dominant mode of action suggests that allele-specific EZH2 inhibitors should be a future therapeutic strategy for this disease.
Loss of Canonical Insulin Signaling Accelerates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration Through Changes in p27Kip1 Regulation
Authors: Lightell Daniel James , Moss Stephanie Collier , Woods Thomas Cooper 
Published: December 2010

AbstractInsulin resistance is associated with an accelerated rate of atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation are important components of atherosclerosis. To elucidate the effects of the loss of normal insulin receptor (IR) signaling on VSMC function, we compared the proliferation and migration of murine VSMCs lacking the IR (L2-VSMCs) with wild type (WT-VSMCs). We also examined changes in the response of L2-VSMCs to insulin stimulation and to inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a kinase critical in VSMC proliferation and migration. The L2-VSMCs exhibit greater proliferation and migration rates compared with WT-VSMCs. L2-VSMCs also exhibit a resistance to the effects of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, on proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression. The resistance to mTOR inhibition is coupled with a loss of effect on the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1, an inhibitor of cell cycle progression and VSMC migration. In response to stimulation with physiological insulin, the L2-VSMCs exhibit a loss of Akt phosphorylation and a significantly increased activation of the ERK-1/2 compared with WT-VSMCs. Insulin stimulation also decreased p27Kip1 mRNA in L2-VSMCs but not in WT-VSMCs. The effect of insulin on p27Kip1 mRNA was blocked by pretreatment with an ERK-1/2 pathway inhibitor. We conclude that loss of canonical insulin signaling results in increased ERK-1/2 activation in response to physiological insulin that decreases p27Kip1 mRNA. These data demonstrate a potential mechanism where changes in IR signaling could lead to a decrease in p27Kip1, accelerating VSMC proliferation and migration.
The Transcription Factor B-Cell Lymphoma (BCL)-6 Modulates Pancreatic β-Cell Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Igoillo-Esteve Mariana , Gurzov Esteban N. , Eizirik Décio L. , Cnop Miriam 
Published: December 2010

AbstractType 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease with a strong inflammatory component. We have previously shown that expression of the transcriptional repressor B-cell lymphoma (BCL)-6 is very low in pancreatic β-cells, which may favor prolonged proinflammatory responses after exposure to the cytokines IL-1β and interferon γ. Here we investigated whether cytokine-induced inflammation and apoptosis can be prevented in β-cells by BCL-6 expression using plasmid, prolactin, and adenoviral approaches. The induction of mild or abundant BCL-6 expression in β-cells by prolactin or an adenoviral BCL-6 expression construct, respectively, reduced cytokine-induced inflammatory responses in a dose-dependent manner through inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activation. BCL-6 decreased Fas and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production, but it inhibited the expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and JunB while increasing the expression of the proapoptotic death protein 5. The net result of these opposite effects was an augmentation of β-cell apoptosis. In conclusion, BCL-6 expression tones down the unrestrained cytokine-induced proinflammatory response of β-cells but it also favors gene networks leading to apoptosis. This suggests that cytokine-induced proinflammatory and proapoptotic signals can be dissociated in β-cells. Further understanding of these pathways may open new possibilities to improve β-cell survival in early type 1 diabetes or after transplantation.