bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levels of BMP-6 mRNA in goat ovarian follicles and in vitro effects of BMP-6 on secondary follicle development
Authors: Frota Isana M.A. , Leitão Cintia C.F. , Costa José J.N. , van den Hurk Robert , Saraiva Márcia V.A. , Figueiredo José R. , Silva José R.V. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryExpression of BMP-6 mRNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the BMP-6 protein was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in the primordial, primary, secondary, small and large antral follicles of goat. Furthermore, the influence of BMP-6 on increase in diameter, antrum formation and expression of BMP-6 and FSH-R in in vitro cultured secondary follicles was studied. Therefore, goat primordial, primary and secondary follicles, as well as small and large antral follicles were obtained and the mRNA levels of BMP-6 were quantified by PCR in real time. Expression of BMP-6 protein in goat follicles was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. The influence of BMP-6 in the presence or absence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on both the development of secondary follicles and the expression of mRNA for BMP-6 and FSH-R was evaluated after 6 days of culture. Furthermore, the follicular diameter and the formation of the antrum were evaluated before and after 6 days of culture and compared by Kruskal–Wallis and chi-squared tests (P < 0.05), respectively. The results show that the level of mRNA for BMP-6 in primary and secondary follicles was significantly higher than in the primordial follicles (P < 0.05). Similar levels of BMP-6 mRNA were observed in cumulus–oocyte complexes and mural granulosa/theca cells from small and large antral follicles, respectively. BMP-6 protein was expressed in oocytes of all categories of follicles and in granulosa cells from secondary follicles onwards. Addition of BMP-6 to the culture medium increased the diameter of secondary follicles mainly by antrum formation after 6 days’ culture, in the presence or absence of FSH (P < 0.05). Furthermore, addition of FSH resulted in increased levels of BMP-6 mRNA in these follicles (P < 0.05). Simultaneous administration of FSH and BMP-6 enhanced the levels of FSH receptor (FSH-R) mRNA (P < 0.05). It is concluded that BMP-6 mRNA is increased during transition from primordial to primary/secondary follicles in the goat ovaries and that BMP-6 enhances the growth of cultured secondary follicles.
DroPhEA: Drosophila phenotype enrichment analysis for insect functional genomics
Authors: Weng Meng-Pin , Liao Ben-Yang 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Summary: DroPhEA is a core module of a web application that facilitates research in insect functional genomics through enrichment analysis on mutant phenotypes of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). The phenotypes investigated in the analyses can be predefined by FlyBase or customized by users. DroPhEA allows users to specify mutation or ortholog types, displays enriched term results in a hierarchical structure and supports analyses on gene sets of all insect species with a fully sequenced genome.
Availability: http://evol.nhri.org.tw/phenome/DroPhEA/
Contact: liaoby@nhri.org.tw
Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
High serum ferritin levels are associated with metabolic risk factors in non‐obese Korean young adults: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) IV
Authors: Yoo Ki‐Dong , Ko Seung‐Hyun , Park Ji‐Eun , Ahn Yu‐Bae , Yim Hyeon Woo , Lee Won‐Chul , Park Yong‐Moon 
Published: October 2011

SummaryObjective  The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and metabolic risk factors in nonobese Korean young adults.Design and Subjects  We analysed the fourth annual Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in young adults (aged 19–39 years), conducted between 2007 and 2008. A total of 1542 nonobese [body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2] young adults (684 men and 858 women) were enrolled. Using blood pressure and levels of serum triglycerides, plasma glucose and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the Asian criteria for abdominal obesity (Waist circumference ≥90 cm in men or ≥80 cm in women) was used to identify individuals with metabolic syndrome.Measurements  Data on anthropometry, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile and ferritin levels were analysed.Results  The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 4·1% for men and 2·7% for women. High fasting glucose and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased progressively across three different tertiles of ferritin levels in men. However, high ferritin levels were associated with high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and metabolic syndrome in women. After adjustment for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI and ALT levels, low HDL cholesterol (OR 1·66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·16–2·36) and the presence of metabolic syndrome (OR 3·87, 95% CI 1·34–11·2) were independently associated with high serum ferritin levels in Korean nonobese young women.Conclusions  Our results suggest that elevated serum ferritin levels may be employed as a marker of metabolic syndrome in nonobese young adult women.
A comparison of immunogenicity of norovirus GII‐4 virus‐like particles and P‐particles
Authors: Tamminen Kirsi , Huhti Leena , Koho Tiia , Lappalainen Suvi , Hytönen Vesa P. , Vesikari Timo , Blazevic Vesna 
Published: October 2011

SummaryNorovirus (NoV) ‐derived virus‐like particles (VLPs) resemble empty shells of the virus and NoV P‐particles contain only protruding domains of the NoV capsid. Both NoV‐derived subviral particles show similar functionality and antigenicity in vitro and are considered to be potential vaccine candidates against NoV gastroenteritis. BALB/c mice were immunized with baculovirus‐produced GII‐4 VLPs or the corresponding Escherichia coli‐produced P‐particles by the intramuscular or intradermal route and the NoV‐specific antibody and T‐cell immune responses were compared. Elevated antibody levels were induced with a single VLP immunization, whereas P‐particle immunization required a boost. High avidity antibodies were raised only by VLP immunization. VLP immunization resulted in a balanced T helper type 1/type 2 immune response whereas P‐particles induced a T helper type 2‐biased response. Only VLP immunization primed T cells for interferon‐γ production. Most importantly, cross‐reactive B and T cells were induced solely by VLP immunization. In addition, VLP antiserum blocked the binding of heterotypic VLPs to human histo‐blood group antigen receptor and saliva. The findings in this study are relevant for the development of NoV vaccines.
A content analysis of advertisements related to oral health in children’s Tamil television channels – a preliminary report
Authors: SUKUMARAN APARNA , DIWAKAR MADANKUMAR P. , SHASTRY SHIVAKUMAR M. 
Published: October 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 232–238Aims.  This study was conducted to examine the nature, content, and duration of advertisements broadcasted during children’s Tamil television channels and to determine the extent to which television advertising changes during school holiday and non‐holiday periods and between prime time and non‐prime time broadcast.Methods.  Television broadcasts on two main children’s Tamil television channels were video‐recorded over 16 days between 17.00–19.00 hours (non‐prime time) and 19.00–21.00 hours (prime time). For each commercial, the type of product advertised, as well as the duration (in seconds), was recorded. Advertisements were categorized as ‘food’ and ‘non‐food’. The former category was further subdivided into ‘sugar‐rich foods’ and ‘other foods’. The sugar‐rich foods were further categorized as liquid, solid and sticky, and slowly dissolving sugars. Commercials related to the promotion of oral health products and non‐food products were also recorded.Results.  Among the total of 128 h of television programmes recorded, advertising accounted for 10.15% (13.01 hours). The advertisement of sugar‐rich food products, non‐food and oral hygiene products occupied 50.36%, 38.41% and 1.90%, respectively, of the total advertising time. Solid and sticky products made up 100% of advertisements in this category on Chithiram television channel, compared with 62.5% of advertisements on Chutti television channel.Conclusion.  It was concluded that the advertising of sugar‐rich foods, particularly solid and sticky food products, was broadcasted more in Chithiram television channel, during school holidays and during prime time.
Health‐related quality of life in subjects with and without Type 2 diabetes: pooled analysis of five population‐based surveys in Germany
Authors: Schunk M. , Reitmeir P. , Schipf S. , Völzke H. , Meisinger C. , Thorand B. , Kluttig A. , Greiser K.‐H. , Berger K. , Müller G. , Ellert U. , Neuhauser H. , Tamayo T. , Rathmann W. , Holle R. 
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 646–653 (2012)AbstractAims  To estimate population values of health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in subjects with and without Type 2 diabetes mellitus across several large population‐based survey studies in Germany. Systematic differences in relation to age and sex were of particular interest.Methods  Individual data from four population‐based studies from different regions throughout Germany and the nationwide German National Health Interview and Examination Survey (GNHIES98) were included in a pooled analysis of primary data (N = 9579). HRQL was assessed using the generic index instrument SF‐36 (36‐item Short Form Health Survey) or its shorter version, the SF‐12 (12 items). Regression analysis was carried out to examine the association between Type 2 diabetes and the two component scores derived from the SF‐36/SF‐12, the physical component summary score (PCS‐12) and the mental component summary score (MCS‐12), as well as interaction effects with age and sex.Results  The PCS‐12 differed significantly by −4.1 points in subjects with Type 2 diabetes in comparison with subjects without Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was associated with significantly lower MCS‐12 in women only. Higher age was associated with lower PCS‐12, but with an increase in MCS‐12, for subjects with and without Type 2 diabetes.Conclusions  Pooled analysis of population‐based primary data offers HRQL values for subjects with Type 2 diabetes in Germany, stratified by age and sex. Type 2 diabetes has negative consequences for HRQL, particularly for women. This underlines the burden of disease and the importance of diabetes prevention. Factors that disadvantage women with Type 2 diabetes need to be researched more thoroughly.
The Federal Reserve and the 2007–2009 Financial Crisis: Treating a Virus with Antibiotics? Evidence from the Commercial Paper Market
Authors: Griffiths Mark D. , Kotomin Vladimir , Winters Drew B. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe two main explanations for the crisis in the commercial paper (CP) market are credit concerns and liquidity issues. The CP market is not homogeneous in terms of credit quality, maturities and types of issues. We find that lower credit‐quality CP suffered more during the crisis. Additionally, we find little evidence that Federal Reserve (Fed) liquidity facilities reduced the impact of the crisis, but that when the Fed became a lender in the CP market, the crisis pressures were dramatically reduced. We conclude that the crisis in the money markets is related more to increases in credit risk. Liquidity is a secondary issue.
Tax Calendar Effects in the Municipal Bond Market: Tax‐Loss Selling and Cherry Picking by Investors and Market Timing by Fund Managers
Authors: Chen Haiwei , Estes Jim , Ngo Thanh 
Published: October 2011

AbstractExamining municipal bond returns, bond fund flows and buying activities by fund managers over the period 1990–2009, we find evidence of tax calendar‐related rational opportunistic trading patterns by fund investors and fund managers. Specifically, fund shareholders conduct tax‐loss selling in December and re‐invest in January. In April, June, and September, fund investors rationally cherry pick to sell their shares of short‐term bond funds instead of their shares of long‐term bond funds to raise cash to pay estimated taxes. Unlike fund shareholders, fund managers adopt a contrarian strategy of buying in December and selling in January.
Recombinant BCG coexpressing Ag85B, CFP10, and interleukin‐12 induces multifunctional Th1 and memory T cells in mice
Authors: LIN CHIH‐WEI , SU IH‐JEN , CHANG JIA‐RU , CHEN YIH‐YUAN , LU JANG‐JIH , DOU HORNG‐YUNN 
Published: October 2011

Lin C‐W, Su I‐J, Chang J‐R, Chen Y‐Y, Lu J‐J, Dou H‐Y. Recombinant BCG coexpressing Ag85B, CFP10, and interleukin‐12 induces multifunctional Th1 and memory T cells in mice. APMIS 2012; 120: 72–82.Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) continues to be a leading cause of human deaths due to an infectious agent. Current efforts are focused on making better TB vaccines. We describe the generation and immunological characterization of recombinant BCG (rBCG). This rBCG was generated by incorporating an expression plasmid encoding two mycobacterial antigens (Ag85B and CFP10) and human interleukin (IL)‐12 into a BCG strain. Immunogenicity studies in mice showed that rBCG coexpressing Ag85B, CFP10, and IL‐12 (rBCG::Ag85B–CFP10–IL‐12) induces a robust immune response in mice. The rBCG vaccine promotes a T‐cell response against MTB that is characterized by a high proportion of polyfunctional and memory T cells in spleen and lung. Our results showed strong immunogenicity and mycobacterial growth inhibition of rBCG::Ag85B–CFP10 plus IL‐12 than that of BCG vaccine.
Role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38/activation protein‐1 in interleukin‐1β‐mediated type I collagen synthesis in rat hepatic stellate cells
Authors: ZHANG YAPING , YAO XIXIAN 
Published: October 2011

Zhang Y, Yao X. Role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38/activation protein‐1 in interleukin‐1β‐mediated type I collagen synthesis in rat hepatic stellate cells. APMIS 2011.Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) may play a role in maintaining hepatic stellate cell (HSC) in activated state that is responsible for hepatic fibrogenesis. However, the signal transduction pathway that is stimulated by IL‐1 in HSC remains to be fully elucidated. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38/activation protein (AP‐1) in IL‐1β‐mediated type I collagen synthesis in rat HSCs. Here, we show that IL‐1β could activate JNK and p38 in a time‐dependent manner, and that inhibition of the JNK pathway could increase collagen synthesis; however, inhibition of the p38 pathway could inhibit collagen synthesis. Furthermore, IL‐1β activated AP‐1 in a time‐dependent manner in rat HSCs. These data demonstrate that L‐1β could promote the synthesis of type I collagen in rat HSCs, and the JNK and p38/AP‐1 pathways were involved in this process. In summary, IL‐1β‐induced collagen synthesis is possibly mediated by cytoplasmic JNK and p38/AP‐1 pathways. Therefore, drugs that block the p38/AP‐1 pathway may inhibit liver extracellular matrix synthesis and suppress liver fibrosis.
Liming induces changes in the macrophyte vegetation of Norwegian softwater lakes by mitigating carbon limitation: results from a field experiment
Authors: Lucassen Esther C.H.E.T. , Smolders Alfons J.P. , Roelofs Jan G.M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractQuestionDoes liming mitigate carbon limitation to the original submerged vegetation of Norwegian softwater lakes?LocationDybingsvatn (Dalane region, Southern Norway).MethodsEight plots (1 m2) were permanently marked in the deeper part (1.5 m) of the littoral zone of Dybingsvatn in 1994. Half of the plots were limed four times with dolocal (1 kg m−2) in the period 1994–1998. Pore water, surface water chemistry and the occurrence of new plant species were monitored until 2008. In 2008, the composition and cover of the vegetation were estimated and the dominant isoetid plant species were harvested for determination of additional plant characteristics.ResultsLiming lowered the redox potential of the sediment and led to higher concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ in the sediment pore water. Submerged macrophytes that could in some way profit from the higher carbon dioxide concentrations developing in the pore water (e.g. Juncus bulbosus, Sparganium angustifolium and Callitriche hamulata) expanded or colonized the limed plots at different time‐points. Four years of liming did not affect the cover and composition of the original isoetid vegetation, but led to development of taller and heavier plants with higher molar carbon to nitrogen ratios in the shoots, indicating a higher availability and uptake of carbon dioxide from the sediment.ConclusionsLiming leads to a higher availability of carbon dioxide in the sediment, partly owing to dissolution of carbonates, and partly by inducing anaerobic decomposition of organic matter and the consequent reduction of iron (IIII) hydroxides in the iron‐rich sediment (in‐lake alkalinity generation). All observed changes in the vegetation indicate that liming leads to mitigation of carbon dioxide limitation in Norwegian softwater lakes. Liming may be beneficial for fish populations by reducing concentrations of labile aluminium, but it does not preserve the characteristic chemical sediment properties and original vegetation of softwater lakes. We wish to point out that liming may, in the worst case, lead to an alternative stable lake state with anaerobic sediments as relatively highly productive isoetid plant species have a risk of uprooting.
Addressing social barriers and closing the gender knowledge gap: exposure to road shows is associated with more knowledge and more positive beliefs, attitudes and social norms regarding exclusive breastfeeding in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Jenkins Alison L. , Tavengwa Naume V. , Chasekwa Bernard , Chatora Kumbirai , Taruberekera Noah , Mushayi Wellington , Madzima Rufaro C. , Mbuya Mduduzi N.N. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is rarely practiced despite its significant child survival benefits. A key constraint to increasing EBF rates in Zimbabwe and most of the developing world is that key decision makers (fathers/partners and other family members) are often poorly informed about EBF and do not attend antenatal clinics where health information is routinely provided. Informed by formative research, a district‐wide campaign was conducted in rural Zimbabwe to encourage EBF and expressing and heat treating (EHT) breast milk as a means to maintain EBF. The campaign combined traditional strategies of education, counselling and outreach through health service delivery with a novel road show ‘edutainment’ intervention to reach men and other community members. A post campaign evaluation measured the association of road show exposure with 20 knowledge items and summative scores of social norms, beliefs and attitudes obtained through exploratory factor analysis. In adjusted models, road show exposure was associated with correct EBF knowledge (β = 1.0, 0.001), EHT knowledge (β = 1.3, P < 0.001) and greater perceived benefits of condom use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (β = 0.5, P < 0.001), and more positive EBF social norms (β = 0.6, P < 0.001), EBF beliefs and attitudes (β = 1.0, P < 0.001) and attitudes towards condom use during breastfeeding (β = 0.6, P < 0.001). Road show exposure was more strongly associated with EBF knowledge among men (P‐value for gender × exposure group interaction = 0.03), suggesting that it also closed the knowledge gap between men and women. Longitudinal studies will determine whether road shows were associated with changes in EBF practices.
Development on drought‐stressed host plants affects life history, flight morphology and reproductive output relative to landscape structure
Authors: Gibbs Melanie , Van Dyck Hans , Breuker Casper J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWith global climate change, rainfall is becoming more variable. Predicting the responses of species to changing rainfall levels is difficult because, for example in herbivorous species, these effects may be mediated indirectly through changes in host plant quality. Furthermore, species responses may result from a simultaneous interaction between rainfall levels and other environmental variables such as anthropogenic land use or habitat quality. In this eco‐evolutionary study, we examined how male and female Pararge aegeria (L.) from woodland and agricultural landscape populations were affected by the development on drought‐stressed host plants. Compared with individuals from woodland landscapes, when reared on drought‐stressed plants agricultural individuals had longer development times, reduced survival rates and lower adult body masses. Across both landscape types, growth on drought‐stressed plants resulted in males and females with low forewing aspect ratios and in females with lower wing loading and reduced fecundity. Development on drought‐stressed plants also had a landscape‐specific effect on reproductive output; agricultural females laid eggs that had a significantly lower hatching success. Overall, our results highlight several potential mechanisms by which low water availability, via changes in host plant quality, may differentially influence P. aegeria populations relative to landscape structure.
Need satisfaction, work–school interference and school dropout: An application of self‐determination theory
Authors: Taylor Geneviève , Lekes Natasha , Gagnon Hugo , Kwan Lisa , Koestner Richard 
Published: October 2011

Background. In many parts of the world, it is common for secondary school students to be involved in part‐time employment. Research shows that working can have a negative impact on school engagement. However, the majority of studies have focused on the amount of time that students spend working rather than on the quality of work experience and its influence on school engagement.Aims. This study explored the relation of part‐time work and school experiences to dropout intentions among secondary school and junior college students. The study was conceptualized from a self‐determination theory perspective (Deci & Ryan, 2000).Sample. Participants were 3,248 students from rural and suburban schools in the greater region of Montreal, Canada.Method. Questionnaires were used to assess the number of hours worked, the extent to which work interfered with or facilitated school functioning, autonomy, competence, and relatedness experienced in the work and school domains. School performance and school dropout intentions were also assessed.Results. A curvilinear relation between work hours and dropout intentions was found, reflecting that part‐time work began to be associated with higher dropout intentions only when students worked more than 7 hr per week. Analyses also showed that work–school interference was related to dropout intentions, and that this variable served to mediate the relation of employer autonomy support to dropout intentions.Conclusions. These results suggest that both the quantity and the quality of students’ part‐time work experiences need to be considered when examining the relation of work to school engagement.