bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple paternity in Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) clutches during a reproductive season at Xuanzhou Nature Reserve
Authors: Wu Xiao-Bing , Hu Yun 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPaternity testing was determined in Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) clutches during a reproductive season at Xuanzhou Nature Reserve, using five microsatellite loci. DNA from ten mother and offspring clutches was analysed to identify paternal alleles. Three or four paternal alleles were observed among three of ten clutches. These clutches were sired by at least two different males. This present study confirmed the effectiveness of microsatellite DNA markers in detecting multiple paternity within natural populations of Chinese alligator. However, to reduce the confounding effects of mutations and null alleles on allele assignment and to increase power to monitor individual's genetic contribution, we need additional variable genetic markers.
A new species of small Scinax Wagler, 1830 (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae) of the Scinax ruber clade from Cerrado of central Brazil
Authors: Pombal Jr. José , Cardoso Manoela Woitovicz 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA new species of the Scinax ruber clade from the Brazilian Cerrado Domain similar to Scinax fuscomarginatus, S. parkeri, S. trilineatus and S. wandae is described. It is characterized by small snout-vent lenght, body slender, head approximately as long as wide and slightly wider than body, subovoid snout in dorsal view, protruding snout in lateral view, a developed supratympanic fold, absence of flash colour on the posterior surfaces of thighs, hidden portions of shanks and groin, and large vocal sac. Scinax lutzorum sp. nov. differs from S. fuscomarginatus, S. parkeri and S. trilineatus by its slightly larger SVL; from Scinax fuscomarginatus and S. parkeri it differs by its more slender body; from Scinax fuscomarginatus and S. trilineatus the new species differs by its wider head and more protruding eyes; and it differs from Scinax parkeri and S. wandae by its shorter snout. Comments on the type specimens of S. fuscomarginatus are presented and a lectotype is designated for this species.
A new Scinax Wagler (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae) from the Atlantic Rain Forest remains of southern State of Bahia, North-eastern Brazil
Authors: Pombal Jr. José , Nunes Ivan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA new species of Scinax from the lowlands of the Atlantic Rain Forest remains in the southern region of the State of Bahia, North-eastern Brazil, similar to the S. auratus Wied-Neuwied, is described. This species is characterized by the following combination of characters: moderate size (males 23.0-27.1 mm SVL); snout rounded in dorsal view; dorsal colour pattern with dorsolateral yellowish stripe above greenish-brown background, with an interocular yellow transversal bar; vocal sac smooth; presence of a tubercle and dermal fold on tarsus advertisement call with four to five notes; call duration 0.17-0.24 s, dominant frequency 2.07-3.79 kHz. The advertisement call description and informations on natural history are provided.
Redescription of the southernmost snake species, Bothrops ammodytoides (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae)
Authors: Carrasco Paola , Scrocchi Gustavo , Leynaud Gerardo 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBothrops ammodytoides is a pitviper species endemic to Argentina that inhabits arid and semiarid areas from sea level to more than 3000 m, reaching the southernmost latitude for snakes. According to previous studies, the species is placed in the Bothrops alternatus group. We redescribe Bothrops ammodytoides based on examination of 101 specimens and provide new data on lepidosis, hemipenial morphology, cranial osteology, variation in coloration, and distribution. We compare Bothrops ammodytoides with representative species of the genus and related genera. Morphological comparisons reveal considerable affinities between Bothrops ammodytoides, Bothrops pictus, Bothrops andianus, and Bothrocophias microphthalmus, suggesting that the current taxonomy for Bothrops ammodytoides requires to be reassessed.
Where to draw the line? A nuclear genetic perspective on proposed range boundaries of the crested newts Triturus karelinii and T. arntzeni
Authors: Wielstra Ben , Arntzen  
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe group of crested newts distributed from the southern Balkans to the southern shore of the Caspian Sea, Triturus karelinii sensu lato, comprises two species, T. karelinii in the east and T. arntzeni in the west. Three hypotheses have been forwarded defining the range of T. arntzeni, namely from northern Serbia eastwards i) in to Thrace, ii) up to the Aegean-Black Sea waterway including the Bosporus, or iii) into western Anatolia. We study 130 newts from 22 populations across this area with a panel of 40 enzyme nuclear genes. A combined analysis with the computer programs Structure and NewHybrids reveals the existence of two groups with admixture at two localities. The 'western group' comprises all European populations and a population at the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara in Asiatic Turkey, whereas the 'eastern group' is found at the Sakarya river valley in northern Anatolia, Asiatic Turkey. The admixed populations are also located in northern Anatolia. An analysis with the computer program BAPS resolves six genetic clusters, of which three represent the 'western group' and the other three coincide with the 'eastern group' and the two admixed populations. These analyses indicate that the species transition from T. arntzeni to T. karelinii is not in Thrace but in northern Anatolia. The presence of 'western' T. arntzeni to the east of 'eastern' T. karelinii indicates that the species' contact zone has a convoluted shape. Moreover, the spatial distribution of diagnostic allozymes only roughly coincides with that of two deeply divergent mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. A more detailed survey on the crested newt distribution in Anatolia is required to elucidate the picture further.
Mitochondrial diversity of Western spadefoot toads, Pelobates cultripes, in northwestern Spain
Authors: Crottini Angelica , Galán Pedro , Vences Miguel 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe analysed the DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for 49 specimens of the Western spadefoot toad, Pelobates cultripes, from Spain, and one sample from France, with a focus on populations from Galicia in northwestern Spain. Our results point to a generally low mitochondrial differentiation of the species across its distributional range although some phylogeographic structure was detected. Galician populations from coastal localities, from the A Limia region, and from Monforte appeared to be closely related, whereas the only available sample from the relict Galician population from near O Barco de Valdeorras has the same haplotype as the samples from Burgos, in central Spain.
On the Changing Structure of International Investment Law: The Human Right to Water and ICSID Arbitration
Authors: Marrella Fabrizio 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWater is the world’s third largest industry after oil and energy power. Although clean drinking water and sanitation are necessary for the health and development of individuals and communities, even today, billions of people lack access to either. In response to these concerns, the international community has set a Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of providing, by 2015, clean water and improved sanitation to at least half of the people worldwide who now lack these services. Water is treated both as a public good and an economic good. In the last decade, we have witnessed the commoditisation through privatization and liberalisation of an essential good for each individual’s life. Transnational corporations may encounter water issues in at least three different contexts: a) as enablers of access to water; b) as providers or distributors of water and c) as a user or consumer of water. Many initiatives have been developed within the United Nations such as the Global Compact and the appointment of both an independent expert on human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation and a Special Representative of the Secretary General on business and human rights. Both of them are mainstreaming human rights in the business sector reconciling different forms of regulations. The right to water has come into discussion in a number of ICSID arbitrations and other cases are still pending. The purpose of this article is to discuss the advancement of the thinking in this field so that it could be applied in arbitration practice.
CD34+ cells from AML with mutated NPM1 harbor cytoplasmic mutated nucleophosmin and generate leukemia in immunocompromised mice
Authors: Martelli Maria Paola , Pettirossi Valentina , Thiede Christian , Bonifacio Elisabetta , Mezzasoma Federica , Cecchini Debora , Pacini Roberta , Tabarrini Alessia , Ciurnelli Raffaella , Gionfriddo Ilaria , Manes Nicla , Rossi Roberta , Giunchi Linda , Oelschlägel Uta , Brunetti Lorenzo , Gemei Marica , Delia Mario , Specchia Giorgina , Liso Arcangelo , Di Ianni Mauro , Di Raimondo Francesco , Falzetti Franca , Del Vecchio Luigi , Martelli Massimo F. , Falini Brunangelo 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutated NPM1 shows distinctive biologic and clinical features, including absent/low CD34 expression, the significance of which remains unclear. Therefore, we analyzed CD34+ cells from 41 NPM1-mutated AML. At flow cytometry, 31 of 41 samples contained less than 10% cells showing low intensity CD34 positivity and variable expression of CD38. Mutational analysis and/or Western blotting of purified CD34+ cells from 17 patients revealed NPM1-mutated gene and/or protein in all. Immunohistochemistry of trephine bone marrow biopsies and/or flow cytometry proved CD34+ leukemia cells from NPM1-mutated AML had aberrant nucleophosmin expression in cytoplasm. NPM1-mutated gene and/or protein was also confirmed in a CD34+ subfraction exhibiting the phenotype (CD34+/CD38−/CD123+/CD33+/CD90−) of leukemic stem cells. When transplanted into immunocompromised mice, CD34+ cells generated a leukemia recapitulating, both morphologically and immunohistochemically (aberrant cytoplasmic nucleophosmin, CD34 negativity), the original patient's disease. These results indicate that the CD34+ fraction in NPM1-mutated AML belongs to the leukemic clone and contains NPM1-mutated cells exhibiting properties typical of leukemia-initiating cells. CD34− cells from few cases (2/15) also showed significant leukemia-initiating cell potential in immunocompromised mice. This study provides further evidence that NPM1 mutation is a founder genetic lesion and has potential implications for the cell-of-origin and targeted therapy of NPM1-mutated AML.
A role for factor XIIa–mediated factor XI activation in thrombus formation in vivo
Authors: Cheng Qiufang , Tucker Erik I. , Pine Meghann S. , Sisler India , Matafonov Anton , Sun Mao-fu , White-Adams Tara C. , Smith Stephanie A. , Hanson Stephen R. , McCarty Owen J. T. , Renné Thomas , Gruber András , Gailani David 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMice lacking factor XII (fXII) or factor XI (fXI) are resistant to experimentally–induced thrombosis, suggesting fXIIa activation of fXI contributes to thrombus formation in vivo. It is not clear whether this reaction has relevance for thrombosis in pri mates. In 2 carotid artery injury models (FeCl3 and Rose Bengal/laser), fXII-deficient mice are more resistant to thrombosis than fXI- or factor IX (fIX)–deficient mice, raising the possibility that fXII and fXI function in distinct pathways. Antibody 14E11 binds fXI from a variety of mammals and interferes with fXI activation by fXIIa in vitro. In mice, 14E11 prevented arterial occlusion induced by FeCl3 to a similar degree to total fXI deficiency. 14E11 also had a modest beneficial effect in a tissue factor–induced pulmonary embolism model, indicating fXI and fXII contribute to thrombus formation even when factor VIIa/tissue factor initiates thrombosis. In baboons, 14E11 reduced platelet-rich thrombus growth in collagen-coated grafts inserted into an arteriovenous shunt. These data support the hypothesis that fXIIa-mediated fXI activation contributes to thrombus formation in rodents and primates. Since fXII deficiency does not impair hemostasis, targeted inhibition of fXI activation by fXIIa may be a useful antithrombotic strategy associated with a low risk of bleeding complications.
Exhaled nitric oxide, susceptibility and new-onset asthma in the Children’s Health Study
Authors: Bastain T.M. , Islam T. , Berhane K.T. , McConnell R.S. , Rappaport E.B. , Salam M.T. , Linn W.S. , Avol E.L. , Zhang Y. , Gilliland F.D. 
Published: July 2010

A substantial body of evidence suggests an aetiological role of inflammation, and oxidative and nitrosative stress in asthma pathogenesis. Exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) may provide a noninvasive marker of oxidative and nitrosative stress, and aspects of airway inflammation. We examined whether children with elevatedFeNOare at increased risk for new-onset asthma.We prospectively followed 2,206 asthma-free children (age 7–10 yrs) who participated in the Children’s Health Study. We measuredFeNOand followed these children for 3 yrs to ascertain incident asthma cases. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to examine the association betweenFeNOand new-onset asthma.We found thatFeNOwas associated with increased risk of new-onset asthma. Children in the highestFeNOquartile had more than a two-fold increased risk of new-onset asthma compared to those with the lowest quartile (hazard ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.5). This effect did not vary with the child’s history of respiratory allergic symptoms. However, the effect of elevatedFeNOon new-onset asthma was most apparent among those without a parental history of asthma.Our results indicate that children with elevatedFeNOare at increased risk for new-onset asthma, especially if they have no parental history of asthma.
Using quantitative real-time PCR to detect chimeras in transgenic tobacco and apricot and to monitor their dissociation
Authors: Faize Mohamed , Faize Lydia , Burgos Lorenzo 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe routine generation of transgenic plants involves analysis of transgene integration into the host genome by means of Southern blotting. However, this technique cannot distinguish between uniformly transformed tissues and the presence of a mixture of transgenic and non-transgenic cells in the same tissue. On the other hand, the use of reporter genes often fails to accurately detect chimerical tissues because their expression can be affected by several factors, including gene silencing and plant development. So, new approaches based on the quantification of the amount of the transgene are needed urgently.ResultsWe show here that chimeras are a very frequent phenomenon observed after regenerating transgenic plants. Spatial and temporal analyses of transformed tobacco and apricot plants with a quantitative, real-time PCR amplification of the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) transgene as well as of an internal control (β-actin), used to normalise the amount of target DNA at each reaction, allowed detection of chimeras at unexpected rates. The amount of thenptII transgene differed greatly along with the sub-cultivation period of these plants and was dependent on the localisation of the analysed leaves; being higher in roots and basal leaves, while in the apical leaves it remained at lower levels. These data demonstrate that, unlike the use of thegusmarker gene, real-time PCR is a powerful tool for detection of chimeras. Although some authors have proposed a consistent, positive Southern analysis as an alternative methodology for monitoring the dissociation of chimeras, our data show that it does not provide enough proof of uniform transformation. In this work, however, real-time PCR was applied successfully to monitor the dissociation of chimeras in tobacco plants and apricot callus.ConclusionsWe have developed a rapid and reliable method to detect and estimate the level of chimeras in transgenic tobacco and apricot plants. This method can be extended to monitor the dissociation of chimeras and the recovery of uniformly-transformed plants.
A cost-utility and budget impact analysis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe thalassemic patients in Thailand
Authors: Leelahavarong Pattara , Chaikledkaew Usa , Hongeng Suradej , Kasemsup Vijj , Lubell Yoel , Teerawattananon Yot 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundHematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment available to severe thalassemic patients. The treatment, however, is very costly, particularly in the context of low and middle income countries, and no studies have been carried out to explore its economic justifiability. This study aimed to estimate the cost-utility of HSCT compared with blood transfusions combined with iron chelating therapy (BT-ICT) for severe thalassemia in Thailand, and to investigate the affordability of HSCT using a budget impact analysis.MethodsA Markov model was used to estimate the relevant costs and health outcomes over the patients' lifetimes taking a societal perspective as recommended by Thailand's health technology assessment guidelines. All future costs and outcomes were discounted at a rate of 3% per annum. Primary outcomes of interest were lifetime costs, quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in Thai baht (THB) per QALY gained.ResultsCompared to BT-ICT, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio increased with patient age from 80,700 to 183,000 THB per QALY gained for related HSCT and 209,000 to 953,000 THB per QALY gained for unrelated HSCT among patients aged 1 to 15 years (US$1= 34 THB). The governmental budget impact analysis showed that providing 200 related HSCT to patients aged 1 to 10 years, in accordance with the current infrastructure limitations, would initially require approximately 90 million additional THB per year.ConclusionsAt a societal willingness to pay of 100,000 THB per QALY gained, related HSCT was likely to be a cost-effective and affordable treatment for young children with severe thalassemia in Thailand.
The Runx transcriptional co-activator, CBFβ, is essential for invasion of breast cancer cells
Authors: Mendoza-Villanueva Daniel , Deng Wensheng , Lopez-Camacho Cesar , Shore Paul 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
The transcription factor Runx2 has an established role in cancers that metastasize to bone. In metastatic breast cancer cells Runx2 is overexpressed and contributes to the invasive capacity of the cells by regulating the expression of several invasion genes. CBFβ is a transcriptional co-activator that is recruited to promoters by Runx transcription factors and there is considerable evidence that CBFβ is essential for the function of Runx factors. However, overexpression of Runx1 can partially rescue the lethal phenotype in CBFβ-deficient mice, indicating that increased levels of Runx factors can, in some situations, overcome the requirement for CBFβ. Since Runx2 is overexpressed in metastatic breast cancer cells, and there are no reports of CBFβ expression in breast cells, we sought to determine whether Runx2 function in these cells was dependent on CBFβ. Such an interaction might represent a viable target for therapeutic intervention to inhibit bone metastasis.

Results
We show that CBFβ is expressed in the metastatic breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, and that it associates with Runx2. Matrigel invasion assays and RNA interference were used to demonstrate that CBFβ contributes to the invasive capacity of these cells. Subsequent analysis of Runx2 target genes in MDA-MB-231 cells revealed that CBFβ is essential for the expression of Osteopontin, Matrixmetalloproteinase-13, Matrixmetalloproteinase-9, and Osteocalcin but not for Galectin-3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that CBFβ is recruited to both the Osteopontin and the Galectin-3 promoters.

Conclusions
CBFβ is expressed in metastatic breast cancer cells and is essential for cell invasion. CBFβ is required for expression of several Runx2-target genes known to be involved in cell invasion. However, whilst CBFβ is essential for invasion, not all Runx2-target genes require CBFβ. We conclude that CBFβ is required for a subset of Runx2-target genes that are sufficient to maintain the invasive phenotype of the cells. These findings suggest that the interaction between Runx2 and CBFβ might represent a viable target for therapeutic intervention to inhibit bone metastasis.
Differential effect of Pistacia vera extracts on experimental atherosclerosis in the rabbit animal model: an experimental study
Authors: Marinou Katerina A , Georgopoulou Katerina , Agrogiannis George , Karatzas Theodore , Iliopoulos Dimitrios , Papalois Apostolos , Chatziioannou Achilles , Magiatis Prokopios , Halabalaki Maria , Tsantila Nektaria , Skaltsounis Leandros A , Patsouris Efstratios , Dontas Ismene A 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Lipid-enriched diets and oxidative stress are risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. The effects of the methanolic (ME) and cyclohexane (CHE) extracts of the Pistacia vera nut, often included in the Mediterranean diet, were studied in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Methods and results
Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits received atherogenic diet (Control Group), supplemented with ME (Group ME) or CHE (Group CHE) for 3 months. Previously, a GC-MS and a UHPLC LC-DAD-ESI(-)-HRMS/MS method were developed to investigate the extracts' chemical profiles. Blood samples at baseline and monthly determined lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and liver function. The aorta, myocardium and liver were examined histologically at 3 months.
Groups ME and CHE had significantly higher HDL- and non-significantly lower LDL-cholesterol median % changes from baseline than the Control Group. Triacylglycerol was significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. MDA values were significantly lower in Group ME vs. Control and CHE. ALT and AST were significantly higher in Group CHE vs. Control. γ-GT was lower in Group ME vs. Control. Aortic intimal thickness was significantly less in Groups ME and CHE vs. Control; Group ME atherosclerotic lesions were significantly less extensive vs. Groups Control and CHE. Only Group CHE had significant liver fatty infiltration.

Conclusions
During short-term administration concomitantly with atherogenic diet, both P. vera extracts were beneficial on HDL-, LDL-cholesterol and aortic intimal thickness. The ME additionally presented an antioxidant effect and significant decrease of aortic surface lesions. These results indicate that P. vera dietary inclusion, in particular its ME, is potentially beneficial in atherosclerosis management.