bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield potential of Miscanthus energy crops in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Liu Wei , Yan Juan , Li Jianqiang , Sang Tao 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGrowing second‐generation energy crops on marginal land is conceptualized as one of the primary means of future bioenergy development. However, the extent to which marginal land can support energy crop production remains unclear. The Loess Plateau of China, one of the most seriously eroded regions of the world, is particularly rich in marginal land. On the basis of the previous field experiment of planting Miscanthus species in Qingyang of the Gansu Province, herein, we estimated the yield potential of Miscanthus lutarioriparius, the species with the highest biomass, across the Loess Plateau. On the basis of the radiation model previously developed from Miscanthus field trials, annual precipitation was introduced as an additional variable for yield estimate in the semiarid and semihumid regions of the Loess Plateau. Of 62 million hectares (Mha) of the Loess Plateau, our model estimated that 48.7 Mha can potentially support Miscanthus growth, with the average yield of 17.8 t ha−1 yr−1. After excluding high‐quality cropland and pasture and land suitable for afforestation, a total of 33.3 Mha of presumably marginal land were left available for producing the energy crop at the average yield of 16.8 t ha−1 yr−1 and the total annual yield of 0.56 billion tons. The analysis of environmental factors indicated that erosion, aridity, and field steepness were the primary contributors to the poor quality of the marginal land. The change of land uses from traditional agriculture to energy crop production may prevent further erosion and land degradation and consequently establish a sustainable economy for the region.
Concentrations of Plasma Metabolites, Hormones, and mRNA Abundance of Adipose Leptin and Hormone‐Sensitive Lipase in Ketotic and Nonketotic Dairy Cows
Authors: Xia C. , Wang Z. , Xu C. , Zhang H.Y. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundKetosis is an important metabolic disorder of dairy cows during the transition period. There have been many reports on the etiology of ketosis in periparturient cows, but little is known about its molecular etiology.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to clarify the status of fat mobilization and mRNA abundance of leptin and hormone‐sensitive lipase in cows with spontaneous clinical ketosis.AnimalsTen ketotic Holstein cows and 10 nonketotic Holstein cows were used as the experimental animals.MethodsSix blood biochemical parameters were evaluated by means of individual analysis method for 2 groups of cows. The mRNA abundance of leptin and hormone‐sensitive lipase in tail fat tissue from 2 groups of cows was measured by real‐time (RT)‐PCR, with a fluorescent Taqman probe and a standard curve.ResultsThe plasma concentrations of glucose (P = 0.01), and leptin (P = 0.03), insulin (P = 0.05), and the ratio of insulin to glucagon (P = 0.04) were lower in ketotic compared with nonketotic cows, whereas there were marked increases in the plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acid and β‐hydroxybutyric acid (P = 0.005). The mRNA abundance of leptin (P = 0.04) and hormone‐sensitive lipase (P = 0.02) in the fat tissue of ketotic cows was lower relative to that of nonketotic cows.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe ketotic cows showed characteristics of type I ketosis and some adaptive changes to negative energy balance in the plasma leptin concentration and mRNA abundance of fat leptin and hormone‐sensitive lipase.
The Use of Darbepoetin to Stimulate Erythropoiesis in Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: 25 Cases
Authors: Chalhoub S. , Langston C.E. , Farrelly J. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundAnemia is present in 30–65% in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and few long‐term treatment options exist. Darbepoetin is effective in treating anemia of kidney disease in humans and may be used in cats.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of darbepoetin, a recombinant analog of human erythropoietin, to stimulate erythropoiesis, and to effectively treat anemia of kidney disease in cats.AnimalsTwenty‐five of 66 cats that received ≥2 doses of darbepoetin at theAnimalMedicalCenter between January 2005 and December 2009 were included in this study.MethodsCats were included in the study if they received darbepoetin and follow‐up data were available for at least 56 days and hadCKDas a primary clinical diagnosis. Cats were excluded if they were treated with darbepoetin but did not have kidney disease. Response to treatment was defined as reaching or exceeding a target packed red blood cell volume or hematocrit of 25%.ResultsFourteen of 25 cats responded. Thirteen of those 14 cats received a dosage of 1 μg/kg/wk or higher. Presumptive adverse effects included vomiting, hypertension, seizures, and fever.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceDarbepoetin is effective for treatment of anemia of kidney disease in cats. Pure red cell aplasia appears to be less common with darbepoetin than with epoetin usage.
Evaluation of Levetiracetam as Adjunctive Treatment for Refractory Canine Epilepsy: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Muñana K.R. , Thomas W.B. , Inzana K.D. , Nettifee‐Osborne J.A. , McLucas K.J. , Olby N.J. , Mariani C.J. , Early P.J. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundThere is little evidence‐based information available to guide treatment of refractory epilepsy in dogs. The antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV) is administered to dogs, although its safety and efficacy are unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of LEV as adjunctive therapy for refractory epilepsy in dogs.AnimalsThirty‐four client‐owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.MethodsRandomized, blinded trial involving dogs resistant to phenobarbital and bromide. Dogs received LEV (20 mg/kg PO q8h) or placebo for 16 weeks, and after a 4‐week washout were crossed over to the alternate treatment for 16 weeks. Owners kept records on seizure frequency and adverse events. Hemogram, chemistry profile, urinalysis, and serum antiepileptic drug concentrations were evaluated at established intervals.ResultsTwenty‐two (65%) dogs completed the study. Weekly seizure frequency during the 1st treatment period decreased significantly during LEV administration relative to baseline (1.9 ± 1.9 to 1.1 ± 1.3, P = .015). The reduction in seizures with LEV was not significant when compared to placebo (1.1 ± 1.3 versus 1.5 ± 1.7, P = .310). The most common adverse event was ataxia, with no difference in incidence between LEV and placebo (45 versus 18%, P = .090). No changes in laboratory parameters were identified and owners reported an improved quality of life (QOL) with LEV compared to placebo (QOL score 32.7 ± 4.3 versus 29.4 ± 4.5, P = .028).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAdjunctive treatment with LEV appears safe in epileptic dogs. Efficacy of LEV over placebo was not demonstrated, although the power of the study was limited. Further evaluation of LEV as treatment for epilepsy in dogs is warranted.
Shifting curves? Trends in thinness and obesity among Australian youth, 1985 to 2010
Authors: Hardy L. L. , Cosgrove C. , King L. , Venugopal K. , Baur L. A. , Gill T. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryObjectiveTo describe 25‐year trends in the prevalence of ≤Grade 2 thinness and obesity among Australian children by sex, age and socioeconomic (SES) background.MethodsCross‐sectional surveys of New South Wales school‐aged children aged 6.0–16.9 years conducted in 1985–1997–2004–2010 (n = 19 434). Height/weight were measured, and thinness and obesity were defined by international standards. SES was derived from children's residential postcode using the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage, most proximal to the survey year.ResultsSince 1985, the prevalence of thinness has not varied by survey year. Age was not associated with thinness; however, thinness was lower among middle SES boys, compared with high SES (OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.97). The prevalence of obesity trebled between 1985 and 1997 (1.7% vs. 5.1% P = 0.000); however, since 1997, obesity prevalence has not significantly changed. Since 1997, obesity was higher among younger compared with older girls (OR: 2.11, 95%CI: 1.48, 3.00) and SES was inversely associated with obesity in boys (OR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.44, 2.92) and girls (OR: 1.86, 95%CI: 1.27, 2.74).ConclusionsThe apparent plateau in child obesity is a welcome finding; however, the SES gradients are of concern. If the obesity stabilization is associated with the impact of multiple lifestyle behavioural interventions, the findings suggest obesity programmes have done ‘no harm’, but potentially the dose/delivery of interventions has not been sufficient or appropriate to reduce child obesity levels.
Science Should Be in the Public Domain
Authors: Racaniello Vincent R. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Variants of avian influenza H5N1 virus that are transmitted by the airborne route among ferrets have been identified. The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity has advised against publication of the details of the methods used to obtain these viruses and the amino acid changes that lead to transmission in ferrets. This decision is not based on sound scientific principles and risks setting a precedent that will make it easier to put in place highly restrictive regulations on scientific research and publication.
The NSABB Recommendations: Rationale, Impact, and Implications
Authors: Keim Paul S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) has recommended that two scientific papers concerning the laboratory adaptation of avian H5N1 influenza virus to mammal-to-mammal respiratory transmission restrict their content to prevent others from replicating their work. After hearing from experts in the field of influenza research and public health, the benefits of the research were deemed less important than the potential negative consequences. The evaluation followed established NSABB procedures and prior policy recommendations for identifying dual use research of concern (DURC). This recommendation was received by the United States Government, endorsed and forwarded to the research teams and scientific journals involved with the publications.
Application of the UK NHS Improvement Anticoagulation Commissioning Support Document for ‘safety indicators’ in atrial fibrillation. Results of the European Action on Anticoagulation study
Authors: Poller Leon , Jespersen Jørgen , Cowan Campbell , Baglin Trevor , George Jennifer , Ibrahim Saied A 
Published: February 2012

Introduction'Safety indicators' in the anticoagulant management of atrial fibrillation (AF) are listed in the UK NHS Improvement Document, ‘Anticoagulation for AF’, aiming to promote quality services. Acceptable clinical event rates are not quantified in the document.ObjectiveTo provide clinical evaluation of the relevant safety indicators using data from a recent large European Action on Anticoagulation (EAA) study.Results469 clinical events were recorded in 5839 outpatients in the EAA study. The safety indicators listed in the NHS Improvement Document were related to these patients with AF. The relevance of the ‘safety indicators’ is confirmed by the EAA study for patients starting oral anticoagulation and for those already receiving oral anticoagulation, and quantified.ConclusionThe EAA clinical study provides a quantitative basis for the safety indicators' in AF listed in the NHS Commissioning Support Document and emphasises the importance of the document.
The Dark Side of E2F1: In Transit beyond Apoptosis
Authors: Engelmann David , Pützer Brigitte M. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
E2F1 plays a critical role in cell-cycle progression and the induction of apoptosis in response to DNA damage. The latest evidence has uncovered that this tumor suppressor is most relevant for cancer progression and chemoresistance. Increased abundance of E2F1 triggers invasion and metastasis by activating growth receptor signaling pathways, which in turn promote an antiapoptotic tumor environment. The data shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying E2F1-induced prometastatic activity and predict its radical switch from a mediator of cell death toward an accelerator of tumor progression. This raises the perspective of new drug targets at late-stage cancer. Cancer Res; 72(3); 571–5. ©2012 AACR.
Cancer Stem Cells: Distinct Entities or Dynamically Regulated Phenotypes?
Authors: Li Yunqing , Laterra John 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The origins of tumor-propagating neoplastic stem-like cells [cancer stem cells (CSC)] and their relationship to the bulk population of tumor cells that lack stem-like tumor-propagating features (i.e., transit-amplifying cancer progenitor cells) remain unclear. Recent findings from multiple laboratories show that cancer progenitor cells have the capacity to dedifferentiate and acquire a stem-like phenotype in response to either genetic manipulation or environmental cues. These findings suggest that CSCs and relatively differentiated progenitors coexist in dynamic equilibrium and are subject to bidirectional conversion. In this review, we discuss emerging concepts regarding the stem-like phenotype, its acquisition by cancer progenitor cells, and the molecular mechanisms involved. Understanding the dynamic equilibrium between CSCs and cancer progenitor cells is critical for the development of therapeutic strategies to deplete tumors of their tumor-propagating and treatment-resistant cell subpopulations. Cancer Res; 72(3); 576–80. ©2012 AACR.
Correlation between Gene Expression of IGF-1R Pathway Markers and Cetuximab Benefit in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Fei , Xu Li-an , Khambata-Ford Shirin 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Purpose: This study examined potential correlations between markers related to the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) pathway and clinical benefit from the anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Experimental Design: Gene expression profiles for 70 pretreatment specimens from metastatic lesions of patients with chemorefractory mCRC receiving cetuximab monotherapy were analyzed using 74 predefined Gene-Chip probesets representing 33 unique IGF-1R pathway markers to determine correlations with progression-free survival (PFS) and disease control rate.
Results: Higher IGF-1R, higher GRB7, and lower INSIG2 expression were associated with longer PFS with cetuximab in univariate analyses, particularly in patients with wild-type K-Ras tumors: median, 122 versus 60 days (P = 0.01), 122 versus 57 days (P = 0.011), and 57 versus 156 days (P &lt; 0.0001), favoring higher IGF-1R, higher GRB7, and lower INSIG2 expression, respectively. Lower IGF-1 expression was associated with a PFS benefit with cetuximab, whereas lower IGFBP3 and INSR expression levels showed trends for a PFS benefit. Lower INSIG2 expression (vs. higher expression) was associated with greater PFS in the high epiregulin-expressing group (P = 0.001), but not in the low-expressing cohort suggesting an effect independent from the previously reported effect of epiregulin expression. Lower INSIG2 expression was also associated with higher disease control rate in the overall population (51.4% vs. 11.4%; P = 0.001) and wild-type K-Ras subset (76.2% vs. 18.2%; P &lt; 0.0001).
Conclusions: These results suggest that markers of the IGF-1R pathway may play a role in predicting benefit from cetuximab therapy in mCRC. Additional clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 1156–66. ©2012 AACR.
Activation of β-Catenin Signaling in Androgen Receptor–Negative Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Wan Xinhai , Liu Jie , Lu Jing-Fang , Tzelepi Vassiliki , Yang Jun , Starbuck Michael W. , Diao Lixia , Wang Jing , Efstathiou Eleni , Vazquez Elba S. , Troncoso Patricia , Maity Sankar N. , Navone Nora M. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Purpose: To study Wnt/β-catenin in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and understand its function independently of the β-catenin–androgen receptor (AR) interaction.
Experimental Design: We carried out β-catenin immunocytochemical analysis, evaluated TOP-flash reporter activity (a reporter of β-catenin–mediated transcription), and sequenced the β-catenin gene in MDA prostate cancer 118a, MDA prostate cancer 118b, MDA prostate cancer 2b, and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. We knocked down β-catenin in AR-negative MDA prostate cancer 118b cells and carried out comparative gene-array analysis. We also immunohistochemically analyzed β-catenin and AR in 27 bone metastases of human CRPCs.
Results: β-Catenin nuclear accumulation and TOP-flash reporter activity were high in MDA prostate cancer 118b but not in MDA prostate cancer 2b or PC-3 cells. MDA prostate cancer 118a and MDA prostate cancer 118b cells carry a mutated β-catenin at codon 32 (D32G). Ten genes were expressed differently (false discovery rate, 0.05) in MDA prostate cancer 118b cells with downregulated β-catenin. One such gene, hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), synthesizes hyaluronan, a core component of the extracellular matrix. We confirmed HAS2 upregulation in PC-3 cells transfected with D32G-mutant β-catenin. Finally, we found nuclear localization of β-catenin in 10 of 27 human tissue specimens; this localization was inversely associated with AR expression (P = 0.056, Fisher's exact test), suggesting that reduced AR expression enables Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Conclusion: We identified a previously unknown downstream target of β-catenin, HAS2, in prostate cancer, and found that high β-catenin nuclear localization and low or no AR expression may define a subpopulation of men with bone metastatic prostate cancer. These findings may guide physicians in managing these patients. Clin Cancer Res; 18(3); 726–36. ©2011 AACR.
A Hexane Fraction of American Ginseng Suppresses Mouse Colitis and Associated Colon Cancer: Anti-inflammatory and Proapoptotic Mechanisms
Authors: Poudyal Deepak , Mai Le Phuong , Davis Tia , Hofseth Anne B. , Chumanevich Alena , Chumanevich Alexander A. , Wargovich Michael J. , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Windust Anthony , Hofseth Lorne J. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with a high colon cancer risk. We have previously reported that American ginseng extract significantly reduced the inflammatory parameters of chemically induced colitis. The aim of this study was to further delineate the components of American ginseng that suppress colitis and prevent colon cancer. Among five different fractions of American ginseng (butanol, hexane, ethylacetate, dichloromethane, and water), a hexane fraction has particularly potent antioxidant and proapoptotic properties. The effects of this fraction were shown in a mouse macrophage cell line (ANA-1 cells), in a human lymphoblastoid cell line (TK6), and in an ex vivo model (CD4+/CD25− primary effector T cells). A key in vivo finding was that compared with the whole American ginseng extract, the hexane fraction of American ginseng was more potent in treating colitis in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) mouse model, as well as suppressing azoxymethane/DSS-induced colon cancer. Furthermore, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) labeling of inflammatory cells within the colonic mesenteric lymph nodes was elevated in mice consuming DSS + the hexane fraction of American ginseng. Results are consistent with our in vitro data and with the hypothesis that the hexane fraction of American ginseng has anti-inflammatory properties and drives inflammatory cell apoptosis in vivo, providing a mechanism by which this fraction protects from colitis in this DSS mouse model. This study moves us closer to understanding the molecular components of American ginseng that suppress colitis and prevent colon cancer associated with colitis. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 685–96. ©2012 AACR.
Rheb is a Critical Regulator of Autophagy During Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Sciarretta Sebastiano , Zhai Peiyong , Shao Dan , Maejima Yasuhiro , Robbins Jeffrey , Volpe Massimo , Condorelli Gianluigi , Sadoshima Junichi 
Published: February 2012

Background—
Rheb is a GTP-binding protein that promotes cell survival and mediates the cellular response to energy deprivation (ED). The role of Rheb in the regulation of cell survival during ED has not been investigated in the heart.

Methods and Results—
Rheb is inactivated during cardiomyocyte (CM) glucose deprivation (GD) in vitro, and during acute myocardial ischemia in vivo. Rheb inhibition causes mTORC1 inhibition, because forced activation of Rheb, through Rheb overexpression in vitro and through inducible cardiac-specific Rheb overexpression in vivo, restored mTORC1 activity. Restoration of mTORC1 activity reduced CM survival during GD and increased infarct size after ischemia, both of which were accompanied by inhibition of autophagy, whereas Rheb knockdown increased autophagy and CM survival. Rheb inhibits autophagy mostly through Atg7 depletion. Restoration of autophagy, through Atg7 reexpression and inhibition of mTORC1, increased cellular ATP content and reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby reducing CM death induced by Rheb activation. Mice with high-fat diet–induced obesity and metabolic syndrome (HFD mice) exhibited deregulated cardiac activation of Rheb and mTORC1, particularly during ischemia. HFD mice presented inhibition of cardiac autophagy and displayed increased ischemic injury. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of mTORC1 restored autophagy and abrogated the increase in infarct size observed in HFD mice, but they failed to protect HFD mice in the presence of genetic disruption of autophagy.

Conclusions—
Inactivation of Rheb protects CMs during ED through activation of autophagy. Rheb and mTORC1 may represent therapeutic targets to reduce myocardial damage during ischemia, particularly in obese patients.
Feasibility of a Breath Test for Monitoring Adherence to Vaginal Administration of Antiretroviral Microbicide Gels
Authors: Morey Timothy E. , Wasdo Scott , Wishin Judith , Quinn Brian , van der Straten Ariane , Booth Matthew , Gonzalez Daniel , Derendorf Hartmut , Melker Richard J. , Dennis Donn M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAdherence to microbicide gel use is critical to optimizing effectiveness in preventing human immunodeficiency virus transmission. The authors hypothesized that ester taggants added to vaginal gels would generate exhaled alcohol and ketone metabolites and provide a “breath test” for vaginal gel use. This 2‐arm (vaginal and dermal), randomized, participant‐blinded, pilot study tested this hypothesis. On 8 visits, healthy women (n = 8) received intravaginal taggant (2‐butyl acetate, 2‐pentyl acetate, isopropyl butyrate, or 2‐pentyl butyrate; 30 mg) formulated in hydroxyethylcellulose or tenofovir placebo gel. A second group (n = 4) of women received the same formulations administered dermally on the forearm to determine if skin administration might confound the system. Breath samples were collected using bags before and after taggant administration for 1 hour. Samples were measured using a miniature gas chromatograph and/or gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy for ester taggant, alcohol, and ketone concentrations. After vaginal administration, 2‐butyl acetate, 2‐pentyl acetate, and metabolites were observed in breath, whereas isopropyl butyrate, 2‐pentyl butyrate, and metabolites were not. Some women reported self‐resolving, mild burning (24/64 visits) with vaginal administration or a “bubblegum” taste (7/64 visits). No taggants or metabolites were detected following dermal application. A “breath test” for adherence to antiretroviral vaginal gel application appears physiologically and technically feasible.