bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 activation induces autophagy in thymocytes through ROS-regulated AMPK and Atg4C pathways
Authors: Farfariello Valerio , Amantini Consuelo , Santoni Giorgio 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
TRPV1 activation and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the CPS-induced autophagy in thymocytes.
Autophagy is a highly conserved process involved in lymphocyte development and differentiation. Herein, we demonstrated for the first time that triggering of TRPV1 by the specific agonist CPS induces autophagy in mouse thymocytes. TRPV1-dependent autophagy required [Ca2+]i and ROS generation, resulting in AMPK activation. CPS specifically increased Atg4C mRNA expression and induced oxidation of Atg4C protein by ROS generation. TRPV1-triggered autophagy was Atg6/Beclin-1-dependent, as demonstrated by the use of Beclin-1+/− transgenic mice, and involved ROS- and AMPK-mediated up-regulation of Beclin-1 expression. Autophagy is activated as a prosurvival process, as its inhibition triggered apoptosis of thymocytes: this effect was accompanied by down-regulation of Atg4C, Bcl-XL, and Irgm1 mRNA expression, decreased Bcl-XL and Beclin-1 protein levels, and caspase-3 activation, suggesting the existence of a molecular interplay between autophagic and apoptotic programs. TRPV1 activation by CPS altered the expression of CD4 and CD8α antigens, inducing the development of DPdull. Interestingly, we found that CPS induces autophagy of DPdull cells, and inhibition of CPS-induced autophagy by the 3-MA autophagic inhibitor induces apoptosis of DPdull cells, suggesting the presence of an interplay between autophagic survival and apoptotic cell death. Overall, our findings suggest that DPdull cells constitute a distinct thymocyte subpopulation involved in the homeostatic control of cellularity and in the responses to chemical stress signals during thymocyte maturation, via regulating autophagy and apoptosis in a TRPV1-dependent manner.
Mechanisms of triglyceride accumulation in activated macrophages
Authors: Feingold Kenneth R , Shigenaga Judy K , Kazemi Mahmood R , McDonald Carol M , Patzek Sophie M , Cross Andrew S , Moser Arthur , Grunfeld Carl 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
TLR activation by multiple pathways leads to triglyceride accumulation in macrophages that could contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis seen in chronic infections and inflammatory diseases.
LPS treatment of macrophages induces TG accumulation, which is accentuated by TG-rich lipoproteins or FFA. We defined pathways altered during macrophage activation that contribute to TG accumulation. Glucose uptake increased with activation, accompanied by increased GLUT1. Oxidation of glucose markedly decreased, whereas incorporation of glucose-derived carbon into FA and sterols increased. Macrophage activation also increased uptake of FFA, associated with an increase in CD36. Oxidation of FA was markedly reduced, whereas the incorporation of FA into TGs increased, associated with increased GPAT3 and DGAT2. Additionally, macrophage activation decreased TG lipolysis; however, expression of ATGL or HSL was not altered. Macrophage activation altered gene expression similarly when incubated with exogenous FA or AcLDL. Whereas activation with ligands of TLR2 (zymosan), TLR3 (poly I:C), or TLR4 (LPS) induced alterations in macrophage gene expression, leading to TG accumulation, treatment of macrophages with cytokines had minimal effects. Thus, activation of TLRs leads to accumulation of TG in macrophages by multiple pathways that may have beneficial effects in host defense but could contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis in chronic infections and inflammatory diseases.
Paraspeckles: possible nuclear hubs by the RNA for the RNA
Authors: Hirose Tetsuro , Nakagawa Shinichi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe mammalian cell nucleus is a highly compartmentalized system in which multiple subnuclear structures, called nuclear bodies, exist in the nucleoplasmic spaces. Some of the nuclear bodies contain specific long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as their components, and may serve as sites for long ncRNA functions that remain largely enigmatic. A paraspeckle is a nuclear body that is almost ubiquitously observed in mammalian cultured cells but is cell population-specific in adult mouse tissue. The paraspeckle structure is RNase-sensitive. Long ncRNAs, termed MENε/β ncRNAs (also referred to as NEAT1 ncRNAs), have been identified as the RNA components of the paraspeckles. Specific elimination has revealed that MENε/β ncRNAs are essential components for the formation of the intact paraspeckle structure. Paraspeckle formation requires the continual MENε/β ncRNA biogenesis process, including ongoing transcription, alternative 3′-end processing, and stabilization. Some paraspeckle-localized RNA-binding proteins (p54/nrb and PSF) direct paraspeckle formation through the selective stabilization of MENβ ncRNA. Both MENε/β ncRNA expression and their subsequent interactions with paraspeckle proteins can be regulated under environmental and developmental conditions, which are reflected in the size and number of the paraspeckles. However, how paraspeckles function remains largely unsolved. Paraspeckles appear to serve as the site of nuclear retention of specific mRNAs that are selectively transported to the cytoplasm upon certain signals. Alternatively, MENε/β ncRNAs may sequester paraspeckle proteins that function outside the paraspeckles. This review focuses on known aspects of paraspeckles and provides a model of their structure and function.
Hyperhomocysteinemia in health and disease: where we are now, and where do we go from here?
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Plebani Mario 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHomocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid, which is synthesized from the precursor methionine through a multi-step process, and then reconverted to methionine or catabolyzed into cysteine. The presence of vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential in homocysteine metabolism, wherein deficiency of one or more of these nutrients is associated with various degree of hyperhomocysteinemia. There is little doubt that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with several human disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, pregnancy complications and fractures, so that its measurement might be useful for risk assessment. Nevertheless, several randomized homocysteine-lowering therapy trials have failed to show that supplementation with vitamins B substantially modifies (and – more importantly – improves) the end points and the related outcomes. According to the current state of scientific knowledge, it seems thus reasonable to conclude that lowering homocysteine alone is probably insufficient to mitigate the risk of thromboembolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders inasmuch as this bizarre amino acid acts in strict synergy with other probably more powerful risk factors. Several lines of evidence suggest, however, that its measurement may be helpful for identifying subjects at greater risk of disease, who may thus benefit from a more aggressive treatment of other modifiable risk factors, as recently shown by result of the 5-year Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) trial.
Role of NMDA and opioid receptors in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve in rats
Authors: Mehta Ashish K. , Halder Sumita , Khanna Naresh , Tandon Om P. , Singh Usha R. , Sharma Krishna K. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of opioids in neuropathic pain is still controversial. Earlier studies have suggested that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor binding can be affected by opioids and vice versa. The present study aims to explore the interactions between NMDA and opioid receptors using various combinations of drugs acting on these receptors.

Methods: We used an animal model of sciatic nerve ligation to induce neuropathic pain, and a hot-plate test was used to assess pain response.

Results: It was observed that NMDA and naloxone increased the pain response. Ketamine reduced the pain response, which was further reduced when ketamine was administered in combination with naloxone, but not with NMDA, thus highlighting the activity of the NMDA receptor system. In addition, morphine was also found to increase latency to hind-paw lick, which was further reduced when given in combination with naloxone. Furthermore, triple drug combinations using ketamine+morphine+naloxone and ketamine+NMDA+naloxone demonstrated some significant interactions at these receptors.

Conclusions: Thus, our study establishes that neuropathic pain can probably be overcome using higher doses of opioids, and there exists some intimate relationships between NMDA and opioid systems that lead to pain modulation.
Single fetal death in twin gestations
Authors: Blickstein Isaac , Perlman Sharon 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Twin pregnancies are at higher risk for fetal mortality when compared with singleton pregnancies. Single fetal demise occurs in 3.7–6.8% of all twin pregnancies and considerably increases the complication rate in the co-twin including fetal loss, premature delivery, and end-organ damage. In this review, we summarize the current information on the etiology of single twin demise, the pathophysiology of injury to the surviving twin, and the preventive and secondary management strategies.
Genotype by Environment Interaction of Quantitative Traits: A Case Study in Barley
Authors: Zhao Fuping , Xu Shizhong 
Published: July 2012

AbstractGenotype by environment interaction is a phenomenon that a better genotype in one environment may perform poorly in another environment. When the genotype refers to a quantitative trait locus (QTL), this phenomenon is called QTL by environment interaction, denoted by Q×E. Using a recently developed new Bayesian method and genome-wide marker information, we estimated and tested QTL main effects and Q×E interactions for a well-known barley dataset produced by the North American Barley Genome Mapping Project. This dataset contained seven quantitative traits collected from 145 doubled-haploid (DH) lines evaluated in multiple environments, which derived from a cross between two Canadian two-row barley lines, Harrington and TR306. Numerous main effects and Q×E interaction effects have been detected for all seven quantitative traits. However, main effects seem to be more important than the Q×E interaction effects for all seven traits examined. The number of main effects detected varied from 26 for the maturity trait to 75 for the heading trait, with an average of 61.86. The heading trait has the most detected effects, with a total of 98 (75 main, 29 Q×E). Among the 98 effects, 6 loci had both the main and Q×E effects. Among the total number of detected loci, on average, 78.5% of the loci show the main effects whereas 34.9% of the loci show Q×E interactions. Overall, we detected many loci with either the main or the Q×E effects, and the main effects appear to be more important than the Q×E interaction effects for all the seven traits. This means that most detected loci have a constant effect across environments. Another discovery from this analysis is that Q×E interaction occurs independently, regardless whether the locus has main effects.
Description of Larvae ofAnastrephaspp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in theFraterculusGroup
Authors: Dutra Vivian S , Ronchi-Teles Beatriz , Steck Gary J , Silva Janisete G 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe second- and third-instar larvae of three species in the fraterculus group, Anastrepha bahiensis Lima, Anastrepha coronilli Carrejo & González, and Anastrepha turpiniae Stone are described and illustrated for the first time. Character states that can be used to distinguish among the three species and their overlap among other species in the fraterculus group are discussed.
Seasonal Abundance and Population Structure of Chinavia hilaris and Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Georgia Farmscapes Containing Corn, Cotton, Peanut, and Soybean
Authors: Herbert John J , Toews Michael D 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Stink bugs are economically important pests that damage a wide range of crops in the southeastern United States. Stink bug feeding on developing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ) bolls may result in reduced yield and loss of fiber quality; similarly, feeding on developing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pods can reduce yield and seed quality. During 2009 and 2010, the seasonal abundance and reproductive biology of Chinavia hilaris (Say) and Nezara viridula (L.) were investigated in replicated 1.62–2.83-ha farmscapes containing equal proportions of corn (Zea mays L.), cotton, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and soybean. Crops were sampled weekly by using whole plant examinations in corn and sweep net sampling in cotton, peanut, and soybean. In 2010 only, adults were dissected to rate their reproductive development, and nymphs were classified to instar. No C. hilaris adults or nymphs ever were observed in corn; however, nymphs were observed in cotton and soybean during late September with peak abundance occurring just after the autumnal equinox. The peak of late-instar nymphs was followed within 2 wk by a peak of nonreproductive adults. More adults were observed in soybean than cotton. In contrast, N. viridula nymphs and adults were found across all crops and had multiple generations throughout the growing season. Results from this study indicate that C. hilaris and N. viridula are different in voltinism, phenology, and use of hosts. These data provide knowledge of stink bug biology and population ecology at the landscape level and are useful for designing and implementing stink bug management programs.
DNA Barcodes and Targeted Sampling Methods Identify a New Species and Cryptic Patterns of Host Specialization Among North American Coptera (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae)
Authors: Forbes Andrew A , Satar Serdar , Hamerlinck Gabriela , Nelson Amanda E , Smith James J 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Fewer than half of the 80–100 North American species in parasitoid genus Coptera Say (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) have been described. Hosts are known for just nine of these. The taxonomy of Coptera has been complicated by its cryptic morphology and a life history that includes parasitism of pupae beneath the surface of soils. Here, we describe collections targeting the host genus with which Coptera have most frequently been associated: flies in genus Rhagoletis (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae). DNA barcodes, morphology, and ecology (host associations) were used to understand species limits for Coptera collected from Rhagoletis. Four species of Coptera were recovered from five species of Rhagoletis, including a new species: Coptera n. sp. 1. Two of the associations with particular species of Rhagoletis were previously unknown, and no two species of Coptera were found to be attacking the same host, suggesting these four Coptera are specialist parasites. As several of the 25 North American species of Rhagoletis are agricultural pests, a better understanding of their natural associations with Coptera may prove valuable to biological control efforts.
Effect of High-Dose Erythropoietin on Graft Function after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Sureshkumar Kalathil K. , Hussain Sabiha M. , Ko Tina Y. , Thai Ngoc L. , Marcus Richard J. 
Published: June 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Delayed graft function (DGF) is associated with adverse long-term outcomes after deceased-donor kidney (DDK) transplantation. Ischemia-reperfusion injury plays a crucial role in the development of DGF. On the basis of promising animal data, this study evaluated any potential benefits of erythropoietin-alfa (EPO-α) given intra-arterially at the time of reperfusion of renal allograft on the degree of allograft function, as well as tubular cell injury measured by urinary biomarkers in the early post-transplant period.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of EPO-α administered intraoperatively on the outcomes of DDK transplantations performed at the study center between March 2007 and July 2009.

Results
Seventy-two patients were randomly assigned to EPO-α (n=36) or placebo (n=36). The incidences of DGF, slow graft function, and immediate graft function did not significantly differ between the treatment and control groups (41.7% versus 47.2%, 25.0% versus 36.1%, and 33.3% versus 16.7%, respectively; P=0.24). The groups had similar levels of urinary biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18 at multiple times points soon after transplantation; urinary output during the first 3 postoperative days; 1-month renal function; and BP readings, hemoglobin, and adverse effects during the first month.

Conclusions
This study did not show any clinically demonstrable beneficial effects of high-dose EPO-α given intra-arterially during the early reperfusion phase in DDK transplant recipients in terms of reducing the incidence of DGF or improving short-term allograft function.
Urolithiasis and the Risk of ESRD
Authors: El-Zoghby Ziad M. , Lieske John C. , Foley Robert N. , Bergstralh Eric J. , Li Xujian , Melton L. Joseph , Krambeck Amy E. , Rule Andrew D. 
Published: June 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
The contribution of urolithiasis, if any, to the development of ESRD is unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
All stone formers in Olmsted County, Minnesota, first diagnosed between 1984 and 2008 were identified by diagnostic codes with up to four controls matched on age and sex. Charts were reviewed to validate symptomatic stone formers in a random subset. Incident ESRD events were identified by the US Renal Data System.

Results
Altogether, 51 stone formers and 75 controls developed ESRD among 6926 stone formers and 24,620 matched controls followed for a mean of 9 years. Stone formers had an increased risk of ESRD after adjusting for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, gout, and CKD (hazard ratio: 2.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.45–3.01). This increased risk of ESRD remained in the subset of 2457 validated symptomatic stone formers (hazard ratio: 1.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.09–3.49). The attributable risk of ESRD from symptomatic urolithiasis was 5.1% based on a prevalence of 5.4% for stone formers. For stone formers versus controls who developed ESRD, there was an increased likelihood of past hydronephrosis (44% versus 4%), recurrent urinary tract infections (26% versus 4%), acquired single kidney (15% versus 3%), neurogenic bladder (12% versus 1%), and ileal conduit (9% versus 0%), but not diabetes (32% versus 49%) or hypertension (44% versus 52%).

Conclusions
Symptomatic stone formers are at increased risk for ESRD independent of several cardiovascular risk factors. Other urological disease is relatively common among stone formers who develop ESRD.
Phase diagram of the Al–Dy–Zr ternary system at 773 K
Authors: Hu Zhaohua , Zhan Yongzhong , Ling Maoxing , Liang Yong , Liu Ya , Wei Shuangjie , Du Yong 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
X-ray powder diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and differential thermal analysis were used for constructing the isothermal section of the Al–Dy–Zr system in the whole compositional range at 773 K. The existence of 13 binary compounds and 1 ternary compound, i.e. Al3Zr, Al2Zr, Al3Zr2, AlZr, Al3Zr4, Al2Zr3, AlZr2, AlZr3, α - Al3Dy, Al2Dy, AlDy, Al2Dy3, AlDy2, and Al30Dy7Zr3 were confirmed. The ternary compound Al30Dy7Zr3 has AuCu3 structure (space group Pm3m) with lattice parameter of a = 0.4206 nm. The isothermal section consists of 17 single-phase regions, 32 binary-phase regions and 16 ternary-phase regions. The homogeneity of Dy in the binary compounds Al3Zr, Al2Zr, Al3Zr2, and AlZr2 is determined to be 2 at.%, 3 at.%, 4 at.%, and 2 at.% Dy, respectively. The homogeneity range of Dy in Zr is up to v7 at.% Zr. The solid solubility of Zr in the binary compounds Al3Dy, Al2Dy, and AlDy is determined to be 2 at.%, 26 at.%, and 3 at.% Zr, respectively.
Socioeconomic Analysis of Alternative Farming Systems in Improving Livelihood Security of Small Farmers in Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmin Sadika , Islam M. Serajul , Hasan Md. Kamrul 
Published: July 2012

The present study attempted to determine the economic returns of alternative farming system of integrated farming aiming to address the livelihood security of small farm households. One hundred and sixty small and medium farmers practicing in four different FS such as Crop-Poultry (C-P), Crop-Poultry-Pond fisheries (C-P-F), Crop-Livestock-Poultry (C-L-P) and Crop-Livestock-Poultry-Pond fisheries (C-L-P-F) were selected from Mymensingh, Jamalpur and Sherpur district. The main information collected were socio-demographic characteristics of farm households, household income from farm and non-farm sources, size of land holding and farming system followed, livestock and poultry rearing and pond fish culture, and effect of integrated farming on household income and livelihood security of small farm households. Data were collected covering one production period during 2009-2010. For estimating farm income of small farm household, whole farm approach was considered. Increased number of farm enterprises caused higher farm income. However, considering the small farm practices and whole farm approach, the farm income as well as net return was higher for C-L-P-F farmers (Tk. 57002), followed by C-L-P (Tk. 52978), C-P-F (Tk. 20447) and C-P (Tk. 13734) farmers. Some of the most commonly used factors in the assessment of livelihood security included those related to household income and expenditure, expenditure spent on food, adequacy of food taken, household structure and facilities, owning household assets, and access to drinking water and sanitation, and other basic needs of farm household. All these socioeconomic factors were found to be related livelihood security of small farmers in Bangladesh. Women were more involved in income earning activities and household decision making with the introduction of integrated farming in small farm condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11065The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 51-63