bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental plasticity and the evolution of animal complex life cycles
Authors: Minelli Alessandro , Fusco Giuseppe 
Published: January 2010

Metazoan life cycles can be complex in different ways. A number of diverse phenotypes and reproductive events can sequentially occur along the cycle, and at certain stages a variety of developmental and reproductive options can be available to the animal, the choice among which depends on a combination of organismal and environmental conditions.We hypothesize that a diversity of phenotypes arranged in developmental sequence throughout an animal's life cycle may have evolved by genetic assimilation of alternative phenotypes originally triggered by environmental cues.This is supported by similarities between the developmental mechanisms mediating phenotype change and alternative phenotype determination during ontogeny and the common ecological condition that favour both forms of phenotypic variation.The comparison of transcription profiles from different developmental stages throughout a complex life cycle with those from alternative phenotypes in closely related polyphenic animals is expected to offer critical evidence upon which to evaluate our hypothesis.
Coordinate action of membrane‐type matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MT1‐MMP) and MMP‐2 enhances pericellular proteolysis and invasion
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Takino Takahisa 
Published: January 2010

Membrane‐type matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MT1‐MMP) mediates cleavage of not only MMP‐2/gelatinase A for activation, but also a variety of substrates including type I collagen (reviewed in Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 212–7). MMP‐2 activation involves tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)‐2 as a bridging molecule between MT1‐MMP and pro‐MMP‐2. Thus, net activity of MT1‐MMP and MMP‐2 is regulated in a complex manner depending on TIMP‐2 concentration. During invasive growth of tumor cells in type I collagen matrix, MT1‐MMP initiates denaturation of collagen into gelatin, which is subsequently digested further by MMP‐2 adjacent to MT1‐MMP. Coordinate action of MT1‐MMP and MMP‐2 may facilitate pericellular proteolysis, and enhance not only tumor invasion/migration but also cell growth. Tetraspanins as binding proteins of MT1‐MMP regulate MT1‐MMP subcellular localization and compartmentalization, leading to efficient MMP‐2 activation and proteolysis coupled with cellular function.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 843–847)
Meta‐analysis: folic acid in the chemoprevention of colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer
Authors: CARROLL C. , COOPER K. , PAPAIOANNOU D. , HIND D. , TAPPENDEN P. , PILGRIM H. , BOOTH A. 
Published: January 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 708–718SummaryBackground  Folic acid has been identified as a possible agent for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer.Aim  To assess the effectiveness of folic acid in reducing the recurrence of adenomas (precursors of colorectal cancer) among populations with a history of adenomas and the incidence of colorectal cancer within average‐risk populations.Methods  Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing folic acid alone, or with other agents, vs. placebo. Eight databases were searched for relevant trials. Meta‐analysis was performed.Results  The literature search retrieved 3785 citations. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis of three studies in individuals with a history of adenomas showed no statistically significant difference in the relative risk of adenoma recurrence (RR 0.93, P = 0.27). A sensitivity analysis of the two higher quality trials changed the direction of effect (RR 1.16, P = 0.11). Meta‐analysis of three trials in general populations demonstrated no statistically significant effect on the relative risk of colorectal cancer (RR 1.13, P = 0.54). In all three analyses, outcome event rates were higher in individuals receiving folic acid.Conclusion  There is no evidence that folic acid is effective in the chemoprevention of colorectal adenomas or colorectal cancer for any population.
Walled sedimentary basins of China
Authors: Carroll A. R. , Graham S. A. , Smith M.E. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTCentral Asia contains numerous closed geomorphic basins that are surrounded by active mountain ranges, but exhibit little internal deformation. These areas commonly coincide with sedimentary basins that record a much older history of continuous internal drainage, evidenced by lacustrine and associated alluvial deposits that date as back far as the Late Permian. We propose the new descriptive term ‘walled basin’, in recognition of the unique physiography of basins that impound sediments within peripheral orogenic walls that are maintained over relatively long geologic time scales. Walled basins are surrounded by dominantly contractional orogenic uplifts, but are themselves relatively undeformed. They typically record multiple episodes of alluvial and lacustrine sedimentation, that are often correlated with evidence for recurrent deformation of basin‐bounding uplifts. The distribution of walled basins in Asia appears to correspond to crustal heterogeneities inherited from the complex accretionary history of the continent, but actual mechanisms for maintaining stable basin interiors over periods as long as ∼250 my remain uncertain. Modern walled basins in Asia are restricted to arid or semiarid regions, due to the capacity of large rivers to defeat drainage barriers in more humid areas. Walled basins lie at lower elevations than Asia as whole, and they appear to impede rather than promote plateau growth.
High‐dose chemo‐radiotherapy for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and the significance of pre‐transplant functional imaging
Authors: Moskowitz Craig H. , Yahalom Joachim , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Zhang Zhigang , Filippa Daniel , Teruya‐Feldstein Julie , Kewalramani Tarun , Moskowitz Alison J. , Rice Robert David , Maragulia Jocelyn , Vanak Jill , Trippett Tanya , Hamlin Paul , Horowitz Steven , Noy Ariela , O’Connor Owen A. , Portlock Carol , Straus David , Nimer Stephen D. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryWe previously reported that three risk factors (RF): initial remission duration <1 year, active B symptoms, and extranodal disease predict outcome in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Our goal was to improve event‐free survival (EFS) for patients with multiple RF and to determine if response to salvage therapy impacted outcome. We conducted a phase II intent‐to‐treat study of tailored salvage treatment: patients with zero or one RF received standard‐dose ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE); patients with two RF received augmented ICE; patients with three RF received high‐dose ICE with stem cell support. This was followed by evaluation with both computed tomography and functional imaging (FI); those with chemosensitive disease underwent high‐dose chemoradiotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). There was no treatment‐related mortality. Compared to historical controls this therapy eliminated the difference in EFS between the three prognostic groups. Pre‐ASCT FI predicted outcome; 4‐year EFS rates was 33% vs. 77% for patients transplanted with positive versus negative FI respectively, P = 0·00004, hazard ratio 4·61. Risk‐adapted augmentation of salvage treatment in patients with HL is feasible and improves EFS in poorer‐risk patients. Our data suggest that normalisation of FI pre‐ASCT predicts outcome, and should be the goal of salvage treatment.
Metal contact sites: a hidden localization for nail varnish allergy?
Authors: Özkaya E. , Ekinci A. 
Published: January 2010

Summary
It is thought that many people with nickel dermatitis use nail varnish as a barrier coat on nickel-containing metals; however, nail varnish allergy at sites in contact with such coated has only been documented once previously, to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to search for a possible link between nail varnish and metal allergy. In total, 1607 consecutively patch-tested patients were enrolled; 16 (1%) of these had nail varnish allergy, located mainly on the eyelids. Eight also had nickel allergy. Six of these eight had successfully used protective nail varnish on metals until subsequent development of ‘failure of protection’ even before the eyelid eczema developed. Sites in contact with metal might be a hidden and even initial localization for nail varnish allergy. ‘Failure of protection’ after a successful protective period despite renewing nail varnish coatings should raise suspicion of sensitization to the nail varnish itself. Future studies should focus on the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis and primary sensitization from nail varnish used as a barrier against nickel dermatitis.
Timing of blooms, algal food quality and Calanus glacialis reproduction and growth in a changing Arctic
Authors: SØREIDE JANNE E. , LEU EVA , BERGE JØRGEN , GRAEVE MARTIN , FALK‐PETERSEN STIG 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe Arctic bloom consists of two distinct categories of primary producers, ice algae growing within and on the underside of the sea ice, and phytoplankton growing in open waters. Long chain omega‐3 fatty acids, a subgroup of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) produced exclusively by these algae, are essential to all marine organisms for successful reproduction, growth, and development. During an extensive field study in the Arctic shelf seas, we followed the seasonal biomass development of ice algae and phytoplankton and their food quality in terms of their relative PUFA content. The first PUFA‐peak occurred in late April during solid ice cover at the onset of the ice algal bloom, and the second PUFA‐peak occurred in early July just after the ice break‐up at the onset of the phytoplankton bloom. The reproduction and growth of the key Arctic grazer Calanus glacialis perfectly coincided with these two bloom events. Females of C. glacialis utilized the high‐quality ice algal bloom to fuel early maturation and reproduction, whereas the resulting offspring had access to ample high‐quality food during the phytoplankton bloom 2 months later. Reduction in sea ice thickness and coverage area will alter the current primary production regime due to earlier ice break‐up and onset of the phytoplankton bloom. A potential mismatch between the two primary production peaks of high‐quality food and the reproductive cycle of key Arctic grazers may have negative consequences for the entire lipid‐driven Arctic marine ecosystem.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a cyclic‐di‐GMP‐regulated adhesin to reinforce the biofilm extracellular matrix
Authors: Borlee Bradley R. , Goldman Aaron D. , Murakami Keiji , Samudrala Ram , Wozniak Daniel J. , Parsek Matthew R. 
Published: January 2010

Summary Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the principal pathogen of cystic fibrosis patients, forms antibiotic‐resistant biofilms promoting chronic colonization of the airways. The extracellular (EPS) matrix is a crucial component of biofilms that provides the community multiple benefits. Recent work suggests that the secondary messenger, cyclic‐di‐GMP, promotes biofilm formation. An analysis of factors specifically expressed in P. aeruginosa under conditions of elevated c‐di‐GMP, revealed functions involved in the production and maintenance of the biofilm extracellular matrix. We have characterized one of these components, encoded by the PA4625 gene, as a putative adhesin and designated it cdrA. CdrA shares structural similarities to extracellular adhesins that belong to two‐partner secretion systems. The cdrA gene is in a two gene operon that also encodes a putative outer membrane transporter, CdrB. The cdrA gene encodes a 220 KDa protein that is predicted to be rod‐shaped protein harbouring a β‐helix structural motif. Western analysis indicates that the CdrA is produced as a 220 kDa proprotein and processed to 150 kDa before secretion into the extracellular medium. We demonstrated that cdrAB expression is minimal in liquid culture, but is elevated in biofilm cultures. CdrAB expression was found to promote biofilm formation and auto‐aggregation in liquid culture. Aggregation mediated by CdrA is dependent on the Psl polysaccharide and can be disrupted by adding mannose, a key structural component of Psl. Immunoprecipitation of Psl present in culture supernatants resulted in co‐immunoprecipitation of CdrA, providing additional evidence that CdrA directly binds to Psl. A mutation in cdrA caused a decrease in biofilm biomass and resulted in the formation of biofilms exhibiting decreased structural integrity. Psl‐specific lectin staining suggests that CdrA either cross‐links Psl polysaccharide polymers and/or tethers Psl to the cells, resulting in increased biofilm structural stability. Thus, this study identifies a key protein structural component of the P. aeruginosa EPS matrix.
The molecular mechanism of mitochondria autophagy in yeast
Authors: Kanki Tomotake , Klionsky Daniel J. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryMitochondria are critical for supplying energy to the cell, but during catabolism this organelle also produces reactive oxygen species that can cause oxidative damage. Accordingly, quality control of mitochondria is important to maintain cellular homeostasis. It has been assumed that autophagy is the pathway for mitochondrial recycling, and that the selective degradation of mitochondria via autophagy (mitophagy) is the primary mechanism for mitochondrial quality control, although there is little experimental evidence to support this idea. Recent studies in yeast identified several mitophagy‐related genes and have uncovered components involved in the molecular mechanism and regulation of mitophagy. Similarly, studies of Parkinson disease and reticulocyte maturation reveal that Parkin and Nix, respectively, are required for mitophagy in mammalian cells, and these analyses have revealed important physiological roles for mitophagy. Here, we review the current knowledge on mitophagy, in particular on the molecular mechanism and regulation of mitophagy in yeast. We also discuss some of the differences between yeast and mammalian mitophagy.
N‐glycosylation in Archaea: on the coordinated actions of Haloferax volcanii AglF and AglM
Authors: Yurist‐Doutsch Sophie , Magidovich Hilla , Ventura Valeria V. , Hitchen Paul G. , Dell Anne , Eichler Jerry 
Published: January 2010

SummaryLike Eukarya and Bacteria, Archaea are also capable of performing N‐glycosylation. In the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii, N‐glycosylation is mediated by the products of the agl gene cluster. In the present report, this gene cluster was expanded to include an additional sequence, aglM, shown to participate in the biosynthesis of hexuronic acids contained within a pentasaccharide decorating the S‐layer glycoprotein, a reporter H. volcanii glycoprotein. In response to different growth conditions, changes in the transcription profile of aglM mirrored changes in the transcription profiles of aglF, aglG and aglI, genes encoding confirmed participants in the H. volcanii N‐glycosylation pathway, thus offering support to the hypothesis that in H. volcanii, N‐glycosylation serves an adaptive role. Following purification, biochemical analysis revealed AglM to function as a UDP‐glucose dehydrogenase. In a scoupled reaction with AglF, a previously identified glucose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase, UDP‐glucuronic acid was generated from glucose‐1‐phosphate and UTP in a NAD+‐dependent manner. These experiments thus represent the first step towards in vitro reconstitution of the archaeal N‐glycosylation process.
Effect of epidural dexmedetomidine on intraoperative awareness and post‐operative pain after one‐lung ventilation
Authors: ELHAKIM M. , ABDELHAMID D. , ABDELFATTACH H. , MAGDY H. , ELSAYED A. , ELSHAFEI M. 
Published: January 2010

Background: During combined general and regional anaesthesia, it is difficult to use autonomic signs to assess whether wakefulness is suppressed adequately. We compared the effects of a dexmedetomidine–bupivacaine mixture with plain bupivacaine for thoracic epidural anaesthesia on intraoperative awareness and analgesic benefits, when combined with superficial isoflurane anaesthesia (<0.05 maximum alveolar concentration) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery with one‐lung ventilation (OLV).Methods: Fifty adult male patients were randomly assigned to receive either epidural dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg with bupivacaine 0.5% (group D) or bupivacaine 0.5% alone (group B) after induction of general anaesthesia. Gasometric, haemodynamic and bispectral index values were recorded. Post‐operative verbal rating score for pain and observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scale were determined by a blinded observer.Results: Dexmedetomidine reduced the use of supplementary fentanyl during surgery. Patients in group B consumed more analgesics and had higher pain scores after operation than patients of group D. The level of sedation was similar between the two groups in the ICU. Two patients (8%) in group B reported possible intraoperative awareness. There was a limited decrease in PaO2 at OLV in group D compared with group B (P<0.05).Conclusion: In thoracic surgery with OLV, the use of epidural dexmedetomidine decreases the anaesthetic requirements significantly, prevents awareness during anaesthesia and improves intraoperative oxygenation and post‐operative analgesia.
Global and right ventricular end‐diastolic volumes correlate better with preload after correction for ejection fraction
Authors: MALBRAIN M. L. N. G. , DE POTTER T. J. R. , DITS H. , REUTER D. A. 
Published: January 2010

Background: Volumetric monitoring with right ventricular end‐diastolic volume indexed (RVEDVi) and global end‐diastolic volume indexed (GEDVi) is increasingly being suggested as a superior preload indicator compared with the filling pressures central venous pressure (CVP) or the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). However, static monitoring of these volumetric parameters has not consistently been shown to be able to predict changes in cardiac index (CI). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a correction of RVEDVi and GEDVi with a measure of the individual contractile reserve, assessed by right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and global ejection fraction, improves the ability of RVEDVi and GEDVi to monitor changes in preload over time in critically ill patients.Methods: Hemodynamic measurements, both by pulmonary artery and by transcardiopulmonary thermodilution, were performed in 11 mechanically ventilated medical ICU patients. Correction of volumes was achieved by normalization to EF deviation from normal EF values in an exponential fashion. Data before and after fluid administration were obtained in eight patients, while data before and after diuretics were obtained in seven patients.Results: No correlation was found between the change in cardiac filling pressures (ΔCVP, ΔPCWP) and ΔCI (R2 0.01 and 0.00, respectively). Further, no correlation was found between ΔRVEDVi or ΔGEDVi and ΔCI (R2 0.10 and 0.13, respectively). In contrast, a significant correlation was found between ΔRVEDVi corrected to RVEF (ΔcRVEDVi) and ΔCI (R2 0.64), as well as between ΔcGEDVi and ΔCI (R2 0.59). An increase in the net fluid balance with +844 ± 495 ml/m2 resulted in a significant increase in CI of 0.5 ± 0.3 l/min/m2; however, only ΔcRVEDVi (R2 0.58) and ΔcGEDVi (R2 0.36) correlated significantly with ΔCI. Administration of diuretics resulting in a net fluid balance of −942 ± 658 ml/m2 caused a significant decrease in CI with 0.7 ± 0.5 l/min/m2; however, only ΔcRVEDVi (R2 0.80) and ΔcGEDVi (R2 0.61) correlated significantly with ΔCI.Conclusion: Correction of volumetric preload parameters by measures of ejection fraction improved the ability of these parameters to assess changes in preload over time in this heterogeneous group of critically ill patients.
Comparison of the incidence and severity of cough after alfentanil and remifentanil injection
Authors: CHO H. B. , KWAK H. J. , PARK S. Y. , KIM J. Y. 
Published: January 2010

Background: Intravenous administration of fentanyl derivatives can induce cough paradoxically. This study examined the incidence and severity of cough after a bolus of alfentanil and remifentanil.Methods: Four hundred and sixty‐five patients, aged 18–70 years, were allocated randomly to three groups to receive alfentanil 10 μg/kg, remifentanil 1 μg/kg or an equal volume of 0.9% saline intravenously over 10 s. Any episode of cough was classified as coughing and graded as mild (1–2), moderate (3–4) or severe (5 or more).Results: The overall incidence of cough was higher in the opioid groups than in the saline group. The remifentanil group [39/150 patients; 26.0% (95% CI, 19.6–33.6%)] showed a higher incidence than the alfentanil group [11/152 patients; 7.2% (95% CI, 0.4–12.6%)] (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the severity of cough between the alfentanil group and the remifentanil group.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that equipotent boluses of alfentanil and remifentanil induced coughing, even though the incidence of cough after alfentanil administration was lower than that after remifentanil administration.
Mixed venous oxygen saturation is a prognostic marker after surgery for aortic stenosis
Authors: HOLM J. , HÅKANSON R.E. , VÁNKY F. , SVEDJEHOLM R. 
Published: January 2010

Background: Adequate monitoring of the hemodynamic state is essential after cardiac surgery and is vital for medical decision making, particularly concerning hemodynamic management. Unfortunately, commonly used methods to assess the hemodynamic state are not well documented with regard to outcome. Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) was therefore investigated after cardiac surgery.Methods: Detailed data regarding mortality were available on all patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for isolated aortic stenosis during a 5‐year period in the southeast region of Sweden (n=396). SvO2 was routinely measured on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and registered in a database. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis of SvO2 in relation to post‐operative mortality related to cardiac failure and all‐cause mortality within 30 days was performed.Results: The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–1.00) for mortality related to cardiac failure (P=0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.53–0.99) for all‐cause mortality (P=0.011). The best cutoff for mortality related to cardiac failure was SvO2 53.7%, with a sensitivity of 1.00 and a specificity of 0.94. The negative predictive value was 100%. The best cutoff for all‐cause mortality was SvO2 58.1%, with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.84. The negative predictive value was 99.4%. Post‐operative morbidity was also markedly increased in patients with a low SvO2.Conclusion: SvO2, on admission to the ICU after surgery for aortic stenosis, demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity for post‐operative mortality related to cardiac failure and a fairly good AUC for all‐cause mortality, with an excellent negative predictive value.