bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PICK1 expression in reactive astrocytes within the spinal cord of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) rats
Authors: Focant M. C. , Goursaud S. , Boucherie C. , Dumont A. O. , Hermans E. 
Published: May 2012

M. C. Focant, S. Goursaud, C. Boucherie, A. O. Dumont and E. Hermans (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 231–242PICK1 expression in reactive astrocytes within the spinal cord of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ratsAims: The protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1), a PDZ domain‐containing protein mainly expressed in the central nervous system, interacts with the glutamate receptor subunit GluR2, with the glutamate transporter GLT‐1b and with the enzyme serine racemase. These three proteins appear as key actors in the glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in both patients and animal models of the disease. In this study, we examined the expression of PICK1 in the spinal cord of transgenic rats expressing a mutated form of the human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1G93A) during the progression of the disease. Methods: Expression of PICK1 was examined by real‐time qPCR at presymptomatic and symptomatic stages as well as at end‐stage. The expression of PICK1 in the different cell types of the spinal cord was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: The overall expression of PICK1 is not modified in cervical and lumbar spinal cord of transgenic (hSOD1G93A) rats during the progression of the disease. Nonetheless, immunohistochemical studies of lumbar ventral horns revealed a shift of PICK1 expression from motor neurones in healthy rats to activated astrocytes in end‐stage hSOD1G93A animals. Conclusions: Considering the documented influence of PICK1 expression on d‐serine release and glutamate transport in astrocytes, these findings point to a potential implication of PICK1 in the progression of ALS.
Molecular mechanisms of seed dormancy
Authors: GRAEBER KAI , NAKABAYASHI KAZUMI , MIATTON EMMA , LEUBNER‐METZGER GERHARD , SOPPE WIM J. J. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTSeed dormancy is an important component of plant fitness that causes a delay of germination until the arrival of a favourable growth season. Dormancy is a complex trait that is determined by genetic factors with a substantial environmental influence. Several of the tissues comprising a seed contribute to its final dormancy level. The roles of the plant hormones abscisic acid and gibberellin in the regulation of dormancy and germination have long been recognized. The last decade saw the identification of several additional factors that influence dormancy including dormancy‐specific genes, chromatin factors and non‐enzymatic processes. This review gives an overview of our present understanding of the mechanisms that control seed dormancy at the molecular level, with an emphasis on new insights. The various regulators that are involved in the induction and release of dormancy, the influence of environmental factors and the conservation of seed dormancy mechanisms between plant species are discussed. Finally, expected future directions in seed dormancy research are considered.
Nitric oxide promotes MPK6‐mediated caspase‐3‐like activation in cadmium‐induced Arabidopsis thaliana programmed cell death
Authors: YE YUN , LI ZHE , XING DA 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTNitric oxide (NO), a vital cell‐signalling molecule, has been reported to regulate toxic metal responses in plants. This work investigated the effects of NO and the relationship between NO and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) programmed cell death (PCD) induced by cadmium (Cd2+) exposure. With fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis, caspase‐3‐like protease activation was detected after Cd2+ treatment. This was further confirmed with a caspase‐3 substrate assay. Cd2+‐induced caspase‐3‐like activity was inhibited in the presence of the NO‐specific scavenger 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (cPTIO), suggesting that NO mediated caspase‐3‐like protease activation under Cd2+ stress conditions. Pretreatment with cPTIO effectively inhibited Cd2+‐induced MAPK activation, indicating that NO also affected the MAPK pathway. Interestingly, Cd2+‐induced caspase‐3‐like activity was significantly suppressed in the mpk6 mutant, suggesting that MPK6 was required for caspase‐3‐like protease activation. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that NO promotes Cd2+‐induced Arabidopsis PCD by promoting MPK6‐mediated caspase‐3‐like activation.
Change over time (2007–2009) in HIV preventive behaviours, evidence from two serial population‐based surveys in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Langhaug Lisa , Buzdugan Raluca , Copas Andrew , Dirawo Jeffrey , Benedict Clemens , Mundida Oscar , Manyenya Sunday , Woelk Godfrey , Cowan Frances 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective  To assess reported HIV knowledge and attitudes, sexual behaviours and HIV testing in Zimbabwe.Methods  Representative household surveys of all 18–24 year olds and a proportion of 25–44 year olds were conducted in six purposefully selected rural districts in two provinces in 2007 and 2009. Both surveys used the same methods and questionnaires. We compared differences in reported HIV knowledge, sexual behaviours and HIV testing, controlling for differences in socio‐demographics at baseline, using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression analyses.Results  Analysis was restricted to districts included in both baseline (n = 1891) and mid‐term (n = 2746) surveys. Comparisons indicate increased reports of HIV knowledge (35%vs. 22% had high knowledge) and more favourable individual attitudes towards HIV. There was an increase in reported HIV testing (men: 41%vs. 31%, women: 55%vs. 36%) and condom use (men: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.35, women: AOR = 1.22) and a decrease in number of sexual partners (men: 67%vs. 49% reported 1 partner/previous 6 months, women: 77%vs. 68%).Conclusions  As Zimbabwe continues to document declines in HIV prevalence, this analysis offers insight into recent and continuing positive changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among the rural population.
Estimation of historical effective population size using linkage disequilibria with marker data
Authors: Corbin L.J. , Liu A.Y.H. , Bishop S.C. , Woolliams J.A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryTheory hypothesizes that the rate of decline in linkage disequilibrium (LD) as a function of distance between markers, measured by r2, can be used to estimate effective population size (Ne) and how it varies over time. The development of high‐density genotyping makes feasible the application of this theory and has provided an impetus to improve predictions. This study considers the impact of several developments on the estimation of Ne using both simulated and equine high‐density single‐nucleotide polymorphism data, when Ne is assumed to be constant a priori and when it is not. In all models, estimates of Ne were highly sensitive to thresholds imposed upon minor allele frequency (MAF) and to a priori assumptions on the expected r2 for adjacent markers. Where constant Ne was assumed a priori, then estimates with the lowest mean square error were obtained with MAF thresholds between 0.05 and 0.10, adjustment of r2 for finite sample size, estimation of a [the limit for r2 as recombination frequency (c) approaches 0] and relating Ne to c (1 – c/2). The findings for predicting Ne from models allowing variable Ne were much less clear, apart from the desirability of correcting for finite sample size, and the lack of consistency in estimating recent Ne (<7 generations) where estimates use data with large c. The theoretical conflicts over how estimation should proceed and uncertainty over where predictions might be expected to fit well suggest that the estimation of Ne when it varies be carried out with extreme caution.
The benefits of a tailor‐made pilot primary health‐care course for Indigenous high school students in remote Queensland
Authors: Pham Xiuzhi , Page Priscilla , Sivamalai Sundram , Woolley Torres 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective:  This study highlights the benefits of a tailor‐made course for an Indigenous high school in a remote North Queensland community.Design:  Qualitative research study using a Grounded Theory approach to allow thematic analysis of participant's responses to a researcher‐administered, pre‐defined, semistructured questionnaire.Setting:  Remote community college in Abergowrie, North Queensland.Participants:  Four male high school students and eight key stakeholders were interviewed over the telephone (n = 12).Results:  Thematic analyses of the feedback from students and stakeholders showed a variety of benefits from the course for Indigenous students: increased knowledge of health issues, greater awareness and interest in health career pathways, increased pride, self‐esteem and self‐confidence, positive role‐modelling and leadership behaviour in the students, and hope for future career development. Weaknesses identified were mainly associated with a lack of resources and support for the course.Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that a tailor‐made primary health‐care education course can create opportunities for Indigenous people to pursue health careers, promote health knowledge and leadership skills, inspire pride and self‐esteem, and strengthen links within the community.
Dancing with data: An example of acquiring theoretical sensitivity in a grounded theory study
Authors: Hoare Karen J , Mills Jane , Francis Karen 
Published: May 2012

Hoare KJ, Mills J, Francis K. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 240–245Dancing with data: An example of acquiring theoretical sensitivity in a grounded theory studyGlaser suggested that the conceptual route from data collection to a grounded theory is a set of double back steps. The route forward inevitably results in the analyst stepping back. Additionally sidestepping through, leading participants down lines of inquiry and following data threads with other participants, is also characteristic of acquiring theoretical sensitivity, a key concept in grounded theory. Other ways of acquiring theoretical sensitivity comprise: reading the literature, open coding, category building, reflecting in memos followed by doubling back on data collection once further lines of inquiry are opened up. This paper describes how we ‘danced with data’ in pursuit of heightened theoretical sensitivity in a grounded theory study of information use by nurses working in general practice in New Zealand. Providing an example of how analytical tools are employed to theoretically sample emerging concepts.
Phylogenetic analyses of band‐winged grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Oedipodinae) reveal convergence of wing morphology
Authors: Husemann Martin , Namkung Suk , Habel Jan C. , Danley Patrick D. , Hochkirch Axel 
Published: May 2012

Husemann, M., Namkung, S., Habel, J.C., Danley, P.D. & Hochkirch, A. (2012). Phylogenetic analyses of band‐winged grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Oedipodinae) reveal convergence of wing morphology. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 515–526.Historically, morphological traits have been used to examine the relationships of distantly related taxa with global distributions. The use of such traits, however, may be misleading and may not provide the resolution needed to distinguish various hypotheses that may explain the distribution patterns of widely distributed taxa. One such taxon, the Oedipodine grasshoppers, contains two tribes principally defined by wing morphologies: the Bryodemini have broad wings whereas Sphingonotini are narrow‐winged. Through the use of morphological features alone, hypotheses concerning the evolution of these tribes cannot be distinguished. To differentiate hypotheses that may explain the distribution of Oedipodines, such as vicariance, natural dispersal and anthropogenic translocation, we used two mitochondrial and three nuclear gene fragments to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships within and between the two tribes, and employed a molecular clock to evaluate the hypotheses of vicariance and dispersal. Our results clearly reject monophyly of the tribes and revealed monophyletic Old and New World clades, which is in agreement with previous molecular studies. The split between both clades was dated at 35 Ma (±12 Ma). This clearly rejects the vicariance hypothesis and supports a single invasion via the Beringian land bridge. In addition, our data clearly show that the similarities in wing morphology used for distinguishing both tribes are the result of at least one convergent event. Our study shows that interpretations of relationships based on the currently accepted taxonomy in the study groups will be error prone. We suggest that future revisions that consider our findings are required.
Towards an acoustic‐based coupled observation and modelling system for monitoring and predicting ecosystem dynamics of the open ocean
Authors: Handegard Nils Olav , Buisson Louis du , Brehmer Patrice , Chalmers Stewart J , De Robertis Alex , Huse Geir , Kloser Rudy , Macaulay Gavin , Maury Olivier , Ressler Patrick H , Stenseth Nils Chr , Godø Olav Rune 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAssessment of open‐ocean ecosystems relies on understanding ecosystem dynamics, and development of end‐to‐end ecosystem models represents an approach that addresses these challenges. These models incorporate the population structure and dynamics of marine organisms at all trophic levels. Satellite remote sensing of ocean colour and direct at‐sea measurements provide information on the lower trophic levels of the models, and fisheries studies provide information on top predator species. However, these models suffer from a lack of observations for the so‐called mid‐trophic levels, which are poorly sampled by conventional methods. This restricts further development, and we argue that acoustic observations from a range of platforms (e.g. buoys, moorings) can be linked to the ecosystem models to provide much‐needed information on these trophic levels. To achieve this, the models need to be tailored to incorporate the available acoustic data, and the link from acoustic backscatter to biologically relevant variables (biomass, carbon, etc.) needs attention. Methods to progress this issue are proposed, including the development of observation models and focal areas for ground truthing. To ensure full use of the potential of acoustic techniques, we argue that a systematic and long‐term strategy incorporating the following elements is required: development of metadata standards and automated data analysis, inclusion of acoustic sensors in large‐scale observatory programmes, improvement of observation‐model links, and efficient sampling strategies. Finally, these elements should be tied together in an observation‐modelling framework, coordinated by international organizations, to improve our understanding and quantification of open‐ocean ecosystem dynamics.
Moss‐based production of asialo‐erythropoietin devoid of Lewis A and other plant‐typical carbohydrate determinants
Authors: Parsons Juliana , Altmann Friedrich , Arrenberg Claudia K. , Koprivova Anna , Beike Anna K. , Stemmer Christian , Gorr Gilbert , Reski Ralf , Decker Eva L. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryProtein therapeutics represent one of the most increasing areas in the pharmaceutical industry. Plants gain acceptance as attractive alternatives for high‐quality and economical protein production. However, as the majority of biopharmaceuticals are glycoproteins, plant‐specific N‐glycosylation has to be taken into consideration. In Physcomitrella patens (moss), glyco‐engineering is an applicable tool, and the removal of immunogenic core xylose and fucose residues was realized before. Here, we present the identification of the enzymes that are responsible for terminal glycosylation (α1,4 fucosylation and β1,3 galactosylation) on complex‐type N‐glycans in moss. The terminal trisaccharide consisting of α1,4 fucose and β1,3 galactose linked to N‐acetylglucosamine forms the so‐called Lewis A epitope. This epitope is rare on moss wild‐type proteins, but was shown to be enriched on complex‐type N‐glycans of moss‐produced recombinant human erythropoietin, while unknown from the native human protein. Via gene targeting of moss galactosyltransferase and fucosyltransferase genes, we identified the gene responsible for terminal glycosylation and were able to completely abolish the formation of Lewis A residues on the recombinant biopharmaceutical.
Characterisation of a cell‐free supernatant obtained from cultures of Enterococcus faecalis DBFIQ E24 with antagonistic activity against bacteria, yeasts and moulds
Authors: DE LAS M CARDOSO MARÍA , MANZO RICARDO M , TONARELLI GEORGINA G , SIMONETTA ARTURO C 
Published: May 2012

Enterococcus faecalis DBFIQ E24 strain produces antimicrobial substances that inhibit the growth of food‐borne pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and moulds. This broad antimicrobial spectrum was determined by obtaining the cell‐free supernatant (CFS) and employing the agar‐well‐diffusion method. Its antibacterial activity was completely inactivated by the action of proteinase K and not affected by catalase action. Besides, it was stable to thermal treatments, showing maximum antibacterial activity at pH 7.0. Moreover, CFS showed a bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli DBFIQ Ec9 strain. All these interesting physicochemical properties allow that either CFS or E. faecalis DBFIQ E24 strain to be considered as potential food biopreservatives.
Navitoclax (ABT‐263) and bendamustine ± rituximab induce enhanced killing of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma tumours in vivo
Authors: Ackler S , Mitten MJ , Chen J , Clarin J , Foster K , Jin S , Phillips DC , Schlessinger S , Wang B , Leverson JD , Boghaert ER 
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bendamustine with or without rituximab provides an effective and more tolerable alternative to the polytherapy cyclophosphamide–doxorubicin–vincristine–prednisolone (CHOP) in the treatment of haematological tumours and is currently approved for the treatment of many haematological malignancies. Navitoclax (ABT‐263) is a potent inhibitor of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bcl‐w, which has demonstrated efficacy in haematological tumours alone and in combination with other agents. This paper describes the in vivo efficacy of combining either bendamustine or bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) with navitoclax in xenograft models of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomaEXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Activity was tested in xenograft models of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DoHH‐2, SuDHL‐4), mantle cell lymphoma (Granta 519) and Burkitt's lymphoma (RAMOS). Activity was also monitored in a systemic model of Granta 519.KEY RESULTS Navitoclax potentiated bendamustine activity in all cell lines tested. Bendamustine activated p53 in Granta 519 tumours, concurrent with activation of caspase 3. Navitoclax also improved responses to bendamustine‐rituximab (BR) in a subset of tumours.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Navitoclax in combination with bendamustine and BR is a viable combination strategy for use in the clinic and demonstrated superior efficacy compared with previously reported data for navitoclax plus CHOP and rituximab‐CHOP.
Safety of peginterferon alfa‐2a plus ribavirin in a large multinational cohort of chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Lee Samuel S. , Roberts Stuart K. , Berak Hanna , Dusheiko Geoffrey M. , Harley Hugh A. , Gane Edward J. , Husa Petr , Horsmans Yves J. , Hadziyannis Stephanos J. , Jenny Heathcote E. , Messinger Diethelm , Tatsch Fernando , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Ferenci Peter 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground & AimsPeginterferon plus ribavirin has been the standard of care for chronic hepatitis C for a decade and an essential component of combination regimens for this disease. This large multinational open‐label study aimed to better define the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) and non‐serious adverse events of special interest in patients receiving peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin.MethodsPatients were assigned at the investigator's discretion to 24‐ or 48‐week treatment with peginterferon alfa‐2a 180 μg/week and ribavirin 800 mg/day or 1000/1200 mg/day. All AEs, defined as SAEs and non‐SAEs of special interest, were recorded during treatment and for 12 weeks thereafter. Non‐SAEs of special interest included those leading to dose reduction/discontinuation, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, ALT elevations leading to dose modification and unknown/unexpected AEs.ResultsOf 1675 and 7178 patients assigned to 24 and 48 weeks of treatment, respectively, 87.6 and 68.3% completed therapy, whereas 6.4 and 10.3% prematurely stopped peginterferon alfa‐2a treatment because of AEs. Among patients assigned to 24 and 48 weeks, 37.4 and 46.9%, respectively, reported any AE (SAE or non‐SAE of special interest); 4.2 and 6.6% reported SAEs and 35.2 and 44.0% reported non‐SAEs of special interest. Female gender, increasing age and cirrhosis were significantly associated with dose reductions of either drug. Increasing age (and female gender in the case of ribavirin) was significantly associated with treatment discontinuation.ConclusionThis study confirmed the safety and tolerability profile of peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin and identified patient subgroups at higher risk of dose reductions and discontinuations, thus allowing optimum management of AEs.
Higher risk of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐2, 7, 9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP‐2) genetic variants to gallbladder cancer
Authors: Sharma Kiran L. , Misra Sanjeev , Kumar Ashok , Mittal Balraj 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundMatrix metalloproteinase belong to family of pericellular collagenases which degrade extracellular matrix (ECM), and is involved in the modulation and susceptibility of various cancers.MethodologyThe present study included 410 gallbladder (GBC) cases and 230 healthy controls from North India. Study examined the associations of polymorphisms of MMP‐2c.735C>T (rs2285053), MMP‐2c.1306 C>T (rs243865), MMP7c.181A>G (rs11568818), MMP‐9p.R279Q (rs17556) MMP‐9p.P574R (rs2250889), MMP‐9 p.R668Q (rs17577) and TIMP2c.418 G>C (rs8179090) to GBC susceptibility. Genotyping was carried out by PCR‐RFLP. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS ver16.ResultsThe MMP‐2 c.735 [CT+TT], MMP‐2c.1306 [CT+TT], MMP7 c.181 [AG+GG] and MMP‐9 p.668 [RQ+QQ],TIMP2c.418 [GG+GC] genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of GBC (P = 0.01; [OR]1.87, P = 0.02; [OR] 1.68, P = 0.02; [OR]=1.61, P = 0.002; [OR]=1.91,P = 0.01; [OR]=1.78 and (P = 0.03; [OR]=1.68; P = 0.01; [OR]=1.78 respectively). Haplotypes [C‐735‐T‐1306] and [T‐1306‐C‐735] of MMP‐2 (P = <0.005; [OR] =1.78 P = <0.0001; [OR] =2.09) and haplotype [Q279‐P574‐Q668]of the MMP‐9 (P = 0.04; [OR] =2.75) were significantly associated with GBC risk. On stratification of GBC patients with/without gallstones, MMP‐2 haplotypes were associated with higher GBC risk in patients accompanying gallstones whereas MMP‐9 haplotypes showed risk in patients without stones. Combined effect of > 3 MMP/TIMP variant containing genotypes imparted increased risk of GBC (P < 0.0001; [OR] =3.36). Multivariate logistic regression results also supported association of MMP‐2 (c.735C>T, c.1306 C>T), MMP‐9 p.R668Q and TIMP2c.418G>C variants with GBC susceptibility.ConclusionThis study suggests that genetic variants in MMP‐2,7,9 and TIMP‐2genes are associated with higher susceptibility of gallbladder cancer.