bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and phenotypic differentiation in endemic Scaptotrigona hellwegeri (Apidae: Meliponini): implications for the conservation of stingless bee populations in contrasting environments
Authors: QUEZADA‐EUÁN JOSE JAVIER G. , MAY‐ITZÁ WILLIAM de J. , RINCÓN MANUEL , DE LA RÚA PILAR , PAXTON ROBERT J. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract.  1. The western forests of Mexico are rich in species of stingless bee, possibly a consequence of the diverse habitats found across different altitudes of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) and the Pacific coast (PAC).2. Scaptotrigona hellwegeri is an example of a stingless bee species found across the TMVB and PAC. It is currently considered a single species. Its TMVB populations have become rare and rapidly impacted by human‐modified habitats. Translocation of S. hellwegeri colonies from the PAC tropical lowlands to TMVB subtropical highlands has been considered, as colonies at PAC are more abundant and even used in stingless beekeeping.3. Morphometric analyses of meristic characters plus genetic analysis at microsatellite loci and sequencing of the cox1 region of mtDNA were used to evaluate phenotypic and genetic differentiation in S. hellwegeri from TMVB and PAC.4. Significant morphometric differences were detected between S. hellwegeri from TMVB and PAC. Corrected nuclear multilocus F′ST was 0.592 (P < 0.01), supporting the view that TMVB and PAC populations are markedly genetically differentiated. A 573 bp sequence of the cox1 region of mtDNA showed six sites of divergence, with sequence divergence between PAC and TMVB populations of 1.1%.5. Our morphometric and genetic results make evident that S. hellwegeri from TMVB and PAC are significantly differentiated and represent two genetic lineages. An immediate recommendation is to restrict the movement of colonies from the lowland PAC regions to TMVB, where colonies are currently scarce.
The neural correlates of impaired collision avoidance in hemianopic patients
Authors: Papageorgiou Eleni , Hardiess Gregor , Wiethölter Horst , Ackermann Hermann , Dietz Klaus , Mallot Hanspeter A. , Schiefer Ulrich 
Published: December 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of this study was to assess the brain regions associated with impaired performance in a virtual, dynamic collision avoidance task, in a group of patients with homonymous visual field defects (HVFDs) because of unilateral vascular brain lesions.Methods:  Overall task performance was quantitatively assessed as the number of collisions while crossing an intersection at two levels of traffic density. Twenty‐six patients were divided into two subgroups using the median split method: patients with ‘performance above average’ (HVFDA, i.e. lower number of collisions) and patients with ‘performance below average’ (HVFDB, i.e. higher number of collisions). In order to identify the anatomical structures that might be specifically affected in HVFDB patients but spared in HVFDA patients, overlap, subtraction and voxel‐based lesion‐symptom mapping analyses were performed using the MRIcron software.Results:  No significant difference in collision avoidance between patients with left‐ and right‐hemispheric lesions was revealed. Separate lesion analysis in 12 patients with right‐ and 14 patients with left‐hemispheric lesions showed that the cortical structures associated with impaired collision avoidance were the parieto‐occipital region and posterior cingulate gyrus in the right hemisphere and the inferior occipital cortex and parts of the fusiform (occipito‐temporal) gyrus in the left hemisphere.Conclusion:  In the present collision avoidance paradigm, impaired performance of patients with right‐hemispheric lesions is associated with damage in the dorsal processing stream and potential impact on the visual spatial working memory (WM), while impaired performance of patients with left‐hemispheric lesions is associated with damage in the ventral stream and potential impact on the visual object WM.
Weight‐based high‐ and low‐dose ribavirin in combination with peginterferon α‐2b therapy for genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C: A randomized trial
Authors: Kagawa Tatehiro , Kojima Sei‐ichiro , Shiraishi Koichi , Takashimizu Shinji , Nagata Naruhiko , Shiozawa Hirokazu , Nishizaki Yasuhiro , Ikeda Akihiko , Tei Yoshihiro , Atsukawa Kazuhiro , Kamochi Jun‐ichiro , Wasada Mitsuru , Numata Makoto , Arase Yoshitaka , Hirose Shunji , Yamada Takuji , Hata Yasuo , Watanabe Norihito , Morizane Toshio , Mine Tetsuya 
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The optimal ribavirin dose in the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 remains to be elucidated. We aimed to seek the optimal ribavirin dose required for this genotype in a randomized trial.Methods:  We compared the efficacy and tolerability of the 24‐week peginterferon α‐2b (1.5 µg/kg/week) therapy in combination with a weight‐based higher dose (600–1000 mg) and lower dose (400–800 mg) of ribavirin for genotype 2 patients. Noninferior margin was set at 10%.Results:  A total of 120 patients were randomized to a higher‐dose or a lower‐dose group. Sustained virological response (SVR) by intention‐to‐treat analysis was achieved in 47/58 (81.0%, 90% confidential interval [CI]: 72.6–89.5) patients in the higher‐dose group and 41/60 (68.3%, 90% CI: 58.5–78.2) patients in the lower‐dose group (difference, −12.7%; 90% CI, −25.7 to 0.3). Relapse rates were 10% and 21.6% in the higher‐dose and the lower‐dose groups, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ribavirin dose/kg body weight was the only significant predictor of SVR (≥9.5 mg/kg per day vs <9.5 mg/kg per day; odds ratio = 3.34; 95% CI, 1.41–7.92; P = 0.006). Twenty‐one (36.2%) in the higher‐dose group required ribavirin dose reduction because of anemia, whereas seven patients (11.7%) did in the lower‐dose group (P < 0.01). Three of the higher‐dose group and two of the lower‐dose group required premature termination of therapy.Conclusions:  Weight‐based lower‐dose ribavirin regimen was not equivalent to the higher‐dose counterpart in the treatment of HCV genotype 2. We discourage treating these patients with low‐dose ribavirin regimens. The peginterferon therapy in combination with ribavirin at a weight‐based higher dose (600–1000 mg) remains the standard‐of‐care treatment for this genotype.
The increased PDGF-A, PDGF-B and FGF-2 expression in recurrence of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Soares Andresa Borges , Demasi Ana Paula , Tincani Alfio Jose , Martins Antonio Santos , Altemani Albina , de Araújo Vera Cavalcanti 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundPleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common salivary gland tumour. Although classified as benign, it has a tendency to recur (recurrent pleomorphic adenomas (RPA)), as well as the ability to undergo malignant transformation. It has been suggested that mutations in various families of growth factors and growth factor receptions are involved in the autonomous growth of tumour cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the participation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-Rα, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, Flg and BEK in PA, RPA and recurrent pleomorphic adenoma with malignant transformation (TRPA).Methods18 cases of PA, 16 cases of RPA and two cases of RPA with focal malignant transformation (TRPA) were analysed for growth factor expression utilising immunohistochemical techniques via tissue microarray.ResultsThere was a significant difference in PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-Rα, FGF-2, Flg and BEK expression in all groups. When comparing non-recurrent with recurrent tumours, PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-Rα, FGF-2, Flg and BEK reactivity in RPA was stronger than that observed in PA. All proteins were highly expressed in TRPA.ConclusionsThis research suggests that PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-Rα, FGF-2, BEK and Flg can be related to the recurrence of PA. In addition, this study shows that TRPA cells overexpress all growth factors, which has been reported in association with the malignant transformation.
HIV testing: getting the message across—a survey of knowledge, attitudes and practice among non-HIV specialist physicians
Authors: Hunter Ewan , Perry Meghan , Leen Clifford , Premchand Nikhil 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction
26% of people living with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed and over 50% of adults with HIV are significantly immunocompromised at the time of diagnosis. Current guidelines recommend routine testing in all patients presenting with a range of conditions in low prevalence areas (&lt;2/1000).

Methods
The authors conducted an online survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practice of non-HIV specialist physicians with regard to HIV testing in two areas of the UK with a lower prevalence of HIV. Key outcomes included recognition of recommended clinical indications for HIV testing and perceived barriers to performing HIV tests more routinely. All responses were collected in July 2009.

Results
Recommended indications for HIV testing were identified by 0–43.7% of 119 respondents. 47.9% cited a low prevalence of HIV as a barrier to routine testing. 88% of 60 consultant physicians were unaware of current guidelines on testing for HIV.

Conclusion
The authors found a low awareness of current guidance on testing for HIV and a high level of perceived barriers to testing. Reducing the high number of late diagnoses is a clinical and public health priority. To achieve this, the authors recommend improved policy dispersal coupled with education that targets perceived barriers to testing.
Nucleotide Excision Repair Factor XPC Enhances DNA Damage–Induced Apoptosis by Downregulating the Antiapoptotic Short Isoform of Caspase-2
Authors: Wang Qi-En , Han Chunhua , Zhang Bo , Sabapathy Kanaga , Wani Altaf A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
XPC protein is a critical DNA damage recognition factor in nucleotide excision repair for which genetic deficiency confers a predisposition to cancer. In this study, we show that XPC has a function that is independent of its canonical function in DNA repair, potentially altering the interpretation of how XPC deficiency leads to heightened cancer susceptibility. XPC enhances apoptosis induced by DNA damage in a p53 nullizygous background, acting downstream of mitochondrial permeabilization and upstream of caspase-9 activation in the DNA damage–induced apoptosis cascade. We found that deficiency in XPC upregulated production of the short isoform of caspase-2 (casp-2S). This upregulation occurred at both protein and mRNA levels through repression of the caspase-2 promoter by XPC protein. Targeted RNAi-mediated downregulation of casp-2S–enhanced UV-induced apoptosis as well as activation of caspase-9 and caspase-6 in XPC-deficient cells, but not in XPC-proficient cells. In addition, XPC overexpression in various p53-deficient cancer cells resistant to cisplatin improved their sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Given that casp-2S functions as an antiapoptotic protein, our findings suggest that XPC enhances DNA damage–induced apoptosis through inhibition of casp-2S transcription. Together, these findings offer a mechanistic foundation to overcome the resistance of highly prevalent p53-deficient tumors to cell death induced by DNA-damaging therapeutic agents, by targeting strategies that inhibit the expression or function of casp-2S. Cancer Res; 72(3); 666–75. ©2011 AACR.
Didymin Induces Apoptosis by Inhibiting N-Myc and Upregulating RKIP in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Singhal Jyotsana , Nagaprashantha Lokesh Dalasanur , Vatsyayan Rit , Ashutosh  , Awasthi Sanjay , Singhal Sharad S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNeuroblastomas arise from the neural crest cells and represent the most common solid tumors outside the nervous system in children. The amplification of N-Myc plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of neuroblastomas, whereas acquired mutations of p53 lead to refractory and relapsed cases of neuroblastomas. In this regard, dietary compounds which can target N-Myc and exert anticancer effects independent of p53 status acquire significance in the management of neuroblastomas. Hence, we investigated the anticancer properties of the flavonoid didymin in neuroblastomas. Didymin effectively inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis irrespective of p53 status in neuroblastomas. Didymin downregulated phosphoinositide 3-kinase, pAkt, Akt, vimentin, and upregulated RKIP levels. Didymin induced G2/M arrest along with decreasing the levels of cyclin D1, CDK4, and cyclin B1. Importantly, didymin inhibited N-Myc as confirmed at protein, mRNA, and transcriptional level by promoter–reporter assays. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of didymin-treated (2 mg/kg b.w.) mice serum revealed effective oral absorption with free didymin concentration of 2.1 μmol/L. Further in vivo mice xenograft studies revealed that didymin-treated (2 mg/kg b.w.) animals had significant reductions in tumors size compared with controls. Didymin strongly inhibited the proliferation (Ki67) and angiogenesis (CD31) markers, as well as N-Myc expression, as revealed by the histopathologic examination of paraffin-embedded section of resected tumors. Collectively, our in vitro and in vivo studies elucidated the anticancer properties and mechanisms of action of a novel, orally active, and palatable flavonoid didymin, which makes it a potential new approach for neuroblastoma therapy (NANT) to target pediatric neuroblastomas. Cancer Prev Res; 5(3); 473–83. ©2011 AACR.
Coronary Artery Calcification in Hemophilia A
Authors: Tuinenburg Attie , Rutten Annemarieke , Kavousi Maryam , Leebeek Frank W.G. , Ypma Paula F. , Laros-van Gorkom Britta A.P. , Nijziel Marten R. , Kamphuisen Pieter W. , Mauser-Bunschoten Eveline P. , Roosendaal Goris , Biesma Douwe H. , van der Lugt Aad , Hofman Albert , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Bots Michiel L. , Schutgens Roger E.G. 
Published: December 2011

Objective—
Ischemic heart disease mortality is lower in hemophilia patients than in the general male population. As coagulation plays a role in the inflammatory pathways involved in atherogenesis, we investigated whether the clotting factor deficiency protects hemophilia patients from developing atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Coronary artery calcification, measured with multidetector-row computed tomography, was compared between 42 men, ≥59 years, with severe or moderate hemophilia A, and 613 nonhemophilic men from the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population-based study. None of the study subjects were HIV infected or had a history of cardiovascular disease. Coronary artery calcification was quantified by calculating the Agatston score and calcification mass. Data were analyzed using linear regression. Mean difference (β) of the natural log–transformed Agatston score between men with and without hemophilia was 0.141 (95% CI −0.602 to 0.885,
P
=0.709). Results did not change after adjustment for age, body mass index, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and use of antidiabetic medication (β=0.525, 95% CI −0.202 to 1.252,
P
=0.157). Comparable results were found for calcification mass.

Conclusion—
The extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis is comparable between elderly men with and without hemophilia. Results from this study underline the importance of screening and treating atherosclerosis risk factors in hemophilia patients.
Role of the Indian Ocean in the ENSO–Indian Summer Monsoon Teleconnection in the NCEP Climate Forecast System
Authors: Achuthavarier Deepthi , Krishnamurthy V. , Kirtman Ben P. , Huang Bohua 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The observed negative correlation between El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian summer monsoon is not simulated by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) coupled model. The correlation is partially restored in the simulations where the Indian Ocean (IO) sea surface temperature (SST) is prescribed with the daily mean or climatology. Comparison among the simulations suggests that ENSO-induced SST anomalies form a strong dipole pattern oriented along the zonal direction in the IO in the coupled model, preventing the ENSO signals from reaching the Indian monsoon region. In the model, the dipole develops early in the monsoon season and extends to the central equatorial IO while it is formed at the end of the season in observations. The dipole modifies low-level winds and surface pressure, and grows in a positive feedback loop involving winds, surface pressure, and SST. Examination of the mean state in the model reveals that the thermocline is relatively shallow in the eastern IO. This preconditions the ocean such that the atmospheric fluxes can easily impart fluctuations in the subsurface temperature and thereby in the SST. These results suggest that biases in the IO can adversely affect the ENSO–monsoon teleconnection in a coupled model.
Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation for the Canadian Regional Deterministic Prediction System
Authors: Tanguay Monique , Fillion Luc , Lapalme Ervig , Lajoie Manon 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
As a second step in the development of the Canadian Regional Data Assimilation System following Fillion et al., this study extends the approach to the four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) context. Emphasis is first put on illustrating the importance of controlling lateral boundary conditions (LBCs). The use in the minimization of a horizontal grid over a domain exceeding the horizontal grid of the high-resolution nonlinear model is then proposed. The authors examine the performance of this 4D-Var formulation as an upcoming upgrade to the currently operational regional three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-Var) system. Forecast verifications against radiosonde data for 118 winter cases and 118 summer cases were performed. Results indicate a slight positive impact up to 48 h against North American radiosondes, but with a significant positive impact (especially for winds) at mid- and high latitudes during the summer. Accumulated precipitation scores over 24 h, whether during the first or second day of the forecasts, are slightly improved. The regional 4D-Var analysis system described in this study can run within current real-time “regional run” allocation for operations at the Canadian Meteorological Center (CMC). Future improvements of this system are briefly mentioned especially regarding the upcoming computer upgrade at CMC.
Defense mechanisms against herbivory in Picea: sequence evolution and expression regulation of gene family members in the phenylpropanoid pathway
Authors: Porth Ilga , Hamberger Björn , White Richard , Ritland Kermit 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
In trees, a substantial amount of carbon is directed towards production of phenolics for development and defense. This metabolic pathway is also a major factor in resistance to insect pathogens in spruce. In such gene families, environmental stimuli may have an important effect on the evolutionary fate of duplicated genes, and different expression patterns may indicate functional diversification.

Results
Gene families in spruce (Picea) have expanded to superfamilies, including O-methyltransferases, cytochrome-P450, and dirigents/classIII-peroxidases. Neo-functionalization of superfamily members from different clades is reflected in expression diversification. Genetical genomics can provide new insights into the genetic basis and evolution of insect resistance in plants. Adopting this approach, we merged genotype data (252 SNPs in a segregating pedigree), gene expression levels (for 428 phenylpropanoid-related genes) and measures of susceptibility to Pissodes stobi, using a partial-diallel crossing-design with white spruce (Picea glauca). Thirty-eight expressed phenylpropanoid-related genes co-segregated with weevil susceptibility, indicating either causative or reactive effects of these genes to weevil resistance. We identified eight regulatory genomic regions with extensive overlap of quantitative trait loci from susceptibility and growth phenotypes (pQTLs) and expression QTL (eQTL) hotspots. In particular, SNPs within two different CCoAOMT loci regulate phenotypic variation from a common set of 24 genes and three resistance traits.

Conclusions
Pest resistance was associated with individual candidate genes as well as with trans-regulatory hotspots along the spruce genome. Our results showed that specific genes within the phenylpropanoid pathway have been duplicated and diversified in the conifer in a process fundamentally different from short-lived angiosperm species. These findings add to the information about the role of the phenylpropanoid pathway in the evolution of plant defense mechanisms against insect pests and provide substantial potential for the functional characterization of several not yet resolved alternative pathways in plant defenses.
YY1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and metastasis-free survival in patients suffering osteosarcoma
Authors: de Nigris Filomena , Zanella Licciana , Cacciatore Francesco , Chiara Anna De , Fazioli Flavio , Chiappetta Gennaro , Apice Gaetano , Infante Teresa , Monaco Mario , Rossiello Raffaele , Rosa Gaetano De , Alberghini Marco , Napoli Claudio 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe polycomb transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) overexpression can be causally implicated in experimental tumor growth and metastasization. To date, there is no clinical evidence of YY1 involvement in outcome of patients with osteosarcoma. Prognosis of osteosarcoma is still severe and only few patients survive beyond five years. We performed a prospective immunohistochemistry analysis to correlate YY1 immunostaining with metastatic development and survival in a selected homogeneous group of patients with osteosarcoma.MethodsWe studied 41 patients suffering from osteosarcoma (stage II-IVa). Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression to evaluate the correlation between YY1 expression and both metastasis development and mortality.ResultsYY1 protein is not usually present in normal bone; in contrast, a high number of patients (61%) showed a high score of YY1 positive cells (51-100%) and 39% had a low score (10-50% positive cells). No statistical difference was found in histology, anatomic sites, or response to chemotherapy between the two degrees of YY1 expression. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the highest score of YY1 expression was predictive of both low metastasis-free survival (HR = 4.690, 95%CI = 1.079-20.396; p = 0.039) and poor overall survival (HR = 8.353, 95%CI = 1.863-37.451 p = 0.006) regardless of the effects of covariates such as age, gender, histology and chemonecrosis.ConclusionOverexpression of YY1 in primary site of osteosarcoma is associated with the occurrence of metastasis and poor clinical outcome.