bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How far is too close? restricted, sex‐biased dispersal in black‐capped vireos
Authors: ATHREY GIRI , LANCE RICHARD F. , LEBERG PAUL L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUnderstanding the interplay of dispersal and how it translates into gene flow is key to understanding population processes, and especially so for endangered species occupying fragmented habitats. In migratory songbirds, there is evidence that long‐distance movement capabilities do not translate well into observed dispersal. Our objectives were to (i) define the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure in endangered black‐capped vireos to characterize dispersal patterns and (ii) to correlate dispersal dynamics to overall population genetic structure using a simulation approach. We sampled 160 individuals over 2 years to (i) describe the fine‐scale genetic structuring and (ii) used this information to model scenarios to compare with actual data on change in population structuring over a 100‐year interval. We found that black‐capped vireos exhibit male philopatry and restricted dispersal distances, relative to females. Our simulations also support a sex‐biased dispersal model. Additionally, we find that fragmentation related changes in rates of dispersal might be a likely cause for increasing levels of population structure over a 100‐year period. We show that restricted sex‐biased dispersal can explain population structuring in this species and that changes in dispersal rates due to fragmentation may be a continuing threat to genetic viability in this species.
Molecular insights into the terminal energy acceptor in cyanobacterial phycobilisome
Authors: Gao Xiang , Wei Tian‐Di , Zhang Nan , Xie Bin‐Bin , Su Hai‐Nan , Zhang Xi‐Ying , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Zhou Bai‐Cheng , Wang Zhi‐Xin , Wu Jia‐Wei , Zhang Yu‐Zhong 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe linker protein LCM (ApcE) is postulated as the major component of the phycobilisome terminal energy acceptor (TEA) transferring excitation energy from the phycobilisome to photosystem II. LCM is the only phycobilin‐attached linker protein in the cyanobacterial phycobilisome through auto‐chromophorylation. However, the underlying mechanism for the auto‐chromophorylation of LCM and the detailed molecular architecture of TEA is still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the N‐terminal phycobiliprotein‐like domain of LCM (Pfam00502, LP502) can specifically recognize phycocyanobilin (PCB) by itself. Biochemical assays indicated that PCB binds into the same pocket in LP502 as that in the allophycocyanin α‐subunit and that Ser152 and Asp155 play a vital role in LP502 auto‐chromophorylation. By carefully conducting computational simulations, we arrived at a rational model of the PCB‐LP502 complex structure that was supported by extensive mutational studies. In the PCB‐LP502 complex, PCB binds into a deep pocket of LP502 with a distorted conformation, and Ser152 and Asp155 form several hydrogen bonds to PCB fixing the PCB Ring A and Ring D. Finally, based on our results, the dipoles and dipole–dipole interactions in TEA are analysed and a molecular structure for TEA is proposed, which gives new insights into the energy transformation mechanism of cyanobacterial phycobilisome.
Altered expression and splicing of Ca2+ metabolism genes in myotonic dystrophies DM1 and DM2
Authors: Vihola A. , Sirito M. , Bachinski L. L. , Raheem O. , Screen M. , Suominen T. , Krahe R. , Udd B. 
Published: July 2012

A. Vihola, M. Sirito, L. L. Bachinski, O. Raheem, M. Screen, T. Suominen, R. Krahe and B. Udd (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 390–405Altered expression and splicing of Ca2+ metabolism genes in myotonic dystrophies DM1 and DM2Aims: Myotonic dystrophy types 1 and 2 (DM1 and DM2) are multisystem disorders caused by similar repeat expansion mutations, with similar yet distinct clinical features. Aberrant splicing of multiple effector genes, as well as dysregulation of transcription and translation, has been suggested to underlie different aspects of the complex phenotypes in DM1 and DM2. Ca2+ plays a central role in both muscle contraction and control of gene expression, and recent expression profiling studies have indicated major perturbations of the Ca2+ signalling pathways in DM. Here we have further investigated the expression of genes and proteins involved in Ca2+ metabolism in DM patients, including Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ binding proteins. Methods: We used patient muscle biopsies to analyse mRNA expression and splicing of genes by microarray expression profiling and RT‐PCR. We studied protein expression by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Results: Most of the genes studied showed mRNA up‐regulation in expression profiling. When analysed by immunohistochemistry the Ca2+ release channel ryanodine receptor was reduced in DM1 and DM2, as was calsequestrin 2, a sarcoplasmic reticulum lumen Ca2+ storage protein. Abnormal splicing of ATP2A1 was more pronounced in DM2 than DM1. Conclusions: We observed abnormal mRNA and protein expression in DM affecting several proteins involved in Ca2+ metabolism, with some differences between DM1 and DM2. Our protein expression studies are suggestive of a post‐transcriptional defect(s) in the myotonic dystrophies.
Identification of OsbHLH133 as a regulator of iron distribution between roots and shoots in Oryza sativa
Authors: WANG LU , YING YINGHUI , NARSAI REENA , YE LINGXIAO , ZHENG LUQING , TIAN JINGLUAN , WHELAN JAMES , SHOU HUIXIA 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTIron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient element for plant growth. Regulation of Fe‐deficiency signalling networks is one of the many functions reported for basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factors in plants. In the present study, OsbHLH133 was found to be induced by Fe‐deficiency conditions in Oryza sativa. Insertional inactivation of OsbHLH133 (bhlh133) resulted in growth retardation, with enhanced Fe concentration seen in shoots, and reduced Fe concentration in roots. Overexpression of OsbHLH133 had the opposite effect, that is resulted in an enhanced Fe concentration in roots and reduced Fe concentration in shoots and also in xylem sap. Microarray analysis showed that some of the genes encoding Fe‐related functions were up‐regulated under Fe‐sufficient conditions, in bhlh133 mutant plants compared to wild‐type plants. Significant differential expression of a number of signalling pathways, including calcium signalling, was also seen in bhlh133 plants compared to wild‐type plants, independent of Fe conditions.
Characterization of a dodecapeptide containing a dominant epitope of Par j 1 and Par o 1, the major allergens of P. judaica and P. officinalis pollen
Authors: Menna T. , Cassese G. , Di Modugno F. , Chersi A. , Buono C. , Ruffilli A. 
Published: July 2012

The pollen of Parietaria, a weed of the Urticaceae family, is a major cause of respiratory allergy in Europe, where the most common species are P. judaica and P. officinalis. Previously, we reported that a β‐galactosidase fusion protein (6a‐BG) expressing a 26‐bp cDNA fragment (6a cDNA) contained a dominant IgE‐binding epitope (6a epitope) of the major allergens Par o 1 and Par j 1. The present study aimed to define the amino‐acid sequence containing the 6a epitope. We analyzed the reactivity of anti‐Par o 1 antibodies affinity purified from allergic patient sera with:
) a panel of synthetic peptides deduced from the 6a nucleotide sequence using different reading frames
) glutathione S‐transferase (GST) fusion proteins containing selected peptides.
The peptide NSARARADSCRI (p102) specifically bound anti‐Par o 1 antibodies affinity purified from allergic patient sera or from rabbit anti‐Par o 1 antiserum (ELISA). The related peptide NSARAGTSSCRI (p101) reacted to human but not to rabbit, anti‐Par o 1 antibodies. GST fusion proteins containing p101 (GST 3.5) or p102 (GST 3.2) extensively inhibited the binding between Par o 1 and IgE or IgG antibodies from an allergic patient serum pool according to a dose‐response curve. Percent inhibition of IgE antibodies binding obtained by absorbing a solution (50 μl) of affinity‐purified antibodies with 5 μg of GST 3.2 or with 1.2 mg of GST 3.5 was 69% and 66%, respectively. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that the amino‐acid sequences NSARARADSCRI (p102) and NSARAGTSSCRI (p101) contain the dominant epitope of Par o 1 and Par j 1 for human IgE and IgG antibodies indicated as 6a epitope. Moreover, the study shows that the epitope is conserved in recombinant molecules containing these peptides, irrespective of the fused polypeptide (β‐galactosidase or GST). The knowledge of the amino‐acid sequence of this dominant epitope is important in therapeutic approaches to the development of allergen‐derived haptens.
The effect of leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae] injury on the plant physiology and yield loss in rice
Authors: Padmavathi Ch. , Katti G. , Padmakumari A. P. , Voleti S. R. , Subba Rao L. V. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractInfluence of leaffolder feeding on chlorophyll, PS II activity and plant–water relations, effect of larval density on leaf damage and time course studies on larval feeding behaviour on altered physiological changes in TN1 rice culture were studied. Quantification of yield losses in the field caused by leaffolder was also assessed. Leaffolder damage resulted in 57% reduction in chlorophyll content, 23% reduction in PS II activity and 23% reduction in relative water content in comparison with control. Rice leaffolder larva folds the leaf and scrapes the green tissue from within the fold resulting in scorching and drying of the leaves. Larval density had differentially influenced effective leaf area of rice crop. Larval densities of more than 3 larvae per hill at maximum tillering stage resulted up to 20% unfilled grains, 28–57% reduction in PS II activity and 23% reduction in relative water content in comparison with the control. At flowering stage, flag leaf area damage of above 25% resulted in more than 50% unfilled grains over control, indicating direct effect of yield reduction in rice. Thus, a cumulative effect of loss in chlorophyll, reduced photosynthate availability and altered water relations caused by the leaffolder injury to flag leaf lead to greater yield loss in rice.
Safety and efficacy of a non–pesticide‐based head lice treatment: Results of a randomised comparative trial in children
Authors: Greive Kerryn A , Lui Ada H , Barnes Tanya M , Oppenheim V M Jane 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesIncreasing resistance to pesticide‐based head lice treatments has resulted in the need for alternative products to treat head lice infestations, but there are few clinical studies that have adequately tested these products. This multicentre, randomised, assessor‐blind, parallel‐group phase IV trial compared the safety and efficacy of a non–pesticide‐based head lice shampoo with malathion foam in children.MethodsThis trial used strict entry criteria, standardised treatment and assessment regimes, sibling control and a primary efficacy end‐point defined as the absence of live head lice 21 days after initiating treatment. Repeat insult patch tests were performed to further assess the safety of the non–pesticide‐based shampoo. In vitro tests were used to assess its ovicidal and pediculicidal efficacy.ResultsA total of 216 children were enrolled, of whom 172 were per‐protocol. The non–pesticide‐based shampoo was significantly more effective than malathion foam for the intent‐to‐treat population (62.3 vs 40.4% louse‐free, unadjusted P = 0.002; adjusted P = 0.003), as well as for the per‐protocol population (67.8 vs 43.0% louse‐free, unadjusted P = 0.001; adjusted P = 0.004). Adverse events were limited to itching or stinging. Patch testing with the non–pesticide‐based shampoo resulted in no adverse reactions. In vitro tests using body lice demonstrated that the non–pesticide‐based shampoo is ovicidal and pediculicidal.ConclusionThe non–pesticide‐based shampoo is significantly more effective in eliminating head lice than malathion foam in children, while being associated with a low incidence of mild, transient adverse events.
Resistin‐like molecule‐β is induced following bronchoconstriction of asthmatic airways
Authors: GRAINGE CHRISTOPHER , DULAY VALDEEP , WARD JONATHAN , SAMMUT DAVID , DAVIES ELIZABETH , GREEN BENJAMIN , LAU LAURIE , COTTEY LAURA , HAITCHI HANS‐MICHAEL , DAVIES DONNA E. , HOWARTH PETER H. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Resistin‐like molecule‐β (RELM‐β) is a necessary and sufficient stimulus for airway remodelling in animal models of asthma, but until recently, its role in human disease had not been investigated. The hypothesis that RELM‐β expression would increase with increasing asthma severity and further increase following acute bronchoconstrictor challenges has been examined.Methods:  Bronchial biopsies from healthy subjects and patients with mild and severe asthma were immunostained for RELM‐β, as were airway biopsies obtained in mild asthmatics before and 4 days after repeated inhalation challenges with either allergen, methacholine or methacholine preceded by salbutamol as a control. Bronchial brushings were also evaluated for RELM‐β mRNA.Results:  RELM‐β immunoreactivity, which co‐localized to airway epithelial cells, increased with disease severity; healthy volunteers, median per cent epithelial area 1.98%, mild asthma 3.49% and severe asthma 5.89% (P < 0.001 between groups). RELM‐β immunoreactivity significantly and inversely correlated in asthma with forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted (P = 0.005). Acute changes in immunoexpression were evident after repeated inhalation challenge with allergen (2.15 % to 4.35 % (P = 0.01)) and methacholine (4.21 % to 6.16 % (P = 0.01)) but did not change in the salbutamol/methacholine challenge group. These changes correlated with change in basement membrane thickness (r = 0.38, P = 0.02). Epithelial RELM‐β gene expression was not altered in asthma.Conclusions:  RELM‐β may play an important role not only in animal models of airway remodelling, but also in human airway pathology.
Delayed resolution of inflammatory response compared with clinical recovery in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: MOHAN ANANT , PRASAD DHARMENDRA , SHARMA ALPANA , ARORA SNEH , GULERIA RANDEEP , SHARMA SURENDRA K. , PANDEY RAVINDER M. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The temporal profile of inflammatory markers during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and their relationship to clinical response are not well characterized. The aim was to assess the changes in levels of inflammatory markers in AECOPD and correlate these with clinical and laboratory indices of recovery.Methods:  Serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐6 and fibrinogen were measured in patients with AECOPD within 24 h of hospitalization and pre‐discharge (stable state).Results:  Ninety‐seven patients were evaluated (79 males; mean (SD) age, 61.4 (10.3) years). Eighty eight (90.7%) were current or former smokers, with a median consumption of 15 (0–75) packs/year. The median duration of COPD was 8 (2–25) years. Forty‐six patients (56.9%) required mechanical ventilation for a median of 5 days (1–34) while in hospital. The median duration of hospital stay was 13 days (1–77). At reassessment before planned discharge, the levels of dyspnoea, leucocyte counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, creatinine, partial pressure of oxygen, and albumin normalized. The levels of CRP, IL‐6 and fibrinogen reduced significantly but did not reach the normal range. Changes in IL‐6 and fibrinogen levels correlated significantly with the acute physiologic assessment and chronic health evaluation II score, smoking history, blood pressure and leucocyte counts. Baseline IL‐6 and fibrinogen levels significantly predicted a prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation.Conclusions:  During AECOPD, the inflammatory response lags behind clinical and biochemical improvement. Fibrinogen and IL‐6 are potentially useful markers for monitoring clinical response following an acute episode.
Perioperative fluid therapy in elective colectomy in an enhanced recovery programme
Authors: Srinivasa Sanket , Singh Simran P. , Kahokehr Arman Adam , Taylor Matthew H. G. , Hill Andrew G. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  Although intraoperative fluid restriction is thought to provide clinical benefits, it may not be suitable for patients with significant co‐morbidities, who may ultimately require greater amounts of intravenous fluid (IVF) post‐operatively. This study investigates whether intraoperative fluid restriction can be implemented uniformly in patients undergoing elective colectomy within an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol and investigates the association between fluid administration and clinical outcomes.Methods:  A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted for all patients who underwent elective colectomy from September 2006 to 2010 within our ERAS programme. Patients received intraoperative fluid restriction with post‐operative fluid administered as per clinical indications. Demographic data, American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) status, IVF administered and clinical outcomes were recorded.Results:  There were 227 patients (ASA 1: 47; ASA 2: 108; ASA 3: 72) with a median age of 71 years. Patients received a median of 2000 mL of crystalloid intraoperatively. There were no statistically significant differences between post‐operative IVF amounts. Patients who experienced complications received significantly greater amounts of IVF post‐operatively (5000 mL versus 2000 mL; P < 0.01) and post‐operative IVF administration was the strongest predictor of complications in a logistic regression model. There was a trend suggesting higher median post‐operative IVF prior to patients experiencing major complications (3000 mL versus 2000 mL; P= 0.07).Conclusion:  Intraoperative fluid restriction can be employed uniformly in ASA 1–3 patients undergoing colectomy. Post‐operative administration of greater fluid volumes was associated with adverse outcomes.
Factors influencing motorcycle crash victim outcomes: a prospective study
Authors: Cunningham Gregory , Chenik David , Zellweger René 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  Motorcyclists have the highest morbidity and mortality rates of all road users. Little evidence is available to demonstrate how rider, crash and speed influence short‐ and long‐term patient outcomes.Methods:  A prospective study of 208 consecutive crash presentations was undertaken at the Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia. All motorcycle, scooter, trike and quad bike accident victims over a 4‐month period ending 31 March 2009 were included.Results:  One hundred and forty‐three admissions and 1344 days of hospitalization were recorded, with 6.56 days mean length of stay and 9.27 mean Injury Severity Scores. Loosing control due to intoxication, being hit by another vehicle and travelling above the speed limit yielded the worst patient outcomes. Hitting a stationary object and travelling below the speed limit were the most common accident features. Travelling in excess of 50 kph increased risk of intracranial injury, with an odds ratio of 4.8.Conclusion:  Crash factors including intoxication, speed and accident cause significantly influence both short‐ and long‐term patient outcomes.
The Burkholderia cenocepacia sensor kinase hybrid AtsR is a global regulator modulating quorum‐sensing signalling
Authors: Aubert Daniel F. , O'Grady Eoin P. , Hamad Mohamad A. , Sokol Pamela A. , Valvano Miguel A. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryBurkholderia cenocepacia is commonly found in the environment and also as an important opportunistic pathogen infecting patients with cystic fibrosis. Successful infection by this bacterium requires coordinated expression of virulence factors, which is achieved through different quorum sensing (QS) regulatory systems. Biofilm formation and Type 6 secretion system (T6SS) expression in B. cenocepacia K56‐2 are positively regulated by QS and negatively regulated by the sensor kinase hybrid AtsR. This study reveals that in addition to affecting biofilm and T6SS activity, the deletion of atsR in B. cenocepacia leads to overproduction of other QS‐regulated virulence determinants including proteases and swarming motility. Expression of the QS genes, cepIR and cciIR, was upregulated in the ΔatsR mutant and resulted in early and increased N‐acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) production, suggesting that AtsR plays a role in controlling the timing and fine‐tuning of virulence gene expression by modulating QS signalling. Furthermore, a ΔatsRΔcepIΔcciI mutant could partially upregulate the same virulence determinants indicating that AtsR also modulates the expression of virulence genes by a second mechanism, independently of any AHL production. Together, our results strongly suggest that AtsR is a global virulence regulator in B. cenocepacia.
A survey of smartphone and tablet computer use by colorectal surgeons in the UK and Continental Europe
Authors: Smart N. J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim  The prevalence of smartphone or tablet computer ownership among colorectal surgeons in the UK and Continental Europe, and their use for academic activity, is unknown. The aims of this study were to ascertain the level of ownership of such devices, to determine their use in accessing medical literature and to obtain opinions on online publishing.Method  A Web‐based electronic 11‐point questionnaire was emailed in March and April 2012 to all members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI), the Dukes’ Club and the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP). Members at all levels of training were included. Questions covered demographic details, technology ownership, current technology usage, options for future developments and attitudes to online publishing.Results  The survey was sent to 1048 surgeons, and 182 (17.4%) responses were received. Smartphone and tablet ownership was 83.5% (152/182) and 36.8% (67/182), respectively. Respondents in the 21–50 years age group were more likely to own a smartphone and use it to access full‐text versions of scientific papers or to access journals using an application (app). As an author, just over half (56.7%) of respondents were happy for their article to be published online only rather than in print. Nevertheless, journals published online only were perceived to be of lower status by 55.6% of respondents.Conclusion  Younger age groups are more likely to use smartphones and tablet computers to access medical publishing. The publishing of papers online only by journals with a print version is acceptable, but online only journals are perceived to have a lower status than print journals.