bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shifts in species richness, herbivore specialization, and plant resistance along elevation gradients
Authors: Pellissier Loïc , Fiedler Konrad , Ndribe Charlotte , Dubuis Anne , Pradervand Jean‐Nicolas , Guisan Antoine , Rasmann Sergio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractEnvironmental gradients have been postulated to generate patterns of diversity and diet specialization, in which more stable environments, such as tropical regions, should promote higher diversity and specialization. Using field sampling and phylogenetic analyses of butterfly fauna over an entire alpine region, we show that butterfly specialization (measured as the mean phylogenetic distance between utilized host plants) decreases at higher elevations, alongside a decreasing gradient of plant diversity. Consistent with current hypotheses on the relationship between biodiversity and the strength of species interactions, we experimentally show that a higher level of generalization at high elevations is associated with lower levels of plant resistance: across 16 pairs of plant species, low‐elevation plants were more resistant vis‐à‐vis their congeneric alpine relatives. Thus, the links between diversity, herbivore diet specialization, and plant resistance along an elevation gradient suggest a causal relationship analogous to that hypothesized along latitudinal gradients.
Increased cold and heat pain thresholds influence the thermal grill illusion in schizophrenia
Authors: Boettger M.K. , Grossmann D. , Bär K‐J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients with schizophrenia show decreased sensitivity towards clinical and experimental painful conditions. To date, the exact underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. One method to examine central integrative processes of pain perception is the thermal grill illusion (TGI), in which interlacing cold and warm bars create the illusion of a painful sensation.MethodsIn 18 unmedicated patients with acute paranoid schizophrenia, cold and heat pain thresholds (CPT/HPT) as well as the perception of the TGI were examined and compared to 18 matched controls. In addition, symptom scales were obtained in order to relate pain perception to psychopathology.ResultsCPT and HPT were significantly increased in patients compared to controls. In the range of TGI stimuli that were perceived painful by controls, patients did not indicate painful sensations, instead the stimulus response curve of TGI pain perception was shifted towards higher stimulus intensities, i.e., greater temperature differentials between cold and warm bars. This increase was comparable to that seen in CPT and HPT. There was no association with psychopathology for any pain parameter.ConclusionsCPT and HPT, as well as temperature differentials for the perception of the TGI were increased in patients with schizophrenia as compared to controls. Similar to visual illusions, in which reduced contrast sensitivity has been shown to alter the perception of illusions, the discriminatory somatosensory deficit, which is reflected in higher CPT and HPT as well as the previously reported increased warmth perception thresholds, might account for the attenuation of TGI in patients.
Ultraviolet A regulates the stemness of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells through downregulation of the HIF‐1α via activation of PGE2–cAMP signaling
Authors: Lee Jongsung , Jung Eunsun , Hyun Jin‐Won , Park Deokhoon 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUltraviolet A (UVA) irradiation is responsible for a variety of changes in cell biology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of UVA irradiation on the stemness properties of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). Furthermore, we examined the UVA‐antagonizing effects of L‐cysteine ethylester hydrochloride (ethylcysteine) and elucidated its action mechanisms. The results of this study showed that UVA reduced the proliferative potential and stemness of hAMSCs, as evidenced by reduced proliferative activity in the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and downregulation of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2, stemness‐related genes. The mRNA level of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, but not HIF‐2α was reduced by UVA. Moreover, the knockdown of HIF‐1α using small interfering RNA (siRNA) for HIF‐1α was found to downregulate stemness genes, suggesting that UVA reduces the stemness through downregulation of HIF‐1α. In addition, we examined the mechanisms underlying the UVA‐mediated effects and found that UVA induced production of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and 3′‐5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and that this effect was mediated through activation of activating protein‐1 (AP‐1) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). The UVA effects were antagonized by ethylcysteine, and the effects were found to be mediated by reduced production of PGE2 through the inhibition of JNK and p42/44 MAPK. Taken together, these findings show for the first time that UVA regulates the stemness of hAMSCs and its effects are mediated by downregulation of HIF‐1α via the activation of PGE2–cAMP signaling. In addition, ethylcysteine may be used as an antagonizing agent to mitigate the effects of UVA. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3681–3691, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CHOP down‐regulates cFLIPL expression by promoting ubiquitin/proteasome‐mediated cFLIPL degradation
Authors: Noh Hyo‐Jeong , Lee Sung‐Jun , Sung Eon‐Gi , Song In‐Hwan , Kim Joo‐Young , Woo Chang‐Hoon , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Lee Tae‐Jin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe transcription factor CHOP/GADD153 is induced during the unfolded protein response and is related to the induction of ER stress‐mediated apoptosis. However, how CHOP is organized between the pro‐survival and pro‐apoptotic roles of ER stress remains largely undefined. In this study, we identified the apoptosis regulating protein suppressed by CHOP. We found that treatment of Caki cells with CHOP‐inducing drugs including withaferin A, thapsigargin, brefeldin A, and silybin led to a strong reduction in cFLIPL protein levels together with a concomitant increase in the CHOP protein. Interestingly, Wit A down‐regulated cFLIPL expression via both suppressing mRNA transcription and increasing cFLIPL protein instability. We also found that forced expression of CHOP dose‐dependently led to a decrease of cFLIPL protein expression but did not alter cFLIPL mRNA levels. Additionally, we observed that siRNA‐mediated CHOP silencing recovered the cFLIPL expression decreased by CHOP‐inducing agents in Caki cells. Finally, we showed that CHOP facilitates ubiquitin/proteasome‐mediated cFLIPL degradation, leading to down‐regulation of cFLIPL. Finally, cFLIPL over‐expression reduced cell death induced by treatment with brefeldin A, thapsigargin, and silybin. Taken together, our results provide novel evidence that cFLIPL is a CHOP control target and that CHOP‐induced down‐regulation of cFLIPL is due to activation of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3692–3700, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
β‐hexosaminidase from Xenopus laevis eggs and oocytes: From gene to immunochemical characterization
Authors: Morales Enrique S. , Krapf Darío , Botta Pablo E. , Cabada Marcelo O. , Arranz Silvia E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractGlycosidases are present both in sperm and eggs in vertebrates and have been associated with different fertilization steps as gamete binding, egg coat penetration, and polyspermy prevention. In this manuscript, we have analyzed the activity of different glycosidases of Xenopus laevis eggs. The main activity corresponded to N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (Hex), which was reported to participate both in gamete binding and polyspermy prevention among phylogenetically distant animals. We have raised homologous antibodies against a recombinant N‐terminal fragment of a X. laevis Hex, and characterized egg's Hex both by Western blot and immunohistochemical assays. Noteworthy, Hex was mainly localized to the cortex of animal hemisphere of full‐grown oocytes and oviposited eggs, and remained unaltered after fertilization. Hex is constituted by different pair arrangements of two subunits (α and β), giving rise to three possible Hex isoforms: A (αβ), B (ββ), and S (αα). However, no information was available regarding molecular identity of Hex in amphibians. We present for the first time the primary sequences of two isoforms of X. laevis Hex. Interestingly, our results suggest that α‐ and β‐like subunits that constitute Hex isoforms could be synthesized from a same gene in Xenopus, by alternative exon use. This finding denotes an evolutionary divergence with mammals, where α and β Hex subunits are synthesized from different genes on different chromosomes. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3709–3720, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantifying Utricular Stimulation During Natural Behavior
Authors: RIVERA ANGELA R. V. , DAVIS JULIAN , GRANT WALLY , BLOB RICHARD W. , PETERSON ELLENGENE , NEIMAN ALEXANDER B. , ROWE MICHAEL 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe use of natural stimuli in neurophysiological studies has led to significant insights into the encoding strategies used by sensory neurons. To investigate these encoding strategies in vestibular receptors and neurons, we have developed a method for calculating the stimuli delivered to a vestibular organ, the utricle, during natural (unrestrained) behaviors, using the turtle as our experimental preparation. High‐speed digital video sequences are used to calculate the dynamic gravito‐inertial (GI) vector acting on the head during behavior. X‐ray computed tomography (CT) scans are used to determine the orientation of the otoconial layer (OL) of the utricle within the head, and the calculated GI vectors are then rotated into the plane of the OL. Thus, the method allows us to quantify the spatio‐temporal structure of stimuli to the OL during natural behaviors. In the future, these waveforms can be used as stimuli in neurophysiological experiments to understand how natural signals are encoded by vestibular receptors and neurons. We provide one example of the method, which shows that turtle feeding behaviors can stimulate the utricle at frequencies higher than those typically used in vestibular studies. This method can be adapted to other species, to other vestibular end organs, and to other methods of quantifying head movements. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:467‐480, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐destructive measurement of vitamin C, total polyphenol and sugar content in apples using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Pissard Audrey , Fernández Pierna Juan A , Baeten Vincent , Sinnaeve Georges , Lognay Georges , Mouteau Anne , Dupont Pascal , Rondia Alain , Lateur Marc 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The vitamin C and polyphenol content of apples constitute quality and nutritional parameters of great interest for consumers, especially in terms of health. They are commonly measured using laborious reference methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a rapid and non‐destructive method to determine the sugar, vitamin C and total polyphenol content in apples.RESULTS: The quality parameters of more than 150 apple genotypes were analyzed using NIR and reference methods. The results obtained using the least squares support vector machine regression method showed good to very good prediction performance. Low standard error of prediction values, in addition to relatively high ratio to prediction (RPD) values, demonstrated the precision of the models, especially for polyphenol and sugar content. High RPD values (5.1 and 4.3 for polyphenol and sugar, respectively) indicated that an accurate classification of apples based on their content could be achieved.CONCLUSION: NIR spectroscopy coupled with the multivariate calibration technique could be used to accurately measure the quality parameters of apples. In addition, in the case of breeding programs, NIR spectroscopy can be considered an interesting tool for sorting varieties according to a range of concentrations. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a microclip for laryngeal microsurgery: Initial animal studies
Authors: Lau David P. , Chng Chin Boon , Choo Jun Quan , Teo Neville , Bunte Ralph M. , Chui Chee Kong 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Mucosal closure following laryngeal microsurgery can be challenging due to limited access, and incisions are often left to heal without formal closure. This study explores the hypothesis that a bioabsorbable microclip can be developed as an alternative method to close mucosal incisions in laryngeal microsurgery.Study Design:Animal study.Methods:In vitro studies were performed to determine if a suitable clip could be designed using bioabsorbable materials. A porcine model was used to study behavior of the clip in vivo.Results:We initially studied poly‐ϵ‐caprolactone but encountered difficulty creating a small clip with the necessary material strength. Using magnesium we were able to produce a clip sufficiently small to close vocal fold incisions. Magnesium is biocompatible, bioabsorbable, and malleable, and has been used to manufacture vascular stents and sutures. The magnesium microclip could be deployed rapidly using modified 2‐mm micro‐laryngeal cup forceps, which enable the clip to close in a circular shape. In vitro and in vivo tests showed the clip held securely to the vocal fold mucosa. Macroscopic and histologic studies showed no significant injury to the contralateral vocal fold. There was no evidence of lower airway injury after implanting clips into the lower airway.Conclusions:The bioabsorbable clip could be used to close selected incisions in laryngeal microsurgery. Currently we are working to further reduce the size of the clip and modify its bioabsorption properties to enable precise control of degradation.
Effect of previous radiotherapy on cervical lymph node fine‐needle aspiration cytology diagnostic accuracy in head and neck cancers
Authors: Chiu‐Lung Chan Richie , Chan Jimmy Yu‐Wai 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:It is not uncommon for head and neck surgeons to encounter patients with previous neck irradiation that require fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for assessment of neck mass. It had been observed that the diagnostic performance of FNAC appears to be poorer among patients with previous irradiation. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of previous irradiation on diagnostic performance of FNAC has never been studied.Study Design:Retrospective study.Methods:A computer search was performed to identify all patients who had been treated under the Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, from January 2008 to December 2010. We retrospectively retrieved all FNAC of cervical lymphadenopathy procedures, and only cases with subsequent histologic confirmation were included. All patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) were included.Results:When compared to patients without previous irradiation, FNAC among patients with history of previous irradiation had comparable specificity (100% vs. 88%) and positive predictive value (100% vs. 89%) but significantly worse sensitivity (82% vs. 40%), negative predictive value (74% vs. 37%), and accuracy (88% vs. 54%). History of previous irradiation was found to be strongly associated with false‐negative cytologic results among those with positive final histology (60% vs. 18%; P = .001).Conclusions:FNAC remains an important diagnostic tool in assessment of cervical nodal status in HNSCC. However, our study showed that false‐negative rate is significantly higher among patients with previous neck irradiation. Negative FNAC results in this group of patients should be interpreted with caution.
Guidelines for reprocessing nonlumened heat‐sensitive ear/nose/throat endoscopes
Authors: Cavaliere Matteo , Iemma Maurizio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractEndoscopes have become an indispensable instrument in the daily activity of the ear/nose/throat (ENT) department, but their use has introduced potential health risks such as the transmission of infection. Over the years, scientific knowledge has been consolidated regarding the most appropriate ways for the correct disinfection, and numerous guidelines have been issued for both digestive and respiratory endoscopes, whereas to date specific references to ENT endoscopes do not exist. The diagnostic ENT endoscope does not generally have an operative channel; it is shorter and thinner and has a much more frequent usage, also in the outpatient setting. As a consequence, the guidelines for digestive or respiratory endoscopes are not always functional for the ENT department in that they do not take into account the dynamics or the intensity of the work performed therein. This article proposes: 1) to standardize the correct way to carry out the disinfection procedure of heat‐sensitive nonlumened ENT endoscopes to reduce to a minimum the possibility of errors or oversights; and 2) to guarantee the disinfection within a limited time frame, appropriate for an ENT outpatient department. In the initial phase, the critical areas encountered in ENT endoscopy are determined. This is followed by an examination of the literature to identify existing guidelines for the reprocessing of endoscopes (mainly digestive and respiratory), with a view to establishing a common disinfection procedure for nonlumened ENT endoscopes. Finally, the new methods of disinfection developed specifically for the reprocessing of ENT endoscopes are examined and discussed.
Transmastoid semicircular canal occlusion: A safe and highly effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and superior canal dehiscence
Authors: Beyea Jason A. , Agrawal Sumit K. , Parnes Lorne S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Transmastoid occlusion of the superior semicircular canal in superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome and the posterior semicircular canal in intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) will produce resolution of preoperative symptoms.Study Design:Retrospective review, quality assurance.Methods:Sixteen patients with SSCD and 61 patients (65 ears) with intractable BPPV who underwent canal occlusion were reviewed. All patients underwent occlusion of the affected semicircular canal through a transmastoid approach.Results:Preoperative symptoms (vestibular, 13 patients; pulsatile tinnitus, 2 patients; or hyperacusis, 1 patient) were greatly improved or completely resolved in 15 of the 16 SSCD patients who underwent transmastoid occlusion of the superior canal. Hearing was preserved in 14 patients and improved in two patients. Vestibular symptoms were resolved in all intractable BPPV patients who underwent transmastoid occlusion of the posterior canal. One patient had a late recurrence of atypical BPPV. Almost all BPPV patients with normal preoperative hearing have an initial transient postoperative hearing loss, which when tested for is usually a mild to moderate mixed loss. Delayed sensorineural hearing loss was noted in three patients; one loss was profound whereas two were mild.Conclusions:The transmastoid approach to canal plugging is successful in the treatment of symptoms in both SSCD and intractable BPPV, and is a familiar approach for the otologist. This is a viable alternative to the middle fossa approach for SSCD, thereby avoiding a craniotomy. Transmastoid is the definitive approach for posterior canal occlusion.
Association of candidate genes with nonsyndromic clefts in Honduran and Colombian populations
Authors: Lennon Christen J. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Nuñez José Arturo Pacheco , Su Gloria H. , Lanzano Patricia , Guzman Edwin , Celis Katrina , Eisig Sidney B. , Hoffman David , Rendon Maria Teresa Guerra , Ostos Henry , Chung Wendy K. , Haddad Joseph 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Orofacial clefts are the most common craniofacial birth defects in humans, with the majority of orofacial clefts occurring as nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP). We previously demonstrated associations between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IRF6 gene and NSCLP in the Honduran population. Here we investigated other candidate genes and chromosomal regions associated with NSCLP identified from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), including MAFB, ABCA4, 8q24, 9q22, 10q25, and 17q22 in two independent Hispanic populations.Study Design:Case‐control and family‐based association testing.Methods:Honduran families with two or more members with NSCLP (multiplex) were identified. DNA was collected from affected and unaffected family members (488) and 99 gender‐matched controls. NSCLP Colombian families were identified; DNA was collected from 26 proband‐parent trios. All participants were genotyped for 17 SNPs in six chromosomal regions. Case‐control association and family‐based association testing (FBAT) analyses were conducted.Results:Seven SNPs demonstrated association in at least one model in the Honduran population. In the Colombian families, five SNPs demonstrated significance in FBAT when patients with isolated cleft palate (CP) were included; four overlapped with SNPs demonstrating significance in the Honduran population, two with the same allele. One SNP retained significance with CP excluded.Conclusions:This study supports the previous GWAS findings and is the first to suggest a role for FOXE1, ABCA4, and MAFB in orofacial clefting in two separate Hispanic populations.
Laser versus stapler: Outcomes in endoscopic repair of Zenker diverticulum
Authors: Adam Stewart I. , Paskhover Boris , Sasaki Clarence T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To analyze a single surgeon's experience with endoscopic CO2 laser and stapler repair of Zenker diverticulum (ZD) by comparing dysphagia and regurgitation outcomes.Study Design:Retrospective chart review of 148 patient charts.Methods:Medical records of all patients receiving endoscopic repair of ZD with either CO2 laser (61 patients) or stapler (67 patients) were reviewed. Additional data included demographics (age and sex), size (cm), preoperative and postoperative symptoms, need for revision, and complications. Symptoms of dysphagia were graded based on a modified Functional Oral Intake Scale 1 to 4 scale (1 = normal intake; 4 = severely limited/G‐tube dependent). Regurgitation was also graded on a 1 to 4 scale (1 = no regurgitation; 4 = aspiration events).Results:We noted no difference in patient age or defect size (laser, 3.26 cm; stapler, 3.53 cm; P .135). Significant differences were noted in return trips to the operating room for failed procedures (laser, 0; stapler, 7; P = .009), length of stay (laser, 3.19 days; stapler, 1.29 days; P < .001), time to oral intake (laser, 3.01 days; stapler, 1.22 days; P < .001). Significant improvement occurred in laser and staple patient symptom scales following surgery (P < .001). Laser dysphagia and regurgitation scores showed greater improvement when compared to stapler scores (P < .001).Conclusions:Endoscopic CO2 laser and staple methods are effective in treating ZD. The laser can have greater efficacy and result in lower recurrence rates. Both methods are analyzed and compared.