bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smad‐3 as a mediator of the fibrotic response
Authors: Flanders Kathleen , Sato Misako , Ooshima Akira , Russo Angelo , Roberts Anita 
Published: September 2009

Introduction  Smad‐3, a key cytoplasmic mediator of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signalling, mediates many of its inflammatory and fibrotic effects in vivo (Roberts et al. 2001). Smad‐3 null mice are protected against cutaneous injury induced by ionizing irradiation (Flanders et al. 2002). Here, we report on our continuing studies on radioprotection as well as protection against tubulointerstitial fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in Smad‐3 null mice.Methods  For radioprotection studies, the flank skin of Smad‐3+/+ wild‐type (WT) and Smad‐3–/– knockout (KO) mice was exposed to 30 Gy of localized γ‐irradiation and analysed for histology and gene expression at various times post irradiation. In the UUO model, the right proximal ureter of WT and KO mice was ligated, and 1–2 weeks later kidneys were analysed for inflammation, fibrosis and gene expression.Results  Six weeks after exposure to irradiation, skin from KO mice shows less epidermal acanthosis and influx of mast cells, macrophages and neutrophils than skin of WT mice. Paradoxically, at 6–8 h post irradiation, KO skin shows a significantly greater number of neutrophils. Irradiated KO skin also exhibits less immunoreactive TGF‐β, fewer myofibroblasts and less scarring than does WT. Smad‐3 null dermal fibroblasts do not respond to the chemotactic effects of TGF‐β and show less induction of fibrogenic cytokines when treated with irradiation plus TGF‐β compared to WT cells. Following UUO, normal kidney architecture is preserved in KO mice, while kidneys from WT mice are enlarged with an influx of mononuclear cells and increased expression of collagen and TGF‐β1. Additionally, renal tubules in obstructed kidneys of KO mice remain positive for E‐cadherin without expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, while the opposite expression pattern is seen in obstructed kidneys of WT mice. TGF‐β treatment of primary cultures of WT renal tubular epithelial cells results in a phenotypic change from a cobblestone pattern to a spindle‐shaped fibroblastic appearance, while KO cells treated with TGF‐β maintain their original appearance.Conclusion  Smad‐3 plays an important role in mediating pathogenic inflammation and fibrosis in several model systems and is also essential for TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in renal tubular epithelial cells. Inhibitors of the Smad‐3 pathway may have clinical applications in the treatment of a number of fibrotic conditions.
A comparison of sex ratio, birth periods and calf survival among Serengeti wildebeest sub‐populations, Tanzania
Authors: Ndibalema Vedasto G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAlthough adaptation and environmental conditions can easily predict demographic variation in most savannah ungulates, no study on demographic consequences arising from natural and anthropogenic factors among Serengeti wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) sub‐populations in Tanzania has been carried out. Here, I report estimates of annual sex ratio, calf and yearling survival rate and birth seasonality between resident and migratory sub‐populations to explore demographic patterns arising from the different age and sex structure. The results indicate significantly higher female‐biased sex ratios in the resident and almost even sex ratios among individual migrants. The calf recruitment estimated as mother: offspring ratios indicate a more synchronous birth in the migrant than the resident sub‐population. Also, birth seasonality in the migratory sub‐population coincided with seasonal variability of rainfall and the timing of the birth peak was more variable in the migrants than the resident sub‐population. The migratory sub‐population had a higher annual proportional mean calf survival estimate (0.84) than that of the residents (0.44) probably due to higher mortality resulting from predation in the western corridor. However, the proportion of yearling survival estimates was much lower (0.31) in the migrants and relatively higher (0.39) in the residents. Different demographic outcomes resulting from environment, predation, movements and ecological factors including resource competition have conservation implications for the two sub‐populations.
Effect of eland density and foraging onCombretum apiculatumphysiognomy in a semi‐arid savannah
Authors: Nyengera Reason , Sebata Allan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe studied the impacts of eland density on the physiognomy ofCombretum apiculatum. We divided the study area into two zones: high eland density zone (≤8 km from watering point) and low eland density zone (≥8 km from watering point). Eland density was determined in each zone using walking transects.Combretum apiculatumheight and diameter and levels of eland damage were measured in each zone. Eland density was 1.92 and 0.86 km−2for high and low‐density zones respectively. We recorded 239C. apiculatumtrees, 138 in low‐density zone and 101 in high‐density zone. MeanC. apiculatumheight was 2.88 ± 0.67 m and 5.05 ± 1.04 m for high and low eland density zones respectively. High eland density prevented the recruitment ofC. apiculatumfrom the 2.6–5.5 m height class to the >5.6 m height class. Although extensive tree damage occurred at <2.5 m height stratum,C. apiculatumshowed resilience as recruitment into the 2.6–5.5 m height class continued. We concluded that high eland density prevents recruitment ofC. apiculatumto higher height classes while at the same time causing extensive tree damage at lower height strata.
The feeding choice of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a semi‐arid fragmented landscape of North Africa in relation to water and energy contents of prey
Authors: Dell’Arte Graziella L. , Leonardi Giovanni 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn semi‐arid zones, the lack of surface water for drinking forced predators to obtain it from the body fluids of prey and this requires more different prey than that needed to provide energy alone. We examined Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) scats to ascertain if selective feeding compensates the shortage of free water by the ingestion of more prey rich in water such as insects. In addition, we discussed our results in light of increasing habitat fragmentation that, in turn, influences the prey availability. At different spatial levels, recombination of prey assemblages in the diet reaches a solution for variable shortage of water. This was true especially at the landscape level (different degree of aridity) and indirectly for habitat types. Nevertheless, the effects of landscape characteristics probably influenced foxes through the influence of suitable habitats, which partitioned prey species. In fact, increasing values of patchiness had a negative effect on measured energetic gain indices but foxes try to exploiting different patches including small and isolated ones because these surveys become important to obtain water moistures from alternative prey (Orthopters).
The anti‐leukaemic activity of novel synthetic naphthoquinones against acute myeloid leukaemia: induction of cell death via the triggering of multiple signalling pathways
Authors: Hallak Maher , Win Thida , Shpilberg Ofer , Bittner Shmuel , Granot Yosef , Levy Itai , Nathan Ilana 
Published: August 2009

SummaryNaphthoquinones, such as menadione, display lower toxicity than anthracyclins used in cancer chemotherapy. Novel anti‐leukaemic compounds comprised of chloro‐amino‐phenyl naphthoquinones with substitutions on the benzoic ring were developed. Structure–activity relationship studies indicated that the analogue with both methyl and amine substitutions (named TW‐92) was the most efficient in killing leukaemic cells. Treatment of U‐937 promonocytic cells with TW‐92 induced apoptotic or necrotic cell death, dependent on incubation and dose conditions. TW‐92 induced rapid phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2). The generation of apoptosis was preceded by intracellular H2O2 accumulation accompanied by glutathione depletion, the former inhibited by di‐phenyl‐iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. TW‐92 induced swelling of isolated rat liver mitochondria, indicative of a direct effect on mitochondria. Apoptosis in intact cells was accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and caspase activation. In addition, the level of Mcl‐1, an anti‐apoptotic regulatory protein, was down‐regulated, whereas the expression of the pro‐apoptotic BAX was elevated. Finally, TW‐92 exerted strong pro‐apoptotic and necrotic effects in primary acute myeloid leukaemia samples when given in submicromolar concentrations. Together, these findings demonstrate that TW‐92 may provide an effective anti‐leukaemic strategy.
The utility of volunteer home‐visiting support to prevent maternal depression in the first year of life
Authors: Barnes J. , Senior R. , MacPherson K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground  Maternal depression can be detrimental to infant development. Structured home visiting initiated either in pregnancy or soon after the birth by a professional has led to better outcomes for mothers and their children but some vulnerable families may respond more favourably to a local volunteer. The value of volunteer support provided in the UK by Home‐Start for maternal well‐being is noted in qualitative studies, but there is no evidence of its impact from trials. The support is not structured and both the frequency and content of visits may vary.Methods  A cluster randomized study allocated Home‐Start local schemes to intervention or control conditions. Mothers in all areas were screened at routine health checks in late pregnancy. In intervention areas names of those scoring 9+ on the Social Disadvantage Screening Index were passed to Home‐Start to be offered a volunteer. Not all those offered the support accepted the offer. In control areas no support was offered. Research assessments were conducted at 2 and 12 months. The outcomes were major or minor depression occurring between 2 and 12 months (Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – Third Edition – Revised) and depression symptoms at 12 months (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Three groups were compared: supported, case‐matched controls and those offered but not receiving support.Results  Almost one‐third experienced depression during the time period. Volunteer support had no identifiable impact on the emergence of maternal depression from 2 to 12 months or on depression symptoms when infants were 12 months. The major predictor of both was depression identified at 2 months.Conclusions  It was not found that informal support initiated following screening for disadvantage in pregnancy reduced the likelihood of depression for mothers with infants.
Medical exposures in youth and the frequency of narcolepsy with cataplexy: a population‐based case–control study in genetically predisposed people
Authors: KOEPSELL THOMAS D. , LONGSTRETH WILLIAM T. , TON THANH G. N. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryEpidemiological observations suggest that exposures in youth may trigger narcolepsy in genetically predisposed individuals. In this population‐based case–control study, we sought to identify all prevalent cases of narcolepsy with cataplexy aged 18–50 years as of 1 July 2001, in King County, Washington. The 45 eligible cases who were DQB1*0602‐positive were compared with 95 controls with this allele, identified through random‐digit dialing and buccal smears. Cases and controls were interviewed in person about physician‐diagnosed infectious and non‐infectious illnesses, immunizations, head trauma and parasomnias or psychiatric problems during youth. Narcolepsy with cataplexy was more frequent in African‐Americans and in poorer households. Adjusting for these factors, the condition was 5.4‐fold more common [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5–19.1] among people reporting a physician‐diagnosed strep throat before the age of 21 years. No other significant associations with childhood diseases, immunizations or head trauma were found. However, prevalence was increased 16.3‐fold (95% CI = 6.1–44.1) in subjects who reported having had ‘night terrors’. Strep throat may be related to narcolepsy with cataplexy in genetically susceptible individuals. The association with night terrors could simply reflect early symptoms of narcolepsy, or they could be a prodromal sign of disturbed sleep physiology.
Sleep problems in general practice: a national survey of assessment and treatment routines of general practitioners in Norway
Authors: SIVERTSEN BØRGE , NORDHUS INGER H. , BJORVATN BJØRN , PALLESEN STÅLE 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe aim of the current national survey of all general practitioners (GPs) practising in Norway was to explore assessment, treatment practice and perceived efficacy of treatment of sleep problems in general practice. A short questionnaire, including self‐report measures of the frequency and routines of treatment and assessment of sleep problems, was sent to all 4049 GPs in Norway, of whom 1465 (36.7%) provided valid responses. The prevalence of sleep problems among patients in general practice was estimated to be 11.2%, of which almost two‐thirds were believed to be caused by a medical condition. Anamnestic information and blood tests were the most common assessment of sleep problems, whereas GPs rarely referred patients to all‐night polysomnographic recording. Sleep hygiene advices were the most commonly used treatment strategy, whereas hypnotics were believed to have the best short‐term efficacy. Antidepressives were considered to be the best option for long‐term management of sleep problems. About one‐third of the patients were prescribed benzodiazepines or ‘Z‐drugs’ for more than 6 months. This study demonstrates that sleep problems are recognized by GPs, but despite evidence that non‐pharmacological treatment is superior in the long‐term management of insomnia, the current study shows that hypnotics are still considered by GPs to be the most successful treatment.
Comparative study of temperature‐dependent life histories of three economically important Adelphocoris spp.
Authors: LU YANHUI , WU KONGMING , WYCKHUYS KRISA G. , GUO YUYUAN 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Subsequent to the widespread adoption of Bt transgenic cotton in China and an associated reduction in pesticide use, Adelphocoris spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) are the key pests of this crop. Three species (Adelphocoris suturalis, Adelphocoris fasciaticollis and Adelphocoris lineolatus) are found in Chinese Bt cotton fields, each with a distinct geographic distribution and phenology. In the present study, the development and fecundity of the three species are compared in the laboratory at various temperatures in the range 10–35 °C. Although nymphal development and adult moulting occurs under all temperature regimes, egg eclosion is not observed at 10 °C. In general, egg and nymphal development periods decrease with increasing temperature up to 30 °C. The lower and upper development thresholds are, respectively, 5.6 and 40.1 °C for A. suturalis eggs; 5.0 and 38.4 °C for nymphs; 6.3 and 39.0 °C for A. fasciaticollis eggs, 3.0 and 41.9 °C for nymphs; 5.6 and 41.3 °C for A. lineolatus eggs; and 6.2 and 38.8 °C for nymphs. Thermal constants are 189.9 degree days (DD) (egg) and 308.8 DD (nymph) for A. suturalis, 188.8 DD (egg) and 366.7 DD (nymph) for A. fasciaticollis, and 231.7 DD (egg) and 291.6 DD (nymph) for A. lineolatus. Temperatures above 30 °C affect egg development of A. fasciaticollis and A. lineolatus adversely, but not that of A. suturalis. At the same time, nymphal survival of A. suturalis is reduced at 10 °C. Longevity of all species declines with increasing temperature, whereas extremes of temperature (i.e. 10 and 35 °C) interfere with oviposition. The estimated optimum range for oviposition is 23–25 °C, irrespective of species. In general, development and fecundity of the three Adelphocoris spp. is consistent with their respective distribution and seasonal dynamics. The present study provides insight into the distribution and phenology of Adelphocoris spp., and contributes to the modelling of their population dynamics.
Determination of effective light pulse and classical Bünsow experiment in the larval diapause of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella
Authors: KIKUKAWA SHIGERU , HIGUCHI AKANE , IKEDA TATSUYA , MUKAI TAKESHI , OKAMOTO HIROYUKI , TANAKA KOUJI , YAGUCHI SYUHEI 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) comprises a model insect to analyse the photoperiodic time‐measuring system controlling its larval diapause. In the present study, the effective length of light pulse in night interruption experiments is determined at 25 °C. Various lengths of light pulse are tested by inserting them at the midnight of an LD 12 : 12 h photoperiod. When the light pulse is 15 or 30 min, the incidence of diapause is 86%. To inhibit the induction of diapause effectively, a light pulse of 1.75–2 h is needed. The incidence of diapause is 12% under an LD 12 : 5 : 2 : 5 h photoperiod. To determine the precise role of the light pulse, 2‐h light pulses placed at the midnight of an LD 12 : 12 h photoperiod are disrupted systematically by darkness. When a 2‐h light pulse is disrupted by 15 min of darkness, diapause is generally prevented (< 29%) regardless of the temporal position of darkness. Longer disruption by darkness induces diapause moderately (37–67%). A Bünsow experiment is also conducted at 25 and 20 °C, in which the main photophase of 12 h of light is combined with 24–72‐h scotophases scanned by a 2‐h light pulse. The photoperiodic cycle length tested, therefore, varies in the range 36–84 h. In each cycle length, the incidence of diapause fluctuates as the light pulse moves toward dawn. However, no regular and circadian changes in the percentage diapause are observed in relation to diapause determination.
Proteomic analysis ofβ‐aminobutyric acid priming and abscisic acid – induction of drought resistance in crabapple (Malus pumila): effect on general metabolism, the phenylpropanoid pathway and cell wall enzymes
Authors: MACARISIN DUMITRU , WISNIEWSKI MICHAEL E. , BASSETT CAROLE , THANNHAUSER THEODORE W. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTIn a variety of herbaceous, model and crop plants, DL‐β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA), has been shown to enhance both biotic and abiotic stress resistance by potentiating rather than inducing resistance responses but studies in woody plants are lacking. In the present study, two‐dimensional difference in‐gel electrophoresis (DIGE) was used to quantify differences in protein abundance in leaf tissue from BABA‐treated, abscisic acid (ABA)‐treated and untreated (control) plants during a 10 d drought stress. ABA‐treated seedlings were most resistant to water loss followed by BABA‐treated seedlings and then untreated seedlings. Although some similarity was observed in the proteome of ABA‐ and BABA‐treated seedlings, a dramatic shift in the proteome occurred earlier in ABA‐treated seedlings. Some proteins showed almost identical patterns of increase or decrease in abundance in both BABA‐ and ABA‐treated seedlings, supporting the concept that BABA‐induced abiotic stress resistance in plants is achieved by potentiating an ABA‐regulated pathway. Some proteins, however, were induced or suppressed only in BABA‐primed plants, indicating that BABA may also mediate resistance via some ABA‐independent pathways. Based on the putative function of the identified proteins, we propose that changes in cell wall enzymes and a suppression of lignin biosynthesis may play a specific role in BABA‐primed drought resistance.
Probiotics for allergic respiratory diseases – Putting it into perspective
Authors: Singh Meenu , Ranjan Das Rashmi 
Published: August 2009

Singh M, Das RR. Probiotics for allergic respiratory diseases – Putting it into perspective.  Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e368–e376. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SRespiratory allergies include allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma. Increasing attention on pathogenesis of allergic airway diseases has given rise to “atopic march” hypothesis i.e. clinical features of atopic eczema occur first and precede the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The “hygiene hypothesis” proposes that the increase in allergic diseases reflects a decrease in infections during childhood. Clinical trials also suggest that the exposure to microbes through the gastrointestinal tract powerfully shapes immune function. Probiotics are live organisms which exert a beneficial effect in the prevention as well as treatment of allergic diseases through modification of immune system of host via gut ecosystem. Intestinal microbiota differs in infants who later develop allergic diseases, and feeding probiotics to infants at risk has been shown to reduce their rate of developing eczema. This has prompted studies of feeding probiotics in prevention as well as treatment of respiratory allergy. We hereby discuss the status of probiotics in respiratory allergy.
Relationship between infant weight gain and later asthma
Authors: Paul Ian M. , Camera Lindsay , Zeiger Robert S. , Guilbert Theresa W. , Bacharier Leonard B. , Taussig Lynn M. , Morgan Wayne J. , Covar Ronina A. , Krawiec Marzena , Bloomberg Gordon R. , Mauger David T. ,   for the Childhood Asthma Research and Education (CARE) Network
Published: August 2009

Paul IM, Camera L, Zeiger RS, Guilbert TW, Bacharier LB, Taussig LM, Morgan WJ, Covar RA, Krawiec M, Bloomberg GR, Mauger DT, for the Childhood Asthma Research and Education (CARE) Network. Relationship between infant weight gain and later asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 82–89. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SLike obesity, the prevalence of asthma has increased over the past several decades. Accelerated patterns of infant growth have been associated with obesity and its co‐morbidities. We aimed to determine if infant weight gain pattern is associated with asthma development later in childhood. Birth weight, growth, pulmonary function, and symptom data were collected in a trial of 2‐ to 3‐yr‐old children at‐risk for asthma randomized to a 2‐yr treatment with inhaled corticosteroids or placebo followed by a 1‐yr observation period of study medication. Patterns of infant weight gain between birth and study enrollment were categorized as accelerated, average, or decelerated. Regression analyses were used to test the effects of infant weight gain pattern prior to study enrollment on outcomes during the observation year and at study conclusion while adjusting for demographics, baseline symptom severity, study treatment, and atopic indicators. Among the 197 study participants, early life weight gain pattern was not associated with daily asthma symptoms or lung function at the study’s conclusion. However, both prednisone courses (p = 0.01) and urgent physician visits (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with weight gain pattern with fewer exacerbations occurring amongst those with a decelerated weight gain pattern. We conclude that early life patterns of weight change were associated with subsequent asthma exacerbations, but were not associated with asthma symptoms or pulmonary function during the pre‐school years for these children at‐risk for asthma.