bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An original SERPINA3 gene cluster: Elucidation of genomic organization and gene expression in the Bos taurus 21q24 region
Authors: Pelissier Patrick , Delourme Didier , Germot Agnes , Blanchet Xavier , Becila Samira , Maftah Abderrahman , Leveziel Hubert , Ouali Ahmed , Bremaud Laure 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
The superfamily of

ser

ine

p

roteinase

in

hibitors (serpins) is involved in numerous fundamental biological processes as inflammation, blood coagulation and apoptosis. Our interest is focused on the SERPINA3 sub-family. The major human plasma protease inhibitor, α1-antichymotrypsin, encoded by the SERPINA3 gene, is homologous to genes organized in clusters in several mammalian species. However, although there is a similar genic organization with a high degree of sequence conservation, the reactive-centre-loop domains, which are responsible for the protease specificity, show significant divergences.

Results
We provide additional information by analyzing the situation of SERPINA3 in the bovine genome. A cluster of eight genes and one pseudogene sharing a high degree of identity and the same structural organization was characterized. Bovine SERPINA3 genes were localized by radiation hybrid mapping on 21q24 and only spanned over 235 Kilobases. For all these genes, we propose a new nomenclature from SERPINA3-1 to SERPINA3-8. They share approximately 70% of identity with the human SERPINA3 homologue. In the cluster, we described an original sub-group of six members with an unexpected high degree of conservation for the reactive-centre-loop domain, suggesting a similar peptidase inhibitory pattern. Preliminary expression analyses of these bovSERPINA3s showed different tissue-specific patterns and diverse states of glycosylation and phosphorylation. Finally, in the context of phylogenetic analyses, we improved our knowledge on mammalian SERPINAs evolution.

Conclusion
Our experimental results update data of the bovine genome sequencing, substantially increase the bovSERPINA3 sub-family and enrich the phylogenetic tree of serpins. We provide new opportunities for future investigations to approach the biological functions of this unusual subset of serine proteinase inhibitors.
Research priorities in pediatric rheumatology: The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) consensus
Authors: Ota Sylvia , Cron Randy Q , Schanberg Laura E , O'Neil Kathleen , Mellins Elizabeth D , Fuhlbrigge Robert C , Feldman Brian M 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
North American pediatric rheumatologists have created an investigator-initiated research network (the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance – CARRA) to facilitate multi-centre studies. One of the first projects undertaken by this network was to define, by consensus, research priorities for the group, and if possible a first group-sponsored clinical trial in which all members could participate.

Methods
We determined consensus using the Delphi approach. This approach has been used extensively in health research to reach consensus in large groups. It uses several successive iterations of surveys eliciting ideas and opinions from specialists in the field. Three surveys were designed based on this method and were distributed to members of CARRA to elicit and rank-order research priorities.

Results
A response rate of 87.6% was achieved in the final survey. The most highly ranked research suggestion was to study infliximab treatment of uveitis unresponsive to methotrexate. Other highly ranked suggestions were to study i) the treatment of systemic arthritis with anakinra and ii) the treatment of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus with mycophenolate mofetil.

Conclusion
The Delphi approach was an effective and practical method to define research priorities in this group. Ongoing discussion and cooperation among pediatric rheumatologists in CARRA and others world-wide will help in developing further research priorities and to facilitate the execution of clinical trials in the future.
Prevalence and correlates of being bullied among in-school adolescents in Beijing: results from the 2003 Beijing Global School-Based Health Survey
Authors: Hazemba Alice , Siziya Seter , Muula Adamson S , Rudatsikira Emmanuel 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Bullying has public health importance. It has been reported that both the victims and perpetrators of bullying are more likely to have suicidal ideation and other suicidal behaviours. Moreover, bullying can be a precursor for school violence and can contribute to poor academic performance. The purpose of the study was to raise awareness on the subject in China. We, therefore conducted an analysis of secondary data to determine the prevalence and correlates of having been bullied among in-school adolescents.

Methods
The data was taken from the Beijing Global School-Based Health Survey conducted in 2003. A weighted analysis to reduce bias due to differing patterns of non-response was conducted using statistical software (SPSS version 14.0). We conducted a backward logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors for being bullied.

Results
Out of a total of 2,348 in-school adolescents who participated in the survey, 20% (23% males, and 17% females) reported having been bullied. Risk factors for having been bullied were loneliness (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42–1.45), being worried (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.29–1.32), being sad or having feelings of hopelessness (AOR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.19–1.22), smoking cigarettes (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.08–1.11), drinking alcohol (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.29–1.32), and being truant (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.22–1.27). Meanwhile protective factors were having close friends (AOR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.83–0.86), receiving parental supervision (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.80–0.81), and ever been drunk (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.84–0.87).

Conclusion
We believe the results of this study will raise awareness among school health practitioners and administrators, paediatric psychiatrists and psychologists on the prevalence and correlates of bullying among adolescents in Beijing, China.
Association between serum levels of C-reactive protein and personality traits in women
Authors: Henningsson Susanne , Baghaei Fariba , Rosmond Roland , Holm Göran , Landén Mikael , Anckarsäter Henrik , Ekman Agneta 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
While low-grade inflammation has consistently been observed in subjects with depression, studies on the possible relationship between inflammation and other aspects of brain function are as yet sparse. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible association between serum levels of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and personality traits.

Methods
In this study, serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP were determined by ELISA in a population of 270 42-year-old women recruited from the population registry who had been assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory. Self-reported previous or ongoing depression was also recorded. Unpaired two-tailed t-tests were used for comparison between two groups and correlations were evaluated by the calculation of Pearson's r-coefficient.

Results
The temperament trait harm avoidance was positively (r = 0.227, p < 0.05) and the character trait self-directedness was negatively (r = -0.261, p < 0.01) associated with serum levels of CRP (p-values corrected for multiple comparisons). The correlations between the personality traits and CRP were observed also after exclusion of subjects reporting ongoing depression (n = 26). Whereas women reporting ongoing depression showed significantly increased levels of CRP as compared to non-depressed women (n = 155), women reporting a history of depression displayed no significant difference in CRP levels as compared to women that reported that they had never been depressed.

Conclusion
Serum levels of CRP in women was found to be associated with the personality traits harm avoidance and self-directedness. In addition, moderately elevated levels may be a state dependent marker of depression.
Danaparoid sodium inhibits systemic inflammation and prevents endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rats
Authors: Hagiwara Satoshi , Iwasaka Hideo , Hidaka Seigo , Hishiyama Sohei , Noguchi Takayuki 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Systemic inflammatory mediators, including high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), play an important role in the development of sepsis. Anticoagulants, such as danaparoid sodium (DA), may be able to inhibit sepsis-induced inflammation, but the mechanism of action is not well understood. We hypothesised that DA would act as an inhibitor of systemic inflammation and prevent endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in a rat model.

Methods
We used male Wistar rats. Animals in the intervention arm received a bolus of 50 U/kg of DA or saline injected into the tail vein after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. We measured cytokine (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10) and HMGB1 levels in serum and lung tissue at regular intervals for 12 h following LPS injection. The mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was assessed following stimulation with LPS alone or concurrently with DA with identification of HMGB1 and other cytokines in the supernatant.

Results
Survival was significantly higher and lung histopathology significantly improved among the DA (50 U/kg) animals compared to the control rats. The serum and lung HMGB1 levels were lower over time among DA-treated animals. In the in vitro study, administration of DA was associated with decreased production of HMGB1. In the cell signalling studies, DA administration inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB.

Conclusion
DA decreases cytokine and HMGB1 levels during LPS-induced inflammation. As a result, DA ameliorated lung pathology and reduces mortality in endotoxin-induced systemic inflammation in a rat model. This effect may be mediated through the inhibition of cytokines and HMGB1.
DNA signatures for detecting genetic engineering in bacteria
Authors: Allen Jonathan E , Gardner Shea N , Slezak Tom R 
Published: April 2008

AbstractUsing newly designed computational tools we show that, despite substantial shared sequences between natural plasmids and artificial vector sequences, a robust set of DNA oligomers can be identified that can differentiate artificial vector sequences from all available background viral and bacterial genomes and natural plasmids. We predict that these tools can achieve very high sensitivity and specificity rates for detecting new unsequenced vectors in microarray-based bioassays. Such DNA signatures could be important in detecting genetically engineered bacteria in environmental samples.
No detectable endothelial- or leukocyte-derived L-selectin ligand activity on the endothelium in inflamed cremaster muscle venules
Authors: Eriksson Einar E 
Published: April 2008

AbstractL-selectin is important in mediating leukocyte recruitment in inflammation. The role of L-selectin was for long believed to be influenced by an inducible endothelial ligand; however, L-selectin ligand activity was recently shown to be mediated by leukocytic P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). Still, it is unknown whether PSGL-1 is deposited on the endothelium or whether leukocyte fragments or leukocytic uropods are presented on the venular surface. Moreover, it is unclear whether ligands for L-selectin other than PSGL-1 are present in inflammation. Overall, this has complicated understanding of the mechanisms that guide recruitment of inflammatory cells. Here, I used intravital microscopy on mouse cremaster muscle venules to show that L-selectin influences leukocyte rolling in inflammation exclusively by mediating L-selectin/PSGL-1-dependent, secondary capture to rolling and adherent leukocytes. I show that leukocyte primary capture in inflammation is mediated almost entirely by P-selectin, whereas the capacity of E-selectin to mediate capture appears to be minimal. In parallel, primary capture remaining after function inhibition of P-selectin is not decreased by blockage or absence of L-selectin. Rolling along the endothelium in venules following a number of inflammatory treatments was abolished by simultaneous blockage of P-selectin, E-selectin, and VCAM-1, indicating that there is no additional adhesive pathway involving L-selectin or any other molecule that can mediate leukocyte rolling in inflamed cremaster muscle venules in response to the used stimuli. Moreover, in vivo staining failed to detect any L-selectin ligand activity on the endothelium. These data demonstrate that expression of L-selectin on leukocytes is insufficient for mediating rolling and efficient recruitment of leukocytes in inflammation.
Concentration of Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Inhibin-B in Relation to Steroids and Age in Follicular Fluid from Small Antral Human Follicles
Authors: Yding Andersen Claus , Rosendahl Mikkel , Byskov Anne Grete 
Published: April 2008

AbstractContext: Ovaries surgically removed for fertility preservation served as a source of follicle fluid from human small antral follicles.Objective: The objective of the study was to measure intrafollicular concentrations of anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), inhibin-B, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol, and IGF binding protein-4.Setting: The study was conducted at a university hospital.Patients: Patients included 43 women having one ovary removed prior to receiving gonadotoxic treatment due to malignant disease.Interventions: Fluid from 100 follicles (diameter of 3–9 mm) were included.Main Outcome Measures: Intrafollicular concentrations of the measured hormones, their possible intercorrelation, and correlation with age were measured.Results: Concentrations of AMH were unrelated to follicular fluid concentrations of androstenedione and testosterone. There was a significant negative correlation between estradiol, inhibin-B, progesterone, and AMH. In four age groups spanning 11–37 yr, levels of AMH, estradiol, androstenedione, testosterone and inhibin-B remained constant, whereas progesterone showed significant variations. IGF binding protein-4 was unrelated to any other measured hormone.Conclusions: This study was unable to confirm a stimulatory effect of androgens on AMH secretion but did enforce a close intimate correlation between AMH and estradiol expressions in the developing human follicle. The insignificant variation of the AMH concentration with age, even in prepubertal girls, suggests that AMH expression is unrelated to menstrual cycle FSH cyclicity.
Endometrial Inhibin/Activin β-B Subunit Expression Is Related to Decidualization and Is Reduced in Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Horne A. W. , van den Driesche S. , King A. E. , Burgess S. , Myers M. , Ludlow H. , Lourenco P. , Ghazal P. , Williams A. R. , Critchley H. O. D. , Duncan W. C. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: Ectopic pregnancy is common but remains difficult to diagnose accurately. There is no serum test to differentiate ectopic from intrauterine gestation.
Objective: Our objective was to investigate differential gene expression in decidualized endometrium of ectopic pregnancy.
Design: Tissue and serum analysis informed by microarray study was performed.
Setting: The study was performed at a large United Kingdom teaching hospital.
Patients or Other Participants: Women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy (n = 8), evacuation of uterus for miscarriage (n = 6), and surgery for tubal ectopic pregnancy (n = 11) were included in the study. Endometrium was collected from normally cycling women undergoing hysterectomy.
Interventions: Decidualized endometrium was subjected to microarray analysis, morphological assessment, and immunohistochemistry. Endometrial stromal fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of decidualizing stimuli.
Main Outcome Measures: Differential expression of potentially secreted molecules was calculated.
Results: Inhibin/activin β-B expression was lower in decidualized endometrium from ectopic pregnancies when compared with that of ongoing pregnancies (P &lt; 0.01) or miscarriages (P &lt; 0.01). The localization of the β-B subunit was more marked in decidualized than nondecidualized stroma. Decidualization of stromal fibroblasts in vitro was associated with increased β-B expression (P &lt; 0.05). Endometrial stroma of ectopic pregnancies was less decidualized morphologically (P &lt; 0.05), with lower prolactin (P &lt; 0.01) and IGF binding protein-1 (P &lt; 0.005) expression. Serum activin B was lower in ectopic pregnancies (P &lt; 0.005) than in intrauterine pregnancies, whereas there was no difference in progesterone concentrations.
Conclusions: Despite similar concentrations of progesterone, the endometrium of ectopic pregnancies is less decidualized than intrauterine pregnancies. Expression of the β-B subunit is related to decidualization and can be detected in the circulation as activin B. Serum activin B concentrations are lower in ectopic pregnancy.
A Rate Code for Sound Azimuth in Monkey Auditory Cortex: Implications for Human Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Werner-Reiss Uri , Groh Jennifer M. 
Published: April 2008

Is sound location represented in the auditory cortex of humans and monkeys? Human neuroimaging experiments have had only mixed success at demonstrating sound location sensitivity in primary auditory cortex. This is in apparent conflict with studies in monkeys and other animals, in which single-unit recording studies have found stronger evidence for spatial sensitivity. Does this apparent discrepancy reflect a difference between humans and animals, or does it reflect differences in the sensitivity of the methods used for assessing the representation of sound location? The sensitivity of imaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging depends on the following two key aspects of the underlying neuronal population: (1) what kind of spatial sensitivity individual neurons exhibit and (2) whether neurons with similar response preferences are clustered within the brain.To address this question, we conducted a single-unit recording study in monkeys. We investigated the nature of spatial sensitivity in individual auditory cortical neurons to determine whether they have receptive fields (place code) or monotonic (rate code) sensitivity to sound azimuth. Second, we tested how strongly the population of neurons favors contralateral locations. We report here that the majority of neurons show predominantly monotonic azimuthal sensitivity, forming a rate code for sound azimuth, but that at the population level the degree of contralaterality is modest. This suggests that the weakness of the evidence for spatial sensitivity in human neuroimaging studies of auditory cortex may be attributable to limited lateralization at the population level, despite what may be considerable spatial sensitivity in individual neurons.
The Gamble: Circular Mexican Migration and the Return on Remittances
Authors: Rose Susan , Shaw Robert 
Published: April 2008

This article examines the role remittances play in three sending communities in the municipality of Peribán, located in the highlands of Michoacán, México. Drawing from fieldwork conducted by Dickinson College's Mexican Mosaics, it discusses the evolution of migration from the region and explores both macro- and micro-level data to better understand the motivations and factors that lead to circular migration and the sending of collective remittances through hometown associations. Debates within the migration literature tend to focus on whether or not remittances are beneficial forces for communities, but the issues are far too complex to characterize remittances simply as positive or negative—or as productive or nonproductive. Actors situated at the national, state, community, and familial levels are likely to hold different perspectives about what is needed and what is considered rational and productive. Although the degree and type of costs and benefits may vary, the case studies of these communities demonstrate the potential of migrant clubs for community development and also the importance of remittances to families and individuals.Este artículo examina el papel que tienen las remesas en tres comunidades del municipio de Peribán, localizado en las tierras altas de Michoacán, México. A partir del trabajo de campo del proyecto “Mexican Mosaics” de Dickinson College, se discute la evolución de la migración de la región y se exploran los datos en sus diferentes niveles para entender mejor las motivaciones y factores que conducen a la migración circular y al envío de remesas colectivas a través de las asociaciones locales. Los debates dentro de la bibliografía sobre la migración tienden a plantear si las remesas son benéficas para las comunidades o no, pero la cuestión es demasiado compleja para caracterizar las remesas simplemente como positivas o negativas, o como productivas o no productivas. Los participantes a nivel ciudadano, estatal, comunal y familiar probablemente sostendrán perspectivas diferentes sobre lo que se necesita y lo que se considera racional y productivo. Aunque el grado y el tipo de costos y beneficios puedan variar, los estudios de caso de estas comunidades demuestran el potencial que los clubes migratorios tienen en el desarrollo de la comunidad y también la importancia de las remesas para las familias y los individuos.
aubergine Gene Overexpression in Somatic Tissues of auberginesting Mutants Interferes With the RNAi Pathway of a yellow Hairpin dsRNA in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Specchia Valeria , Benna Clara , Mazzotta Gabriella Margherita , Piccin Alberto , Zordan Mauro A , Costa Rodolfo , Bozzetti Maria Pia 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
AUBERGINE (AUB) is a member of the PPD family of proteins. These proteins are implicated in RNA interference. In this article we demonstrate that the expression of the aub gene and protein increase in aubsting mutants. We used a genetic method to test whether aubsting overexpression could interfere with proper functioning of the process of RNA interference in somatic tissues of Drosophila melanogaster. This method is based on a transgenic line bearing a construct in which a fragment of the yellow (y) gene is cloned to form an inverted repeat (y-IR) under the control of the upstream activation sequence (UAS) of the yeast transcriptional activator GAL4. The UAS-y-IR transgene and the Act5C-GAL4 driver were brought together on chromosome 3 via recombination. In the resulting strain (Act5C-y-IR), transcriptional activation by GAL4 constitutively produces a dsRNA hairpin bearing cognate sequences to the yellow gene causing continuing degradation of y mRNA resulting in yellow1 (y1) phenocopies. In this genetic background, the mutation of any factor involved in RNAi should repress degradation of y mRNA, restoring the wild-type phenotype. We employed this genetic approach to show that an increased amount of AUBERGINE interferes with the regular functioning of the somatic RNAi pathway.