bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation-Based Prognostic Score and Number of Lymph Node Metastases Are Independent Prognostic Factors in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Teruya Masanori , Kishiki Tomokazu , Kaneko Susumu , Endo Daisuke , Takenaka Yoshiharu , Miki Kenji , Kobayashi Kaoru , Morita Koji
Published: June 2010

Background/Aims: Few studies have investigated whether the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), an inflammation-based prognostic score, is useful for postoperative prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: GPS was calculated on the basis of admission data as follows: patients with elevated C-reactive protein level (>10 mg/l) and hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/l) were assigned to GPS2. Patients with one or no abnormal value were assigned to GPS1 or GPS0. A new scoring system was constructed using independent prognostic variables and was evaluated on whether it could be used to dictate the choice of clinical options. Results: 65 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled. GPS and the number of lymph node metastases were found to be independent prognostic variables. The scoring system comprising GPS and the number of lymph node metastases was found to be effective in the prediction of a long-term outcome (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Preoperative GPS may be useful for postoperative prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. GPS and the number of lymph node metastases could be used to identify a subgroup of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who are eligible for radical resection but show poor prognosis.
Comparisons of Baseline Demographics, Clinical Presentation, and Long-Term Outcome Among Patients With Early, Late, and Very Late Stent Thrombosis of Sirolimus-Eluting Stents
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Morimoto Takeshi , Kozuma Ken , Honda Yasuhiro , Kume Teruyoshi , Aizawa Tadanori , Mitsudo Kazuaki , Miyazaki Shunichi , Yamaguchi Tetsu , Hiyoshi Emi , Nishimura Eizo , Isshiki Takaaki
Published: June 2010

Background—

Stent thrombosis (ST) after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation has not yet been adequately characterized, mainly because of its low incidence.

Methods and Results—

The Registry of Stent Thrombosis for Review and Reevaluation (RESTART) is a Japanese nationwide registry of sirolimus-eluting stent–associated ST comprising 611 patients with definite ST (early [within 30 days; EST], 322 patients; late [between 31 and 365 days; LST], 105 patients; and very late [>1 year; VLST], 184 patients). Baseline demographics, clinical presentation, and long-term outcome of sirolimus-eluting stent–associated ST were compared among patients with EST, LST, and VLST. Baseline demographics were significantly different according to the timing of ST. Characteristic demographic factors for LST/VLST versus EST identified by multivariable model were hemodialysis, end-stage renal disease not on hemodialysis, absence of circumflex target, target of chronic total occlusion, prior percutaneous coronary intervention, and age <65 years. For LST versus VLST, they were hemodialysis, heart failure, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and low body mass index. Patients with LST had a significantly higher rate of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 2/3 flow (36%) at the time of ST than those with EST (13%) (
P
<0.0001) and VLST (17%;
P
<0.0001). Mortality rate at 1 year after ST was significantly lower in patients with VLST (10.5%) compared with those with EST (22.4%;
P
=0.003) or LST (23.5%;
P
=0.009).

Conclusion—

ST timing–dependent differences in baseline demographic features, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade, and mortality rate suggest possible differences in the predominant pathophysiological mechanisms of ST according to timing after sirolimus-eluting stent implantation.
Influence of Sea Surface Warming on Environmental Factors Affecting Long-Term Changes of Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Formation
Authors: Wu Liguang , Tao Li , Ding Qinghua
Published: June 2010

Despite the observed high correlation between the Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) and the Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity, interpretation of this relationship remains uncertain. This study suggests that the tropical Atlantic sea surface warming induces a pair of anomalous low-level cyclones on each side of the equator, providing favorable conditions for enhancing TC formation east of 45°W, while the effect of SST warming in the tropical Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean tends to suppress the TC formation.

Over the past 30 years (1978–2007), the TC activity in the Atlantic basin is characterized with significant enhancement of TC formation east of 45°W, where the total TC number increased significantly compared to the period 1948–77. Despite the possible undercount of TCs, this study shows that the recently enhanced TC formation may not be totally accounted for by the poor TC observing network prior to the satellite era. The Atlantic sea surface warming that occurred in recent decades might have allowed more TCs to form, to form earlier, and to take a longer track, while the effect is partially offset by the SST warming in Indian and Pacific Oceans. This study suggests that the close relationship between the Atlantic SST and TC activity over the past 30 years, including basinwide increases in the average lifetime, annual frequency, proportion of intense hurricanes, and annual accumulated power dissipation index (PDI), as reported in previous studies, is mainly a result of the SST warming in the tropical Atlantic exceeding that in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. The results agree with recent argument that the relative Atlantic SST change or the SST difference between the tropical Atlantic and other oceans play an important role in controlling long-term TC activity in the Atlantic basin.
On the Reasons for the Formation and Variability of the Azores Current
Authors: Volkov Denis L. , Fu Lee-Lueng
Published: June 2010

Recent studies have shown that the formation of the well-defined, zonally oriented Azores Current may be the result of water mass transformation associated with the Mediterranean outflow in the Gulf of Cadiz. As the denser Mediterranean water descends down the continental slope, it entrains overlying North Atlantic Central Water. It is believed that the Azores Current then forms as part of the horizontal recirculating gyre generated through the β-plume mechanism. In this study, the authors further explore this hypothesis by performing a series of numerical experiments. These experiments are based on a high-resolution general circulation model that includes the Mediterranean Sea and that realistically simulates the water mass exchange through the Strait of Gibraltar and the transport and variability of the Azores Current. The authors show that the divergence of the relative vorticity flux and the planetary vorticity flux, associated with planetary waves, are the main factors determining the variability of the Azores Current. It is shown experimentally that the closure of the Strait of Gibraltar leads to a complete disappearance of the Azores Current. On the other hand, with the open Strait of Gibraltar, the Azores Current persists even when the wind forcing over the region is turned off. The atmospheric forcing is thus not responsible for the formation of the Azores Current, but it affects the variability of the current with a minor effect on its magnitude. Numerical experiments suggest that the strength and the variability of the Azores Current depend on the magnitude of the water mass exchange through the Strait of Gibraltar but not on its seasonal variability.
Friction stir spot welding of DP780 carbon steel
Authors: Santella M. , Hovanski Y. , Frederick A. , Grant G. , Dahl M.
Published: June 2010

Friction stir spot welds were made in uncoated and galvannealed DP780 sheets using polycrystalline boron nitride stir tools. The tools were plunged at either a single continuous rate or in two segments consisting of a relatively high rate followed by a slower rate of shorter depth. Welding times ranged from 1 to 10 s. Increasing tool rotation speed from 800 to 1600 rev min–1 increased strength values. The 2-segment welding procedures also produced higher strength joints. Average lap shear strengths exceeding 10·3 kN were consistently obtained in 4 s on both the uncoated and the galvannealed DP780. The likelihood of diffusion and mechanical interlocking contributing to bond formation was supported by metallographic examinations. A cost analysis based on spot welding in automobile assembly showed that for friction stir spot welding to be economically competitive with resistance spot welding the cost of stir tools must approach that of resistance spot welding electrode tips.
Optimal FSW process parameters for interface and welded zone toughness of dissimilar aluminium–steel joint
Authors: Chen T. P. , Lin W.-B.
Published: June 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum operating conditions of friction stir welding dissimilar metals joints, namely AA6061 aluminium alloy and SS400 low carbon steel. The optimum operation is the combination of four mainly controllable process parameters for the best quality of uncontrollable parameters, such as both interface and welded zone impact values. In this paper, the V-notch impact value represents the interface toughness and the C-notch impact value for welded zone toughness. Moreover, the possible failure type can be analysed by observing the fractured surface after impact test. The best bending toughness of dissimilar metals joints is produced by the combination of the tool rotation speed of 550 rev min–1, the transverse speed of 0·9 mm s–1, the tool tilting backward 2° angles, and the tool pin diameter of 6 mm.
Friction stir welding of T-joints with dissimilar aluminium alloys: Mechanical joint characterisation
Authors: Tavares S. M. O. , Castro R. A. S. , Richter-Trummer V. , Vilaça P. , Moreira P. M. G. P. , de Castro P. M. S. T.
Published: June 2010

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a high reliability joining process creating excellent opportunities for new design concepts. This paper discusses T-joints composed by dissimilar aluminium alloys, a configuration suitable for reinforced panels where the skin is made of an aluminium alloy with higher toughness, and the web (reinforcement or stiffener) is made of a higher strength aluminium alloy, creating a good damage tolerant arrangement. A T-joint configuration was proposed non-including overlap interfaces between the workpieces. This T-joint also promotes a good flow among the materials of the different workpieces during the FSW process resulting in sound welds. Mechanical properties were measured achieving high efficiency values of joint static and dynamic strenght but with the drawback of the loss of elongation. Microstructural analyses of the weld zone were performed, and the results were compared with those of base materials and FSW butt joints evidencing the possibility of joining two dissimilar aluminium alloys in a T configuration. Additionally, the residual stress field, which is an important parameter for a more reliable design of integral structures, was evaluated with a semidestructive and a destructive method. The feasibility to weld T-joints with dissimilar aluminium alloys was demonstrated achieving good quality results, which can be used for structure reinforcement and optimisation.
Effect of surface states of steel on microstructure and mechanical properties of lap joints of magnesium alloy and steel by friction stir welding
Authors: Chen Y. C. , Nakata K.
Published: June 2010

AZ31 Mg alloy (top sheet) and steel (zinc coated steel and brushed finish steel) were friction stir lap welded, and the effect of surface states of steel on the microstructure and mechanical properties of joints was examined. The failure loads of the zinc coated steel joints could reach 2·3 kN. Mg alloy and brushed finish steel could not be welded in current experimental conditions. The presence of zinc coat promoted the formation of liquid low melting Mg–Zn eutectic products at the interface. The liquid products, as well as broken oxide films and surface contaminants, were forced out of the joining interface by the high pressure produced by the tool. As a result, fresh interfaces were exposed, which led to the mutual diffusion between magnesium alloy and steel. Findings of the present study suggest that the presence of zinc coat significantly improves the weldability in friction stir lap welding of magnesium alloy and steel.
Failure modes of friction stir spot welds in cross-tension specimens of dissimilar aluminium sheets
Authors: Tran V.-X. , Pan J.
Published: June 2010

Failure modes of friction stir spot welds in cross-tension specimens of dissimilar aluminium 5754-O and 7075-T6 sheets are investigated. Experimental results show that the failure loads of friction stir spot welds in cross-tension specimens are much lower than those in lap shear specimens. Optical micrographs of the 5754/7075 and 7075/5754 welds before and after failure under quasistatic loading conditions are examined to understand the failure modes of the welds in cross-tension specimens. The micrographs show that the 5754/7075 and 7075/5754 welds in cross-tension specimens mainly fail from the fracture along the interfacial surface and then from the fracture surface through the upper sheet material. The failure modes of the welds in cross-tension specimens are quite different from those in lap shear specimens. Finally, the paper presents discussion of the load carrying capacities and fatigue data of the welds in lap shear and cross-tension specimens based on the linear elastic stress intensity factor solutions.
Effect of material locations on properties of friction stir welding joints of dissimilar aluminium alloys
Authors: Park S.-K. , Hong S.-T. , Park J.-H. , Park K.-Y. , Kwon Y.-J. , Son H.-J.
Published: June 2010

The effect of material locations on the properties of friction stir welding (FSW) joints of two dissimilar aluminium alloys was investigated by experiments. The result of the microstructural analysis shows that the material mixing patterns in the FSW joints are quite different depending on the locations of the base metals. For the given aluminium alloys, the materials were more properly mixed when the 5052-H32 aluminium alloy was in the advancing side and the 6061-T6 aluminium alloy was in the retreating side than the case of the 6061-T6 aluminium alloy in the advancing side and the 5052-H32 aluminium alloy in the retreating side. The lowest value of the microhardness measured in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the 5052-H32 aluminium alloy side for the both FSW joints explains why the quasi-static tensile test specimens were fractured at the 5052-H32 side of joint for the both FSW joints.
Corrosion behaviour of banded microstructure within nugget of friction stir welds in AA2024-T351
Authors: Jariyaboon M. , Davenport A. J. , Ambat R. , Connolly B. J. , Williams S. W. , Price D. A.
Published: June 2010

Corrosion behaviour of the banded structure known as ‘onion ring’ in the nugget of friction stir weld AA2024-T351 was investigated to find the relation to microstructure. A micro-electrochemical cell with a 50 μm diameter glass pipette tip was used for electrochemical measurements. It was found that onion rings consisted of two bands: ‘dark’ bands that contain fewer constituent particles but show extensive precipitation of S phase and ‘light’ bands that contain fewer S phase precipitates but greater numbers of constituent particles. Electrochemical results showed that the light band has more noble (less active) open circuit potential compared to the dark band. Microstructurally, this is due to the lower number of S precipitates and therefore the possibility of higher Cu solid solution within the band compared to that of the dark band.
Protein kinase B (PKB/c-akt) regulates homing of hematopoietic progenitors through modulation of their adhesive and migratory properties
Authors: Buitenhuis Miranda , van der Linden Edwin , Ulfman Laurien H. , Hofhuis Frans M. , Bierings Marc B. , Coffer Paul J.
Published: June 2010

Limited number of hematopoietic stem cells in umbilical cord blood (UCB) presents a problem when using UCB for stem cell transplantation. Improving their homing capacity could reduce the need for high initial cell numbers during transplantation procedures. Although it is evident that protein kinase B (PKB/c-Akt) plays an important role in regulation of migration of various cell types, a role for PKB in regulation of migration and homing of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells remains to be determined. PKB activity was found to be required for induction of adhesion to bone marrow–derived stromal cells and detrimental for migration of UCB-derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors. In addition, PKB activity was found to positively regulate integrin expression. CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors, and their capacity to form colonies in vitro, were not affected by transient inhibition of PKB. Finally, transplantation of β2-microglobulin−/− nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice with CD34+ cells ectopically expressing constitutively active PKB resulted in reduced migration to the bone marrow, whereas inhibition of PKB activity resulted in an induction in bone marrow homing and engraftment. These results indicate that transient inhibition of PKB activity may provide a means for ex vivo stem cell manipulation to improve bone marrow transplantation regimes.
Lymphotoxin-alpha contributes to lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Mounzer Rawad H. , Svendsen Oyvind S. , Baluk Peter , Bergman Cheryl M. , Padera Timothy P. , Wiig Helge , Jain Rakesh K. , McDonald Donald M. , Ruddle Nancy H.
Published: June 2010

Lymphotoxin-α (LTα), lymphotoxin-β (LTβ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) are inflammatory mediators that play crucial roles in lymphoid organ development. We demonstrate here that LTα also contributes to the function of lymphatic vessels and to lymphangiogenesis during inflammation. LTα−/− mice exhibited reduced lymph flow velocities and increased interstitial fluid pressure. Airways of LTβ−/− mice infected with Mycoplasma pulmonis had significantly more lymphangiogenesis than wild type (WT) or LTα−/− mice, as did the skin draining immunization sites of LTβ−/− mice. Macrophages, B cells, and T cells, known sources of LT and TNFα, were apparent in the skin surrounding the immunization sites as were LTα, LTβ, and TNFα mRNAs. Ectopic expression of LTα led to the development of LYVE-1 and Prox1-positive lymphatic vessels within tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs). Quantification of pancreatic lymphatic vessel density in RIPLTαLTβ−/− and WT mice revealed that LTα was sufficient for inducing lymphangiogenesis and that LTβ was not required for this process. Kidneys of inducible LTα transgenic mice developed lymphatic vessels before the appearance of obvious TLOs. These data indicate that LTα plays a significant role in lymphatic vessel function and in inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis.
Decreased sickle red blood cell adhesion to laminin by hydroxyurea is associated with inhibition of Lu/BCAM protein phosphorylation
Authors: Bartolucci Pablo , Chaar Vicky , Picot Julien , Bachir Dora , Habibi Anoosha , Fauroux Christine , Galactéros Frédéric , Colin Yves , Le Van Kim Caroline , El Nemer Wassim
Published: June 2010

Sickle cell disease is characterized by painful vaso-occlusive crises during which abnormal interactions between erythroid adhesion molecules and vessel-wall proteins are thought to play a critical role. Hydroxyurea, the only drug with proven benefit in sickle cell disease, diminishes these interactions, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood. We report that, under hydroxyurea, expression of the unique erythroid laminin receptor Lu/BCAM was increased, but red blood cell adhesion to laminin decreased. Because Lu/BCAM phosphorylation is known to activate cell adhesion to laminin, it was evaluated and found to be dramatically lower in hydroxyurea-treated patients. Analysis of the protein kinase A pathway showed decreased intracellular levels of the upstream effector cyclic adenosine monophosphate during hydroxyurea treatment. Using a cellular model expressing recombinant Lu/BCAM, we showed that hydroxyurea led to decreased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels and diminished Lu/BCAM phosphorylation and cell adhesion. We provide evidence that hydroxyurea could reduce abnormal sickle red blood cell adhesion to the vascular wall by regulating the activation state of adhesion molecules independently of their expression level.
Identifying interactions in the time and frequency domains in local and global networks - A Granger Causality Approach
Authors: Zou Cunlu , Ladroue Christophe , Guo Shuixia , Feng Jianfeng
Published: June 2010

Background

Reverse-engineering approaches such as Bayesian network inference, ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and information theory are widely applied to deriving causal relationships among different elements such as genes, proteins, metabolites, neurons, brain areas and so on, based upon multi-dimensional spatial and temporal data. There are several well-established reverse-engineering approaches to explore causal relationships in a dynamic network, such as ordinary differential equations (ODE), Bayesian networks, information theory and Granger Causality.

Results

Here we focused on Granger causality both in the time and frequency domain and in local and global networks, and applied our approach to experimental data (genes and proteins). For a small gene network, Granger causality outperformed all the other three approaches mentioned above. A global protein network of 812 proteins was reconstructed, using a novel approach. The obtained results fitted well with known experimental findings and predicted many experimentally testable results. In addition to interactions in the time domain, interactions in the frequency domain were also recovered.

Conclusions

The results on the proteomic data and gene data confirm that Granger causality is a simple and accurate approach to recover the network structure. Our approach is general and can be easily applied to other types of temporal data.
Drosophila mitoferrinis essential for male fertility: evidence for a role of mitochondrial iron metabolism during spermatogenesis
Authors: Metzendorf Christoph , Lind Maria I
Published: June 2010

Background

Mammals andDrosophila melanogastershare some striking similarities in spermatogenesis. Mitochondria in spermatids undergo dramatic morphological changes and syncytial spermatids are stripped from their cytoplasm and then individually wrapped by single membranes in an individualization process. In mammalian and fruit fly testis, components of the mitochondrial iron metabolism are expressed, but so far their function during spermatogenesis is unknown. Here we investigate the role ofDrosophilamitoferrin (dmfrn), which is a mitochondrial carrier protein with an established role in the mitochondrial iron metabolism, during spermatogenesis.

Results

We found that P-element insertions into the 5'-untranslated region of thedmfrngene cause recessive male sterility, which was rescued by a fluorescently tagged transgenicdmfrngenomic construct (dmfrnvenus). Testes of mutant homozygousdmfrnSH115flies were either small with unorganized content or contained some partially elongated spermatids, or testes were of normal size but lacked mature sperm. Testis squashes indicated that spermatid elongation was defective and electron micrographs showed mitochondrial defects in elongated spermatids and indicated failed individualization. Using aLacZreporter and thedmfrnvenustransgene, we found that dmfrn expression in testes was highest in spermatids, coinciding with the stages that showed defects in the mutants. Dmfrn-venus protein accumulated in mitochondrial derivatives of spermatids, where it remained until most of it was stripped off during individualization and disposed of in waste bags. Male sterility in flies with the hypomorph allelesdmfrnBG00456anddmfrnEY01302over the deletionDf(3R)ED6277was increased by dietary iron chelation and suppressed by iron supplementation of the food, while male sterility ofdmfrnSH115/Df(3R)ED6277flies was not affected by food iron levels.

Conclusions

In this work, we show that mutations in theDrosophilamitoferrin gene result in male sterility caused by developmental defects. From the sensitivity of the hypomorph mutants to low food iron levels we conclude that mitochondrial iron is essential for spermatogenesis. This is the first time that a link between the mitochondrial iron metabolism and spermatogenesis has been shown. Furthermore, due to the similar expression patterns of some mitochondrial iron metabolism genes inDrosophilaand mammals, it is likely that our results are applicable for mammals as well.
Tgfβ2 and 3 are coexpressed with their extracellular regulator Ltbp1in the early limb bud and modulate mesodermal outgrowth and BMP signaling in chicken embryos
Authors: Lorda-Diez Carlos I , Montero Juan A , Garcia-Porrero Juan A , Hurle Juan M
Published: June 2010

Background

Transforming growth factor β proteins (Tgfβs) are secreted cytokines with well-defined functions in the differentiation of the musculoskeletal system of the developing limb. Here we have studied in chicken embryos, whether these cytokines are implicated in the development of the embryonic limb bud at stages preceding tissue differentiation.

Results

Immunohistochemical detection of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 indicates that signaling by this pathway is active in the undifferentiated mesoderm and AER. Gene expression analysis shows that transcripts of tgfβ2 and tgfβ3 but not tgfβ1 are abundant in the growing undifferentiated limb mesoderm. Transcripts of tgfβ2 are also found in the AER, which is the signaling center responsible for limb outgrowth. Furthermore, we show that Latent Tgfβ Binding protein 1 (LTBP1), which is a key extracellular modulator of Tgfβ ligand bioavailability, is coexpressed with Tgfβs in the early limb bud. Administration of exogenous Tgfβs to limb buds growing in explant cultures provides evidence of these cytokines playing a role in the regulation of mesodermal limb proliferation. In addition, analysis of gene regulation in these experiments revealed that Tgfβ signaling has no effect on the expression of master genes of musculoskeletal tissue differentiation but negatively regulates the expression of the BMP-antagonist Gremlin.

Conclusion

We propose the occurrence of an interplay between Tgfβ and BMP signaling functionally associated with the regulation of early limb outgrowth by modulating limb mesenchymal cell proliferation.
Phylogeography and allopatric divergence of cypress species (Cupressus L.) in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions
Authors: Xu Tingting , Abbott Richard J , Milne Richard I , Mao Kangshan , Du Fang K , Wu Guili , Ciren Zhaxi , Miehe Georg , Liu Jianquan
Published: June 2010

Background

Although allopatric speciation is viewed as the most common way in which species originate, allopatric divergence among a group of closely related species has rarely been examined at the population level through phylogeographic analysis. Here we report such a case study on eight putative cypress (Cupressus) species, which each have a mainly allopatric distribution in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and adjacent regions. The analysis involved sequencing three plastid DNA fragments (trnD-trnT, trnS-trnG and trnL-trnF) in 371 individuals sampled from populations at 66 localities.

Results

Both phylogenetic and network analyses showed that most DNA haplotypes recovered or haplotype-clustered lineages resolved were largely species-specific. Across all species, significant phylogeographic structure (N
ST > G
ST, P < 0.05) implied a high correlation between haplotypes/lineages and geographic distribution. Two species, C. duclouxiana and C. chengiana, which are distributed in the eastern QTP region, contained more haplotypes and higher diversity than five species with restricted distributions in the western highlands of the QTP. The remaining species, C. funebris, is widely cultivated and contained very little cpDNA diversity.

Conclusions

It is concluded that the formation of high mountain barriers separating deep valleys in the QTP and adjacent regions caused by various uplifts of the plateau since the early Miocene most likely promoted allopatric divergence in Cupressus by restricting gene flow and fixing local, species-specific haplotypes in geographically isolated populations. The low levels of intraspecific diversity present in most species might stem from population bottlenecks brought about by recurrent periods of unfavorable climate and more recently by the negative impacts of human activities on species' distributions. Our findings shed new light on the importance of geographical isolation caused by the uplift of the QTP on the development of high plant species diversity in the QTP biodiversity hotspot.
Sodium channel Nav1.7 immunoreactivity in painful human dental pulp and burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Beneng Kiran , Renton Tara , Yilmaz Zehra , Yiangou Yiangos , Anand Praveen
Published: June 2010

Background

Voltage gated sodium channels Nav1.7 are involved in nociceptor nerve action potentials and are known to affect pain sensitivity in clinical genetic disorders.

Aims and Objectives

To study Nav1.7 levels in dental pulpitis pain, an inflammatory condition, and burning mouth syndrome (BMS), considered a neuropathic orofacial pain disorder.

Methods

Two groups of patients were recruited for this study. One group consisted of patients with dental pulpitis pain (n = 5) and controls (n = 12), and the other patients with BMS (n = 7) and controls (n = 10). BMS patients were diagnosed according to the International Association for the Study of Pain criteria; a pain history was collected, including the visual analogue scale (VAS). Immunohistochemistry with visual intensity and computer image analysis were used to evaluate levels of Nav1.7 in dental pulp tissue samples from the dental pulpitis group, and tongue biopsies from the BMS group.

Results

There was a significantly increased visual intensity score for Nav1.7 in nerve fibres in the painful dental pulp specimens, compared to controls. Image analysis showed a trend for an increase of the Nav1.7 immunoreactive % area in the painful pulp group, but this was not statistically significant. When expressed as a ratio of the neurofilament % area, there was a strong trend for an increase of Nav1.7 in the painful pulp group. Nav1.7 immunoreactive fibres were seen in abundance in the sub-mucosal layer of tongue biopsies, with no significant difference between BMS and controls.

Conclusion

Nav1.7 sodium channel may play a significant role in inflammatory dental pain. Clinical trials with selective Nav1.7 channel blockers should prioritise dental pulp pain rather than BMS.
Duplication, divergence and persistence in the Phytochrome photoreceptor gene family of cottons (Gossypium spp.)
Authors: Abdurakhmonov Ibrokhim Y , Buriev Zabardast T , Logan-Young Carla Jo , Abdukarimov Abdusattor , Pepper Alan E
Published: June 2010

Background

Phytochromes are a family of red/far-red photoreceptors that regulate a number of important developmental traits in cotton (Gossypium spp.), including plant architecture, fiber development, and photoperiodic flowering. Little is known about the composition and evolution of the phytochrome gene family in diploid (G. herbaceum, G. raimondii) or allotetraploid (G. hirsutum, G. barbadense) cotton species. The objective of this study was to obtain a preliminary inventory and molecular-evolutionary characterization of the phytochrome gene family in cotton.

Results

We used comparative sequence resources to design low-degeneracy PCR primers that amplify genomic sequence tags (GSTs) for members of the PHYA, PHYB/D, PHYC and PHYE gene sub-families from A- and D-genome diploid and AD-genome allotetraploid Gossypium species. We identified two paralogous PHYA genes (designated PHYA1 and PHYA2) in diploid cottons, the result of a Malvaceae-specific PHYA gene duplication that occurred approximately 14 million years ago (MYA), before the divergence of the A- and D-genome ancestors. We identified a single gene copy of PHYB, PHYC, and PHYE in diploid cottons. The allotetraploid genomes have largely retained the complete gene complements inherited from both of the diploid genome ancestors, with at least four PHYA genes and two genes encoding PHYB, PHYC and PHYE in the AD-genomes. We did not identify a PHYD gene in any cotton genomes examined.

Conclusions

Detailed sequence analysis suggests that phytochrome genes retained after duplication by segmental duplication and allopolyploidy appear to be evolving independently under a birth-and-death-process with strong purifying selection. Our study provides a preliminary phytochrome gene inventory that is necessary and sufficient for further characterization of the biological functions of each of the cotton phytochrome genes, and for the development of 'candidate gene' markers that are potentially useful for cotton improvement via modern marker-assisted selection strategies.
Adaptation and diversity along an altitudinal gradient in Ethiopian barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces revealed by molecular analysis
Authors: Tanto Hadado Tesema , Rau Domenico , Bitocchi Elena , Papa Roberto
Published: June 2010

Background

Among the cereal crops, barley is the species with the greatest adaptability to a wide range of environments. To determine the level and structure of genetic diversity in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces from the central highlands of Ethiopia, we have examined the molecular variation at seven nuclear microsatellite loci.

Results

A total of 106 landrace populations were sampled in the two growing seasons (Meher and Belg; the long and short rainy seasons, respectively), across three districts (Ankober, Mojanawadera and Tarmaber), and within each district along an altitudinal gradient (from 1,798 to 3,324 m a.s.l). Overall, although significant, the divergence (e.g. FST) is very low between seasons and geographical districts, while it is high between different classes of altitude. Selection for adaptation to different altitudes appears to be the main factor that has determined the observed clinal variation, along with population-size effects.

Conclusions

Our data show that barley landraces from Ethiopia are constituted by highly variable local populations (farmer's fields) that have large within-population diversity. These landraces are also shown to be locally adapted, with the major driving force that has shaped their population structure being consistent with selection for adaptation along an altitudinal gradient. Overall, our study highlights the potential of such landraces as a source of useful alleles. Furthermore, these landraces also represent an ideal system to study the processes of adaptation and for the identification of genes and genomic regions that have adaptive roles in crop species.
Acute retroperitoneal bleeding due to inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm: Case report
Authors: Pérez-Vallecillos P , Conde-Muíño R , Segura-Jiménez I , Maldonado-Fernández N , Ferrón JA , García-Róspide V , Palma P
Published: June 2010

Background

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA), although uncommon, are increasingly being detected. We describe a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage from a ruptured IMA aneurysm associated with stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac trunk, successfully treated with surgery.

Methods

A 65-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. Abdominal CT scan showed an aneurysm of the inferior mesenteric artery with retroperitoneal hematoma. In addition, an obstructive disease of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac axis was observed.

Results

Upon emergency laparotomy a ruptured inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm was detected. The aneurysm was excised and the artery reconstructed by end-to-end anastomosis.

Conclusions

This report discusses the etiology, presentation, diagnosis and case management of inferior mesenteric artery aneurysms.
Search for copy number variants in chromosomes 15q11-q13 and 22q11.2 in obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Delorme Richard , Moreno-De-Luca Daniel , Gennetier Aurélie , Maier Wolfgang , Chaste Pauline , Mössner Rainald , Grabe Hans Jörgen , Ruhrmann Stephan , Falkai Peter , Mouren Marie-Christine , Leboyer Marion , Wagner Michael , Betancur Catalina
Published: June 2010

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically and etiologically heterogeneous syndrome. The high frequency of obsessive-compulsive symptoms reported in subjects with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndrome) or Prader-Willi syndrome (15q11-13 deletion of the paternally derived chromosome), suggests that gene dosage effects in these chromosomal regions could increase risk for OCD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to search for microrearrangements in these two regions in OCD patients.

Methods

We screened the 15q11-13 and 22q11.2 chromosomal regions for genomic imbalances in 236 patients with OCD using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA).

Results

No deletions or duplications involving 15q11-13 or 22q11.2 were identified in our patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that deletions/duplications of chromosomes 15q11-13 and 22q11.2 are rare in OCD. Despite the negative findings in these two regions, the search for copy number variants in OCD using genome-wide array-based methods is a highly promising approach to identify genes of etiologic importance in the development of OCD.
Resveratrol suppresses body mass gain in a seasonal non-human primate model of obesity
Authors: Dal-Pan Alexandre , Blanc Stéphane , Aujard Fabienne
Published: June 2010

Background

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, was shown to protect rodents against high-fat-diet induced diabesity by boosting energy metabolism. To the best of our knowledge, no data is yet available on the effects of resveratrol in non-human primates. Six non-human heterotherm primates (grey mouse lemurs, Microcebus murinus) were studied during four weeks of dietary supplementation with resveratrol (200 mg/kg/day) during their winter body-mass gain period. Body mass, spontaneous energy intake, resting metabolic rate, spontaneous locomotor activity and daily variations in body temperature were measured. In addition, the plasma levels of several gut hormones involved in satiety control were evaluated.

Results

Resveratrol reduced the seasonal body-mass gain by concomitantly decreasing energy intake by 13% and increasing resting metabolic rate by 29%. Resveratrol supplementation inhibited the depth of daily torpor, an important energy-saving process in this primate. The daily amount of locomotor activity remained unchanged. Except for an increase in the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, a gut hormone known to promote mobilization of fat stores, no major change in satiety hormone plasma levels was observed under resveratrol supplementation.

Conclusions

These results suggest that in a non-human primate, resveratrol reduces body-mass gain by increasing satiety and resting metabolic rate, and by inhibiting torpor expression. The measured anorectic gut hormones did not seem to play a major role in these observations.
Disparities of Care for African-Americans and Caucasians with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Frei Christopher R , Mortensen Eric M , Copeland Laurel A , Attridge Russell T , Pugh Mary Jo V , Restrepo Marcos I , Anzueto Antonio , Nakashima Brandy , Fine Michael J
Published: June 2010

Background

African-Americans admitted to U.S. hospitals with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are more likely than Caucasians to experience prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS), possibly due to either differential treatment decisions or patient characteristics.

Methods

We assessed associations between race and outcomes (Intensive Care Unit [ICU] variables, LOS, 30-day mortality) for African-American or Caucasian patients over 65 years hospitalized in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with CAP (2002-2007). Patients admitted to the ICU were analyzed separately from those not admitted to the ICU. VHA patients who died within 30 days of discharge were excluded from all LOS analyses. We used chi-square and Fisher's exact statistics to compare dichotomous variables, the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test to compare age by race, and Cox Proportional Hazards Regression to analyze hospital LOS. We used separate generalized linear mixed-effect models, with admitting hospital as a random effect, to examine associations between patient race and the receipt of guideline-concordant antibiotics, ICU admission, use of mechanical ventilation, use of vasopressors, LOS, and 30-day mortality. We defined statistical significance as a two-tailed p ≤ 0.0001.

Results

Of 40,878 patients, African-Americans (n = 4,936) were less likely to be married and more likely to have a substance use disorder, neoplastic disease, renal disease, or diabetes compared to Caucasians. African-Americans and Caucasians were equally likely to receive guideline-concordant antibiotics (92% versus 93%, adjusted OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.20) and experienced similar 30-day mortality when treated in medical wards (adjusted OR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.87 to 1.10). African-Americans had a shorter adjusted hospital LOS (adjusted HR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.92 to 0.98). When admitted to the ICU, African Americans were as likely as Caucasians to receive guideline-concordant antibiotics (76% versus 78%, adjusted OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.20), but experienced lower 30-day mortality (adjusted OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.99) and shorter hospital LOS (adjusted HR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.76 to 0.93).

Conclusions

Elderly African-American CAP patients experienced a survival advantage (i.e., lower 30-day mortality) in the ICU compared to Caucasians and shorter hospital LOS in both medical wards and ICUs, after adjusting for numerous baseline differences in patient characteristics. There were no racial differences in receipt of guideline-concordant antibiotic therapies.
Lack of effects of typical and atypical antipsychotics in DARPP-32 and NCS-1 levels in PC12 cells overexpressing NCS-1
Authors: Souza Bruno R , Torres Karen CL , Miranda Débora M , Motta Bernardo S , Scotti-Muzzi Estêvão , Guimarães Melissa M , Carneiro Daniel S , Rosa Daniela VF , Souza Renan P , Reis Helton J , Jeromin Andreas , Romano-Silva Marco A
Published: June 2010

Background

Schizophrenia is the major psychiatry disorder, which the exact cause remains unknown. However, it is well known that dopamine-mediated neurotransmission imbalance is associated with this pathology and the main target of antipsychotics is the dopamine receptor D2. Recently, it was described alteration in levels of two dopamine signaling related proteins in schizophrenic prefrontal cortex (PFC): Neuronal Calcium Sensor-1 (NCS-1) and DARPP-32. NCS-1, which is upregulated in PFC of schizophrenics, inhibits D2 internalization. DARPP-32, which is decreased in PFC of schizophrenics, is a key downstream effector in transducing dopamine signaling. We previously demonstrated that antipsychotics do not change levels of both proteins in rat's brain. However, since NCS-1 and DARPP-32 levels are not altered in wild type rats, we treated wild type PC12 cells (PC12 WT) and PC12 cells stably overexpressing NCS-1 (PC12 Clone) with antipsychotics to investigate if NCS-1 upregulation modulates DARPP-32 expression in response to antipsychotics treatment.

Results

We chronically treated both PC12 WT and PC12 Clone cells with typical (Haloperidol) or atypical (Clozapine and Risperidone) antipsychotics for 14 days. Using western blot technique we observed that there is no change in NCS-1 and DARPP-32 protein levels in both PC12 WT and PC12 Clone cells after typical and atypical antipsychotic treatments.

Conclusions

Because we observed no alteration in NCS-1 and DARPP-32 levels in both PC12 WT and Clone cells treated with typical or atypical antipsychotics, we suggest that the alteration in levels of both proteins in schizophrenic's PFC is related to psychopathology but not with antipsychotic treatment.
Organic farmers use of wild food plants and fungi in a hilly area in Styria (Austria)
Authors: Schunko Christoph , Vogl Christian R
Published: June 2010

Background

Changing lifestyles have recently caused a severe reduction of the gathering of wild food plants. Knowledge about wild food plants and the local environment becomes lost when plants are no longer gathered. In Central Europe popular scientific publications have tried to counter this trend. However, detailed and systematic scientific investigations in distinct regions are needed to understand and preserve wild food uses. This study aims to contribute to these investigations.

Methods

Research was conducted in the hill country east of Graz, Styria, in Austria. Fifteen farmers, most using organic methods, were interviewed in two distinct field research periods between July and November 2008. Data gathering was realized through freelisting and subsequent semi-structured interviews. The culinary use value (CUV) was developed to quantify the culinary importance of plant species. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on gathering and use variables to identify culture-specific logical entities of plants. The study presented was conducted within the framework of the master's thesis about wild plant gathering of the first author. Solely data on gathered wild food species is presented here.

Results

Thirty-nine wild food plant and mushroom species were identified as being gathered, whereas 11 species were mentioned by at least 40 percent of the respondents. Fruits and mushrooms are listed frequently, while wild leafy vegetables are gathered rarely. Wild foods are mainly eaten boiled, fried or raw. Three main clusters of wild gathered food species were identified: leaves (used in salads and soups), mushrooms (used in diverse ways) and fruits (eaten raw, with milk (products) or as a jam).

Conclusions

Knowledge about gathering and use of some wild food species is common among farmers in the hill country east of Graz. However, most uses are known by few farmers only. The CUV facilitates the evaluation of the culinary importance of species and makes comparisons between regions and over time possible. The classification following gathering and use variables can be used to better understand how people classify the elements of their environment. The findings of this study add to discussions about food heritage, popularized by organizations like Slow Food, and bear significant potential for organic farmers.