bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combating Mineral Malnutrition through Iron and Zinc Biofortification of Cereals
Authors: Shahzad Zaigham , Rouached Hatem , Rakha Allah 
Published: April 2014

Abstract Iron and zinc are 2 important nutrients in the human diet. Their deficiencies in humans lead to a variety of health‐related problems. Iron and zinc biofortification of cereals is considered a cost‐effective solution to overcome the malnutrition of these minerals. Biofortification aims at either increasing accumulation of these minerals in edible parts, endosperm, or to increase their bioavailability. Iron and zinc fertilization management positively influence their accumulation in cereal grains. Regarding genetic strategies, quantitative genetic studies show the existence of ample variation for iron and zinc accumulation as well as inhibitors or promoters of their bioavailability in cereal grains. However, the genes underlying this variation have rarely been identified and never used in breeding programs. Genetically modified cereals developed by modulation of genes involved in iron and zinc homeostasis, or genes influencing bioavailability, have shown promising results. However, iron and zinc concentration were quantified in the whole grains during most of the studies, whereas a significant proportion of them is lost during milling. This makes it difficult to realistically assess the effectiveness of the different strategies. Moreover, modifications in the accumulation of toxic elements, like cadmium and arsenic, that are of concern for food safety are rarely determined. Trials in living organisms with iron‐ and zinc‐biofortified cereals also remain to be undertaken. This review focuses on the common challenges and their possible solutions related to agronomic as well as genetic iron and zinc biofortification of cereals.
Simultaneous Detection of Human Mitochondrial DNA and Nuclear‐Inserted Mitochondrial‐origin Sequences (NumtS) using Forensic mtDNA Amplification Strategies and Pyrosequencing Technology
Authors: Bintz Brittania J. , Dixon Groves B. , Wilson Mark R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing technologies enable the identification of minor mitochondrial DNA variants with higher sensitivity than Sanger methods, allowing for enhanced identification of minor variants. In this study, mixtures of human mtDNA control region amplicons were subjected to pyrosequencing to determine the detection threshold of the Roche GS Junior® instrument (Roche Applied Science, Indianapolis, IN). In addition to expected variants, a set of reproducible variants was consistently found in reads from one particular amplicon. A BLASTn search of the variant sequence revealed identity to a segment of a 611‐bp nuclear insertion of the mitochondrial control region (NumtS) spanning the primer‐binding sites of this amplicon (Nature 1995;378:489). Primers (Hum Genet 2012;131:757; Hum Biol 1996;68:847) flanking the insertion were used to confirm the presence or absence of the NumtS in buccal DNA extracts from twenty donors. These results further our understanding of human mtDNA variation and are expected to have a positive impact on the interpretation of mtDNA profiles using deep‐sequencing methods in casework.
Fatal Falls from Height in Taiwan
Authors: Peng Tzu‐An , Lee Chien‐Chang , Lin Jasper Chia‐Cheng , Shun Chia‐Tung , Shaw Kai‐Ping , Weng Te I 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study conducts an investigation of fatal falls from height, examines gender differences, and compares our findings with those of Western countries. We review deaths in Taiwan caused by falls from height that underwent forensic autopsy from 1994 to 2010. Among the examined cases, 182 were suicide, 156 were accidents, and 18 were homicides. Men who fell from greater heights had a lower probability of fatal head trauma (p = 0.045), and women exhibited a lower fatal head trauma rate when falling from heights of between 10 and 25 m in accident group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between cases of falling from greater and lower heights within the suicide group (p = 0.834). Psychiatric illness was only reported in 20.3% and 28.8% cases in suicide and accident groups. Only in male cases was the use of psychotropic substances higher in the suicide groups than in the accident groups (p = 0.047).
Solitary pulmonary metastasis from malignant melanoma of the bulbar conjunctiva presenting as a pulmonary ground glass nodule: Report of a case
Authors: Mizuuchi Hiroshi , Suda Kenichi , Kitahara Hirokazu , Shimamatsu Shinichiro , Kohno Mikihiro , Okamoto Tatsuro , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe herein report a case of solitary pulmonary metastasis from malignant melanoma that presented as a pulmonary ground glass nodule. A 57‐year‐old man who had undergone resection of a malignant melanoma of the right bulbar conjunctiva at the age of 51 was referred to our hospital for management of ground glass opacity in his left lung. Because radiological examination suggested the nodule was an adenocarcinoma in situ, computed tomography (CT) follow‐up was planned. CT examination performed nine months later showed that the nodule had grown from 6 mm to 8 mm. Moreover, CT performed one and a half years after first detection revealed that the nodule had grown up to 10 mm. The patient, therefore, underwent partial resection of the lung for diagnosis and treatment. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed atypical cells with melanin granules proliferating in a lepidic‐like fashion. The cells were positive on S‐100 staining, indicating a pulmonary metastasis from malignant melanoma. Thus, metastatic tumors from malignant melanoma can present as ground glass opacities.
Prognostic factors for survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma after local resection
Authors: Zhao Xiangqian , Dong Jiahong , Huang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Wenzhi , Jiang Kai 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundLocal resection (LR) is a potentially effective alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy for treatment of ampullary cancer, but the prognostic factors remain undefined. The purpose of this study was to identify the prognostic factors for ampullary cancer patients who had undergone LR.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical, pathological data and surgical approach of 34 ampullary cancer patients who had undergone LR during 1996–2009 at People's Liberation Army General Hospital. Prognostic factors for survival and recurrence were analysed.ResultsThe 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates of the patients were 97.1, 69.5 and 53.7%, respectively. The gender, age, preoperative bilirubin levels, CA19‐9 levels and preoperative biopsy did not correlate with the survival rates. The survival rates of patient with T1 and T2 tumours were superior to that of patients with T3 tumours (P = 0.000). Tumour size, surgical margin status and the extent of differentiation had no effect on survival rates (P = 0.464, P = 0.601 and P = 0.121, respectively). The survival rate of patients who had extraduodenal LR (12 cases) was superior to that of patients who had transduodenal LR (22 cases) (P = 0.026). Tumour recurrence occurred in 14 (41.2%) patients. Tumour infiltration (P = 0.014) correlated with the recurrence.ConclusionThe degree of tumour infiltration is the pathological factor that most affects the survival of ampullary cancer patients who undergo LR. Extraduodenal LR is a promising surgical procedure, the efficacy of which is superior to that of transduodenal LR. The depth of tumour invasion correlated with the recurrence.
Colorectal resection in nonagenarians: Effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Soma Toshiya , Sugano Motoki , Kawasaki Chihiro , Tsuji Masae , Fukui Izumi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe number and proportion of elderly persons in the general population have been increasing. Inevitably, the incidence of colorectal carcinoma has also increased. Although substantial evidence indicates that surgery is well tolerated in patients 80 years or older, studies in nonagenarians are not well documented.MethodsConsecutive nonagenarians and octogenarians who underwent elective laparoscopic‐assisted colectomy (LAC) from September 2009 through October 2011 were studied. Data on medical history, ASA score, details of operations, and postoperative events were collected.ResultsLAC was performed in nine nonagenarians and seven octogenarians. There were no complications related to laparoscopy. No patient required conversion from LAC to an open procedure or died postoperatively. Peristalsis was confirmed and oral intake was initiated on postoperative days 2.6 and 2.7, respectively.ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgery is considered an extremely useful treatment for very old patients because it has a low risk of postoperative complications, even in the presence of pre‐existing diseases. We conclude that LAC may be indicated in nonagenarians.
Genotypes and phenotypes of congenital goitre and hypothyroidism caused by mutations in dual oxidase 2 genes
Authors: Wang Fang , Lu Kunna , Yang Zhifeng , Zhang Shasha , Lu Wei , Zhang Liqin , Liu Shiguo , Yan Shengli 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to screen for DUOX2, TPO and TG mutations in Chinese patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and goitre and to define the relationships between DUOX2 genotypes and clinical phenotypes.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 67 patients with CH and goitre in Shandong Province, China. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. PCR and direct sequencing were used to analyse all exons of DUOX2, TPO and TG. Detailed medical records were then collected, and the relationship between DUOX2 genotype and the clinical phenotype of CH and goitre caused by DUOX2 mutations was investigated.ResultsAnalysis of DUOX2 revealed nine mutations, including one novel nonsense mutation (p.W734X), six novel missense mutations (p.N100D, p.S660L, p.A1131S, p.W1181G, p.A1206T and p.R1267W) and two recurrent mutations (p.R701X and p.R1110Q) in 10 patients from 10 unrelated families. Monoallelic and compound heterozygous mutations in DUOX2 were associated with permanent or transient CH. No mutation was found after screening all exons of TPO and TG.ConclusionOur study identified DUOX2 mutations in 14·9% of Chinese patients investigated with CH and goitre. Because the relationships between DUOX2 genotypes and clinical phenotypes are extremely complex, however, further studies are needed to identify more mutations in known genes which are involved in CH and goitre.
Vestibular disorders in euthyroid patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: role of thyroid autoimmunity
Authors: Chiarella Giuseppe , Tognini Sara , Nacci Andrea , Sieli Roberta , Costante Giuseppe , Petrolo Claudio , Mancini Valentina , Guzzi Pietro Hiram , Pasqualetti Giuseppe , Cassandro Ettore , Fattori Bruno , Russo Diego , Monzani Fabio 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIntroductionA relationship between vestibular disorders and thyroid autoimmunity independently from thyroid function has been postulated.AimTo shed more light on the actual relationship between vestibular lesions and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) regardless of thyroid function.MethodsForty‐seven patients with HT (89·4% F; aged 48·3 ± 12·7 years), 21 with multinodular goitre (MNG; 57·1% F; 54·1 ± 9·8 years) and 30 healthy volunteers (56·7% F; 50·7 ± 13·9 years) were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were the presence of normal thyroid function tests and no clinical history of vestibular dysfunction. Each subject was submitted to complete vestibular evaluation [Caloric Test, Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), Head Shaking Test (HST)].Results52·2% of HT patients showed an alteration of VEMPs and 44·7% of caloric test (P < 0·0001 for both). None of the MNG patients showed any vestibular alteration, while one healthy control showed an altered caloric test. A correlation was found between vestibular alterations of HT patients and the degree of serum TPOAb level, not affected by age and serum TSH value. By logistic regression analysis, the absence of thyroid autoimmunity significantly reduced the risk of vestibular alterations: HR 0.19 (95%CI: 0·003–0.25, P = 0·0004) for caloric test; HR 0·07 (95%CI: 0·02–0·425, P < 0·0001) for VEMPs; and HR 0·22 (95%CI: 0·06–0·7, P = 0·01) for HST.ConclusionIn euthyroid HT patients, a significant relationship between subclinical vestibular damage and the degree of TPOAb titre was documented. This finding suggests that circulating antithyroid autoantibodies may represent a risk factor for developing vestibular dysfunction. An accurate vestibular evaluation of HT patients with or without symptoms is therefore warranted.
Effect of cleansing of biofilm formed on titanium discs
Authors: Charalampakis Georgios , Ramberg Per , Dahlén Gunnar , Berglundh Tord , Abrahamsson Ingemar 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo study the combined effect of mechanical and chemical cleansing on a 4‐day biofilm grown intra‐orally on titanium discs with different surface characteristics.Material and methodsTwenty subjects used a splint with two metal plates in the upper jaw. Each plate was placed in the premolar–molar region and carried four titanium discs with four different surface characteristics (OsseoSpeed™, TiOblast™, experimental and turned surface). After 4 days of biofilm growth, the discs were cleaned mechanically and chemically with saline or chlorhexidine. Following cleansing, microbial samples were obtained and analysed by culture. The titanium discs were processed for scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The experiment was repeated 3 days later using delmopinol or a mixture of essential oils during cleansing.ResultsThe combination of mechanical and chemical cleansing was ineffective in complete biofilm removal from all four titanium discs. The microbiological analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences between surface types or between cleaning agents regarding logarithmic mean counts of CFU for specific bacteria, aerobes, anaerobes or the TVC. Aerobes were more numerous than anaerobes on all surface types. The SEM analysis disclosed that the remaining biofilm on moderately rough surfaces (OsseoSpeed™, TiOblast™ and experimental) was complex and firmly attached, while the biofilm on turned surface had a pattern of spread bacteria forming less clusters.ConclusionsCleansing may call for prolonged time of chemomechanical debridement and/or more effective disinfectants to suppress biofilms on dental implant surfaces.
Inhibition enhancer of zeste homologue 2 promotes senescence and apoptosis induced by doxorubicin in p53 mutant gastric cancer cells
Authors: Bai J. , Ma M. , Cai M. , Xu F. , Chen J. , Wang G. , Shuai X. , Tao K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectivesEnhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) is crucially involved in epigenetic silencing by acting as a histone methyltransferase. Although EZH2 is overexpressed in many cancers and is involved in malignant cell proliferation and invasion, the role of EZH2 in senescence induced by DNA damage has up to now remained largely unknown. In this study, we sought to explore the outcome of EZH2 depletion along with exposure of doxorubicin (DOX), and related mechanisms, in gastric cancer cells.Materials and methodsHere, senescence induced by DNA damage was achieved in gastric cancer cells by DOX treatment. EZH2 was downregulated by transfection with siRNA or treated with (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, a targeted inhibitor. Senescence‐associated β galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) and formation of senescence‐associated heterochromatin foci were used to identify cell senescence. To investigate effects of EZH2 depletion on the cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation, flow cytometry and MTT analysis were employed. Changes in p53–p21 axis activation were detected by Western blotting.ResultsWe found that cell proliferative arrest caused by DOX could be promoted by EZH2 depletion. Mechanistically, EZH2 depletion not only worked in coordination with DNA damage during the progression of cell senescence but also promoted apoptosis in p53 mutant cells. However, it had no cooperative relationship with DOX in p53 wild‐type cells.ConclusionsThese data help unravel a crucial role for EZH2 in senescence and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells and that p53 genomic status was associated with different cell responses to EZH2 silencing.
Renal function preservation with the mTOR inhibitor, Everolimus, after lung transplant
Authors: Schneer Sonia , Kramer Mordechai R. , Fox Benjamin , Rusanov Viktoria , Fruchter Oren , Rosengarten Dror , Bakal Ilana , Medalion Benjamin , Raviv Yael 
Published: April 2014

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in solid organ transplantation. Previous data suggest that the use of everolimus as an immunosuppressant drug leads to improvement in renal function. The aim of our study was to establish the effect of everolimus in combination with lower doses of CNIs on renal function among lung transplant recipients. Data regarding renal function and pulmonary function were collected from 41 lung transplanted patients in whom treatment was converted to a combination of everolimus with lower doses of CNIs. Patients transferred to everolimus and low dose CNIs showed an improvement in renal function. Patients who continued treatment with everolimus showed improvement in renal function, as opposed to patients who discontinued the treatment. Subjects without proteinuria at baseline showed a better improvement compared with subjects with proteinuria. The incidence of graft rejection did not increase. We concluded that a protocol that includes everolimus and lower doses of CNIs is effective for preserving renal function in lung transplant recipients with CKD. We also believe that an early implementation of everolimus, before proteinuria occurs or creatinine clearance is reduced, could lead to better outcomes.
Brood ball size but not egg size correlates with maternal size in a dung beetle, Onthophagus atripennis
Authors: KISHI SHIGEKI 
Published: April 2014

Contrary to the theoretical prediction that the optimal investment per offspring should be independent of maternal size, maternal size and investment per offspring are often positively correlated. However, some previous studies have reported a weak correlation or no correlation. Thus, it remains unclear why a positive correlation between maternal size and the investment per offspring persists in some organisms contrary to the theoretical prediction.
In species in which the parents provide food for their offspring, the main components of parental investment are egg size and provisioning mass. Dung beetle (Onthophagus atripennis Waterhouse) parents produce dung brood balls, each of which is the whole provisioning mass for one offspring to grow to adulthood.
Parental body size, egg size, and brood ball size were measured in O. atripennis. No correlation was found between maternal size and egg size, but a positive correlation was found between maternal size and brood ball size. Thus, the effect of maternal size differed between egg size and brood ball size.
The positive correlation between maternal size and brood ball size may be a by‐product of the brood ball construction process, because the egg maturation period determines brood ball size. Thus, the brood ball construction process may prevent the beetles from investing their resources optimally. It may often however be an advantage for the beetles because it allows the female to adjust the brood ball size according to variable dung quality.
Envy‐Motivated Merger Waves
Authors: Doukas John A. , Zhang Wenjia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study examines whether top managerial executive envy plays an important role in merger waves. Since managerial benefits, especially compensation, always increase with firm size, the envy hypothesis conjectures that top executive officers rush into acquisitions due to their envious psychology once other executives initiate them. Six empirical predictions of the envy hypothesis concerning – bidder (target) size, transaction size, value creation for bidders, compensation increases for top managers, likelihood of bidding, as well as total gains (synergies) from mergers – are tested in the context of the banking industry and find that merger waves are motivated by envy‐pay.
Potential of legume‐based grassland–livestock systems in Europe: a review
Authors: Lüscher A. , Mueller‐Harvey I. , Soussana J. F. , Rees R. M. , Peyraud J. L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractEuropean grassland‐based livestock production systems face the challenge of producing more meat and milk to meet increasing world demands and to achieve this using fewer resources. Legumes offer great potential for achieving these objectives. They have numerous features that can act together at different stages in the soil–plant–animal–atmosphere system, and these are most effective in mixed swards with a legume proportion of 30–50%. The resulting benefits include reduced dependence on fossil energy and industrial N‐fertilizer, lower quantities of harmful emissions to the environment (greenhouse gases and nitrate), lower production costs, higher productivity and increased protein self‐sufficiency. Some legume species offer opportunities for improving animal health with less medication, due to the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites. In addition, legumes may offer an adaptation option to rising atmosphericCO2concentrations and climate change. Legumes generate these benefits at the level of the managed land‐area unit and also at the level of the final product unit. However, legumes suffer from some limitations, and suggestions are made for future research to exploit more fully the opportunities that legumes can offer. In conclusion, the development of legume‐based grassland–livestock systems undoubtedly constitutes one of the pillars for more sustainable and competitive ruminant production systems, and it can be expected that forage legumes will become more important in the future.
High tricellulin expression is associated with better survival in human hepatoblastoma
Authors: Schlachter Krisztina , Gyugos Mónika , Halász Judit , Lendvai Gábor , Baghy Kornélia , Garami Miklós , Gyöngyösi Benedek , Schaff Zsuzsa , Kiss András 
Published: April 2014

AimsThe more differentiated fetal component of hepatoblastoma (HB) is characterized by increased expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin‐1 and ‐2 when compared with embryonal component. Expression patterns of the recently identified TJ protein tricellulin and the epigenetic regulator enzyme EZH2 were investigated in epithelial subtypes of HB and related to survival.Methods and resultsTwenty‐one cases of epithelial HBs subtyped as pure fetal (n = 12) and embryonal/fetal (n = 9), along with 16 non‐tumorous samples from surrounding liver, were analysed by immunohistochemistry for tricellulin, β‐catenin and EZH2 expression. No significant differences were revealed in overall survival between fetal and embryonal/fetal types of HBs. The fetal component, however, showed considerably increased tricellulin expression while the embryonal component displayed significantly increased nuclear EZH2 positivity, in comparison to other epithelial subtypes and non‐tumorous surrounding hepatocytes. Strong nuclear β‐catenin staining was notably more frequent in embryonal than in fetal types. High tricellulin expression was associated with significantly increased overall survival (P = 0.03), while elevated EZH2 expression was linked to the presence of distant metastases (P = 0.013).ConclusionsOur data indicate that patients with treated HBs showing high expression of tricellulin have significantly better overall survival, independent of histological subtype. Increased nuclear expression of EZH2 was associated with the presence of distant metastases.