bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and a predictive model for acute hepatic failure after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Min Yang Won , Kim Jeong , Kim Seonwoo , Sung Young Kyung , Lee Jin Hee , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Paik Yong Han , Choi Moon Seok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon , Yoo Byung Chul , Lee Joon Hyeok 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground/AimsAcute hepatic failure (AHF) is one of the most serious complications of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The aims of this study were to investigate risk factors of AHF after TACE and to establish a predictive model for AHF.MethodsIn the evaluation set, a total of 820 patients who underwent TACE as a first treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma were included. The demographic, laboratory, radiological and treatment‐related factors were analysed to identify risk factors for AHF after TACE and a predictive model was established using the identified risk factors. In the validation set, a different cohort of 438 patients was included to validate the predictive model.ResultsThe incidence of post‐TACE AHF was 15.1% (124/820). Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of portal vein thrombosis, high aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, and log alpha‐foetoprotein levels, and low albumin and sodium levels were independent risk factors. A mathematical model was established using these independent risk factors, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.773 (95% confidence interval, 0.726–0.820). The cut‐off value of 9 had a sensitivity of 78.2%, a specificity of 72.3%, a positive likelihood ratio of 2.82, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.30, a positive predictive value of 28.9% and a negative predictive value of 95.8%.ConclusionsThe risk factors of post‐TACE AHF were presence of portal vein thrombosis, high aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, and alpha‐foetoprotein levels, and low serum albumin and sodium levels. A mathematical model to predict post‐TACE AHF was established.
Monkeying around with ploidy
Authors: Buggs Richard J. A. 
Published: October 2012

Inferences of whole genome duplication (WGD) events accompany the annotation of every newly sequenced plant genome, but much remains unknown about the evolutionary processes and pathways relating to WGD (Soltis et al. 2010). What ecological, biogeographical and genetic factors cause WGD to occur in nature? How does WGD affect gene expression? How do genomes evolve after WGD? New species that have arisen recently through WGD are good places to seek answers to such questions. These could be relatively common in nature, but reliably demonstrating their recent origin requires documentary evidence, which can be very hard to come by. Thus far, records of species introductions and meticulous botanizing have demonstrated six new natural allopolyploids in just four genera: Tragopogon miscellus and T. mirus, Senecio cambrensis and S. eboracensis, Spartina anglica and Cardamine schultzii (Abbott & Rieseberg 2012; Ainouche et al. 2009; Soltis & Soltis 2009). It is risky to generalize about a universal feature of plant evolution from such a small sample; more examples are needed, in different genera. It is therefore of considerable interest that Mario Vallejo‐Marin of University of Stirling has this year named a new allopolyploid species of monkey flower, Mimulus peregrinus, and presented evidence that it is <140 years old (Vallejo‐Marin 2012). This discovery is particularly timely as the monkey flower genus is developing rapidly as a model system for ecological genetics (Wu et al. 2008), and in the current issue of Molecular Ecology, Jennifer Modliszewski and John Willis of Duke University present new data showing high genetic diversity in another recently discovered monkey flower allopolyploid, M. sookensis (Modliszewski & Willis 2012).
Mapping the genomic architecture of ecological speciation in the wild: does linkage disequilibrium hold the key?
Authors: Rogers Sean M. 
Published: October 2012

The hunt for the genes underlying ecological speciation has now closed in on a number of candidates, but making the link from genotype to phenotype continues to pose a significant challenge. This is partly because genetic studies in many systems remain impeded by long generation times or an inability to perform controlled crosses. Now, in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Malek et al. (2012) demonstrate the utility of a novel admixture mapping approach that can be used to identify genomic regions contributing to adaptive trait divergence between natural populations. Remarkably, they validate their approach by mapping traits associated with mate choice in a wild limnetic and benthic threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) species pair, finding several loci associated with male nuptial coloration and shape. While this study benefited from tried‐and‐true microsatellites in a well‐characterized species with a detailed genetic map (and genome sequence), the field is quickly moving towards the use of next‐generation sequencing, especially for nonmodel systems. The ability to characterize molecular polymorphisms for any system suggests that molecular ecologists working on virtually any species may benefit from applying Malek et al.'s approach, if naturally admixed populations are available.
NGF is involved in oral ovalbumin‐induced altered colonic contractility in rats: evidence from the blockade of TrkA receptors with K252a
Authors: Jardí F. , Martínez V. , Vergara P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  Nerve growth factor (NGF)‐mucosal mast cell (MMC) interaction has been implicated in the remodeling of enteric circuitries and associated functional changes. We investigated the involvement of NGF and its receptor TrkA in the altered colonic contractile activity observed in the model of oral ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced MMC hyperactivity in rats. We also studied the role of colonic MMCs as a source of NGF.Methods  Rats received oral OVA, alone or with the TrkA antagonist K252a. Colonic co‐expression of NGF/TrkA and rat mast cell protease II (RMCPII) (double immunofluorescence), RMCPII content (ELISA) and expression of NGF, Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkA/B (QT‐PCR) were assessed. Colonic contractile activity was determined in vivo and in vitro.Key Results  TrkA, but not NGF, was localized in colonic MMCs (RMCPII‐positive). Oral ovalbumin exposure increased colonic RMCPII levels but did not change the percentage of TrkA‐positive MMCs. Neither OVA nor K252a, alone or combined, altered NGF, BDNF or TrkA/B expression. Spontaneous colonic activity in vivo and in vitro was altered by OVA, an effect prevented by K252a. Electrical stimulation‐induced contractile responses in vivo and carbachol responses in vitro were increased by OVA in a K252a‐independent manner. In OVA‐treated animals, inhibition of NO synthesis with l‐NNA significantly enhanced spontaneous colonic activity in vitro, a response completely prevented by K252a.Conclusions & Inferences  These results suggest that NGF‐TrkA‐dependent pathways are implicated in colonic contractile alterations observed during OVA exposure in rats. NGF‐TrkA system might represent a potential target for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders characterized by colonic motor alterations.
Evaluation of anal sphincter resistance and distensibility in healthy controls using EndoFLIP ©
Authors: Alqudah M. M. , Gregersen H. , Drewes A. M. , McMahon B. P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  Ano‐rectal disorders are common in the general population. Although they are not life threatening conditions, they do represent a social stigma and a reduced quality of life for the sufferer. The underlying physiology of muscle function contributing to ano‐rectal competence is complex and there is room for a much better understanding so that treatments can improve.Methods  A cylindrically shaped, liquid filled bag (12 cm long), mounted on a catheter was inserted into the anus and positioned straddling the ano‐rectal region in 20 healthy volunteers (10 females). Series of volume‐controlled distensions (40 mL min−1 to 40 mL) were carried out and data on 16 CSA at 5 mm apart and bag pressure were recorded. Provocative tests using squeeze and cough at bag volumes of 20, 30, and 40 mL were carried out.Key Results  Ramp distension of the anal canal showed that the opening pressure for females (mean, 11 mmHg) was higher than for males (mean, 5 mmHg) (P < 0.001). Geometric profile of the anal canal at low distension volumes showed narrow bands at proximal and distal ends of the anal profile and shortening of a middle narrow zone at higher volumes. Inter‐individual differences were observed in the behavior of the proximal end and the distal end of the anal profile during squeeze.Conclusions & Inferences  This distensibility technique provides an important new way of studying the anal canal and hence may have a role in testing sphincter competence in patients with disorders.
Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 2‐heterozygote knockout mice display decreased acetylcholine release and altered colonic motility in vivo
Authors: Azuma Y. T. , Nishiyama K. , Kita S. , Komuro I. , Nakajima H. , Iwamoto T. , Takeuchi T. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is a plasma membrane transporter involved in regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. NCX is critical for Ca2+ regulation in cardiac muscle, vascular smooth muscle, and nerve fibers. However, little is known about the physiological role of NCX in the myenteric neurons and smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.Methods  To determine the role of NCX1 and NCX2 in gastrointestinal tissues, we examined electric field stimulation (EFS)‐induced responses in the longitudinal smooth muscle of the distal colon in NCX1‐ and NCX2‐heterozygote knockout mice.Key Results  We found that the amplitudes of EFS‐induced relaxation that persisted during EFS were greater in NCX2 heterozygous mice (HET) than in wild‐type mice (WT). Under the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) condition, EFS‐induced relaxation in NCX2 HET was similar in amplitude to that of WT. In addition, an NCX inhibitor, YM‐244769 enhanced EFS‐induced relaxation but did not affect EFS‐induced relaxation under the NANC condition, as in NCX2 HET. Unlike NCX2 HET, NCX1 HET displayed no marked changes in colonic motility. These results indicate that cholinergic function in the colon is altered in NCX2 HET. The magnitude of acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced contraction in NCX2 HET was similar to that in WT. In contrast, EFS‐induced ACh release was reduced in NCX2 HET compared with that in WT.Conclusions & Inferences  In this study, we demonstrate that NCX2 regulates colonic motility by altering ACh release onto the myenteric neurons of the distal colon.
The characteristics of the staircase phenomenon during the period of twitch stabilization in infants in TOF mode
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐Jian , Wang Xuan , Zheng Shan , Zhang Xue‐Feng 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackgroundAcceleromyography used to monitor the neuromuscular transmission function is available in infants and children. However, information on the so‐called staircase phenomenon during the baseline stabilization period in this population is limited. Our objective was to assess the characteristics of such phenomenon in infants in acceleromyography.MethodsThirty infants were divided into three groups: group A (aged 1–5 months, n = 10), group B (aged 6–11 months, n = 10), and group C (aged 12–24 months, n = 10). Anesthesia was induced and maintained without neuromuscular blocking agents. Patients received a supramaximal stimulus followed by TOF measurements every 15 s over the course of 30 min with a TOF‐Watch® SX. All data were collected in a notebook computer using the TOF‐Watch® SX Monitor software through optical fibers.ResultsThe evoked T1 responses in younger infants (group A) were significantly lower than those in older infants (groups B and C) from 0–20 min. In group A, the signals increased to the maximum value of 121 ± 15% that of the control at 7.25 min and decreased toward a plateau of 113 ± 18% at 30 min. In group B, the signal heights increased to the maximum value of 143 ± 14% at 9.5 min, then decreased slowly to 136 ± 10% at 19.5 min, finally reaching 116 ± 12% at 30 min. In group C, the mean values of T1 reached the maximum of 139 ± 19% that of control at 9.5 min and finally reached 126 ± 22% of control at 30 min.ConclusionsThe staircase effect presents in a shorter time course and at lower degrees in smaller infants. However, in older infants, staircase effect still presents in a long period and may influence the onset time and duration of twitch depression after muscle relaxants administration.
Development of a SCAR marker linked with a MYMV resistance gene in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Dhole Vinod J. , Reddy Kandali S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractYellow mosaic disease (YMD) caused by mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) is the most important disease of mungbean, causing great yield loss. The present investigation was carried out to study the inheritance and identify molecular markers linked with MYMV resistance gene by using F1, F2 and 167 F2 : 8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross ‘TM‐99‐37’ (resistant) × Mulmarada (susceptible). The F1 was susceptible, F2 segregated in 3S:1R phenotypic ratio and RILs segregated in 1S:1R ratio in the field screening indicating that the MYMV resistance gene is governed by a single recessive gene. Of the 140 RAPD primers, 45 primers showing polymorphism in parents were screened using bulked segregant analysis. Three primers amplified specific polymorphic fragments viz. OPB‐07600, OPC‐061750 and OPB‐12820. The marker OPB‐07600 was more closely linked (6.8 cM) with a MYMV resistance gene as compared to OPC‐061750 (22.8 cM) and OPB‐12820 (25.2 cM). The resistance‐specific fragment OPB‐07600 was cloned, sequenced and converted into a sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker and validated in twenty genotypes with different genetic backgrounds.
e‐photosynthesis: a comprehensive dynamic mechanistic model of C3 photosynthesis: from light capture to sucrose synthesis
Authors: ZHU XIN‐GUANG , WANG YU , ORT DONALD R. , LONG STEPHEN P. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTPhotosynthesis is arguably the most researched of all plant processes. A dynamic model of leaf photosynthesis that includes each discrete process from light capture to carbohydrate synthesis, e‐photosynthesis, is described. It was developed by linking and extending our previous models of photosystem II (PSII) energy transfer and photosynthetic C3 carbon metabolism to include electron transfer processes around photosystem I (PSI), ion transfer between the lumen and stroma, ATP synthesis and NADP reduction to provide a complete representation. Different regulatory processes linking the light and dark reactions are also included: Rubisco activation via Rubisco activase, pH and xanthophyll cycle‐dependent non‐photochemical quenching mechanisms, as well as the regulation of enzyme activities via the ferredoxin‐theoredoxin system. Although many further feedback and feedforward controls undoubtedly exist, it is shown that e‐photosynthesis effectively mimics the typical kinetics of leaf CO2 uptake, O2 evolution, chlorophyll fluorescence emission, lumen and stromal pH, and membrane potential following perturbations in light, [CO2] and [O2] observed in intact C3 leaves. The model provides a framework for guiding engineering of improved photosynthetic efficiency, for evaluating multiple non‐invasive measures used in emerging phenomics facilities, and for quantitative assessment of strengths and weaknesses within the understanding of photosynthesis as an integrated process.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a Child Successfully Treated with Infliximab
Authors: Scott‐Lang Victoria , Tidman Michael , McKay David 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA 7‐year‐old boy developed severe toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) secondary to carbamazepine and was transferred to our center after further deterioration despite receiving one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin. After administration of one dose of infliximab, there was a clear halting of progression of blistering and an apparent dramatic improvement. We consider it likely that the administration of infliximab led to the improvement in this child and that anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha therapy may be a logical treatment for TEN, given the possible underlying pathologic process. Well‐conducted studies on the safety and efficacy of any such treatment are urgently required.
High‐resolution seismic reflection profiling of neotectonic faults in Lake Timiskaming, Timiskaming Graben, Ontario‐Quebec, Canada
Authors: Doughty Michael , Eyles Nick , Eyles Carolyn 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe Timiskaming Graben is a 400 km long, 50 km wide north‐west trending morphotectonic depression within the Canadian Shield of eastern North America and experiences frequent intraplate earthquakes. The graben extends along the border of Ontario and Quebec, connecting southward with the Nipissing and Ottawa‐Bonnechere grabens and the St. Lawrence Rift System which includes a similar structure underlying the Hudson Valley of the eastern USA. Together they form a complex failed rift system related to regional extension of North American crust during the breakup of Rodinia and, later, Pangea. The Timiskaming Graben lies within a belt of heightened seismic activity (Western Quebec Seismic Zone) with frequent moderate magnitude (greater than magnitude 5) earthquakes including a magnitude 6.2 in 1935. These events threaten aging urban infrastructure built on soft glacial sediments; post‐glacial landslides along the Ottawa Valley suggest earthquakes as large as magnitude 7. The inner part of the Timiskaming Graben is filled by Lake Timiskaming, a large 110 km long post‐glacial successor to glacial Lake Barlow that was ponded by the Laurentide Ice Sheet 9500 years ago. The effects of frequent ground shaking on lake floor sediments was assessed by collecting more than 1000 line kilometres of high‐resolution ‘chirp’ seismic profiles. Late glacial Lake Barlow glaciolacustrine and overlying post‐glacial sediments are extensively deformed by extensional faults that define prominent horsts and grabens; multibeam bathymetry data suggest that faults influence the morphology of the modern lake floor, despite high sedimentation rates, and indicate recent neotectonic deformation. The Lake Timiskaming area provides evidence of post‐glacial intracratonic faulting related to recurring earthquake activity along a weak spot within the North American plate.
Short‐term proteomic dynamics reveal metabolic factory for active extrafloral nectar secretion by Acacia cornigera ant‐plants
Authors: Orona‐Tamayo Domancar , Wielsch Natalie , Escalante‐Pérez María , Svatos Ales , Molina‐Torres Jorge , Muck Alexander , Ramirez‐Chávez Enrique , Ádame‐Alvarez Rosa‐María , Heil Martin 
Published: October 2012

SummaryDespite the ecological and evolutionary importance of nectar, mechanisms controlling its synthesis and secretion remain largely unknown. It is widely believed that nectar is ‘secreted phloem sap’, but current research reveals a biochemical complexity that is unlikely to stem directly from the phloem. We used the short daily peak in production of extrafloral nectar by Acacia cornigera to investigate metabolic and proteomic dynamics before, during and after 2 h of diurnal secretion. Neither hexoses nor dominating nectar proteins (nectarins) were detected in the phloem before or during nectar secretion, excluding the phloem as the direct source of major nectar components. Enzymes involved in the anabolism of sugars, amino acids, proteins, and nectarins, such as invertase, β–1,3–glucanase and thaumatin‐like protein, accumulated in the nectary directly before secretion and diminished quantitatively after the daily secretion process. The corresponding genes were expressed almost exclusively in nectaries. By contrast, protein catabolic enzymes were mainly present and active after the secretion peak, and may function in termination of the secretion process. Thus the metabolic machinery for extrafloral nectar production is synthesized and active during secretion and degraded thereafter. Knowing the key enzymes involved and the spatio‐temporal patterns in their expression will allow elucidation of mechanisms by which plants control nectar quality and quantity.
A Two-Step Mechanism for the Activation of Actinorhodin Export and Resistance in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Xu Ye , Willems Andrew , Au-yeung Catherine , Tahlan Kapil , Nodwell Justin R. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Many microorganisms produce secondary metabolites that have antibiotic activity. To avoid self-inhibition, the producing cells often encode cognate export and/or resistance mechanisms in the biosynthetic gene clusters for these molecules. Actinorhodin is a blue-pigmented antibiotic produced by
Streptomyces coelicolor
. The
actAB
operon, carried in the actinorhodin biosynthetic gene cluster, encodes two putative export pumps and is regulated by the transcriptional repressor protein ActR. In this work, we show that normal actinorhodin yields require
actAB
expression. Consistent with previous
in vitro
work, we show that both actinorhodin and its 3-ring biosynthetic intermediates [e.g., (
S
)-DNPA] can relieve repression of
actAB
by ActR
in vivo
. Importantly, an ActR mutant that interacts productively with (
S
)-DNPA but not with actinorhodin responds to the actinorhodin biosynthetic pathway with the induction of
actAB
and normal yields of actinorhodin. This suggests that the intermediates are sufficient to trigger the export genes in actinorhodin-producing cells. We further show that actinorhodin-producing cells can induce
actAB
expression in nonproducing cells; however, in this case actinorhodin is the most important signal. Finally, while the “intermediate-only” ActR mutant permits sufficient
actAB
expression for normal actinorhodin yields, this expression is short-lived. Sustained culture-wide expression requires a subsequent actinorhodin-mediated signaling step, and the defect in this response causes widespread cell death. These results are consistent with a two-step model for actinorhodin export and resistance where intermediates trigger initial expression for export from producing cells and actinorhodin then triggers sustained export gene expression that confers culture-wide resistance.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding the links between antibiotic resistance and biosynthesis is important for our efforts to manipulate secondary metabolism. For example, many secondary metabolites are produced at low levels; our work suggests that manipulating export might be one way to enhance yields of these molecules. It also suggests that understanding resistance will be relevant to the generation of novel secondary metabolites through the creation of synthetic secondary metabolic gene clusters. Finally, these cognate resistance mechanisms are related to mechanisms that arise in pathogenic bacteria, and understanding them is relevant to our ability to control microbial infections clinically.