bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective Phase II Study on 5-Days Azacitidine for Treatment of Symptomatic and/or Erythropoietin Unresponsive Patients with Low/INT-1–Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Filì Carla , Malagola Michele , Follo Matilde Y. , Finelli Carlo , Iacobucci Ilaria , Martinelli Giovanni , Cattina Federica , Clissa Cristina , Candoni Anna , Fanin Renato , Gobbi Marco , Bocchia Monica , Defina Marzia , Spedini Pierangelo , Skert Cristina , Manzoli Lucia , Cocco Lucio , Russo Domenico 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPurpose: This phase II prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-days azacytidine (5d-AZA) in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Second, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic profile and phosphoinositide-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) β1 levels were studied to evaluate possible biologic markers able to predict the hematologic response.Experimental Design: The study tested a lower intensity schedule of azacytidine. The treatment plan consisted of 75 mg/sqm/d subcutaneous administered for 5 days every 28 days, for a total of 8 cycles.Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study. The overall response rate was 47% (15 of 32) on intention-to-treat and 58% (15 of 26) for patients completing the treatment program. In this latter group, 5 (19%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 10 (38%) had hematologic improvement, according to the International Working Group (IWG) criteria. Three patients have maintained their hematologic improvement after 37, 34, and 33 months without other treatments. Moreover, 21 and 2 of 26 cases completing 8 cycles were transfusion-dependent for red blood cells and platelets at baseline, respectively. Of these, 7 (33%) and 2 (100%) became transfusion-independent at the end of the treatment program, respectively. Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 28% of patients and 4 patients died early due to infections or hemorrhage. SNP results were not significantly correlated to the clinical outcome, whereas PI-PLCβ1 level anticipated either positive or negative clinical responses.Conclusions: 5d-AZA is safe and effective in a proportion of patients with low-risk MDS. PI-PLCβ1 gene expression is a reliable and dynamic marker of response that can be useful to optimize azacytidine therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 19(12); 3297–308. ©2013 AACR.
Liberalizing Trade in Services: Lessons from Regional and WTO Negotiations
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Mattoo Aaditya 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Liberalization of trade and investment in services through trade agreements has progressed less than trade in goods. We review the limited progress achieved to date in the WTO and major regional agreements on services and possible explanations why trade agreements have not been more effective at integrating the services markets of participating countries. We argue that the prospects for both services liberalization and welfare-enhancing regulatory reform in the context of trade agreements can be enhanced through mechanisms that enhance transparency, dialogue and cooperation between regulators, trade officials and stakeholders.
Associations between the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and susceptibility to aortic aneurysms: A meta-analysis
Authors: Song Gwan Gyu , Kim Jae-Hoon , Lee Young Ho 
Published: April 2013

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine whether the insertion (I) and deletion (D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) confers susceptibility to aortic aneurysms (AAs). Materials and methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the ACE I/D polymorphism and all AAs and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Results: Ten studies consisting of 2784 cases and 2682 controls were available for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between the D allele and all types of AA (OR 1.378, 95% CI 1.103–1.723, p = 0.005) and AAA (OR 1.274, 95% CI 1.004–1.617, p = 0.046). Meta-analysis of both the DD genotype and the DD vs. II genotype showed an association with AAAs. Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the D allele of the ACE I/D polymorphism and AAAs in Europeans (OR = 1.338, 95% CI = 1.026–1.745, p = 0.031), but not in Asians (OR = 0.927, 95% CI = 0.660–1.303, p = 0.663). Furthermore, analysis using the recessive model, dominant model, and homozygote contrast all showed the same pattern for the D allele. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that the ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to AAAs in European populations.
Improving mammalian genome scaffolding using large insert mate-pair next-generation sequencing
Authors: van Heesch Sebastiaan , Kloosterman Wigard P , Lansu Nico , Ruzius Frans-Paul , Levandowsky Elizabeth , Lee Clarence C , Zhou Shiguo , Goldstein Steve , Schwartz David C , Harkins Timothy T , Guryev Victor , Cuppen Edwin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Paired-tag sequencing approaches are commonly used for the analysis of genome structure. However, mammalian genomes have a complex organization with a variety of repetitive elements that complicate comprehensive genome-wide analyses.

Results
Here, we systematically assessed the utility of paired-end and mate-pair (MP) next-generation sequencing libraries with insert sizes ranging from 170 bp to 25 kb, for genome coverage and for improving scaffolding of a mammalian genome (Rattus norvegicus). Despite a lower library complexity, large insert MP libraries (20 or 25 kb) provided very high physical genome coverage and were found to efficiently span repeat elements in the genome. Medium-sized (5, 8 or 15 kb) MP libraries were much more efficient for genome structure analysis than the more commonly used shorter insert paired-end and 3 kb MP libraries. Furthermore, the combination of medium- and large insert libraries resulted in a 3-fold increase in N50 in scaffolding processes. Finally, we show that our data can be used to evaluate and improve contig order and orientation in the current rat reference genome assembly.

Conclusions
We conclude that applying combinations of mate-pair libraries with insert sizes that match the distributions of repetitive elements improves contig scaffolding and can contribute to the finishing of draft genomes.
Suppression of plant defense responses by extracellular metabolites from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Lee Seonghee , Yang Dong Sik , Uppalapati Srinivasa Rao , Sumner Lloyd W , Mysore Kirankumar S 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background

Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (Pstab) is the causal agent of wildfire disease in tobacco plants. Several pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae produce a phytotoxic extracellular metabolite called coronatine (COR). COR has been shown to suppress plant defense responses. Interestingly, Pstab does not produce COR but still actively suppresses early plant defense responses. It is not clear if Pstab produces any extracellular metabolites that actively suppress early defense during bacterial pathogenesis.

Results
We found that the Pstab extracellular metabolite extracts (Pstab extracts) remarkably suppressed stomatal closure and nonhost hypersensitive response (HR) cell death induced by a nonhost pathogen, P. syringae pv. tomato T1 (Pst T1), in Nicotiana benthamiana. We also found that the accumulation of nonhost pathogens, Pst T1 and P. syringae pv. glycinea (Psgly), was increased in N. benthamiana plants upon treatment with Pstab extracts . The HR cell death induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern (INF1), gene-for-gene interaction (Pto/AvrPto and Cf-9/AvrCf-9) and ethanol was not delayed or suppressed by Pstab extracts. We performed metabolite profiling to investigate the extracellular metabolites from Pstab using UPLC-qTOF-MS and identified 49 extracellular metabolites from the Pstab supernatant culture. The results from gene expression profiling of PR-1, PR-2, PR-5, PDF1.2, ABA1, COI1, and HSR203J suggest that Pstab extracellular metabolites may interfere with SA-mediated defense pathways.

Conclusions
In this study, we found that Pstab extracts suppress plant defense responses such as stomatal closure and nonhost HR cell death induced by the nonhost bacterial pathogen Pst T1 in N. benthamiana.
Comparative analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniaetransmission in Portuguese and Finnish day-care centres
Authors: Pessoa Delphine , Hoti Fabian , Syrjänen Ritva , Sá-Leão Raquel , Kaijalainen Tarja , Gomes M Gabriela M , Auranen Kari 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Day-care centre (DCC) attendees play a central role in maintaining the circulation of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) in the population. The prevalence of pneumococcal carriage is highest in DCC attendees but varies across countries and is found to be consistently lower in Finland than in Portugal. We compared key parameters underlying pneumococcal transmission in DCCs to understand which of these contributed to the observed differences in carriage prevalence.

Methods
Longitudinal data about serotype-specific carriage in DCC attendees in Portugal (47 children in three rooms; mean age 2 years; range 1–3 years) and Finland (91 children in seven rooms; mean age 4 years; range 1–7 years) were analysed with a continuous-time event history model in a Bayesian framework. The monthly rates of within-room transmission, community acquisition and clearing carriage were estimated.

Results
The posterior mean of within-room transmission rate was 1.05 per month (Portugal) vs. 0.63 per month (Finland). The smaller rate of clearance in Portugal (0.57 vs. 0.73 per month) is in accordance with the children being younger. The overall community rate of acquisition was larger in the Portuguese setting (0.25 vs. 0.11 per month), in agreement with that the groups belonged to a larger DCC. The model adequately predicted the observed levels of carriage prevalence and longitudinal patterns in carriage acquisition and clearance.

Conclusions
The difference in prevalence of carriage (61% in Portuguese vs. 26% among Finnish DCC attendees) was assigned to the longer duration of carriage in younger attendees and a significantly higher rate of within-room transmission and community acquisition in the Portuguese setting.
Validation of a Spanish version of the psychological inflexibility in pain scale (PIPS) and an evaluation of its relation with acceptance of pain and mindfulness in sample of persons with fibromyalgia
Authors: Rodero Baltasar , Pereira Joao Paulo , Pérez-Yus Maria Cruz , Casanueva Benigno , Serrano-Blanco Antonio , Rodrigues da Cunha Ribeiro Maria J , Luciano Juan V , Garcia-Campayo Javier 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPsychological flexibility has been suggested as a fundamental process in health. The Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS) is one of the scales employed for assessing psychological inflexibility in pain patients. The aim of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the PIPS and secondly, to compare it to two other psychological constructs, the acceptance of pain and mindfulness scales.MethodsThe PIPS was translated into Spanish by two bilingual linguistic experts, and then, back-translated into English to assess for equivalence. The final Spanish version was administered along with the Pain Visual Analogue Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, to 250 Spanish patients with fibromyalgia. Face validity, construct validity, reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and convergent validity were tested. Also a multiple regression analysis was carried out.The usual guidelines have been followed for cross-cultural adaptations.ResultsData were very similar to the ones obtained in the original PIPS version. The construct validity confirmed the original two-components solution which explained 61.6% of the variance. The Spanish PIPS had good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.97) and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.90). The Spanish PIPS’ score correlated significantly with worse global functioning (r= 0.55), anxiety (r= 0.54), depression (r= 0.66), pain catastrophizing (r= 0.62), pain acceptance (r= −0.72) and mindfulness (r= −0.47), as well as correlating modestly with pain intensity (r= 0.12). The multiple regression analyses showed that psychological inflexibility, acceptance and mindfulness are not overlapped.ConclusionsThe Spanish PIPS scale appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for the evaluation of psychological inflexibility among a sample of fibromyalgia patients. These results ensure the use of this scale in research as well as in clinical practice. Psychological inflexibility measures processes different from other related components such as acceptance and mindfulness.
Organic acids for control of Salmonellain different feed materials
Authors: Koyuncu Sevinc , Andersson Mats Gunnar , Löfström Charlotta , Skandamis Panagiotis N , Gounadaki Antonia , Zentek Jürgen , Häggblom Per 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background

Salmonella control in animal feed is important in order to protect animal and public health. Organic acids is one of the control measures used for treatment of Salmonella contaminated feed or feed ingredients. In the present study, the efficacy of formic acid (FA) and different blends of FA, propionic acid (PA) and sodium formate (SF) was investigated. Four Salmonella strains isolated from feed were assayed for their acid tolerance. Also, the effect of lower temperatures (5°C and 15°C) compared to room temperature was investigated in rape seed and soybean meal.

Results
The efficacy of acid treatments varied significantly between different feed materials. The strongest reduction was seen in pelleted and compound mash feed (2.5 log10 reduction) followed by rapeseed meal (1 log10 reduction) after 5 days exposure. However, in soybean meal the acid effects were limited (less than 0.5 log10 reduction) even after several weeks’ exposure. In all experiments the survival curves showed a concave shape, with a fast initial death phase followed by reduction at a slower rate during the remaining time of the experiment.
No difference in Salmonella reduction was observed between FA and a blend of FA and PA, whereas a commercial blend of FA and SF (Amasil) was slightly more efficacious (0.5-1 log10 reduction) than a blend of FA and PA (Luprocid) in compound mash feed. The Salmonella Infantis strain was found to be the most acid tolerant strain followed by, S. Putten, S. Senftenberg and S. Typhimurium. The tolerance of the S. Infantis strain compared with the S. Typhimurium strain was statistically significant (p<0.05). The lethal effect of FA on the S. Typhimurium strain and the S. Infantis strain was lower at 5°C and 15°C compared to room temperatures.

Conclusions
Acid treatment of Salmonella in feed is a matter of reducing the number of viable bacterial cells rather than eliminating the organism. Recommendations on the use of acids for controlling Salmonella in feed should take into account the relative efficacy of acid treatment in different feed materials, the variation in acid tolerance between different Salmonella strains, and the treatment temperature.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for recurrent pneumothorax in pulmonary lymphangioleimyomatosis with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Tsai Chia-Fen , Hsiao Chen-Hao , Lee Jang-Ming , Chen Ke-Cheng , Shieh Ming-Jium , Lai Hong-Shiee , Chen Jin-Shing 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Pneumothorax in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a difficult condition to manage. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may play a role in diagnosis and treatment of this situation. We present a case of right recurrent pneumothorax due to LAM with TSC in whom VATS was performed for pathological diagnosis and mechanical pleurodesis. The unique presentation of LAM in TSC was also discussed.
Prevalence of clinical findings at examinations of young Swedish warmblood ridinghorses
Authors: Jönsson Lina , Roepstorff Lars , Egenvall Agneta , Näsholm Anna , Dalin Göran , Philipsson Jan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Soundness of an individual horse is important for animal welfare and ownereconomy. However, knowledge of health status in normal horse populations islimited due to lack of systematic health recordings. The aim of theinvestigation was to study the prevalence of veterinary clinical findings in4-5-year-old Swedish warmblood riding horses, and their influence on overallhealth scores, where associations to future longevity has beenindicated.

Results
The prevalence of clinical findings in 8,281 horses examined during1983–2005 was studied according to a standardised protocol and relatedto overall health scores in linear statistical models. Effects of sex, age,examination event and changes over time were included. In total, 49% of thehorses had clinical findings of medical health (MED), 42% in hooves (HOOF)and 74% of palpatory orthopaedic health (PALP). However, only 6%, 3% and 24%had moderate or severe findings, of MED, HOOF and PALP, respectively.Flexion test reactions were reported in 21% of the horses (5%moderate/severe), heavily influencing the overall score (H2). One fifth ofthese horses also had findings of unprovoked lameness while 83% had PALPfindings (44% with moderate/severe findings). Acute clinical signs, i.e.heat or soreness, had a large influence on the H2 score but were rare,whereas more common clinical findings had smaller effects on overall health.Large variations in recorded health results were observed among events. Adecrease in findings has occurred since 1983, in particular for PALPfindings.

Conclusions
Results of occurrence and relevance of evaluated clinical findings could beused for advice on preventive actions to keep horses sound, and possibly forbenchmarking, and genetic evaluation of health traits. The distinct effectof event on recorded clinical findings emphasises that further harmonisationof veterinary examinations are desirable.
Locally advanced paraganglioma of the urinary bladder: a case report
Authors: Beilan Jonathan , Lawton Adrienne , Hajdenberg Julio , Rosser Charles J 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumor. Herein we sought to describe a case of locally advanced paraganglioma of the urinary bladder managed by partial cystectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection.

Case presentation
The case of a 43-year old Haitian male with locally advanced paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is presented in detail. Through surgical extirpation, our patient was rendered disease-free. Eighteen months later the patient is doing well without symptoms but is noted to have subcentimeter bilateral pulmonary nodules and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. No further therapy has been initiated at this time.

Conclusions
Patients with localized tumors have an extremely favorable prognosis and may be managed by less aggressive modalities, whereas patients with metastatic disease have a significant reduced survival rate despite aggressive treatment.
Thrombelastography (TEG®): practical considerations on its clinical use in trauma resuscitation
Authors: da Luz Luis Teodoro , Nascimento Bartolomeu , Rizoli Sandro 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Thrombelastography is a laboratorial test that measures viscoelastic changes of the entire clotting process. There is growing interest in its clinical use in trauma resuscitation, particularly for managing acute coagulopathy of trauma and assisting decision making concerning transfusion. This review focuses on the clinical use of thrombelastography in trauma, with practical points to consider on its use in civilian and military settings.

Methods
A search in the literature using the terms “thrombelastography AND trauma” was performed in PUBMED database. We focused the review on the main clinical aspects of this viscoelastic method in diagnosing and treating patients with acute coagulopathy of trauma during initial resuscitation.

Results
Thrombelastography is not a substitute for conventional laboratorial tests such as INR and aPTT but offers additional information and may guide blood transfusion. Thrombelastography can be used as a point of care test but requires multiple daily calibrations, should be performed by trained personnel and its technique requires standardization. While useful partial results may be available in minutes, the whole test may take as long as other conventional tests. The most important data provided by thrombelastography are clot strength and fibrinolysis. Clot strength measure can establish whether the bleeding is due to coagulopathy or not, and is the key information in thrombelastography-based transfusion algorithms. Thrombelastography is among the few tests that diagnose and quantify fibrinolysis and thus guide the use of anti-fibrinolytic drugs and blood products such as cryoprecipitate and fibrinogen concentrate. It may also diagnose platelet dysfunction and hypercoagulability and potentially prevent inappropriate transfusions of hemostatic blood products to non-coagulopathic patients.

Conclusions
Thrombelastography has characteristics of an ideal coagulation test for use in early trauma resuscitation. It has limitations, but may prove useful as an additional test. Future studies should evaluate its potential to guide blood transfusion and the understanding of the mechanisms of trauma coagulopathy.
Roles of plant growth regulators on yield, grain qualities and antioxidant enzyme activities in super hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Pan Shenggang , Rasul Fahd , Li Wu , Tian Hua , Mo Zhaowen , Duan Meiyang , Tang Xiangru 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Plant growth regulators play important roles in plant growth and development, but little is known about roles of plant growth regulators in yield, grain qualities and antioxidant enzyme activities in super hybrid rice. In this study, gibberellic acid(GA3), paclobutrazol (PBZ), 6-Benzylaminopurine(6-BA) treatments and distilled water (control) were sprayed to two hybrid rice cultivars (Peizataifeng and Huayou 86) at the heading stage in the field experiments in both early and late season in 2007. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. Cultivars treatments with two newly developed super hybrid rice Peizataifeng and Huayou86 were the main plots and plant growth regulators treatments were the subplots. Subplot treatments included (1) plots sprayed with distilled water(CK), (2) plots sprayed with 20 mg L-1 GA3 prepared using 95% ethanol as surfactant(GA3), (3) plots sprayed with 50 mg L-1 PBZ(PBZ), (4) plots sprayed with 30 mg L-1 6-BA(6-BA).

Results
Spraying PBZ with 50 mg L-1 or 6-BA with 30 mg L-1 at the heading stage could increase the number of spikelets per panicle, seed setting rate and grain yields in Peizataifeng and Huayou86 in both seasons. PBZ treatment also significantly improved head rice rate and amylose content in Peizataifeng and Huayou86 in early season. Furthermore, it was observed that spraying PBZ or 6-BA could increase super oxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, decrease accumulation of malendialdehyde (MDA) in flag leaves at the late growth stage.

Conclusions
Application of PBZ or 6-BA partially alleviated the detrimental effects of rice senescence by modulating the activity of enzymatic antioxidants, and improving antioxidant system, which helped in sustaining plant growth. Therefore, spraying PBZ with 50 mg L-1 or 6-BA with 30 mg L-1 at the heading stage could increase grain yields and improve grain qualities in the two super hybrid rice.