bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective outcome related to donor site morbidity after sural nerve graft harvesting: a survey in 41 patients
Authors: Hallgren Alexander , Björkman Anders , Chemnitz Anette , Dahlin Lars B 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The sural nerve is the most commonly used nerve for grafting severe nerve defects. Our aim was to evaluate subjective outcome in the lower leg after harvesting the sural nerve for grafting nerve defects.

Methods
Forty-six patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire to describe symptoms from leg or foot, where the sural nerve has been harvested to reconstruct an injured major nerve trunk. The questionnaire, previously used in patients going through a nerve biopsy, consists of questions about loss of sensation, pain, cold intolerance, allodynia and present problems from the foot. The survey also contained questions (visual analogue scales; VAS) about disability from the reconstructed nerve trunk.

Results
Forty-one out of 46 patients replied [35 males/6 females; age at reconstruction 23.0 years (10–72); median (min-max), reconstruction done 12 (1.2-39) years ago]. In most patients [37/41 cases (90%)], the sural nerve graft was used to reconstruct an injured nerve trunk in the upper extremity, mainly the median nerve [19/41 (46%)].
In 38/41 patients, loss of sensation, to a variable extent, in the skin area innervated by the sural nerve was noted. These problems persisted at follow up, but 19/41 noted that this area of sensory deficit had decreased over time. Few patients had pain and less than 1/3 had cold intolerance. Allodynia was present in half of the patients, but the majority of them considered that they had no or only slight problems from their foot. None of the patients in the study required painkillers. Eighty eight per cent would accept an additional sural nerve graft procedure if another nerve reconstruction procedure is necessary in the future.

Conclusions
Harvesting of the sural nerve for reconstruction nerve injuries results in mild residual symptoms similar to those seen after a nerve biopsy; although nerve biopsy patients are less prone to undergo an additional biopsy.
Serum dihydroxyacetone kinase peptide m/z 520.3 as predictor of disease severity in patients with compensated chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Xu Ming-Yi , Jia Xiao-Fang , Qu Ying , Zheng Rui-Dan , Yuan Zheng-Hong , Weng Hong-Lei , Dooley Steven , Wang Xing-Peng , Zhang Li-Jun , Lu Lun-Gen 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackground & aimDue to known limitations of liver biopsy, reliable non-invasive serum biomarkers for chronic liver diseases are needed. We performed serum peptidomics for such investigation in compensated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.MethodsLiquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify differentially expressed peptides in sera from 40 CHB patients (20 with S0G0-S1G1 and 20 with S3G3-S4G4). Ion pair quantification from differentially expressed peptides in a validation set of sera from 86 CHB patients was done with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).Results21 differentially represented peptide peaks were found through LC-MS/MS. Ion pairs generated from eleven of these peptides (m/z < 800) were quantified by MRM. Summed peak area ratios of 6 ion pairs from peptide m/z 520.3 (176.1, 353.7, 459.8, 503.3, 351.3, 593.1), which was identified as dihydroxyacetone kinase (DAK) fragment, decreased from mild to advanced stages of fibrosis or inflammation. Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (AUROCs) of five ion models discriminating fibrosis degrees were 0.871 ~ 0.915 (S2-4 versus S0-1) and 0.804 ~ 0.924 (S3-4 versus S0-2). AUROCs discriminating inflammation grades were 0.840 ~ 0.902 (G2-4 versus G0-1) and 0.787 ~ 0.888 (G3-4 versus G0-2). The diagnostic power of these models provides improved sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease progression as compared to aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), FIB-4, Forn’s index and serum DAK protein.ConclusionsThe peptide fragment (m/z 520.3) of DAK is a promising biomarker to guide timing of antiviral treatment and to avoid liver biopsy in compensated CHB patients.
EZH2 knockdown suppresses the growth and invasion of human inflammatory breast cancer cells
Authors: Mu Zhaomei , Li Hua , Fernandez Sandra V , Alpaugh Katherine R , Zhang Rugang , Cristofanilli Massimo 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most metastatic variant of breast cancer with the poorest survival in all types of breast cancer patients and presently therapeutic targets for IBC are very limited. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is frequently expressed in human IBC and its expression positively correlates with worse clinical outcome. However, the molecular basis for EZH2 promoting IBC has not been explored. Here, we investigated the functional role of EZH2 in IBC cells by examining the effects of its knockdown on the formation of tumor spheroids and invasion of these cells in vitro and in vivo in an orthotopic xenograft model.

Methods
SUM149 and a new IBC cell line-FC-IBC-02 derived from pleural effusion fluid of an IBC patient were used in this study. Specific knockdown of EZH2 was performed using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) specific to the human EZH2 gene. Cell growth and the formation of tumor spheroids were examined in vitro. The effects of EZH2 knockdown on IBC cell migration and invasion were examined by a Boyden chamber assay. For the in vivo tumor growth studies, IBC cells were orthotopically transplanted into the mammary fat pads of immunodeficient mice.

Results
The results showed that EZH2 is expressed at higher levels in human IBC cell lines compared with normal human mammary epithelial cells, and the knockdown of EZH2 expression significantly suppressed cell growth and tumor spheroid formation of human IBC cells in vitro. In addition, EZH2 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion of IBC cells. Significantly, EZH2 knockdown suppressed the angiogenesis and tumor growth of IBC cells in vivo.

Conclusions
Our results provide direct evidence that EZH2 is critical for the formation of tumor spheroids and invasion of human IBC cells and could be a potential target for developing novel therapeutic strategies for human IBC.
Biodiversity of soil algae in the farmlands of mid-Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ching-Su , Chou Tsuan-Ling , Wu Jiunn-Tzong 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundVery little information is available about soil algae in Taiwan. In this study, we investigated for the first time the soil algae inhabiting five types of farmland in mid-Taiwan: rice paddies, vegetable farms, tea plantations, sugar cane farms, and orchards.ResultsSixty-four taxa belonging to 33 genera of cyanobacteria, diatoms, green algae, and euglenoids were identified on the basis of fine structures observed under optical and electron microscopes and rDNA sequencing. The majority of the isolates were of the generaOscillatoria,Navicula,Nitzschia, andPinnularia. Five species were reported for the first time in Taiwan, namelyMicrocoleus paludosus,M. subtorulosus,Navicula subminuscula,Nitzschia levidensis, andNi. pusilla.ConclusionsThe distribution and diversity of these species was shown to be strongly dependent on habitat, with the highest diversity of green algae in the orchards, a fairly high diversity of diatoms and cyanobacteria in the rice paddies, and a relatively low diversity in the tea plantations and sugar cane farms. The humidity and acidity were the most important environmental factors influencing the diversity of soil algae in these farmlands.
Acacia nilotica (Babool) leaf extract mediated size-controlled rapid synthesis of gold nanoparticles and study of its catalytic activity
Authors: Majumdar Rakhi , Bag Braja Gopal , Maity Nabasmita 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The leaf extract of Acacia nilotica (Babool) is rich in different types of plant secondary metabolites such as flavanoids, tannins, triterpenoids, saponines, etc. We have demonstrated the use of the leaf extract for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles in water at room temperature under very mild conditions. The synthesis of the gold nanoparticles was complete in several minutes, and no extra stabilizing or capping agents were necessary. The size of the nanoparticles could be controlled by varying the concentration of the leaf extract. The gold nanoparticles were characterized by HRTEM, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies. The synthesized gold nanoparticles have been used as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in water at room temperature.
Inhibition of caspase-8 activity promotes protective Th1- and Th2-mediated immunity toLeishmania majorinfection
Authors: Pereira-Manfro Wânia F , Ribeiro-Gomes Flávia L , Filardy Alessandra Almeida , Vellozo Natália S , Guillermo Landi V C , Silva Elisabeth M , Siegel Richard M , DosReis George A , Lopes Marcela F 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTWe investigated how apoptosis pathways mediated by death receptors and caspase-8 affect cytokine responses and immunity to Leishmania major parasites. Splenic CD4 T cells undergo activation-induced apoptosis, and blockade of FasL-Fas interaction increased IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine responses to L. major antigens. To block death receptor-induced death, we used mice expressing a T cell-restricted transgene for vFLIP. Inhibition of caspase-8 activation in vFLIP mice enhanced Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses to L. major infection, even in the Th1-prone B6 background. We also observed increased NO production by splenocytes from vFLIP mice upon T cell activation. Despite an exacerbated Th2 response, vFLIP mice controlled better L. major infection, with reduced lesions and lower parasite loads compared with WT mice. Moreover, injection of anti-IL-4 mAb in infected vFLIP mice disrupted control of parasite infection. Therefore, blockade of caspase-8 activity in T cells improves immunity to L. major infection by promoting increased Th1 and Th2 responses.
The Artery of von Haller
Authors: Gailloud Philippe 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Although recognized since the 18th century, radiculomedullary arteries (RMAs) originating from upper thoracic intersegmental arteries are generally considered to be inconstant branches of little clinical importance. Yet, such vessels are commonly observed during spinal angiography.

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the angiographic prevalence of upper thoracic RMAs, in particular, branches supplying the anterior spinal artery (ASA).

METHODS:
Fifty spinal angiograms were reviewed. Anterior and posterior RMAs originating in the upper thoracic region (T3 to T7) were recorded. The level of origin of the artery of Adamkiewicz (T8 to L3) was also noted.

RESULTS:
Forty-three patients (86%) had at least 1 ASA contributor between T3 and T7. Of the other 7 patients, 4 had one at an immediately adjacent level (T2 or T8). The most frequent origin of upper thoracic anterior RMAs was left T5 (n = 10). Only left T9 (n = 12) and left T8 (n = 11) were more common. When combining the left and right sides, an ASA contributor was more frequent at T5 (n = 16) than at any other level (n = 15 for T9, n = 14 for T8). The sum of ASA contributors at T4 and T5 (n = 27) represented 54% of all upper thoracic anterior RMAs, and 23% of all anterior RMAs between T3 and L3.

CONCLUSION:
A significant upper thoracic anterior RMA distinct from the artery of Adamkiewicz appears to be a constant anatomic feature, which undermines the classic concept of an arterial watershed zone in the thoracic region. We propose to name this artery after Albrecht von Haller, who documented its existence in 1754.
Undulating fins produce off-axis thrust and flow structures
Authors: Neveln Izaak D. , Bale Rahul , Bhalla Amneet P. S. , Curet Oscar M. , Patankar Neelesh A. , Maciver Malcolm A. 
Published: September 2013

Summary
While wake structures of many forms of swimming and flying are well characterized, the wake generated by a freely-swimming undulating fin has not yet been analyzed. These elongated fins allow fish to achieve enhanced agility exemplified by the forward, backward, and vertical swimming capabilities of knifefish and also have potential applications in the design of more maneuverable underwater vehicles. We present the flow structure of an undulating robotic fin model using particle image velocimetry to measure fluid velocity fields in the wake. We supplement the experimental robotic work with high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics, simulating the hydrodynamics of both a virtual fish whose fin kinematics and fin plus body morphology are measured from a freely-swimming knifefish as well as a virtual rendering of our robot. Our results indicate a series of linked vortex tubes is shed off the long edge of the fin as the undulatory wave travels lengthwise along the fin. A jet at an oblique angle to the fin is associated with the successive vortex tubes, propelling the fish forward. The vortex structure bears similarity to the linked vortex ring structure trailing the oscillating caudal fin of a carangiform swimmer, though the vortex rings are distorted due to the undulatory kinematics of the elongated fin.
Seasonal changes in the behaviour and respiration physiology of the freshwater duck musselAnodonta anatina.
Authors: Lurman Glenn J. , Walter Johanna , Hoppeler Hans 
Published: September 2013

SummaryFor low-energy organisms like bivalves, the costs of thermal compensation of biological rates (synonymous with acclimation and acclimatization) may be higher than the benefits. In the first experiment, we examined the effects of seasonal temperature changes on the bivalve Anodonta anatina, making measurements each month for a year at the corresponding temperature for that time of year. Only burrowing rate was partially compensated. There was no evidence for compensation of valve closure duration, frequency or locomotory speed. In a second experiment, we compared A. anatina at summer and winter temperatures (24 and 4°C respectively) and found no evidence for compensation of the burrowing rate, valve closure duration, frequency, or oxygen consumption rates during burrowing, immediately after valve closure and at rest. Within the experimental error of this study, the evidence suggests that thermal compensation of biological rates is not a strategy employed by A. anatina. We argue that this is due to a lack of evolutionary pressure to acclimatize, or evolutionary pressure to not acclimatize. Firstly, there is little incentive to increase metabolic rate to enhance predatory ability given that these are filter feeders. Secondly, maintained low energetic demand, enhanced at winter temperatures, is essential for predator avoidance, i.e. valve closure. Thus, we suggest that the costs of acclimatization outweigh the benefits in A. anatina.
A simple and affordable calorespirometer for assessing metabolic rates of fishes
Authors: Regan Matthew D. , Gosline John M. , Richards Jeffrey G. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryCalorimetry is the measurement of the heat liberated during energy transformations in chemical reactions. When applied to living organisms, it measures the heat released due to the energy transformations associated with metabolism under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. This is in contrast to the often-used respirometric techniques for assessing energy turnover, which can only be used under fully aerobic conditions. Accordingly, calorimetry is considered the 'gold standard' for quantifying metabolic rate, yet despite this, it remains a seldom-used technique among comparative physiologists. The reasons for this are related to the expense and perceived difficulty of the technique. We have designed and constructed an inexpensive flow-through calorespirometer capable of detecting rates of metabolic heat loss and oxygen consumption (ṀO2) in fishes under a variety of environmental conditions over long-term experiments. The metabolic heat of the fish is detected as a (micro)voltage by a collection of Peltier units wired in series, while oxygen optodes placed on the inflowing and outflowing water lines are used for the calculation of ṀO2. The apparatus is constructed in a differential fashion to account for ambient temperature fluctuations. This paper describes the design and construction of the calorespirometer for ~$1,300 CDN. Using the goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus), we show that the calorespirometer is sensitive to changes in metabolic rate brought about by pharmacological manipulation and severe hypoxia exposures.
Preparation of Nanoribbons of Blue Potassium Molybdenum Bronze
Authors: Nishida Takamasa , Eda Kazuo , Takahashi Kazuyuki , Sakurai Takahiro , Ohta Hitoshi , Whittingham M Stanley 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We have successfully prepared nanoribbons of blue potassium molybdenum bronze (K0.3MoO3) from hydrogen molybdenum bronze (H0.3MoO3) by using crystallite splitting induced by solid-phase transformation and subsequent selective growth under hydrothermal conditions. The obtained nanoribbons were single crystals with a size of ca. 100 µm × 100 nm × 10 nm, well-elongated to the crystal b axis that corresponds to the conduction direction as a quasi-one-dimensional metal. A simple deaeration procedure necessary for preparing a single phase of blue potassium bronze is also given.
Towards a natural classification of Sapotaceae subfamily Chrysophylloideae in Oceania and Southeast Asia based on nuclear sequence data
Authors: Swenson Ulf , Nylinder Stephan , Munzinger Jérôme 
Published: September 2013

AbstractGeneric limits within subfamily Chrysophylloideae (Sapotaceae) from Oceania and Southeast Asia are reconciled based on a molecular phylogeny. We analysed sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ETS, ITS) and the nuclear gene RPB2 with BEAST and parsimony jackknifing, using a sample of 168 terminals. Eight morphological characters were traced on a condensed majority–rule consensus tree to identify diagnostic character combinations for the genera. Accepted genera with character support are Magodendron, Pichonia, Planchonella, Pycnandra, Sersalisia, and Van–royena, while Beccariella and Niemeyera require amendment. Beccariella, a widely distributed group, is an illegitimate later homonym and we propose that the genus Pleioluma is resurrected in its place. The Australian genus Niemeyera is paraphyletic, but it is rendered monophyletic by reinstating Amorphospermum for N. antiloga. Beauvisagea, Blabeia, Fontbrunea, and Krausella are all segregates of Planchonella and rejected, while Wokoia is a later synonym of Pichonia. Planchonella baillonii, an endemic species of New Caledonia, is the sole member of an old lineage and firmly placed as the sister to a clade comprising the other congeners. Planchonella sandwicensis, a Hawaiian species, previously proposed to be a distinct genus, is a member of Planchonella. In the Pacific, P. tahitensis (including P. grayana) is a polymorphic species, widely distributed and adapted to a wide range of habitats. We provide a generic key (excluding Xantolis), diagnostic character combinations for all genera, and the necessary taxonomic combinations for Pichonia, Planchonella, Pleioluma, and Sersalisia to render each genus monophyletic.
Analysis of DNA polymorphism in ancient barley herbarium material: Validation of the KASP SNP genotyping platform
Authors: Lister Diane L. , Jones Huw , Jones Martin K. , O'Sullivan Donal M. , Cockram James 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe availability of crop specimens archived in herbaria and old seed collections represent valuable resources for the analysis of plant genetic diversity and crop domestication. The ability to extract ancient DNA (aDNA) from such samples has recently allowed molecular genetic investigations to be undertaken in ancient materials. While analyses of aDNA initially focused on the use of markers which occur in multiple copies such as the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) within ribosomal DNA and those requiring amplification of short DNA regions of variable length such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), emphasis is now moving towards the genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), traditionally undertaken in aDNA by Sanger sequencing. Here, using a panel of barley aDNA samples previously surveyed by Sanger sequencing for putative causative SNPs within the flowering–time gene PPD–H1, we assess the utility of the Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping platform for aDNA analysis. We find KASP to out–perform Sanger sequencing in the genotyping of aDNA samples (78% versus 61% success, respectively), as well as being robust to contamination. The small template size (≥46 bp) and one–step, closed–tube amplification/genotyping process make this platform ideally suited to the genotypic analysis of aDNA, a process which is often hampered by template DNA degradation and sample cross–contamination. Such attributes, as well as its flexibility of use and relatively low cost, make KASP particularly relevant to the genetic analysis of aDNA samples. Furthermore, KASP provides a common platform for the genotyping and analysis of corresponding SNPs in ancient, landrace and modern plant materials. The extended haplotype analysis of PPD–H1 undertaken here (allelic variation at which is thought to be important for the spread of domestication and local adaptation) provides further resolution to the previously identified geographic cline of flowering–time allele distribution, illustrating how KASP can be used to aid genetic analyses of aDNA from plant species. We further demonstrate the utility of KASP by genotyping ten additional genetic markers diagnostic for morphological traits in barley, shedding light on the phenotypic traits, alleles and allele combinations present in these unviable ancient specimens, as well as their geographic distributions.
Total spondylectomy following carbon ion radiotherapy to treat chordoma of the mobile spine
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Imagama S. , Ito Z. , Imai R. , Kamada T. , Shimoyama Y. , Matsuyama Y. , Ishiguro N. 
Published: September 2013

The main form of treatment of a chordoma of the mobile spine is total en bloc spondylectomy (TES), but the clinical results are not satisfactory. Stand-alone carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for bone and soft-tissue sarcomas has recently been reported to have a high rate of local control with a low rate of local recurrence.We report two patients who underwent TES after CIRT for treating a chordoma in the lumbar spine with good medium-term outcomes. At operation, there remained histological evidence of viable tumour cells in both cases. After the combination use of TES following CIRT, neither patient showed signs of recurrence at the follow-up examination. These two cases suggest that CIRT should be combined with total spondylectomy in the treatment of chordoma of the mobile spine.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1392–5.