bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis of Rice Aleurone Cells: Probing the Existence of an Alternative Gibberellin Receptor
Authors: Yano Kenji , Aya Koichiro , Hirano Ko , Ordonio Reynante Lacsamana , Ueguchi-Tanaka Miyako , Matsuoka Makoto 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCurrent gibberellin (GA) research indicates that GA must be perceived in plant nuclei by its cognate receptor, GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1). Recognition of GA by GID1 relieves the repression mediated by the DELLA protein, a model known as the GID1-DELLA GA perception system. There have been reports of potential GA-binding proteins in the plasma membrane that perceive GA and induce α-amylase expression in cereal aleurone cells, which is mechanistically different from the GID1-DELLA system. Therefore, we examined the expression of the rice (Oryza sativa) α-amylase genes in rice mutants impaired in the GA receptor (gid1) and the DELLA repressor (slender rice1; slr1) and confirmed their lack of response to GA in gid1 mutants and constitutive expression in slr1 mutants. We also examined the expression of GA-regulated genes by genome-wide microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses and confirmed that all GA-regulated genes are modulated by the GID1-DELLA system. Furthermore, we studied the regulatory network involved in GA signaling by using a set of mutants defective in genes involved in GA perception and gene expression, namely gid1, slr1, gid2 (a GA-related F-box protein mutant), and gamyb (a GA-related trans-acting factor mutant). Almost all GA up-regulated genes were regulated by the four named GA-signaling components. On the other hand, GA down-regulated genes showed different expression patterns with respect to GID2 and GAMYB (e.g. a considerable number of genes are not controlled by GAMYB or GID2 and GAMYB). Based on these observations, we present a comprehensive discussion of the intricate network of GA-regulated genes in rice aleurone cells.
Successful treatment of oral itraconazole for infantile hemangiomas: A case series
Authors: Ran Yuping , Chen Shuang , Dai Yalin , Kang Daoxian , Lama Jebina , Ran Xin , Zhuang Kaiwen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInfantile hemangiomas can present a therapeutic challenge to clinicians, especially when associated with severe pain and feeding difficulties. The standard therapeutic management includes corticosteroids and propranolol. However, the clinical response is not always satisfactory. We present six cases of infantile hemangiomas successfully treated with oral itraconazole approximately 5 mg/kg per day. In the first month, the red color of the lesions became a little lighter and the growth of the lesions was controlled in all cases. An obvious clinical improvement was noted in all cases during the 3‐month period, with 80–100% improvement in each patient at the end of the treatment, which was judged by both their parents and the dermatologists. Compliance with treatment instructions of oral itraconazole in infants was judged to be very good. Side‐effects were mild and limited. Although itraconazole can inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo associated with some cancers, further research is required to understand the pathogenesis of infantile hemangiomas and the mechanism of itraconazole.
Primary cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Mucor irregularis in an elderly person
Authors: Yamaguchi Sayaka , Okubo Yuko , Katano Azusa , Sano Ayako , Uezato Hiroshi , Takahashi Kenzo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPrimary cutaneous mucormycosis is a rare but often lethal severe fungal infection, which usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of primary cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Mucor irregularis in an elderly patient. Seven months after the surgical dissection of the involved skin, cutaneous mucormycosis recurred at the peripheral edge of the skin graft. Shortly subsequent to the administration of liposomal amphotericin B, the remaining skin lesion was excised again. M. irregularis is rarely but increasingly reported as a cause of mucormycosis in immunocompetent individuals, especially in Asian farmers. M. irregularis may be largely disseminated in the soils of Asia and thus the trivial trauma at the time of farm work may be a trigger for the onset. These cases tend to leave severe cosmetic damage even in healthy individuals, although the vital prognosis is not affected.
Circuit Life Versus Bleeding Risk: The Impact of Achieved Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Versus Achieved Filtration Fraction
Authors: MacEwen Clare , Watkinson Peter , Winearls Christopher 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhilst prolonging hemofilter (circuit) life, heparin increases bleeding risk. The impact of achieved activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) on circuit life and bleeding risk has not been assessed in a modern critically ill cohort. Lowering filtration fraction may be an alternative means of prolonging circuit life, but is often overlooked in critical care. An observational study of 309 consecutive circuits in a general intensive care unit was conducted using a wide target APTT range. Multilevel modeling was used to predict circuit life and bleeding according to achieved APTT and filtration fraction. Independent predictors of circuit failure (i.e. unplanned ending of treatment) included filtration fraction (P < 0.001, HR 1.07 per 1% increase), peak APTT (P < 0.001, HR 0.8 per 10 s increase or 0.3 APTR increase) and baseline PT (P = 0.014, HR 0.91 for every 50% increase). The only significant predictor of bleeding was peak APTT (P = 0.017, OR 1.05 per 10 s increase). Every 10 s APTT increase was associated with a 20% reduction in circuit failure, but a 5% increase in hemorrhage. A 3% reduction in filtration fraction was associated with the same improvement in circuit life as a 10 s increase in APTT. Increasing APTT prolongs circuit life but carries a substantial risk of bleeding even in modern practice. Filtration fraction has a large impact on circuit life in the critically ill: a 3% reduction in filtration fraction, e.g. by increasing blood flow or delivering some of the clearance via dialysis, would be expected to reduce circuit failure as much as a 10 s increase in APTT.
Repetitive Immunoadsorption Cycles for Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Daeschlein Georg , Scholz Sebastian , Lutze Stine , Eming Ruediger , Arnold Andreas , Haase Hermann , Hertl Michael , Jünger Michael 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of repetitive IgE immunoadsorption (IA) cycles in severe atopic dermatitis (AD) with high serum IgE levels. A total of seven patients with severe AD with a history of no significant or longterm Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) reduction and total serum IgE levels >700 IU/mL were enrolled. The patients received one to five series of IA (Ig‐Therasorb adsorber columns; Miltenyi Biotec, Teterow, Germany) each consisting of five consecutive treatments which were performed on a monthly regimen. Overall, one patient received one, two patients two, one patient three, two patients four and one patient five cycles of IA. IA was well tolerated in all the studied AD patients and led to a significant decrease of SCORAD and IgE levels during each IA cycle in all the patients. The relative decrease of SCORAD and serum IgE levels after treatment was 11.1% and 80%, respectively, after five immunoadsorption series, 24.1% and 83.6%, respectively, after four series, 37.6% and 75.9%, respectively, after three series, 27.9% and 74.2%, respectively, after two series, and 25.1% and 74.8% after the 1st IA cycle. One of the patients exhibited a long lasting clinical benefit over more than 12 months after the 5th IA cycle. Repetitive IA with more than two cycles at intervals of 4 weeks induces a profound and persisting IgE reduction which is remarkable clinical efficacy improving SCORAD in severe AD with high serum IgE levels.
Characterization of the KstR2 regulator responsible of the lower cholesterol degradative pathway in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: García‐Fernández Julia , Galán Beatriz , Medrano Francisco J. , García José L. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe interaction of KstR2‐dependent promoters of the divergon constituted by the MSMEG_6000‐5999 and MSMEG_6001–6004 operons of Mycobacterium smegmatis which encode the genes involved in the lower cholesterol degradative pathway has been characterized. Footprint analyses have demonstrated experimentally for the first time that KstR2 specifically binds to an operator region of 29 nucleotides containing the palindromic sequence AAGCAAGNNCTTGCTT. This region overlaps with the –10 and –35 boxes of the putative P6000 and P6001 divergent promoters, suggesting that KstR2 represses their transcription by preventing the binding of the ribonucleic acid polymerase. A three‐dimensional model of the KstR2 protein revealed a typical TetR‐type regulator folding with two domains, a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐binding N‐terminal domain and a regulator‐binding C‐terminal domain composed by three and six helices respectively. KstR2 is an all alpha protein as confirmed by circular dichroism. We have determined that M. smegmatis is able to grow using sitolactone (HIL) as the only carbon source and that this compound induces the kstR2 regulon in vivo. HIL or its open form 5OH‐HIP were unable to release in vitro the KstR2–DNA operator interaction, suggesting that 5OH‐HIP‐CoA or a further derivative would induce the lower cholesterol catabolic pathway.
Genetic markers that influence feed efficiency phenotypes also affect cattle temperament as measured by flight speed
Authors: Lindholm‐Perry A. K. , Kuehn L. A. , Freetly H. C. , Snelling W. M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryFlight speed is a predictive indicator of cattle temperament and is associated with feed efficiency phenotypes. Genetic markers associated with both traits may assist with selection of calmer animals with improved economic value. A preliminary genome‐wide association study determined chromosomal regions on BTA9, and 17 were associated with flight speed. The genes quaking (QKI), glutamate receptor, ionotropic, AMPA 2 (GRIA2) and glycine receptor β (GLRB) were identified in these regions as potential functional candidates. Beef steers (n = 1057) were genotyped with SNPs located within and flanking these genes. One SNP located near QKI and one near GRIA2 were nominally associated with flight speed (P ≤ 0.05) although neither was significant after Bonferroni correction. Several studies have shown a correlation between flight speed and feed intake or gain; therefore, we also analyzed SNPs on BTA6:38–39 Mb known to be associated with average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) for association with flight speed. Several SNPs on BTA6 were associated with flight speed (P ≤ 0.005), and three were significant after Bonferroni correction. These results suggest that the genes tested are unlikely to contribute to flight speed variation for our cattle population, but SNPs on BTA6 associated with ADG and ADFI may influence temperament. Use of these markers to select for economically important feed efficiency phenotypes may produce cattle with more desirable temperaments.
Diagnostic accuracy of anaesthesiologists’ prediction of difficult airway management in daily clinical practice: a cohort study of 188 064 patients registered in the Danish Anaesthesia Database
Authors: Nørskov A. K. , Rosenstock C. V. , Wetterslev J. , Astrup G. , Afshari A. , Lundstrøm L. H. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBoth the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the UK NAP4 project recommend that an unspecified pre‐operative airway assessment be made. However, the choice of assessment is ultimately at the discretion of the individual anaesthesiologist. We retrieved a cohort of 188 064 cases from the Danish Anaesthesia Database, and investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the anaesthesiologists’ predictions of difficult tracheal intubation and difficult mask ventilation. Of 3391 difficult intubations, 3154 (93%) were unanticipated. When difficult intubation was anticipated, 229 of 929 (25%) had an actual difficult intubation. Likewise, difficult mask ventilation was unanticipated in 808 of 857 (94%) cases, and when anticipated (218 cases), difficult mask ventilation actually occurred in 49 (22%) cases. We present a previously unpublished estimate of the accuracy of anaesthesiologists’ prediction of airway management difficulties in daily routine practice. Prediction of airway difficulties remains a challenging task, and our results underline the importance of being constantly prepared for unexpected difficulties.
Histidine‐Tryptophan‐Ketoglutarate Solution With Added Ebselen Augments Myocardial Protection in Neonatal Porcine Hearts Undergoing Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Jinping , Li Shoujun , Yan Fuxia , Xue Qinghua , Wang Huiying , Sun Peng , Long Cun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhether modified histidine‐tryptophan‐ketoglutarate (HTK) solution offers myocardial protection to newborn heart has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to compare myocardial protection using HTK added by ebselen with HTK in a piglet model of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Fifteen piglets were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (C group, n = 5), HTK solution group (HTK group, n = 5), and HTK added by 10 nM ebselen group (HTK+E group, n = 5). Animals in the two experimental groups were placed on hypothermic CPB, after which the ascending aorta had been clamped for 2 h. The control animals underwent normothermic CPB without cardiac arrest. Myocardial antioxidant activities, myocytes apoptosis and mitochondrial structures, as well as the release of cytochrome c and the expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, and HSP72 protein in myocardium were measured. Increased myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn‐SOD activities, decreased TUNEL‐positive cells, and reduced release of cytochrome c were noted in the HTK+E group compared with those in the HTK group (P = 0.021, P = 0.020, P = 0.045, and P = 0.010, respectively). The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in the HTK group was significantly higher than that in the C group (P = 0.024). The expression of HSP72 protein and mRNA in the HTK+E group was higher than that in the HTK group (P = 0.039 and P = 0.035, respectively). Mitochondrial score under electron microscope in the HTK+E group was lower than that in the HTK group (P = 0.047). Improved antioxidant defense, reduced myocytes apoptosis, and better preserved mitochondrial structure were observed in the HTK+E group. Ebselen added to HTK provides better myocardioprotection to HTK solution for the neonatal heart.
Long‐term outcomes of thalidomide in refractory Crohn's disease
Authors: Gerich M. E. , Yoon J. L. , Targan S. R. , Ippoliti A. F. , Vasiliauskas E. A. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundSeveral open‐label and retrospective studies have indicated that thalidomide may be beneficial in patients with refractory Crohn's disease (CD).AimTo report our long‐term experience with the use of thalidomide for adults with refractory Crohn's disease.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of long‐term clinical and safety outcomes among adults treated with thalidomide for refractory Crohn's disease. Response was defined as a clinician's assessment of improvement after at least 7 days treatment of one or more of the following: bowel movement frequency, fistula output, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, extraintestinal manifestations, or well‐being. Remission required all of the following: <3 stools/day, no bleeding, abdominal pain or extraintestinal manifestations and increased well‐being.ResultsThirty‐seven adults with refractory Crohn's disease were treated with thalidomide for a median of 4.4 months and followed up for a median of 58 months. Clinical response and remission rates were 54% and 19%, respectively. About 40% of patients were able to stop steroids. Response rates were higher for those treated with more than 50 mg/day (85%) than for those treated with a maximum of 50 mg/day (40%; P = 0.01). An adverse event occurred in 68% of patients. Approximately one‐third of patients (38%) experienced neuropathy.ConclusionsThalidomide appears to be safe and effective in some patients with refractory Crohn's disease. Although side effects may limit long‐term use, thalidomide has potential to induce significant clinical responses.
Momelotinib treatment‐emergent neuropathy: prevalence, risk factors and outcome in 100 patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Abdelrahman Ramy A. , Begna Kebede H. , Al‐Kali Aref , Hogan William J. , Litzow Mark R. , Pardanani Animesh , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMomelotinib (a JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor) induces both anaemia and spleen responses in myelofibrosis (MF). Momelotinib treatment‐emergent peripheral neuropathy (TE‐PN) was documented in 44 (44%) of 100 MF patients treated at our institution; median time of TE‐PN onset was 32 weeks and duration 11 months. Improvement after drug dose reduction or discontinuation was documented in only two patients. TE‐PN was significantly associated with treatment response (P = 0·02) and longer survival (P = 0·048) but significance was lost during multivariate analysis that included treatment duration. TE‐PN did not correlate with initial or maximum momelotinib dose or previous treatment with JAK inhibitor or thalidomide.
Political Structure and the Limits of Recognition and Representation in Ghana
Authors: Stacey Paul 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTRecent studies of democratization in sub‐Saharan Africa often focus on government recognition granted to traditional authorities. This article examines northern Ghana, where chiefs of a minority group are denied formal recognition but pressure state officials to recognize their status as land custodians. This leads to contests and debates between state officials, chiefs and communities over whether the customary institutions have in fact been recognized for what they claim to be. The article uses episodes of contention to nuance conceptualizations of recognition as a specific relationship between actors and institutions, and as a question of government policy or choice. Recognition and non‐recognition are contested in a grey zone of social constructions. Non‐recognition persists as a continuation of colonial policy, state law path trajectory, and state officials’ endeavours to stay out of ‘traditional’ affairs. However, customary rights to land are validated by the new local government institution, and chiefs use newfound positions to expand their jurisdictions. Stakeholders affirm unequal social categories underpinning different understandings of recognition. The article examines contentions that hinge on interpretations of who is recognizing and not recognizing whom, and actors’ efforts to reshape and reproduce political structures.
Marine antimicrobial peptide tachyplesin as an efficient nanocarrier for macromolecule delivery in plant and mammalian cells
Authors: Jain Aastha , Yadav Bhoopesh K. , Chugh Archana 
Published: December 2014

Membrane‐active peptides can be classified as cell‐penetrating peptides and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are known to play interchangeable roles. In this study, this dual behaviour was studied for the marine AMP, tachyplesin. It is a well‐established cyclic peptide known to possess antimicrobial properties and was investigated for its cell‐penetrating property and cargo delivery ability. Because of its derivation from a marine organism as well as cyclic nature, it has been shown to possess higher stability in vitro. In this study, its internalization as a cell‐penetrating peptide was established and characterized in both plant and mammalian systems. It was shown to deliver cargo molecules in both living systems, emerging as an efficient nonviral macromolecule nanocarrier.
Prevalence of Coinfection with Gastric Non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) Species in Helicobacter pylori‐infected Patients Suffering from Gastric Disease in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Jie , He Lihua , Haesebrouck Freddy , Gong Yanan , Flahou Bram , Cao Qizhi , Zhang Jianzhong 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato (H. heilmannii s.l.) group consists of long, spiral‐shaped bacteria naturally colonizing the stomach of animals. Moreover, bacteria belonging to this group have been observed in 0.2–6% of human gastric biopsy specimens, and associations have been made with the development of chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration, and gastric MALT lymphoma in humans.Materials and MethodsTo gain insight into the prevalence of H. heilmannii s.l. infections in patients suffering from gastric disease in China, H. heilmannii s.l. species‐specific PCRs were performed on DNA extracts from rapid urease test (RUT)‐positive gastric biopsies from 1517 patients followed by nucleotide sequencing. At the same time, Helicobacter pylori cultivation and specific PCR was performed to assess H. pylori infection in these patients.ResultsIn total, H. heilmannii s.l. infection was detected in 11.87% (178/1499) of H. pylori‐positive patients. The prevalence of H. suis, H. felis, H. bizzozeronii, H. heilmannii sensu stricto (s.s.), and H. salomonis in the patients was 6.94%, 2.20%, 0.13%, 0.07%, and 2.54%, respectively. Results revealed that all patients with H. heilmannii s.l. infection were co‐infected with H. pylori, and some patients were co‐infected with more than two different Helicobacter species.ConclusionsHelicobacter heilmannii s.l. infections are fairly common in Chinese patients. This should be kept in mind when diagnosing the cause of gastric pathologies in patients. Helicobacter suis was shown to be by far the most prevalent H. heilmannii s.l.species.
Eccrine porocarcinoma: epidemiologic and histopathologic characteristics
Authors: Riera‐Leal Lizbeth , Guevara‐Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Barrientos‐García Juan Gabriel , Madrigal‐Kasem Rodrigo , Briseño‐Rodríguez Gabriela , Tlacuilo‐Parra Alberto 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundPorocarcinoma is a rare tumor, representing 0.005% of all malignant epithelial neoplasms. The majority of publications are single case reports. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiologic and histopathologic characteristics of patients diagnosed with eccrine porocarcinoma.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out from January 1994 to December 2010. Cases with a histopathological diagnosis of eccrine porocarcinoma were included. The investigated variables were frequency, gender, age, time of evolution, localization, morphology, referral clinical diagnosis, and histopathology patterns. The information was analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsDuring this 17‐year period, 33 cases diagnosed with eccrine porocarcinoma were detected. Female gender was predominant with 64% cases. The average age was 74 ± 12 years. The most frequent location was the head with 37% cases; the most common observed morphology was nodular, in 46%. The main referral diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 67% of cases. With regard to the histopathology characteristics, necrosis predominated in 64% cases, comedonecrosis in 45% cases, squamous differentiation in 42% cases, and melanocyte colonization in 21%.ConclusionsOur series presents some clinical and histopathology differences with previously reported, such as the most frequent localization in the head and the presence of melanocyte colonization.