bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food security: the challenge of increasing wheat yield and the importance of not compromising food safety
Authors: Curtis T. , Halford N. G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCurrent wheat yield and consumption is considered in the context of the historical development of wheat, from early domestication through to modern plant breeding, the Green Revolution and wheat's place as one of the world's most productive and important crops in the 21st Century. The need for further improvement in the yield potential of wheat in order to meet current and impending challenges is discussed, including rising consumption and the demand for grain for fuel as well as food. Research on the complex genetics underlying wheat yield is described, including the identification of quantitative trait loci and individual genes, and the prospects of biotechnology playing a role in wheat improvement in the future are discussed. The challenge of preparing wheat to meet the problems of drought, high temperature and increasing carbon dioxide concentration that are anticipated to come about as a result of climate change is also reviewed. Wheat yield must be increased while not compromising food safety, and the emerging problem of processing contaminants is reviewed, focussing in particular on acrylamide, a contaminant that forms from free asparagine and reducing sugars during high temperature cooking and processing. Wheat breeders are strongly encouraged to consider the contaminant issue when breeding for yield.
Genetic analysis of dTSPO, an outer mitochondrial membrane protein, reveals its functions in apoptosis, longevity, and Aβ42‐induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Lin Ran , Angelin Alessia , Da Settimo Federico , Martini Claudia , Taliani Sabrina , Zhu Shigong , Wallace Douglas C. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) protein, the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), formerly named the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), has been proposed to participate in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. To clarify the TSPO function, we identified the Drosophila homolog, CG2789/dTSPO, and studied the effects of its inactivation by P‐element insertion, RNAi knockdown, and inhibition by ligands (PK11195, Ro5‐4864). Inhibition of dTSPO inhibited wing disk apoptosis in response to γ‐irradiation or H2O2 exposure, as well as extended male fly lifespan and inhibited Aβ42‐induced neurodegeneration in association with decreased caspase activation. Therefore, dTSPO is an essential mediator of apoptosis in Drosophila and plays a central role in controlling longevity and neurodegenerative disease, making it a promising drug target.
Glyoxalase I reduces glycative and oxidative stress and prevents age‐related endothelial dysfunction through modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation
Authors: Jo‐Watanabe Airi , Ohse Takamoto , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Takahashi Masao , Ikeda Yoichiro , Wada Takehiko , Shirakawa Jun‐ichi , Nagai Ryoji , Miyata Toshio , Nagano Tetsuo , Hirata Yasunobu , Inagi Reiko , Nangaku Masaomi 
Published: February 2014

SummaryEndothelial dysfunction is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in elderly people. Studies have demonstrated the role of glycation in endothelial dysfunction in nonphysiological models, but the physiological role of glycation in age‐related endothelial dysfunction has been poorly addressed. Here, to investigate how vascular glycation affects age‐related endothelial function, we employed rats systemically overexpressing glyoxalase I (GLO1), which detoxifies methylglyoxal (MG), a representative precursor of glycation. Four groups of rats were examined, namely young (13 weeks old), mid‐age (53 weeks old) wild‐type, and GLO1 transgenic (WT/GLO1 Tg) rats. Age‐related acceleration in glycation was attenuated in GLO1 Tg rats, together with lower aortic carboxymethyllysine (CML) and urinary 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) levels. Age‐related impairment of endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation was attenuated in GLO1 Tg rats, whereas endothelium‐independent vasorelaxation was not different between WT and GLO1 Tg rats. Nitric oxide (NO) production was decreased in mid‐age WT rats, but not in mid‐age GLO1 Tg rats. Age‐related inactivation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) due to phosphorylation of eNOS on Thr495 and dephosphorylation on Ser1177 was ameliorated in GLO1 Tg rats. In vitro, MG increased phosphorylation of eNOS (Thr495) in primary human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and overexpression of GLO1 decreased glycative stress and phosphorylation of eNOS (Thr495). Together, GLO1 reduced age‐related endothelial glycative and oxidative stress, altered phohphorylation of eNOS, and attenuated endothelial dysfunction. As a molecular mechanism, GLO1 lessened inhibitory phosphorylation of eNOS (Thr495) by reducing glycative stress. Our study demonstrates that blunting glycative stress prevents the long‐term impact of endothelial dysfunction on vascular aging.
Keratin gel improves poor scarring following median sternotomy
Authors: Jina N. Hamesh , Marsh Clive , Than Martin , Singh Harsh , Cassidy Sharon , Simcock Jeremy 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundLinear hypertrophic scarring is a common surgical problem that can be difficult to manage. This article evaluates median sternotomy wounds that have often been reported to scar poorly resulting in hypertrophic scar formation.MethodsThis study is a single‐blinded, open‐labelled pilot study of 20 patients using keratin gel as the intervention and aqueous cream as the control, which are each applied to a different half of the wound daily over 6 months. We use the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Manchester Scar Score (MSS) to assess the scarring.ResultsAt the 6‐month assessment the MSS, patient‐POSAS and observer‐POSAS were 12.00, 16.70 and 15.00 in the treatment half and 12.58, 17.85 and 16.55 in the control half respectively. Overall, we found that there was a decrease in all score scales after 6 months (P = 0.005). Furthermore, in the subset of patients with poor scarring, decreases in the MSS, patient‐POSAS and observer‐POSAS were statistically significant (P = 0.025, <0.01 and 0.01) with scores of 12.22, 17.33 and 15.33 in the treatment half and 14.22, 23.67 and 22.33 in the control half respectively.ConclusionIn patients who scar more poorly than average, there were significant improvements in scarring. This demonstrates a simple, well‐tolerated intervention that reduces problematic scarring following surgery.
Surgery of primary tumour has survival benefit in metastatic breast cancer with single‐organ metastasis, especially bone
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Lee Se Kyung , Kil Won Ho , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundSurgery for the primary breast tumour is usually not recommended in metastatic breast cancer (MBC); however, some reports have suggested a benefit of locoregional treatment. We designed this study to evaluate the efficacy of locoregional surgery in MBC.MethodsData for patients diagnosed with MBC at Samsung Medical Center between 1995 and 2011 were retrospectively collected. We compared the survival benefit of all treatment modalities using Cox regression analysis. Subgroup analyses based on number of metastases were performed to delineate the indication for each treatment.ResultsAmong 262 patients, 40 (15.3%) underwent surgery. Other treatments included chemotherapy (n = 213, 81.3%), radiotherapy (n = 138, 52.7%), hormone therapy (n = 118, 45.0%) and HER2/neu receptor (HER2)‐targeted therapy (n = 37, 14.1%). Cox regression analysis showed that surgery (hazard ratios (HR) = 0.51, P < 0.01), hormone therapy (HR = 0.31, P < 0.01) and HER2‐targeted therapy (HR = 0.33, P < 0.01) were associated with improved survival, whereas presence of three or more metastatic organs (HR = 1.62, P = 0.03) was associated with poor survival. In patients with metastasis to a single organ, surgery (HR = 0.43, P < 0.01), chemotherapy (HR = 0.62, P = 0.05), hormone therapy (HR = 0.39, P < 0.01) and HER2‐targeted therapy (HR = 0.39, P = 0.02) had a survival benefit. Furthermore, for patients with bone‐only metastasis, surgery (HR = 0.37, P = 0.02), chemotherapy (HR = 0.42, P < 0.01), hormone therapy (HR = 0.22, P < 0.01) and HER2‐targeted therapy (HR = 0.09, P = 0.02) showed a survival benefit. However, only hormone therapy and HER2‐targeted therapy had a survival benefit in MBC with metastasis to multiple organs.ConclusionSurgical control of the primary breast tumour should be considered as a locoregional therapy in combination with systemic therapy in MBC with metastasis to a single organ, especially bone‐only metastasis.
Welcoming the World? Hospitality, Homonationalism, and the London 2012 Olympics
Authors: Hubbard Phil , Wilkinson Eleanor 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn an era of intense “entrepreneurial” city marketing, overt attempts to court LGBT consumers and investors have been made not solely through the promotion of lesbian and gay arts festivals, pride celebrations and “specialised” cultural events, but also through “mainstream” mega‐events. This paper explores this with reference to London's 2012 Olympics, an event which welcomed LGBT spectators, volunteers and participants through a series of initiatives proclaiming the Games as distinctively “gay friendly”. Considering this in the light of queer critiques—particularly those concerning homonationalism—we argue that this marketing of London as sexually diverse relied on the effacement of certain sexual practices and spaces not easily accommodated within normative, Western models of sexual citizenship, tolerance and equality. In conclusion, it is argued that the Olympics represented a moment when particular ideas of sexual cosmopolitanism were deployed to regulate, order and normalise the variegated sexual landscapes of a world city.
Hydatidiform mole: age‐related clinical presentation and high rate of severe complications in older women
Authors: Mangili Giorgia , Giorgione Veronica , Gentile Cinzia , Bergamini Alice , Pella Francesca , Almirante Giada , Candiani Massimo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate differences in clinical presentation of hydatidiform mole between women ≥40 years and younger women.DesignRetrospective study.SettingA tertiary referral unit in northern Italy.PopulationThree hundred and sixty‐five women with hydatidiform mole were divided into group A (<40 years, 318 cases) and group B (≥40 years, 47 cases).MethodsClinical presentation between groups A and B was analyzed, also considering partial hydatidiform mole and complete hydatidiform mole.Main outcome measuresDifferences in clinical presentation according to woman's age.ResultsIn group B the diagnosis of hydatidiform mole at ≥12 gestational weeks was more frequent (p < 0.001) and the detection of ultrasound features was higher (p < 0.05) than in group A. Vaginal bleeding (p < 0.05), increased uterine volume (p < 0.0001) and hyperemesis (p < 0.05) occurred more frequently in group B. In the women with complete hydatidiform mole, group B women presented with vaginal bleeding (p < 0.001), increased uterine volume (p < 0.05) and hyperemesis (p < 0.05) more frequently than group A women. Complete hydatidiform mole was more commonly diagnosed after 12 weeks of gestation in group B (p < 0.0001). In women ≥50 years, an increased rate of disease‐related complications was detected.ConclusionsThe clinical features of hydatidiform mole in women ≥40 years are different from those seen in younger women. Failures in the early detection of hydatidiform mole in older women may expose them to a higher rate of severe complications.
Substantial Early Loss of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Following Transplantation in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Martens Andreas , Rojas Sebastian V. , Baraki Hassina , Rathert Christian , Schecker Natalie , Zweigerdt Robert , Schwanke Kristin , Rojas‐Hernandez Sara , Martin Ulrich , Saito Shunsuke , Schmitto Jan D. , Haverich Axel , Kutschka Ingo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe limited success of cardiac stem cell therapy has lately generated discussion regarding its effectiveness. We hypothesized that immediate cell loss after intramyocardial injection significantly obscures the regenerative potential of stem cell therapy. Therefore, our aim was to assess the distribution and quantity of induced pluripotent stem cells after intramyocardial delivery using in vivo bioluminescence analysis. In this context, we wanted to investigate if the injection of different cell concentrations would exert influence on cardiac cell retention. Murine‐induced pluripotent stem cells were transfected for luciferase reporter gene expression and transplanted into infarcted myocardium in mice after left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Cells were delivered constantly in aqueous media (15 μL) in different cell concentrations (group A, n = 10, 5.0 × 105 cells; group B, n = 10, 1.0 × 106 cells). Grafts were detected using bioluminescence imaging. Organ explants were imaged 10 min after injection to quantify early cardiac retention and cell biodistribution. Bioluminescence imaging showed a massive early displacement from the injection site to the pulmonary circulation, leading to lung accumulation. Mean cell counts of explanted organs in group A were 7.51 × 104 ± 4.09 × 103 (heart), 6.44 × 104 ± 2.48 × 103 (left lung), and 8.06 × 105 ± 3.61 × 103 (right lung). Respective cell counts in group B explants were 1.69 × 105 ± 7.69 × 104 (heart), 2.11 × 105 ± 4.58 × 103 (left lung), and 3.25 × 105 ± 9.35 × 103 (right lung). Applying bioluminescence imaging, we could unveil and quantify massive early cardiac stem cell loss and pulmonary cell accumulation following intramyocardial injection. Increased injection concentrations led to much higher intracardiac cell counts; however, pulmonary biodistribution of transplanted cells still persisted. Therefore, we recommend applying tissue engineering techniques for cardiac stem cell transplantations in order to improve cardiac retention and limit biodistribution.
Expression of TIM‐3 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Shufeng , Peng Dayong , He Yeteng , Zhang Hu , Sun Huaqiang , Shan Shiying , Song Yuanlin , Zhang Shuzhen , Xiao Hong , Song Haihan , Zhang Ming 
Published: February 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process that targets the synovial lining of diarthrodial joints. TIM‐3 plays a key role in the negative regulation of the immune response. In this study, we investigated the expression of TIM‐3 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from systemic (peripheral blood) and local (synovial fluid) perspectives of RA. Level of TIM‐3+ cells from peripheral blood and synovial fluid of patients as well as peripheral blood of healthy controls was measured by flow cytometry. Results showed that TIM‐3 expression was significantly increased in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood of RA (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, patients revealed even higher expression of TIM‐3 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in synovial fluid than in peripheral blood. When comparing TIM‐3 level with the severity of RA, we identified that the percentage of TIM‐3 on both peripheral CD4+ and peripheral CD8+ T cells was negatively correlated with disease activity score 28 (DAS28) of the patients. Similarly, TIM‐3 on synovial fluid CD4+ and CD8+ T cells also revealed inverse correlation with DAS28 of the cases. Our data demonstrate a negative correlation between TIM‐3 and the disease progression of RA.
Two plasmid‐encoded genes of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strain K798 promote invasion and survival within HEp‐2 cells
Authors: Burska Urszula L. , Fletcher Jonathan N. 
Published: February 2014

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are considered to be extracellular pathogens, inducing attaching and effacing lesions following their attachment to the surface of eukaryotic cells; however, in vitro and in vivo invasion by EPEC has been reported in several studies. A cloned 4.6 kb fragment of EPEC plasmid pLV501 has been shown to facilitate invasion of E. coli K‐12, and here we further investigate the nature of this process. Two of the three complete open reading frames contained within the plasmid fragment have been cloned to E. coli, and in HEp‐2 adherence assays both tniA2 and pecM were shown to be expressed during the first 3 h of infection from a plac promoter. Escherichia coli transformants carrying pecM alone or in combination with tniA2 were able to both survive intracellularly and escape eukaryotic cells to re‐establish themselves within the medium, whereas those bacterial cells carrying tniA2 alone could not be isolated from within HEp‐2 cells after 24 h of infection, but were present in the previously sterile medium surrounding the cells. Bacteria carrying pecM and tniA2 adhered to HEp‐2 cells with sites of adhesion characterized by underlying actin polymerization. The invasive potential conferred by these genes may give EPEC strains a survival advantage during prolonged infection.
Surprisingly complex life: Sue Leung's story
Authors: Prendergast Gerard , Ma Savini , Tsui Yan Ming Elizabeth 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroductionWhile numerous studies relating to the lives of intellectually challenged people have been published previously, most have been from the caregiver's perspective and lack an insider's view. In addition, none of them were conducted in a Chinese context. Our purpose is to fill this gap by studying the life of Sue Leung, an intellectually disabled Chinese woman in Hong Kong.MethodsUsing a narrative approach that combined interviews and observational data collected over an extended time period, the research sought a holistic understanding of her life, how she interacts with others and the challenges and difficulties she faces.ResultsSue Leung's life proved to be complex with social, spiritual, psychological, sexual and financial dimensions. Her story, in which she herself and other mentally impaired people are the actors, reflects to some degree the world of mentally impaired people, at least in Hong Kong. Their world is just as complex as that of anyone else. Violence, dangers, romances, friendships and goodwill also exist in that world.DiscussionSue Leung's story has helped to unravel the various dimensions of her life and enabled a deeper understanding of the challenges and difficulties a mildly intellectually disabled woman has to face in her life in Hong Kong. Social implications are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the relationship between chronic Salmonella typhi carrier status and gall‐bladder cancer
Authors: Nagaraja V. , Eslick G. D. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBackgroundCarcinoma of the gall‐bladder is the fifth commonest gastrointestinal tract cancer and is endemic in several countries. An association of chronic typhoid carriage and carcinoma of the gall‐bladder has been reported.AimTo clarify whether chronic Salmonella typhi carrier state is associated with carcinoma of the gall‐bladder.MethodsA systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).ResultsOf the articles selected, only 17 studies met full criteria for analysis. The overall OR for chronic S. typhi carrier state was 4.28(95% CI: 1.84–9.96). Most of the studies were from South Asia especially India and China. When a subgroup analysis was performed according to region, a significant association was observed in South‐East Asia (OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.87–5.94, P value <0.01). Chronic S. typhi carrier state was associated with carcinoma of the gall‐bladder based on detection methods of S. typhi antibody levels (OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 2.48–5.00, P value <0.01) and even more so on culture (OR: 4.14, 95% CI: 2.41–7.12, P value <0.01). The association was prominent in controls without gallstones (OR: 5.86, 95% CI: 3.84–8.95, P value <0.01) when compared with controls with gallstones (OR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.92–3.83, P value <0.01).ConclusionsChronic S. typhi carrier state is an important risk factor among patients with carcinoma of the gall‐bladder. Given the high risk associated with this carrier state, management options should include either elective cholecystectomy or careful monitoring using ultrasound.
Review article: next generation diagnostic modalities in gastroenterology – gas phase volatile compound biomarker detection
Authors: Arasaradnam R. P. , Covington J. A. , Harmston C. , Nwokolo C. U. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe detection of airborne gas phase biomarkers that emanate from biological samples like urine, breath and faeces may herald a new age of non‐invasive diagnostics. These biomarkers may reflect status in health and disease and can be detected by humans and other animals, to some extent, but far more consistently with instruments. The continued advancement in micro and nanotechnology has produced a range of compact and sophisticated gas analysis sensors and sensor systems, focussed primarily towards environmental and security applications. These instruments are now increasingly adapted for use in clinical testing and with the discovery of new gas volatile compound biomarkers, lead naturally to a new era of non‐invasive diagnostics.AimTo review current sensor instruments like the electronic nose (e‐nose) and ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS), existing technology like gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS) and their application in the detection of gas phase volatile compound biomarkers in medicine – focussing on gastroenterology.MethodsA systematic search on Medline and Pubmed databases was performed to identify articles relevant to gas and volatile organic compounds.ResultsE‐nose and IMS instruments achieve sensitivities and specificities ranging from 75 to 92% in differentiating between inflammatory bowel disease, bile acid diarrhoea and colon cancer from controls. For pulmonary disease, the sensitivities and specificities exceed 90% in differentiating between pulmonary malignancy, pneumonia and obstructive airways disease. These sensitivity levels also hold true for diabetes (92%) and bladder cancer (90%) when GC‐MS is combined with an e‐nose.ConclusionsThe accurate reproducible sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using portable near‐patient devices is a goal within reach for today's clinicians.