bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The insertion-deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with increased blood pressure in women at the end of pregnancy
Authors: Reshetnikov Evgeny A , Akulova Ludmila Y , Dobrodomova Irina S , Dvornyk Volodymyr Y , Polonikov Alexey V , Churnosov Mikhail I 
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Malfunctioning of the cardiovascular system during pregnancy may be responsible for adverse effects on the ‘mother-fetus’ system. The cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman develops adaptation to the increased load. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is known to play an important role in the adaptation. The present study was designed to investigate whether the insertion-deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with the level of arterial blood pressure in women before and during pregnancy. Materials and methods: The level of blood pressure was measured in 591 Russian women (Central Russia) before and during (37–40 weeks term) pregnancy. The women were divided into three groups which were hypertensive, hypotensive, and normotensive according to blood pressure level. Genotyping of the ACE I/D polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism assay. Results: Women with genotype DD showed the highest blood pressure level both during and at the end of pregnancy ( p<0.05). The highest frequencies of allele D and genotype DD were found in pregnant women in the hypertensive group. Conclusions: The deletion variant of the ACE gene is associated with high blood pressure level at the end of pregnancy.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism associated with allergic rhinitis susceptibility: Evidence from 1410 subjects
Authors: Lin Hai , Lin Dong , Zheng Chun-Quan 
Published: October 2013

Background and objective: Whether the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene increases susceptibility to allergic rhinitis (AR) is still undetermined. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to systematically assess the possible association between them. Methods: The OVID, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI and Wangfang databases were searched to identify the eligible studies focusing on the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and susceptibility to AR. Results: A total of 1410 subjects from six studies were subjected to meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, ACE I/D polymorphism had a statistically significant association with increased AR risk under all genetic models ( p<0.05). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant elevated AR risks were associated with ACE I/D polymorphism in Asians under all genetic models ( p<0.05) and in Caucasians under under allele contrast, homozygous comparison and recessive models ( p<0.05). In the subgroup analysis by age, ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with significant elevated risks of AR in adults ( p<0.05) but not in children ( p>0.05) under all genetic models. Conclusions: The ACE I/D polymorphism may be a risk factor for AR and studies with large sample size and representative population are warranted to verify this finding.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of the Kinetics for Multiple Pitching Techniques in College-Aged Pitchers
Authors: Solomito Matthew J. , Garibay Erin J. , Õunpuu Sylvia , Tate Janet P. , Nissen Carl W. 
Published: October 2013

Background: There are a number of studies showing that fastball pitches place greater loads on the shoulder and elbow than the curveball; however, the results of these studies are inconsistent, especially in collegiate-level pitchers. There is also discussion that sliders may produce substantially greater loads than other breaking pitches, but there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. Hypothesis: The curveball and slider/cutter produce greater moments on the shoulder and elbow compared with the fastball and change-up. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Thirty-six collegiate pitchers were evaluated using motion analysis techniques. All subjects pitched a fastball and a change-up, 29 pitched a curveball, and 20 pitched a slider/cutter. Kinematic data were collected, and kinetic (joint moment) data were computed using standard protocols. A random-intercept, mixed-model regression analysis was used to assess differences in joint moments between pitch types. Results: The greatest glenohumeral and elbow moments were found when pitchers were pitching the fastball (mean ± standard deviation: 80.8 ± 15.5 and 79.2 ± 16.9 N·m, respectively) and the lowest when pitching the change-up (73.2 ± 14.5 and 71.6 ± 15.0 N·m, respectively). The moments produced by the slider/cutter and curveball were similar (74.9 ± 16.4 and 75.6 ± 15.5 N·m at the elbow, respectively) and significantly lower than the moments produced by the fastball ( P < .0001). Results also indicate that the change-up produced the lowest joint moments compared with other pitch types. Conclusion: This study shows that the fastball and not the curveball or slider/cutter produced the greatest moments on the college pitcher’s glenohumeral and elbow joints, as previously believed. The study also shows that the change-up may be the safest of the 4 pitch types analyzed. Clinical Relevance: There is a long-held belief that throwing breaking pitches, specifically the slider and curveball, places additional stresses on the shoulder and elbow of skeletally mature pitchers. However, these results show that pitching breaking pitches may not be as detrimental to a college-aged pitcher as currently believed.
Identifying the candidate genes involved in the calyx abscission process of 'Kuerlexiangli’ (Pyrus sinkiangensis Yu) by digital transcript abundance measurements
Authors: Qi Xiaoxiao , Wu Jun , Wang Lifen , Li Leiting , Cao Yufen , Tian Luming , Dong Xingguang , Zhang Shaoling 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
'Kuerlexiangli’ (Pyrus sinkiangensis Yu), a native pear of Xinjiang, China, is an important agricultural fruit and primary export to the international market. However, fruit with persistent calyxes affect fruit shape and quality. Although several studies have looked into the physiological aspects of the calyx abscission process, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In order to better understand the molecular basis of the process of calyx abscission, materials at three critical stages of regulation, with 6000 × Flusilazole plus 300 × PBO treatment (calyx abscising treatment) and 50 mg.L-1GA3 treatment (calyx persisting treatment), were collected and cDNA fragments were sequenced using digital transcript abundance measurements to identify candidate genes.

Results
Digital transcript abundance measurements was performed using high-throughput Illumina GAII sequencing on seven samples that were collected at three important stages of the calyx abscission process with chemical agent treatments promoting calyx abscission and persistence. Altogether more than 251,123,845 high quality reads were obtained with approximately 8.0 M raw data for each library. The values of 69.85%-71.90% of clean data in the digital transcript abundance measurements could be mapped to the pear genome database. There were 12,054 differentially expressed genes having Gene Ontology (GO) terms and associating with 251 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) defined pathways. The differentially expressed genes correlated with calyx abscission were mainly involved in photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, cell wall modification, transcriptional regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, candidate calyx abscission-specific genes, e.g. Inflorescence deficient in abscission gene, were identified. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to confirm the digital transcript abundance measurements results.

Conclusions
We identified candidate genes that showed highly dynamic changes in expression during the calyx abscission process. These genes are potential targets for future functional characterization and should be valuable for exploration of the mechanisms of calyx abscission, and eventually for developing methods based on small molecule application to induce calyx abscission in fruit production.
Identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical specimens at a tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Jabeen Kauser , Hasan Rumina 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens in immuno-compromised patients. They are also increasingly recognized as pathogens in immuno-competent individuals. Globally, an increase in NTM isolation is being reported with a varied geographic prevalence of different species around the world. There is lack of data on species distribution of these organisms from Pakistan. Treatment options differ according to the species isolated and its susceptibility profile. Knowledge of local species variation would help targeted therapy. This study was performed to determine frequencies of different NTM species isolated from various clinical specimens submitted at a tertiary care hospital laboratory.

Methods
NTM isolated from 25955 clinical specimens over a period of two years (2010 to 2011) were included. All NTM were identified using conventional tests. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed by broth microdilution and interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s document M24-A2.

Results
A total of 104 NTM were included in the study. Of these, 76% (54/71) rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) and 57.6% (19/33) slow growing mycobacteria (SGM) could be further identified. Mycobacterium fortuitum (21/54) was the commonest NTM identified among RGM followed by M. mucogenicum (12/54) and M. smegmatis (11/54). Among SGM, M. avium complex (MAC) was the most frequent (14/19). Clinical significance could be assessed in a limited number (52/104) of NTM isolates and MAC appeared to be the commonest significant NTM. Three extra-pulmonary cases were found to be healthcare associated infections. DST results for RGM showed susceptibility to amikacin (100%), clarithromycin (100%, except M. fortuitum where it is not reportable), linezolid (90%) and moxifloxacin (75%). Whereas SGM were susceptible to clarithromycin (100%), linezolid (58.8%) and moxifloxacin (64.7%).

Conclusion
This is the first study reporting NTM species and their clinical significance isolated from clinical specimens from Pakistan. Isolation of NTM from clinical specimens should prompt to evaluate their clinical significance.
Infection by Brazilian and Dutch swine hepatitis E virus strains induces haematological changes in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: de Carvalho Lilian G , Marchevsky Renato S , dos Santos Debora RL , de Oliveira Jaqueline M , de Paula Vanessa S , Lopes Leilane M , Van der Poel Wilhelmus HM , González Jorge E , Munné Maria S , Moran Julio , Cajaraville Ana Carolina R A , Pelajo-Machado Marcelo , Cruz Oswaldo G , Pinto Marcelo A 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been described as an emerging pathogen in Brazil and seems to be widely disseminated among swine herds. An autochthonous human case of acute hepatitis E was recently reported. To obtain a better understanding of the phenotypic profiles of both human and swine HEV strains, a experimental study was conducted using the animal model, Macaca fascicularis.

Methods
Six cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were inoculated intravenously with swine HEV genotype 3 that was isolated from naturally and experimentally infected pigs in Brazil and the Netherlands. Two other monkeys were inoculated with HEV genotype 3 that was recovered from Brazilian and Argentinean patients with locally acquired acute and fulminant hepatitis E. The haematological, biochemical, and virological parameters of all animals were monitored for 67 days.

Results
Subclinical hepatitis was observed in all monkeys after inoculation with HEV genotype 3 that was recovered from the infected swine and human patients. HEV RNA was detected in the serum and/or faeces of 6 out of the 8 cynomolgus monkeys between 5 and 53 days after inoculation. The mild inflammation of liver tissues and elevations of discrete liver enzymes were observed. Seroconversions to anti-HEV IgM and/or IgG were detected in 7 animals. Reactivities to anti-HEV IgA were also detected in the salivary samples of 3 animals. Interestingly, all of the infected monkeys showed severe lymphopenia and a trend toward monocytosis, which coincided with elevations in alanine aminotransferase and antibody titres.

Conclusions
The ability of HEV to cross the species barrier was confirmed for both the swine (Brazilian and Dutch) and human (Argentinean) strains, thus reinforcing the zoonotic risk of hepatitis E in South America. Cynomolgus monkeys that were infected with HEV genotype 3 developed subclinical hepatitis that was associated with haematological changes. Haematological approaches should be considered in future studies of HEV infection.
Entangled effects of allelic and clonal (genotypic) richness in the resistance and resilience of experimental populations of the seagrass Zostera noltii to diatom invasion
Authors: Massa Sónia I , Paulino Cristina M , Serrão Ester A , Duarte Carlos M , Arnaud-Haond Sophie 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The relationship between species diversity and components of ecosystem stability has been extensively studied, whilst the influence of the genetic component of biodiversity remains poorly understood. Here we manipulated both genotypic and allelic richness of the seagrass Zostera noltii, in order to explore their respective influences on the resistance of the experimental population to stress. Thus far intra-specific diversity was seldom taken into account in management plans, and restoration actions showed very low success. Information is therefore needed to understand the factors affecting resistance and resilience of populations.

Results
Our results show a positive influence of both allelic and genotypic richness on the resistance of meadows to environmental perturbations. They also show that at the low genotypic (i.e. clonal) richness levels used in prior experimental approaches, the effects of genotypic and allelic richness could not be disentangled and allelic richness was a likely hidden treatment explaining at least part of the effects hitherto attributed to genotypic richness.

Conclusions
Altogether, these results emphasize the need to acknowledge and take into account the interdependency of both genotypic and allelic richness in experimental designs attempting to estimate their importance alone or in combination. A positive influence of allelic richness on resistance to perturbations, and of allelic richness combined with genotypic richness on the recovery (resilience) of the experimental populations is supported by differential mortality. These results, on the key species structuring of one of the most threatened coastal ecosystem worldwide, seagrass meadows, support the need to better take into account the distinct compartments of clonal and genetic diversity in management strategies, and in possible restoration plans in the future.
High expression of prolactin receptor is associated with cell survival in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Lopez-Pulido Edgar I , Muñoz-Valle José F , Del Toro-Arreola Susana , Jave-Suárez Luis F , Bueno-Topete Miriam R , Estrada-Chávez Ciro , Pereira-Suárez Ana Laura 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe altered expression of prolactin (PRL) and its receptor (PRLR) has been implicated in breast and other types of cancer. There are few studies that have focused on the analysis of PRL/PRLR in cervical cancer where the development of neoplastic lesions is influenced by the variation of the hormonal status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of PRL/PRLR and the effect of PRL treatment on cell proliferation and apoptosis in cervical cancer cell lines.ResultsHigh expression of multiple PRLR forms and PRLvariants of 60–80 kDa were observed in cervical cancer cell lines compared with non-tumorigenic keratinocytes evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorecence and real time PCR. Treatment with PRL (200 ng/ml) increased cell proliferation in HeLa cells determined by the MTT assay at day 3 and after 1 day a protective effect against etoposide induced apoptosis in HeLa, SiHa and C-33A cervical cancer cell lines analyzed by the TUNEL assay.ConclusionsOur data suggests that PRL/PRLR signaling could act as an important survival factor for cervical cancer. The use of an effective PRL antagonist may provide a better therapeutic intervention in cervical cancer.
The TREAT-NMD care and trial site registry: an online registry to facilitate clinical research for neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Rodger Sunil , Lochmüller Hanns , Tassoni Adrian , Gramsch Kathrin , König Kirsten , Bushby Kate , Straub Volker , Korinthenberg Rudolf , Kirschner Janbernd 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Rare diseases pose many research challenges specific to their scarcity. Advances in potential therapies have made it more important than ever to be able to adequately identify not only patients with particular genotypes (via patient registries) but also the medical professionals who provide care for them at particular specialist centres of expertise and who may be competent to participate in trials. Work within the neuromuscular field provides an example of how this may be achieved.

Methods
This paper describes the development of the TREAT-NMD Care and Trial Site Registry (CTSR), an initiative of an EU-funded Network of Excellence, and its utility in providing an infrastructure for clinical trial feasibility, recruitment, and other studies.

Results
285 CTSR-registered centres, reporting 35,495 neuromuscular patients, are described alongside an analysis of their provision for DMD. Site characteristics vary by country: the average number of DMD patients seen per site in the United States (96) is more than in Germany (25), and paediatric/adult breakdown is also markedly distinct. Over 70% of sites have previous trial experience, with a majority including a Clinical Trials Unit. Most sites also have MLPA diagnostic capability and access to a range of medical specialists. However, in the three countries reporting most sites (US, the UK and Germany), few had access to all core DMD specialists internally. Over 60% of sites did not report any form of transition arrangement.

Conclusions
Registries of care and trial sites have significant utility for research into rare conditions such as neuromuscular diseases, demonstrated by the significant engagement by industry and other researchers with the CTSR. We suggest that this approach may be applicable to other fields needing to identify centres of expertise with the potential to carry out clinical research and engage in clinical trials. Such registries also lend themselves to the developing context of European Reference Networks (ERNs), which seek to build networks of centres of expertise which fit specific criteria, and which may themselves aid the sustainability of such registries. This is particularly the case given the utility of registries such as the CTSR in enabling networks of best-practice care centres.
A novel untargeted metabolomics correlation-based network analysis incorporating human metabolic reconstructions
Authors: Kotze Helen L , Armitage Emily G , Sharkey Kieran J , Allwood James W , Dunn Warwick B , Williams Kaye J , Goodacre Royston 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Metabolomics has become increasingly popular in the study of disease phenotypes and molecular pathophysiology. One branch of metabolomics that encompasses the high-throughput screening of cellular metabolism is metabolic profiling. In the present study, the metabolic profiles of different tumour cells from colorectal carcinoma and breast adenocarcinoma were exposed to hypoxic and normoxic conditions and these have been compared to reveal the potential metabolic effects of hypoxia on the biochemistry of the tumour cells; this may contribute to their survival in oxygen compromised environments. In an attempt to analyse the complex interactions between metabolites beyond routine univariate and multivariate data analysis methods, correlation analysis has been integrated with a human metabolic reconstruction to reveal connections between pathways that are associated with normoxic or hypoxic oxygen environments.

Results
Correlation analysis has revealed statistically significant connections between metabolites, where differences in correlations between cells exposed to different oxygen levels have been highlighted as markers of hypoxic metabolism in cancer. Network mapping onto reconstructed human metabolic models is a novel addition to correlation analysis. Correlated metabolites have been mapped onto the Edinburgh human metabolic network (EHMN) with the aim of interlinking metabolites found to be regulated in a similar fashion in response to oxygen. This revealed novel pathways within the metabolic network that may be key to tumour cell survival at low oxygen. Results show that the metabolic responses to lowering oxygen availability can be conserved or specific to a particular cell line. Network-based correlation analysis identified conserved metabolites including malate, pyruvate, 2-oxoglutarate, glutamate and fructose-6-phosphate. In this way, this method has revealed metabolites not previously linked, or less well recognised, with respect to hypoxia before. Lactate fermentation is one of the key themes discussed in the field of hypoxia; however, malate, pyruvate, 2-oxoglutarate, glutamate and fructose-6-phosphate, which are connected by a single pathway, may provide a more significant marker of hypoxia in cancer.

Conclusions
Metabolic networks generated for each cell line were compared to identify conserved metabolite pathway responses to low oxygen environments. Furthermore, we believe this methodology will have general application within metabolomics.
The effect of hybridization of Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes on transmission of West Nile virus
Authors: Ciota Alexander T , Chin Pamela A , Kramer Laura D 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background

Culex pipiens L. complex mosquitoes have a global distribution and are primary vectors of pathogens of public health significance. In the U.S., Cx. pipiens bioformes, Cx. pipiens form pipiens and Cx. pipiens form molestus, as well as Cx. quinquefasciatus, are primary vectors of West Nile virus (WNV; Flaviviridae, Flavivirus). These mosquitoes reside in distinct but overlapping ecological niches and readily hybridize in areas where they coexist. Although species and population-specific differences in vector competence of Culex mosquitoes for WNV have been identified, the extent to which hybridization within this complex alters WNV transmission potential has not been well characterized.

Findings
WNV vector competence of laboratory colonies of Cx. p. f. pipiens, Cx. p. f. molestus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus was assessed and compared to hybrid populations created from reciprocal mating of these lines. The results demonstrate that hybridization has a significant effect on WNV infection, dissemination, and, particularly, transmission in Culex pipiens L. complex mosquitoes. Specifically, enhanced transmission of WNV was measured in all hybrid populations relative to one or both parental stains.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that environmental or anthropogenic changes resulting in fluctuations in the distribution and extent of hybrid populations of Culex mosquitoes could have a significant impact on transmission patterns of WNV in nature.