bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR-34a is up-regulated in response to low dose, low energy X-ray induced DNA damage in breast cells
Authors: Stankevicins Luiza , Almeida da Silva Ana Paula , Ventura dos Passos Flavia , dos Santos Ferreira Evelin , Menks Ribeiro Maria Cecilia , G David Mariano , J Pires Evandro , Ferreira-Machado Samara Cristina , Vassetzky Yegor , de Almeida Carlos Eduardo , de Moura Gallo Claudia Vitoria 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression including DNA damage responses. Low doses of low energy X-ray radiation, similar to those used in mammographic exams, has been described to be genotoxic. In the present work we investigated the expression of miR-34a; a well described p53-regulated miRNA implicated in cell responses to X-ray irradiation at low doses.

Methods
Non-cancerous breast cell line MCF-10A and cancerous T-47D and MCF-7 cell lines were submitted to a low-energy X-ray irradiation (ranging from 28–30 Kv) using a dose of 5 Gy. The expression level of miR-34a, let-7a and miR-21 was assessed by qRT-PCR at 4 and 24 hours post-irradiation. DNA damage was then measured by comet assay and micronuclei estimation in MCF-10A and MCF-7 cell lines, where an increase of miR-34a levels could be observed after irradiation. The rate of apoptotic cells was estimated by nuclear staining and fluorescence microscopy. These experiments were also performed at low doses (3; 12 and 48 mGy) in MCF-10A and MCF-7 cell lines.

Results
We have observed an increase in miR-34a expression 4 hours post-irradiation at 5 Gy in MCF-10A and MCF-7 cell lines while its level did not change in T-47D, a breast cancer cell line bearing non-functional p53. At low doses, miR-34a was up-regulated in non-tumoral MCF-10A to a higher extent as compared to MCF-7. MiR-34a levels decreased 24 hours post-irradiation. We have also observed DNA damage and apoptosis at low-energy X-ray irradiation at low doses and the high dose in MCF-10A and MCF-7 4 and 24 hours post-irradiation relative to the mock control.

Conclusion
Low energy X-ray is able to promote DNA strand breaks and miR-34a might be involved in cell responses to low energy X-ray DNA damage. MiR-34a expression correlates with X-ray dose, time after irradiation and cell type. The present study reinforces the need of investigating consequences of low dose X-ray irradiation of breast cells.
Identifying reaction modules in metabolic pathways: bioinformatic deduction and experimental validation of a new putative route in purine catabolism
Authors: Barba Matthieu , Dutoit Raphaël , Legrain Christianne , Labedan Bernard 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Enzymes belonging to mechanistically diverse superfamilies often display similar catalytic mechanisms. We previously observed such an association in the case of the cyclic amidohydrolase superfamily whose members play a role in related steps of purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways. To establish a possible link between enzyme homology and chemical similarity, we investigated further the neighbouring steps in the respective pathways.

Results
We identified that successive reactions of the purine and pyrimidine pathways display similar chemistry. These mechanistically-related reactions are often catalyzed by homologous enzymes. Detection of series of similar catalysis made by succeeding enzyme families suggested some modularity in the architecture of the central metabolism. Accordingly, we introduce the concept of a reaction module to define at least two successive steps catalyzed by homologous enzymes in pathways alignable by similar chemical reactions. Applying such a concept allowed us to propose new function for misannotated paralogues. In particular, we discovered a putative ureidoglycine carbamoyltransferase (UGTCase) activity. Finally, we present experimental data supporting the conclusion that this UGTCase is likely to be involved in a new route in purine catabolism.

Conclusions
Using the reaction module concept should be of great value. It will help us to trace how the primordial promiscuous enzymes were assembled progressively in functional modules, as the present pathways diverged from ancestral pathways to give birth to the present-day mechanistically diversified superfamilies. In addition, the concept allows the determination of the actual function of misannotated proteins.
Temporal profiling of primary metabolites under chilling stress and its association with seedling chilling tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhao Xiu-Qin , Wang Wen-Sheng , Zhang Fan , Zhang Ting , Zhao Wen , Fu Bin-Ying , Li Zhi-Kang 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundChilling stress is a major factor limiting rice production. Rice genotypes differ greatly in their seedling chilling tolerance (CT), which is known to involve differential expression of large numbers of genes and proteins. To further understand the metabolomic responses of rice to chilling stress, profiles of the 106 primary metabolites of a CTjaponicavariety, Lijiangxintuanhegu (LTH) and a chilling sensitiveindicaline, IR29, were investigated under a time-series of chilling stress and non-stress control conditions at the seedling stage.ResultsWe identified 106 primary metabolites that were temporally and genotype-dependently regulated in LTH and IR29 under the time-series chilling stress and subsequent recovery. Three major groups of primary metabolites, amino acids (AAs), organic acids (OAs) and sugars, showed distinct change patterns in both genotypes in response to the chilling stress: a more general accumulation of most AAs, more dramatic decreased levels of most OAs, and greatly reduced levels for most sugars at early time points of stress but increased levels of specific sugars at the later time points of stress. Compared to IR29, LTH had more metabolites showing chilling induced changes, greater levels of these metabolomic changes and a greater ability to recover after stress, implying that LTH used a positive energy-saving strategy against chilling stress. During subsequent recovery, more metabolites were significantly and exclusively up-regulated in LTH, indicating their positive role in chilling tolerance. A comparative analysis of these metabolites data and differentially expressed genes data allowed identification of 7 AAs and related genes that were both chilling responsive and contributed greatly to the CT of LTH.ConclusionsThe metabolomic responses of rice to chilling stress at the seedling stage were dynamic and involved large numbers of the metabolites. The chilling induced changes of three major groups of metabolites, AAs, OAs and sugars, in rice were well coordinated. The high level seedling CT of LTH was apparently attributed to its increased levels of most AAs and reduced energy consumption that resulted in increased glycolysis and strong resilience on recovery. The results of this study extend our understanding of molecular mechanisms of chilling stress tolerance in rice.
Synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes of 4-Amino-5-pyridyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol
Authors: Haddad Raghad , Yousif Emad , Ahmed Ahmed 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Series of coordination complexes of Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Sn(II) metal with 4-amino-5-(pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol, as a ligand has been successfully prepared in alcoholic medium. The prepared complexes were characterized quantitatively and qualitatively by using: microelemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements. This triazole ligand act as bidentate that coordination to the metal ions through sulphur and amine group. According to the spectral data of the complexes a tetrahedral geometry was suggested for these complexes except Cu (II) complexes which exhibit a square structure.
Preliminary results in quantitation of HLA-DRA by real-time PCR: a promising approach to identify immunosuppression in sepsis
Authors: Cajander Sara , Bäckman Anders , Tina Elisabet , Strålin Kristoffer , Söderquist Bo , Källman Jan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Reduced monocyte human leukocyte antigen (mHLA)-DR surface expression in the late phase of sepsis is postulated as a general biomarker of sepsis-induced immunosuppression and an independent predictor of nosocomial infections.
However, traditional monitoring of mHLA-DR by flow cytometry has disadvantages due to specific laboratory requirements. An mRNA-based HLA-DR monitoring by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) would improve the clinical usage and facilitate conduction of large multicenter studies. In this study, we evaluated an mRNA-based HLA-DR monitoring by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) as an alternative method to traditional flow cytometry.

Methods
Fifty-nine patients with sepsis and blood culture growing pathogenic bacteria were studied. Blood samples were collected at day 1 or 2 after admission, for measurement of mHLA-DR by flow cytometry and mRNA expression of HLA-DRA and class II transactivator (CIITA) by qRT-PCR. Blood samples from blood donors were used as controls (n = 30).

Results
A significant reduced expression of mHLA-DR, HLA-DRA, and CIITA was seen in septic patients compared with controls. HLA-DRA mRNA level in whole blood was highly correlated with surface expression of mHLA-DR.

Conclusions
Patients with sepsis display a diminished expression of HLA-DR at the monocyte surface as well as in the gene expression at the mRNA level. The mRNA expression level of HLA-DRA monitored by qRT-PCR correlates highly with surface expression of HLA-DR and appears to be a possible future biomarker for evaluation of immunosuppression in sepsis.
Efficiency of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer – a retrospective study of factors related to embryo recipient and embryos transferred
Authors: Huang Yongye , Ouyang Hongsheng , Yu Hao , Lai Liangxue , Pang Daxin , Li Zhanjun 
Published: October 2013

Summary
The successful generation of pigs via somatic cell nuclear transfer depends on reducing risk factors in several aspects. To provide an overview of some influencing factors related to embryo transfer, the follow-up data related to cloned pig production collected in our laboratory was examined. (i) Spring showed a higher full-term pregnancy rate compared with winter (33.6% vs 18.6%, P = 0.006). Furthermore, a regression equation can be drawn between full-term pregnancy numbers and pregnancy numbers in different months (y = 0.692x−3.326). (ii) There were no significant differences detected in the number of transferred embryos between surrogate sows exhibiting full-term development compared to those that did not. (iii) Non-ovulating surrogate sows presented a higher percentage of full-term pregnancies compared with ovulating sows (32.0% vs 17.5%, P = 0.004; respectively). (iv) Abortion was most likely to take place between Day 27 to Day 34. (v) Based on Life Table Survival Analysis, delivery in normally fertilized and surrogate sows is expected to be completed before Day 117 or Day 125, respectively. Additionally, the length of pregnancy in surrogate sows was negatively correlated with the average litter size, which was not found for normally fertilized sows. In conclusion, performing embryo transfer in appropriate seasons, improving the quality of embryos transferred, optimizing the timing of embryo transfer, limiting the occurrence of abortion, combined with ameliorating the management of delivery, is expected to result in the harvest of a great number of surviving cloned piglets.
Hepatobiliary cystadenomas
Authors: Williamson JML , Rees JR , Pope I , Strickland A 
Published: October 2013

Introduction Hepatobiliary cystadenomas are rare cystic tumours that can arise from any portion of the biliary tract but most commonly develop intrahepatically. They typically cause non-specific symptoms and are often detected incidentally. Cystadenomas can be mistaken for simple hepatic cysts on radiological imaging, which leads to inadequate treatment. Hepatobiliary cystadenomas have a malignant predisposition and a high recurrence rate. Complete excision including hepatic resection is therefore generally recommended. Methods Three cases of hepatobiliary cystadenoma were identified at one unit over a six-month period. Their clinical details and management are reported. Results Three female patients are described aged 25, 37 and 73 years. One patient presented because of recurrent infection, one presented because of pressure related symptoms and one lesion was identified incidentally. All patients were investigated by ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT), two additionally had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and one had a liver biopsy. The tumours were 4–16cm in size and all lesions were excised by non-anatomical, parenchyma sparing resections. Histology revealed mixed epithelium with underlying ovarian-like stroma. Conclusions The management of hepatic cystadenomas as well as operative and pathological findings are discussed. Preoperative ultrasonography, CT and MRI is recommended, and early referral for specialist hepatobiliary review is advised. Operative resection is also recommended and complete excision was achieved in these cases. This strategy is supported by the current literature and recurrence has been shown to be unlikely.
Trends in orthopaedic antimicrobial prophylaxis in the UK between 2005 and 2011
Authors: Aujla RS , Bryson DJ , Gulihar A , Taylor GJ 
Published: October 2013

Introduction Antimicrobial prophylaxis remains the most powerful tool used to reduce infection rates in orthopaedics but the choice of antibiotic is complex. The aim of this study was to examine trends in antimicrobial prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery involving the insertion of metalwork between 2005 and 2011. Methods Two questionnaires (one in 2008 and one in 2011) were sent to all National Health Service trusts in the UK using the Freedom of Information Act. Results In total, 87% of trusts that perform orthopaedic surgery responded. The use of cefuroxime more than halved between 2005 and 2011 from 80% to 36% and 78% to 26% in elective surgery and trauma surgery respectively. Combination therapy with flucloxacillin and gentamicin rose from 1% to 32% in elective and 1% to 34% in trauma surgery. Other increasingly popular regimes include teicoplanin and gentamicin (1% to 10% in elective, 1% to 6% in trauma) and co-amoxiclav (3% to 8% in elective, 4% to 14% in trauma). The majority of changes occurred between 2008 and 2010. Over half (56%) of the trusts stated that Clostridium difficile was the main reason for changing regimes. Conclusions In 2008 a systematic review involving 11,343 participants failed to show a difference in surgical site infections when comparing different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimes in orthopaedic surgery. Concerns over C difficile and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus have influenced antimicrobial regimes in both trauma and elective surgery. Teicoplanin would be an appropriate choice for antimicrobial prophylaxis in both trauma and elective units but this is not reflected in its current level of popularity.
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass versus off-pump coronary surgery through sternotomy
Authors: Birla R , Patel P , Aresu G , Asimakopoulos G 
Published: October 2013

Introduction Although it is not a new technique, minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is employed only by a few surgeons in the UK. We compared our experience with MIDCAB with that of single vessel off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) graft surgery through a standard median sternotomy. Methods Patients who underwent either MIDCAB or OPCAB between April 2008 and July 2011 were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included patients with an ejection fraction of <0.5 or previous cardiac surgery. Data were obtained retrospectively from our prospective database, medical records and through general practitioners. Results Overall, 74 patients were analysed in the MIDCAB group and 78 in the OPCAB group. Their demographics and EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) values were comparable (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the two groups in terms of mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, postoperative stroke, wound infection, atrial fibrillation or need for reintervention. The MIDCAB group had six conversions to a sternotomy. Eight patients in each group required blood transfusion, with the average transfusion being 1.8 units in the MIDCAB group and 3.2 units in the OPCAB group. The mean duration of ventilation and intensive care unit stay was 5.0 hours and 38.4 hours in the MIDCAB group and 5.4 and 47.8 hours in the OPCAB group. The mean hospital stay was significantly reduced in the MIDCAB population (6.1 vs 8.5 days, p<0.05). Conclusions MIDCAB can be performed safely in appropriately selected patients with outcomes comparable with OPCAB. The potential benefits include shorter hospital stay, reduced need for blood transfusion and faster recovery.
An internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting with dysarthria
Authors: Davey PT , Rychlik I , O’Donnell M , Baker R , Rennie I 
Published: October 2013

A 72-year-old woman presented to her general practitioner with a 4-week history of right neck swelling. Clinical examination elicited a pulsatile mass consistent with a carotid artery aneurysm. Five days later the patient noticed her tongue movements had become awkward with associated dysarthria. Computed tomography confirmed a 4cm internal carotid artery aneurysm arising just distally to the carotid bifurcation. She proceeded to transfemoral diagnostic carotid angiography. Balloon occlusion of the right internal carotid artery origin was performed for a ten-minute period without any neurological deficit. The decision was taken to proceed to surgical ligation of the origin of the internal carotid artery. Her symptoms of dysarthria have resolved.
Variability in management of T1 colorectal cancer in wales
Authors: Khalid U , Evans MD , Williams GL , Hanson J , Davies M 
Published: October 2013

Introduction The management of T1 colorectal cancer is controversial. Surgical resection should offer cure in the majority of patients and can stage lymph nodes accurately. Nevertheless, there can be significant associated morbidity and it potentially risks overtreating the patient. Endoscopic/local excision has significantly reduced morbidity but risks undertreating undetected metastatic lymph nodes, thereby compromising oncological outcomes. The aim of this study was to review the practice across Wales over a two-year period. Methods Data on T1 tumours for the period of 2009–2011 were collected from the Cancer Network Information System Cymru. Results A total of 161 patients were diagnosed as having T1 colorectal cancer (without prior neoadjuvant treatment). The median age was 68 years (range: 14–91 years) and 66% of the patients were male. Forty-eight (30%) of these tumours were screen detected. There were 112 colonic and 49 rectal tumours. Ninety-five patients with colonic tumours (85%) underwent major surgical resections, 51% of which were laparoscopic. Forty patients with rectal cancers (82%) underwent major surgical resection and 45% of these procedures were laparoscopic. The rest of the patients underwent local excision in the form of endoscopic polypectomy or transanal resection. Conclusions This study demonstrates that there is no consensus in the management of T1 disease across Wales. With the advent of screening and the development of more sophisticated endoscopic techniques, the decision of how to treat T1 colorectal cancer will become a more regular challenge for the colorectal multidisciplinary team. The treatment needs standardisation. For now, however, this balance of risk will need to be made on an individual patient basis.
Scarpa’s fascia and clinical signs: the role of the membranous superficial fascia in the eponymous clinical signs of retroperitoneal catastrophe
Authors: Ullah SM , Grant RC , Johnson M , McAlister VC 
Published: October 2013

Introduction The membranous superficial fascia (MSF) was described early in the 19th century, as was its role in the clinical sign of urethral disruption. Clinical signs of haemorrhage or leakage of pancreatic and biliary fluid into the retroperitoneum, which were described throughout the 20th century, all relied on circumscribed discolouration of the skin of the torso. The objective of this study was to relate the anatomy of the MSF to clinical signs of retroperitoneal catastrophe. Methods The MSF was dissected in the torso of seven embalmed cadavers to note its extent and its attachments. The attachments of the MSF were mapped to the areas of skin discolouration that are described in the clinical signs. Results The well known extent of the MSF in the inguinal region, its continuation into the perineum and its attachment to the fascia lata of the thigh were confirmed with our method of dissection. Dissection was continued superiorly, demonstrating continuation of the MSF over the entire torso with loose fibrous attachment of the MSF to the deep fascia. The MSF is firmly adherent to the midline of the abdomen except for the umbilicus, to a horizontal line below the clavicles and laterally in the abdomen to form pockets. The lines of firm adhesion correspond with the borders of the discoloured areas described in the clinical signs. Conclusions Circumscription of discolouration seen in the eponymous clinical signs of retroperitoneal catastrophe is explained by confinement of coloured retroperitoneal fluid by the MSF and its deep attachments.
Operative strategy for fistula-in-ano without division of the anal sphincter
Authors: Fung AKY , Card GV , Ross NP , Yule SR , Aly EH 
Published: October 2013

Introduction The treatment of perianal fistulas is diverse because no single technique is universally effective. Fistulotomy remains the most effective way of eradicating the pathology but it renders the patient at some risk of faecal incontinence, which many patients are reluctant to take. There are no data in the literature to indicate the healing rate of perianal fistulas when using an operative strategy that routinely avoids division of any part of the anal sphincter. The aim of this paper is to present the long-term results with an operative strategy that aims to avoid division of any part of the anal sphincter complex when treating all types of perianal fistulas, thereby minimising/eliminating the risk of postoperative incontinence. Methods We report 54 consecutive cases of anal fistula that presented electively and as an emergency. Patients with known or subsequently diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease or malignancy were excluded from the study. Result Overall, 46 patients (37 male and 9 female) with a median age at presentation of 42 years (range: 19–73 years) were treated by lay-open of the subcutaneous tract of the perianal fistula and insertion of a loose seton for the part of the fistula tract related to the sphincter complex. The types of fistula treated were intersphincteric (89%), transsphincteric (4%) and high suprasphincteric (7%). The median length of time that the seton was left in place was 7 months (range: 1.5–24 months). The healing rate was 86% with a recurrence rate of 19% and a median follow-up duration of 42 months. Conclusions Patients who are reluctant to take any risk of faecal incontinence could be treated using an operative strategy that routinely avoids division of any part of the anal sphincter complex as this has a recurrence rate that compares well with other treatment modalities.