bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QTL meta-analysis provides a comprehensive view of loci controlling partial resistance to Aphanomyces euteichesin four sources of resistance in pea
Authors: Hamon Céline , Coyne Clarice J , McGee Rebecca J , Lesné Angélique , Esnault Robert , Mangin Pierre , Hervé Marie , Le Goff Isabelle , Deniot Gwenaëlle , Roux-Duparque Martine , Morin Gérard , McPhee Kevin E , Delourme Régine , Baranger Alain , Pilet-Nayel Marie-Laure 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundDevelopment of durable plant genetic resistance to pathogens through strategies of QTL pyramiding and diversification requires in depth knowledge of polygenic resistance within the available germplasm. Polygenic partial resistance to Aphanomyces root rot, caused byAphanomyces euteiches,one of the most damaging pathogens of pea worldwide, was previously dissected in individual mapping populations. However, there are no data available regarding the diversity of the resistance QTL across a broader collection of pea germplasm. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of Aphanomyces root rot resistance QTL in the four main sources of resistance in pea and compared their genomic localization with genes/QTL controlling morphological or phenological traits and with putative candidate genes.ResultsMeta-analysis, conducted using 244 individual QTL reported previously in three mapping populations (Puget x 90–2079, Baccara x PI180693 and Baccara x 552) and in a fourth mapping population in this study (DSP x 90–2131), resulted in the identification of 27 meta-QTL for resistance toA. euteiches. Confidence intervals of meta-QTL were, on average, reduced four-fold compared to mean confidence intervals of individual QTL. Eleven consistent meta-QTL, which highlight seven highly consistent genomic regions, were identified. Few meta-QTL specificities were observed among mapping populations, suggesting that sources of resistance are not independent. Seven resistance meta-QTL, including six of the highly consistent genomic regions, co-localized with six of the meta-QTL identified in this study for earliness and plant height and with three morphological genes (Af, A, R). Alleles contributing to the resistance were often associated with undesirable alleles for dry pea breeding. Candidate genes underlying six main meta-QTL regions were identified using colinearity between the pea andMedicago truncatulagenomes.ConclusionsQTL meta-analysis provided an overview of the moderately low diversity of loci controlling partial resistance toA. euteichesin four main sources of resistance in pea. Seven highly consistent genomic regions with potential use in marker-assisted-selection were identified. Confidence intervals at several main QTL regions were reduced and co-segregation among resistance and morphological/phenological alleles was identified. Further work will be required to identify the best combinations of QTL for durably increasing partial resistance toA. euteiches.
Is the prediction of prognosis not improved by the seventh edition of the TNM classification for colorectal cancer? Analysis of the surveilla006Ece, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database
Authors: Gao Peng , Song Yong-xi , Wang Zhen-ning , Xu Ying-ying , Tong Lin-lin , Sun Jing-xu , Yu Miao , Xu Hui-mian 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Whether the 7th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system (AJCC-7) is a successful revision remains debatable. We aimed to compare the predictive capacity of the AJCC-7 for colorectal cancer with the 6th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system (AJCC-6).

Methods
The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset consisting of 158,483 records was used in this study. We evaluated the predictive capacity of the two editions of the staging system using Harrell’s C index and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC).

Results
There was a significant prognostic difference between patients at stage IIB and IIC (P < 0.001). Stage III patients with similar prognoses were adequately sub-grouped in the same stage according to AJCC-7. The Harrell’s C index revealed a value of 0.7692 for AJCC-7, which was significantly better than 0.7663 for AJCC-6 (P < 0.001). BIC analysis provided consistent results (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that AJCC-7 is superior to the AJCC-6 staging system in predictive capacity.
Dichotomous roles for the orphan nuclear receptor NURR1 in breast cancer
Authors: Llopis Shawn , Singleton Brittany , Duplessis Tamika , Carrier Latonya , Rowan Brian , Williams Christopher 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
NR4A orphan nuclear receptors are involved in multiple biological processes which are important in tumorigenesis such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and glucose utilization. The significance of NR4A family member NURR1 (NR4A2) in breast cancer etiology has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of NURR1 expression on breast transformation, tumor growth, and breast cancer patient survival.

Methods
We determined the expression of NURR1 in normal breast versus breast carcinoma in tissue microarrays (immunohistochemistry), tissue lysates (immunoblot), and at the mRNA level (publically available breast microarrays). In addition NURR1 expression was compared among breast cancer patients in cohorts based on p53 expression, estrogen receptor α expression, tumor grade, and lymph node metastases. Kaplan-Meier survival plots were used to determine the correlation between NURR1 expression and relapse free survival (RFS). Using shRNA-mediated silencing, we determined the effect of NURR1 expression on tumor growth in mouse xenografts.

Results
Results from breast cancer tissue arrays demonstrate a higher NURR1 expression in the normal breast epithelium compared to breast carcinoma cells (p ≤ 0.05). Among cases of breast cancer, NURR1 expression in the primary tumors was inversely correlated with lymph node metastases (p ≤ 0.05) and p53 expression (p ≤ 0.05). Clinical stage and histological grade were not associated with variation in NURR1 expression. In gene microarrays, 4 of 5 datasets showed stronger mean expression of NURR1 in normal breast as compared to transformed breast. Additionally, NURR1 expression was strongly correlated with increase relapse free survival (HR = 0.7) in a cohort of all breast cancer patients, but showed no significant difference in survival when compared among patients whom have not been treated systemically (HR = 0.91). Paradoxically, NURR1 silenced breast xenografts showed significantly decreased growth in comparison to control, underscoring a biphasic role for NURR1 in breast cancer progression.

Conclusions
NURR1 function presents a dichotomy in breast cancer etiology, in which NURR1 expression is associated with normal breast epithelial differentiation and efficacy of systemic cancer therapy, but silencing of which attenuates tumor growth. This provides a strong rationale for the potential implementation of NURR1 as a pharmacologic target and biomarker for therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer.
Maternal dietary intake of nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines and selected birth defects in offspring: a case-control study
Authors: Huber John C , Brender Jean D , Zheng Qi , Sharkey Joseph R , Vuong Ann M , Shinde Mayura U , Griesenbeck John S , Suarez Lucina , Langlois Peter H , Canfield Mark A , Romitti Paul A , Weyer Peter J ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundDietary intake of nitrates, nitrites, and nitrosamines can increase the endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds in the stomach. Results from animal studies suggest that these compounds might be teratogenic. We examined the relationship between maternal dietary intake of nitrates, nitrites (including plant and animal sources as separate groups), and nitrosamines and several types of birth defects in offspring.MethodsFor this population-based case–control study, data from a 58-question food frequency questionnaire, adapted from the short Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire and administered as part of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), were used to estimate daily intake of dietary nitrates, nitrites, and nitrosamines in a sample of 6544 mothers of infants with neural tube defects (NTD)s, oral clefts (OC)s, or limb deficiencies (LD)s and 6807 mothers of unaffected control infants. Total daily intake of these compounds was divided into quartiles based on the control mother distributions. Odds ratios (OR)s and 95% confidence intervals (CI)s were estimated using logistic regression; estimates were adjusted for maternal daily caloric intake, maternal race-ethnicity, education, dietary folate intake, high fat diet (> 30% of calories from fat), and state of residence.ResultsWhile some unadjusted ORs for NTDS had 95% (CI)s that excluded the null value, none remained significant after adjustment for covariates, and the effect sizes were small (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] <1.12). Similar results were found for OCs and LDs with the exception of animal nitrites and cleft lip with/without cleft palate (aORs and CIs for quartile 4 compared to quartile 1 =1.24; CI=1.05-1.48), animal nitrites and cleft lip (4th quartile aOR=1.32; CI=1.01-1.72), and total nitrite and intercalary LD (4th quartile aOR=4.70; CI=1.23-17.93).ConclusionsOverall, odds of NTDs, OCs or LDs did not appear to be significantly associated with estimated dietary intake of nitrate, nitrite, and nitrosamines.
Species-specific multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis, Actinobacillus seminis, and Histophilus somni infection in rams
Authors: Moustacas Valéria S , Silva Teane MA , Costa Luciana F , Xavier Mariana N , Carvalho Custódio A , Costa Érica A , Paixão Tatiane A , Santos Renato L 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Infectious ovine epididymitis results in substantial economic losses worldwide due to reproductive failure and culling of breeders. The most common causative agents of these infections are Brucella ovis, Actinobacillus seminis, and Histophilus somni. The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Brucella ovis, Actinobacillus seminis, and Histophilus somni with species-specific primers applied to biological samples for molecular diagnosis of these infections.

Results
The multiplex assay was capable of detecting B. ovis, A. seminis, and H. somni DNA simultaneously from genomic bacterial DNA samples and pool of semen samples from experimentally infected rams. The method was highly specific since it did not amplify DNA from other bacterial species that can potentially cause epididymitis in rams as well as species phylogenetically related to B. ovis. All negative control samples were negative in PCR multiplex assay. Urine can be used as an alternative to semen samples.

Conclusions
The species-specific multiplex PCR assay developed in this study can be successfully used for the detection of three of the most common bacterial causes of ovine epididymitis.
Primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma misdiagnosed as localized mesothelioma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lin Xiao-Ming , Chi Chuang , Chen Jun , Liu Yu , Li Peng , Yang Yi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma is very rare, and there is a lack of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. An asymptomatic 75-year-old man was referred to us after a right pleural nodule was found on computed tomography during a routine health examination. He underwent surgery for his pleural tumor twice over the following 2 years. Histopathological examination eventually led to a diagnosis of primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma.
Structural evaluation and bioethanol production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation with biodegraded triploid poplar
Authors: Wang Kun , Yang Haiyan , Wang Wei , Sun Run-cang 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Pretreatment is a key step to decrease the recalcitrance of lignocelluloses and then increase the digestibility of cellulose in second-generation bioethanol production. In this study, wood chips from triploid poplar were biopretreated with white rot fungus Trametes velutina D10149. The effects of incubation duration on delignification efficiency and structural modification of cellulose were comparably studied, as well as the digestibility of cellulose by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF).

Results
Although microbial pretreatments did not significantly introduce lignin degradation, the data from SSF exhibited higher cellulose conversion (21-75% for biopretreated samples for 4–16 weeks) as compared to the untreated poplar (18%). In spite of the essential maintain of crystallinity, the modification of lignin structure during fungal treatment undoubtedly played a key role in improving cellulose bioconversion rates. Finally, the ethanol concentration of 5.16 g/L was detected in the fermentation broth from the cellulosic sample biodegraded for 16 weeks after 24 h SSF, achieving 34.8% cellulose utilization in poplar.

Conclusion
The potential fungal pretreatment with Trametes velutina D10149 was firstly explored in this study. It is found that the biopretreatment process had a significant effect on the digestibility of substrate probably due to the removal and unit variation of lignin, since the crystallinities of substrates were rarely changed. Additional investigation is still required especially to improve the selectivity for lignin degradation and optimize the digestibility of cellulose.
Program on immunization and cold chain monitoring: the status in eight health districts in Cameroon
Authors: Ateudjieu Jérôme , Kenfack Bruno , Nkontchou Blaise Wakam , Demanou Maurice 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundCold chain monitoring is a precondition to ensure immunization quality, efficacy and safety. In Cameroon, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) has National Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that describes the vaccines, the cold chain system and equipment, its use and recommended procedures to control and monitor the temperatures and the cold chain. This study was conducted to assess the status of cold chain in eight health districts in Cameroon.FindingsThe study was carried out in eight health districts out of fifty with poor immunization coverage rate. Data were collected using a validated form by observation and consultation of related documents. District Health Services (DHS) and four Integrated. Health Centers (IHC) randomly selected were targeted per health district. Forty health facilities were included. Twenty eight (70.0%) had at least one functional refrigerator for EPI activities. The power supply was reported to be permanent in 7 (20.6%) out of 34. (85.0%) health facilities with access to power supply. The temperature monitoring chart was pasted on 27 (96.4%) of the cold chain equipment. On 16 (59.3%) of these charts, the temperature was recorded twice daily as recommended. Seven (25.9%) of 27 refrigerators assessed had temperature out of the recommended range of 2 to 8°C. Almost 23.30% of health centers did not received any supervision on cold chain monitoring during a vaccination campaign.ConclusionThis study documents failure of the cold chain maintenance and questions the efficacy and safety of vaccines administered during EPI activities in Cameroun. These findings indicate that appropriate actions are needed to ensure monitoring of EPI cold chain in the country.
Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and mental health: from Metchnikoff to modern advances: part III – convergence toward clinical trials
Authors: Bested Alison C , Logan Alan C , Selhub Eva M 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Rapid scientific and technological advances have allowed for a more detailed understanding of the relevance of intestinal microbiota, and the entire body-wide microbiome, to human health and well-being. Rodent studies have provided suggestive evidence that probiotics (e.g. lactobacillus and bifidobacteria) can influence behavior. More importantly, emerging clinical studies indicate that the administration of beneficial microbes, via supplementation and/or fecal microbial transplant (FMT), can influence end-points related to mood state (glycemic control, oxidative status, uremic toxins), brain function (functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI), and mental outlook (depression, anxiety). However, despite the advances in the area of gastro-biological psychiatry, it becomes clear that there remains an urgent need to explore the value of beneficial microbes in controlled clinical investigations. With the history explored in this series, it is fair to ask if we are now on the cusp of major clinical breakthroughs, or are we merely in the quicksand of Autointoxication II?
Clusterin Decreases Hepatic SREBP-1c Expression and Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Seo Hye-Young , Kim Mi-Kyung , Jung Yun-A , Jang Byoung Kuk , Yoo Eun-Kyung , Park Keun-Gyu , Lee In-Kyu 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHepatic steatosis is emerging as the most important cause of chronic liver disease and is associated with the increasing incidence of obesity with insulin resistance. Sterol regulatory binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is a master regulator of lipogenic gene expression in the liver. Hyperinsulinemia induces SREBP-1c transcription through liver X receptor (LXR), specificity protein 1, and SREBP-1c itself. Clusterin, an 80-kDa disulfide-linked heterodimeric protein, has been functionally implicated in several physiological processes including lipid transport; however, little is known about its effect on hepatic lipogenesis. The present study examined whether clusterin regulates SREBP-1c expression and lipid accumulation in the liver. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of clusterin inhibited insulin- or LXR agonist-stimulated SREBP-1c expression in cultured liver cells. In reporter assays, clusterin inhibited SREBP-1c promoter activity. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of clusterin in the livers of mice fed a high-fat diet inhibited hepatic steatosis through the inhibition of SREBP-1c expression. Reporter and gel shift assays showed that clusterin inhibits SREBP-1c expression via the repression of LXR and specificity protein 1 activity. This study shows that clusterin inhibits hepatic lipid accumulation through the inhibition of SREBP-1c expression and suggests that clusterin is a negative regulator of SREBP-1c expression and hepatic lipogenesis.
TGF-β Effects on Prostate Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion Are Mediated by PGE2 through Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Vo BaoHan T. , Morton Derrick , Komaragiri Shravan , Millena Ana C. , Leath Chelesie , Khan Shafiq A. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
TGF-β plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer. It exhibits both tumor suppressor and tumor-promoting activities. Correlations between cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 overexpression and enhanced production of prostaglandin (PG)E2 have been implicated in cancer progression; however, there are no studies indicating that TGF-β effects in prostate cancer cells involve PGE2 synthesis. In this study, we investigated TGF-β regulation of COX-1 and COX-2 expression in prostate cancer cells and whether the effects of TGF-β on cell proliferation and migration are mediated by PGE2. COX-1 protein was ubiquitously expressed in prostate cells; however, COX-2 protein levels were detected only in prostate cancer cells. TGF-β treatment increased COX-2 protein levels and PGE2 secretion in PC3 cells. Exogenous PGE2 and PGF2α had no effects on cell proliferation in LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 cells whereas PGE2 and TGF-β induced migration and invasive behavior in PC3 cells. Only EP2 and EP4 receptors were detected at mRNA levels in prostate cells. The EP4-targeting small interfering RNA inhibited PGE2 and TGF-β-induced migration of PC3 cells. TGF-β and PGE2 induce activation of PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway as indicated by increased AKT, p70S6K, and S6 phosphorylation. Rapamycin completely blocked the effects of TGF-β and PGE2 on phosphorylation of p70S6K and S6 but not on AKT phosphorylation. PGE2 and TGF-β induced phosphorylation of AKT, which was blocked by antagonists of PGE2 (EP4) receptors (L161982, AH23848) and PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) in PC3 cells. Pretreatment with L161982 or AH23848 blocked the stimulatory effects of PGE2 and TGF-β on cell migration, whereas LY294002 or rapamycin completely eliminated PGE2, TGF-β, and epidermal growth factor-induced migration in PC3 cells. We conclude that TGF-β increases COX-2 levels and PGE2 secretion in prostate cancer cells which, in turn, mediate TGF-β effects on cell migration and invasion through the activation of PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.
Investigating New Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Hyperinsulinemia's Mitogenic Effects in a Female Mouse Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Rostoker Ran , Bitton-Worms Keren , Caspi Avishay , Shen-Orr Zila , LeRoith Derek 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental studies have identified hyperinsulinemia as an important risk factor for breast cancer induction and for the poor prognosis in breast cancer patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recently it was demonstrated that both the insulin receptor (IR) and the IGF-IR mediate hyperinsulinemia's mitogenic effect in several breast cancer models. Although IGF-IR has been intensively investigated, and anti-IGF-IR therapies are now in advanced clinical trials, the role of the IR in mediating hyperinsulinemia's mitogenic effect remains to be clarified. Here we aimed to explore the potential of IR inhibition compared to dual IR/IGF-IR blockade on breast tumor growth. To initiate breast tumors, we inoculated the mammary carcinoma Mvt-1 cell line into the inguinal mammary fat pad of the hyperinsulinemic MKR female mice, and to study the role of IR, we treated the mice bearing tumors with the recently reported high-affinity IR antagonist-S961, in addition to the well-documented IGF-IR inhibitor picropodophyllin (PPP). Although reducing IR activation, with resultant severe hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, S961-treated mice had significantly larger tumors compared to the vehicle-treated group. This effect maybe secondary to the severe hyperinsulinemia mediated via the IGF-1 receptor. In contrast, PPP by partially inhibiting both IR and IGF-IR activity reduced tumor growth rate with only mild metabolic consequences. We conclude that targeting (even partially) both IR and IGF-IRs impairs hyperinsulinemia's effects in breast tumor development while simultaneously sparing the metabolic abnormalities observed when targeting IR alone with virtual complete inhibition.
Safe Control of Construction–Deconstruction of High-density PEG Brushes on the Surface of Peptide Nanospheres by Thermally Induced Shrinkage of PEG–SS–PEG
Authors: Matsumoto Masahiro , Matsusaki Michiya , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We demonstrate for the first time rapid construction–deconstruction of high-density PEG brushes on nanosphere surfaces at 40 °C for 5 min by thermally induced shrinkage of disulfide PEG. These reaction conditions can avoid thermal instability of PEG chains generally occurring during PEG brush construction at higher temperature for longer incubation. This method will be an important strategy for fabrication of bioinert nanocarriers, because control of surface characteristics on the surface of nanocarriers is significant in biomedical applications.
Development of a Spiral Flow ICP Torch as a New Low-gas-flow Torch for Axially Viewing ICP Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Ohata Masaki , Kurosawa Satoru , Shinodzuka Isao , Takaku Yuichi , Kishi Yoko 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A spiral flow ICP torch for axially viewing inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (axially viewing ICPOES) was developed as a new low-gas-flow torch. Since the spiral flow ICP torch could sustain a stable ICP at Ar plasma gas flow rate of 9 L min−1 with 1.5 kW RF forward power and since the spiral flow ICP obtained showed analytical performance similar to a standard ICP, it is expected to be an alternative ICP torch for axially viewing ICPOES.