bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in circulating sex steroid levels in metastatic prostate cancer patients with combined androgen blockade: observation and implication
Authors: Qin X. , Zhang H. , Ye D. , Yao X. , Zhang S. , Dai B. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryTestosterone is the major precursor of estradiol (E2) in men. We hypothesized that, in metastatic prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy suppression of serum androgen to the castration level may also disrupt serum E2 level, and variation in serum E2 level might play a role in the development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Our investigation was designed to observe the variation in circulating oestrogen and androgen levels in metastatic prostate cancer patients after combined androgen blockade, and to explore the possible clinical significance. We recruited 105 consecutive metastatic prostate cancer patients who were treated with combined androgen blockade from June to August 2011, and divided them into three groups according to different hormone‐sensitivity status, including 58 hormone‐sensitive prostate cancers, 27 after failure of first‐line hormone therapy (androgen‐independent prostate cancer) and 20 castration‐resistant prostate cancers. Another 36 consecutive patients with treatment‐naive metastatic prostate cancer during the same period were used as controls. Serum testosterone, E2 and E2/testosterone (E2/T) ratio were analysed and compared between the groups. After combined androgen blockade, testosterone was suppressed to a low level, regardless of different hormone sensitivity (p > 0.05). Mean serum testosterone was 4.07, 0.15, 0.11 and 0.09 ng/mL in treatment‐naive, hormone‐sensitive, androgen‐independent and castration‐resistant prostate cancer respectively. For each group, mean E2 was 33.06, 9.23, 9.13 and 15.05 pg/mL respectively. Mean E2/T was 9.58, 269.29, 292.06 and 996.67 respectively. Recovery of E2 and increased E2/T ratio were more significantly associated with combined androgen blockade failure, especially in castration‐resistant prostate cancer (p < 0.001). This study indicated that metabolism of oestrogen might change during combined androgen blockade in metastatic prostate cancer patients, and oestrogen‐related pathways might play a role in the development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer.
Environmental Factors Predict the Severity of Delirium Symptoms in Long‐Term Care Residents with and without Delirium
Authors: McCusker Jane , Cole Martin G. , Voyer Philippe , Vu Minh , Ciampi Antonio , Monette Johanne , Champoux Nathalie , Belzile Eric , Dyachenko Alina 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo identify potentially modifiable environmental factors (including number of medications) associated with changes over time in the severity of delirium symptoms and to explore the interactions between these factors and resident baseline vulnerability.DesignProspective, observational cohort study.SettingSeven long‐term care (LTC) facilities.ParticipantsTwo hundred seventy‐two LTC residents aged 65 and older with and without delirium.MeasurementsWeekly assessments (for up to 6 months) of the severity of delirium symptoms using the Delirium Index (DI), environmental risk factors, and number of medications. Baseline vulnerability measures included a diagnosis of dementia and a delirium risk score. Associations between environmental factors, medications, and weekly changes in DI were analyzed using a general linear model with correlated errors.ResultsSix potentially modifiable environmental factors predicted weekly changes in DI (absence of reading glasses, aids to orientation, family member, and glass of water and presence of bed rails and other restraints) as did the prescription of two or more new medications. Residents with dementia appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of these factors.ConclusionSix environmental factors and prescription of two or more new medications predicted changes in the severity of delirium symptoms. These risk factors are potentially modifiable through improved LTC clinical practices.
Evidence on the Benefits of Alternative Mortgage Products
Authors: COCCO JOÃO F. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTAlternative mortgage products have been identified by many as culprits in the financial crisis. However, because of their lower initial mortgage payments relative to loan amount, they may be a valuable tool for households that expect higher and more certain future labor income, and that wish to smooth consumption over the life‐cycle. Using U.K. household‐level panel data, this paper provides evidence in support of this hypothesis and highlights other important benefits of alternative mortgages, including portfolio diversification, tax benefits, and a reduction in the transaction costs incurred in housing transactions.
Competitive effect and response of savanna tree seedlings: comparison of survival, growth and associated functional traits
Authors: Pillay Tiffany , Ward David 
Published: March 2013

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the effect of neighbour competition on the survival, growth and biomass of mesic and humid savanna tree species? Can competitive effect and response be linked to plant functional traits?LocationNeil Tainton Arboretum, University of KwaZulu‐Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZA.MethodsUsing a target–neighbour design, all combinations of four humid and four mesic savanna tree seedlings were tested in a greenhouse experiment, to establish the effects of neighbourhood competition on target plant performance. The competitive response and effect of each species was quantified, and regressed against several functional traits to determine which traits are predictive of competitive ability.ResultsWe found that neighbour density negatively affected the survival of mesic tree seedlings but not humid tree seedlings. Mesic plants were able to maintain their relative growth rates (RGRs) despite increasing neighbourhood competition. The RGRs of humid species significantly decreased as the density of neighbours increased, indicating that competition may be a factor affecting plants in savannas receiving more than 650 mm mean annual rainfall. We used the quantile regression method to show that the biomass of humid tree seedlings decreased with increased neighbour biomass, when considering competitive response only. We also found that resource‐acquiring traits (such as maximum RGR, plant height and root biomass) were positively correlated with the competitive effect of mesic savanna seedlings, while specific leaf area captured the competitive response of humid savanna seedlings to neighbour competition.ConclusionsCompetitive interactions between savanna trees negatively affect survival and growth rate, although the competitive effect or response of a particular species depends on its adaptation to either high‐ or low‐resource environments. Our results show significant relationships between plant traits and competitive ability, which may be used to predict competitive interactions between tree seedlings from humid and mesic savannas.
Bite force and encephalization in theCanidae (Mammalia:Carnivora)
Authors: Damasceno E. M. , Hingst‐Zaher E. , Astúa D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe ways in which the taxonomic differences in morphology, behavior or life history relate to each other have been used regularly to test ideas about the selective forces involved in their evolution. Canid species vary significantly in diet, hunting techniques, sociality and cranial morphology. The main goal of this study is to test and explore the possible correlation between bite force and brain volume in canids. For that, we calculated the bite force based on the beam theory, and the brain volume based on three cranial measurements. The species with biggest values of bite force quotient (BFQ) wereSpeothos venaticus(162.25),Cuon alpinus(129.24) andLycaon pictus(124.41) due to several adaptations acquired along with hypercarnivory. Species with the highest values of brain volume quotient (BVQ) wereS. venaticus,Cu. alpinusandL. pictuswith, respectively, 141.35, 139.01 and 131.61, possibly due to the same adaptations that resulted in their biggerBFQ. The highest values of bite force belonged toCanis lupus(830.51 Pa),L. pictus(719.03 Pa) andCa. rufus(530.52 Pa) and the smallest values belong toUrocyon littoralis(98.14 Pa),Vulpes macrotis(92.53 Pa) andV. zerda(72.6 Pa).Ca. lupus,L. pictusandChrysocyon brachyuruspossess the largest brain volumes with respectively 159.29, 146.94 and 120.84 mm3and the smallest values belong toNyctereutes procyonoides(28.2 mm3),V. rueppelli(27.86 mm3) andV. zerda(20.65 mm3). The independent contrasts correlation showed that there is no correlation betweenBVQandBFQ(r = 0.14/P= 0.46), as well as no correlation betweenBFQandBF(r = 0.22/P= 0.26), which indicates the efficiency of the size correction. Bite force and brain volume estimates are much higher in the group hunting hypercarnivores (Lycaon,CuonandSpeothos) and only these showed correlation betweenBFQandBVQ. Our results indicate that cranial adaptations for hypercarnivory also influence braincase size.
LiverAtlas: a unique integrated knowledge database for systems‐level research of liver and hepatic disease
Authors: Zhang Yanqiong , Yang Chunyuan , Wang Shaochuang , Chen Tao , Li Mansheng , Wang Xue , Li Dongsheng , Wang Kang , Ma Jie , Wu Songfeng , Zhang Xueli , Zhu Yunping , Wu Jinsheng , He Fuchu 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundA large amount of liver‐related physiological and pathological data exist in publicly available biological and bibliographic databases, which are usually far from comprehensive or integrated. Data collection, integration and mining processes pose a great challenge to scientific researchers and clinicians interested in the liver.MethodTo address these problems, we constructed LiverAtlas (http://liveratlas.hupo.org.cn), a comprehensive resource of biomedical knowledge related to the liver and various hepatic diseases by incorporating 53 databases.ResultsIn the present version, LiverAtlas covers data on liver‐related genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and hepatic diseases. Additionally, LiverAtlas provides a wealth of manually curated information, relevant literature citations and cross‐references to other databases. Importantly, an expert‐confirmed Human Liver Disease Ontology, including relevant information for 227 types of hepatic disease, has been constructed and is used to annotate LiverAtlas data. Furthermore, we have demonstrated two examples of applying LiverAtlas data to identify candidate markers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the systems level and to develop a systems biology‐based classifier by combining the differential gene expression with topological features of human protein interaction networks to enhance the ability of HCC differential diagnosis.ConclusionLiverAtlas is the most comprehensive liver and hepatic disease resource, which helps biologists and clinicians to analyse their data at the systems level and will contribute much to the biomarker discovery and diagnostic performance enhancement for liver diseases.
Heme deficiency of soluble guanylate cyclase induces gastroparesis
Authors: Cosyns S. M. R. , Dhaese I. , Thoonen R. , Buys E. S. , Vral A. , Brouckaert P. , Lefebvre R. A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundSoluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is the principal target of nitric oxide (NO) to control gastrointestinal motility. The consequence on nitrergic signaling and gut motility of inducing a heme‐free status of sGC, as induced by oxidative stress, was investigated.MethodssGCβ1H105F knock‐in (apo‐sGC) mice, which express heme‐free sGC that has basal activity, but cannot be stimulated by NO, were generated.Key ResultsDiethylenetriamine NONOate did not increase sGC activity in gastrointestinal tissue of apo‐sGC mice. Exogenous NO did not induce relaxation in fundic, jejunal and colonic strips, and pyloric rings of apo‐sGC mice. The stomach was enlarged in apo‐sGC mice with hypertrophy of the muscularis externa of the fundus and pylorus. In addition, gastric emptying and intestinal transit were delayed and whole‐gut transit time was increased in the apo‐sGC mice, while distal colonic transit time was maintained. The nitrergic relaxant responses to electrical field stimulation at 1–4 Hz were abolished in fundic and jejunal strips from apo‐sGC mice, but in pyloric rings and colonic strips, only the response at 1 Hz was abolished, indicating the contribution of other transmitters than NO.Conclusions & InferencesThe results indicate that the gastrointestinal consequences of switching from a native sGC to a heme‐free sGC, which cannot be stimulated by NO, are most pronounced at the level of the stomach establishing a pivotal role of the activation of sGC by NO in normal gastric functioning. In addition, delayed intestinal transit was observed, indicating that nitrergic activation of sGC also plays a role in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Association genetics of oleoresin flow in loblolly pine: discovering genes and predicting phenotype for improved resistance to bark beetles and bioenergy potential
Authors: Westbrook Jared W. , Resende Marcio F. R. , Munoz Patricio , Walker Alejandro R. , Wegrzyn Jill L. , Nelson C. Dana , Neale David B. , Kirst Matias , Huber Dudley A. , Gezan Salvador A. , Peter Gary F. , Davis John M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryRapidly enhancing oleoresin production in conifer stems through genomic selection and genetic engineering may increase resistance to bark beetles and terpenoid yield for liquid biofuels.We integrated association genetic and genomic prediction analyses of oleoresin flow (g 24 h−1) using 4854 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in expressed genes within a pedigreed population of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) that was clonally replicated at three sites in thesoutheasternUnitedStates.Additive genetic variation in oleoresin flow (h2≈ 0.12–0.30) was strongly correlated between years in which precipitation varied (ra≈ 0.95), while the genetic correlation between sites declined from 0.8 to 0.37 with increasing differences in soil and climate among sites. A total of 231SNPs were significantly associated with oleoresin flow, of which 81% were specific to individual sites.SNPs in sequences similar to ethylene signaling proteins,ABCtransporters, and diterpenoid hydroxylases were associated with oleoresin flow across sites.Despite this complex genetic architecture, we developed a genomic prediction model to accelerate breeding for enhanced oleoresin flow that is robust to environmental variation. Results imply that breeding could increase oleoresin flow 1.5‐ to 2.4‐fold in one generation.
Durum wheat varieties in N‐deficient environments and organic farming: a comparison of yield, quality and stability performances
Authors: Stagnari Fabio , Onofri Andrea , Codianni Pasquale , Pisante Michele 
Published: March 2013

AbstractStability and reliability of yield and quality for 15 durum wheat genotypes (old and modern) were evaluated in a 5‐year experiment (southern Italy) in organic farming. Genotypes were grown at two N levels (0 and 80 kg/ha), with the aim of evaluating ‘genotype × environment’ (GE) interactions and their role on genotype selection in N‐limited environments. Several approaches to stability were used, within the frame of mixed models and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis, and their validity in stressful conditions and organic farming was discussed. Especially for protein and gluten content, results indicate high environmental variability and the presence of crossover ‘N × environment’ interactions, which supports the need for specific breeding programmes in N‐deficient environments. The average response was strongly affected by N availability (on average, yield was 2.95 and 3.42 t/ha, protein content was 11.6% and 12.85%, gluten content was 8.55% and 9.92%, respectively, at 0 and 80 kg N/ha), and few genotypes gave high yield and quality at both fertilization levels. Only ‘Gargano’ and ‘Fortore’ showed a good inter‐year stability at both N levels. The old cultivars gave minimal responsiveness to increased N input, but gave good results in limiting conditions, indicating that they may play a role in organic farming.
Diagnostic Value of the Skin Lesions in Immune Dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X‐Linked Syndrome
Authors: Martín‐Santiago Ana , Hervás Juan A. , Hervás Daniel , Rosell Antonio , Caimari María , de Carlos Juan C. , Matamoros Nuria 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe report a child with immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked (IPEX) syndrome due to a de novo c.1190G>A (p.R397Q) mutation in exon 11 of the forkhead domain of the FOXP3 gene. He had chronic dermatitis with an eczematous and ichthyosiform appearance and had an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. IPEX syndrome is a rare, often fatal recessive disease caused by mutations in the FOXP3 gene on the X chromosome (Xp11.23‐q13.3).
Congenital Myxoid and Pigmented Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Case Report
Authors: Hachem May El , Diociaiuti Andrea , Latella Ermenegilda , Zama Mario , Lambiase Caterina , Giraldi Loredana , Surrenti Tiziana , Callea Francesco 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low‐grade, mesenchymal, spindle cell tumor. In addition to the classical form characterized by a storiform pattern of tumor cells, pigmented (Bednar's tumor) and myxoid variants can be observed. Classical DFSP and Bednar's tumor are easily diagnosed. The myxoid variant represents a diagnostic challenge. Pigmented and myxoid variants are rare and thus far have never been reported in association in congenital DFSP. We came across a unique DFSP that was, at the same time, congenital, pigmented, and myxoid. The tumor was surgically excised with broad free margins and no recurrence. The differential diagnosis with other entities such as giant cell fibroblastoma, CD34‐positive plaque‐like dermal fibroma, superficial plaque‐like CD34 DFSP, and neurocristic hamartoma is discussed. The recognition of this hybrid variant of congenital DFSP is important to avoid under‐ or overtreatment.
The Inhibitor of wax 1 locus (Iw1) prevents formation of β‐ and OH‐β‐diketones in wheat cuticular waxes and maps to a sub‐cM interval on chromosome arm 2BS
Authors: Adamski Nikolai M. , Bush Maxwell S. , Simmonds James , Turner Adrian S. , Mugford Sarah G. , Jones Alan , Findlay Kim , Pedentchouk Nikolai , von Wettstein‐Knowles Penny , Uauy Cristobal 
Published: March 2013

SummaryGlaucousness is described as the scattering effect of visible light from wax deposited on the cuticle of plant aerial organs. In wheat, two dominant genes lead to non‐glaucous phenotypes: Inhibitor of wax 1 (Iw1) and Iw2. The molecular mechanisms and the exact extent (beyond visual assessment) by which these genes affect the composition and quantity of cuticular wax is unclear. To describe the Iw1 locus we used a genetic approach with detailed biochemical characterization of wax compounds. Using synteny and a large number of F2 gametes, Iw1 was fine‐mapped to a sub‐cM genetic interval on wheat chromosome arm 2BS, which includes a single collinear gene from the corresponding Brachypodium and rice physical maps. The major components of flag leaf and peduncle cuticular waxes included primary alcohols, β‐diketones and n‐alkanes. Small amounts of C19–C27 alkyl and methylalkylresorcinols that have not previously been described in wheat waxes were identified. Using six pairs of BC2F3 near‐isogenic lines, we show that Iw1 inhibits the formation of β‐ and hydroxy‐β‐diketones in the peduncle and flag leaf blade cuticles. This inhibitory effect is independent of genetic background or tissue, and is accompanied by minor but consistent increases in n‐alkanes and C24 primary alcohols. No differences were found in cuticle thickness and carbon isotope discrimination in near‐isogenic lines differing at Iw1.
Protection of Piglets by a Haemophilus parasuis Ghost Vaccine against Homologous Challenge
Authors: Hu Mingming , Zhang Yanhe , Xie Fang , Li Gang , Li Jianjun , Si Wei , Liu Siguo , Hu Shouping , Zhang Zhuo , Shen Nan , Wang Chunlai 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Commercial bacterins for Glässer's disease are widely used for the prevention of this disease caused by
Haemophilus parasuis
; however, the protective efficacy varies depending on the strain and serovar. Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are empty bacterial envelopes that, unlike classic bacterins, suffer no denaturing steps during their production. These properties may lead to superior protection. In this study, a BG vaccine generated from the
Haemophilus parasuis
serovar 5 reference strain Nagasaki was prepared and used to inoculate piglets. The efficacy of the BG vaccine was evaluated by clinical, bacteriological, serological, and postmortem examinations. Inactivated bacterin (IB) and a placebo control (PC) were compared with the BG vaccine in this study. The results showed that the piglets inoculated with the BG vaccine developed higher antibody activity and higher gamma interferon and interleukin 4 levels than those vaccinated with IB or those in the PC group after primary and secondary exposure to the antigens and challenge. CD4
+
T lymphocyte levels were observed to increase following secondary immunization more in the BG-vaccinated group than in the IB (
P
< 0.05) and PC (
P
< 0.05) groups. CD8
+
T lymphocyte levels increased dramatically in all three groups after challenge, and the differences between groups were all significant (
P
< 0.05). There were fewer tissue lesions and lower bacterial loads in the tissue homogenates in the BG group after challenge. The results suggest that higher CD4
+
T lymphocyte levels and both CD4
+
major histocompatibility complex class II-restricted Th1-type and Th2-type immune responses in the BG group are relevant for protection.
Evidence for Reactivation of Human Herpesvirus 6 in Generalized Lymphadenopathy in a Patient with Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome
Authors: Saraya Takeshi , Mikoshiba Michiaki , Kamiyama Harumi , Yoshizumi Masakazu , Tsuchida Shigeru , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Ishioka Taisei , Terada Miho , Tanabe Eiichi , Tomioka Chizuko , Ishii Haruyuki , Kimura Hirokazu , Kozawa Kunihisa , Shiohara Tetsuo , Takizawa Hajime , Goto Hajime 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
The present case provides direct evidence of human herpesvirus 6 reactivation in resected lymph node tissue in a patient with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome. This case clearly demonstrates that appropriate pathological evaluation of lymphadenopathy for drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, which mimics malignant lymphoma in clinical, radiological, and pathological findings, is required.