bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival benefit of radioembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma using yttrium‐90 microspheres
Authors: Kwok Philip Chong‐Hei , Leung Kwong Chuen , Cheung Moon Tong , Lam Ting Wa , Szeto Lok Tin , Chou Sandas Qi‐Hua , Chia Nam Hung , Tong Cheuk Man , Yuen Pui Kei , Cheung Chun Hung , Law Chun Key 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground and AimTransarterial radioembolization with yttrium‐90 microspheres is one treatment option for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. We compared the survival in a cohort of patients receiving radioembolization or no radioembolization.MethodsThe data of 46 patients referred for radioembolization was retrospectively reviewed. The patient, tumor characteristics, and the survival were compared in the two groups. The independent predictors for survival were studied with multivariate analysis. The side‐effects and the complication of radioembolization‐induced liver disease was recorded.Results Thirty patients received radioembolization; 16 patients did not. The two groups did not differ in the mean age, Child‐Pugh classes, Barcelona Clinic of Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages, tumor types, sum of diameter of the two biggest tumors, and extent of portal vein invasion. Those with BCLC stage C tumor, with portal vein thrombus, or with less than three nodules had significantly longer survival after radioembolization. There was a trend of longer survival in patients with Child‐Pugh A liver function, or with BCLC stage B tumor after radioembolization. The median survival was more than 31.9 months, 14.5 months, and 5.2 months in patients with BCLC stage A, B, and C tumors. The independent predictors for longer survival were Child‐Pugh class, tumor diameter sum, BCLC stage, and receiving radioembolization. Grade 2 irradiation‐induced gastritis occurred in three patients (10%). Radioembolization‐induced liver disease occurred in four patients (13%).ConclusionsRadioembolization may prolong survival for patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. Radioembolization‐induced liver disease occurred and should be further studied.
AtHAP5A modulates freezing stress resistance in Arabidopsis through binding to CCAAT motif of AtXTH21
Authors: Shi Haitao , Ye Tiantian , Zhong Bao , Liu Xun , Jin Rui , Chan Zhulong 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Several eukaryotic Heme‐associated proteins (HAPs) have been reported to bind specifically to DNA fragments containing CCAAT‐box; however, the physiological functions and direct targets of these HAP proteins in plants remain unclear.

In this study, we showed that AtHAP5A as a transcription factor interacted with CCAAT motif in vivo, and AtXTH21, one direct target of AtHAP5A, was involved in freezing stress resistance. The AtHAP5A overexpressing plants were more tolerant, whereas the loss‐of‐function mutant of AtHAP5A was more sensitive to freezing stress than wild‐type plants. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay demonstrated that AtHAP5A could bind to five fragments that contained CCAAT motifs in the AtXTH21 promoter.

Similarly, the AtXTH21 overexpressing plants exhibited improved freezing resistance, while xth21 knockdown mutants displayed decreased freezing resistance. Notably, the modulated freezing resistance of AtHAP5A overexpressing plants and knockout mutant could be reversed by the xth21 mutant and AtXTH21 overexpressing plants, respectively, indicating that AtHAP5A might act upstream of AtXTH21 in freezing stress. Additionally, modulation of AtHAP5A and AtXTH21 expression had the same effects on abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism.

Taken together, these results demonstrated that AtHAP5A modulates freezing stress resistance in Arabidopsis through binding to the CCAAT motif of AtXTH21.
Processed foods and the nutrition transition: evidence from Asia
Authors: Baker P. , Friel S. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThis paper elucidates the role of processed foods and beverages in the ‘nutrition transition’ underway in Asia. Processed foods tend to be high in nutrients associated with obesity and diet‐related non‐communicable diseases: refined sugar, salt, saturated and trans‐fats. This paper identifies the most significant ‘product vectors’ for these nutrients and describes changes in their consumption in a selection of Asian countries. Sugar, salt and fat consumption from processed foods has plateaued in high‐income countries, but has rapidly increased in the lower–middle and upper–middle‐income countries. Relative to sugar and salt, fat consumption in the upper–middle‐ and lower–middle‐income countries is converging most rapidly with that of high‐income countries. Carbonated soft drinks, baked goods, and oils and fats are the most significant vectors for sugar, salt and fat respectively. At the regional level there appears to be convergence in consumption patterns of processed foods, but country‐level divergences including high levels of consumption of oils and fats in Malaysia, and soft drinks in the Philippines and Thailand. This analysis suggests that more action is needed by policy‐makers to prevent or mitigate processed food consumption. Comprehensive policy and regulatory approaches are most likely to be effective in achieving these goals.
Basal dinosauriform and theropod dinosaurs from the mid–lateNorian (LateTriassic) ofPoland: implications forTriassic dinosaur evolution and distribution
Authors: Niedźwiedzki Grzegorz , Brusatte Stephen L. , Sulej Tomasz , Butler Richard J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe rise of dinosaurs during theTriassic is a widely studied evolutionary radiation, but there are still many unanswered questions about early dinosaur evolution and biogeography that are hampered by an unevenly sampled Late Triassic fossil record. Although very common in westernNorthAmerica and parts ofSouthAmerica, dinosaur (and more basal dinosauriform) remains are relatively rare in the Upper Triassic deposits ofEurope, making any new discoveries critically important. One of the most diverse dinosauriform assemblages fromEurope comes from thePoręba site inPoland, a recently described locality with exposures of theZbąszynekBeds, which have a palynomorph assemblage characteristic for the mid–late Norian in the biostratigraphic schemes of theGermanicBasin. Using a synapomorphy‐based approach, we evaluate several isolated dinosauriform specimens fromPoręba. This assemblage includes a silesaurid, a herrerasaurid and remains of another type of theropod (potentially a neotheropod). ThePoręba herrerasaurid is the first record of this rare group of primitive dinosaurs fromEurope and one of the youngest records worldwide, whereas the silesaurid is the youngest record of a silesaurid fromEurope. These findings indicate that silesaurids persisted alongside true dinosaurs into the mid–lateNorian ofEurope and that silesaurid–herrerasaurid–neotheropod assemblages (which are also known from theNorian ofNorthAmerica, at low latitudes) were more widespread geographically and latitudinally than previously thought. Silesaurid–herrerasaurid–neotheropod assemblages may have been a common ecological structuring of dinosaurs during their early evolution, and their widespread distribution may indicate weak palaeolatitudinal controls on early dinosaur biogeography during the latestTriassic.
Ultrasound‐guided Prolotherapy with Polydeoxyribonucleotide Sodium in Ischiofemoral Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Kim Won‐Joong , Shin Hwa‐Yong , Koo Gill‐Hoi , Park Hae‐Gyun , Ha Yong‐Chan , Park Yong‐Hee 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIschiofemoral impingement syndrome is an uncommon disorder defined by hip pain caused by the narrowing of the space between the ischial tuberosity and lesser trochanter with associated entrapment of the quadratus femoris muscle. We effectively treated two male patients using ultrasound‐guided prolotherapy with polydeoxyribonucleotide sodium mixed with local anesthetics. A 24‐year‐old male patient with no history of trauma or surgery complained of bilateral hip and groin pain; magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated slight narrowing of the bilateral ischiofemoral spaces with mild enhancement of the left quadratus femoris muscle. A 23‐year‐old male patient with a history of iliotibial band release and iliopsoas tendon release complained of left hip and groin pain; magnetic resonance imaging revealed swelling of the left quadratus femoris muscle. After the fifth treatment session of prolotherapy, the pain severity score using the visual analog scale was found to be minimal (0–1/10), and follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging revealed a slightly decreased enhancement of the quadratus femoris muscle compared with that on previous images. Prolotherapy with polydeoxyribonucleotide sodium was an efficacious treatment for two patients with ischiofemoral impingement syndrome who were not candidates for surgery.
Safety assessment of genetically modified plants with deliberately altered composition
Authors: Halford Nigel G. , Hudson Elizabeth , Gimson Amy , Weightman Richard , Shewry Peter R. , Tompkins Steven 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe development and marketing of ‘novel’ genetically modified (GM) crops in which composition has been deliberately altered poses a challenge to the European Union (EU)'s risk assessment processes, which are based on the concept of substantial equivalence with a non‐GM comparator. This article gives some examples of these novel GM crops and summarizes the conclusions of a report that was commissioned by the European Food Safety Authority on how the EU's risk assessment processes could be adapted to enable their safety to be assessed.
Tissue‐specific and light‐dependent regulation of phytochrome gene expression in rice
Authors: BABA‐KASAI AKIKO , HARA NAHO , TAKANO MAKOTO 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPhytochromes are red‐ and far red light photoreceptors in higher plants. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has three phytochromes (phyA, phyB and phyC), which play distinct as well as cooperative roles in light perception. To gain a better understanding of individual phytochrome functions in rice, expression patterns of three phytochrome genes were characterized using promoter‐GUS fusion constructs. The phytochrome genes PHYA and PHYB showed distinct patterns of tissue‐ and developmental stage‐specific expression in rice. The PHYA promoter‐GUS was expressed in all leaf tissues in etiolated seedlings, while its expression was restricted to vascular bundles in expanded leaves of light‐grown seedlings. These observations suggest that light represses the expression of the PHYA gene in all cells except vascular bundle cells in rice seedlings. Red light was effective, but far red light was ineffective in gene repression, and red light‐induced repression was not observed in phyB mutants. These results indicate that phyB is involved in light‐dependent and tissue‐specific repression of the PHYA gene in rice.
Microsatellite and mating type markers reveal unexpected patterns of genetic diversity in the pine root‐infecting fungusGrosmannia alacris
Authors: Duong T. A. , de Beer Z. W. , Wingfield B. D. , Eckhardt L. G. , Wingfield M. J. 
Published: April 2014

Grosmannia alacrisis a fungus commonly associated with root‐infesting bark beetles occurring onPinusspp. The fungus has been recorded in South Africa, theUSA, France, Portugal and Spain and importantly, has been associated with pine root diseases in South Africa and theUSA. Nothing is known regarding the population genetics or origin ofG. alacris, although its association with root‐infesting beetles native to Europe suggests that it is an invasive alien in South Africa. In this study, microsatellite markers together with newly developed mating type markers were used to characterize a total of 170 isolates ofG. alacrisfrom South Africa and theUSA. The results showed that the genotypic diversity of the South African population ofG. alacriswas very high when compared to theUSApopulations. Two mating types were also present in South African isolates and theMAT1‐1/MAT1‐2ratio did not differ from 1:1 (χ2 = 1·39,P = 0·24). This suggests that sexual reproduction most probably occurs in the fungus in South Africa, although a sexual state has never been seen in nature. In contrast, the large collection ofUSAisolates harboured only a single mating type. The results suggest that multiple introductions, followed by random mating, have influenced the population structure in South Africa. In contrast, limited introductions of probably a single mating type (MAT1‐2) may best explain the clonality ofUSApopulations.
Metabolic profiling of the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis during desiccation and recovery
Authors: Moyankova Daniela , Mladenov Petko , Berkov Strahil , Peshev Darin , Georgieva Desislava , Djilianov Dimitar 
Published: April 2014

Desiccation tolerance is among the most important parameters for crop improvement under changing environments. Resurrection plants are useful models for both theoretical and practical studies. We performed metabolite profiling via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed the antioxidant capacity of the endemic resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis at desiccation and recovery. More than 100 compounds were evaluated. Stress response included changes in both primary and secondary metabolic pathways. The high amounts of the specific glycoside myconoside and some phenolic acids – e.g. syringic and dihydrocaffeic acid under normal conditions tend to show their importance for the priming of H. rhodopensis to withstand severe desiccation and oxidative stress. The accumulation of sucrose (resulting from starch breakdown), total phenols, β‐aminoisobutyric acid, β‐sitosterol and α‐tocopherol increased up to several times at later stages of desiccation. Extracts of H. rhodopensis showed high antioxidant capacity at stress and normal conditions. Myconoside was with the highest antioxidant properties among tested phenolic compounds. Probably, the evolution of resurrection plants under various local environments has resulted in unique desiccation tolerance with specific metabolic background. In our case, it includes the accumulation of a relatively rare compound (myconoside) that contributes alone and together with other common metabolites. Further systems biology studies on the involvement of carbohydrates, phenolic acids and glycosides in the desiccation tolerance and antioxidant capacity of H. rhodopensis will definitely help in achieving the final goal – improving crop drought tolerance.
Complementary modulation of N2 and CRN by conflict frequency
Authors: Grützmann Rosa , Riesel Anja , Klawohn Julia , Kathmann Norbert , Endrass Tanja 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe present study investigated the modulation of the N2 and the correct‐related negativity (CRN) by conflict frequency. Conflict costs, as measured by reaction times and error rate, were reduced with increasing conflict frequency, indicating improved conflict resolution. N2 amplitudes in incompatible trials increased with higher conflict frequency, while postresponse CRN amplitudes decreased. In concert with behavioral findings of reduced conflict costs and greater interference suppression, the increase of N2 might reflect enhanced conflict resolution during stimulus processing. The CRN, however, might reflect postresponse implementation of cognitive control, which is reduced when conflict is already adequately resolved during stimulus processing. Furthermore, N2 and CRN in incompatible trials were inversely related on the between‐ and within‐subject level, implying that the two modes of implementing cognitive control are applied complementarily.
A Case of Leucocyte Chimerism (78,XX/78,XY) in a Dog with a Disorder of Sexual Development
Authors: Szczerbal I , Nowacka‐Woszuk J , Nizanski W , Salamon S , Ochota M , Dzimira S , Atamaniuk W , Switonski M 
Published: April 2014

ContentsA 1‐year‐old Shih Tzu dog was presented for examination because of abnormal external genitalia. A residual penis with a prepuce was located in a position typical of a male. The dog had no palpable testicles or scrotum. The ultrasound examination revealed the presence of the prostate, but the gonads remained undetectable. Cytogenetic analysis performed on chromosome preparations obtained from lymphocyte culture showed two cell lines – 78,XX and 78,XY. Molecular analysis of 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers allowed us to distinguish leucocyte chimerism from whole body chimerism. The presence of 3 or 4 alleles was confirmed in DNA isolated from blood, while in DNA isolated from hair follicles only 1 or 2 alleles were detected. The case was classified as leucocyte 78,XX/78,XY chimerism. Our study showed that XX/XY leucocyte chimerism might be associated with disorder of sexual development in dogs. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the use of cytogenetic study, in combination with analysis of polymorphic markers in DNA isolated from different somatic cells, facilitates distinguishing between leucocyte and whole body chimerism.
Association of group component genetic variations in COPD and COPD exacerbation in a Japanese population
Authors: Ishii Takeo , Motegi Takashi , Kamio Koichiro , Gemma Akihiko , Kida Kozui 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveVitamin D supplementation can decrease the vulnerability to pulmonary infections. Therefore, it is speculated that the genes related to vitamin D metabolism are associated with an exacerbation‐prone phenotype in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because genetic variations of group component (GC) affect immunological capacity and serum vitamin D concentration, they could also affect the susceptibility to COPD exacerbation and the disease progression. We investigated the association between GC genetic variations and COPD and its exacerbation frequency in a Japanese population.MethodsWe performed genotype analysis of 361 COPD patients and 219 controls to identify two coding single nucleotide polymorphisms of GC, rs4588 and rs7041. We examined whether these polymorphisms were associated with the frequency of COPD exacerbation and analysed the correlation between the genotypes, COPD, emphysema severity and COPD progression, namely, the annual decline in airflow obstruction and diffusing capacity.ResultsSubjects with a C allele at rs4588 exhibited a higher frequency of exacerbations (P = 0.0048), greater susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.0003), and emphysema (P = 0.0029), and a tendency for rapid decline of airflow obstruction (P = 0.0927).ConclusionsGC variations may affect exacerbation susceptibility, possibly leading to COPD worsening and its progression.
Type 1 diabetes – impact on children and parents at diagnosis and 1 year subsequent to the child's diagnosis
Authors: Jönsson Lisbeth , Lundqvist Pia , Tiberg Irén , Hallström Inger 
Published: April 2014

Background and aimWhen a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it is a complex and challenging situation for the whole family. The management of the disease places substantial demands on the family and they need to change their daily life. The short‐ and long‐term impact on the family has rarely been described; therefore, the aim of this study was to describe and compare the disease impact on parents and children in terms of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) at diagnosis and 1 year subsequent to the child's diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. A further aim was to describe and compare the parents' satisfaction with the care received.MethodSixty‐nine children and their parents were included. Parents independently filled in the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module and the PedsQL™ Health Care Satisfaction Generic Module. The PedsQL™ 3.0 Diabetes Module was filled in by parents and children over the age of 5.ResultsMothers reported a lower HRQOL than fathers both at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.003) and 1 year later (p = 0.041). For diabetes‐specific HRQOL, children aged 5–7 years and their parents reported more worry than children and parents in older age groups (p = 0.037). Children aged 8–12 and 13–18 years reported a higher treatment adherence than mothers (p = 0.011 and p = 0.039, respectively); no differences were found between children and fathers. Both parents expressed overall satisfaction with the child's health care.ConclusionThe family is affected during the first year after their child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Both parents and the youngest children estimated a high degree of worry. The diabetes team needs to be aware of this and to take it into consideration.
Instrument Assisted Regression for Errors in Variables Models with Binary Response
Authors: Xu Kun , Ma Yanyuan , Wang Liqun 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe study errors‐in‐variables problems when the response is binary and instrumental variables are available. We construct consistent estimators through taking advantage of the prediction relation between the unobservable variables and the instruments. The asymptotic properties of the new estimator are established and illustrated through simulation studies. We also demonstrate that the method can be readily generalized to generalized linear models and beyond. The usefulness of the method is illustrated through a real data example.
Help‐seeking among Male Farmers: Connecting Masculinities and Mental Health
Authors: Roy Philippe , Tremblay Gilles , Robertson Steven 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn many ways, male farmers can be considered to be a vulnerable group in relation to mental health, experiencing high rates of suicide, psychological distress and low use of health services. This study highlights important connections between rurality, farming and masculinities in the context of men's mental health. In‐depth interviews with 32 male farmers from Quebec, Canada were completed focusing on stress and coping strategies. Findings include informal and formal strategies. Many participants had previous positive experience of formal help and would be willing to use such help again and to recommend it to others in need. Those without such experience are sceptical about services but recognise the courage it requires to seek help. Pride and lack of knowledge about services are the main barriers to help‐seeking, but it can be legitimated in certain contexts, such as divorce or other psychosocial crisis, and by alignment with particular male ideals. Role models at national or local levels can also help farmers prioritise their own and their family's wellbeing over stigmas and rigid, traditional masculine ideals. Furthermore, gender‐based strengths and recommendations for practice are also discussed.