bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of non‐melanoma skin cancer and melanoma, extra‐cutaneous cancers and smoking in adults: a US population‐based study
Authors: Silverberg J.I. , Ratner D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundNon‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma are common malignancies in the US and may be associated with other types of cancer.ObjectivesWe sought to determine whether NMSC and melanoma are associated with extra‐cutaneous cancers and identify modifiable risk factors for such an association.MethodsWe analysed data from 447 801 adult participants in the 1997–2011 National Health Interview Surveys. Survey logistic regression models were constructed that accounted for the complex sample weights. History of NMSC, melanoma and 27 primary extra‐cutaneous cancers was assessed.ResultsNMSC was associated with increased odds of one (multinomial survey logistic regression, unadjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.43 [2.20–2.68]) or multiple (2.94 [2.21–3.92]) extra‐cutaneous malignancies. Melanoma was also associated with increased odds of one (3.25 [2.70–3.90]) or multiple (6.11 [4.34–8.61]) extra‐cutaneous malignancies. Extra‐cutaneous cancers were more common in younger patients (ages 18–39 and 40–49 years) and Caucasians with NMSC or melanoma (P < 0.0001). Smokers with a history of NMSC or melanoma had even higher odds of extra‐cutaneous malignancy at ages 18–39 and 40–49 years compared to smokers without NMSC or melanoma (P < 0.0001). History of NMSC was associated with higher odds of malignancies of the bladder, brain, breast, colon, oesophagus, kidney, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, soft tissue, throat/pharynx, thyroid and uterus. Melanoma was associated with malignancies of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate, soft tissue, throat/pharynx, thyroid and uterus. The prevalence of extra‐cutaneous cancers increased between 1997 and 2011 in all subjects (4.51% and 5.73%, P < 0.0001), with even higher rates of increase in those with history of NMSC or melanoma.ConclusionsPatients with history of NMSC and melanoma have increased odds of developing extra‐cutaneous cancers, especially those with younger age and smoking history.
Strategic exploitation of fluctuating asymmetry in male Endler's guppy courtship displays is modulated by social environment
Authors: Řežucha R. , Reichard M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLateral asymmetry in signalling traits enables males to strategically exploit their best side. In many animals, both body colouration and fluctuating asymmetry are signals of male attractiveness. We demonstrated experimentally that even sexually naïve male Poecilia wingei were able to identify their most attractive side (i.e. that with a higher proportion of carotenoid pigmentation) and use it preferentially during courtship. Notably, males retained their strategic signalling in a male‐biased social environment, whereas they ceased to signal strategically in a female‐biased environment. The degree of asymmetry in colouration did not affect overall courtship activity. Strategic lateralization in courtship displays was strongest and most repeatable in the male‐biased social environment where males competed with rivals for matings. Individual asymmetry in colouration changed considerably over a period of 3 months. This suggests that colouration is a dynamic feature during adulthood and that males are capable of tracking and strategically exploiting their lateral asymmetry in accordance with their social environment.
On the origin of Robertsonian fusions in nature: evidence of telomere shortening in wild house mice
Authors: Sánchez‐Guillén R. A. , Capilla L. , Reig‐Viader R. , Martínez‐Plana M. , Pardo‐Camacho C. , Andrés‐Nieto M. , Ventura J. , Ruiz‐Herrera A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe role of telomere shortening to explain the occurrence of Robertsonian (Rb) fusions, as well as the importance of the average telomere length vs. the proportion of short telomeres, especially in nature populations, is largely unexplored. In this study, we have analysed telomere shortening in nine wild house mice from the Barcelona Rb system with diploid numbers ranging from 29 to 40 chromosomes. We also included two standard (2n = 40) laboratory mice for comparison. Our data showed that the average telomere length (considering all chromosomal arms) is influenced by both the diploid number and the origin of the mice (wild vs. laboratory). In detail, we detected that wild mice from the Rb Barcelona system (fused and standard) present shorter telomeres than standard laboratory mice. However, only wild mice with Rb fusions showed a high proportion of short telomeres (only in p‐arms), thus revealing the importance of telomere shortening in the origin of the Rb fusions in the Barcelona system. Overall, our study confirms that the number of critically short telomeres, and not a simple reduction in the average telomere length, is more likely to lead to the origin of Rb fusions in the Barcelona system and ultimately in nature.
P–T–t–d evolution of orogenic middle crust of the Roc de Frausa Massif (Eastern Pyrenees): a result of horizontal crustal flow and Carboniferous doming?
Authors: Aguilar C. , Liesa M. , Štípská P. , Schulmann K. , Muñoz J. A. , Casas J. M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractStructural, petrological and textural studies are combined with phase equilibria modelling of metapelites from different structural levels of the Roc de Frausa Massif in the Eastern Pyrenees. The pre‐Variscan lithological succession is divided into the Upper, Intermediate and Lower series by two orthogneiss sheets and intruded by Variscan igneous rocks. Structural analysis reveals two phases of Variscan deformation. D1 is marked by tight to isoclinal small‐scale folds and an associated flat‐lying foliation (S1) that affects the whole crustal section. D2 structures are characterized by tight upright folds facing to the NW with steep NE–SW axial planes. D2 heterogeneously reworks the D1 fabrics, leading to an almost complete transposition into a sub‐vertical foliation (S2) in the high‐grade metamorphic domain. All structures are affected by late open to tight, steeply inclined south‐verging NW–SE folds (F3) compatible with steep greenschist facies dextral shear zones of probable Alpine age. In the micaschists of the Upper series, andalusite and sillimanite grew during the formation of the S1 foliation indicating heating from 580 to 640 °C associated with an increase in pressure. Subsequent static growth of cordierite points to post‐D1 decompression. In the Intermediate series, a sillimanite–biotite–muscovite‐bearing assemblage that is parallel to the S1 fabric is statically overgrown by cordierite and K‐feldspar. This sequence points to ~1 kbar of post‐D1 decompression at 630–650 °C. The Intermediate series is intruded by a gabbro–diorite stock that has an aureole marked by widespread migmatization. In the aureole, the migmatitic S1 foliation is defined by the assemblage biotite–sillimanite–K‐feldspar–garnet. The microstructural relationships and garnet zoning are compatible with the D1 pressure peak at ~7.5 kbar and ~750 °C. Late‐ to post‐S2 cordierite growth implies that F2 folds and the associated S2 axial planar leucosomes developed during nearly isothermal decompression to <5 kbar. The Lower series migmatites form a composite S1–S2 fabric; the garnet‐bearing assemblage suggests peak P–T conditions of >5 kbar at suprasolidus conditions. Almost complete consumption of garnet and late cordierite growth points to post‐D2 equilibration at <4 kbar and <750 °C. The early metamorphic history associated with the S1 fabric is interpreted as a result of horizontal middle crustal flow associated with progressive heating and possible burial. The upright F2 folding and S2 foliation are associated with a pressure decrease coeval with the intrusion of mafic magma at mid‐crustal levels. The D2 tectono‐metamorphic evolution may be explained by a crustal‐scale doming associated with emplacement of mafic magmas into the core of the dome.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus deformity associated with pericentric inversion of chromosome 9
Authors: Atar Gürel Sebahat 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCongenital hallux varus is a rare deformity of the great toe characterized by adduction of the hallux and medial displacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus is presented herein. A 32‐year‐old woman was referred to our unit due to significant deviation of the fetal right great toe at 22+2 weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound examination revealed a thick and short great toe, which was significantly angulated medially on the right side. Amniocentesis was performed and the result was reported as inv(9) (p11;q12). After delivery, the clinical examination confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported prenatal diagnosis of an isolated congenital hallux varus. Congenital hallux varus can be diagnosed easily in the prenatal period by 2‐D and 4‐D ultrasonography. Prenatal karyotyping should be taken into consideration, especially in the presence of associated anomalies, such as polydactyly and clubfoot.
Microbiome of the placenta in pre‐eclampsia supports the role of bacteria in the multifactorial cause of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Amarasekara Ranmalee , Jayasekara Rohan W. , Senanayake Hemantha , Dissanayake Vajira H. W. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThis study was aimed at detecting, identifying, quantifying and comparing the bacteria present in the placental tissues of women with pre‐eclampsia with that of normotensive pregnant women.Material and MethodsPlacental tissue samples were collected from 55 primiparous women with pre‐eclampsia (cases) and 55 matched primiparous normotensive pregnant women (controls) at the time of delivery by cesarean section. Genotyping was carried out in two stages. First the samples were screened for the presence of bacteria by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the 16S rRNA gene. Next, the samples that were PCR‐positive for the 16S rRNA gene were screened by next‐generation sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform.ResultsSeven (12.7%) placental tissue samples from women with pre‐eclampsia were PCR‐positive. All the placental samples from control women were negative (P = 0.006). The complete microbiome of the seven samples was revealed through next‐generation sequencing. The organisms that were present included Bacillus cereus, Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia (all of which are usually associated with gastrointestinal infection); Klebsiella pneumonia and Anoxybacillus (both of which are usually associated with respiratory tract infections); and Variovorax, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Dialister (all of which are usually associated with periodontitis).ConclusionsThis study confirms the presence of bacteria in the placental tissues of a subset of women with pre‐eclampsia and supports the role of bacteria in the multifactorial cause of pre‐eclampsia.
Extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis mimicking lymphoma metastatic to uterus
Authors: Vatansever Dogan , Sozen Hamdullah , Iyibozkurt A. Cem , Comba Cihan , Yavuz Ekrem , Topuz Samet 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLymphangioleiomyomatosis is a very rare disease that primarily affects the lungs. The atypical smooth muscle cells in these tumors stain both with smooth muscle markers and melanocytic markers characteristically like their counterparts in other members of the PEComa family. Extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, especially without pulmonary involvement, is extremely rare. The clinical importance of lymphangioleiomyomatosis lies in the fact that it may mimic other malignant diseases, such as lymphoma or sarcoma. Here, we report a case of extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis without involvement of the lungs, in a patient pre‐diagnosed as having lymphoma metastasized to the uterus or uterine sarcoma.
The Uncinate Fasciculus as a Predictor of Conversion from Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Hiyoshi‐Taniguchi Kazuko , Oishi Naoya , Namiki Chihiro , Miyata Jun , Murai Toshiya , Cichocki Andrzej , Fukuyama Hidenao 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAmnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based fractional anisotropy (FA) analyses have been used to evaluate white matter changes in patients with AD, it remains unknown how FA values change during the conversion of aMCI to AD. This study aimed to elucidate the prediction of conversion to AD and cognitive decline by FA values in uncinate fasciculus (UF) in aMCI patients.METHODSTwenty‐two aMCI patients were evaluated for their UF FA values by a tractography‐based method with DTI and cognitive performance by neuropsychological testing at baseline and after a 3‐year follow‐up. Patients were divided into 2 groups after 3 years: 14 aMCI‐stable (aMCI‐aMCI) and 8 AD‐conversion (aMCI‐AD).RESULTSAt baseline, FA values in the right UF were significantly lower in the aMCI‐AD group than in the aMCI‐aMCI group. These values also showed significant correlations with the neuropsychological scores after a 3‐year follow‐up. The area under the curve of the receiver operation characteristic curves for predicting conversion to AD was .813.CONCLUSIONThese results suggested that FA values in the right UF might be an effective predictor of conversion of aMCI to AD.
Efficacy of low‐level laser therapy in the treatment of TMDs: a meta‐analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chen J. , Huang Z. , Ge M. , Gao M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThis study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). We searched electronic databases and references lists of relevant articles, retrieved all of the published randomised controlled trials in regard to these issues and then performed a meta‐analysis. Fourteen highly qualified RCTs reporting on a total of 454 patients, which evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT for patients suffering from TMDs were retrieved. The results indicated that LLLT was not better than placebo in reducing chronic TMD pain (weighted mean difference = −19·39; 95% confidence interval = −40·80–2·03; P < 0·00001; I2 = 99%). However, the LLLT provided significant better functional outcomes in terms of maximum active vertical opening (MAVO) (weighted mean difference = 4·18; 95% confidence interval = 0·73–7·63; P = 0·006; I2 = 73%), maximum passive vertical opening (MPVO) (weighted mean difference = 6·73; 95% confidence interval = 01·34–12·13; P = 0·06; I2 = 73%), protrusion excursion (PE) (weighted mean difference = 1·81; 95% confidence interval = 0·79–2·83; P = 0·59; I2 = 0%) and right lateral excursion (RLE) (weighted mean difference = 2·86; 95% confidence interval = 1·27–4·45; P = 0·01; I2 = 73%). The results of our meta‐analysis have provided the best evidence on the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of TMDs. This study indicates that using LLLT has limited efficacy in reducing pain in patients with TMDs. However, LLLT can significantly improve the functional outcomes of patients with TMDs.
Photosynthetic Gas Exchange in Common Bean Submitted to Foliar Sprays of Potassium Silicate, Sodium Molybdate and Fungicide and Infected with Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Rodrigues Fabrício A. , Polanco Leonora R. , Duarte Henrique Silva Silveira , Resende Renata Sousa , do Vale Francisco Xavier Ribeiro 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study investigated whether foliar sprays of potassium silicate (KSi), sodium molybdate (NaMo) or a combination of both (KSi + NaMo), with or without the fungicide azoxystrobin (Azox), could reduce anthracnose symptoms, improve photosynthesis and increase yield. Two 2 × 4 factorial experiments, consisting of untreated or fungicide‐treated plants sprayed with KSi, NaMo or KSi + NaMo were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were as follows: (i) KSi; (ii) NaMo; (iii) KSi + NaMo; (iv) Azox; (v) Azox + KSi; (vi) Azox + NaMo; (vii) Azox + KSi + NaMo; and (viii) control (no KSi, NaMo or Azox). The KSi, NaMo and Azox treatments were applied at the rates of 35 g/l, 90 g/ha and 120 g ai/ha, respectively. KSi was applied at 20, 27, 40 and 55 days after sowing (das). NaMo was applied only at 27 das, whereas the fungicide was applied at 27, 40 and 55 das. The plants were inoculated with Colletotrichum lindemuthianum at 23 das. The anthracnose severity was reduced by 64.25% and yield increase by 156.2% in plants sprayed with fungicide compared with non‐sprayed ones. The KSi, NaMo and NaMo + KSi applications reduced anthracnose severity by 31.8, 16.1 and 37.9%, respectively, while the yield increased by 16.8, 18.9 and 63.9%, respectively. There was no difference between treated and non‐treated plants with KSi with respect to the leaf gas exchange parameters Ci, E and gs. However, A significantly increased by 16.9% in plants treated with Azox. The A was not affected by KSi or NaMo spray; however, it was significantly increased by 12.5% after spraying with NaMo + KSi. In conclusion, bean plants treated with Si and Mo were associated with a decrease in anthracnose as well as an enhancement in photosynthesis activity under field conditions.
Detection and Identification of an Elm Yellows Group Phytoplasma Associated with Camellia in China
Authors: Gao Ying , Dong Yu‐Zhu , Tan Wei‐Ping , Sun Guo‐Zhen , Zhu You‐Rong , Zhu Xiao‐Ping 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn 2012, yellowing of camellias was observed in Tai'an in Shandong province, China. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed phytoplasma in the phloem sieve tube elements of symptomatic plants. A specific fragment of phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the universal phytoplasma primers P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. Sequence and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses allowed us to classify the detected phytoplasma into the elm yellows (EY) group (16SrV), subgroup 16SrV‐B. Sequence analyses of the ribosomal protein (rp) gene confirmed a close relationship with phytoplasmas belonging to the rpV‐C subgroup. Thus, the phytoplasma associated with yellows disease in camellia, designated as ‘CY’, is a member of the 16SrV‐B subgroup. This is the first report of phytoplasma associated with camellia.
Disulfiram-loaded immediate and extended release vaginal tablets for the localised treatment of cervical cancer
Authors: Baffoe Clara S , Nguyen Nhi , Boyd Peter , Wang Weiguang , Morris Mark , McConville Christopher 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives
To develop and manufacture both immediate and sustained release vaginal tablets containing the anticancer drug disulfiram, which has the potential to be used as a non-invasive treatment for cervical cancer.

Methods
Disulfiram-loaded vaginal tablets were manufactured at pilot scale using the direct compression method. These tablets were tested in accordance with the European Pharmacopeia testing of solid dosage form guidelines. They were also tested using a biorelevant dissolution method as well as a dual-chambered release model designed to better mimic the dynamic nature of the vaginal vault.

Key findings
We have developed both immediate and sustained release vaginal tablets, which when manufactured at pilot scale are within the limits set by the European Pharmacopeia for the testing of solid dosage forms. Furthermore, these tablets are capable of releasing disulfiram in vitro using the dual-chambered release model at levels 25 000 times and 35 000 times greater than its IC50 concentration for the HeLa cervical cancer cell line.

Conclusions
The successful pilot manufacture and testing of both the immediate and sustained release disulfiram-loaded vaginal tablets warrant further investigation, using an in-vivo model, to assess their potential for use as a non-invasive treatment option for cervical cancer.
Hepatoprotective effect of fermented ginseng and its major constituent compound K in a rat model of paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced liver injury
Authors: Igami Kentaro , Shimojo Yosuke , Ito Hisatomi , Miyazaki Toshitsugu , Kashiwada Yoshiki 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives
This work aimed at evaluating the effect of fermented ginseng (FG) and fermented red ginseng (FRG) against rat liver injury caused by paracetamol (acetaminophen (APAP)).

Methods
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum and histopathological changes in the liver were analysed to determine the degree of liver injury. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microarray analysis was performed to compare gene expression levels altered in the rat livers. Phosphorylated Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were detected using western blot analysis to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of compound K.

Key findings
Pretreatment with FG, containing compound K at high concentration, attenuated AST as well as ALT levels in rats, while no obvious effect was observed in the group that received FRG, whose content of compound K was lower than that of FG. In addition, the results of our histopathological analysis were consistent with changes in the serum biochemical analysis. DNA microarray analysis indicated that JNK- and glutathione S-transferase (GST)-related genes were involved in the hepatotoxicity. Notably, compound K, a major ginsenoside in FG, inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions
FG was shown to possess hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol (APAP)-induced liver injury better than FRG. Compound K might play an important role for an anti-inflammatory activity of FG by inhibiting JNK signalling in the liver.
Formulation and evaluation of floating mucoadhesive alginate beads for targeting H
elicobacter pylori
Authors: Adebisi Adeola O , Laity Peter R , Conway Barbara R 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives
There are various obstacles in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infections, including low antibiotic levels and poor accessibility of the drug at the site of the infection. This study describes the preparation and characterisation of novel floating mucoadhesive alginate beads loaded with clarithromycin for delivery to the gastric mucosa to improve the eradication of this microorganism.

Methods
Calcium alginate beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation. The formulation was modified through addition of oil and coating with chitosan to improve floating, mucoadhesion and modify drug release.

Key findings
Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the sphericity of the beads with X-ray microtomography showing the three-dimensional structure of the beads with the layered internal structure of the bead and the even distribution of the drug within the bead. This formulation combined two gastro-retentive strategies, and produced excellent in-vitro floating, mucoadhesive and drug release characteristics. Enhanced stability of the beads in phosphate buffer raises a potential for the modified formulations to be targeted to regions of higher pH within the gastrointestinal tract. Drug release from these beads was sustained through an unstirred mucin layer simulating in-vivo conditions under which the H. pylori resides in the gastric mucosa.

Conclusions
This novel formulation will ensure retention for a longer period in the stomach than conventional formulations and control drug release, ensuring high local drug concentrations, leading to improved eradication of the bacteria.