bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromosome rearrangements during domestication of cucumber as revealed by high‐density genetic mapping and draft genome assembly
Authors: Yang Luming , Koo Dal‐Hoe , Li Yuhong , Zhang Xuejiao , Luan Feishi , Havey Michael J. , Jiang Jiming , Weng Yiqun 
Published: April 2012

SummaryCucumber, Cucumis sativus L. is the only taxon with 2n = 2x = 14 chromosomes in the genus Cucumis. It consists of two cross‐compatible botanical varieties: the cultivated C. sativus var. sativus and the wild C. sativus var. hardwickii. There is no consensus on the evolutionary relationship between the two taxa. Whole‐genome sequencing of the cucumber genome provides a new opportunity to advance our understanding of chromosome evolution and the domestication history of cucumber. In this study, a high‐density genetic map for cultivated cucumber was developed that contained 735 marker loci in seven linkage groups spanning 707.8 cM. Integration of genetic and physical maps resulted in a chromosome‐level draft genome assembly comprising 193 Mbp, or 53% of the 367 Mbp cucumber genome. Strategically selected markers from the genetic map and draft genome assembly were employed to screen for fosmid clones for use as probes in comparative fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of pachytene chromosomes to investigate genetic differentiation between wild and cultivated cucumbers. Significant differences in the amount and distribution of heterochromatins, as well as chromosomal rearrangements, were uncovered between the two taxa. In particular, six inversions, five paracentric and one pericentric, were revealed in chromosomes 4, 5 and 7. Comparison of the order of fosmid loci on chromosome 7 of cultivated and wild cucumbers, and the syntenic melon chromosome I suggested that the paracentric inversion in this chromosome occurred during domestication of cucumber. The results support the sub‐species status of these two cucumber taxa, and suggest that C. sativus var. hardwickii is the progenitor of cultivated cucumber.
Differentiation of endosperm transfer cells of barley: a comprehensive analysis at the micro‐scale
Authors: Thiel Johannes , Riewe David , Rutten Twan , Melzer Michael , Friedel Swetlana , Bollenbeck Felix , Weschke Winfriede , Weber Hans 
Published: April 2012

SummaryBarley endosperm cells differentiate into transfer cells (ETCs) opposite the nucellar projection. To comprehensively analyse ETC differentiation, laser microdissection‐based transcript and metabolite profiles were obtained from laser microdissected tissues and cell morphology was analysed. Flange‐like secondary‐wall ingrowths appeared between 5 and 7 days after pollination within the three outermost cell layers. Gene expression analysis indicated that ethylene‐signalling pathways initiate ETC morphology. This is accompanied by gene activity related to cell shape control and vesicle transport, with abundant mitochondria and endomembrane structures. Gene expression analyses indicate predominant formation of hemicelluloses, glucuronoxylans and arabinoxylans, and transient formation of callose, together with proline and 4‐hydroxyproline biosynthesis. Activation of the methylation cycle is probably required for biosynthesis of phospholipids, pectins and ethylene. Membrane microdomains involving sterols/sphingolipids and remorins are potentially involved in ETC development. The transcriptional activity of assimilate and micronutrient transporters suggests ETCs as the main uptake organs of solutes into the endosperm. Accordingly, the endosperm grows maximally after ETCs are fully developed. Up‐regulated gene expression related to amino acid catabolism, C:N balances, carbohydrate oxidation, mitochondrial activity and starch degradation meets high demands for respiratory energy and carbohydrates, required for cell proliferation and wall synthesis. At 10 days after pollination, ETCs undergo further differentiation, potentially initiated by abscisic acid, and metabolism is reprogrammed as shown by activated storage and stress‐related processes. Overall, the data provide a comprehensive view of barley ETC differentiation and development, and identify candidate genes and associated pathways.
CK2‐defective Arabidopsis plants exhibit enhanced double‐strand break repair rates and reduced survival after exposure to ionizing radiation
Authors: Moreno‐Romero Jordi , Armengot Laia , Mar Marquès‐Bueno M. , Britt Anne , Carmen Martínez M. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe multifunctional protein kinase CK2 is involved in several aspects of the DNA damage response (DDR) in mammals. To gain insight into the role of CK2 in plant genome maintenance, we studied the response to genotoxic agents of an Arabidopsis CK2 dominant‐negative mutant (CK2mut plants). CK2mut plants were hypersensitive to a wide range of genotoxins that produce a variety of DNA lesions. However, they were able to activate the DDR after exposure to γ irradiation, as shown by accumulation of phosphorylated histone H2AX and up‐regulation of sets of radio‐modulated genes. Moreover, functional assays showed that mutant plants quickly repair the DNA damage produced by genotoxins, and that they exhibit preferential use of non‐conservative mechanisms, which may explain plant lethality. The chromatin of CK2mut plants was more sensitive to digestion with micrococcal nuclease, suggesting compaction changes that agreed with the transcriptional changes detected for a number of genes involved in chromatin structure. Furthermore, CK2mut plants were prone to transcriptional gene silencing release upon genotoxic stress. Our results suggest that CK2 is required in the maintenance and control of genomic stability and chromatin structure in plants, and that this process affects several functions, including the DNA damage response and DNA repair.
Weed interference with field‐grown soyabean decreases under elevated [CO2] in a FACE experiment
Authors: DAVIS A S , AINSWORTH E A 
Published: April 2012

Davis AS & Ainsworth EA (2012). Weed interference with field‐grown soyabean decreases under elevated [CO2] in a FACE experiment. Weed Research52, 277–285.SummaryRising atmospheric [CO2] is predicted to affect C3 and C4 weed interference with crop species differently, with C3 weeds benefiting more from elevated [CO2] (eCO2) than C4 species. Our aim was to quantify impacts of eCO2 on C3 and C4 weeds at three levels of biological organisation: individual, population and community. We conducted a field study in 2007 and 2008 within the SoyFACE experiment in Champaign, Illinois, USA, in which Amaranthus rudis (C4) and Chenopodium album (C3) were grown with soyabean. This is a Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment. Elevated [CO2] influenced weeds at all levels of biological organisation. However, community‐level impacts were largest. Interference by A. rudis and C. album with soyabean was 37% and 11% lower, respectively, in eCO2. In residual weed communities under ambient [CO2] (aCO2), C3 and C4 species were equally likely to dominate the community, whereas in eCO2, there was a 90% chance of community dominance by C3 species. Future investigations of weed ecology and global change under FACE conditions may improve their inference space by including sources of environmental stress such as ozone, heat and drought.
Skin lesions, malaise, and heart failure in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Kocher C. , Segerer S. , Schleich A. , Caduff R. , Wyler L.G. , Müller V. , Beck B. , Blum J. , Kamarachev J. , Mueller N.J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA male Caucasian patient developed nodular erythematous skin lesions, malaise, and clinical signs of progressive heart failure 4 months after renal transplantation. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage performed for a small infiltrate seen on a computed tomography scan revealed Trypanosoma, which had at this point not been suspected as a cause. Parasitemia was present, and reactivation rather than transmission of Chagas' disease was established by performing polymerase chain reaction and serology in the donor and recipient. Treatment with benznidazole and allopurinol successfully reduced parasitemia, but the clinical course was fatal owing to progression of severe myocarditis. The patient had never lived in an endemic area, but had an extensive travel history in South America. The last visit was more than 5 years before transplantation. In non‐endemic countries (United States, Europe), reactivation after transplantation has only been very rarely reported. Given the rising numbers of transplantations in patients with a migration background and extensive travel histories, specific screening procedures have to be considered.
Mortality and hospitalisation costs of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in New Zealand
Authors: Milne Richard J , Lennon Diana , Stewart Joanna M , Vander Hoorn Stephen , Scuffham Paul A 
Published: April 2012

Aims:  To estimate the annual mortality and the cost of hospital admissions for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) for New Zealand residents.Methods:  Hospital admissions in 2000–2009 with a principal diagnosis of ARF or RHD (ICD9_AM 390‐398; ICD10‐AM I00‐I099) and deaths in 2000–2007 with RHD as the underlying cause were obtained from routine statistics. The cost of each admission was estimated by multiplying its diagnosis‐related group (DRG) cost weight by the national price for financial year 2009/2010.Results:  There were on average 159 RHD deaths each year with a mean annual mortality rate of 4.4 per 100 000 (95% confidence limit 4.2, 4.7). Age‐adjusted mortality was five‐ to 10‐fold higher for Māori and Pacific peoples than for non‐Māori/Pacific. The mean age at RHD death (male/female) was 56.4/58.4 for Māori, 50.9/59.8 for Pacific and 78.2/80.6 for non‐Māori, non‐Pacific men and women.The average annual DRG‐based cost of hospital admissions in 2000–2009 for ARF and RHD across all age groups was $12.0 million (95% confidence limit $11.1 million, $12.8 million). Heart valve surgery accounted for 28% of admissions and 71% of the cost. For children 5–14 years of age, valve surgery accounted for 7% of admissions and 27% of the cost. Two‐thirds of the cost occurs after the age of 30.Conclusions:  ARF and RHD comprise a burden of mortality and hospital cost concentrated largely in middle age. Māori and Pacific RHD mortality rates are substantially higher than those of non‐Māori/Pacific.
Spatial distribution of Tephrocactus aoracanthus (Lem.) Lem. in relation to shrubs in the hyperarid regions of west‐central Argentina
Authors: ALMIRÓN MARTÍN , MARTÍNEZ CARRETERO EDUARDO 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe spatial intraspecific and interspecific distribution of Tephrocactus aoracanthus (Lem.) Lem. was studied using univariate and bivariate point pattern analysis, at landscape scale in four different physiographic units and at microscale in terms of the shrubs found in those units. The influence of shrubs on photosynthetically active radiation and on soil temperature under their canopies was analysed. Results show a high environmental variability in light and temperature under shrubs that generally has no influence on the distribution of T. aoracanthus. Apparently, this cactus has great ability to adapt to different conditions of both photosynthetically active radiation and temperature. However, intraspecific distribution was highly clustered in all physiographic units, independently of bushes. Possibly, the mode of seed dispersal and the rooting of cladodes at small scale are the main processes that determine the strong intraspecific clustering of T. aoracanthus.
Clinical symptoms of FSSG in gastroesophageal reflux disease are critical for PPI treatment: Japanese multi‐centers with 185 patients
Authors: Komatsu‐Tanaka Mio , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Fujimoto Kazuma , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Inamori Masahiko , Tanaka Junji , Shimatani Tomohiko , Akiyama Junichi , Ando Takashi , Manabe Noriaki , Kinjo Fukunori , Deguchi Ryuzo , Kusano Motoyasu 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  The main aim of this study was to determine whether questionnaire evaluations of clinical symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease were useful to assess proton pump inhibitor therapy.Methods:  A total of 185 Japanese patients (men, 88; women, 97; age: 55.7 ± 16.1 years) with gastroesophageal reflux disease were enrolled. The patients were divided based on the frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease: severe symptoms with scores ≥8 and mild symptoms with scores ≤7. Quality of life was evaluated with the Medical Outcomes Study 8‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey. All patients were treated with a proton pump inhibitor, rabeprazole (10 mg/day), for 8 weeks.Results:  Patients were classified into four groups: reflux esophagitis with severe symptoms (n = 92, 49.7%); reflux esophagitis with mild symptoms (n = 17, 9.2%); non‐erosive reflux disease with severe symptoms (n = 66, 35.7%); and non‐erosive reflux disease with mild symptoms (n = 10, 5.4%). The dysmotility score was high in non‐erosive reflux disease with severe symptoms compared with reflux esophagitis with severe symptoms (9.1 ± 0.5 vs 6.8 ± 0.5, P < 0.05). The symptom score and quality of life in the severe symptoms groups for both reflux esophagitis and non‐erosive reflux disease were significantly improved by rabeprazole treatment. Only the reflux score was improved by rabeprazole in the reflux esophagitis with mild symptoms group; no therapeutic effect was observed for the non‐erosive reflux disease with mild symptoms group.Conclusions:  Low scores on the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease indicate poor responsiveness to proton pump inhibitor treatment, and high scores indicate good responsiveness.
A prospective multicenter evaluation of a new side‐port endoscopic ultrasound‐fine‐needle aspiration in solid upper gastrointestinal lesions
Authors: Kaffes Arthur J , Chen Robert YM , Tam William , Norton Ian , Cho Sarah , Devereaux Ben , Vaughan Rhys 
Published: April 2012

Background and Study Aims:  Diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) varies depending on the equipment used and the site targeted. Multiple needle passes are usually required to obtain a diagnosis. A new needle incorporating a side‐port carries a theoretical advantage regarding acquisition of cytological material. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the Olympus side‐port needle in solid upper gastrointestinal indications.Patients and Methods:  A prospective multicenter evaluation of patients referred for EUS‐FNA for solid lesions was performed across six tertiary gastroenterology referral centers in four capital cities in Australia. The main outcome measures include cytological diagnosis, number of needle passes required for diagnosis and complication rates.Results:  Thirty patients (17 men; 13 women) with a mean age of 67.5 years were studied. Indications included pancreatic or biliary mass in 24 patients, retroperitoneal or periduodenal mass in 2, enlarged lymph node in 2, a gastric submucosal tumor in 1 and a subcarinal mass in 1. The mean size of the lesions was 3.47 cm (range, 0.5–8 cm). All but one case had a diagnosis made (96.7%). The mean number of passes required to reach a diagnosis was 1.7. In neoplastic lesions the diagnosis was made with a mean of 1.6 passes. No complications were encountered.Conclusions:  The new EUS‐FNA needle with side port appears effective and safe in solid upper gastrointestinal EUS‐FNA indications.
Endoscopic mucosal resection with a ligation device or endoscopic submucosal dissection for rectal carcinoid tumors: An analysis of 24 consecutive cases
Authors: Niimi Keiko , Goto Osamu , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kodashima Shinya , Ono Satoshi , Mochizuki Satoshi , Asada‐Hirayama Itsuko , Konno‐Shimizu Maki , Mikami‐Matsuda Rie , Minatsuki Chihiro , Yamamichi Nobutake , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2012

Aims:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has several advantages over conventional endoscopic mucosal resection, including a higher en bloc resection rate and more accurate pathological estimation. However, ESD is a complex procedure that requires advanced endoscopic skills. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic mucosal resection with a ligation device (EMR‐L) compared to ESD for rectal carcinoid tumors.Methods:  Between September 2003 and April 2011, 24 rectal carcinoid tumors in 24 patients treated by ESD or EMR‐L were retrospectively analyzed. The indications for endoscopic treatment were node‐negative rectal carcinoid tumors. We compared the therapeutic outcomes of the ESD group (n = 13) and the EMR‐L group (n = 11).Results:  Both groups had similar mean tumor sizes (ESD: 5.5 ± 2.1 mm; EMR‐L: 4.4 ± 2.2 mm). The rates of en bloc and complete resection were, respectively, 100% and 92.3% for ESD, and 100% and 100% for EMR‐L. Perforations did not occur in either group. Postoperative bleeding occurred in one EMR‐L case, and it was endoscopically managed. However, there were no differences in therapeutic outcomes between the two groups. The mean procedure time was longer in the ESD group (28.8 ± 16.2 min) than in the EMR‐L group (17.4 ± 4.4 min), without a significant difference. The mean hospitalization period was significantly shorter in the EMR‐L group (1.8 ± 3.1 day) than in the ESD group (6.2 ± 2.1 day), and eight EMR‐L cases were treated in an outpatient setting.Conclusions:  EMR‐L is a simple and effective procedure that compares favorably to ESD for small rectal carcinoid tumors.
Bartholin's gland leiomyoma: A diagnostic and management dilemma
Authors: Francis Sarah A. , Wilcox Frank L. , Sissons Mark 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThere are limited reports in the literature about Bartholin's gland leiomyoma, mainly due to its rare occurrence. This case report describes a 56‐year‐old woman presenting with a lump in her vulva. The initial suspicion was that of a Bartholin's gland carcinoma based on her clinical signs and symptoms. The mass was excised and the histopathology report described a leiomyoma.Differentiating between benign and malignant tumors by inspection alone can pose a diagnostic dilemma. There are no clear management guidelines but some authorities recommend that enlarged Bartholin's gland in postmenopausal women should be completely excised so as to exclude adenocarcinoma of the gland. However, other case reports and reviews have tried to justify an initial biopsy before considering complete excision to avoid unnecessary intervention in women whose biopsy confirms a benign lesion. In the case described, surgical excision was necessary and beneficial to the patient to provide symptom control.
Psychiatric morbidity in gynecological outpatients
Authors: Judd Fiona , Stafford Lesley , Gibson Penelope , Komiti Angela , Bryant Christina 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim:  To assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety in women presenting with gynecological symptoms, to determine how many women with these disorders were receiving treatment for them, and to investigate risk factors for these disorders.Method:  Two hundred and sixty‐four women seeking medical care from gynecology clinics at a specialist women's hospital completed a self‐report questionnaire asking about sociodemographics, physical and mental health, personality (neuroticism) and psychosocial stressors.Results:  A total of 91 women met the diagnostic criteria for one or more Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) diagnosis. Forty‐six (17.4%) met criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), 15 (5.7%) for panic disorder (PD) and 73 (27.7%) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Thirty‐nine (42.9%) of the 91 women met criteria for two or more disorders. An additional 23 (8.7%) met DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for minor (sub‐threshold) depression. Fifty percent with MDD, 4% with minor depression, 53% with PD and 22% with GAD reported they were receiving treatment. Psychosocial stressors and the neuroticism score were risk factors for both anxiety and depression.Conclusions:  Anxiety and depression are common amongst women attending a gynecology clinic. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of these disorders and make specific enquiries about their emotional wellbeing.
Y chromosome microdeletions in Mexican males of couples with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Piña‐Aguilar Raul E. , Martínez‐Garza Sandra G. , Kohls Graciela , Vargas‐Maciel Marco A. , Vázquez de Lara Luis G. , González‐Ortega Claudia , Cancino‐Villarreal Patricia , Gutiérrez‐Gutiérrez Antonio M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim:  To analyze the presence of Y chromosome microdeletions in males of Mexican couples with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).Methods:  Seventy‐one males from couples with RPL and 66 fertile males as controls were studied. DNA was isolated from peripheral lymphocytes and used to run multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Regions AZFa (sY84, sY86), AZFb (sY127, sY134) and AZFc (sY254, sY255) of the Y chromosome were analyzed according to valid guidelines recommended by the European Academy of Andrology and the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network. Also, the sequence tagged sites (STSs): DYS262 (sY67), DYS220 (sY129), DYF85S1 (sY150), DYF86S1 (sY152) and DYF87S1 (sY153) were included in order to analyze STSs previously reported as deleted. A power analysis to support our simple size was performed.Results:  Results show an absence of Y chromosome microdeletions in males of couples with RPL and controls with an acceptable statistical power.Conclusion:  The study did not show an association of recurrent pregnancy loss and Y chromosome microdeletions in Mexican male partners. Based on the results, the study of Y chromosome microdeletions in couples with RPL is not considered clinically relevant.
Localized neurofibromatosis of the female genital system: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gómez‐Laencina Ana M. , Martínez Díaz Francisco , Izquierdo Sanjuanes Blanca , Vicente Sánchez Elena M. , Fernandez Salmerón Rosario , Meseguer Peña Francisco 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNeurofibromatosis within the female genital tract is uncommon. The vulva is the most frequent genital location, but it has rarely been reported in the context of the vagina, uterine cervix or ovaries. In spite of its rarity, neurofibroma is a neoplasm that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses, especially in patients with neurofibromatosis. In this paper we describe the case of a 71‐year‐old patient with pelvic pain and a uterine mass who underwent a hysterectomy after having been diagnosed with an 11‐cm neurofibroma occupying the myometrium of the entire uterine corpus. There were no neurofibromas in the endometrium, serosa, fallopian tubes or ovaries. The patient had an unknown von Recklinghausen's disease.
Co‐infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Clostridium perfringens in a postpartum woman with uterine gas gangrene: A case report
Authors: Alsammani Mohamed Alkhatim , Ahmed Salah Roshdy , Alsheeha Muneera A. , Saadia Zaheera , Khairi Somia A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractToxoplasmosis is a protozoan infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. We report a case of Toxoplasma gondii and Clostridium perfringens co‐infection complicating uterine gas gangrene following a term pregnancy. The histological examination of the necrotic uterine tissues and uterine swab cultures obtained at laparotomy revealed T. gondii and C. perfringens, respectively. Treatment was administered with bactericidal activity against both pathogens and the patient had an uneventful post‐operative recovery. Although there have been some cases that have documented an association between toxoplasmosis and non‐uterine C. perfringens infection, such a relationship has not been established. It is of interest to determine if the presence of both organisms can explain the severe myonecrosis that occurs in some cases of uterine gas gangrene.