bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered Patterns of Fractionation and Exon Deletions in Brassica rapa Support a Two-Step Model of Paleohexaploidy
Authors: Tang Haibao , Woodhouse Margaret R , Cheng Feng , Schnable James C , Pedersen Brent S , Conant Gavin , Wang Xiaowu , Freeling Michael , Pires J Chris 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The genome sequence of the paleohexaploid Brassica rapa shows that fractionation is biased among the three subgenomes and that the least fractionated subgenome has approximately twice as many orthologs as its close (and relatively unduplicated) relative Arabidopsis than had either of the other two subgenomes. One evolutionary scenario is that the two subgenomes with heavy gene losses (I and II) were in the same nucleus for a longer period of time than the third subgenome (III) with the fewest gene losses. This “two-step” hypothesis is essentially the same as that proposed previously for the eudicot paleohexaploidy; however, the more recent nature of the B. rapa paleohexaploidy makes this model more testable. We found that subgenome II suffered recent small deletions within exons more frequently than subgenome I, as would be expected if the genes in subgenome I had already been near maximally fractionated before subgenome III was introduced. We observed that some sequences, before these deletions, were flanked by short direct repeats, a unique signature of intrachromosomal illegitimate recombination. We also found, through simulations, that short—single or two-gene—deletions appear to dominate the fractionation patterns in B. rapa. We conclude that the observed patterns of the triplicated regions in the Brassica genome are best explained by a two-step fractionation model. The triplication and subsequent mode of fractionation could influence the potential to generate morphological diversity—a hallmark of the Brassica genus.
Investors', Auditors', and Lenders' Understanding of the Message Conveyed by the Standard Audit Report on the Financial Statements
Authors: Asare Stephen Kwaku , Wright Arnold M. 
Published: February 2012

SYNOPSIS
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent to which there are communication gaps among auditors and two user groups in their understanding of the messages conveyed by the standard audit report on the financial statements (SAR). Auditors, bankers, and nonprofessional investors reviewed background information on a hypothetical company that had received a SAR. Compared to auditors, users consider the SAR to be more important in assessing fraud risk even though they assess a lower likelihood that auditors have detected fraud. Further, the SAR gives users a significantly higher level of confidence in the company's management, investment soundness, and accomplishment of strategic goals than auditors. We also find several instances where the auditors and bankers differed from the nonprofessional investors in the interpretation of technical terms in the SAR, suggesting a between-user disagreement in interpreting the technical terms. Taken together, the results suggest that there are important differences between auditors and users in their understanding of the broad messages conveyed by the SAR (i.e., roles, responsibilities, and conclusions of an audit), and those differences are not driven by disagreements in interpreting the technical terms in the SAR.
Factors Affecting the Central Corneal Thickness in Nepalese Population
Authors: Godar ST , Kaini KR , Khattri JB 
Published: February 2012

Background: Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) is an important parameter for the detection and monitoring of glaucoma. Central corneal thickness (CCT) can influence the IOP estimated with Goldmann tonometry. A thick cornea overestimates the IOP and thin underestimates it. So, decreased CCT may lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of glaucoma and increased CCT may lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of glaucoma. The aim of the study is to identify the factors affecting the CCT in Nepalese population. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study which enrolled 152 subjects from period of January 2009 to May 2010. All subjects underwent ophthalmological examinations. CCT was measured with ultrasonic pachymeter and intraocular pressure was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer. Results: The mean±SD CCT of right and left eye was 538±32 and 540±30μm respectively. CCT decreased with increasing age. Age and intra ocular pressure was significantly correlated with CCT. There was no significant correlation of gender and ethnicity with CCT. Conclusion: CCT decreased with increasing age. CCT was significantly correlated with age and intra ocular pressure but not with gender and ethnicity. Keywords: Nepalese; central corneal thickness; ultrasound pachymeter DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5788 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 7-10.
Management of Head Injury by General Surgeons in a General Hospital
Authors: Ghimire P , Yogi N , Acharya GB 
Published: February 2012

Background: Head injury is one of the common causes of surgical admission in Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. With no neurosurgeons available, most of the cases are managed effectively with adequately trained general surgeons. The aim of the study is to study the epidemiology, incidence and pattern of head injury and their outcome in a setting of a general hospital where they were managed by general surgeons. Methods: This is a prospective analytical study of 1847 head injury patients. The study defines the patterns of head injury, their management by general surgeons and outcome in surgery ward, Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara for about five years (1999 to 2003). Results: Head injury comprised 15.5% (1847) of total admissions (11901) in surgery ward. Out of those, 80.5% (1487) were mild, 10.4% (192) moderate and 9% (168) severe head injury cases, based on Glasgow coma scale. Majority of cases (42.1%) were young adults between 21-40 years. 70% (1294) of cases were male and 30% (553) were female. 7.5% (138) cases were associated with skull fractures. Most of the cases showed good recovery. Only 2% required surgery; 3.7% were referred; 2.8% died and 0.8% left against advice. Conclusion: Most of the cases of head injury can be managed by general surgeon in a General Hospital provided basic facilities like high dependency unit, Intensive care unit and a dedicated team are available. Keywords: Glasgow Coma Scale; head injury; traumatic brain injury DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5791 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 19-22
Socio-demographic Features of Mothers in Relation to Duration of Breastfeeding in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Basnet S , Gauchan E , Malla K , Malla T , Koirala DP , Rao KS , Sedai Y , Saha R 
Published: February 2012

Background: It was noticed by the authors that the patients attending the Pediatrics Department were being breastfed for a longer duration than the recommended two years by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study was undertaken to see the exact duration of breastfeeding of the children who were being treated at the hospital. Method: This was a prospective study carried out from April 2010 to March 2011 in 500 children who were treated at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Other demographic features such as the mother’s age, occupation, education, ethnicity and child’s sex were also some of the factors which were studied to see if these factors influenced the duration of breastfeeding. Results: Our study revealed that the median age of breastfeeding among the children studied was 43 months. Out of the 500 mothers who were interviewed 159 of them breastfed their child beyond the age of 60 months (5 years). In addition, we did not find any statistically significant gender discrimination with regards to the breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: This study shows that the studied population has been breastfed for longer duration than the recommended guideline stipulated by the WHO. The duration of breastfeeding seen in this study is higher than shown in previous studies. Keywords: Breastfeeding; extended breastfeeding; socio-demographic DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5793 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 27-30
Gender Difference in Frequency of Conventional Risk Factors in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Admitted in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Parajuli M , Maskey A , Kohli SC , Shrestha UK 
Published: February 2012

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the major manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a major killer of mankind. The modifiable risk factors for CAD may have different impact on men and women, which may also differ in different population groups. Identification and control of conventional risk factors is expected to result in a decline in incidence of CAD similar to that seen in western industrialized countries. Method: A retrospective study of 232 consecutive patients admitted to Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara between September 2009 to December 2010 by studying their hospital records for following conventional risk factors of CAD viz Body mass index, current cigarette smoking, hypertension, excessive alcohol use, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. The results were analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: The important modifiable risk factors in order of descending frequency were high BMI, smoking, hypertension, excessive alcohol use, raised total cholesterol, raised triglyceride and diabetes mellitus. Smoking and excessive use of alcohol were seen in statistically significant higher percentage of cases in males. Our study further revealed that in females, unstable angina whereas in males ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was present in statistically significant higher number of cases. Conclusion: Our study showed a statistically significant higher incidence of smoking and excessive alcohol use as risk factors for ACS in males. It was also seen that in females unstable angina and in males STEMI was present in statistically significant higher number of cases. Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Coronary artery disease; gender difference; risk factor DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5794 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 31-34
The Pattern of Ocular Morbidity, Findings from a Study Conducted in Western Remote Hilly Region of Nepal
Authors: Bastola P 
Published: February 2012

Background: There is a lack of study in the pattern of ocular morbidity in western hilly region of Nepal. Therefore a study was carried out to find out the pattern of ocular morbidity, in various age groups in a diagnostic, screening and treatment camp (DST) held in a western hilly remote region of Nepal. Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was done to find out the pattern of ocular morbidity in a western hilly region of Nepal. All the cases included in the study were examined thoroughly from Ophthalmological perspective and a diagnosis was made. Patients needing treatment both medical as well as surgical were advised accordingly and referred when indicated. Results: A total of 712 eyes of 356 cases were examined in this study. The range of the age varied from two months of life to 91 yrs of age. Age wise most number of cases were in the school going age group accounting for almost 80% of all the cases. The commonest ocular morbidity encountered were refractive error (15.4%), dry eyes, ocular allergy, followed by cataract. Majority of the cases had both dry eyes and ocular allergy. While 70 eyes of 35 patients had no ocular morbidity. Conclusion: The lower prevalence of age related cataract was due to the extensive cataract surgical coverage provided in the region by various organizations and because of lesser number of cases examined above the age of 40 years. Finding of just three cases of Xerophthalmia (X2B), pointed out towards the success of extensive Vitamin A supplement program run by the ministry of health. Keywords: Refractive error; dry eyes; ocular allergy; cataract DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5795 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 35-38
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Among Older Adults Attending Psychiatry OPD of a Private Hospital in Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Khattri JB , Poudel BM , Godar ST , Ramesh K , Chakrabortty PK , Thapa BB 
Published: February 2012

Background: Alcohol use disorders in elderly people are common and associated with considerable morbidity. The objective is to estimate the prevalence of alcohol dependence syndrome among elderly patients attending psychiatric outpatient department of a private hospital in Western region of Nepal. Methods: A total of 80 elderly patients aged 65 years and above who attended the psychiatry outpatient department of Fewa City Hospital and Research Centre, Pokhara, Nepal were included in the study. A semistructured Performa was used to record the sociodemographic variables and the diagnosis was made according to ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research. Results: Five percent of the samples were diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome. The male to female ratio was 3:1. Conclusion: Results show high rates of alcohol dependence among the elderly population attending the outpatient department of a private hospital in Western Region of Nepal. Keywords: Alcohol dependence syndrome; older adults; psychiatric OPD DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5796 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 39-41
Old and New Players in Oral Antiplatelet Therapy in Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Kohli SC 
Published: February 2012

Oral antiplatelet therapy plays an important role in treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including patients with unstable angina (UA), non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). All antiplatelet drugs in addition to inhibiting acute arterial thrombosis have danger of interfering with the physiologic role of platelet hemostasis. Bleeding is a major factor in evaluating the utility of available and upcoming antiplatelet drugs and their combination regimes. The role of anti platelet agents in the treatment of ACS has undergone significant changes over the past several years. Aspirin, thienopyridines, and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are now standard parts of the treatment of STEMI, NSTEMI and UA whether an early invasive or an initial conservative strategy is chosen. Antiplatelet drugs have an important role in secondary prevention in the patients of ischaemic heart disease. Keywords: Acute Coronary Syndrome; antiplatelet therapy; thienopyridines. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v1i1.5799 Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences. 2012; 1(1): 49-55
A Novel NKR-P1Bbright NK Cell Subset Expresses an Activated CD25+CX3CR1+CD62L−CD11b−CD27− Phenotype and Is Prevalent in Blood, Liver, and Gut-Associated Lymphoid Organs of Rats
Authors: Inngjerdingen Marit , Kveberg Lise , Vaage John T. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The inhibitory NKR-P1B receptor identifies a subset of rat splenic NK cells that is low in Ly49 receptors but enriched for CD94/NKG2 receptors. We report in this study a novel NKR-P1Bbright NK subpopulation that is prevalent in peripheral blood, liver, and gut-associated lymphoid organs and scarce in the spleen, peripheral lymph nodes, bone marrow, and lungs. This NKR-P1Bbright NK subset displays an activated phenotype, expressing CD25, CD93, CX3CR1 and near absence of CD62-L, CD11b, and CD27. Functionally, NKR-P1Bbright NK cells are highly responsive in terms of IFN-γ production and exert potent cytolytic activity. They show little spontaneous proliferation, are reduced in numbers upon in vivo activation with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, and have poor survival in ex vivo cytokine cultures. Our findings suggest that NKR-P1Bbright NK cells are fully differentiated effector cells that rapidly die upon further activation. The identification of this novel rat NK cell subset may facilitate future translational research of the role of distinct NK cell subsets under normal physiological conditions and during ongoing immune responses.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Independent Regulation of Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Response by the Transmembrane Adaptor Protein LAB
Authors: Zhu Minghua , Fuller Deirdre M. , Ou-Yang Chih-wen , Sullivan Sarah A. , Zhang Weiguo 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Linker for activation of B cells (LAB)/non-T cell activation linker is a transmembrane adaptor protein that functions in immunoreceptor-mediated signaling. Published studies have shown that LAB has both positive and negative roles in regulating TCR and high-affinity Fc receptor-mediated signaling and cellular function. In this study, we showed that LAB was also expressed in dendritic cells and that LAB deficiency affected LPS-mediated signaling and cytokine production. LPS-mediated MAPK activation was enhanced in LAB−/− bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. These bone marrow-derived dendritic cells also produced more TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 than wild-type cells. Moreover, LAB−/− mice were hyperresponsive to LPS-induced septic shock. These data indicated that LAB has a negative role in LPS-mediated responses. By using LAB knockin mice, which harbor mutations at five membrane-distal tyrosines, we further showed that, in contrast to its role in immunoreceptor-mediated signaling, LAB function in LPS-mediated signaling pathway did not depend on its tyrosine phosphorylation. Our study suggested a novel mechanism by which LAB functions in the regulation of innate immunity.
Removal of Syndecan-1 Promotes TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in Myeloma Cells
Authors: Wu Yung-Hsuan , Yang Chen-Ying , Chien Wen-Li , Lin Kuo-I , Lai Ming-Zong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSyndecan is the major transmembrane proteoglycan in cells. Of the four syndecans, syndecan-1 is the dominant form expressed in multiple myeloma and is an indicator of poor prognosis. In the current study, we observed that early TRAIL-induced apoptotic processes were accompanied by cleavage of syndecan-1 intracellular region, and explored the possibility whether removal of syndecan-1 promotes apoptotic processes. We found that syndecan-1 knockdown by specific small interfering RNA in multiple myeloma enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis, even though the expression of TRAIL receptors and several apoptosis-associated molecules was unaffected. The enhanced TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in syndecan-1–deficient cells was not due to a decrease in surface heparan sulfate or a reduction in TRAIL receptor endocytosis. The increase in TRAIL-induced cell death was accompanied by an elevated caspase-8 activation and an enhanced formation of death-inducing signaling complexes, which could be attributed to an increased expression of TRAIL receptor O-glycosylation enzyme in syndecan-1–deficient cells. We also found that in H9 lymphoma and Jurkat cells, knockdown of the predominant syndecan member also led to an increase in Fas ligand-induced apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that syndecan plays a negative role in death receptor-mediated cell death, suggesting potential application of syndecan downregulation in the treatment of myeloma in combination with TRAIL.
Recognition and Prevention of Tumor Metastasis by the NK Receptor NKp46/NCR1
Authors: Glasner Ariella , Ghadially Hormas , Gur Chamutal , Stanietsky Noa , Tsukerman Pinchas , Enk Jonatan , Mandelboim Ofer 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
NK cells employ a variety of activating receptors to kill virally infected and tumor cells. Prominent among these receptors are the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) (NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46), of which only NKp46 has a mouse ortholog (NCR1). The tumor ligand(s) of NKp46/NCR1 is still unknown, but it was shown that the human NKp46 and the mouse NCR1 are involved in tumor eradication both in vitro and in vivo. Whether any of the NK activating receptors is involved in the prevention of tumor metastasis is unknown. To address this question, we studied the activity of the NK cell receptor NKp46/NCR1 in two spontaneous metastasis models, the B16F10.9 melanoma (B16) and the Lewis lung carcinoma (D122) in the NCR1 knockout mouse that was generated by our group, in various in vitro and in vivo assays. We demonstrated that all B16 and D122 tumors, including those generated in vivo, express an unknown ligand(s) for NKp46/NCR1. We have characterized the properties of the NKp46/NCR1 ligand(s) and demonstrated that NKp46/NCR1 is directly involved in the killing of B16 and D122 cells. Importantly, we showed in vivo that NKp46/NCR1 plays an important role in controlling B16 and D122 metastasis. Thus, to our knowledge, in this study we provide the first evidence for the direct involvement of a specific NK killer receptor in preventing tumor metastasis.
Chronic Shift-Lag Alters the Circadian Clock of NK Cells and Promotes Lung Cancer Growth in Rats
Authors: Logan Ryan W. , Zhang Changqing , Murugan Sengottuvelan , O’Connell Stephanie , Levitt Dale , Rosenwasser Alan M. , Sarkar Dipak K. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Prolonged subjection to unstable work or lighting schedules, particularly in rotating shift-workers, is associated with an increased risk of immune-related diseases, including several cancers. Consequences of chronic circadian disruption may also extend to the innate immune system to promote cancer growth, as NK cell function is modulated by circadian mechanisms and plays a key role in lysis of tumor cells. To determine if NK cell function is disrupted by a model of human shift-work and jet-lag, Fischer (344) rats were exposed to either a standard 12:12 light-dark cycle or a chronic shift-lag paradigm consisting of 10 repeated 6-h photic advances occurring every 2 d, followed by 5–7 d of constant darkness. This model resulted in considerable circadian disruption, as assessed by circadian running-wheel activity. NK cells were enriched from control and shifted animals, and gene, protein, and cytolytic activity assays were performed. Chronic shift-lag altered the circadian expression of clock genes, Per2 and Bmal1, and cytolytic factors, perforin and granzyme B, as well as the cytokine, IFN-γ. These alterations were correlated with suppressed circadian expression of NK cytolytic activity. Further, chronic shift-lag attenuated NK cell cytolytic activity under stimulated in vivo conditions, and promoted lung tumor growth following i.v. injection of MADB106 tumor cells. Together, these findings suggest chronic circadian disruption promotes tumor growth by altering the circadian rhythms of NK cell function.
Functional Polysaccharide Composite Nanoparticles from Cellulose Acetate and Potential Applications
Authors: Kulterer Martin R. , Reichel Victoria E. , Kargl Rupert , Köstler Stefan , Sarbova Velina , Heinze Thomas , Stana‐Kleinschek Karin , Ribitsch Volker 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAn in situ technique for preparing composite nanoparticles from hydrophobic cellulose acetate and hydrophilic polysaccharides using nanoprecipitation is presented. This technique allows the nanoparticles’ surface properties to be tuned very specifically. Spherical, narrow‐size‐distributed composite nanoparticles of different size, charge, functionality, and increased stability can be generated by using hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, low molecular weight chitosan, and amino cellulose. The influence of the pH and hydrophilic polysaccharide content in the particle formation is shown. The pH‐ and ionic strength‐ effective zeta‐potential functions are evidence of the presence of functional polysaccharides at the nanoparticle surface. The in situ technique is compared with the adsorption of hydrophilic polysaccharides onto cellulose acetate nanoparticles in two steps. The great potential of in situ prepared composite nanoparticles in the pharmaceutical industry and bio‐ or food technology, as carriers of hydrophobic substances in aqueous media and for specific surface modifications, e.g., to selectively introduce strong antimicrobial properties, is illustrated.