bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RCL2, a potential formalin substitute for tissue fixation in routine pathological specimens
Authors: Masir Noraidah , Ghoddoosi Mahdiieh , Mansor Suhada , Abdul‐Rahman Faridah , Florence Chandramaya S. , Mohamed‐Ismail Nor Azlin , Tamby Mohammad‐Rafaee , Md‐Latar Nani Harlina 
Published: February 2012

Masir N, Ghoddoosi M, Mansor S, Abdul‐Rahman F, Florence C S, Mohamed‐Ismail N A, Tamby M‐R & Md‐Latar N H  (2012) Histopathology 60, 804–815RCL2, a potential formalin substitute for tissue fixation in routine pathological specimensAims:  To investigate RCL2 as a fixative for tissue fixation in routine histopathological examination and to assess tissue suitability for ancillary investigations.Methods and results:  Forty‐nine samples from 36 fresh specimens were cut into three equal pieces and fixed in RCL2 diluted in 100% ethanol, RCL2 in 95% ethanol, or neutral buffered formalin as control. Suitability for microtomy, quality of histomorphology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent and silver in‐situ hybridization analysis and extracted genomic DNA were assessed. Microtomy was straightforward in most tissue blocks, but there was difficulty in cutting in approximately a quarter of samples, which required careful handling by an experienced technician. There were no significant differences in tissue morphology between RCL2‐ and formalin‐fixed tissues (P = 0.08). Generally, the quality of histochemical staining, immunohistochemistry and in‐situ hybridization were comparable to that of formalin‐fixed tissues. Inconsistent immunoreactivity was noted, however, with antibodies against pan‐cytokeratin and progesterone receptor. Genomic DNA concentration was higher in RCL2‐fixed tissues. Using RCL2 diluted in 95% ethanol did not affect fixation quality.Conclusion:  RCL2 is a potential formalin substitute suitable as a fixative for use in routine histopathological examination; however, difficulty in microtomy and occasional discrepancies in immunohistochemical reactivity require further optimization of the methodology.
Prognostic significance of phosphorylated STAT‐1 expression in premenopausal and postmenopausal patients with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Magkou Christina , Giannopoulou Ioanna , Theohari Irene , Fytou Alexandra , Rafailidis Petros , Nomikos Alexandros , Papadimitriou Christos , Nakopoulou Lydia 
Published: February 2012

Magkou C, Giannopoulou I, Theohari I, Fytou A, Rafailidis P, Nomikos A, Papadimitriou C & Nakopoulou L  (2012) Histopathology 60, 1125–1132Prognostic significance of phosphorylated STAT‐1 expression in premenopausal and postmenopausal patients with invasive breast cancerAims:  STAT‐1 is the first member of the family of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). In breast cancer experimental models, an apoptotic and antiproliferative effect has been demonstrated. Our aim was to study the role of phosphorylated STAT‐1 (pSTAT‐1) in invasive breast carcinoma and its prognostic significance in premenopausal and postmenopausal patients.Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry was performed in 165 patients in order to detect the expression of pSTAT‐1 and its correlation with oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), caspase‐3, and pAkt. pSTAT‐1 was immunodetected in the cytoplasm of the malignant cells (11.6%). In premenopausal patients, cytoplasmic pSTAT‐1 was positively correlated with stage (P = 0.014), ER (P = 0.008), caspase‐3 (P = 0.029), and pAkt (P = 0.045). Univariate analysis showed that cytoplasmic pSTAT‐1 was associated with poor overall survival (P = 0.042) and the phenotype of pSTAT‐1/ER or PR coexpression with shorter disease‐free survival (P = 0.012). In contrast, in postmenopausal patients, no association with clinicopathological parameters and survival was observed, except for the relationship of pSTAT‐1/ER or PR coexpression with longer disease‐free survival (P = 0.034).Conclusions:  This is the first study examining the role of pSTAT‐1 in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with invasive breast cancer. Our results suggest that pSTAT‐1 is related to tumour progression in premenopausal patients through the advanced stage and worse survival.
Feedbacks between inundation, root production, and shoot growth in a rapidly submerging brackish marsh
Authors: Kirwan Matthew L. , Guntenspergen Glenn R. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. Ecogeomorphic feedbacks between mineral sediment deposition and above‐ground plant growth are thought to have dominated the evolution of many coastal ecosystems and landforms. However, land‐use‐related reductions in sediment delivery rates to estuaries world‐wide suggest that these above‐ground feedbacks may not apply in some of the world’s most vulnerable coastal landscapes.2. To understand the relationships between sea level rise and marsh survival, we measured root and shoot growth over experimentally manipulated elevations in a rapidly submerging, sediment deficient marsh.3. Root growth was highest at a distinct optimum elevation in both Schoenoplectus americanus and Spartina patens. S. americanus shoot growth was highest at an optimum elevation, but S. patens shoot growth increased with elevation throughout the intertidal zone.4. For marsh elevations that are higher than optimum (expected at low sea level rise rates), we propose that an acceleration in the rate of sea level rise will lead to enhanced root growth, organic accretion and wetland stability. For suboptimum marsh elevations (expected at rapid sea level rise rates and/or low sediment supply), increases in the water level will lead to reduced root growth and a decrease in the rate of elevation gain.5. More than 80% of the marshland in our study area has an elevation below the optimum for root growth, suggesting that this previously unknown feedback could explain observations of rapid marsh deterioration in the region.6.
Synthesis. Below‐ground responses of marshes to sea level rise are more broadly applicable than above‐ground feedbacks because they are consistent among different species and do not depend on the availability of mineral sediment.
Urban landscape genetics: canopy cover predicts gene flow between white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) populations in New York City
Authors: MUNSHI‐SOUTH JASON 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this study, I examine the influence of urban canopy cover on gene flow between 15 white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) populations in New York City parklands. Parks in the urban core are often highly fragmented, leading to rapid genetic differentiation of relatively nonvagile species. However, a diverse array of ‘green’ spaces may provide dispersal corridors through ‘grey’ urban infrastructure. I identify urban landscape features that promote genetic connectivity in an urban environment and compare the success of two different landscape connectivity approaches at explaining gene flow. Gene flow was associated with ‘effective distances’ between populations that were calculated based on per cent tree canopy cover using two different approaches: (i) isolation by effective distance (IED) that calculates the single best pathway to minimize passage through high‐resistance (i.e. low canopy cover) areas, and (ii) isolation by resistance (IBR), an implementation of circuit theory that identifies all low‐resistance paths through the landscape. IBR, but not IED, models were significantly associated with three measures of gene flow (NmfromFST, BayesAss+ and Migrate‐n) after factoring out the influence of isolation by distance using partial Mantel tests. Predicted corridors for gene flow between city parks were largely narrow, linear parklands or vegetated spaces that are not managed for wildlife, such as cemeteries and roadway medians. These results have implications for understanding the impacts of urbanization trends on native wildlife, as well as for urban reforestation efforts that aim to improve urban ecosystem processes.
Spatial and temporal patterns of neutral and adaptive genetic variation in the endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)
Authors: MARSDEN CLARE D. , WOODROFFE ROSIE , MILLS MICHAEL G. L. , McNUTT J. WELDON , CREEL SCOTT , GROOM ROSEMARY , EMMANUEL MASENGA , CLEAVELAND SARAH , KAT PIETER , RASMUSSEN GREGORY S.A. , GINSBERG JOSHUA , LINES ROBIN , ANDRÉ JEAN‐MARC , BEGG COLLEEN , WAYNE ROBERT K. , MABLE BARBARA K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDeciphering patterns of genetic variation within a species is essential for understanding population structure, local adaptation and differences in diversity between populations. Whilst neutrally evolving genetic markers can be used to elucidate demographic processes and genetic structure, they are not subject to selection and therefore are not informative about patterns of adaptive variation. As such, assessments of pertinent adaptive loci, such as the immunity genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), are increasingly being incorporated into genetic studies. In this study, we combined neutral (microsatellite, mtDNA) and adaptive (MHC class II DLA‐DRB1 locus) markers to elucidate the factors influencing patterns of genetic variation in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus); an endangered canid that has suffered extensive declines in distribution and abundance. Our genetic analyses found all extant wild dog populations to be relatively small (Ne < 30). Furthermore, through coalescent modelling, we detected a genetic signature of a recent and substantial demographic decline, which correlates with human expansion, but contrasts with findings in some other African mammals. We found strong structuring of wild dog populations, indicating the negative influence of extensive habitat fragmentation and loss of gene flow between habitat patches. Across populations, we found that the spatial and temporal structure of microsatellite diversity and MHC diversity were correlated and strongly influenced by demographic stability and population size, indicating the effects of genetic drift in these small populations. Despite this correlation, we detected signatures of selection at the MHC, implying that selection has not been completely overwhelmed by genetic drift.
The red queen coupled with directional selection favours the evolution of sex
Authors: HODGSON E. E. , OTTO S. P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWhy sexual reproduction has evolved to be such a widespread mode of reproduction remains a major question in evolutionary biology. Although previous studies have shown that increased sex and recombination can evolve in the presence of host–parasite interactions (the ‘Red Queen hypothesis’ for sex), many of these studies have assumed that multiple loci mediate infection vs. resistance. Data suggest, however, that a major locus is typically involved in antigen presentation and recognition. Here, we explore a model where only one locus mediates host–parasite interactions, but a second locus is subject to directional selection. Even though the effects of these genes on fitness are independent, we show that increased rates of sex and recombination are favoured at a modifier gene that alters the rate of genetic mixing. This result occurs because of selective interference in finite populations (the ‘Hill–Robertson effect’), which also favours sex. These results suggest that the Red Queen hypothesis may help to explain the evolution of sex by contributing a form of persistent selection, which interferes with directional selection at other loci and thereby favours sex and recombination.
Genetic diversity and differentiation of five Cuban cattle breeds using 30 microsatellite loci
Authors: Acosta A.C. , Uffo O. , Sanz A. , Ronda R. , Osta R. , Rodellar C. , Martin‐Burriel I. , Zaragoza P. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryConservation and improvement strategies in farm animals should be based on a combination of genetic and phenotypic characteristics. Genotype data from 30 microsatellites were used to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among five Cuban cattle breeds (Siboney de Cuba, Criollo Cubano, Cebú Cubano, Mambí de Cuba and Taíno de Cuba). All microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic in all the breeds. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.67 ± 0.02 in the Taíno de Cuba breed to 0.75 ± 0.02 in the Mambí de Cuba breed, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.66 ± 0.03 in the Cebú Cubano breed to 0.73 ± 0.02 in the Siboney de Cuba breed. The genetic differentiation between the breeds was significant (p < 0.01) based on the infinitesimal model (FST). The exact test for Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium within breeds showed a significant deviation in each breed (p < 0.0003) for one or more loci. The genetic distance and structure analysis showed that a significant amount of genetic variation is maintained in the local cattle population and that all breeds studied could be considered genetically distinct. The Siboney de Cuba and Mambí de Cuba breeds seem to be the most genetically related among the studied five breeds.
Hepatic stellate cell progenitor cells
Authors: Asahina Kinji 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are recognized as a major player in liver fibrogenesis. Upon liver injury, HSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts and participate in progression of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Additional cell types such as resident liver fibroblasts/myofibroblasts or bone marrow cells are also known to generate myofibroblasts. One of the major obstacles to understanding the mechanism of liver fibrogenesis is the lack of knowledge regarding the developmental origin of HSCs and other liver mesenchymal cells. Recent cell lineage analyses demonstrate that HSCs are derived from mesoderm during liver development. MesP1‐expressing mesoderm gives rise to the septum transversum mesenchyme before liver formation and then to the liver mesothelium and mesenchymal cells, including HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells around the veins during liver development. During the growth of embryonic liver, the mesothelium, consisting of mesothelial cells and submesothelial cells, migrates inward from the liver surface and gives rise to HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells, including portal fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells around the portal vein, and fibroblasts around the central vein. Cell lineage analyses indicate that mesothelial cells are HSC progenitor cells capable of differentiating into HSCs and other liver mesenchymal cells during liver development.
Autologous bone marrow cell infusions suppress tumor initiation in hepatocarcinogenic mice with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Maeda Masaki , Takami Taro , Terai Shuji , Sakaida Isao 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe have previously reported the efficacy and safety of autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy for liver cirrhosis patients without hepatocellular carcinoma in a multicenter clinical trial. However, since liver cirrhosis is highly oncogenic, evaluation of the effects of ABMi on the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis is of great importance. Therefore, frequent ABMi was performed in hepatocarcinogenic mice, and its effects on hepatocarcinogenesis were analyzed. The N‐nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)/green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model was developed by administering DEN once, followed by repeated administration of CCl4 intraperitoneally as for the control group. In the administration (ABMi) group, GFP‐positive bone marrow cells were infused through a tail vein. The kinetics of hepatocarcinogenesis were evaluated histologically 4.5 months after DEN treatment. At 4.5 months, there was significantly lower incidence of foci and tumors in the ABMi group, and they were smaller in number, while their size was almost equal. No GFP‐positive tumors were found in ABMi livers. Moreover, ABMi livers showed significantly reduced liver fibrosis, consistent with significantly lower 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels, higher superoxide dismutase activity, and increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2 p45‐related factor 2. These results demonstrate that frequent ABMi might contribute to suppressed tumor initiation during stages of hepatocarcinogenesis, consistent with improvements in liver fibrosis and stabilization of redox homeostasis.
Risk prediction using a neonatal therapeutic intervention scoring system in VLBW and ELBW preterm infants
Authors: Oygur Nihal , Ongun Hakan , Saka Osman 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  The Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (NTISS) is a therapy‐based severity‐of‐illness index, The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether: (i) NTISS can predict the severity of illness with the same accuracy both in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants, using all parameters; and (ii) the performance of NTISS can be increased by using only the significant variables.Methods:  All inborns <1500 g, and all outborns <1500 g transferred in the first 12 h of postnatal life, were included. NTISS using 63 variables was assessed for all infants at the 24th hour. Predictive performance for the overall variables was assessed using area under the curve (AUC) for group 1 (500–1499 g), 2 (1000–1499 g) and 3 (500–999 g). Variables with good prediction were identified for each group and a second AUC was assessed using only sensitive variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area for all variables was compared with the ROC area for sensitive variables.Results:  A total of 364 preterm infants fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The AUC of groups 1, 2 and 3 with all variables were 0.851; 0.834 and 0.749, respectively. The number of parameters with good prediction was 33 in group 1, 30 in group 2 and 18 in group 3. The AUC for sensitive variables was 0.848 in group 1; 0.821 in group 2 and 0.823 in group 3. When compared, increase in the description of outcome was significant only for group 3 patients (P = 0.02).Conclusion:  NTISS using all parameters seems to be less predictive in ELBW infants. It is probably related to the use of some interventions, done as a routine procedure in almost all ELBW preterm infants, therefore NTISS may be modified according to birthweight in order to obtain a more sensitive prediction.
Reliability of standardized patients used in a communication study on international nurses in the United States of America
Authors: Bolstad Anne L. , Xu Yu , Shen Jay J. , Covelli Margaret , Torpey Miriam 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAs an evaluation method, standardized patients have a long history in medical education and research yet are less established in nursing. This paper explores the reliability of using standardized patients as the evaluative method in a communication competence pilot study with international nurses. Standardized patients and second raters scored the same encounters. We examined the scores by intraclass correlation coefficients. Anecdotal comments by the two types of raters were assessed qualitatively to highlight similarities and areas of difference between them. The results of reliability analysis for standardized patients scores for the composite variables of Establishing Communicative Rapport, Therapeutic Communication, Non‐Verbal Communication, and Overall Satisfaction ranged from 0.755 (P < 0.01) to 0.42 (P = 0.09). In this study, the results showed standardized patient evaluation has moderate to substantial reliability when compared to second raters of the same set of clinical encounters. This is similar to the reliability established over many decades of medical research. Greater use of this dynamic and interactive technique may be beneficial to nursing education and research.
Examination of midlife women's attitudes toward menopause in Turkey
Authors: Kısa Sezer , Zeyneloğlu Simge , Ozdemir Nurgul 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis study used a cross‐sectional descriptive design to examine the attitudes of 154 Turkish women aged ≥ 40 years towards menopause. A questionnaire and the Menopause Attitudes scale were used. The mean score of the attitudes was determined as 34.70 ± 8.56. Most women in the study had negative attitudes towards menopause. The majority of women with positive attitudes were older, well educated and had used hormone replacement therapy (P < 0.05). Using multiple linear regression analysis, age and education level were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the women in the premenopausal and menopausal years in terms of sexuality after menopause (P < 0.05). This study suggests that Turkish women 40 years and older have negative attitudes towards menopause and their primary concern in the premenopausal period is sexuality after menopause. Counseling of women on menopause‐related issues in gynecology clinics is recommended.
Involvement of angiotensin II type 1 receptor on pathological remodeling and dysfunction in obstructed bladder
Authors: Aikawa Ken , Sakai Takio , Ishibashi Kei , Shiomi Homare , Sagawa Koji , Kumagai Shin , Kataoka Masao , Akaihata Hidenori , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: February 2012

Objectives:  To determine whether long‐term administration of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist improves morphology and function in obstructed bladders.Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent surgery to produce bladder outlet obstruction (bladder outlet obstruction group; n = 32) or sham surgery (sham group; n = 16). A total of 2 weeks later, 16 bladder outlet obstruction‐rats were given the AT1 antagonist, candesartan, subcutaneously (candesartan group) using an osmotic pump for 4 weeks; the remaining bladder outlet obstruction‐rats received vehicle (bladder outlet obstruction group). A total of 6 weeks after surgery, we compared continuous cystometry, bladder weight, strip contraction, histology and messenger ribonucleic acid expression of growth factors, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and renin–angiotensin system components among the three groups.Results:  Bladder weights markedly increased with bladder outlet obstruction (578 ± 159 mg), and candesartan (344 ± 111 mg) suppressed this increase. Micturition pressure, which was significantly higher with bladder outlet obstruction, was unaffected by candesartan. The shortened micturition interval and decreased micturition volume with bladder outlet obstruction were significantly prolonged and increased by candesartan. Candesartan also significantly decreased residual urine. Histologically, the collagen fiber‐to‐muscle ratio was significantly increased with bladder outlet obstruction (0.85 ± 0.25) compared with the sham group (0.53 ± 0.18); this increase was suppressed by candesartan (0.49 ± 0.21). The messenger ribonucleic acid expression of heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 significantly increased with bladder outlet obstruction, but it was significantly reduced by candesartan. Compared with the bladder outlet obstruction group, candesartan increased the maximal contraction of bladder strips for all stimuli except for angiotensin II.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that bladder angiotensin II type 1 receptors contribute to the pathophysiology of remodeling and dysfunction in obstructed bladder.