bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Karyotype variation is indicative of subgenomic and ecotypic differentiation in switchgrass
Authors: Young Hugh A , Sarath Gautam , Tobias Christian M 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Karyotypes can provide information about taxonomic relationships, genetic aberrations, and the evolutionary origins of species. However, differentiation of the tiny chromosomes of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and creation of a standard karyotype for this bioenergy crop has not been accomplished due to lack of distinguishing features and polyploidy.

Results
A cytogenetic study was conducted on a dihaploid individual (2n = 2X = 18) of switchgrass to establish a chromosome karyotype. Size differences, condensation patterns, and arm-length ratios were used as identifying features and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assigned 5S and 45S rDNA loci to chromosomes 7 and 2 respectively. Both a maize CentC and a native switchgrass centromeric repeat (PviCentC) that shared 73% sequence identity demonstrated a strong signal on chromosome 3. However, only the PviCentC probe labeled the centromeres of all chromosomes. Unexpected PviCentC and 5S rDNA hybidization patterns were consistent with severe reduction or total deletion of these repeats in one subgenome. These patterns were maintained in tetraploid and octoploid individuals. The 45S rDNA repeat produced the expected number of loci in dihaploid, tetraploid and octoploid individuals. Differences observed at the 5S rDNA loci between the upland and lowland ecotypes of switchgrass provided a basis for distinguishing these subpopulations.

Conclusion
Collectively, these results provide a quantitative karyotype of switchgrass chromosomes. FISH analyses indicate genetic divergence between subgenomes and allow for the classification of switchgrass plants belonging to divergent genetic pools. Furthermore, the karyotype structure and cytogenetic analysis of switchgrass provides a framework for future genetic and genomic studies.
Do children with central venous line (CVL) dysfunction have increased risk of symptomatic thromboembolism compared to those without CVL-dysfunction, while on cancer therapy?
Authors: Halton Jacqueline , Nagel Kim , Brandão Leonardo R , Silva Mariana , Gibson Paul , Chan Anthony , Blyth Kay , Hicks Kim , Parmar Nagina , Paddock Leslie , Willing Stephanie , Thabane Lehana , Athale Uma 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Thromboembolism (TE) and infection are two common complications of central venous line (CVL). Thrombotic CVL-dysfunction is a common, yet less studied, complication of CVL. Two retrospective studies have reported significant association of CVL-dysfunction and TE. Recent studies indicate association of CVL-related small clot with infection. Infection is the most common cause of non-cancer related mortality in children with cancer. We and others have shown reduced overall survival (OS) in children with cancer and CVL-dysfunction compared to those without CVL-dysfunction. Despite these observations, to date there are no prospective studies to evaluate the clinical significance of CVL-dysfunction and it’s impact on the development of TE, infection, or outcome of children with cancer.

Study design
This is a prospective, analytical cohort study conducted at five tertiary care pediatric oncology centers in Ontario. Children (≤ 18 years of age) with non-central nervous system cancers and CVL will be eligible for the study. Primary outcome measure is symptomatic TE and secondary outcomes are infection, recurrence of cancer and death due to any cause. Data will be analyzed using regression analyses.

Discussion
The overall objective is to delineate the relationship between CVL-dysfunction, infection and TE. The primary aim is to evaluate the role of CVL-dysfunction as a predictor of symptomatic TE in children with cancer. We hypothesize that children with CVL-dysfunction have activation of the coagulation system resulting in an increased risk of symptomatic TE. The secondary aims are to study the impact of CVL-dysfunction on the rate of infection and the survival [OS and event free survival (EFS)] of children with cancer. We postulate that patients with CVL-dysfunction have an occult CVL-related clot which acts as a microbial focus with resultant increased risk of infection. Further, CVL-dysfunction by itself or in combination with associated complications may cause therapy delays resulting in adverse outcome.
This study will help to identify children at high risk for TE and infection. Based on the study results, we will design randomized controlled trials of prophylactic anticoagulant therapy to reduce the incidence of TE and infection. This in turn will help to improve the outcome in children with cancer.
Minimal invasive surgery for unicameral bone cyst using demineralized bone matrix: a case series
Authors: Cho Hwan Seong , Seo Sung Hwa , Park So Hyun , Park Jong Hoon , Shin Duk Seop , Park Il Hyung 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundVarious treatments for unicameral bone cyst have been proposed. Recent concern focuses on the effectiveness of closed methods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of demineralized bone matrix as a graft material after intramedullary decompression for the treatment of unicameral bone cysts.MethodsBetween October 2008 and June 2010, twenty-five patients with a unicameral bone cyst were treated with intramedullary decompression followed by grafting of demineralized bone matrix. There were 21 males and 4 female patients with mean age of 11.1 years (range, 3–19 years). The proximal metaphysis of the humerus was affected in 12 patients, the proximal femur in five, the calcaneum in three, the distal femur in two, the tibia in two, and the radius in one. There were 17 active cysts and 8 latent cysts. Radiologic change was evaluated according to a modified Neer classification. Time to healing was defined as the period required achieving cortical thickening on the anteroposterior and lateral plain radiographs, as well as consolidation of the cyst. The patients were followed up for mean period of 23.9 months (range, 15–36 months).ResultsNineteen of 25 cysts had completely consolidated after a single procedure. The mean time to healing was 6.6 months (range, 3–12 months). Four had incomplete healing radiographically but had no clinical symptom with enough cortical thickness to prevent fracture. None of these four cysts needed a second intervention until the last follow-up. Two of 25 patients required a second intervention because of cyst recurrence. All of the two had a radiographical healing of cyst after mean of 10 additional months of follow-up.ConclusionsA minimal invasive technique including the injection of DBM could serve as an excellent treatment method for unicameral bone cysts.
SNPs in the coding region of the metastasis-inducing gene MACC1 and clinical outcome in colorectal cancer
Authors: Schmid Felicitas , Burock Susen , Klockmeier Konrad , Schlag Peter M , Stein Ulrike 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer is one of the main cancers in the Western world. About 90% of the deaths arise from formation of distant metastasis. The expression of the newly identified gene metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is a prognostic indicator for colon cancer metastasis. Here, we analyzed for the first time the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region of MACC1 for clinical outcome of colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, we screened met proto-oncogene (Met), the transcriptional target gene of MACC1, for mutations.

Methods
We sequenced the coding exons of MACC1 in 154 colorectal tumors (stages I, II and III) and the crucial exons of Met in 60 colorectal tumors (stages I, II and III). We analyzed the association of MACC1 polymorphisms with clinical data, including metachronous metastasis, UICC stages, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis and patients’ survival (n = 154, stages I, II and III). Furthermore, we performed biological assays in order to evaluate the functional impact of MACC1 SNPs on the motility of colorectal cancer cells.

Results
We genotyped three MACC1 SNPs in the coding region. Thirteen % of the tumors had the genotype cg (rs4721888, L31V), 48% a ct genotype (rs975263, S515L) and 84% a gc or cc genotype (rs3735615, R804T). We found no association of these SNPs with clinicopathological parameters or with patients’ survival, when analyzing the entire patients’ cohort. An increased risk for a shorter metastasis-free survival of patients with a ct genotype (rs975263) was observed in younger colon cancer patients with stage I or II (P = 0.041, n = 18). In cell culture, MACC1 SNPs did not affect MACC1-induced cell motility and proliferation.

Conclusion
In summary, the identification of coding MACC1 SNPs in primary colorectal tumors does not improve the prediction for metastasis formation or for patients’ survival compared to MACC1 expression analysis alone. The ct genotype (rs975263) might be associated with a reduced survival for younger colon cancer patients in early stages. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.
Planning influenza vaccination programs: a cost benefit model
Authors: Duncan Ian G , Taitel Michael S , Zhang Junjie , Kirkham Heather S 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Although annual influenza vaccination could decrease the significant economic and humanistic burden of influenza in the United States, immunization rates are below recommended levels, and concerns remain whether immunization programs can be cost beneficial. The research objective was to compare cost benefit of various immunization strategies from employer, employee, and societal perspectives.

Methods
An actuarial model was developed based on the published literature to estimate the costs and benefits of influenza immunization programs. Useful features of the model included customization by population age and risk-level, potential pandemic risk, and projection year. Various immunization strategies were modelled for an average U.S. population of 15,000 persons vaccinated in pharmacies or doctor’s office during the 2011/12 season. The primary outcome measure reported net cost savings per vaccinated (PV) from the perspective of various stakeholders.

Results
Given a typical U.S. population, an influenza immunization program will be cost beneficial for employers when more than 37% of individuals receive vaccine in non-traditional settings such as pharmacies. The baseline scenario, where 50% of persons would be vaccinated in non-traditional settings, estimated net savings of $6 PV. Programs that limited to pharmacy setting ($31 PV) or targeted persons with high-risk comorbidities ($83 PV) or seniors ($107 PV) were found to increase cost benefit. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the scenario-based findings.

Conclusions
Both universal and targeted vaccination programs can be cost beneficial. Proper planning with cost models can help employers and policy makers develop strategies to improve the impact of immunization programs.
Hippocampal expression of murine IL-4 results in exacerbation of amyloid deposition
Authors: Chakrabarty Paramita , Tianbai Li , Herring Amanda , Ceballos-Diaz Carolina , Das Pritam , Golde Todd E 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Pro-inflammatory stimuli, including cytokines like Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6 and Interferon-γ, in the brain have been proposed to exacerbate existing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology by increasing amyloidogenic processing of APP and promoting further Aβ accumulation in AD. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory cytokines have been suggested to be neuroprotective by reducing neuroinflammation and clearing Aβ. To test this hypothesis, we used adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV2/1) to express an anti-inflammatory cytokine, murine Interleukin-4 (mIL-4), in the hippocampus of APP transgenic TgCRND8 mice with pre-existing plaques.

Results
mIL-4 expression resulted in establishment of an “M2-like” phenotype in the brain and was accompanied by exacerbated Aβ deposition in TgCRND8 mice brains. No change in holo APP or APP C terminal fragment or phosphorylated tau levels were detected in mIL-4 expressing CRND8 cohorts. Biochemical analysis shows increases in both SDS soluble and insoluble Aβ. mIL-4 treatment attenuates soluble Aβ40 uptake by microglia but does not affect aggregated Aβ42 internalization by microglia or soluble Aβ40 internalization by astrocytes.

Conclusions
Short term focal mIL-4 expression in the hippocampus leads to exacerbation of amyloid deposition in vivo, possibly mediated by acute suppression of glial clearance mechanisms. Given that recent preclinical data from independent groups indicate engagement of the innate immune system early on during disease pathogenesis may be beneficial, our present study strongly argues for a cautious re-examination of unwarranted side–effects of anti-inflammatory therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
Gremlin in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C: an immunohistochemical and PCR study of human liver biopsies
Authors: Guimei Maha , Baddour Nahed , ElKaffash Dalal , Abdou Laila , Taher Yousry 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The possible role of secretory products of fibrous tissue in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicating chronic hepatitis C was investigated. Our hypothesis was that gremlin, secreted by fibroblasts, inhibited bone morphogenic protein (BMP), which mediates stem cell maturation into adult functioning hepatocytes, and thus, arrest stem cell maturation and promoted their proliferation in an immature state possibly culminating into development of HCCs.

Results
Protein expression of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and mRNA expression of gremlin and BMP-7 were studied in 35 cases of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC complicating chronic hepatitis C. CK19 expression was higher in cases of cirrhosis (0.004), which correlated with the grade (r = 0.64, p = 0.009) and stage (r = 0.71, p = 0.001). All HCCs were negative for CK19. Stem cell niche activation (as indicated as a ductular reaction) was highest in cases of cirrhosis (p = 0.001) and correlated with CK19 expression (r = 0.42, p = 0.012), the grade(r = 0.56, p = 0.024) and stage (0.66, p = 0.006). FGF-2 expression was highest in HCCs and correlated with the grade (r = 0.6, p = 0.013), stage (0.72, p = 0.002), CK19 expression (r = 0.71, p = 002) and ductular reaction (0.68, p = 0.004) in hepatitis cases. Higher numbers of cirrhosis cases and HCCs (p = 0.009) showed gremlin expression, which correlated with the stage (r = 0.7, p = 0.002). Gremlin expression correlated with that of CK19 (r = 0.699, p = 0.003) and FGF2 (r = 0.75, p = 0.001) in hepatitis cases.

Conclusions
Fibrosis promotes carcinogenesis by fibroblast-secreted gremlin that blocks BMP function and promotes stem cell activation and proliferation as well as possibly HCC development.
Pulmonary artery and right ventricle assessment in pulmonary hypertension: correlation between functional parameters of ECG-gated CT and right-side heart catheterization
Authors: Abel Elodie , Jankowski Adrien , Pison Christophe , Luc Bosson Jean , Bouvaist Hélène , Ferretti Gilbert R 
Published: July 2012

Background Right ventricular function predicts outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Therefore accurate assessment of right ventricular function is essential to graduate severity, assess follow-up, and response to therapy. Purpose To evaluate whether PH severity could be assessed using electrocardiography-gated CT (ECG-gated CT) functional parameters. A further objective was to evaluate cardiac output (CO) using two ECG-gated CT methods: the reference Simpson technique and the fully automatic technique generated by commercially available cardiac software. Material and Methods Our institutional review board approved this study; patient consent was not required. Twenty-seven patients who had undergone ECG-gated CT and right heart catheterization (RHC) were included. Two independent observers measured pulmonary artery (PA) diameter, PA distensibility, aorta diameter, right ventricular cardiac output (CT-RVCO) and right ventricular ejection fraction (CT-RVEF) with automatic and Simpson techniques on ECG-gated CT. RHC-CO and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) were measured on RHC. Relationship between ECG-gated CT and RHC measurements was tested with linear regression analysis. Results Inter-observer agreement was good for all measurements (r > 0.7) except for CT-RVCO calculated with Simpson's technique (r = 0.63). Pulmonary artery (PA) distensibility was significantly correlated to mPAP (r = −0.426, P = 0.027). CT-RVEF was correlated with mPAP only when issued from Simpson technique (r = −0.417, P = 0.034). CT-RVEF was not significantly correlated to RHC-CO ( P > 0.2). CT-RVCO measured with Simpson technique (r = 0.487, P = 0.010) and automatic segmentation (r = 0.549, P = 0.005) correlated equally with RHC-CO. Conclusion CT-RVEF and CT-RVCO measured on ECG-gated CT are significantly correlated, respectively, to mPAP and RHC-CO in this population with severe reduction of the right ventricular ejection fraction and could be useful for evaluating and following patients with PH.
Accuracy of MR findings in characterizing peroneal tendons disorders in comparison with surgery
Authors: Park Hee-Jin , Lee So-Yeon , Park Noh-Hyuck , Rho Myung-Ho , Chung Eun-Chul , Kwag Hyon-Joo 
Published: July 2012

Background Previous studies have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a high sensitivity for peroneal tendon pathology but more studies with surgery as a reference standard are needed. Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of MRI compared to surgery for characterizing chronic peroneal tendon pathology. Material and Methods Ninety-seven patients (57 men, 40 women; mean age, 39 years; range, 15–64 years) with chronic lateral ankle instability underwent MRI followed by surgery, with a mean MR to surgery interval of 30 days. Sagittal, coronal, and axial T1-weighted spin-echo and fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin-echo images were obtained for all patients. Two blinded observers evaluated the MR images without clinical information, and the results were compared to surgical findings. The following peroneal injuries were observed: tendon split, interstitial tear, swelling of the tendon, fluid collection, superior peroneal retinaculum injury, and tendon dislocation. Results Swelling of the peroneus longus tendon was the most common finding on MR imaging, followed by fluid collection and a split of the peroneus brevis tendon. Surgical findings showed that nine cases (9%) of interstitial tears were in the peroneus brevis and two cases (2%) were in the peroneus longus, with eight cases (8%) of splits in the peroneus brevis tendon. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting interstitial tears in the peroneus brevis were 44% and 99%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting swelling in the peroneus brevis were 50% and 99%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting interstitial tears for peroneus longus injuries were 50% and 96%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting swelling in these injuries were and 100% and 96%, respectively. Conclusion MRI findings of chronic peroneal tendon pathology are diagnostically specific but not sensitive. MRI showed high sensitivity for diagnosing tendon swelling in the peroneus longus, but not in the peroneus brevis. MRI is sensitive but not specific for detecting negative findings.
Effect of Thermal Stress on Reproductive Performance Parameters of Sows with Defined Genotype at the RYR1 locus
Authors: Babicz Marek , Skrzypczak Ewa , Rejduch Barbara , Kozubska-Sobocińska Anna , Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska Anna , Kasprzak Karolina 
Published: July 2012

Effect of Thermal Stress on Reproductive Performance Parameters of Sows with Defined Genotype at the RYR1 locusThe objective of the present research was to determine the influence of ambient air temperature in the farrowing section of a pig facility on chemical composition, colostrum and milk somatic cell counts (SCC), and rearing efficiency of piglets from Polish Landrace (PL) sows with identified genotype at the RYR1 locus. Subjects were 60 PL sows in the second and third reproductive cycle. Polymorphism at the RYR1 locus was analysed using the PCR-RFLP method. The proportion of RYR1 C/C and RYR1 C/T genotypes in each group was 1:1. Three groups of experimental temperatures were established: I - 22°C, II - 25°C, III - 28°C. The present study demonstrated that sows kept in periodic high ambient temperature (25°C, 28°C) showed a relatively long period of farrowing, more aggressive behaviour and overlying. Variability was also found between the groups with respect to litter size and litter weight, chemical composition and SCC of colostrum and milk. The results indicate that elevated ambient temperature during the perinatal period may adversely affect the utility value of sows.
Assisted phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil using poplar rooted cuttings
Authors: Alizadeh S. , Zahedi-Amiri G. , Savaghebi-Firoozabadi G. , Etemad V. , Shirvany A. , Shirmardi M. 
Published: July 2012

Assisted phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil using poplar rooted cuttings
To investigate the effect of amended substrates on cadmium uptake by one-year old poplar rooted cuttings a pot culture was carried out. Pots were filled with three substrates. Four treatments of Cd supply including were organized. The results showed that higher biomass productions in substrates A and B compare to substrate C, led to an increase total Cd uptake two times more than that in substrate C, at 150 mg kg-1 concentration. Meanwhile maximum total uptake occurred in substrate B at 100 mg kg-1 concentration. Using synthetic chelators such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in order to achieve high removal rate led to increased environmental impacts while they are not expected when such environmental friendly approaches are applied.
Prevalence of Interdigital Nerve Enlargements in an Asymptomatic Population
Authors: Symeonidis Panagiotis D. , Iselin Lukas D. , Simmons Neil , Fowler Shaun , Dracopoulos George , Stavrou Peter 
Published: July 2012

Background: Morton's neuroma is a common primary diagnosis for referral to foot and ankle surgeons. On presentation, many patients have had an ultrasound reporting the presence of Morton's neuroma, which may not correlate with the clinical examination findings. The prevalence of such sonographic findings in the general population remains unknown. Methods: In this observational prospective study, patients with asymptomatic forefeet who were seen by two foot and ankle surgeons for unrelated mid- or hind foot pathology were examined clinically and sonographically for the presence of interdigital nerve thickening. Forty-eight volunteers participated in the study (96 feet). For the purpose of this study, asymptomatic thickenings greater than 5 mm in diameter were termed sonographic neuromas. Ultrasound examination was performed by two specialist musculoskeletal radiologists. Results: Fifty-four percent of the volunteers (26 of 48) had sonographic nerve thickening and in 17 cases (35.4%) enlarged nerves were found bilaterally. Differences for gender, original diagnosis or side of original pathology were not significant. Older subjects were more likely to have a sonographic neuroma ( p = 0.018). Feet with a positive Mulder's click were more likely to have a sonographic neuroma ( p = 0.015). Conclusion: Ultrasound, even in highly skilled hands, has a high rate of incidental finding of an asymptomatic interdigital nerve enlargement, which can lead to a false diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma. Sonographic evidence of Morton's neuroma per se is unreliable unless it is correlated with an equivocal clinical examination. Clinical examination is still the gold standard for the diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series