bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhizosphere fungus Penicillium chrysogenum promotes growth and induces defence‐related genes and downy mildew disease resistance in pearl millet
Authors: Murali M. , Sudisha J. , Amruthesh K. N. , Ito S.‐I. , Shetty H. S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSusceptible pearl millet seeds (cv 7042S) were treated with the plant growth promoting fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (PenC‐JSB9) at 1 × 108 spores·ml−1 to examine mRNA expression profiles of five defence responsive genes and test its ability to induce resistance to downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola. PenC‐JSB9 treatment at 1 × 108 CFU·ml−1 for 6 h significantly enhanced seed germination (9.8– 89%), root length (4.08% to 5.1 cm), shoot length (18.9% to 7.77 cm) and reduced disease incidence (28%) in comparison with untreated controls. In planta colonisation of PenC‐JSB9 showed that all three root segments (0–6 cm) and soil dilutions incubated on PDA produced extensive mycelial growth, however colonisation frequency of PenC‐JSB9 was significantly higher in soil than in root segments. Spatiotemporal studies revealed that induction of resistance was triggered as early as 24 h and a minimum 2–3 days was optimal for total resistance to build up between inducer treatment and challenge inoculation in both experiments. In Northern blot analysis, transcript accumulation of resistant and PenC‐JSB9 induced susceptible cultivars showed higher basal levels of defence gene expression than non‐pretreated susceptible controls. Transcript accumulation in resistant seedlings challenge‐inoculated with the pathogen showed maximum expression of CHS (3.5‐fold increase) and Pr‐1a (threefold increase) at 24 and 12 h, respectively. While PenC‐JSB9 pretreated susceptible seedlings challenge‐inoculated showed rapid and enhanced expression of LOX and POX at 48 h and for CHT at 24 h, whereas non‐pretreated susceptible seedlings after pathogen inoculation showed weak expression of hybridised defence genes. Enhanced activation of defence genes by PenC‐JSB9 suggests its role in elevated resistance against S. graminicola.
Malformation of gynoecia impedes fertilisation in bud‐flowering Calluna vulgaris
Authors: Behrend A. , Borchert T. , Müller A. , Tänzer J. , Hohe A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn Calluna vulgaris, a common bedding plant during autumn in the northern hemisphere, the bud‐blooming mutation of flower morphology is of high economic importance. Breeding of new bud‐blooming cultivars suffers from poor seed set in some of the desirable bud‐flowering crossing partners. In the current study, fertilisation and seed development in genotypes with good or poor seed set were monitored in detail in order to examine pre‐ and post‐zygotic cross breeding incompatibilities. Whereas no distinct differences were detected in seed development, pollen tube growth was impeded in the pistils of genotypes characterised by poor seed set. Detailed microscopic analysis revealed malformations of the gynoecia due to imperfect fusion of carpels. Hence, a pre‐zygotic mechanism hindering pollen tube growth due to malformation of gynoecia was deduced. An interaction of putative candidate genes involved in malformation of gynoecia with floral organ identity genes controlling the flower architecture is discussed.
Primary anastomosis vs nonrestorative resection for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis: a prematurely terminated randomized controlled trial
Authors: Binda G. A. , Karas J. R. , Serventi A. , Sokmen S. , Amato A. , Hydo L. , Bergamaschi R. ,   for the Study Group on Diverticulitis
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to test the hypothesis that adverse event rates following primary anastomosis (PRA) are not inferior to those following nonrestorative colon resection for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis.Method  Patients admitted for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis were randomly assigned to PRA (left colon resection with PRA and loop ileostomy) or nonrestorative colon resection (left colon resection with end colostomy). The endpoint was adverse events defined as mortality and morbidity following PRA or nonrestorative colon resection and stoma reversal. The estimated sample size was 300 patients in each study arm (alpha 0.10; 90% power).Results  During a 9‐year period, 90 patients were randomly assigned to undergo PRA or nonrestorative colon resection in 14 centres in eight countries. Thirty‐four PRA patients were comparable to 56 nonrestorative colon resection patients for age (P = 0.481), gender (P = 0.190), APACHE III (P = 0.281), Hinchey stage III vs IV (P = 0.394) and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (P = 0.145). There were no differences in operating time (P = 0.231), surgeries performed at night (P = 0.083), open vs laparoscopic approach (P = 0.419) and litres of peritoneal irrigation (P = 0.096). There was no significant difference in mortality (2.9 vs 10.7%; P = 0.247) and morbidity (35.3 vs 46.4%; P = 0.38) following PRA or nonrestorative colon resection. After a similar lag time (P = 0.43), 64.7% of PRA patients and 60% of nonrestorative colon resection patients underwent stoma reversal (P = 0.659). Adverse event rates following stoma reversal differed significantly after PRA and reversal of nonrestorative resection (4.5 vs 23.5%; P = 0.0589).Conclusion  No conclusions may be drawn on preference of one treatment over another from this RCT because it was prematurely terminated following accrual of 15% of its sample size.
Small bowel exploration and resection using single‐port surgery: a safe and feasible approach
Authors: Dhumane P. , Mutter D. , D’Agostino J. , Mavrogenis G. , Leroy J. , Marescaux J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of wireless capsule endoscopy for preoperative identification of bleeding sources and/or small bowel tumours in surgical patients and to evaluate the feasibility of single‐port surgery in the treatment of such pathologies.Method  Five patients presenting with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or/and mild small bowel obstruction were investigated to diagnose and localize the bleeding source or tumour using capsule endoscopy imaging, and, if necessary, with other investigative modalities. All patients were operated on using single‐port surgery for small bowel exploration, lesion confirmation, small bowel resection and anastomosis.Results  Small bowel pathology was successfully detected by video capsule endoscopy in three of four patients, and was further substantiated by contrast CT, double‐balloon endoscopy or enteroclysis. Complete small bowel exploration, intra‐operative identification and oncological resection of the involved segment and anastomosis (intracorporeal and extracorporeal) was successfully performed in all five patients using single‐port access without any complication, morbidity or mortality.Conclusion  This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of single‐port small bowel resection performed after a high‐quality preoperative localization of the tumour.
The frequency of advanced adenoma in consulting patients: a nationwide survey in Iceland (2003–2006)
Authors: Rubio C. A. , Kristjansdottir S. , Thodleifsson B. , Olafsdóttir E. , Jonasson J. G. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  To assess the frequency of advanced colorectal adenomas in consulting patients in Iceland.Method  The histological configuration of colorectal adenomas (CRA) found in 3603 patients was classified into tubular (TA), villous (VA) and serrated (SA) and the degree of neoplastic severity into low‐grade dysplasia (LGD), high‐grade dysplasia (HGD), carcinoma in situ (CIS), intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) and submucosal carcinoma (SMC). Advanced CRA were those showing HGD, CIS, IMC and/or SMCs. In patients with two or more adenomas, the adenoma with the highest degree of epithelial neoplasia was selected to record cases.Results  Between 2003 and 2006 a total of 19 424 endoscopic examinations (13 572 colonoscopies and 5852 sigmoidoscopies) were performed in Iceland (mean, 4856 endoscopies per year). At histology a mean of 759.3 CRA per year were found. Thus, CRA were found in 15.6% of the colorectal endoscopies performed per year. Out of the 3037 CRA studied, 67% were TA, 29% VA and the remaining 4% SA. LGD was present in 79%, HGD in 15%, CIS in 2.4%, IMC in 1.9% and SMC in 1.9%. Consequently, out of 3037 CRA investigated, 652 (21.5%) were advanced CRA; 71% of these showed HGD, 11% CIS, 9% IMC and 9% SMC. Two‐thirds of the 652 advanced CRA were advanced VA, and more than three‐quarters of 58 advanced CRA with SMC, were advanced VA.Conclusion  Advanced VA displaying intraepithelial neoplasia (HGD and CIS) showed a propensity to evolve into invasive carcinoma. Accordingly, VA displaying HGD and CIS might be regarded as biological markers for predicting colorectal cancer risk. This is the first study in which the frequency of CRA and advanced CRA detected in consulting patients is reported on a nationwide basis.
Survival outcome of patients with screening versus symptomatically detected colorectal cancers
Authors: Pande R. , Froggatt P. , Baragwanath P. , Harmston C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  The national Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has been rolled out nationwide following pilot screening in two health authorities in the UK. The aim of this study was to define overall 5‐year survival of screen detected cancers and to compare the overall survival outcome of screened vs symptomatic patients over a 10‐year period.Method  All patients with colorectal cancer treated at one trust in patients of screening age (50–69 years) during the pilot screening programme (2000–2008) were analysed. Patients were defined as screen detected or symptomatically detected. Disease pathology and recurrence data were obtained from the hospital’s computerized results reporting system and mortality was cross‐matched with data from the West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Network.Results  In all, 633 patients aged 50–69 were identified in the study period; 155 patients had a screen detected cancer and 478 did not. A log‐rank test completed on survival outcomes indicated that survival was significantly worse in the symptomatic group. This difference persisted if only patients treated with curative intent were considered.Conclusion  Survival outcome was significantly better in the screened vs the symptomatic population in all groups and also in those treated for curative intent. There was a trend towards better survival for screen detected cancer when compared stage for stage.
Is colorectal surveillance indicated in patients with PTEN mutations?
Authors: Nieuwenhuis M. H. , Kets C. M. , Murphy‐Ryan M. , Colas C. , Möller P. , Hes F. J. , Hodgson S. V. , Olderode‐Berends M. J. W. , Aretz S. , Heinimann K. , Gomez Garcia E. B. , Douglas F. , Spigelman A. , Timshel S. , Lindor N. M. , Vasen H. F. A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  Patients with germline phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) mutations develop hamartomatous lesions in several organs and are at increased risk of various malignancies. We assessed the lifetime risk of benign and malignant gastrointestinal lesions in patients with a proven PTEN mutation.Method  Data on gender, mutation, dates of birth, last contact, and diagnosis, location and type of gastrointestinal lesions were collected from nine countries. The lifetime risk of gastrointestinal lesions was calculated by Kaplan–Meier methods.Results  A total of 156 patients (67 men, 43%) from 101 families with a PTEN mutation were included. Patients were born between 1928 and 2008. Benign gastrointestinal polyps were reported in 49 (31%) patients at a mean age of 38 years (range 18–62 years) and were most often hamartomas. Twenty‐two (44%) patients had upper as well as lower gastrointestinal lesions, 14 (29%) had only colonic lesions and 13 (27%) had gastrointestinal lesions at unknown sites. The cumulative risk of developing benign gastrointestinal polyps was 70% at age 60. Four patients (two men) developed colorectal carcinoma at 53, 57, 59 and 62 years, respectively. The cumulative risk of developing colorectal carcinoma was 18% at age 60. Except for one carcinoid in the small intestine, no upper gastrointestinal cancers were observed.Conclusion  Benign gastrointestinal lesions are common in PTEN mutation carriers, and a three‐ to four‐fold increased lifetime risk of colorectal cancer compared with the general population may exist. Colorectal screening of patients with germline PTEN mutations is recommended, starting at age 40 years.
The WIMAT colonoscopy suitcase model: a novel porcine polypectomy trainer
Authors: Ansell J. , Arnaoutakis K. , Goddard S. , Hawkes N. , Leicester R. , Dolwani S. , Torkington J. , Warren N. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim Simulation allows the acquisition of complex skills within a safe environment. Endoscopic polypectomy has a long learning curve. Our novel polypectomy simulator may be a useful adjunct for training. The aim of this study was to assess its content validity.Method The Welsh Institute for Minimal Access Therapy (WIMAT) endoscopy suitcase was designed to simulate colonic polypectomy. Participants from regional and national courses were recruited into the study. Each undertook a standardized simulated polypectomy and completed a seven‐point Likert scale questionnaire examining its realism.Results In all, 17 participants completed the questionnaire: 15 (88.2%) gastroenterologists, one (5.9%) colorectal surgeon and one (5.9%) experienced endoscopic nurse specialist. Of the gastroenterologists, seven (46.7%) were consultants and eight (53.3%) were senior trainees or Post CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) fellows. The mean number of real‐life polypectomies performed by the cohort was 156 (95% CI 35–355). The highest scores were for ‘mucosal realism’ (median score 6.0, P = 0.001), ‘endoscopic snare control’ (median score 6.0, P = 0.001), ‘handling the polyp’ (median score 6.0, P = 0.001) and ‘raising mucosa’ (median score 6.0, P < 0.001). Of the 15 parameters examined only three were not statistically significant in favour of the simulator. These were ‘anatomical realism of sessile polyps’, ‘resistance of scope movement’ and ‘paradoxical motion’. The overall score for the simulation was 6.0 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the level of difficulty of the simulator compared with real life (median score 4.0, P = 0.559).Conclusion The WIMAT colonoscopy suitcase model has excellent content validity for several parameters. This may have potential applications in medical training and assessment.
Combined modality treatment for complex fistulating perianal Crohn’s disease
Authors: Antakia R. , Shorthouse A. J. , Robinson K. , Lobo A. J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  Perianal disease affects 33% (range 8–90%) of patients with Crohn’s disease. Fistulae are often complex and their management is often difficult and unsatisfactory. This study was a retrospective assessment of a combination of surgical treatment with a standardized protocol of infliximab (IFX) therapy.Method  A consecutive series of patients with complex perianal Crohn’s disease, presenting between January 2003 and June 2008, were included. Acute sepsis was initially treated with antibiotics and/or surgical drainage (MRI guided when appropriate) and loose seton insertion. IFX was given at 5 mg/kg, at 0, 2 and 6 weeks. End‐points were complete, partial or no response. Setons were empirically removed after the second cycle of IFX.Results  Forty‐eight patients, average age 46 (range 24–82) years, with perianal Crohn’s disease were identified. Three patients stopped IFX after the second infusion, either because of allergy (two patients) or for failure to respond (one patient). Fourteen patients were given maintenance IFX at 8‐weekly intervals. Results were recorded for 48 patients, of whom 14 (29%) had a complete response, 20 (42%) had a partial response and 14 (29%) had no response to treatment. Outpatient follow‐up was for a median of 20 months.Conclusion  Combining surgical procedures with IFX resulted in complete and partial remission in 29% and 42% of patients, respectively. No serious side effects occurred. Using a combined, intensive medico‐surgical approach, good initial control of perianal disease was achieved safely.
New developments in castrate‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Shore N. , Mason M. , de Reijke Th. M. 
Published: June 2012

Castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) occurs when disease progresses in the presence of castrate levels of androgens and remains sensitive to further hormonal manipulation. For many years the treatment of CRPC was limited to the use of docetaxel for metastatic disease. However, this has recently changed with the approval of several new agents. Sipuleucel‐T, an immunotherapeutic vaccine, is now available in the US for patients with non‐metastatic CRPC and abiraterone, an oral enzyme inhibitor of androgen biosynthesis, as well as cabazitaxel, a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic, have been approved for the treatment of metastatic CRPC. Also, denosumab, a subcutaneous antibody, is now an option for the treatment of patients with CRPC with bone metastases, in addition to zoledronic acid, an intravenous bisphosphonate.Further treatment advances for metastatic CRPC therapeutics are in late stage phase III development. These include therapies affecting the androgen receptor (MDV3100) as well as additional immune‐based therapeutics, PROSTVAC and ipilimumab. A broad range of agents is also emerging under the term targeted therapies. The endothelin‐A receptor antagonist zibotentan, the tyrosine kinase inhibitors dasatinib, sorafenib and cabozantinib, the anti‐angiogenic agent aflibercept, and the clusterin inhibitor custirsen, are all currently being tested for efficacy in metastatic CRPC. The mechanism of action of these and other promising agents are discussed alongside current therapeutic options and their potential place in the treatment landscape for CRPC is considered.
A pocket‐sized disposable device for testing the integrity of sensation in the outpatient setting
Authors: Bowling F. L. , Abbott C. A. , Harris W. E. , Atanasov S. , Malik R. A. , Boulton A. J. M. 
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1550–1552 (2012)AbstractAims  To compare the Ipswich Touch Test and the VibraTip with the Neuropathy Disability Score and the vibration perception threshold for detecting the ‘at‐risk’ foot.Methods  We directly compared the Ipswich Touch Test and the VibraTip with both the Neuropathy Disability Score ≥ 6 and the vibration perception threshold ≥ 25 V indicating ‘at‐risk’ feet in 83 individuals.Results  The vibration perception threshold and Neuropathy Disability Score tests exhibited almost perfect agreement with each other (P < 0.001). The VibraTip and Ipswich Touch Test results were identical (P < 0.001). The VibraTip and Ipswich Touch Test results also exhibited almost perfect agreement with the vibration perception threshold (P < 0.001) and the Neuropathy Disability Score (P < 0.001).Conclusions  These two simple and efficient tests are easy to teach, reliable and can be used in any setting, and neither requires an external power source. We conclude that both the VibraTip and the Ipswich Touch Test are reliable and sensitive tests for identifying the ‘high‐risk’ foot.
Vacancy Referrals, Job Search, and the Duration of Unemployment: A Randomized Experiment
Authors: Engström Per , Hesselius Patrik , Holmlund Bertil 
Published: June 2012

AbstractOne goal of the Public Employment Service is to facilitate matching between unemployed job‐seekers and job vacancies; another goal is to monitor job search so as to bring search efforts among the unemployed in line with search requirements. The referral of job‐seekers to vacancies is one instrument used for these purposes. We report results from a randomized Swedish experiment where the outcome of referrals is examined. To what extent do unemployed individuals actually apply for the jobs they are referred to? Does information to job‐seekers about increased monitoring affect the probability of applying and the probability of leaving unemployment? The experiment indicates that a relatively large fraction (one‐third) of the referrals do not result in job applications. Information about intensified monitoring causes an increase in the probability of job application, especially among young people. However, we find no significant impact on the duration of unemployment.
Problems in pattern alopecia
Authors: Richards Kristen N , Rashid Rashid M 
Published: June 2012

SummaryFemale pattern hair loss (FPHL) was originally described as synonymous with androgenetic alopecia. However, the role of androgens in FPHL has not been proven, and the etiology is not yet defined. Several patterns of hair loss in women have been described, in addition to descriptions of scarring alopecias mimicking FPHL. In this paper, we discuss FPHL as an entity other than androgenetic alopecia and suggest that de‐emphasizing the physicians reliance on pattern in the diagnosis of hair loss in women, and instead utilizing other tools including dermoscopy and histopathology, would benefit clinician’s efforts in treating alopecias.
Hyaluronic acid plus mannitol treatment for improved skin hydration and elasticity
Authors: Taieb Maryna , Gay Christian , Sebban Sandrine , Secnazi Pierre 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackground  Mesotherapy treatment of aging skin aims to replace depleting levels of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid (HA).Aim  To investigate the efficacy of 13.5 mg/g uncross‐linked HA+0.9% mannitol (HA+mannitol) on skin hydration and elasticity.Patients/Methods  Four centers enrolled 34 women: Subgroup 1 comprised 27 subjects injected using a “depot” technique; Subgroup 2 comprised seven subjects injected using a “picotage” technique.Results  A notable difference was seen between the two subgroups in outcome and subject satisfaction. In Subgroup 1, a significant improvement was seen in hydration, anisotropy, and skin roughness, but Subgroup 2 showed no significant improvements. Most physicians assessed HA+mannitol as “easy/very easy” to inject. Physician esthetic assessment in Subgroup 1 was “improved/very improved” for >90% of subjects at Day 60, and >80% according to subject assessment. 95% of subjects were delighted with treatment, and 85% would undergo repeat treatment and would recommend treatment to a friend. However, results for Subgroup 2 indicated 86% of subjects were unhappy with treatment and 83% would refuse to undergo repeat treatment.Conclusions  HA+mannitol is effective for skin hydration, anisotropy, and roughness when treated using a depot technique.
Modulation of telomere binding proteins: a future area of research for skin protection and anti‐aging target
Authors: Imbert Isabelle , Botto Jean‐Marie , Farra Claude D. , Domloge Nouha 
Published: June 2012

SummaryTelomere shortening is considered as one of the main characteristics of cellular aging by limiting cellular division. Besides the fundamental advances through the discoveries of telomere and telomerase, which were recognized by a Nobel Prize, telomere protection remains an essential area of research. Recently, it was evidenced that studying the cross‐talks between the proteins associated with telomere should provide a better understanding of the mechanistic basis for telomere‐associated aging phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on telomere shortening, telomerase activity, and the essential role of telomere binding proteins in telomere stabilization and telomere‐end protection. This review highlights the capacity of telomere binding proteins to limit cellular senescence and to maintain skin tissue homeostasis, which is of key importance to reduce accelerated tissue aging. Future studies addressing telomere protection and limitation of DNA damage response in human skin should include investigations on telomere binding proteins. As little is known about the expression of telomere binding proteins in human skin and modulation of their expression with aging, it remains an interesting field of skin research and a key area for future skin protection and anti‐aging developments.