bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SUNRegulates Vegetative and Reproductive Organ Shape by Changing Cell Division Patterns
Authors: Wu Shan , Xiao Han , Cabrera Antonio , Meulia Tea , van der Knaap Esther 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOne of the major genes controlling the elongated fruit shape of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is SUN. In this study, we explored the roles of SUN in vegetative and reproductive development using near isogenic lines (NILs) that differ at the sun locus, and SUN overexpressors in both the wild species LA1589 (Solanum pimpinellifolium) and the cultivar Sun1642 background. Our results demonstrate that SUN controls tomato shape through redistribution of mass that is mediated by increased cell division in the longitudinal and decreased cell division in the transverse direction of the fruit. The expression of SUN is positively correlated with slender phenotypes in cotyledon, leaflet, and floral organs, an elongated ovary, and negatively correlated with seed weight. Overexpression of SUN leads to more extreme phenotypes than those shown in the NILs and include thinner leaf rachises and stems, twisted leaf rachises, increased serrations of the leaflets, and dramatically increased elongation at the proximal end of the ovary and fruit. In situ hybridizations of the NILs showed that SUN is expressed throughout the ovary and young fruit, particularly in the vascular tissues and placenta surface, and in the ovules and developing seed. The phenotypic effects resulting from high expression of SUN suggest that the gene is involved in several plant developmental processes.
The major risk alleles of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in CFH do not play a major role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Authors: Trouw L A , Böhringer S , Daha N A , Stahl E A , Raychaudhuri S , Kurreeman F A , Stoeken-Rijsbergen G , Houwing-Duistermaat J J , Huizinga T W , Toes R E 
Published: September 2011

Summary
Because activation of the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is an important aspect of both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we wished to address the question whether genetic risk factors of the AP inhibitor complement factor H (CFH) for AMD would also be risk factors for RA. For this purpose we genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a Dutch set of RA patients and controls. Similarly, a meta-analysis using a Spanish cohort of RA as well as six large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) studies was performed. For these SNPs we analysed more than 6000 patients and 20 000 controls. The CFH variants, I62V, Y402H, IVS1 and IVS10, known to associate strongly with AMD, did not show a significant association with the risk of developing RA despite a strong statistical power to detect such differences. In conclusion, the major risk alleles of AMD in CFH do not have a similar effect on developing RA.
An integrative view on the carotid artery alterations in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Hao , Gong Hui‐Ping , Shang Yuan‐Yuan , Tang Meng‐Xiong , Fang Ning‐Ning , Jiang Gui‐Hua , Zhang Yun , Zhong Ming , Zhang Wei 
Published: September 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (5): 496–502AbstractBackgrounds  Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiple risk factor paradigm widely considered in risk management. We aimed to investigate carotid artery alterations in MetS and the underlying risk factors.Materials and methods  A total of 400 Chinese subjects were recruited, divided into control (n = 200) and MetS (n = 200) groups. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. All subjects underwent carotid ultrasonography.Results  Cardiovascular risk profiles were worse in the MetS than control group (all P < 0·05). After adjusting for MetS and age, the MetS group showed significantly increased mean intima‐media thickness (IMTmean) and significantly impaired carotid elastic properties (all P < 0·05), as compared to control group. Waist circumference (WC) was positively correlated with IMTmean (r = 0·130, P = 0·038), systolic carotid diameter (r = 0·139, P = 0·026) and diastolic carotid diameter (r = 0·168, P = 0·007). systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure were positively correlated with IMTmean (r = 0·201, P = 0·004; r = 0·168, P = 0·008, respectively), but negatively with arterial compliance coefficient (r = −0·421, P < 0·001; r = −0·230, P < 0·001, respectively). Serum level of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) negatively correlated with IMTmean (r = −0·195, P = 0·002). Plaque index was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose (r = 0·205, P = 0·001) after adjusting for the other risk factors. Significantly impaired carotid elastic properties (all P < 0·05) independently correlated with IMTmean. Furthermore, age (β = 0·255, P < 0·001), SBP (β = 0·224, P < 0·001), WC (β = 0·202, P < 0·001) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) (β = −0·163, P = 0·001) were independently associated with IMTmean.Conclusion  Carotid alterations consequent upon MetS ultimately developed subclinical and clinical atherosclerosis, the underlying risk factors for which were abdominal obesity, hypertension, ageing and low level of HDL‐C.
Crystal structure of the N‐terminal domain of linker LR and the assembly of cyanobacterial phycobilisome rods
Authors: Gao Xiang , Zhang Nan , Wei Tian‐Di , Su Hai‐Nan , Xie Bin‐Bin , Dong Chuang‐Chuang , Zhang Xi‐Ying , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Zhou Bai‐Cheng , Wang Zhi‐Xin , Wu Jia‐Wei , Zhang Yu‐Zhong 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPhycobilisomes are light‐harvesting supramolecular complexes in cyanobacteria and red algae. Linkers play a pivotal role in the assembly and energy transfer modulation of phycobilisomes. However, how linkers function remains unclear due to the lack of structural and biochemical studies of linkers, especially the N‐terminal domain of LR (pfam00427). Here, we report the crystal structure of the pfam00427 domain of the linker LR30 from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 at 1.9 Å. The pfam00427 presents as a previously uncharacterized point symmetric six α‐helix bundle. To elucidate the binding style of pfam00427 in the C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) (αβ)6 hexamer, we fixed pfam00427 computationally into the C‐PC (αβ)6 inner cavity using the program AutoDock. Combined with a conserved ‘C‐PC binding patch’ on pfam00427 identified, we arrived at a model for the pfam00427–C‐PC (αβ)6 complex. This model was further optimized and evaluated as a reasonable result by a molecular dynamics simulation. In the resulting model, the pfam00427 domain is stably positioned in the central hole of the C‐PC trimer. Moreover, the LRT (pfam01383) was docked into our pfam00427–C‐PC model to generate a complete phycobilisome rod in which the linkers join individual biliprotein hexamers.
Resistance to glyphosate in Lolium rigidum selected in Italian perennial crops: bioevaluation, management and molecular bases of target‐site resistance
Authors: COLLAVO A , SATTIN M 
Published: September 2011

Collavo A & Sattin M (2011). Resistance to glyphosate in Lolium rigidum selected in Italian perennial crops: bioevaluation, management and molecular bases of target‐site resistance. Weed Research 52, 16–24.SummaryThe resistance status of two Lolium rigidum populations (IBAF code 332 and 336) collected in northern Italian vineyards and southern Italian olive groves was investigated. Glasshouse and outdoor pot experiments confirmed that both populations were resistant to glyphosate, exhibiting a resistance index of 4 (pop. 332) and 16 (pop. 336) based on plant survival. Multiple resistance to ACCase and ALS inhibitors was also investigated, and it has been demonstrated that pop. 332 has a lower susceptibility to fluazifop but could be controlled by cycloxydim and flazasulfuron, whereas the other populations tested did not survive herbicides other than glyphosate. The molecular bases of possible target‐site resistance were also investigated. Four different patterns of substitution at position 106 were discovered only in the sequences of pop. 336: (i) heterozygous proline–leucine (CCA‐CTA); (ii) heterozygous proline–serine (CCA‐TCA); (iii) heterozygous leucine–serine (CTA‐TCA); and (iv) homozygous serine–serine. The high glyphosate resistance level of pop. 336 indicated that resistance mechanism(s) other than target site are likely to be present. Integrated weed management based on rotation of herbicide mode of action, a careful use of glyphosate, as well as non‐chemical weed control, like mowing the vegetation between crop rows, should be implemented to effectively control and limit the dissemination of resistant populations.
Prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in first‐degree relatives of chronic kidney disease patients in Southern China
Authors: WEI XIN , LI ZHIJIAN , CHEN WEI , MAO HAIPING , LI ZHIBIN , DONG XIUQING , TAN JIAQING , LING LI , CHEN ANG , GUO NA , YU XUEQING 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in first‐degree relatives (FDRs) of CKD patients.Methods:  A cross‐section study of first‐degree relatives of CKD patients was conducted between November 2007 and March 2009 in southern China. A total of 1187 first‐degree relatives (494 male and 693 female; mean age 41.26 years) of 419 CKD patients (194 male and 225 female; mean age 32.10 years) were reviewed and tested for haematuria, albuminuria and reduced glomerular filtration rate. CKD risk factors, including age, gender, body mass index, hypertension and the causes of index case were also investigated. CKD was diagnosed according to the criteria of the National Kidney Foundation‐Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative.Results:  The prevalence of CKD in first‐degree relatives of CKD patients was 29.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.1%–32.2%). After adjusting for all the potential confounders, older age, female gender, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hyperuricaemia, hypertriglyceridemic, low level of high density lipoproteins, increased body mass index and nephrotoxic medications were independently associated with increased risk of CKD. Furthermore, relatives of index cases with chronic glomerulonephritis were at higher risk haematuria (ORs = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.45–3.10) compared with relatives of index cases with other kinds of renal diseases.Conclusion:  The first‐degree relatives of CKD patients are at high risk of CKD, especially those relatives of CKD patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. Screening in this high risk population might help to identify early CKD patients and make a proper intervention strategy to prevent the disease from quick progression.
Slipping through the bowel cancer screening programme
Authors: Hallifax R. , Lacey M. , Bevis P. , Borley N. R. , Brooklyn T. , Wheeler J. M. D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Colorectal cancer is common and a leading cause of cancer death. Faecal occult blood screening has been shown to reduce mortality. The aim of this study was to identify patients in Gloucestershire with a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer who had previously been screened via the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP).Method  Between 2006 and 2009, 1030 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Of these 237 (23%) had been invited to be screened via the BCSP. Their clinical notes were analysed.Results  Fifty‐seven (24%) of the 237 patients had previously had a negative faecal occult blood result. Thirty‐three (14%) had their cancer discovered as part of the BCSP. Seventy (30%) had already been diagnosed with colorectal cancer prior to invitation, 62 (26%) did not respond to the invitation, nine (4%) were registered outside Gloucestershire and had therefore not been invited, and three (3%) had died before the invitation. Of the 57 patients with a negative faecal occult blood test, 47 (83%) had colorectal cancer staged Dukes B or C, and 34 (60%) had a rectal or sigmoid cancer.Conclusion  Patients will present with colorectal cancer despite having been invited to participate in the BCSP, with many having received a negative faecal occult blood test. This could be considered a high false negative rate.
Feline glaucoma—a comprehensive review
Authors: McLellan Gillian J. , Miller Paul E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCats with glaucoma typically present late in the course of disease. It is likely that glaucoma in cats is under‐diagnosed due to its insidious onset and gradual progression, as well as limitations of some commonly used tonometers in this species. Treatment of glaucoma in feline patients presents a clinical challenge, particularly as glaucoma is often secondary to other disease processes in cats. In this review, we consider the clinical features, pathophysiology, and classification of the feline glaucomas and provide current evidence to direct selection of appropriate treatment strategies for feline glaucoma patients.
The in vitro effects of proxymetacaine, fluorescein, and fusidic acid on real‐time PCR assays used for the diagnosis of Feline herpesvirus 1 and Chlamydophila felis infections
Authors: Segarra Sergi , Papasouliotis Kostas , Helps Chris 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose  To investigate the possible inhibition of qPCR assays used for the diagnosis of ocular infections in cats by proxymetacaine, fluorescein, and fusidic acid, which are commonly used in veterinary ophthalmology.Methods  Fluorescein, proxymetacaine, and fusidic acid were tested for possible inhibition of a triplex qPCR assay designed to detect Chamydophila felis, Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV‐1), and the feline 28S ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) gene by comparing threshold cycle (Ct) values of samples with and without the three products. A second experiment was carried out to measure the effects of various dilutions of fusidic acid.Results  No statistically significant differences were detected between the C. felis, FHV‐1, and 28S rDNA Ct values with and without proxymetacaine or fluorescein. However, there was a statistically significant increase in FHV‐1 (P < 0.01), C. felis (P < 0.01), and 28S rDNA (P < 0.05) Ct values when fusidic acid was used. When dilutions of fusidic acid were tested, the results revealed that only the 1:2 dilution caused a statistically significant increase (P < 0.01) in the FHV‐1 Ct values.Conclusion  Proxymetacaine and fluorescein did not interfere with our qPCR assays for the detection of C. felis and FHV‐1. The presence of fusidic acid caused a small inhibitory effect of doubtful clinical significance. In vivo studies are required to establish the clinical relevance of this study and to confirm our findings.
Oral prednisone use and risk of keratinocyte carcinoma in non‐transplant population. The VATTC trial
Authors: Baibergenova A.T. , Weinstock M.A. ,   VATTC Trial Group
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Glucorticosteroids (GC) are potent anti‐inflammatory medications with immunosuppressive property. Few retrospective studies have reported the increased risk of development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) associated with GC use.Objective  We aimed to assess the effect of oral GC use on the risk of BCC and SCC using prospective data.Methods  We analysed data from the Veterans Affairs Topical Tretinoin Chemoprevention Trial, which followed up patients from 1998 to 2004. Exposure to oral GCs was defined as (1) use of any oral GCs at any point during follow‐up and (2) use of GCs for a month or longer. Outcome was occurrence of new BCC or SCC. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results  Among the 1051 study participants, 148 patients (14%) had prednisone prescription filled during study period, and 63 (6%) used prednisone for over a month. A total of 472 patients (45%) developed at least one BCC during study: 394 (44%) among non‐users of prednisone and 78 (53%) among any time users. The total number of new SCC was 309 (29%): 258 (29%) among non‐users of prednisone and 51 (34%) among users. Among any time prednisone users, the adjusted HR was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.87–1.42) for BCC, and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.76–1.45) for SCC. Among those who used prednisone for 30 or more days, the HR was 1.26 (95% CI, 0.90–1.78) for BCC, and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.66–1.60) for SCC.Conclusion  This study does not support the existence of association between use of oral GCs and risk of BCC or SCC.
Comparison and Description of Transdiaphragmatic and Abdominal Minimally Invasive Cisterna Chyli Ablation in Dogs
Authors: Sakals Sherisse , Schmiedt Chad W. , Radlinsky MaryAnn G. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo develop, describe, and compare transdiaphragmatic (TD) and abdominal minimally invasive approaches to cisterna chyli (CC) ablation.Study DesignExperimental study.AnimalsAdult dogs (n = 18; weighing, 19.0 ± 0.9 kg).MethodsWith dogs in sternal recumbency, laparoscopic camera and instrument portals were established entirely within the craniolateral aspect of the abdomen (AB) or in combination with a TD camera portal. A popliteal lymph node was injected with methylene blue to provide coloration of the CC in both groups. Once the CC was identified, laparoscopic forceps were used to tear and ablate the CC tissue. Ablation was confirmed by necropsy examination and observation of blue fluid leaking into the peritoneal cavity after injection of the ileocecocolic lymph nodes with methylene blue. After censor of the first 2 dogs in each group, the AB and TD techniques were compared using procedural time and visual analogue scale data of procedure ease, hemorrhage, triangulation efficiency, and adequacy of portal placement.ResultsSuccessful CC ablation was achieved in 7 of the TD group and 5 of the AB group. Failure was because of an inability to identify the CC or tearing of the aorta. Other than a longer procedural time in the TD group, there were no statistical differences identified. Complications encountered during the procedures led to technical refinements.ConclusionsBoth TD and AB minimally invasive approaches can be used to achieve successful CC ablation.
Occlusion of the Thoracic Duct Using Ultrasonically Activated Shears in Six Dogs
Authors: Leasure Christopher S. , Ellison Gary W. , Roberts John F. , Coomer Alastair R. , Choate Christina J. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of sealing the thoracic duct (TD) in dogs using ultrasonically activated shears via thoracoscopy.Study DesignIn vivoexperimental study.AnimalsMature dogs (n= 6).MethodsDogs were anesthetized without pulmonary exclusion and positioned in left lateral recumbency. Lymphangiography was performed to identifyTDanatomy. Methylene blue was injected into the lymphatic catheter to identify theTDand its branches. Under thoracoscopic guidance (right dorsal 8–10th intercostal spaces), theTDwas sealed with an ultrasonic device and lymphangiography was repeated. If the flow of contrast continued beyond the occlusion site, additional attempts to seal the duct were made. Dogs were euthanatized, theTDwas excised and fixed in formalin for histopathology.ResultsThoracoscopic identification of theTDwas possible in 5 dogs. Three dogs required conversion to a thoracoscopic‐assisted approach and 3 dogs required resealing of theTDcloser to the diaphragm. Thoracic duct occlusion (TDO) was ultimately achieved in all 6 dogs based on follow‐up lymphangiography.TDOby tissue coagulation was confirmed by histopathology.ConclusionsThoracoscopic identification and occlusion of theTDusing ultrasonically activated shears with bilateral lung ventilation is technically feasible in normal dogs and provides a less invasive alternative to open thoracotomy procedures.
Renal involvement of mantle cell lymphoma leading to end stage renal disease
Authors: Lee Hyeon Jeong , Seo Jong Woo , Cho Hyun Seop , Kang Yeojin , Bae Eun Jin , Lee Dong Won , Jeon Dae‐Hong , Lee Jong Sil , Chang Se‐Ho , Park Dong Jun 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMantle cell lymphoma (MCL), owing to its insensitivity to chemotherapy, has a poor prognosis, with a median survival of 3 years to 4 years. MCL frequently infiltrates other organs. However, reports involving kidney in living patients are rare. Here, we report a case of MCL with renal involvement leading to end stage renal disease that required renal replacement therapy. A 69‐year‐old man diagnosed with MCL 3 years earlier was admitted to our emergency room due to uremic symptoms. After eight cycles of chemotherapy, he had displayed complete remission, but experienced a recurrence 1.5 years later; after refusing chemotherapy, the patient was lost on follow‐up in the final 10 months. On presentation at the emergency room, the patient's serum blood urea nitrogen was 109.5 mg/dL, and creatinine was 11.1 mg/dL. All serological markers for secondary glomerulonephritis were negative. Renal biopsy revealed 50% sclerosis of the glomerulus and small dense lymphocyte infiltration of the tubulo‐interstitium. Similar cells were found on the gastric mucosa. Despite our recommendation for chemotherapy, he refused all treatments except for hemodialysis, which was maintained for 12 months until his death. This patient represents the first case report of the renal involvement of MCL leading to end stage renal disease.
Thermoelectric Property of Polycrystalline Aluminum‐Doped Zinc Oxide Enhanced by Micropore Foaming
Authors: Teranishi Takashi , Mori Yosuke , Hayashi Hidetaka , Kishimoto Akira 
Published: September 2011

A unique micropore foaming technique was used to enhance the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO). Silicon carbide (α‐SiC) and aluminum nitride (AlN) were used as foaming precursors. Thermoelectric conductivity, κ, decreased on addition of both precursors, increasing the porosity. Electric conductivity, σ, decreased upon addition of α‐SiC, and subsequent addition of AlN reversed the effect. This phenomenon is due to the chemical reactions that occur upon addition of each precursor: the active oxidation of α‐SiC and the decomposition reaction of AlN. The Seebeck coefficient, S, for 0.5 mol% AlN‐doped AZO (Al0.005Zn0.995O, AZO‐0.005) was more than twice that of conventional non‐doped AZO. Accordingly, the power factor and the figure of merit, ZT, for the porous AlN‐doped AZO‐0.005 were 4.9 and 5.8 times those of the conventional polycrystalline AZO, respectively, demonstrating that the compositionally optimized porous AZO exhibited excellent thermoelectric properties at high temperatures.