bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notch3 and Jagged2 contribute to gastric cancer development and to glandular differentiation associated with MUC2 and MUC5AC expression
Authors: Kang Haeyoun , An Hee‐Jung , Song Ji‐Ye , Kim Tae‐Heon , Heo Jin‐Hyung , Ahn Dae‐Ho , Kim Gwangil 
Published: June 2012

Kang H, An H‐J, Song J‐Y, Kim T‐H, Heo J‐H, Ahn D‐H & Kim G  (2012) Histopathology 61, 576–586Notch3 and Jagged2 contribute to gastric cancer development and to glandular differentiation associated with MUC2 and MUC5AC expressionAims:  Notch signalling plays diverse roles in malignant tumours as well as in normal tissue development. In this study we investigated the expression of Notch signalling pathway genes and their clinicopathological significance in gastric carcinomas.Methods and results:  Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, Jagged2 and Hes1 expression were analysed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) (n = 81) and immunohistochemistry (n = 103) in gastric carcinomas. MUC2 and MUC5AC expression were also assessed, using immunohistochemistry only. With qRT–PCR, Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1 and Jagged2 expression were increased significantly in tumour compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively). Overexpression of Notch3 and Jagged2 was associated with intestinal‐type carcinomas (P = 0.024) and better histological differentiation (P = 0.047), respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed a reverse correlation between MUC2 and Notch3 or Jagged1 (P = 0.033 and P = 0.005, respectively) and between MUC5AC and Jagged1 or Hes1 (P = 0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively). Notch3 and Jagged2 gene overexpression related to a favourable outcome on univariate (P = 0.046 and P = 0.042, respectively) and multivariate (P = 0.045, Notch3) analysis.Conclusions:  The expression of Notch3 and Jagged2 is associated not only with gastric cancer development but also with the intestinal/glandular differentiation of gastric carcinoma cells, suggesting a role as a possible favourable prognostic indicator.
Environmental controls on the global distribution of shallow‐water coral reefs
Authors: Couce Elena , Ridgwell Andy , Hendy Erica J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  Elucidating the environmental limits of coral reefs is central to projecting future impacts of climate change on these ecosystems and their global distribution. Recent developments in species distribution modelling (SDM) and the availability of comprehensive global environmental datasets have provided an opportunity to reassess the environmental factors that control the distribution of coral reefs at the global scale as well as to compare the performance of different SDM techniques.Location  Shallow waters world‐wide.Methods  The SDM methods used were maximum entropy (Maxent) and two presence/absence methods: classification and regression trees (CART) and boosted regression trees (BRT). The predictive variables considered included sea surface temperature (SST), salinity, aragonite saturation state (ΩArag), nutrients, irradiance, water transparency, dust, current speed and intensity of cyclone activity. For many variables both mean and SD were considered, and at weekly, monthly and annually averaged time‐scales. All were transformed to a global 1° × 1° grid to generate coral reef probability maps for comparison with known locations. Model performance was compared in terms of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) scores. Potential geographical bias was explored via misclassification maps of false positive and negative errors on test data.Results  Boosted regression trees consistently outperformed other methods, although Maxent also performed acceptably. The dominant environmental predictors were the temperature variables (annual mean SST, and monthly and weekly minimum SST), followed by, and with their relative importance differing between regions, nutrients, light availability and ΩArag. No systematic bias in SDM performance was found between major coral provinces, but false negatives were more likely for cells containing ‘marginal’ non‐reef‐forming coral communities, e.g. Bermuda.Main conclusions  Agreement between BRT and Maxent models gives predictive confidence for exploring the environmental limits of coral reef ecosystems at a spatial scale relevant to global climate models (c. 1° × 1°). Although SST‐related variables dominate the coral reef distribution models, contributions from nutrients, ΩArag and light availability were critical in developing models of reef presence in regions such as the Bahamas, South Pacific and Coral Triangle. The steep response in SST‐driven probabilities at low temperatures indicates that latitudinal expansion of coral reef habitat is very sensitive to global warming.
QTL and quantitative genetic analysis of beak morphology reveals patterns of standing genetic variation in an Estrildid finch
Authors: KNIEF ULRICH , SCHIELZETH HOLGER , KEMPENAERS BART , ELLEGREN HANS , FORSTMEIER WOLFGANG 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe intra‐ and interspecific diversity of avian beak morphologies is one of the most compelling examples for the power of natural selection acting on a morphological trait. The development and diversification of the beak have also become a textbook example for evolutionary developmental biology, and variation in expression levels of several genes is known to causally affect beak shape. However, until now, no genomic polymorphisms have been identified, which are related to beak morphology in birds. QTL mapping does reveal the location of causal polymorphisms, albeit with poor spatial resolution. Here, we estimate heritability and genetic correlations for beak length, depth and width and perform a QTL linkage analysis for these traits based on 1404 informative single‐nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped in a four‐generation pedigree of 992 captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Beak size, relative to body size, was sexually dimorphic (larger in males). Heritability estimates ranged from 0.47 for beak length to 0.74 for beak width. QTL mapping revealed four to five regions of significant or suggestive genome‐wide linkage for each of the three beak dimensions (nine different regions in total). Eight out of 11 genes known to influence beak morphology are located in these nine peak regions. Five QTL do not cover known candidates demonstrating that yet unknown genes or regulatory elements may influence beak morphology in the zebra finch.
The peach (Prunus persica) defensin PpDFN1 displays antifungal activity through specific interactions with the membrane lipids
Authors: Nanni V. , Zanetti M. , Bellucci M. , Moser C. , Bertolini P. , Guella G. , Dalla Serra M. , Baraldi E. 
Published: June 2012

Ppdfn1 is a defensin gene previously identified in peach (Prunus persica). The biological role of Ppdfn1 was investigated by analysing its expression profile in leaves, flowers and fruits, either inoculated with the Monilinia laxa fungal pathogen or mock‐inoculated. Ppdfn1 expression was highest in flowers and, in fruits, did not vary upon M. laxa inoculation. To characterize the PpDFN1 antifungal activity, the recombinant mature peptide was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified; recombinant PpDFN1 displays antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, M. laxa and Penicillium expansum, with IC50 values of 15·1, 9·9 and 1·1 μg mL−1, respectively. Treatment of fungal hyphae with FITC‐labelled PpDFN1 indicated that the peptide is not internalized by fungal hyphae, but localizes on their external cell surface. At this site, PpDFN1 is capable of membrane destabilization and permeabilization, as demonstrated by SYTOX Green fluorescence uptake by the treated mycelia. Using artificial lipid monolayers, it was shown that PpDFN1 interacts with sphingolipid‐containing membranes; however the strongest interaction occurs with monolayers composed of lipids extracted from sensitive fungi, such as P. expansum. These data suggest that the lipid composition of fungal membranes is of key relevance for defensin specificity.
Imitation Switch chromatin remodeling factors and their interacting RINGLET proteins act together in controlling the plant vegetative phase in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Guang , Zhang Jiawei , Li Jiqin , Yang Zhongnan , Huang Hai , Xu Lin 
Published: June 2012

SummaryDuring their life cycle, flowering plants must experience a transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. Here, we report that double mutations in the Arabidopsis thaliana IMITATION SWITCH (AtISWI) genes, CHROMATIN REMODELING11 (CHR11) and CHR17, and the plant‐specific DDT‐domain containing genes, RINGLET1 (RLT1) and RLT2, resulted in plants with similar developmental defects, including the dramatically accelerated vegetative‐to‐reproductive transition. We demonstrated that AtISWI physically interacts with RLTs in preventing plants from activating the vegetative‐to‐reproductive transition early by regulating several key genes that contribute to flower timing. In particular, AtISWI and RLTs repress FT, SEP1, SEP3, FUL, and SOC1, but promote FLC in the leaf. Furthermore, AtISWI and RLTs may directly repress FT and SEP3 through associating with the FT and SEP3 loci. Our study reveals that AtISWI and RLTs represent a previously unrecognized genetic pathway that is required for the maintenance of the plant vegetative phase.
Effects of informed consent for individual genome sequencing on relevant knowledge
Authors: Kaphingst KA , Facio FM , Cheng M‐R , Brooks S , Eidem H , Linn A , Biesecker BB , Biesecker LG 
Published: June 2012

Kaphingst KA, Facio FM, Cheng M‐R, Brooks S, Eidem H, Linn A, Biesecker BB, Biesecker LG. Effects of informed consent for individual genome sequencing on relevant knowledge.Increasing availability of individual genomic information suggests that patients will need knowledge about genome sequencing to make informed decisions, but prior research is limited. In this study, we examined genome sequencing knowledge before and after informed consent among 311 participants enrolled in the ClinSeq™ sequencing study. An exploratory factor analysis of knowledge items yielded two factors (sequencing limitations knowledge; sequencing benefits knowledge). In multivariable analysis, high pre‐consent sequencing limitations knowledge scores were significantly related to education [odds ratio (OR): 8.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45–31.10 for post‐graduate education, and OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.05, 14.61 for college degree compared with less than college degree] and race/ethnicity (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.09, 5.38 for non‐Hispanic Whites compared with other racial/ethnic groups). Mean values increased significantly between pre‐ and post‐consent for the sequencing limitations knowledge subscale (6.9–7.7, p < 0.0001) and sequencing benefits knowledge subscale (7.0–7.5, p < 0.0001); increase in knowledge did not differ by sociodemographic characteristics. This study highlights gaps in genome sequencing knowledge and underscores the need to target educational efforts toward participants with less education or from minority racial/ethnic groups. The informed consent process improved genome sequencing knowledge. Future studies could examine how genome sequencing knowledge influences informed decision making.
Prospective study of the participation patterns of Grade 6 and Year 8 students in Victoria, Australia in activities outside of school
Authors: McMullan Sarah , Chin Rachel , Froude Elspeth , Imms Christine 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundPositive participation outcomes are deemed the ultimate goal of health care and specifically of occupational therapy. Knowledge of the typical participation patterns of children in Australia will provide essential information to support our understanding of participation and the goal of maximising children's engagement.AimsThis study investigated the participation of Grade 6 and Year 8 Victorian students in activities outside school and explored differences between genders and between students in different year levels. Secondarily, we began to establish Australian normative data on the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities of Children.MethodsThis cross sectional survey methods study recruited students from a random selection of public schools. Participation was measured using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities of Children questionnaires.ResultsParticipants included 84 (37 female, 47 male) students in Grade 6 (n = 43) and Year 8 (n = 41). Differences between year levels were only evident for participation in Recreational and Active Physical activities. Grade 6 students did more activities, more intensely than Year 8 students, but with no difference in enjoyment. The mean number of Recreational activities done by Grade 6 students was 8.5 (95%CI: 7.9–9.1) compared to Year 8 students 6.9 (95%CI: 6.1–7.7; P = 0.001). Gender differences were evident in the participation patterns within Social, Skill‐Based and Self‐Improvement activities.ConclusionThe findings suggested that gender was a more important influence on participation patterns than a 2‐year age gap, with participation patterns being relatively stable between Grade 6 and Year 8.
Digestive cancer management in Asia: Position statements: A report on GI Oncology Summit in 2011
Authors: Sung Joseph J Y , Ng Enders K W , Lin Jaw‐Town , Ho K Y , Ji Jia‐fu , Sugano Kentaro , Poon Ronnie T P , Chan Anthony T C , Goh Khean‐Lee , Han Kwang‐hyub , Chen Leo L T , Wu Kai‐Chun , Ng Simon S M , Bresalier Robert S , Chan Francis K L ,   the Asia Pacific GI Oncology Summit Group
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  With the rising incidence of digestive cancers in the Asia Pacific region and the advancement in diagnosis, management and palliation in these conditions, the clinical burden on oncologists is ever increasing. This Summit meeting was called to discuss the optimal management of digestive cancers and the role of GastroenterologistsMethod:  Experts from Asia Pacific countries in the fields of medical, oncologic, surgical and endoscopic management of cancers in the esophagus, stomach, colon/rectum and the liver reviewed the literature and their practice. 18 position statements were drafted, debated and voted.Results:  It was agreed that the burden on GI cancer is increasing. More research will be warranted on chemotherapy, chemoprevention, cost‐effectiveness of treatment and nutrition. Cancer management guidelines should be developed in this region when more clinical data are available. In order to improve care to patients, a multi‐disciplinary team coordinated by a “cancer therapist” is proposed. This cancer therapist can be a gastroenterologist, a surgeon or any related discipline who have acquired core competence training. This training should include an attachment in a center‐of‐excellence in cancer management for no less than 12 months.Conclusion:  The management of GI cancer should be an integrated multi‐disciplinary approach and training for GI cancer therapists should be provided for.
Analysing the extent (size and shape) of Lake Basaka expansion (Main Ethiopian Rift Valley) using remote sensing and GIS
Authors: Dinka M. O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study attempted to estimate the extent of the expansion of the area of Lake Basaka over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), using LANDSAT images, field observations, local information and topographic maps. The analysis revealed that the lake has exhibited a dramatic expansion over the past five decades. An increase in the lake water level by 7.6 m over this period resulted in flooding about 45.8 km2 of surrounding areas and an incremental lake volume of about 280 Mm3. About 70% of the lake expansion was observed in the period between the 1970s and 1990s. This phenomenon coincides with the periods of remarkable land use/cover changes in the region. Furthermore, the beginning of the lake expansion coincided with the introduction of irrigated agriculture in the region, and construction of Koka Dam in the mid‐1960s in the upper Awash River Basin. This study suggests that the observed expansion trend, if it continues unabated, could result in certain socio‐economic and environmental consequences in the region in particular, and to Ethiopia in general. Groundwater inundation or salty water intrusion, for example, might occur in the area in the near future, thereby affecting the sustainability of regional irrigated agriculture. The lake has the potential to inundate the surrounding region (Matahara Sugar Estate; towns of Fantalle and Matahara) and might connect with the Awash River during the next 10–15 years. This would affect downstream irrigation developments in the Awash Basin and the livelihoods of people that depend on the basin’s water resources. The overall findings of this study emphasize the need to adopt mitigation measures before the lake expansion results in irreversible damage to the region or the basin.
Assessment of heavy metal contamination in coastal lake sediments associated with urbanization: Southern Kerala, India
Authors: Sheela A. M. , Letha J. , Joseph S. , Thomas J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe study of the spatiotemporal variation of heavy metals in lake sediments is of great importance because heavy metals can result in toxic effects on aquatic biota through bioaccumulation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the degree of heavy metal contamination in the lacustrine sediments and the corresponding environmental deterioration in a tropical, urban, coastal lake (Akkulam–Veli), located in Kerala, India. The spatiotemporal variations of the cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the lake sediments, as well as various indices of anthropogenic contamination, including Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), were used to assess the degree of contamination. This study indicated contamination of the lake sediments with Cu, Pb and Zn. Urban domestic sewage and land run‐off are the major drivers of the heavy metal loads to the lake. During the pre‐monsoon, sediment contamination occurs in the upstream portion of Akkulam Lake because of a high clay content in the sediments. During the monsoon period, Akkulam Lake and the upstream portion of Veli Lake exhibit sediment contamination owing to high silt content. Domestic sewage is the main source of copper and zinc to the lake. Sewage bypass into the drains in the lake basin is largely responsible for the copper and zinc sediment contamination. High traffic levels and wastewater discharges from service stations/workshops are the main cause of the Pb loads entering the lake. Rubber particles of vehicle tires contain zinc and copper pigments that can accumulate on the surface of busy streets, entering the drains during rainfall events. Based on these study results, the accumulation of copper, zinc and lead in lake sediment can be controlled to a great extent by restricting the above‐noted activities. As the sediment content of lead, zinc and copper is confined to the clay fraction during the non‐rainy season and to the silt fraction during other seasons, lake restoration work should largely incorporate treating the clay and silt fractions, respectively, during both the non‐rainy season and rainy season.
Sharps injuries and job burnout: A cross‐sectional study among nurses in China
Authors: Wang Shuhui , Yao Lin , Li Shixue , Liu Yan , Wang Haiyan , Sun Yu 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe present study investigated the relationship between sharps injuries and job burnout in nurses. Sharps injury questionnaires and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaires were used to investigate and analyze job burnout among 468 nurses, of which 458 effective questionnaires were collected, for a response rate of 97.86%. A total of 292 nurses had at least one sharps injury (63.76% of the 458 nurses). The dimension scores were higher for injured nurses compared with non‐injured nurses. The difference between the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization for nurses with sharps injuries was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A rank correlation analysis showed that these two dimensions had a positive correlation with sharps injuries (r = 0.69–0.78). The prevalence of sharps injuries in nursing is associated with depersonalization, as measured by the MBI. Nursing administrators should pay more attention to clinically burned‐out nurses, and provide more opportunity to nurses for training and education to reduce the prevalence of sharps injuries.
Ruptured bicornuate uterus mimicking ectopic pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Singh Nisha , Singh Uma , Verma Manju Lata 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRuptured uterus presenting in first trimester of pregnancy is extremely uncommon and should raise the suspicion of uterine malformations. We report a case of a 24‐year‐old primigravida with 10 weeks of gestation presenting with acute abdomen and hemoperitoneum. Laparotomy revealed bicornuate uterus with ruptured rudimentary horn. The incidence, diagnosis and management of such cases is discussed.
Retreatment with nedaplatin in patients with recurrent gynecological cancer after the development of hypersensitivity reaction to carboplatin
Authors: Arimoto Takahide , Oda Katsutoshi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Kawana Kei , Tsukazaki Takehiro , Adachi Katsuyuki , Matsumoto Yoko , Yano Tetsu , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  Platinum is a milestone drug against gynecologic malignancies. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the feasibility of replacing carboplatin with nedaplatin in patients who had developed a hypersensitivity reaction to carboplatin.Material and Methods:  Fifteen patients with recurrent gynecologic cancer (12 ovarian, 1 fallopian tube, 1 endometrial and 1 cervical cancer) who had experienced a hypersensitivity reaction to carboplatin and a possible clinical indication for continuing treatment with platinum were treated with nedaplatin (80 mg/m2)‐containing regimen.Results:  The total number of nedaplatin cycles given was 137 (range 1–29). Four (27%) patients developed hypersensitivity reactions on the second, second, fourth, and ninth administration, respectively. The severities of all the hypersensitivity reactions were grade 3 or less. The other 11 patients (73%) had no nedaplatin‐associated hypersensitivity reactions. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in the paclitaxel and nedaplatin group (three of four, 75%) was more frequent than the docetaxel and nedaplatin group (none of seven, P = 0.024). The objective response rate in eleven patients with measurable disease was 36% (complete response at 9% and partial response at 27%), and the disease control rate was 73% (stable disease at 36%).Conclusion:  Nedaplatin‐associated hypersensitivity reactions are not rare in patients who developed allergic reactions to carboplatin. Retreatment of carboplatin‐allergic patients with nedaplatin cannot be recommended without careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits.
Heterotopic simultaneous splenic and intrauterine pregnancy after spontaneous conception and review of literature
Authors: Julania Shital , Tai Richard 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA 31‐year‐old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden onset left upper quadrant pain radiating to the left shoulder. Urine β‐hCG test was positive. Transvaginal sonography was suggestive of ruptured ectopic pregnancy with a large amount of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. The patient was then taken for emergency laparoscopy. On laparoscopy, hemoperitoneum was noted but both the fallopian tubes and ovaries were normal. On further exploration, bleeding was noted from the spleen so laparotomy was performed and emergency splenectomy was carried out by a surgeon. The histopathology report of the spleen confirmed a splenic ectopic pregnancy. On postoperative follow‐up, the patient's quantitative serum β‐hCG started rising again, which raised suspicion of another pregnancy. After serial β‐hCG and ultrasound, a failed intrauterine pregnancy was diagnosed. Suction evacuation was performed, with histopathology confirming products of conception.