bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The distal end of porcine chromosome 6p is involved in the regulation of skatole levels in boars
Authors: Ramos António M , Duijvesteijn Naomi , Knol Egbert F , Merks Jan WM , Bovenhuis Henk , Crooijmans Richard PMA , Groenen Martien AM , Harlizius Barbara 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Boar taint is an unpleasant condition of pork, mainly due to the accumulation of androstenone and skatole in male pigs at onset of puberty. This condition is the cause of considerable economic losses in the pig industry and the most common practice to control it is to castrate male piglets. Because of the economic and animal welfare concerns there is interest in developing genetic markers that could be used in selection schemes to decrease the incidence of boar taint. The Porcine 60 K SNP Beadchip was used to genotype 891 pigs from a composite Duroc sire line, for which skatole levels in fat had been collected.

Results
The genome-wide association study revealed that 16 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) located on the proximal region of chromosome 6 were significantly associated with skatole levels. These SNPs are grouped in three separate clusters located in the initial 6 Mb region of chromosome 6. The differences observed between the homozygote genotypes for SNPs in the three clusters were substantial, including a difference of 102.8 ng/g skatole in melted fat between the homozygotes for the ALGA0107039 marker. Single SNPs explain up to 22% of the phenotypic variance. No obvious candidate genes could be pinpointed in the region, which may be due to the need of further annotation of the pig genome.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated new SNP markers significantly associated with skatole levels in the distal region of chromosome 6p. These markers defined three independent clusters in the region, which contain a low number of protein-coding genes. The considerable differences observed between the homozygous genotypes for several SNPs may be used in future selection schemes to reduce skatole levels in pigs
Double auricles of the right atrium: a unique anatomic deformity
Authors: Tagarakis Georgios I , Karangelis Dimos , Daskalopoulos Marios E , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Koufakis Theocharis , Karantzis Ioannis , Lampoura Stefania S , Chlapoutakis Serapheim , Tsilimingas Nikolaos B 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Anatomic deviations, especially those detected during the course of an operation, are medically intriguing, as they raise concerns about their clinical significance and putative complications.

Case presentation
We present, to our knowledge, for the first time a case of an anatomic deviation in the form of a second right atrial auricle in a 70 year-old, coronary bypass-operated male Caucasian patient of Greek origin. No complications were noted intra-or postoperatively.

Conclusions
A second right atrial auricle was found intraoperatively, without causing any clinical complications, or obstructing the normal course of a surgical procedure.
A new portable monitor for measuring odorous compounds in oral, exhaled and nasal air
Authors: Tamaki Naofumi , Kasuyama Kenta , Esaki Mitsue , Toshikawa Takara , Honda Shun-Ichi , Ekuni Daisuke , Tomofuji Takaaki , Morita Manabu 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The B/B Checker®, a new portable device for detecting odorous compounds in oral, exhaled, and nasal air, is now available. As a single unit, this device is capable of detecting several kinds of gases mixed with volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in addition to other odorous gasses. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the B/B Checker® for detecting the malodor level of oral, exhaled, and nasal air.

Methods
A total of 30 healthy, non-smoking volunteers (16 males and 14 females) participated in this study. The malodor levels in oral, exhaled, and nasal air were measured using the B/B Checker® and by organoleptic test (OT) scores. The VSCs in each air were also measured by gas chromatography (GC). Associations among B/B Checker® measurements, OT scores and VSC levels were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficients. In order to determine the appropriate B/B Checker® level for screening subjects with malodor, sensitivity and specificity were calculated using OT scores as an identifier for diagnosing oral malodor.

Results
In oral and nasal air, the total VSC levels measured by GC significantly correlated to that measured by the B/B Checker®. Significant correlation was observed between the results of OT scores and the B/B Checker® measurements in oral (r = 0.892, p < 0.001), exhaled (r = 0.748, p < 0.001) and nasal air (r = 0.534, p < 0.001). The correlation between the OT scores and VSC levels was significant only for oral air (r = 0.790, p < 0.001) and nasal air (r = 0.431, p = 0.002); not for exhaled air (r = 0.310, p = 0.096). When the screening level of the B/B Checker® was set to 50.0 for oral air, the sensitivity and specificity were 1.00 and 0.90, respectively. On the other hand, the screening level of the B/B Checker® was set to 60.0 for exhaled air, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 and 1.00, respectively.

Conclusion
The B/B Checker® is useful for objective evaluation of malodor in oral, exhaled and nasal air and for screening subjects with halitosis.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01139073
Periostin identified as a potential biomarker of prostate cancer by iTRAQ-proteomics analysis of prostate biopsy
Authors: Sun Chuanyu , Song Chao , Ma Zhicheng , Xu Ke , Zhang Yang , Jin Hong , Tong Shijun , Ding Weihong , Xia Guowei , Ding Qiang 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Proteomics may help us better understand the changes of multiple proteins involved in oncogenesis and progression of prostate cancer(PCa) and identify more diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to screen biomarkers of PCa by the proteomics analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification(iTRAQ).

Methods
The patients undergoing prostate biopsies were classified into 3 groups according to pathological results: benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH, n = 20), PCa(n = 20) and BPH with local prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm(PIN, n = 10). Then, all the specimens from these patients were analyzed by iTRAQ and two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2DLC-MS/MS). The Gene Ontology(GO) function and the transcription regulation networks of the differentially expressed were analyzed by MetaCore software. Western blotting and Immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the interesting proteins.

Result
A total of 760 proteins were identified from 13787 distinct peptides, including two common proteins that enjoy clinical application: prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase(PAP). Proteins that expressed differentially between PCa and BPH group were further analyzed. Compared with BPH, 20 proteins were significantly differentially up-regulated (>1.5-fold) while 26 were significantly down-regulated in PCa(<0.66-fold). In term of GO database, the differentially expressed proteins were divided into 3 categories: cellular component(CC), molecular function (MF) and biological process(BP). The top 5 transcription regulation networks of the differentially expressed proteins were initiated through activation of SP1, p53, YY1, androgen receptor(AR) and c-Myc The overexpression of periostin in PCa was verified by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.

Conclusion
Our study indicates that the iTRAQ technology is a new strategy for global proteomics analysis of the tissues of PCa. A significant up-regulation of periostin in PCa compared to BPH may provide clues for not only a promising biomarker for the prognosis of PCa but also a potential target for therapeutical intervention.
Recipient screening in IVF: First data from women undergoing anonymous oocyte donation in Dublin
Authors: Walsh Anthony PH , Omar Ahmed B , Marron Kevin D , Walsh David J , Salma Umme , Sills E Scott 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Guidelines for safe gamete donation have emphasised donor screening, although none exist specifically for testing oocyte recipients. Pre-treatment assessment of anonymous donor oocyte IVF treatment in Ireland must comply with the European Union Tissues and Cells Directive (Directive 2004/23/EC). To determine the effectiveness of this Directive when applied to anonymous oocyte recipients in IVF, we reviewed data derived from selected screening tests performed in this clinical setting.

Methods
Data from tests conducted at baseline for all women enrolling as recipients (n = 225) in the anonymous oocyte donor IVF programme at an urban IVF referral centre during a 24-month period were analysed. Patient age at programme entry and clinical pregnancy rate were also tabulated. All recipients had at least one prior negative test for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis performed by her GP or other primary care provider before reproductive endocrinology consultation.

Results
Mean (±SD) age for donor egg IVF recipients was 40.7 ± 4.2 yrs. No baseline positive chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis screening results were identified among recipients for anonymous oocyte donation IVF during the assessment interval. Mean pregnancy rate (per embryo transfer) in this group was 50.5%.

Conclusion
When tests for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis already have been confirmed to be negative before starting the anonymous donor oocyte IVF sequence, additional (repeat) testing on the recipient contributes no new clinical information that would influence treatment in this setting. Patient safety does not appear to be enhanced by application of Directive 2004/23/EC to recipients of anonymous donor oocyte IVF treatment. Given the absence of evidence to quantify risk, this practice is difficult to justify when applied to this low-risk population.
Sparse estimation for structural variability
Authors: Hosur Raghavendra , Singh Rohit , Berger Bonnie 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Proteins are dynamic molecules that exhibit a wide range of motions; often these conformational changes are important for protein function. Determining biologically relevant conformational changes, or true variability, efficiently is challenging due to the noise present in structure data.

Results
In this paper we present a novel approach to elucidate conformational variability in structures solved using X-ray crystallography. We first infer an ensemble to represent the experimental data and then formulate the identification of truly variable members of the ensemble (as opposed to those that vary only due to noise) as a sparse estimation problem. Our results indicate that the algorithm is able to accurately distinguish genuine conformational changes from variability due to noise. We validate our predictions for structures in the Protein Data Bank by comparing with NMR experiments, as well as on synthetic data. In addition to improved performance over existing methods, the algorithm is robust to the levels of noise present in real data. In the case of Human Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc9, variability identified by the algorithm corresponds to functionally important residues implicated by mutagenesis experiments. Our algorithm is also general enough to be integrated into state-of-the-art software tools for structure-inference.
General metabolism of Laribacter hongkongensis: a genome-wide analysis
Authors: Curreem Shirly O , Teng Jade L , Tse Herman , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Lau Susanna K , Woo Patrick C 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background

Laribacter hongkongensis is associated with community-acquired gastroenteritis and traveler's diarrhea. In this study, we performed an in-depth annotation of the genes and pathways of the general metabolism of L. hongkongensis and correlated them with its phenotypic characteristics.

Results
The L. hongkongensis genome possesses the pentose phosphate and gluconeogenesis pathways and tricarboxylic acid and glyoxylate cycles, but incomplete Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas and Entner-Doudoroff pathways, in agreement with its asaccharolytic phenotype. It contains enzymes for biosynthesis and β-oxidation of saturated fatty acids, biosynthesis of all 20 universal amino acids and selenocysteine, the latter not observed in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis and Chromobacterium violaceum. The genome contains a variety of dehydrogenases, enabling it to utilize different substrates as electron donors. It encodes three terminal cytochrome oxidases for respiration using oxygen as the electron acceptor under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions and four reductases for respiration with alternative electron acceptors under anaerobic conditions. The presence of complete tetrathionate reductase operon may confer survival advantage in mammalian host in association with diarrhea. The genome contains CDSs for incorporating sulfur and nitrogen by sulfate assimilation, ammonia assimilation and nitrate reduction. The existence of both glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase pathways suggests an importance of ammonia metabolism in the living environments that it may encounter.

Conclusions
The L. hongkongensis genome possesses a variety of genes and pathways for carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism, respiratory chain and sulfur and nitrogen metabolism. These allow the bacterium to utilize various substrates for energy production and survive in different environmental niches.
Sites of Origin of Primary Intracerebral Malignant Lymphoma
Authors: Shibata Shobu 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
With the aim of finding characteristics pointing to the primary site, computed tomography examination from 9 patients with primary brain malignant lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma originating in the central nervous system, NHL-CNS) (5 single, 4 multiple lesions) were analyzed. The tumors were usually situated in the basal ganglia, corpus callosum, or cerebellum and were always in contact with either the ependyma of the ventricles or the subarachnoid space. Tumors with widespread infiltration of white matter surrounding the ventricles were characteristic of NHL-CNS. Microscopic examination of 3 autopsy cases revealed infiltration of the subependymal layer of the lateral ventricles and the third and fourth ventricles by lymphoma cells. The entire extent of the choroid plexus was invaded by tumor cells. There were multiple foci of similar cells invading the periventricular white matter. The subarachnoid space was filled with lymphoma cells. In many areas the Virchow-Robin spaces and pial-glial membranes were disrupted, and invasion of the underlying gray matter by tumor cells was seen. The ultrastructure of the blood vessels of NHL-CNS was compared with those in glial, nonglial, and metastatic brain tumors. The essential feature in NHL-CNS was fenestrated vessels. They resembled the blood vessels found in nonglial and metastatic brain tumors, but were distinctly different from those seen in glial tumors with nonfenestrated vessels. Although the following scheme in proposed with reservations, it could account for the sites of origin of NHL-CNS: lymphocytes located in the choroid plexus stroma or the subarachnoid space are activated, caused to proliferate, and finally become neoplastic. Then these cells migrate through the underlying parenchyma along the Virchow-Robin spaces and multiply until they present themselves as primary brain tumors.
The Growth of Cerebral Cavernous Angiomas
Authors: Pozzati Eugenio , Giuliani Giuliano , Nuzzo Giacomo , Poppi Massimo 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The natural history of cavernous angiomas is poorly understood, and their growth has rarely been documented. We report three cases of cavernous angiomas that grew to large size in 6 years, 2 years, and 2 months, respectively. An initial computed tomographic scan disclosed no abnormalities in one patient and demonstrated two “minimal” lesions in the other two. The mechanisms of growth of these lesions are discussed; subsequent hemorrhages and capsule formation played a major role in their enlargement.
Complications and Demographic Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Lumbar Discectomy in Community Hospitals
Authors: Ramirez Lincoln F. , Thisted Ronald 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
We determined the incidence of acute, major complications in a population of 28,395 patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy for discogenic radiculopathy in the United States in 1980. This population was drawn from a broad cross-section of community hospitals and represented 31% of all patients who underwent laminectomy that year for this condition. Our cohort excluded patients with a) operations exceeding two disc levels, b) fusion, c) previous lumbar laminectomy, or d) coexistent discitis, spondylosis, spinal stenosis, myelopathy, or arachnoiditis. The incidence of death was 5.9 per 10,000. The causes of death were septicemia, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary emobolus. The incidence of at least one major complication was 157 per 10,000. The incidences of specific complications were as follows: infection requiring intravenously administered antibiotics, 30.7; major neurological deficit, 29.8; pulmonary embolus, 10.7; and myocardial infarction, 5.6. We studied four additional categories of complication. Patients were counted only when a second operation was required to treat the complication. The categories and incidence per 10,000 were as follows: incisional hematoma, 8.7; cerebrospinal fluid fistula, 10.5; ventral perforation, 1.6; and retention of a foreign body, 0.7. Among the patients whose hospitalizations were otherwise normal, 6.7% received a blood transfusion; of the patients whose hospitalizations were complicated, 24% required transfusion. The demographic characteristics of patients with a normal hospitalization were tabulated separately from those whose hospitalizations were complicated. Neurosurgeons performed 60% of the operations, and orthopedic surgeons performed 40%. The speciality of the surgeon was not a factor in determing the risk involved in surgery. Spinal anesthesia was used in 7% of the cases, and no pattern of complications emerged that was uniquely related to that technique.
Combination Jefferson Fracture of C1 and Type II Odontoid Fracture Requiring Surgery: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Deen Gordon H. , Tolchin Sidney 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Two cases of simultaneous Jefferson fracture of C1 and Type II odontoid fracture requiring surgical stabilization are reported. One patient required early stabilization because alignment could not be maintained in a halo vest, and the second patient required late stabilization for nonunion after a 3-month period of immobilization in a two-poster cervical brace. Although this uncommon injury can often be managed conservatively, surgical fusion will need to be considered in the setting of early or late instability.
Anatomic Evaluation of Cisternal Puncture
Authors: Ward Em , Orrison William W. , Watridge Clarence B. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Cisternal puncture, although less frequently used since the advent of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, is an important tool in the neurodiagnostic armamentarium. An anatomic study of cisternal puncture was conducted on fresh cadavers by direct visualization and fluoroscopic guidance of cisternal puncture. Anatomic and radiographic analyses demonstrated a dramatic dynamic anatomy of the cisternal space during cisternal puncture and indicated that “tenting” of the dura mater over the needle occurs reliably during cisternal puncture. Lateral fluoroscopy may decrease the risk of cisternal puncture by allowing visualization of needle depth in the cisternal space.
Permanent High-Activity Iodine-125 in the Management of Petroclival Meningiomas: Case Reports
Authors: Kumar Pradeep P. , Good Roger R. , Patil Angelo A. , Leibrock Lyal G. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Two cases of petroclival meningiomas are reported wherein the tumors were completely destroyed without surgical resection or external-beam irradiation by means of permanent stereotactic implantation of one or two high-activity iodine-125 seeds.
Partial Section of the Corpus Callosum: Focal Signs and Their Recovery
Authors: Castro-Caldas Alexandre , Poppe Patricia , Antunes João Lobo , Campos Jorge 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A 30-year-old woman underwent surgical partial callosotomy (posterior half) for removal of an arteriovenous malformation. The patient submitted to neuropsychological evaluation before and after surgery for a period of 8 months. There was transient dysfunction attributable to disconnection of parietal, temporal, and occipital connections. Because the symptoms disappeared over time, we conclude that the transcallosal surgical approach can, in the long term, be considered a relatively harmless method.
Primary Intrasellar Microgerminoma Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Case Report
Authors: Oishi Mariko , Iida Takaharu , Koide Misako , Akazawa Yoshiharu , Azuma Yoshie , Fujisawa Ichiro , Takeuchi Juji 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A case of primary intrasellar germinoma in a 24-year-old woman is presented. Her initial symptoms were diabetes insipidus and headaches. The neurological examination found no abnormalities, but the endocrinological examination disclosed a deficiency in growth hormone secretion. Her skull x-ray revealed a normal sella turcica, and a computed tomographic scan revealed no abnormal mass in the pituitary fossa, but a slightly enlarged stalk. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small tumor in the posterior lobe. Transsphenoidal exploration revealed a germinoma in the posterior pituitary lobe. Six cases of primary intrasellar germinoma, including our case, were reviewed. Our case is considered to be the smallest intrasellar germinoma yet reported.
Transoral Repair of a Rare Basioccipital Meningocele in a Neonate: Case Report
Authors: Azizkhan Richard G. , Cuenca Rosa E. , Powers Stephen K. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
An extremely rare case of a basioccipital meningocele causing obstruction of the upper airway in a neonate is described. A transoral approach was used to remove the meningocele and repair the dural fistula. Bilateral posterior lateral pharyngeal releasing incisions were made to allow mucosal and muscle coverage over the dural repair. This report demonstrates and emphasizes the use of lateral pharyngeal releasing incisions to cover midline full thickness defects in the posterior oropharyngeal wall that might be encountered during transoral transclival operations.
Anterior Cervical Fusion and Caspar Plate Stabilization for Cervical Trauma
Authors: Caspar Wolfhard , Barbier Dragos D. , Klara Peter M. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A technique for anterior cervical iliac graft fusion with standardized, commercially available screw and plate fixation (Caspar plating) has been developed. The step-by-step procedure, as well as the instruments designed to facilitate the procedure, are described in this report. Sixty cases of cervical trauma (fractures, subluxations, ligamentous instability, or a combination of these problems) were treated with Caspar plating. All patients obtained fusion, and stability was achieved immediately after surgery without external stabilization. No unusual surgical complications occurred, and the most dreaded complication of dural penetration by drilling or screw placement was not observed. This report details the neurological presentation, anatomical lesions, surgical therapy, and outcome of these patients. Caspar plating combines the advantage of an anterior surgical approach with immediate postoperative stabilization without external stabilization. This advantage persists even in the presence of posterior ligamentous instability. The technique is an important addition to the surgical treatment of cervical trauma.