bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of peroxidases in the compensation of cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase knockdown in rice plants under abiotic stress
Authors: BONIFACIO AURENIVIA , MARTINS MARCIO O. , RIBEIRO CAROLINA W. , FONTENELE ADILTON V. , CARVALHO FABRICIO E. L. , MARGIS‐PINHEIRO MÁRCIA , SILVEIRA JOAQUIM A. G. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTCurrent studies, particularly in Arabidopsis, have demonstrated that mutants deficient in cytosolic ascorbate peroxidases (APXs) are susceptible to the oxidative damage induced by abiotic stress. In contrast, we demonstrate here that rice mutants double silenced for cytosolic APXs (APx1/2s) up‐regulated other peroxidases, making the mutants able to cope with abiotic stress, such as salt, heat, high light and methyl viologen, similar to non‐transformed (NT) plants. The APx1/2s mutants exhibited an altered redox homeostasis, as indicated by increased levels of H2O2 and ascorbate and glutathione redox states. Both mutant and NT plants exhibited similar photosynthesis (CO2 assimilation and photochemical efficiency) under both normal and stress conditions. Overall, the antioxidative compensatory mechanism displayed by the mutants was associated with increased expression of OsGpx genes, which resulted in higher glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in the cytosolic and chloroplastic fractions. The transcript levels of OsCatA and OsCatB and the activities of catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOD; type III peroxidases) were also up‐regulated. None of the six studied isoforms of OsApx were up‐regulated under normal growth conditions. Therefore, the deficiency in cytosolic APXs was effectively compensated for by up‐regulation of other peroxidases. We propose that signalling mechanisms triggered in rice mutants could be distinct from those proposed for Arabidopsis.
The low temperature response pathways for cold acclimation and vernalization are independent
Authors: BOND DONNA M. , DENNIS ELIZABETH S. , FINNEGAN E. JEAN 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTVernalization is the promotion of flowering in response to the prolonged cold of winter. To survive sub‐zero winter temperatures, plants must first acclimate to low, non‐freezing temperatures (cold acclimation). Induction of VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3 (VIN3), the first gene in the vernalization pathway, is initiated within the same time frame as the induction of genes in the cold acclimation pathway raising the question of whether there are common elements in the signal transduction pathways that activate these two responses to cold. We show that none of the signalling components required for cold acclimation, including the ‘master regulator’INDUCTION OF CBF EXPRESSION1 (ICE1) or HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENE1 (HOS1), which has been described as a link between cold acclimation and vernalization, play a role in VIN3 induction. We also show that the hormone abscisic acid (ABA) does not modulate VIN3 induction, consistent with earlier reports that ABA signalling plays no role in the vernalization response. The cold acclimation pathway is activated at 12 °C, at which temperature there is no induction of VIN3 expression. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the responses to low temperatures leading to cold acclimation and vernalization are controlled by distinct signalling pathways.
Links between root developmental traits and foraging performance
Authors: PAGÈS LOÏC 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTWe designed a simple dynamic and stochastic architectural model with six parameters to link the foraging performance of root systems to their developmental processes. Soil foraging was quantified by the volume enveloping the roots until a given uptake distance. Many simulated architectures were obtained by combining four different values for each parameter. The rate of soil colonization was mainly defined by individual root elongation rates and interbranch distances. Less intuitively, we showed that differentiation of elongation rates among the roots increased this colonization rate. Uptake efficiency – the ratio of the actual colonized volume to the volume of a unique cylinder with the same length and a radius corresponding to the uptake distance – declined with root system size. Nevertheless, large variations in efficiency existed among root systems for a given size, typically in a 4‐ to 10‐fold range. Therefore, the ‘efficiency gain’ was defined as the deviation from the average trend in efficiency versus size. Between‐root differentiation in elongation rates increased this gain. The level of hierarchy between mother and lateral roots, as well as the variation of elongation rates among lateral roots, was also shown to contribute to this optimization. Several parameter combinations could lead to similar efficiency gains.
Trends of the genetic connectedness measures among Nelore beef cattle herds
Authors: Pegolo N.T. , Laloë D. , de Oliveira H.N. , Lôbo R.B. , Fouilloux M.‐N. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryValidity of comparisons between expected breeding values obtained from best linear unbiased prediction procedures in genetic evaluations is dependent on genetic connectedness among herds. Different cattle breeding programmes have their own particular features that distinguish their database structure and can affect connectedness. Thus, the evolution of these programmes can also alter the connectedness measures. This study analysed the evolution of the genetic connectedness measures among Brazilian Nelore cattle herds from 1999 to 2008, using the French Criterion of Admission to the group of Connected Herds (CACO) method, based on coefficients of determination (CD) of contrasts. Genetic connectedness levels were analysed by using simple and multiple regression analyses on herd descriptors to understand their relationship and their temporal trends from the 1999–2003 to the 2004–2008 period. The results showed a high level of genetic connectedness, with CACO estimates higher than 0.4 for the majority of them. Evaluation of the last 5‐year period showed only a small increase in average CACO measures compared with the first 5 years, from 0.77 to 0.80. The percentage of herds with CACO estimates lower than 0.7 decreased from 27.5% in the first period to 16.2% in the last one. The connectedness measures were correlated with percentage of progeny from connecting sires, and the artificial insemination spread among Brazilian herds in recent years. But changes in connectedness levels were shown to be more complex, and their complete explanation cannot consider only herd descriptors. They involve more comprehensive changes in the relationship matrix, which can be only fully expressed by the CD of contrasts.
Gastro‐oesophageal reflux and respiratory symptoms in Busselton adults: the effects of bodyweight and sleep apnoea
Authors: Mulrennan S. A. , Knuiman M. W. , Divitini M. L. , Cullen D. J. , Hunter M. , Hui J. , Musk A. W. , James A. L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground/Aim:  Respiratory symptoms and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are common within the general population. Although a number of epidemiological studies have addressed their relationship, none has investigated the confounding effects of body mass index (BMI) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), both of which are associated with reflux.Methods:  Men and women (2700) from the 2005–2007 cross‐sectional Busselton health survey were included. Questionnaire data included demography, information on general health, asthma, cough, wheeze, dyspnoea and reflux symptoms (never, monthly or less often and weekly or more often). BMI, risk of OSA (Berlin questionnaire definition), spirometry and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were recorded. The effects of BMI and OSA on the relationship between respiratory and reflux symptoms were examined using logistic regression models, expressed as adjusted odds ratios for risk of respiratory symptoms by reflux symptom category.Results:  Fifty per cent had reflux symptoms (5–10% weekly or more often). Reflux symptoms had strong positive, dose‐related associations with cough/phlegm, breathlessness, chest tightness and wheeze in the last 12 months (P < 0.001), but were not related to diagnosed asthma or AHR. Twenty‐three per cent were at high risk of OSA and 63% had a BMI of >25 (22% > 30). Increased weight or high risk of OSA did not affect the relationship between respiratory symptoms and reflux symptoms.Conclusion:  The relationship between reflux and respiratory symptoms was independent of BMI, high risk of OSA or AHR. These findings suggest that reflux contributes directly to respiratory symptoms.
Medical oncology clinics through videoconferencing: an acceptable telehealth model for rural patients and health workers
Authors: Sabesan S. , Simcox K. , Marr I. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Since 2007, Townsville Cancer Centre (Queensland, Australia) has provided routine and urgent medical oncology services to rural and remote communities through videoconferencing. At remote sites, patients were accompanied by doctors and other health workers. The aim of this study was to describe satisfaction of patients and rural health workers with this model of teleoncology.Methods:  Between May 2007 and June 2010, 55 videoconferencing patients were invited to participate in a questionnaire‐based telephone survey after informed consent. The survey included responses to 16 satisfaction statements using a 5‐point Likert scale. Perspectives of health workers involved were recorded using open‐ended questions on six themes related to telehealth.Results:  Among the 50 participating cancer patients, median age was 56 years (range 28–83). Seventy‐six per cent of patients thought specialist physical examination was important despite local doctors performing it. Seventy‐six per cent of patients felt the presence of accompanying local health workers was not important. Seventy‐eight per cent of patients preferred to be seen in Mt Isa for the first consultation through videoconferencing than travelling to Townsville. More than 80% of patients were in agreement with the rest of the satisfaction statements. Ninety‐six per cent of patients were in agreement with the question relating to overall satisfaction. Eighteen health workers participated and their responses and attitudes were favourable towards telehealth.Conclusion:  Satisfaction with this model of care was proven to be high among both patients and health workers. Benefits perceived included effective communication between patients and specialists, reduced travel time and money expenditure, and superior specialist support for rural health workers.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 is associated with silent cerebral infarction in patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Uchida E. , Anan F. , Masaki T. , Kaneda K. , Nawata T. , Eshima N. , Saikawa T. , Yoshimatsu H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  In patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis (HD), silent cerebral infarctions (SCI) are associated with high mortality. Levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) increase with renal dysfunction and may be a novel predictor for cerebrovascular events. We tested the hypothesis that increased MCP‐1 concentration correlate with the occurrence of SCI in HD patients.Methods:  Using cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, 52 Japanese patients undergoing HD were divided into two groups: with SCI (61 ± 7 years, mean ± SD, n= 28) and without SCI (60 ± 6 years, n= 24). The gender, metabolic profiles and MCP‐1 concentration were compared between the two groups.Results:  The level of MCP‐1 was higher in the with‐SCI group than in the without‐SCI group (P < 0.0001). The proportion of smokers was higher in the with‐SCI group (P < 0.05) than in the without‐SCI group. Plasma level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower, while uric acid level was higher, in the with‐SCI group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 respectively) compared to the without‐SCI group. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified MCP‐1 level as being significantly associated with the presence of SCI (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–5.75, P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  This study indicates that patients with chronic renal failure who are maintained on HD exhibit an increased prevalence of SCI, and that MCP‐1 is significantly associated with the presence of SCI in HD patients.
Performance of comorbidity indices in measuring outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in Australian indigenous and non‐indigenous patients
Authors: Condon J. R. , You J. , McDonnell J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Indigenous Australians have higher prevalence of chronic diseases and worse acute care outcomes than other Australians. The extent to which higher chronic disease comorbidity levels are responsible for their worse outcomes is not clear, and the performance of comorbidity indices has not been assessed for this population with very high comorbidity levels.Methods:  Using hospital separations data, the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices were used to measure chronic disease prevalence in 2035 indigenous and non‐indigenous patients hospitalised after their first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the Northern Territory of Australia between 1992 and 2004, and to adjust for comorbidity in multivariate analysis of mortality outcomes (in‐hospital and long‐term deaths from coronary heart disease and all causes). Index performance was assessed by the difference between C statistic, Akaike information criterion statistic and estimate of excess indigenous mortality in models with and without comorbidity adjustment.Results:  Comorbidity index scores were higher for indigenous than non‐indigenous patients and increased considerably over time, at least partly because of information bias. Indigenous patients' higher risk of in‐hospital all‐cause death was almost fully explained by their higher comorbidity levels. Their higher risk of long‐term coronary heart disease and all‐cause death was partially explained by higher comorbidity levels. Charlson and Elixhauser indices performed satisfactorily and similarly in this population.Conclusion:  Comorbidity indices performed well in a population with very high chronic disease prevalence. After adjusting for comorbidity, short‐term outcomes were similar for indigenous and non‐indigenous AMI patients, but comorbidity at the time of the acute episode only partly explained the worse long‐term outcomes for indigenous patients.
Increased incidence of Leydig cell tumours of the testis in the era of improved imaging techniques
Authors: Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Ramoner Reinhold , Aigner Friedrich , Stoehr Brigitte , Pichler Renate , Zangerl Florian , Fritzer Andreas , Steiner Hannes 
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) of the testis are rare tumours, accounting for 1–3% of all testicular neoplasms. Our data indicate that using scrotal ultrasound with high resolution imaging in routine checkups leads to an earlier detection of LCTs. Most patients underwent an organ‐sparing surgery and no androgen deprivation was observed.OBJECTIVE• To report an observed high frequency of Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) diagnosed at our centre.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Charts of all patients who underwent surgery for a testicular tumour between 1999 and 2008 at our department were searched and data from patients with LCT were collected.• Before surgery all patients underwent ultrasound and complete staging. In all but two patients with LCT an organ‐sparing surgery was performed. Surgery was performed under ultrasound or palpation guidance.• All patients underwent postoperative follow‐up. We retrospectively reviewed surgical technique, histology, epidemiology and outcome in all LCT patients.RESULTS• In the study period, 197 testicular tumours were surgically removed of which 29 were diagnosed as LCT (14.7% of 197; further study group) in 25 patients. Mean age of patients with LCT was 45 years (range 21–68 years).• Tumour size ranged from 1.2 to 80 mm (mean 10.23 mm). In two patients (8%) the lesion was palpable whereas incidental diagnosis was made in seven patients (28%).• In the remaining patients diagnosis was made by ultrasound performed for testicular pain (six patients, 24%) or during infertility or erectile dysfunction evaluation (10 patients, 40%).• Definitive histology reported no malignant histopathological features in all but one patient; this particular patient experienced tumour progression after 2 months and died from advanced disease 1 year later. All other patients are free of disease after a mean follow up of 56 months (range 7–93 months).• During this period one patient developed a second LCT on the contralateral side; another patient had a recurrence within the same testicle, but on the opposite pole. Both underwent a subsequent organ‐sparing tumour resection.CONCLUSION• The percentage of LCT (14.7% of all testicular tumours removed) was significantly higher than expected from the literature. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is the increasing use of better ultrasound technology and the subsequent increased detection of small nodules that have not been found in historical series. Use of ‘observation‐only’ for very small lesions detected at infertility clinics is under debate.
Clinical utility of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer
Authors: Afaq Asim , Koh Dow‐Mu , Padhani Anwar , van As Nicholas , Sohaib S. Aslam 
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?This article reviews what is currently known about diffusion weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) in prostate cancer.This mini‐review concisely summarises, for clinical managing patients with prostate cancer, the clinical utility of diffusion weighted MRI.OBJECTIVE• To review the clinical utility of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) in patients with prostate cancer.MATERIAL AND METHODS• The current literature on prostate cancer and DW‐MRI was reviewed.RESULTS• DW‐MRI can be readily acquired on a modern scanner with a short image acquisition time and no need for i.v. contrast medium.• The image contrast is based on the diffusion of water molecules and thus reflects tissue cellularity.• There is increasing evidence that DW‐ MRI improves the sensitivity and specificity of prostate cancer detection as well as the identification of tumour aggressiveness.• DW‐MRI is also showing substantial promise as a response biomarker for both local and metastatic diseaseCONCLUSIONS• DW‐MRI is proving to be a useful adjunct to conventional T2‐weighted MRI sequences.• The eventual role of DW‐MRI in combination with other MRI techniques for multiparametric assessment of prostate cancer needs to be defined further.
Discussing the sexual consequences of treatment in radiotherapy and urology consultations with couples affected by prostate cancer
Authors: Forbat Liz , White Isabella , Marshall‐Lucette Sylvie , Kelly Daniel 
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Attitude/patient experience analysis (retrospective cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Men with prostate cancer are likely to experience a range of treatment‐related side‐effects including deterioration in sexual functioning as a consequence of surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment.Despite the clear links between treatments and changes in sexual functioning, sexual concerns are infrequently discussed in clinic settings.Data indicate the need to use clinical consultations appropriately to support both patient and partner in sexual recovery and rehabilitation, going beyond discussions of assistive technologies to offer psychosexual couple support.OBJECTIVE• To explore the ways in which prostate cancer treatment‐induced sexual changes are presented as viable topics for discussion in urology and radiotherapy clinics.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Ethnographic observations were made of 60 consultations between clinicians, patients and partners in clinical oncology and prostate cancer urology clinics.RESULTS• Sexual functioning was discussed infrequently in both clinic settings.• Despite the presence of partners in nearly half of consultations, involvement of the partner tended to be minimal.• Overall, discussions of wider psychosexual concerns were marginalised in consultations, and there were limited opportunities for couples to discuss the specific impact of prostate cancer and its treatments on sexual functioning.CONCLUSION• Given the potential burden of symptoms and side‐effects, there is a need to include discussions of sexual recovery and rehabilitation in consultations, and to provide opportunities to discuss the sexual consequences of treatment with men and their partners
Combining imaging and ureteroscopy variables in a preoperative multivariable model for prediction of muscle‐invasive and non‐organ confined disease in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Favaretto Ricardo L. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Savage Caroline , Godoy Guilherme , Chade Daher C. , Kaag Matthew , Bochner Bernard H. , Coleman Jonathan , Dalbagni Guido 
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Improved patient selection for conservative management, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and/or extended lymphadenectomy is urgently needed. We developed a highly accurate preoperative model to predict muscle‐invasive and non‐organ‐confined upper tract urothelial carcinoma based on standard imaging and ureteroscopy features.OBJECTIVE• To create a preoperative multivariable model to identify patients at risk of muscle‐invasive (pT2+) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and/or non‐organ confined (pT3+ or N+) UTUC (NOC‐UTUC) who potentially could benefit from radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or an extended lymph node dissection.PATIENTS AND METHODS• We retrospectively analysed data from 324 consecutive patients treated with RNU between 1995 and 2008 at a tertiary cancer centre.• Patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer were excluded, resulting in 274 patients for analysis.• Logistic regression models were used to predict pT2+ and NOC‐UTUC. Pre‐specified predictors included local invasion (i.e. parenchymal, renal sinus fat, or periureteric) on imaging, hydronephrosis on imaging, high‐grade tumours on ureteroscopy, and tumour location on ureteroscopy.• Predictive accuracy was measured by the area under the curve (AUC).RESULTS• The median follow‐up for patients without disease recurrence or death was 4.2 years.• Overall, 49% of the patients had pT2+, and 30% had NOC‐UTUC at the time of RNU.• In the multivariable analysis, only local invasion on imaging and ureteroscopy high grade were significantly associated with pathological stage.• AUC to predict pT2+ and NOC‐UTUC were 0.71 and 0.70, respectively.CONCLUSIONS• We designed a preoperative prediction model for pT2+ and NOC‐UTUC, based on readily available imaging and ureteroscopic grade.• Further research is needed to determine whether use of this prediction model to select patients for conservative management vs RNU, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and/or extended lymphadenectomy will improve patient outcomes.