bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic mapping of wild introgressions into cultivated peanut: a way toward enlarging the genetic basis of a recent allotetraploid
Authors: Foncéka Daniel , Hodo-Abalo Tossim , Rivallan Ronan , Faye Issa , Sall Mbaye Ndoye , Ndoye Ousmane , Fávero Alessandra P , Bertioli David J , Glaszmann Jean-Christophe , Courtois Brigitte , Rami Jean-Francois 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundPeanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) is widely used as a food and cash crop around the world. It is considered to be an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 40) originated from a single hybridization event between two wild diploids. The most probable hypothesis gaveA. duranensisas the wild donor of the A genome andA. ipaënsisas the wild donor of the B genome. A low level of molecular polymorphism is found in cultivated germplasm and up to date few genetic linkage maps have been published. The utilization of wild germplasm in breeding programs has received little attention due to the reproductive barriers between wild and cultivated species and to the technical difficulties encountered in making large number of crosses. We report here the development of a SSR based genetic map and the analysis of genome-wide segment introgressions into the background of a cultivated variety through the utilization of a synthetic amphidiploid betweenA. duranensisandA. ipaënsis.ResultsTwo hundred ninety eight (298) loci were mapped in 21 linkage groups (LGs), spanning a total map distance of 1843.7 cM with an average distance of 6.1 cM between adjacent markers. The level of polymorphism observed between the parent of the amphidiploid and the cultivated variety is consistent withA. duranensisandA. ipaënsisbeing the most probable donor of the A and B genomes respectively. The synteny analysis between the A and B genomes revealed an overall good collinearity of the homeologous LGs. The comparison with the diploid and tetraploid maps shed new light on the evolutionary forces that contributed to the divergence of the A and B genome species and raised the question of the classification of the B genome species. Structural modifications such as chromosomal segment inversions and a major translocation event prior to the tetraploidisation of the cultivated species were revealed. Marker assisted selection of BC1F1and then BC2F1lines carrying the desirable donor segment with the best possible return to the background of the cultivated variety provided a set of lines offering an optimal distribution of the wild introgressions.ConclusionThe genetic map developed, allowed the synteny analysis of the A and B genomes, the comparison with diploid and tetraploid maps and the analysis of the introgression segments from the wild synthetic into the background of a cultivated variety. The material we have produced in this study should facilitate the development of advanced backcross and CSSL breeding populations for the improvement of cultivated peanut.
The association of biomarkers of iron status with peripheral arterial disease in US adults
Authors: Menke Andy , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Muntner Paul , Guallar Eliseo 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Several studies have examined the association of biomarkers of iron metabolism with measures of carotid artery atherosclerosis, with inconsistent results. Few studies, however, have evaluated the association between biomarkers of iron metabolism and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The purpose of this study is to examine the association of ferritin and transferrin saturation with PAD.

Methods
Serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and PAD, defined as having an ankle-brachial blood pressure index <0.9, were measured in 1,631 men and 1,031 postmenopausal women participating in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Results
The multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for PAD associated with a two-fold increase in serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were 1.18 (1.00-1.41) and 1.45 (0.83-2.51), respectively, for men and 1.04 (0.87-1.25) and 1.55 (0.98-2.45), respectively, for women. After stratifying by cholesterol levels, the multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for PAD associated with a two-fold increase in ferritin and transferrin saturation was 1.04 (0.78-1.39) and 0.73 (0.35-1.50), respectively, for men with total cholesterol <200 mg/dL and 1.30 (0.99-1.72) and 2.59 (0.99-6.78), respectively, for men with total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL (p-value for interaction was 0.58 for ferritin and 0.08 for transferrin saturation). After stratifying by cholesterol levels, the multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for PAD associated with a two-fold increase in ferritin and transferrin saturation was 0.66 (0.41-1.05) and 0.75 (0.44-1.28), respectively, for women with total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, and 1.20 (0.95-1.51) and 2.07 (1.01-4.22), respectively, for women with total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL (p-value for interaction was 0.05 for ferritin and 0.02 for transferrin saturation).

Conclusion
In this large nationally representative sample of men and postmenopausal women, we found a modest association of ferritin and transferrin saturation with PAD, particularly among those with high cholesterol levels.
Epidemiological and some clinical characteristics of neuroblastoma in Mexican children (1996–2005)
Authors: Juárez-Ocaña Servando , Palma-Padilla Virginia , González-Miranda Guadalupe , Siordia-Reyes Alicia Georgina , López-Aguilar Enrique , Aguilar-Martínez Martha , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel , Carreón-Cruz Rogelio , Rendón-Macías Mario Enrique , Fajardo-Gutiérrez Arturo 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the principal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system in children under one year of age. The incidence in developed countries is greater than that in developing countries. The aim of this article is to present the epidemiological and some clinical characteristics of Mexican children with NB.

Methods
A population-based, prolective study, with data obtained from the Childhood Cancer Registry of the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social. Statistical analysis: The simple frequencies of the variables of the study and the annual average incidence (per 1,000,000 children/years) by age and sex were obtained. The trend was evaluated by calculating the annual percentage of change. The curves of Kaplan-Meyer were employed for the survival rate and the log-rank test was used to compare the curves.

Results
Of a total of 2,758 children with cancer registered during the period from 1996–2005, 72 (2.6%) were identified as having Group IV, defined according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. The incidence for NB was 3.8 per 1,000,000 children/year; NB was highest in the group of children under one year of age, followed by the group of children between the ages 1–4 years (18.5 and 5.4 per 1,000,000 children/years, respectively). The male/female ratio was 1.1 and there was no trend toward an increase. The time of diagnosis was 26 days (median), but varied according to the stage at diagnosis. Stages III and IV were presented in 88% of the cases. There was no association between the stage, the age at time of diagnosis, or the histological pattern. The overall five-year survival rate was 64%; the patients with stage I, II, III, or IVs did not die; and the five-year survival rate of cases in Stage IV was 40%.

Conclusion
It is possible that the low incidence of neuroblastoma in Mexican children is due to the difficulty in diagnosing the cases with the best prognosis, some of which could have had spontaneous regression. There was no trend to an increase; the majority of the cases were diagnosed in the advanced stages; and the overall five-years survival rate was similar to that for developed countries.
Histological analysis of low dose NMU effects in the rat mammary gland
Authors: Murray Tessa J , Ucci Angelo A , Maffini Maricel V , Sonnenschein Carlos , Soto Ana M 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Our objective was to assess the histological changes in mammary glands of the female Wistar-Furth rat as a result of low dose exposure to N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU).

Methods
Groups of 30–40 virgin female rats of between 49–58 days old received a single injection of 10, 20, 30 or 50 mg NMU/kg body weight (BW). A group of 10 control rats received 0.9% NaCl solution only. The formation of palpable mammary gland tumors was assessed weekly and, upon sacrifice at 12, 22 and 25–30 weeks after treatment, we performed a comprehensive histological analysis of all mammary gland lesions and tumors.

Results
Alongside the predicted increase in tumor number and decrease in tumor latency with increasing NMU dose, we observed a number of microscopic lesions and other epithelial abnormalities in the mammary glands for all NMU doses. Two types of non-neoplastic histological changes were observed in rats exposed to 10 or 20 mg NMU/kg BW: namely, (i) an increase in the number of acinar structures often accompanied by secretion into the lumen which is normally associated with pregnancy and lactation, and (ii) an increase in the number of epithelial cells sloughed into the lumen of the epithelial ducts.

Conclusion
This study establishes a baseline for low-dose exposure and defines the histological features in the mammary gland resulting from NMU exposure. Furthermore, this system provides an ideal platform for evaluating the relative susceptibility of animals protected from, or predisposed to, developing cancer through environmental influences.
Prevalence of associated injuries of spinal trauma and their effect on medical utilization among hospitalized adult subjects – a nationwide data-based study
Authors: Chu Dachen , Lee Yi-Hui , Lin Ching-Heng , Chou Pesus , Yang Nan-Ping 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
This study was wanted to investigate the prevalence of concomitant injuries among hospitalized acute spinal trauma patients aged 20 and over and the effects of those injuries on medical utilization in Taiwan.

Methods
Nationwide inpatient datasets of Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) database from between 2000 and 2003 were used. The major inclusion criteria used to select cases admitted due to acute spinal trauma were based on three diagnostic International Classification of Disease, 9th Version (ICD-9) codes items: (1) fracture of vertebral column without mention of spinal cord injury; (2) fracture of vertebral column with spinal cord injury; or (3) spinal cord lesion without evidence of spinal bone injury. To investigate the associated injuries among the eligible subjects, the concomitant ICD-9 diagnosis codes were evaluated and classified into six co-injury categories: (1) head trauma; (2) chest trauma; (3) abdominal trauma; (4) pelvic trauma; (5) upper extremities trauma; (6) lower extremities trauma.

Results
There were 51,641 cases studied; 27.6% of these subjects suffered from neurological deficit, but only 17.3% underwent a surgical procedure for spinal injury. Among them, the prevalence of associated injuries were as follows: head trauma, 17.2%; chest injury, 2.9%; abdominal trauma, 1.5%; pelvic injury or fracture, 2.5%; upper limb fracture, 4.4%; lower limb fracture, 5.9%. The three major locations of acute spinal injury (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine) were found to be combined with unequal distributions of associated injuries. By stepwise multiple linear regression, gender, age, location of spinal injury, neurological deficit, surgical intervention and the six combined injuries were identified significantly as associated factors of the two kinds of medical utilization, length of stay (LOS) and direct medical cost. The combinations of acute spinal trauma with lower extremity injury, pelvic injury, chest injury, abdominal injury and upper extremity injury resulted in of the highest utilization of medical resources, the estimated additional LOS being between 4.3 and 1.2 days, and the extra medical cost calculated as being between $1,230 and $320.

Conclusion
The occurrence of associated Injuries among hospitalized acute spinal trauma patients in Taiwan is not uncommon, and results in an obvious effect on medical utilization.
Development and experimental verification of a genome-scale metabolic model for Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Shinfuku Yohei , Sorpitiporn Natee , Sono Masahiro , Furusawa Chikara , Hirasawa Takashi , Shimizu Hiroshi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundIn silicogenome-scale metabolic models enable the analysis of the characteristics of metabolic systems of organisms. In this study, we reconstructed a genome-scale metabolic model ofCorynebacterium glutamicumon the basis of genome sequence annotation and physiological data. The metabolic characteristics were analyzed using flux balance analysis (FBA), and the results of FBA were validated using data from culture experiments performed at different oxygen uptake rates.ResultsThe reconstructed genome-scale metabolic model ofC. glutamicumcontains 502 reactions and 423 metabolites. We collected the reactions and biomass components from the database and literatures, and made the model available for the flux balance analysis by filling gaps in the reaction networks and removing inadequate loop reactions. Using the framework of FBA and our genome-scale metabolic model, we first simulated the changes in the metabolic flux profiles that occur on changing the oxygen uptake rate. The predicted production yields of carbon dioxide and organic acids agreed well with the experimental data. The metabolic profiles of amino acid production phases were also investigated. A comprehensive gene deletion study was performed in which the effects of gene deletions on metabolic fluxes were simulated; this helped in the identification of several genes whose deletion resulted in an improvement in organic acid production.ConclusionThe genome-scale metabolic model provides useful information for the evaluation of the metabolic capabilities and prediction of the metabolic characteristics ofC. glutamicum. This can form a basis for thein silicodesign ofC. glutamicummetabolic networks for improved bioproduction of desirable metabolites.
Shiftwork in the Norwegian petroleum industry: overcoming difficulties with family and social life – a cross sectional study
Authors: Ljoså Cathrine Haugene , Lau Bjørn 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Continuous shift schedules are required in the petroleum industry because of its dependency on uninterrupted production. Although shiftwork affects health, less is known about its effects on social and domestic life.

Methods
Consequently, we studied these relationships in a sample of 1697 (response rate 55.9%) petroleum workers who worked onshore and offshore for a Norwegian oil and gas company. We also examined the roles of coping strategies and locus of control for handling self-reported problems with social and domestic life. A questionnaire containing scales from the Standard Shiftwork Index and Shiftwork Locus of Control was answered electronically.

Results
In general, only a few participants reported that their shift schedule affected their social and domestic/family life, and several participants had enough time to spend by themselves and with their partner, close family, friends, and children. Despite this general positive trend, differences were found for shift type and individual factors such as locus of control and coping strategies. Internal locus of control was associated positively with all the dependent variables. However, engaging problem-focused coping strategies were associated only slightly with the dependent variables, while disengaging emotion-focused coping strategies were negatively associated with the dependent variables.

Conclusion
Since most participants reported few problems with social and domestic/family life, the availability of more leisure time may be a positive feature of shiftwork in the Norwegian petroleum industry. Locus of control and the use of coping strategies were important for shiftworkers' social and domestic/family life.
3D fluorescent in situ hybridization using Arabidopsis leaf cryosections and isolated nuclei
Authors: Tirichine Leïla , Andrey Philippe , Biot Eric , Maurin Yves , Gaudin Valérie 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Fluorescent hybridization techniques are widely used to study the functional organization of different compartments within the mammalian nucleus. However, few examples of such studies are known in the plant kingdom. Indeed, preservation of nuclei 3D structure, which is required for nuclear organization studies, is difficult to fulfill.

Results
We report a rapid protocol for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) performed on 3D isolated nuclei and thin cryosectioned leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. The use of direct labeling minimized treatment steps, shortening the overall procedure. Using image analysis, we measured different parameters related to nucleus morphology and overall 3D structure.

Conclusion
Our work describes a 3D-FISH protocol that preserves the 3D structure of Arabidopsis interphase nuclei. Moreover, we report for the first time FISH using cryosections of Arabidopsis leaves. This protocol is a valuable tool to investigate nuclear architecture and chromatin organization.
Homer regulates calcium signalling in growth cone turning
Authors: Gasperini Robert , Choi-Lundberg Derek , Thompson Michael JW , Mitchell Camilla B , Foa Lisa 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Background
Homer proteins are post-synaptic density proteins with known functions in receptor trafficking and calcium homeostasis. While they are key mediators of synaptic plasticity, they are also known to function in axon guidance, albeit by mechanisms that are yet to be elucidated. Homer proteins couple extracellular receptors – such as metabotropic glutamate receptors and the transient receptor potential canonical family of cation channels – to intracellular receptors such as inositol triphosphate and ryanodine receptors on intracellular calcium stores and, therefore, are well placed to regulate calcium dynamics within the neural growth cone. Here we used growth cones from dorsal root ganglia, a well established model in the field of axon guidance, and a growth cone turning assay to examine Homer1 function in axon guidance.

Results
Homer1 knockdown reversed growth cone turning from attraction to repulsion in response to the calcium-dependent guidance cues brain derived neurotrophic factor and netrin-1. Conversely, Homer1 knockdown had no effect on repulsion to the calcium-independent guidance cue Semaphorin-3A. This reversal of attractive turning suggested a requirement for Homer1 in a molecular switch. Pharmacological experiments confirmed that the operational state of a calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II/calcineurin phosphatase molecular switch was dependent on Homer1 expression. Calcium imaging of motile growth cones revealed that Homer1 is required for guidance-cue-induced rise of cytosolic calcium and the attenuation of spontaneous cytosolic calcium transients. Homer1 knockdown-induced calcium transients and turning were inhibited by antagonists of store-operated channels. In addition, immunocytochemistry revealed the close association of Homer1 with the store-operated proteins TRPC1 and STIM1 within dorsal root ganglia growth cones.

Conclusion
These experiments provide evidence that Homer1 is an essential component of the calcium signalling repertoire within motile growth cones, regulating guidance-cue-induced calcium release and maintaining basal cytosolic calcium.
Role of STAT1, NF-κB, and C/EBPβ in the macrophage transcriptional regulation of hepcidin by mycobacterial infection and IFN-γ
Authors: Sow Fatoumata B , Alvarez Gail R , Gross Ryan P , Satoskar Abhay R , Schlesinger Larry S , Zwilling Bruce S , Lafuse William P 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Expression of hepcidin in mouse macrophages is regulated by transcription factors activated by IFN receptors and Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4.
Hepcidin is an antimicrobial peptide involved in regulating iron homeostasis. It is induced by iron overload and decreased by hypoxia and anemia. Hepcidin regulates iron metabolism by inhibiting iron absorption by the duodenum and by inhibiting macrophage iron recycling. Hepcidin is induced in hepatocytes during the acute-phase response by IL-6. Previously, we have shown that hepcidin is not induced in macrophages by IL-6 but is induced by the synergistic interaction of IFN-γ and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In the present study, we examined the pathways involved in inducing macrophage hepcidin expression. We show that TLRs TLR2 and TLR4 and the transcription factor STAT1 are required for induction of hepcidin mRNA. Hepcidin promoter activity is also synergistically induced in RAW264.7 macrophages by IFN-γ and M. tuberculosis. NF-κB and C/CEBP binding sites are required for promoter activity. Binding of NF-κB (p50/p65) to the NF-κB site and STAT1 and C/EBPβ to the C/CEBP site was confirmed by EMSA. Knockdown of STAT1 and C/EBPβ expression in RAW264.7 cells with siRNA plasmids inhibited hepcidin promoter activity induced by IFN-γ and M. tuberculosis. Together, these studies demonstrate that macrophage hepcidin expression is induced by the activation of STAT1 and NF-κB and the induction of C/EBPβ expression.
Distress in Older Patients With Cancer
Authors: Hurria Arti , Li Daneng , Hansen Kurt , Patil Sujata , Gupta Ravi , Nelson Christian , Lichtman Stuart M. , Tew William P. , Hamlin Paul , Zuckerman Enid , Gardes Jonathan , Limaye Sewanti , Lachs Mark , Kelly Eva 
Published: August 2009

Purpose To determine the predictors of distress in older patients with cancer. Patients and Methods Patients age ≥ 65 years with a solid tumor or lymphoma completed a questionnaire that addressed these geriatric assessment domains: functional status, comorbidity, psychological state, nutritional status, and social support. Patients self-rated their level of distress on a scale of zero to 10 using a validated screening tool called the Distress Thermometer. The relationship between distress and geriatric assessment scores was examined. Results The geriatric assessment questionnaire was completed by 245 patients (mean age, 76 years; standard deviation [SD], 7 years; range, 65 to 95 years) with cancer (36% stage IV; 71% female). Of these, 87% also completed the Distress Thermometer, with 41% (n = 87) reporting a distress score of ≥ 4 on a scale of zero to 10 (mean score, 3; SD, 3; range, zero to 10). Bivariate analyses demonstrated an association between higher distress (≥ 4) and poorer physical function, increased comorbid medical conditions, poor eyesight, inability to complete the questionnaire alone, and requiring more time to complete the questionnaire. In a multivariate regression model based on the significant bivariate findings, poorer physical function (increased need for assistance with instrumental activities of daily living [P = .015] and lower physical function score on the Medical Outcomes Survey [P = .018]) correlated significantly with a higher distress score. Conclusion Significant distress was identified in 41% of older patients with cancer. Poorer physical function was the best predictor of distress. Further studies are needed to determine whether interventions that improve or assist with physical functioning can help to decrease distress in older adults with cancer.