bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression variation in connected recombinant populations of Arabidopsis thaliana highlights distinct transcriptome architectures
Authors: Cubillos Francisco A , Yansouni Jennifer , Khalili Hamid , Balzergue Sandrine , Elftieh Samira , Martin-Magniette Marie-Laure , Serrand Yann , Lepiniec Loïc , Baud Sébastien , Dubreucq Bertrand , Renou Jean-Pierre , Camilleri Christine , Loudet Olivier 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Expression traits can vary quantitatively between individuals and have a complex inheritance. Identification of the genetics underlying transcript variation can help in the understanding of phenotypic variation due to genetic factors regulating transcript abundance and shed light into divergence patterns. So far, only a limited number of studies have addressed this subject in Arabidopsis, with contrasting results due to dissimilar statistical power. Here, we present the transcriptome architecture in leaf tissue of two RIL sets obtained from a connected-cross design involving 3 commonly used accessions. We also present the transcriptome architecture observed in developing seeds of a third independent cross.

Results
The utilisation of the novel R/eqtl package (which goal is to automatize and extend functions from the R/qtl package) allowed us to map 4,290 and 6,534 eQTLs in the Cvi-0 × Col-0 and Bur-0 × Col-0 recombinant populations respectively. In agreement with previous studies, we observed a larger phenotypic variance explained by eQTLs in linkage with the controlled gene (potentially cis-acting), compared to distant loci (acting necessarily indirectly or in trans). Distant eQTLs hotspots were essentially not conserved between crosses, but instead, cross-specific. Accounting for confounding factors using a probabilistic approach (VBQTL) increased the mapping resolution and the number of significant associations. Moreover, using local eQTLs obtained from this approach, we detected evidence for a directional allelic effect in genes with related function, where significantly more eQTLs than expected by chance were up-regulated from one of the accessions. Primary experimental data, analysis parameters, eQTL results and visualisation of LOD score curves presented here are stored and accessible through the QTLstore service database http://qtlstore.versailles.inra.fr/.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate the extensive diversity and moderately conserved eQTL landscape between crosses and validate the utilisation of expression traits to explore for candidates behind phenotypic variation among accessions. Furthermore, this stresses the need for a wider spectrum of diversity to fully understand expression trait variation within a species.
Assessment of liver fibrosis and associated risk factors in HIV-infected individuals using transient elastography and serum biomarkers
Authors: Vermehren Johannes , Vermehren Annika , Mueller Axel , Carlebach Amina , Lutz Thomas , Gute Peter , Knecht Gaby , Sarrazin Christoph , Friedrich-Rust Mireen , Forestier Nicole , Poynard Thierry , Zeuzem Stefan , Herrmann Eva , Hofmann Wolf Peter 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is mostly attributable to co-infection with hepatitis B or C. The impact of other risk factors, including prolonged exposure to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is poorly understood. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of liver fibrosis and associated risk factors in HIV-infected individuals based on non-invasive fibrosis assessment using transient elastography (TE) and serum biomarkers (Fibrotest [FT]).

Methods
In 202 consecutive HIV-infected individuals (159 men; mean age 47 ± 9 years; 35 with hepatitis-C-virus [HCV] co-infection), TE and FT were performed. Repeat TE examinations were conducted 1 and 2 years after study inclusion.

Results
Significant liver fibrosis was present in 16% and 29% of patients, respectively, when assessed by TE (≥ 7.1 kPa) and FT (> 0.48). A combination of TE and FT predicted significant fibrosis in 8% of all patients (31% in HIV/HCV co-infected and 3% in HIV mono-infected individuals). Chronic ALT, AST and γ-GT elevation was present in 29%, 20% and 51% of all cART-exposed patients and in 19%, 8% and 45.5% of HIV mono-infected individuals. Overall, factors independently associated with significant fibrosis as assessed by TE (OR, 95% CI) were co-infection with HCV (7.29, 1.95-27.34), chronic AST (6.58, 1.30-33.25) and γ-GT (5.17, 1.56-17.08) elevation and time on dideoxynucleoside therapy (1.01, 1.00-1.02). In 68 HIV mono-infected individuals who had repeat TE examinations, TE values did not differ significantly during a median follow-up time of 24 months (median intra-patient changes at last TE examination relative to baseline: -0.2 kPa, p = 0.20).

Conclusions
Chronic elevation of liver enzymes was observed in up to 45.5% of HIV mono-infected patients on cART. However, only a small subset had significant fibrosis as predicted by TE and FT. There was no evidence for fibrosis progression during follow-up TE examinations.
Effects and predictors of shoulder muscle massage for patients with posterior shoulder tightness
Authors: Yang Jing-lan , Chen Shiau-yee , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Lin Jiu-jenq 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundClinical approaches like mobilization, stretching, and/or massage may decrease shoulder tightness and improve symptoms in subjects with stiff shoulders. We investigated the effect and predictors of effectiveness of massage in the treatment of patients with posterior shoulder tightness.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted in a hospital-based outpatient practice (orthopedic and rehabilitation). Forty-three women and 17 men (mean age = 54 years, range 43-73 years) with posterior shoulder tightness participated and were randomized into massage and control groups (n = 30 per group). A physical therapist provided the massage on the posterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and teres minor of the involved shoulder for 18 minutes [about 6 minutes for each muscle] two times a week for 4 weeks. For the control group, one therapist applied light hand touch on the muscles 10 minutes two times a week for 4 weeks. Glenohumeral internal rotation ROM, functional status, and muscle tightness were the main outcomes. Additionally, the potential factors on the effectiveness of massage were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. For this analysis, patients with functional score improvement at least 20% after massage were considered responsive, and the others were considered nonresponsive.ResultsFifty-two patients completed the study (29 for the massage and 23 for the control). The overall mean internal rotation ROM increased significantly in the massage group compared to the control (54.9° v.s. 34.9°;P≤ 0.001). There were 21 patients in the responsive group and 8 in the nonresponsive group. Among the factors, duration of symptoms, functional score, and posterior deltoid tightness were significant predictors of effectiveness of massage.ConclusionsMassage was an effective treatment for patients with posterior shoulder tightness, but was less effective in patients with longer duration of symptoms, higher functional limitation, and less posterior deltoid tightness.Trial registrationThis clinical trial is registered at Trial Registration "Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.govNCT01022827".
A high normal TSH level is associated with an atherogenic lipid profile in euthyroid non-smokers with newly diagnosed asymptomatic coronary heart disease
Authors: Wanjia Xing , Chenggang Wang , Aihong Wang , Xiaomei Yang , Jiajun Zhao , Chunxiao Yu , Jin Xu , Yinglong Hou , Ling Gao 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Serum lipid profiles may be influenced by thyroid function, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that thyrotropin (TSH) may exert extra-thyroidal effects. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum TSH levels and the lipid profiles in euthyroid non-smokers with newly diagnosed asymptomatic coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods
This was a retrospective study of 406 euthyroid non-smokers (187 males and 219 females) with newly diagnosed asymptomatic CHD from 2004 to 2010 in Jinan, China. Lipid parameters and the levels of TSH, FT3, and FT4 were determined. Multiple linear regression analysis and Logistic regression analysis were used to assess the influence of TSH on the lipid profiles and the risks of dyslipidemia.

Results
The TSH level, even within the normal range, was positively and linearly correlated with total cholesterol (TC), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) (Beta = 0.173, 0.181 and 0.103, respectively, P < 0.01 in all). With 1 mIU/L rise of TSH, the levels of TC, TG and non-HDL-C will increase by 1.010, 1.064, and 1.062 mmol/L, respectively. The odds ratio of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia with respect to the serum TSH level was 1.640 (95% CI 1.199-2.243, P = 0.002) and 1.349 (95% CI 1.054-1.726, P = 0.017), respectively.

Conclusions
TSH levels were correlated in a positive linear manner with the TC, non-HDL-C and TG levels in euthyroid non-smokers with newly diagnosed asymptomatic CHD. TSH in the upper limits of the reference range might exert adverse effects on lipid profiles and thus representing as a risk factor for hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in the context of CHD.
Percutaneous treatment of patients with heart diseases: selection, guidance and follow-up. A review
Authors: Contaldi Carla , Losi Maria-Angela , Rapacciuolo Antonio , Prastaro Maria , Lombardi Raffaella , Parisi Valentina , Parrella Lucia S , Di Nardo Carlo , Giamundo Alessandra , Puglia Roberto , Esposito Giovanni , Piscione Federico , Betocchi Sandro 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation, patent foramen ovale, interatrial septal defect, atrial fibrillation and perivalvular leak, are now amenable to percutaneous treatment. These percutaneous procedures require the use of Transthoracic (TTE), Transesophageal (TEE) and/or Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). This paper provides an overview of the different percutaneous interventions, trying to provide a systematic and comprehensive approach for selection, guidance and follow-up of patients undergoing these procedures, illustrating the key role of 2D echocardiography.
The Chinese version of the cardiac depression scale: Mokken scaling
Authors: Watson Roger , Wang Wenru , Hare David L , Ski Chantal F , Thompson David R 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundMyocardial infarction is a major cause of death and morbidity in many countries, including China. The aim of this study was to analyse a Mandarin Chinese translation of the Cardiac Depression Scale for a hierarchy of items according to the criteria of Mokken scaling.FindingsData from 438 Chinese participants who completed the Chinese translation of the Cardiac Depression Scale were analysed using the Mokken scaling procedure and the 'R' statistical programme using the diagnostics available in these programmes. Correlations between Mandarin Chinese items and Chinese translations of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory were also analysed. Fifteen items from the Mandarin Chinese Cardiac Depression Scale were retained in a weak but reliable Mokken scale; invariant item ordering was evident but of low accuracy and the Mokken scaled items of the Chinese Cardiac Depression Scale correlated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory.ConclusionsItems from the Mandarin Chinese Cardiac Depression Scale form a Mokken scale and this offers further insight into how the items of the Cardiac Depression Scale relate to the measurement of depression in people with a myocardial infarction.
A multilayered approach of Si/SiO to promote carrier transport in electroluminescence of Si nanocrystals
Authors: Li Ding , Chen Yong-Bin , Ren Yong , Zhu Jiang , Zhao You-Yuan , Lu Ming 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The electroluminescence (EL) and photoluminescence of Si nanocrystals (Si-nc) from multilayered samples of Si/SiO are investigated. Si-nc are formed within Si and SiO layers after furnace annealing. It is found that the presence of Si interlayers creates extra carrier paths for EL emission. A comparative study is further performed on a multilayered Si/SiO sample and a single-layered one with Si and SiO homogeneously mixed. Both samples have the same ratio of Si to O and the same contents of Si and O. The multilayered sample is found to have higher EL intensity, less turn-on voltage, lower resistance, and higher current efficiency than the single-layered one. The results indicate that Si interlayers in Si/SiO may act as carrier channels, which promote carrier transport and enhance the EL emission of Si-nc.
Design and implementation of a distributed fall detection system based on wireless sensor networks
Authors: Luo Xiaomu , Liu Tong , Liu Jun , Guo Xuemei , Wang Guoli 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Pervasive healthcare is one of the most important applications of the Internet of Things (IoT). As part of the IoT, the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are responsible for sensing the abnormal behavior of the elderly or patients. In this article, we design and implement a fall detection system called SensFall. With the resource restricted sensor nodes, it is vital to find an efficient feature to describe the scene. Based on the optical flow analysis, it can be observed that the thermal energy variation of each sub-region of the monitored region is a salient spatio-temporal feature that characterizes the fall. The main contribution of this study is to develop a feature-specific sensing system to capture this feature so as to detect the occurrence of a fall. In our system, the three-dimensional (3D) object space is segmented into some distinct discrete sampling cells, and pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensors are employed to detect the variance of the thermal flux within these cells. The hierarchical classifier (two-layer HMMs) is proposed to model the time-varying PIR signal and classify different human activities. We use self-developed PIR sensor nodes mounted on the ceiling and construct a WSN based on ZigBee (802.15.4) protocol. We conduct experiments in a real office environment. The volunteers simulate several kinds of activities including falling, sitting down, standing up from a chair, walking, and jogging. Encouraging experimental results confirm the efficacy of our system.
Isolation and identification of a distinct strain of Culex Flavivirus from mosquitoes collected in Mainland China
Authors: Huanyu Wang , Haiyan Wang , Shihong Fu , Guifang Liu , Hong Liu , Xiaoyan Gao , Lizhi Song , Rayner Simon , Aiqiang Xu , Guodong Liang 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundCulexflavivirus (CxFV) is an insect specific virus that has been isolated fromCulexpipiens, Culexquinquefasciatus, Culextritaeniorhynchusand otherCulexmosquitoes. It is a novel flavivirus isolated in Asia, North America, Central America and Africa. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that, based on the envelope gene (E gene) sequence, the worldwide CxFV strains can be divided into two genotypes.ResultA virus (SDDM06-11) was isolated fromCulexpipienscollected in Shandong Province, China in 2006. The strain caused cytopathic effect (CPE) inAedesalbopictus(C6/36) cells by 3 days post-infection and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) showed a reaction with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) polyclonal antibodies. Phylogenetic analysis of the E gene sequence showed CxFV formed two genotypes with the SDDM06-11 strain assigned to genotype 1. Analysis of the E gene nucleotide homology showed the virus possessed characteristic amino acids at specific sites. The nucleotide homology of the open reading frame (ORF) was 94.8%-95.1% between SDDM06-11 and isolates from Japan, Iowa and Texas, and 90.2%-90.5% between SDDM06-11 and isolates from Uganda and Mexico.ConclusionIn this paper we report the first isolation and identification of an isolate of CxFV in mainland China. Phylogenetic analysis indicates the isolate belongs to genotype 1. Our findings provide insight into the occurrence of CxFV inCulexmosquito populations and its distribution on a global scale.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-2a is associated with ABCG2 expression, histology-grade and Ki67 expression in breast invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Lei , Liu Zhi-Heng , Huan Qin , Su Peng , Du Guang-Jun , Wang Yan , Gao Peng , Zhou Geng-Yin 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Hypoxia is an important factor involved in the progression of solid tumors and has been associated with various indicators of tumor metabolism, angiogenesis and metastasis. But little is known about the contribution of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2a (HIF-2a) to the drug resistance and the clinicopathological characteristics in breast cancer.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry was employed on the tissue microarray paraffin sections of surgically removed samples from 196 invasive breast cancer patients with clinicopathological data. The correlations between the expression of HIF-2a and ABCG2 as well as other patients' clinicopathological data were investigated.

Results
The results showed that HIF-2a was expressed in different intensities and distributions in the tumor cells of the breast invasive ductal carcinoma. A positive staining for HIF-2a was defined as a brown staining observed mainly in the nucleus. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between HIF-2a expression and ABCG2 expression (p = 0.001), histology-grade (p = 0.029), and Ki67 (p = 0. 043) respectively.

Conclusion
HIF-2a was correlated with ABCG2 expression, histology-grade and Ki67 expression in breast invasive ductal carcinoma. HIF-2a could regulate ABCG2 in breast cancer cells, and could be a novel potential bio-marker to predict chemotherapy effectiveness. The hypoxia/HIF-2a/ABCG2 pathway could be a new mechanism of breast cancer multidrug-resistance.

Virtual slides
http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2965948166714795
NVP-BEZ235 and NVP-BGT226, dual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, enhance tumor and endothelial cell radiosensitivity
Authors: Fokas Emmanouil , Yoshimura Michio , Prevo Remko , Higgins Geoff , Hackl Wolfgang , Maira Sauveur-Michel , Bernhard Eric J , McKenna WGillies , Muschel Ruth J 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is activated in tumor cells and promotes tumor cell survival after radiation-induced DNA damage. Because the pathway may not be completely inhibited after blockade of PI3K itself, due to feedback through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), more effective inhibition might be expected by targeting both PI3K and mTOR inhibition.

Materials and methods
We investigated the effect of two dual PI3K/mTOR (both mTORC1 and mTORC2) inhibitors, NVP-BEZ235 and NVP-BGT226, on SQ20B laryngeal and FaDu hypopharyngeal cancer cells characterised by EGFR overexpression, on T24 bladder tumor cell lines with H-Ras mutation and on endothelial cells. Analysis of target protein phosphorylation, clonogenic survival, number of residual γH2AX foci, cell cycle and apoptosis after radiation was performed in both tumor and endothelial cells. In vitro angiogenesis assays were conducted as well.

Results
Both compounds effectively inhibited phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and S6 target proteins and reduced clonogenic survival in irradiated tumor cells. Persistence of DNA damage, as evidenced by increased number of γH2AX foci, was detected after irradiation in the presence of PI3K/mTOR inhibition, together with enhanced G2 cell cycle delay. Treatment with one of the inhibitors, NVP-BEZ235, also resulted in decreased clonogenicity after irradiation of tumor cells under hypoxic conditions. In addition, NVP-BEZ235 blocked VEGF- and IR-induced Akt phosphorylation and increased radiation killing in human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human dermal microvascular dermal cells (HDMVC). NVP-BEZ235 inhibited VEGF-induced cell migration and capillary tube formation in vitro and enhanced the antivascular effect of irradiation. Treatment with NVP-BEZ235 moderately increased apoptosis in SQ20B and HUVEC cells but not in FaDu cells, and increased necrosis in both tumor and endothelial all cells tumor.

Conclusions
The results of this study demonstrate that PI3K/mTOR inhibitors can enhance radiation-induced killing in tumor and endothelial cells and may be of benefit when combined with radiotherapy.
The prognostic significance of p63 and Ki-67 expression in myoepithelial carcinoma
Authors: Jiang You-Hua , Cheng Bo , Ge Ming-Hua , Zhang Gu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundMyoepithelial carcinoma is a rare tumour. The clinical and biological behaviours of these tumours are variable. Although many factors have been evaluated as potential prognostic indicators, including clinical stage, site and size of the tumour, high proliferative activity, extensive invasion into the surrounding tissue, perineural permeation, the abnormal presence of nuclear DNA content, and marked cellular pleomorphism, there are no definite histological features that clearly correlate with their behaviour. Thus, conclusions regarding prognostic factors and ideal treatment may emerge as the number of investigated myoepithelial carcinoma cases accumulate.MethodsUsing immunohistochemistry, expression levels of p63 and Ki-67 were determined in 16 myoepithelial carcinoma samples and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and patient prognosis.Resultsp63 expression was detected in six of the myoepithelial carcinoma tissues (37.5%) and Ki-67 was detected in five (31.3%). In addition, p63 and Ki-67 expression levels were associated with myoepithelial carcinoma recurrence and metastasis. All six patients with p63-positive expression died due to disease or cardiovascular disease (mean survival time = 50.5 months), and p63 expression was statistically significant with respect to survival (P= 0.01). Four patients with Ki-67-positive expression died due to disease or cardiovascular disease (mean survival time = 44.0 months); however, there was no statistically significant difference between Ki-67 expression and survival (P= 0.24).ConclusionsRecurrence and metastasis in myoepithelial carcinomas are more frequent in p63-positive and Ki-67-positive EMCs, and poor prognosis is associated with overexpression of p63.
Heterologous expression of Oenococcus oeni malolactic enzyme in Lactobacillus plantarum for improved malolactic fermentation
Authors: Schümann Christina , Michlmayr Herbert , Eder Reinhard , del Hierro Andrés M , Kulbe Klaus D , Mathiesen Geir , Nguyen Thu-Ha 
Published: March 2012

AbstractLactobacillus plantarumis involved in a multitude of food related industrial fermentation processes including the malolactic fermentation (MLF) of wine. This work is the first report on a recombinantL. plantarumstrain successfully conducting MLF. The malolactic enzyme (MLE) fromOenococcus oeniwas cloned into the lactobacillal expression vector pSIP409 which is based on the sakacin P operon ofLactobacillus sakeiand expressed in the host strainL. plantarumWCFS1. Both recombinant and wild-typeL. plantarumstrains were tested for MLF using a buffered malic acid solution in absence of glucose. Under the conditions with L-malic acid as the only energy source and in presence of Mn2+and NAD+, the recombinantL. plantarumand the wild-type strain converted 85% (2.5 g/l) and 51% (1.5 g/l), respectively, of L-malic acid in 3.5 days. Furthermore, the recombinantL. plantarumcells converted in a modified wine 15% (0.4 g/l) of initial L-malic acid concentration in 2 days. In conclusion, recombinantL. plantarumcells expressing MLE accelerate the malolactic fermentation.