bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Di Lisio Lorena , Martinez Nerea , Montes-Moreno Santiago , Piris-Villaespesa Miguel , Sanchez-Beato Margarita , Piris Miguel A. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
There is a demand to understand B-cell lymphoma pathogenesis better, to identify new markers, and to define multiple lymphoproliferative disorders more accurately. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of protein translation, comprising a group of more than 1500 short noncoding single-strand RNA molecules of approximately 22 nucleotides in length. They are easily detectable in fresh or paraffin-embedded diagnostic tissue and serum. Expression of individual miRNAs and miRNA signatures allows specific cell-differentiation stages to be identified, and is a powerful diagnostic and prognostic method. Here we review what is known about the pathogenic relevance of miRNAs, and use of miRNAs for the diagnosis and prognosis of B-cell lymphomas. Most of the published data concern chronic lymphocytic lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and implicate miRNAs in the pathogenesis of these diseases. They identify miRNAs that could be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or prediction of response to specific therapies.
Selenium preserves mitochondrial function, stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, and reduces infarct volume after focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Mehta Suresh L , Kumari Santosh , Mendelev Natalia , Li P Andy 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the major events responsible for activation of neuronal cell death pathways during cerebral ischemia. Trace element selenium has been shown to protect neurons in various diseases conditions. Present study is conducted to demonstrate that selenium preserves mitochondrial functional performance, activates mitochondrial biogenesis and prevents hypoxic/ischemic cell damage.

Results
The study conducted on HT22 cells exposed to glutamate or hypoxia and mice subjected to 60-min focal cerebral ischemia revealed that selenium (100 nM) pretreatment (24 h) significantly attenuated cell death induced by either glutamate toxicity or hypoxia. The protective effects were associated with reduction of glutamate and hypoxia-induced ROS production and alleviation of hypoxia-induced suppression of mitochondrial respiratory complex activities. The animal studies demonstrated that selenite pretreatment (0.2 mg/kg i.p. once a day for 7 days) ameliorated cerebral infarct volume and reduced DNA oxidation. Furthermore, selenite increased protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1α) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), two key nuclear factors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis. Finally, selenite normalized the ischemia-induced activation of Beclin 1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II), markers for autophagy.

Conclusions
These results suggest that selenium protects neurons against hypoxic/ischemic damage by reducing oxidative stress, restoring mitochondrial functional activities and stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis.
Identification and characterization of resistance to cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Kamphuis Lars G , Gao Lingling , Singh Karam B 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Cowpea aphid (CPA; Aphis craccivora) is the most important insect pest of cowpea and also causes significant yield losses in other legume crops including alfalfa, beans, chickpea, lentils, lupins and peanuts. In many of these crops there is no natural genetic resistance to this sap-sucking insect or resistance genes have been overcome by newly emerged CPA biotypes.

Results
In this study, we screened a subset of the Medicago truncatula core collection of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and identified strong resistance to CPA in a M. truncatula accession SA30199, compared to all other M. truncatula accessions tested. The biology of resistance to CPA in SA30199 plants was characterised compared to the highly susceptible accession Borung and showed that resistance occurred at the level of the phloem, required an intact plant and involved a combination of antixenosis and antibiosis. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using a F2 population (n = 150) from a cross between SA30199 and Borung revealed that resistance to CPA is controlled in part by a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 2, explaining 39% of the antibiosis resistance.

Conclusions
The identification of strong CPA resistance in M. truncatula allows for the identification of key regulators and genes important in this model legume to give effective CPA resistance that may have relevance for other legume crops. The identified locus will also facilitate marker assisted breeding of M. truncatula for increased resistance to CPA and potentially other closely related Medicago species such as alfalfa.
Genome-wide analysis of the MYB transcription factor superfamily in soybean
Authors: Du Hai , Yang Si-Si , Liang Zhe , Feng Bo-Run , Liu Lei , Huang Yu-Bi , Tang Yi-Xiong 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The MYB superfamily constitutes one of the most abundant groups of transcription factors described in plants. Nevertheless, their functions appear to be highly diverse and remain rather unclear. To date, no genome-wide characterization of this gene family has been conducted in a legume species. Here we report the first genome-wide analysis of the whole MYB superfamily in a legume species, soybean (Glycine max), including the gene structures, phylogeny, chromosome locations, conserved motifs, and expression patterns, as well as a comparative genomic analysis with Arabidopsis.

Results
A total of 244 R2R3-MYB genes were identified and further classified into 48 subfamilies based on a phylogenetic comparative analysis with their putative orthologs, showed both gene loss and duplication events. The phylogenetic analysis showed that most characterized MYB genes with similar functions are clustered in the same subfamily, together with the identification of orthologs by synteny analysis, functional conservation among subgroups of MYB genes was strongly indicated. The phylogenetic relationships of each subgroup of MYB genes were well supported by the highly conserved intron/exon structures and motifs outside the MYB domain. Synonymous nucleotide substitution (d
N/d
S) analysis showed that the soybean MYB DNA-binding domain is under strong negative selection. The chromosome distribution pattern strongly indicated that genome-wide segmental and tandem duplication contribute to the expansion of soybean MYB genes. In addition, we found that ~ 4% of soybean R2R3-MYB genes had undergone alternative splicing events, producing a variety of transcripts from a single gene, which illustrated the extremely high complexity of transcriptome regulation. Comparative expression profile analysis of R2R3-MYB genes in soybean and Arabidopsis revealed that MYB genes play conserved and various roles in plants, which is indicative of a divergence in function.

Conclusions
In this study we identified the largest MYB gene family in plants known to date. Our findings indicate that members of this large gene family may be involved in different plant biological processes, some of which may be potentially involved in legume-specific nodulation. Our comparative genomics analysis provides a solid foundation for future functional dissection of this family gene.
Development and description of measurement properties of an instrument to assess treatment burden among patients with multiple chronic conditions
Authors: Tran Viet-Thi , Montori Victor M , Eton David T , Baruch Dan , Falissard Bruno , Ravaud Philippe 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Patients experience an increasing treatment burden related to everything they do to take care of their health: visits to the doctor, medical tests, treatment management and lifestyle changes. This treatment burden could affect treatment adherence, quality of life and outcomes. We aimed to develop and validate an instrument for measuring treatment burden for patients with multiple chronic conditions.

Methods
Items were derived from a literature review and qualitative semistructured interviews with patients. The instrument was then validated in a sample of patients with chronic conditions recruited in hospitals and general practitioner clinics in France. Factor analysis was used to examine the questionnaire structure. Construct validity was studied by the relationships between the instrument's global score, the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) scores and the complexity of treatment as assessed by patients and physicians. Agreement between patients and physicians was appraised. Reliability was determined by a test-retest method.

Results
A sample of 502 patients completed the Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ), which consisted of 7 items (2 of which had 4 subitems) defined after 22 interviews with patients. The questionnaire showed a unidimensional structure. The Cronbach's α was 0.89. The instrument's global score was negatively correlated with TSQM scores (rs = -0.41 to -0.53) and positively correlated with the complexity of treatment (rs = 0.16 to 0.40). Agreement between patients and physicians (n = 396) was weak (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.38 (95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.47)). Reliability of the retest (n = 211 patients) was 0.76 (0.67 to 0.83).

Conclusions
This study provides the first valid and reliable instrument assessing the treatment burden for patients across any disease or treatment context. This instrument could help in the development of treatment strategies that are both efficient and acceptable for patients.
Occurrence of haemolytic Mannheimia spp. in apparently healthy sheep in Norway
Authors: Poulsen Louise L , Reinert Turið M , Sand Rikke L , Bisgaard Magne , Christensen Henrik , Olsen John E , Stuen Snorre , Bojesen Anders M 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The occurrence of Mannheimia species in healthy sheep has only been investigated to a very limited extend since the genus and its five named species were established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of haemolytic Mannheimia species in apparently healthy sheep originating from four sheep flocks in South-Western Norway.

Methods
Typical β-haemolytic Pasteurellaceae were isolated from nasal swabs and subsequently subjected to bacteriological examination. A total of 57 Mannheimia isolates were obtained in pure culture. All isolates were genotyped by amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) analysis and compared to six reference strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of two isolates were also determined.

Results

β-haemolytic Mannheimia species were isolated from 24% to 64% of the sheep in the four flocks. A total of 26 haemolytic M. ruminalis-like strains were isolated among which, a considerable genetic diversity was found. Eighteen M. glucosida isolates were obtained from three flocks, whereas M. haemolytica was only isolated from two flocks, 16 of them being from only one of the flocks.

Conclusion
We demonstrate that a relatively high number of apparently healthy sheep in Norway seem to carry the potentially pathogenic M. haemolytica and M. glucosida in the upper respiratory tract. An unexpectedly high number of haemolytic M. ruminalis-like organisms were also obtained in all four flocks. The usually non-haemolytic M. ruminalis are typically isolated from healthy ruminants. The significance of β-haemolytic M. ruminalis-like organisms is unknown and should be investigated in a future study.
Changes in pain and insulin-like growth factor 1 in fibromyalgia during exercise: the involvement of cerebrospinal inflammatory factors and neuropeptides
Authors: Bjersing Jan L , Dehlin Mats , Erlandsson Malin , Bokarewa Maria I , Mannerkorpi Kaisa 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain. Impaired growth hormone responses and reduced serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are common in FM. The aim was to examine changes in serum IGF-1, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neuropeptides, and cytokines during aerobic exercise in FM patients.

Methods

In total, 49 patients (median age, 52 years) with FM were included in the study. They were randomized to either the moderate- to high-intensity Nordic Walking (NW) program (n = 26) or the supervised low-intensity walking (LIW) program (n = 23). Patients participated in blood tests before and after 15 weeks of aerobic exercise. Changes in serum levels of free IGF-1, pain rating on a 0- to 100-mm scale, pain threshold, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were examined. CSF, neuropeptides, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and inflammatory cytokines were determined. Nonparametric tests were used for group comparisons and correlation analyses.

Results

Serum free IGF-1 levels did not change during 15 weeks of exercise between the two groups, although the 6MWT significantly improved in the NW group (p = 0.033) when compared with LIW. Pain did not significantly change in any of the groups, but tended to decrease (p = 0.052) over time in the total group. A tendency toward a correlation was noted between baseline IGF-1 and a decrease of pain in response to exercise (r = 0.278; p = 0.059). When adjusted for age, this tendency disappeared. The change in serum free IGF-1 correlated positively with an alteration in CSF substance P (SP) levels (r
s
= 0.495; p = 0.072), neuropeptide Y (NPY) (r
s
= 0.802; p = 0.001), and pain threshold (r
s
= 0.276; p = 0.058). Differing CSF SP levels correlated positively to a change in pain threshold (r
s
= 0.600; p = 0.023), whereas the shift in CSF MMP-3 inversely correlated with an altered pain threshold (r
s
= -0.569; p = 0.034).

Conclusions

The baseline level of serum free IGF-1 did not change during high or low intensity of aerobic exercise. Changes in IGF-1 correlated positively with a variation in CSF SP, NPY, and pain threshold. These data indicate a beneficial role of IGF-1 during exercise in FM.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT00643006.
Progressing from 1D to 2D and 3D near-surface airborne electromagnetic mapping with a multisensor, airborne sea-ice explorer
Authors: Pfaffhuber Andreas A. , Hendricks Stefan , Kvistedal Yme A. 
Published: July 2012

The polar ocean’s sea ice cover is an unconventional and challenging geophysical target. Helicopter electromagnetic (HEM) sea-ice thickness mapping is currently limited to 1D interpretation due to traditional procedures and systems. These systems are mainly sensitive to layered structures, ideally set for the widespread flat (level) ice type. Because deformed sea ice (e.g., pressure ridges) is 3D and usually also heterogeneous, ice thickness errors up to 50% can be observed for pressure ridges using 1D approximations for the interpretation of HEM data. We researched a new generation multisensor, airborne sea ice explorer (MAiSIE) to overcome these limitations. Three-dimensional finite-element modeling enabled us to determine that more than one frequency is needed, ideally in the range 1–8 kHz, to improve thickness estimates of grounded sea-ice pressure ridges that are typical of 3D sea ice structures. With the MAiSIE system, we found a new electromagnetic concept based on one multifrequency transmitter loop and a 3C receiver coil triplet with active digital bucking. The relatively small weight of the EM components freed enough payload to include additional scientific sensors, including a cross-track lidar scanner and high-accuracy inertial-navigation system combined with dual-antenna differential GPS. Integrating the 3D ice-surface topography obtained from the lidar with the EM data at frequencies from 500 Hz to 8 kHz in [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, and [Formula: see text]-directions, significantly increased the accuracy of sea-ice pressure-ridge geometry derived from HEM data. Initial test flight results over open water showed the proof-of-concept with acceptable sensor drift and receiver sensitivity. Noise levels were relatively high (20–250 parts-per-million) due to unwanted interference, leaving room for optimization. The 20 ppm noise level at 4.1 kHz is sufficient to map level ice thickness with 10 cm precision for sensor altitudes below 13 m.
Developing a new measure of small bowel peristalsis with dynamic MR: a proof of concept study
Authors: Farghal Aser , Kasmai Bahman , Malcolm Paul N , Graves Martin J , Toms Andoni P 
Published: July 2012

Background Small bowel peristalsis is a complex of many individual motion elements. Although each element of peristalsis can be measured there is no current global measure of peristalsis. Purpose To examine the feasibility of automated computerized assessment of global small bowel motility using simple computational methods. Material and Methods Coronal dynamic MR images were obtained from five healthy volunteers who had fasted for 9 h and drunk 1.5 L of water. Images were taken using single breath-hold and ECG triggering. Acquisitions were repeated at 10 and 20 min after an intramuscular injection of hyoscine butylbromide. Parametric maps were generated representing the mean change in signal amplitude (MSA) per voxel for each dynamic acquisition. Two observers independently assessed thresholding for optimal segmentation of small bowel from other sources of signal. Total voxel activity (TVA) for each study was calculated as a sum of MSA per slice and whole examination and TVA profiles were generated. Results Independent observations suggest that the automated segmentation method described usefully segments small bowel activity from other signal. Small bowel movement represented as TVA varied three-fold in the five volunteers and was inhibited by anti-muscarinic injection. Conclusion It is possible to develop a new measure, based on automated segmentation of mean signal amplitude changes, of small bowel peristalsis using dynamic MR.
FDG-PET/CT for the early prediction of histopathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: initial results
Authors: Buchbender Christian , Kuemmel Sherko , Hoffmann Oliver , Stahl Alexander R , Kimmig Rainer , Otterbach Friedrich , Ladd Susanne , Koeninger Angela , Forsting Michael , Bockisch Andreas , Antoch Gerald , Heusner Till A 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundUp to about one-quarter of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy do not adequately respond to the given treatment. By a differentiation between responders and non-responders ineffective toxic therapies can be prevented.PurposeTo retrospectively test if FDG-PET/CT is able to early differentiate between breast cancer lesions with pathological complete response (pCR) and lesions without pathological complete response (npCR) after two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).Material and MethodsIn this retrospective study 26 breast cancer patients (mean age, 46.9 years ± 9.9 years) underwent a pre-therapeutic FDG-PET/CT scan and a subsequent FDG-PET/CT after the second cycle of NACT. Histopathology of resected specimen served as the reference standard. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of cancer lesions before and after the second cycle of NACT were measured. Two evaluation algorithms were used: (a) pCR: Sinn Score 3 and 4, npCR: Sinn Score 0–2; (b) pCR: Sinn Score 4, npCR: Sinn Score 0–3. The absolute and relative decline of the SUVmax (ΔSUVmax, ΔSUVmax(%))was calculated. Differences of the SUVmax as well as of the SUVmax decline between pCR lesions and npCR lesions were tested for statistical significance P < 0.05. To identify the optimal cut-off value of ΔSUVmax(%) to differentiate between pCR lesions and npCR lesions a receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis was performed.ResultsUsing evaluation algorithm A the ΔSUVmax was 13.5 (pCR group) and 3.9 (npCR group) ( P = 0.006); the ΔSUVmax(%) was 79% and 47%, respectively ( P = 0.001). On ROC analysis an optimal cut-off ΔSUVmax(%) of 66% was found. Using evaluation algorithm B the ΔSUVmax was 17.5 (pCR group) and 4.9 (npCR group) ( P = 0.013); the ΔSUVmax(%) was 89% and 51%, respectively ( P = 0.003). On ROC analysis an optimal cut-off ΔSUVmax(%) of 88% was found.ConclusionFDG-PET/CT may be able to early differentiate between pCR and npCR of primary breast cancer lesions after two cycles of NACT.
Imaging features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including a new finding: widening of the foramen ovale
Authors: Butros Selim R , Goncalves Luis F , Thompson Dustin , Agarwal Ajay , Lee Ho K 
Published: July 2012

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a clinical disorder of unknown etiology manifesting with increased intracranial pressure in the absence of hydrocephalus, an underlying mass lesion, and demonstrating normal cerebrospinal fluid composition. IIH may exhibit several non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. Purpose To introduce widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. Material and Methods IIH is a syndrome which may exhibit several previously described non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. We hypothesize that chronically elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure can lead to osseous erosions and we propose widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. Results Average foramen ovale sizes were increased in patients with IIH compared to controls (30.03 ± 7.00 mm2 vs. 24.21 ± 5.97 mm2, P < 0.001). For a cut-off value of 30 mm2, the sensitivity of FO area to detect IIH was 50%, with 81% specificity. Classic findings were significantly more common in patients with IIH compared to controls including: empty sella (65.9% vs. 0%), posterior globe flattening (65.9% vs. 4.5%), vertical tortuosity of the optic nerve (54.5% vs. 9.1%), and optic nerve sheath distention (52.3% vs. 11.4%, all P values < 0.001). Conclusion Our study confirms the association of several classic imaging findings with IIH and supports widening of the foramen ovale as an additional imaging marker which may be incorporated into the evaluation of patients suspected to have this condition.