bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA methyltransferase 3B expression is associated with poor outcome of stage I testicular seminoma
Authors: Arai Eri , Nakagawa Tohru , Wakai‐Ushijima Saori , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Kanai Yae 
Published: March 2012

Arai E, Nakagawa T, Wakai‐Ushijima S, Fujimoto H & Kanai Y(2012) Histopathology 60, E12–E18DNA methyltransferase 3B expression is associated with poor outcome of stage I testicular seminomaAims:  To examine in testicular seminomas the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B), which is known to be associated with early embryonic development and carcinogenesis, and to obtain a predictive marker for relapse of stage I seminomas.Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical examination of DNMT3B was performed in 88 cases of seminoma, 35 (39.8%) of which showed widely scattered nuclear immunoreactivity for DNMT3B, and 53 (60.2%) of which were completely negative. The incidence of focal DNMT3B expression was higher in stage III seminomas (5/5, 100%) than in stage I (25/70, 35.7%) or stage II (5/13, 38.5%) seminomas (P = 0.011). In stage I seminomas there were no significant correlations between DNMT3B expression and tumour size, invasion of the rete testis, or lymphatic or vascular involvement. Six of 25 cases (24%) showing DNMT3B expression relapsed, whereas only 3/45 cases (6.7%) lacking such expression did so (P = 0.037). Patients with seminomas showing DNMT3B expression had a significantly lower relapse‐free survival rate than patients whose tumours lacked this feature (P = 0.0464).Conclusions:  Patients with seminomas showing focal DNMT3B expression are at increased risk of relapse, and should be followed up carefully.
Fallopian tube metastases of non‐gynaecological origin: a series of 20 cases emphasizing patterns of involvement including intra‐epithelial spread
Authors: Stewart Colin J R , Leung Yee C , Whitehouse Ann 
Published: March 2012

Stewart C J R, Leung Y C & Whitehouse A(2012) Histopathology 60, E106–E114Fallopian tube metastases of non‐gynaecological origin: a series of 20 cases emphasizing patterns of involvement including intra‐epithelial spreadAims:  To determine the frequency and distribution of Fallopian tube involvement in patients with ovarian metastases of non‐gynaecological origin.Methods and results:  All Fallopian tube tissue was processed for histological examination in a consecutive series of 31 patients with ovarian metastases of non‐gynaecological origin. The most common primary sites were appendix (n = 10) colon (n = 7), stomach (n = 6) and breast (n = 4). Twenty cases (65%) showed at least one type of tubal spread. Mural involvement was most common (14 cases) but serosal, intra‐vascular, intra‐epithelial and intra‐lumenal spread were also identified in 12, 9, 8 and 11 cases respectively. Intra‐epithelial involvement was restricted to the fimbrial epithelium and mimicked tubal carcinoma in situ (CIS) architecturally. Pagetoid invasion was noted in two of the cases.Conclusions:  The Fallopian tubes are commonly involved in patients who have neoplasms metastatic to the ovaries. Metastases may show a CIS‐like pattern of intra‐epithelial spread and therefore small serous CIS‐type lesions may not represent proof of tubal tumour origin in patients who have high‐stage pelvic serous carcinomas. The frequency of intra‐lumenal tumour cells supports transtubal spread as a likely mechanism for mucosal involvement by metastatic tumours involving the lower genital tract.
The diagnostic value of immunohistochemically detected methylthioadenosine phosphorylase deficiency in malignant pleural mesotheliomas
Authors: Zimling Zarah Glad , Jørgensen Anne , Santoni‐Rugiu Eric 
Published: March 2012

Zimling Z G, Jørgensen A & Santoni‐Rugiu E(2012) Histopathology 60, E96–E105The diagnostic value of immunohistochemically detected methylthioadenosine phosphorylase deficiency in malignant pleural mesotheliomasAims:  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) often causes diagnostic difficulties for pathologists. We assessed whether loss of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), a key enzyme in the intracellular recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) often deleted in MPM, could be detected with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and used as a diagnostic marker for MPM.Methods and results:  We used IHC to detect MTAP in a cohort of 99 MPMs and 39 reactive mesothelial proliferations (RP) (reactive mesothelial hyperplasia n = 33, reactive pleural fibrosis n = 6). MTAP staining was assessed by an H score. The median H score of the RP cohort was set as a reference point. Cases with H scores below this reference point were considered to have decreased MTAP expression. We found that 64 of 99 (65%) of the investigated MPMs had decreased MTAP expression, while this was only true for nine of 39 (23%) of the RPs (P = 0.001). We further evaluated MTAP expression in a cohort of coagulated pleural effusions from 14 patients with MPM and 20 patients with RP by using a double‐staining technique with Wilms tumour 1 (WT1) as a mesothelial marker. In these samples, decreased MTAP expression diagnosed MPM with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 90%.Conclusions:  Decreased MTAP expression could potentially be useful in combination with other markers in the diagnosis of MPM.
Lung mast cell density defines a subpopulation of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Cha Seung‐Ick , Chang Christine S , Kim Eun Kyung , Lee Jae W , Matthay Michael A , Golden Jeffrey A , Elicker Brett M , Jones Kirk , Collard Harold R , Wolters Paul J 
Published: March 2012

Cha S‐I, Chang C S, Kim E K, Lee J W, Matthay M A, Golden J A, Elicker B M, Jones K, Collard H R & Wolters P J (2012) Histopathology 61, 98–106Lung mast cell density defines a subpopulation of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosisAims:  The relationship of mast cells to the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis remains undefined despite recognition of their presence in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. This study was performed to characterize the relationship of mast cells to fibrotic lung diseases.Methods and results:  Lung tissues from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), systemic sclerosis (SSc)‐related interstitial lung disease (ILD) and normal individuals were subjected to chymase immunostaining and the mast cell density quantified. Eosinophils were quantified by immunostaining for eosinophil peroxidase. Changes in lung function were correlated with mast cell density. Lung tissue obtained from IPF patients had a higher density of chymase‐immunoreactive mast cells than that from patients with HP, SSc‐related ILD or normal lungs. IPF lung tissue had a higher density of eosinophils than normal lung. There was no correlation between mast cell density and eosinophil density in IPF lung. IPF patients with high mast cell density had a slower rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) than IPF patients with low mast cell density.Conclusions:  Mast cell density in IPF lungs is higher than in other fibrotic lung diseases and normal lungs. Increased mast cell density in IPF may predict slower disease progression.
Activating PDGFRA mutations in inflammatory fibroid polyps occur in exons 12, 14 and 18 and are associated with tumour localization
Authors: Huss Sebastian , Wardelmann Eva , Goltz Diane , Binot Elke , Hartmann Wolfgang , Merkelbach‐Bruse Sabine , Büttner Reinhard , Schildhaus Hans‐Ulrich 
Published: March 2012

Huss S, Wardelmann E, Goltz D, Binot E, Hartmann W, Merkelbach‐Bruse S, Büttner R & Schildhaus H‐U (2012) Histopathology 61, 59–68Activating PDGFRA mutations in inflammatory fibroid polyps occur in exons 12, 14 and 18 and are associated with tumour localizationAims:  Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFP) are mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. This study was performed to broaden the base of evidence of the pathogenic role of PDGFR mutations in IFP with particular regard to clinicopathological data and mutational patterns among IFP subtypes.Methods and results:  Molecular analysis of 38 tumours revealed activating mutations in three different exons of PDGFRA in 25 IFP. For the first time we report two cases with PDGFRA‐exon 14 mutations (p.N659K; p.[N659K(+)T665A]). The results of our study and cases reported earlier indicate clearly that there is a localization‐specific pattern: exon 12 mutations predominate in the small intestine, while exon 18 mutations occur frequently in the stomach (P < 0.001). Codons 567–571 of PDGFRA represent an IFP specific mutational hot spot and are affected most frequently by deletions. Furthermore, in our series IFP of the stomach share common features. In contrast to intestinal IFP, gastric tumours occur at higher age, show heavy inflammation and tend to be smaller. IFP located in the small intestine are frequently associated with intussusception.Conclusion:  We conclude that there is a ‘small bowel’ and a ‘gastric’ phenotype of IFPs which are associated with exon 12 and exon 18 PDGFRA mutations, respectively.
Characterization and analyses of acid‐extractable and leached trace elements in dental cements
Authors: Camilleri J. , Kralj P. , Veber M. , Sinagra E. 
Published: March 2012

Camilleri J, Kralj P, Veber M, Sinagra E. Characterization and analyses of acid‐extractable and leached trace elements in dental cements. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 737–743, 2012.AbstractAims  Determination of the elemental constitution and investigation of the total and leachable arsenic, chromium and lead in Portland cement, pure tricalcium silicate, Biodentine, Bioaggregate and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus.Methodology  The chemical composition of Portland cement, MTA Angelus, tricalcium silicate cement, Biodentine and Bioaggregate was determined using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). Measurements of arsenic, lead and chromium were taken with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), following acid digestion on the hydrated material and on leachates of cements soaked in Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS).Results  All the cements investigated had a similar oxide composition with the main oxide being calcium and silicon oxide. Both the Portland cement and MTA Angelus had an additional aluminium oxide. The dental cements included a radiopacifying material. All the materials tested had higher acid‐extractable arsenic content than the level set by ISO 9917‐1 (2007) and an acceptable level of lead. Regardless these high levels of trace elements present in the materials, the leaching in HBSS was minimal for all the dental material tested in contrast to the high levels displayed by Portland cement.Conclusions  Dental materials based on tricalcium silicate cement and MTA Angelus release minimal quantities of trace elements when in contact with simulated body fluids. The results of acid extraction could be affected by nonspecific matrix effects by the cement.
Smaller genitals at school age in boys whose mothers were exposed to non‐persistent pesticides in early pregnancy
Authors: Wohlfahrt‐Veje C. , Andersen H. R. , Jensen T. K. , Grandjean P. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Main K. M. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryEndocrine disrupting chemicals are believed to play a role in the development of the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Many pesticides are known to have endocrine disrupting abilities. In a previous study, sons of women who were occupationally exposed to non‐persistent pesticides in early pregnancy showed signs of impaired reproductive function (reduced genital size and altered serum hormone concentrations) at three months of age. To assess the possible long‐term effects of prenatal pesticide exposure, the boys were re‐examined at 6–11 years. The 94 boys (59 exposed, 35 unexposed) underwent genital examinations including ultrasound of testicular volumes, puberty staging (Tanner), anthropometry, and blood sampling. Only a few of the boys had reached puberty (n = 3). Among prepubescent boys, testicular volume and penile length (age‐ and weight‐adjusted) were reduced if mothers were exposed to pesticides. The effects were associated with the maternal exposure levels, so that high‐exposed boys had smaller genitals than medium‐exposed boys, who had smaller genitals than those who were unexposed. Boys of mothers in the high exposure group (n = 23) had 24.7% smaller testes (95% CI: −62.2; −10.1) and 9.4% shorter penile length (95% CI: −16.8; −1.1) compared with the unexposed. The testicular volume and penile length at school age could be tracked to measures from the same boys made at 3 months, e.g. those that had small testes at school age also had small testes at 3 months. Pituitary and testicular hormone serum concentrations did not differ between exposed and unexposed boys. Eight prenatally exposed boys had genital malformations (no unexposed). These boys had smaller testis, shorter penile length and lower inhibin B concentrations than prepubertal boys without genital malformations. The findings support the results obtained at three months of age and indicate that prenatal pesticide exposure has long‐term effects on reproductive function in boys.
Predicting the speed of tick invasion: an empirical model of range expansion for the Lyme disease vector Ixodes scapularis in Canada
Authors: Leighton Patrick A. , Koffi Jules K. , Pelcat Yann , Lindsay L. Robbin , Ogden Nicholas H. 
Published: March 2012

Summary1. Over the past two decades, Ixodes scapularis, the primary tick vector of the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi in North America has expanded its range northward from the USA to colonize new regions in southern Canada. We have previously projected range increases for I. scapularis based on temperature suitability, but to what extent this is matched by actual tick range expansion is unknown.2. Since 1990, I. scapularis ticks have been collected across Canada offering a unique opportunity to track the range expansion of an arthropod vector. We used these data to model time‐to‐establishment for tick populations across Canada to identify factors influencing the rate of spread.3. Our results point to both long‐distance dispersal of ticks by migratory birds and local dispersal by resident hosts as important potential mechanisms underlying patterns of tick range expansion.4. Temperature (accumulated degree days > 0 °C) was the most important determinant of environmental suitability for tick population establishment, suggesting that climate warming may facilitate range expansion.5. Model projections suggest that I. scapularis range will expand c. 46 km year−1 in the coming decade, with climate warming expected to increase the rate of spread. This expansion is likely to result in a substantial increase in human Lyme disease risk, with the proportion of the human population of eastern Canada inhabiting areas with established tick populations increasing from 18% in 2010 to over 80% by 2020.6. This first empirical model of I. scapularis invasion supports theoretical range projections based on climate suitability and provides a unique data‐driven estimate of the speed of northward range expansion for I. scapularis at the continental scale.7. Synthesis and applications. By tracking I. scapularis invasion in Canada over the past two decades, we show that I. scapularis is rapidly expanding its range and is likely to colonize the most densely populated areas of southern Canada in the coming decade. These projections suggest that prompt action is necessary to prepare the Canadian public for a likely epidemic of Lyme disease, with emphasis on focusing surveillance activities to confirm the locations of emerging Lyme disease risk.
Controlling a plant invader by targeted disruption of its life cycle
Authors: Dauer Joseph T. , McEvoy Peter B. , Van Sickle John 
Published: March 2012

Summary1. Pest management strategies should be informed by research on a broad suite of biotic and abiotic interactions. We used a life table response experiment (LTRE) to assess the reliability of ragwortJacobaea vulgarismanagement recommendations based on interactions of (i) time of disturbance to initiate experimental units, (ii) herbivory from two biological control organisms, the cinnabar mothTyria jacobaeaeand ragwort flea beetleLongitarsus jacobaeaeand (iii) interspecific competition by perennial grasses.2. Our LTRE combines a factorial experiment with a linear, deterministic matrix model for ragwort populations representing transitions among three stages: 1st year juveniles, ≥2nd year juveniles and adults. Elasticity analysis identified potentially vulnerable ragwort transitions, and a contributions analysis confirmed which treatments influenced these transitions. Ultimate treatment effects were quantified as the reduction in population growth rates and time to local extinction.3. Elasticity analyses found the ragwort’s biennial pathway, juvenile to adult transition and fertility transition were most influential and most amenable to manipulation across all community configurations. The flea beetle and perennial grass competition had negative effects on survival and fertility, whereas the cinnabar moth only reduced fertility and induced the perennial pathway.4. All combinations of insects or increased plant competition reduced the growth rate of ragwort. Full interspecific competition and the flea beetle resulted in a significantly greater and faster decline in the ragwort populations than the cinnabar moth. Moreover, this pattern was consistent between two times of initial disturbance.5.Synthesis and applications.Maximizing plant competition provides the fastest way to control ragwort. If this option is unavailable, for example, grazed or disturbed land, the ragwort flea beetle provides excellent management to lower ragwort densities without the potential nontarget effects of the cinnabar moth. Factorial experiments and matrix models help to evaluate interacting factors that influence invasive species’ vulnerabilities, inform how to intervene in a weed life cycle to reduce weed abundance and confirm recommendations that are robust to community variation.
Overexpression of SlSOS2 (SlCIPK24) confers salt tolerance to transgenic tomato
Authors: HUERTAS RAÚL , OLÍAS RAQUEL , ELJAKAOUI ZAKIA , GÁLVEZ FRANCISCO JAVIER , LI JUN , DE MORALES PAZ ALVAREZ , BELVER ANDRÉS , RODRÍGUEZ‐ROSALES MARÍA PILAR 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe Ca2+‐dependent SOS pathway has emerged as a key mechanism in the homeostasis of Na+ and K+ under saline conditions. We have identified and functionally characterized the gene encoding the calcineurin‐interacting protein kinase of the SOS pathway in tomato, SlSOS2. On the basis of protein sequence similarity and complementation studies in yeast and Arabidopsis, it can be concluded that SlSOS2 is the functional tomato homolog of Arabidopsis AtSOS2 and that SlSOS2 operates in a tomato SOS signal transduction pathway. The biotechnological potential of SlSOS2 to provide salt tolerance was evaluated by gene overexpression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. MicroTom). The better salt tolerance of transgenic plants relative to non‐transformed tomato was shown by their faster relative growth rate, earlier flowering and higher fruit production when grown with NaCl. The increased salinity tolerance of SlSOS2‐overexpressing plants was associated with higher sodium content in stems and leaves and with the induction and up‐regulation of the plasma membrane Na+/H+ (SlSOS1) and endosomal‐vacuolar K+,Na+/H+ (LeNHX2 and LeNHX4) antiporters, responsible for Na+ extrusion out of the root, active loading of Na+ into the xylem, and Na+ and K+ compartmentalization.
Influence of nitrogen rate on the efficacy of herbicides with different modes of action
Authors: SØNDERSKOV M , SWANTON C J , KUDSK P 
Published: March 2012

Sønderskov M, Swanton CJ & Kudsk P (2012). Influence of nitrogen rate on the efficacy of herbicides with different modes of action. Weed Research 52, 169–177.SummaryOutdoor pot experiments and field experiments were conducted to examine the influence of nitrogen rate on herbicide efficacy. Growth of unsprayed Tripleurospermum inodorum increased with increasing nitrogen rate in pot experiments; increasing nitrogen also increased the susceptibility to tribenuron‐methyl. An increased susceptibility at high nitrogen rate was also observed for Anagallis arvensis, but in contrast to T. inodorum, growth of unsprayed A. arvensis was unaffected by nitrogen rate. Growth of unsprayed Chenopodium album was also promoted by nitrogen supply. However, no influence of nitrogen rate on herbicide efficacy was evident for C. album with tribenuron‐methyl or ioxynil+bromoxynil in pot experiments. Field experiments with tribenuron‐methyl were conducted on natural populations of C. album in spring barley grown at different nitrogen rates showed similar results. In conclusion, nitrogen rate affected herbicide efficacy for some but not all combinations of weed species and herbicide. Decreased herbicide efficacy was only observed at very low nitrogen rates. The results suggest that the effect of nitrogen rates on herbicide efficacy will be marginal in intensive farming systems with high nitrogen supply, but in low intensity systems, weed patchiness might increase.
Consumer involvement in systematic reviews of comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Kreis Julia , Puhan Milo A. , Schünemann Holger J. , Dickersin Kay 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground  The Institute of Medicine recently recommended that comparative effectiveness research (CER) should involve input from consumers. While systematic reviews are a major component of CER, little is known about consumer involvement.Objective  To explore current approaches to involving consumers in US‐based and key international organizations and groups conducting or commissioning systematic reviews (‘organizations’).Design  In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with key informants and review of organizations’ websites.Setting and participants  Seventeen highly regarded US‐based and international (Cochrane Collaboration, Campbell Collaboration) organizations.Results  Organizations that usually involve consumers (seven of 17 in our sample) involve them at a programmatic level in the organization or in individual reviews through one‐time consultation or on‐going collaboration. For example, consumers may suggest topics, provide input on the key questions of the review, provide comments on draft protocols and reports, serve as co‐authors or on an advisory group. Organizations involve different types of consumers (individual patients, consumer advocates, families and caregivers), recruiting them mainly through patient organizations and consumer networks. Some offer training in research methods, and one developed training for researchers on how to involve consumers. Little formal evaluation of the effects of consumer involvement is being carried out.Conclusions  Consumers are currently involved in systematic reviews in a variety of ways and for various reasons. Assessing which approaches are most effective in achieving different aims of consumer involvement is now required to inform future recommendations on consumer involvement in CER.