bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone Maturity and Thyroidal Status at Birth: Role of the Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Distal Femoral Epiphysis
Authors: Savino A. , Carinci S. , Bucci I. , Sabatino G. , Chiarelli F. , Tumini S. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Thyroidal hormones are important for bone development, and ultrasonographic (US) evaluation of the distal femoral epiphysis (DFE) has recently been suggested as a new method for the assessment of skeletal maturity in infants. A delayed bone maturation, expressed by a smaller or absent DFE nucleus (in terms of DFE surface area, sum of the epiphyseal diameters, or DFE height and acetabular size), has been largely demonstrated in diagnosed hypothyroid infants, while no data analyze the role and meaning of the DFE dimensions (in terms of volume) in newborn before knowledge of the congenital neonatal screening results. The aims of the present study were to ultrasonographically evaluate the volume of DFE in newborns, and to determine whether it has any predictive role for the thyroidal status at birth.
Materials and Methods: 238 newborns (M/F: 121 /117) were evaluated. The gestational age, body weight and length at birth were registered. Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH), based on TSH levels on blood spot, was performed in all on the 3 rd day of life. The DFE volume was ultrasonographically evaluated, taking into account the three diameters of the DFE nucleus, within 48 hours of birth.
Results: No newborn was found to have CH on neonatal screening. The DFE volume ranged between 0.00 cm and 0.61 cm (mean 0.14 ± 0.10 cm, median 0.13 cm). The DFE volume did not differ between males and females, while it was significantly greater in at term babies than in preterm babies. No differences in TSH values at screening were noted among the groups. The DFE volume was significantly related to gestational age, birth weight and length. A significant relationship was found between the DFE volume and TSH concentrations at screening.
Conclusion: US evaluation of DFE volume provides a simple method for assessing bone maturity at birth, which is related to gestational age, body weight and length at birth. Nonetheless, it has any predictive role for thyroidal status at birth, being not related to TSH levels on neonatal screening for CH.
Differentiation Between Phyllodes Tumor and Fibroadenoma Using Real-Time Elastography
Authors: Adamietz B. , Kahmann L. , Fasching P. , Schulz-Wendtland R. , Uder M. , Beckmann M. , Meier-Meitinger M. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Phyllodes tumors (PT) are a rare entity accounting for less than 1 % of all breast lesions. They have a malignancy rate of 25 – 30 %. Differentiation from benign fibroadenomas is difficult using ultrasound, mammogram and MRI. The elastic characteristics of both tumors were examined using real-time elastography (RTE) to find specific patterns that make differentiation possible.
Materials and Methods: From February 2007 to May 2009, a total of 620 women were examined by RTE. Histological diagnosis was achieved using core needle biopsy. 123 of the lesions were fibroadenomas, 8 were phyllodes tumors. All patients underwent mammography and ultrasound followed by RTE. Sonography was performed by Acuson Antares, Premium Edition® (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with a 7 and 10 MHz transducer.
Results: All phyllodes tumors had a similar elastic pattern with an elastic center and inelastic outer limits, referred to as the “ring sign”. It was found in 5 % of all fibroadenomas.
Conclusion: RTE provides a specific elastic pattern, which is sufficient for differentiating between a fibroadenoma and a phyllodes tumor. Therefore, the detection of the most suspicious lesion in women with the coexistence of multiple fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors seems easier.
Low temperature formation of naphthalene and its role in the synthesis of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in the interstellar medium
Authors: Parker Dorian S. N. , Zhang Fangtong , Kim Y. Seol , Kaiser Ralf I. , Landera Alexander , Kislov Vadim V. , Mebel Alexander M. , Tielens A. G. G. M. 
Published: December 2011

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are regarded as key molecules in the astrochemical evolution of the interstellar medium, but the formation mechanism of even their simplest prototype—naphthalene (C
10
H
8
)—has remained an open question. Here, we show in a combined crossed beam and theoretical study that naphthalene can be formed in the gas phase via a barrierless and exoergic reaction between the phenyl radical (C
6
H
5
) and vinylacetylene (CH
2
= CH-C ≡ CH) involving a van-der-Waals complex and submerged barrier in the entrance channel. Our finding challenges conventional wisdom that PAH-formation only occurs at high temperatures such as in combustion systems and implies that low temperature chemistry can initiate the synthesis of the very first PAH in the interstellar medium. In cold molecular clouds, barrierless phenyl-type radical reactions could propagate the vinylacetylene-mediated formation of PAHs leading to more complex structures like phenanthrene and anthracene at temperatures down to 10 K.
Functional Interactions between Starch Synthase III and Isoamylase-Type Starch-Debranching Enzyme in Maize Endosperm
Authors: Lin Qiaohui , Huang Binquan , Zhang Mingxu , Zhang Xiaoli , Rivenbark Joshua , Lappe Ryan L. , James Martha G. , Myers Alan M. , Hennen-Bierwagen Tracie A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study characterized genetic interactions between the maize (Zea mays) genes dull1 (du1), encoding starch synthase III (SSIII), and isa2, encoding a noncatalytic subunit of heteromeric isoamylase-type starch-debranching enzyme (ISA1/ISA2 heteromer). Mutants lacking ISA2 still possess the ISA1 homomeric enzyme. Eight du1- mutations were characterized, and structural changes in amylopectin resulting from each were measured. In every instance, the same complex pattern of alterations in discontinuous spans of chain lengths was observed, which cannot be explained solely by a discrete range of substrates preferred by SSIII. Homozygous double mutants were constructed containing the null mutation isa2-339 and either du1-Ref, encoding a truncated SSIII protein lacking the catalytic domain, or the null allele du1-R4059. In contrast to the single mutant parents, double mutant endosperms affected in both SSIII and ISA2 were starch deficient and accumulated phytoglycogen. This phenotype was previously observed only in maize sugary1 mutants impaired for the catalytic subunit ISA1. ISA1 homomeric enzyme complexes assembled in both double mutants and were enzymatically active in vitro. Thus, SSIII is required for normal starch crystallization and the prevention of phytoglycogen accumulation when the only isoamylase-type debranching activity present is ISA1 homomer, but not in the wild-type condition, when both ISA1 homomer and ISA1/ISA2 heteromer are present. Previous genetic and biochemical analyses showed that SSIII also is required for normal glucan accumulation when the only isoamylase-type debranching enzyme activity present is ISA1/ISA heteromer. These data indicate that isoamylase-type debranching enzyme and SSIII work in a coordinated fashion to repress phytoglycogen accumulation.
The evolution of the Gp‐Rbp‐1 gene in Globodera pallida includes multiple selective replacements
Authors: CARPENTIER JEAN , ESQUIBET MAGALI , FOUVILLE DIDIER , MANZANARES‐DAULEUX MARIA J. , KERLAN MARIE‐CLAIRE , GRENIER ERIC 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYThe Globodera pallida SPRYSEC Gp‐Rbp‐1 gene encodes a secreted protein which induces effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) mediated by the Solanum tuberosum disease resistance gene Gpa2. Nonetheless, it is not known how the Andes orogeny, the richness in Solanum species found along the Cordillera or the introduction of the nematode into Europe have affected the diversity of Gp‐Rbp‐1 and its recognition by Gpa2. We generated a dataset of 157 highly polymorphic Gp‐Rbp‐1 sequences and identified three Gp‐Rbp‐1 evolutionary pathways: the ‘Northern Peru’, ‘Peru clade I/European’ and ‘Chilean’ paths. These may have been shaped by passive dispersion of the nematode and by climatic variations that have influenced the nature and diversity of wild host species. We also confirmed that, by an analysis of the selection pressures acting on Gp‐Rbp‐1, this gene has evolved under positive/diversifying selection, but differently among the three evolutionary pathways described. Using this extended sequence dataset, we were able to detect eight sites under positive selection. Six sites appear to be of particular interest because of their predicted localization to the extended loops of the B30.2 domain and/or support by several computational methods. The P/S 187 position was previously identified for its effect on the interaction with GPA2. The functional importance of the other five amino acid polymorphisms observed was investigated using Agrobacterium transient transformation assays. None of these new residues, however, appears to be directly involved in Gpa2‐mediated plant defence mechanisms. Thus, the P/S polymorphism observed at position 187 remains the sole variation sufficient to explain the recognition of Gp‐Rbp‐1 by Gpa2.
Lenalidomide in lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes with karyotypes other than deletion 5q and refractory to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents
Authors: Sibon David , Cannas Giovanna , Baracco Fiorenza , Prebet Thomas , Vey Norbert , Banos Anne , Besson Caroline , Corm Selim , Blanc Michel , Slama Bohrane , Perrier Hervé , Fenaux Pierre , Wattel Eric ,   on behalf of the Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies
Published: December 2011

SummaryLenalidomide (LEN) has been shown to yield red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence in about 25% of lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) without del(5q), but its efficacy in patients clearly refractory to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) is not known. We report on 31 consecutive lower‐risk non‐del(5q) MDS patients with anaemia refractory to ESA and treated with LEN in a compassionate programme, 20 of whom also received an ESA. An erythroid response was obtained in 15 patients (48%), including 10 of the 27 (37%) previously transfusion‐dependent (RBC‐TD) patients, who became transfusion‐independent (RBC‐TI). Nine of the responders relapsed, whereas 6 (40%) were still responding and transfusion‐free after 11+–31+ months. Median response duration was 24 months. The erythroid response rate was lower in refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (27% vs. 60%) and tended to be higher in patients treated with LEN + ESA (55% vs. 36%). Response duration was significantly longer in responders who obtained RBC‐TI and in patients treated with LEN after primary resistance to ESA. The main toxicity of LEN was cytopenias. We confirm that, in a patient population of lower risk MDS without del 5q clearly resistant to ESA, LEN is an interesting second line therapeutic option. Its combination with ESAs in this context warrants prospective studies.
A methodology to estimate the maximum offset and reflection imaging radius for a 2D/3D vertical seismic profiling survey
Authors: Lou Min , Williamson Rick , Quinn Dan 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTWe have developed a straightforward and ray based methodology to estimate both the maximum offset and reflection imaging radius for multi‐layered velocity models, which can be used for a 2D/3D VSP survey design. Through numerical examples, we demonstrate that the presence of a high‐velocity layer above a target zone significantly reduces the maximum offset and reflection imaging radius. Our numerical examples also show that including in a migration VSP data acquired beyond a recommended maximum offset, radically degrades the quality of the final VSP image. In addition, unlike the conventional straight‐line based approximation that often produces an incorrect large reflection imaging radius, our methodology predicts the VSP imaging radius with more accuracy than does the conventional approximation.
Application of serial sectioning FIB/SEM tomography in the comprehensive analysis of arrays of metal nanotubes
Authors: PHELAN R. , HOLMES J.D. , PETKOV N. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe ever‐increasing interest in nanostructured materials and shrinking dimensions of state‐of‐the‐art devices pose new challenges both in synthesis and metrology. Although an extensive range of nanotubular materials of different compositions and for various applications are reported in the literature, often detailed structural characterisation of these materials is limited. This is due to the fact that techniques and characterisation protocols for structural analysis of ‘buried’ nano‐scale features, defects or inhomogenities that are difficult to obtain by conventional imaging methods, are still not fully developed. In the case of 1D nanoporous structures, the continuity of the nano‐tubular channels, their uniformity and orientation is of particular interest. Herein, we employ a serial sectioning technique on a dual beam FIB followed by 3D volume reconstruction for comprehensive analysis of tubular metal nanostructures encapsulated within porous anodic alumina. Using this technique, we demonstrate a nano‐tomography characterisation protocol that can be used for analysis of nanoporous structures with emphasis on their channel uniformity and orientation. We demonstrate that high‐resolution nano‐tomography can be performed to visualise pores as small as 60 nm in diameter, with conical or globular shapes, and to quantitatively estimate their localisation and distribution along one‐dimensional metal structures. We specifically chose to examine Cu‐nanotubes, deposited electrochemically within anodic alumina template, because there is a great deal of debate regarding the deposition process. Hence, the comprehensive analysis shown here is not only demonstrating the applicability of the developed characterisation methodology but it is also, in conjunction with other advanced electron microscopy methods such as elemental nano‐scale STEM/EDX mapping, providing conclusive evidence of the key factors at play during the deposition process.
Oxytocin‐immunoreactive innervation of identified neurons in the rat dorsal vagal complex
Authors: Llewellyn‐Smith I. J. , Kellett D. O. , Jordan D. , Browning K. N. , Alberto Travagli R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in reproduction and social interactions and in the control of digestion and blood pressure. OXT‐immunoreactive axons occur in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC; nucleus tractus solitarius, NTS, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, DMV, and area postrema, AP), which contains neurons that regulate autonomic homeostasis. The aim of the present work is to provide a systematic investigation of the OXT‐immunoreactive innervation of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons involved in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) function.Methods  We studied DMV neurons identified by (i) prior injection of retrograde tracers in the stomach, ileum, or cervical vagus or (ii) induction of c‐fos expression by glucoprivation with 2‐deoxyglucose. Another subgroup of DMV neurons was identified electrophysiologically by stimulation of the cervical vagus and then juxtacellularly labeled with biotinamide. We used two‐ or three‐color immunoperoxidase labeling for studies at the light microscopic level.Key Results  Close appositions from OXT‐immunoreactive varicosities were found on the cell bodies, dendrites, and axons of DMV neurons that projected to the GI tract and that responded to 2‐deoxyglucose and juxtacellularly labeled DMV neurons. Double staining for OXT and choline acetyltransferase revealed that OXT innervation was heavier in the caudal and lateral DMV than in other regions. OXT‐immunoreactive varicosities also closely apposed a small subset of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive NTS and DMV neurons.Conclusions & Inferences  Our results provide the first anatomical evidence for direct OXT‐immunoreactive innervation of GI‐related neurons in the DMV.
Combination of biological and morphological parameters for the selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma waiting for liver transplantation
Authors: Lai Quirino , Avolio Alfonso W. , Manzia Tommaso M. , Sorge Roberto , Agnes Salvatore , Tisone Giuseppe , Berloco Pasquale B. , Rossi Massimo 
Published: December 2011

Lai Q, Avolio AW, Manzia TM, Sorge R, Agnes S, Tisone G, Berloco PB, Rossi M. Combination of biological and morphological parameters for the selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma waiting for liver transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01572.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  In the last several years, there has been no agreement on how to possibly expand the Milan criteria (MC) in the selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for listing for liver transplant (LT). The aim of the study is to evaluate morphological and biological tumor parameters to identify new expanded criteria for the selection of patients with HCC as candidates for LT.Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed 158 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent LT.Results:  Twelve (7.6%) recurrences were observed. At multivariate analysis, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) >400 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR] 8.4, p < 0.01) and total tumor diameter (TTD) >8 cm (OR 7.4, p = 0.01) were the strongest predictors for recurrence. AFP‐TTD criteria resulted in a low five‐yr recurrence rate (4.9%) and an increased number of LT compared with the MC (22.2% increase). The five‐yr disease‐free survival rate was 74.4% in AFP‐TTD criteria in patients, with a higher effectiveness in stratifying the cohort with respect to the MC.Conclusions:  Both AFP and TTD are good independent predictors of HCC recurrence. Their combination appears to obtain a better selection of candidates for LT without worsening patient survival and recurrence rates. This approach allows for an increase in the number of potentially transplantable patients.
Isolated intestinal transplants vs. liver‐intestinal transplants in adult patients in the United States: 22 yr of OPTN data
Authors: Desai Chirag S. , Gruessner Angelika C. , Khan Khalid M. , Fishbein Thomas M. , Jie Tun , Rodriguez Rilo Horacio L. , Gruessner Rainer W.G. 
Published: December 2011

Desai CS, Gruessner AC, Khan KM, Fishbein TM, Jie T, Rodriguez Rilo HL, Gruessner RWG. Isolated intestinal transplants vs. liver‐intestinal transplants in adult patients in the United States: 22 yr of OPTN data.Abstract:  We examined the outcomes of adult intestinal transplants (ITx); isolated ITx vs. liver‐intestinal transplants (L‐ITx) were compared using the UNOS database (1987–2009). Of 759 ITx transplants in 687 patients, 463 (61%) were isolated and 296 (39%) were L‐ITx. Patient survival for primary isolated ITx at one, three, and five yr was 84%, 66.7%, and 54.2%; and primary L‐ITx was, 67%, 53.3%, and 46% (p = 0.0005). Primary isolated ITx graft survival at one, three, and five yr was 80.7%, 57.6%, 42.8%; primary L‐ITx was 64.1%, 51%, 44.1% (p = 0.0003 at one, three yr, Wilcoxon test). For retransplants (n = 72), patient and graft survival for isolated ITx (n = 41) at five yr was 40% in era 1 (1987–2000) and 16% in era 2 (p = 0.47); for retransplanted L‐ITx (n = 31), it improved from 14% to 64% in era 2 (p = 0.01). Cox regression: creatinine >1.3 mg/dL and pre‐transplant hospitalization were negative predictors for outcome of both; bilirubin >1.3 mg/dL was a negative predictor for isolated ITx and donor age >40 yr for L‐ITx. Isolated ITx should be considered prior to liver disease for adults with intestinal failure; L‐ITx is preferable for retransplantation.
Elevated inflammatory markers at preschool age precede persistent wheezing at school age
Authors: van de Kant Kim D. G. , Jansen Maria A. , Klaassen Ester M. M. , van der Grinten Chris P. , Rijkers Ger T. , Muris Jean W. M. , van Schayck Onno C. P. , Jöbsis Quirijn , Dompeling Edward 
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: van de Kant KDG, Jansen MA, Klaassen EMM, van der Grinten CP, Rijkers GT, Muris JWM, van Schayck OCP, Jöbsis Q, Dompeling E. Elevated inflammatory markers at preschool age precede persistent wheezing at school age. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 259–264.AbstractBackground:  Wheeze is a heterogeneous symptom in preschool children. At preschool age it is hard to predict whether symptoms will pass or persist and develop into asthma. Our objective is to prospectively study whether inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator interrupter resistance (Rint) assessed at preschool age, are associated with wheezing phenotypes at school age.Methods:  Children (N = 230) were recruited from the Asthma DEtection and Monitoring (ADEM) study. At preschool age [mean (SE): 3.3 (0.1) yr], pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator Rint was assessed. EBC was collected using a closed glass condenser. Inflammatory markers (IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐10, sICAM) were measured using multiplex immunoassay. Wheezing phenotypes at 5 yr of age were determined based on longitudinal assessment. Children were classified as: never (N = 47), early‐transient (N = 89) or persistent wheezers (N = 94).Results:  Persistent wheezers had elevated levels of all interleukins at preschool age compared to children who never wheezed (p < 0.05). EBC markers did not differ between the persistent and transient wheezers. There was no marked difference in Rint between wheezing phenotypes.Conclusions:  We demonstrated that 5 yr old children with persistent wheeze already had elevated exhaled inflammatory markers at preschool age compared to never wheezers, indicating augmented airway inflammation in these children.
Responses of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and IL‐10‐secreting type I T regulatory cells to cluster‐specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis in children
Authors: Lou Wei , Wang Chengshuo , Wang Yang , Han Demin , Zhang Luo 
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Lou W, Wang C, Wang Y, Han D, Zhang L. Responses of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and IL‐10‐secreting type I T regulatory cells to cluster‐specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis in children. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01249.x.AbstractWe investigated the effects of cluster specific immunotherapy (SIT) with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and IL‐10‐secreting type I T regulatory (Tr1) cells in Der p‐sensitized children with allergic rhinitis (AR). We performed a prospective randomized study involving 46 children (aged 8–13 yr), of whom 25 children received Der p‐SIT + pharmacotherapy and 21 received only pharmacotherapy, over a period of 1 yr. Prior to and at end of treatment, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and allergen‐specific IL‐10+IL‐4−, IFN‐γ+IL‐4−, and IL‐4+IFN‐γ‐CD4+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Similarly, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, and IL‐10 in supernatants from allergen‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures were measured by ELISA, and the suppressive effect of CD4+CD25high T cells on cell proliferation and cytokine release was estimated from both groups. Allergen‐specific serum IgE and IgG4 were also assessed at the beginning and end of treatment by RAST and ELISA, respectively. The levels of allergen‐specific Tr1 cells, IgG4, and allergen‐induced IL‐10 synthesis from PBMC cultures were significantly increased after SIT for 1 yr compared with baseline levels (p < 0.001 for all), with significant correlation between increased levels of Tr1 cells and improvements in nasal symptoms (r = 0.48, p < 0.05). In contrast, the levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells, allergen‐specific Th1 and Th2 cells, the production of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ, and the function of CD4+CD25high T cells were not altered in either group at the end of treatment. These data suggest that the up‐regulation of Tr1 cells may play an important role in SIT and be a useful marker of successful SIT in AR patients.