bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing: good, bad or benign?
Authors: Caulfield T , Ries NM , Ray PN , Shuman C , Wilson B 
Published: November 2009

Caulfield T, Ries NM, Ray PN, Shuman C, Wilson B. Direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing: good, bad or benign?A wide variety of genetic tests are now being marketed and sold in direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) commercial transactions. However, risk information revealed through many DTC testing services, especially those based on emerging genome wide‐association studies, has limited predictive value for consumers. Some commentators contend that tests are being marketed prematurely, while others support rapid translation of genetic research findings to the marketplace. The potential harms and benefits of DTC access to genetic testing are not yet well understood, but some large‐scale studies have recently been launched to examine how consumers understand and use genetic risk information. Greater consumer access to genetic tests creates a need for continuing education for health care professionals so they can respond to patients' inquiries about the benefits, risks and limitations of DTC services. Governmental bodies in many jurisdictions are considering options for regulating practices of DTC genetic testing companies, particularly to govern quality of commercial genetic tests and ensure fair and truthful advertising. Intersectoral initiatives involving government regulators, professional bodies and industry are important to facilitate development of standards to govern this rapidly developing area of personalized genomic commerce.
DJ‐1 is a Parkinson's disease susceptibility gene in southern Italy
Authors: De Marco EV , Annesi G , Tarantino P , Nicoletti G , Civitelli D , Messina D , Annesi F , Arabia G , Salsone M , Condino F , Novellino F , Provenzano G , Rocca FE , Colica C , Morelli M , Scornaienchi V , Greco V , Giofrè L , Quattrone A 
Published: November 2009

De Marco EV, Annesi G, Tarantino P, Nicoletti G, Civitelli D, Messina D, Annesi F, Arabia G, Salsone M, Condino F, Novellino F, Provenzano G, Rocca FE, Colica C, Morelli M, Scornaienchi V, Greco V, Giofrè L, Quattrone A. DJ‐1 is a Parkinson's disease susceptibility gene in southern Italy.Mutations in the gene DJ‐1 have been shown to be a rare cause of early‐onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). Since DJ‐1 mutations have been found in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from southern Italy, we aimed to investigate whether polymorphisms within the DJ‐1 gene could represent a risk factor for sporadic PD. First, we genotyped 294 patients with PD and 298 controls coming from southern Italy to assess the distribution of the insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) polymorphism. In a second phase, we identified five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) useful to delimit a region potentially involved and genotyped all patients and controls for these markers. All the markers analyzed were significantly associated with PD at both allelic and genotypic level. The most significant association with the disease was found at the Ins/Del polymorphism (p = 0.0001; adjusted odds ratio (OR ) = 2.05; confidence interval (CI ) = 1.36–3.08). When we considered a three‐marker sliding window, we found a highly significant association between the disease and the haplotypes including markers rs17523802, Ins/Del, and rs3766606 (p = 0.0007) and markers Ins/Del, rs3766606 and rs7517357 (p = 0.0054). Our results indicate that polymorphisms located in a region spanning 3535 bp from the promoter to the intron 2 of the DJ‐1 gene confer risk to sporadic PD in southern Italy.
Attraction of Ceratitis capitata, C. rosa and C. cosyra (Diptera: Tephritidae) to proteinaceous baits
Authors: Manrakhan A. , Kotze C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAttractiveness of commercially available protein baits to three congeneric fruit fly species: Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis rosa and Ceratitis cosyra was evaluated in field cage assays. Protein baits tested were HymLure, GF‐120 Naturalyte and M3 bait (also known as Questlure, used in M3 bait station registered for fruit fly control in South Africa). The influence of concentration on attractiveness of HymLure and GF‐120 was determined and the effect of ageing of M3 bait on response of the three fly species was evaluated. Responses to the three types of bait were species specific. C. cosyra had a low response to HymLure but responded well to the other two baits tested. C. capitata and C. rosa responded well to all baits tested. Ceratitis capitata was the most responsive of all species tested to protein baits. Female flies responded more to commercial baits than male flies, irrespective of fruit fly species. Concentration of HymLure and GF‐120 influenced attractiveness of flies but this was species and sex specific. Attractiveness of M3 bait did not change with ageing of the bait. A novel method of bait evaluation was used in this study and can be adopted for future screening of food attractants. The practical implications of this study were discussed with respect to control strategies adopted in areas of multiple fruit fly pest species, particularly on choice of baits to be used.
Biological Control of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici on Tomato by Brevibacillus brevis
Authors: Chandel Sunita , Allan Eunice J. , Woodward Steve 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe ability of Brevibacillus brevis to influence development of disease on tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici was investigated using plants raised in Petri dish microcosms and in pots in the glasshouse. Development of symptoms on both microcosm‐ and glasshouse‐raised tomato plants was markedly reduced in co‐inoculations of F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici with B. brevis, compared with inoculations with the pathogen alone. Moreover, co‐inoculations resulted in significant growth boosting effects on the plants, with increases in plant height in microcosms and in total root lengths in glasshouse‐raised plants. In microcosm‐raised plants, the carrier used to inoculate seed with B. brevis, either carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or vermiculite, had no effect on the persistence of the biological control agent on roots in the absence of inoculation with the pathogen. By contrast, numbers of B. brevis recovered from the rhizosphere and rhizoplane of inoculated plants in microcosms were four orders of magnitude lower than in plants treated with B. brevis alone. Moreover, higher numbers of B. brevis CFU were re‐isolated from the rhizosphere of plants arising from CMC‐coated seed, than vermiculite‐coated seed. The carrier had no effect on disease control. Inhibition of conidial germination and germ‐tube extension of F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici by cell‐free filtrates of B. brevis cultures varied significantly depending on the culture medium used for suspension. These results indicate that B. brevis is a potential biological control agent for reducing the impact of F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici on tomato.
HpRNAs Derived from Different Regions of the NIb Gene Have Different Abilities to Protect Tobacco from Infection with Potato Virus Y
Authors: Sun Zhao‐Nan , Song Yun‐Zhi , Yin Guo‐Hua , Zhu Chang‐Xiang , Wen Fu‐Jiang 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) involves the degradation of homologous mRNA sequences in organisms and is induced by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). We have constructed three hairpin RNA (hpRNA) prokaryotic expression vectors derived from the 5′ region, the middle region and the 3′ region of the Nuclear inclusion protein b (NIb) gene, and then expressed these in M‐JM109lacY. Resistance analyses and Northern blotting showed that different hpRNAs had different abilities to protect tobacco plants from infection with Potato virus Y (PVY) and that this resistance was RNA‐mediated.
Subduction of mantle wedge peridotites: Evidence from the Higashi‐akaishi ultramafic body in the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt
Authors: Hattori Keiko , Wallis Simon , Enami Masaki , Mizukami Tomoyuki 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe Higashi‐akaishi garnet‐bearing ultramafic body in the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, Southwest Japan, represents a rare example of oceanic‐type ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism. The body of 2 km × 5 km is composed mostly of anhydrous dunite with volumetrically minor lenses of clinopyroxene‐rich rocks. Dunite samples contain high Ir‐type platinum group elements (PGE) and Cr in bulk rocks, high Mg and Ni in olivine, and high Cr in spinel. On the other hand, clinopyroxene‐rich rocks contain low concentrations of Ir‐type PGE and Cr, high concentrations of fluid‐mobile elements in bulk rocks, and low Ni and Mg in olivine. Clinopyroxene is diopsidic with low Al2O3. The compositions of bulk rocks and mineral chemistry of spinel, olivine, and clinopyroxene suggest that the olivine‐dominated rocks are residual mantle peridotites after high degrees of influx partial melting, and that the clinopyroxene‐rich rocks are cumulates of subduction‐related melts. Thus, the Higashi‐akaishi ultramafic body originated from the interior of the mantle wedge, most likely the forearc upper mantle. It was then incorporated into the Sanbagawa subduction channel by a mantle flow, and underwent high pressure metamorphism to a depth greater than 100 km. Such a strong active flow in the mantle wedge is likely facilitated by the lack of serpentinites along the interface between the slab and the overlying mantle, as it was too hot for serpentine. These unusually hot conditions and strong active mantle flow may reflect conditions in the earliest stage of development of subduction, and may have been maintained by massive upwelling and subsequent eastward flow of asthenospheric mantle in the northeastern Asian continent in Cretaceous time when the Sanbagawa belt began to form.
Orthopyroxene–cordierite mafic gneiss from the Nomamisaki metamorphic rocks, Southern Kyushu, Japan: Implication for western continuation of the Usuki–Yatsushiro Tectonic Line
Authors: Ikeda Takeshi , Hiramine Aya , Onoue Tetsuji 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe describe an orthopyroxene–cordierite mafic gneiss from the Nomamisaki metamorphic rocks in the Noma Peninsula, southern Kyushu, Japan. The mineral assemblage of the gneiss is orthopyroxene, cordierite, biotite, plagioclase, and ilmenite. Thermometry based on the Fe–Mg exchange reaction between orthopyroxene and biotite yields a peak metamorphic temperature of 680°C. The stability of cordierite relative to garnet, quartz, and sillimanite defines the upper limit of the peak metamorphic pressure as 4.4 kbar. These features indicate that the Nomamisaki metamorphic rocks underwent low‐pressure high‐temperature type metamorphism. Although a chronological problem still remains, the Nomamisaki metamorphic rocks can be regarded as a western continuation of the Higo Belt. The Usuki–Yatsushiro Tectonic Line, which delineates the southern border of the Higo Belt, is therefore located on the east of the Nomamisaki metamorphic rocks in southern Kyushu.
Low‐grade dysplasia component in early invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Shimizu Yuichi , Yoshida Takeshi , Kato Mototsugu , Hirota Jojo , Ono Shouko , Nakagawa Manabu , Kobayashi Takahiko , Kubota Kanako , Asaka Masahiro 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  It has not been determined whether low‐grade squamous dysplasia (LGD) of the esophagus is a precancerous lesion or not. If LGD progresses to squamous cell carcinoma, early carcinoma lesions that have such a natural history might contain a remaining LGD component.Methods:  The lesions in the 68 patients with early invasive squamous cell carcinoma who underwent endoscopic mucosal resection were examined for the presence of an LGD component. If LGD components were observed, the degrees of architectural and cytological abnormalities of LGD components and those of tumor invasive fronts in the same lesions were studied. The degrees of abnormalities of 28 small LGD lesions were also studied.Results:  Histological examination of resected specimens confirmed LGD components in 43% of the squamous cell carcinoma lesions. The lesions of lamina propria mucosae (m2) cancer contained a significantly broader area of LGD component than did the lesions of muscularis mucosae (m3) and submucosal layer (sm) cancer (P = 0.037). Mean score for the degrees of cytological abnormalities of LGD component was similar to that of tumor invasive front (P = 0.457) and significantly higher than that of small LGD lesions (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Our results indicate the possibility that the lesion was formed by a combination of small lesions that arose as a multicentric occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma and dysplasia. Our results also suggest that an LGD component would transform to carcinoma along with tumor progression. However, the concept of ‘basal cell layer type carcinoma in situ’ may be suitable for squamous cell lesions with a high degree of cytological abnormalities confined to the lower half of the epithelium.
Four hundred and twenty‐three consecutive adults piggy‐back liver transplantations with the three suprahepatic veins: Was the portal systemic shunt required?
Authors: Audet Maxime , Piardi Tullio , Panaro Fabrizio , Cag Murat , Habibeh Hussein , Gheza Federico , Portolani Nazario , Cinqualbre Jacques , Jaeck Daniel , Wolf Philippe 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The aim of this study is to analyze a single‐center experience in orthotopic liver transplantation with the piggy‐back technique (PB) realized with a cuff of three veins without temporary portacaval shunt. Outcome parameters were graft and patient survival and the surgical complications.Methods:  The records of 423 liver transplantation in 396 adult recipients were reviewed. PB was performed in all cases also in patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and redo transplants without temporary portacaval shunt. No hemodynamic instability was observed during venous reconstruction.Results:  Operation time, cold ischemia time and anhepatic phase were, respectively, 316, 606 and 82 min, respectively. The mean intraoperative transfusion of packed red blood cells was 3.2 (range 1–48). Surgical complications were observed in 25% of the orthotopic liver transplantation and 2% of these was related to caval anastomosis. No case of caval thrombosis was observed; a stenosis was noted in seven patients, always treated with an endovascular approach. A postoperative ascites was observed in seven cases. Retransplantation was required in 6.3% patients. Overall in‐hospital mortality was 5.3%, but no patient died through technical problems or complications related to PB procedure. One‐, 3‐ and 5‐year grafts and patients were 94%, 83% and 75%, and 92%, 86% and 79%, respectively.Conclusion:  This experience indicates that our approach is feasible with a low specific risk and can be performed without portacaval shunt, with minimal outflow venous complications.
Oral Bifidobacterium modulates intestinal immune inflammation in mice with food allergy
Authors: Zhang Li‐Li , Chen Xiao , Zheng Peng‐Yuan , Luo Yu , Lu Gao‐Feng , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Huang Huang , Yang Ping‐Chang 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  It is proposed that probiotics have a therapeutic effect on the treatment of immune disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms require clarification. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of gavage‐feeding Bifidobacteria on suppression of T helper 2 (Th2) pattern inflammation in the intestines of mice with food allergy.Methods:  Mice were sensitized to ovalbumin to induce the intestinal Th2 pattern inflammation. Allergic mice were treated with or without Bifidobacteria via gavage‐feeding. Th2 response, number of regulatory T cells (Treg) in the spleen and intestine, intestinal epithelial barrier function and bifidobacterial translocation were examined.Results:  The results showed that serum‐specific immunoglobulin E antibody and interleukin 4 (IL‐4) were increased in allergic mice. Intestinal epithelial barrier function was impaired in allergic mice as shown by the increase in epithelial ion secretion and permeability to macromolecular protein horseradish peroxidase in Ussing chambers. Number of Treg was decreased in both spleen and intestines of allergic mice. Gavage‐feeding Bifidobacteria significantly suppressed the skewed Th2 response and increased the number of Treg. Transient bifidobacterial translocation was observed in allergic mice.Conclusions:  Oral administration of Bifidobacteria has the capacity to suppress the skewed Th2 response in allergic mice, increasing the number of Treg and IL‐10‐positive cells and improve the impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function.
Liver stiffness decrease after effective antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C: Longitudinal study using FibroScan
Authors: Wang Jing‐Houng , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Hung Chao‐Hung , Tung Wei‐Chih , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Chen Chien‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Lu Sheng‐Nan 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to assess the changes of liver stiffness (LS) and its associated factors in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) after interferon (IFN)‐based therapy.Methods:  Patients with chronic HCV who had previously undergone at least 20 weeks of IFN‐based therapy were enrolled. The patients’ initial LS measurement was taken at the time of enrollment, and a second LS measurement was made after an interval of at least 38 weeks. LS measurement was carried out with FibroScan®, and changes of LS and its associated factors were analyzed.Results:  One hundred and forty‐four patients, including 95 sustained virological response (SVR) patients and 49 non‐sustained virological response (NSVR) patients, were enrolled. There was a significant decrease of LS among SVR patients (median, 0.6; P < 0.001). NSVR patients showed an increase of LS (median, 0.8; P = 0.557). For SVR patients, a high initial LS was the predictive factor of a rapid reduction of LS values. However, advanced fibrosis stage before therapy, higher body mass index (BMI) and longer time remission were predictive factors for slow reduction of LS values.Conclusions:  LS decreases in sustained responders following IFN‐based therapy in patients with chronic HCV. Advanced fibrosis, higher BMI, longer time for remission and lower initial LS value are predictive factors for a slow improvement of LS in sustained responders.
Screening of the nutritional risk of patients with gastric carcinoma before operation by NRS 2002 and its relationship with postoperative results
Authors: Guo Weiping , Ou Guangsheng , Li Xi , Huang Jianglong , Liu Jiangpei , Wei Hongbo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the nutritional risk of patients with gastric carcinoma using the methodologies of European Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) and its relationship with postoperative results.Methods:  We prospectively evaluated the nutritional risk of 314 cases of gastric carcinoma patients in one center from 2004 to 2007 with NRS 2002, in accordance with China's normal body mass index (BMI), and observed its relationship with postoperative complications, mortality and length of hospital stay.Results:  Of 337 cases, 314 (93.1%) were suitable for assessment by NRS 2002.The number of patients with a score ≥ 3 was 125 before operation, comprising 39.8% of patients with gastric carcinoma. The rate of complications (26.2%) of the preoperative nutritional risk group (NRS 2002 score ≥ 3) was higher than those in the preoperative nutritional normal group (NRS 2002 score < 3) (P < 0.05). Assessed by multivariate logistics regression analysis, the odds ratio of developing complications was 2.366 (P < 0.05) and 2.277 (P < 0.05) by NRS 2002 score and clinicopathological stage, respectively. The correlation between length of hospital stay and nutritional risk was also assessed by Pearson correlation analysis. The Pearson coefficient was 0.177 (P = 0.002).Conclusion:  Preoperative nutrition score (NRS 2002) ≥ 3 predicted more postoperative complications and longer length of hospital stay. It indicated that preoperative nutritional support was necessary in patients with a preoperative nutritional score (NRS 2002) ≥ 3.
Prospective study on dialysis patients after total parathyroidectomy without autoimplant
Authors: CHAN HILDA WAI‐HAN , CHU KWOK‐HONG , FUNG SAMUEL KA‐SHUN , TANG HON‐LOK , LEE WILLIAM , CHEUK AU , YIM KA‐FAI , TONG MATTHEW KWOK‐LUNG , LEE KAM‐CHEONG 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Secondary hyperparathyroidism is common in chronic kidney disease. When medical treatment fails, subtotal or total parathyroidectomy with autoimplant is done but both are associated with a high recurrence rate. The third surgical strategy is total parathyroidectomy without autoimplant. We evaluate the outcomes of patients who had total parathyroidectomy with no autoimplant.Methods:  Thirteen patients who had total parathyroidectomy without autoimplant were prospectively studied from 1998–2002. Intact parathyroid hormone, biochemistry and bone mineral densities were measured at baseline and serially. All patients had bone biopsies done preoperatively and seven had repeat bone biopsies at a mean of 37.7 months postoperatively. Histomorphometric studies were done for all bone biopsies. Patients were observed for fractures.Results:  Five patients were on haemodialysis and eight on peritoneal dialysis. Mean duration of follow up was 68 months. Postoperatively, mean intact parathyroid hormone decreased precipitously and remained within or just above normal. Mean serum calcium phosphate product decreased and remained normal. Out of seven patients who had repeat bone biopsies, two showed reversal of hyperparathyroid bone disease to normal, two had mild hyperparathyroidism, while three had adynamic bone disease. One patient with adynamic bone disease subsequently developed biochemical recurrence of hyperparathyroidism. Serial bone densitometry showed remarkable improvement. There was no fracture.Conclusion:  In the studied series of total parathyroidectomy without autoimplant, adynamic bone disease occurred in three out of seven repeat bone biopsies while improvement occurred in the rest. Bone mineral density was much improved and there was no fracture.