Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ACRs”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Computational identification and systematic analysis of the ACR gene family in Oryza sativa.

Based on sequence similarity search and domain detection, nine ACT domain repeat protein-coding genes (the "ACR" genes) in rice were identified, which were mainly distributed on the chromosomes 2, 3, 4, and 8. An InterPro database search indicated that four copies of the ACT domain linearly occupied the entire polypeptide. The first three ACT domains were linked by two different sequences. However, the fourth ACT domain was extremely close to ACT3. Gene structure comparisons showed large differences in exon numbers, from three to eight, among members of the rice ACR gene family. In addition, it appeared that gene duplication might be operative when the compositions of exons and introns were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis divided the ACR gene family into five distinct groups, and this division was generally according to the expression patterns of the ACR genes. The Arabidopsis and rice ACR proteins were clustered across together, suggesting that these ACR genes might originate from an ancient common ancestor. Notably, the identification of orthologues and paralogues would be useful for rice gene functional annotation.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed2002

How good is the ACR accreditation phantom for assessing image quality in digital mammography?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation phantom for assessing image quality in digital mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital images were obtained of an ACR accreditation phantom at varying mAs (constant kVp) and varying kVp (constant mAs). The average glandular dose for a breast with 50% glandularity was determined for each technique factor. Images were displayed on a 5 mega-pixel monitor, with the window width and level settings individually optimized for viewing the fibers, specks, and masses in the ACR phantom. Digital images of the ACR phantom were presented in a random manner to eight observers, each of whom indicated the number of objects visible in each image. RESULTS: Intraobserver variability was greater than interobserver variability for the detection of fibers and specks, but the reverse was true for the detection of masses. As the mAs increased, the number of fibers visible increased from less than one at 5 mAs to all six being visible at 80 mAs. The corresponding number of visible specks increased from 12 to 24, and the number of visible masses increased from 1.25 to about four. Above 26 kVp, object visibility was constant with increasing x-ray tube voltage. Reducing the x-ray tube voltage to 24 kVp, however, reduced the number of visible fibers from six to five, the number of visible specks from 24 to 21.1, and the number of visible masses from four to 3.1. Observer performance was approximately constant for average glandular doses greater than 1.6 mGy, so that the range of lesion detectability in the ACR phantom occurs at doses lower than those normally encountered in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: The current design of the ACR phantom is unsatisfactory for assessing image quality in digital mammography.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1990

[Extended radical mastectomy using preoperative local injection of activated carbon particle adsorbing aclarubicin (ACR-CH)].

ACR-CH was injected prior to surgery of breast cancer. Incidence of black staining of regional lymph nodes and concentration of ACR in the nodes were examined in order to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative local injection of ACR-CH. 1) In 13 cases of extended radical mastectomy, black staining was seen in nodes of all the regions. Especially, in parasternal, retromanubrial, anterior mediastinal and supraclavicular nodes, 46% or more of the nodes were stained and ACR concentration of 6-7 micrograms/g was obtained. 2) When incidence of black staining of the metastasis-free nodes was compared with that of the nodes with metastasis, it was 79% in the metastasis free nodes and 42% in the nodes with metastasis. The average ACR concentration was 54.16 +/- 123.16 in the stained nodes and 2.58 +/- 3.59 in unstained nodes, the former being significantly higher than the latter. 3) Majority of the stained nodes with metastasis had only very small metastatic foci and nodes with significant metastasis were only very rarely stained. 4) In conclusion, we believe that anticancer effect of ACR-CH can be expected to small metastatic foci in the parasternal lymph nodes and more distal nodes, dissection of which tends to be incomplete at extended radical mastectomy, as well as to free cancer cells in the lymph vessels.

Aclarubicin↗
PubMed1989

[Randomized-controlled study of treatment with UFT-MMC or UFT-ACR in advanced gastric cancer. Tohoku Study Group of Cancer Treatment for the Digestive Organs].

The effect of UFT-MMC- or UFT-ACR-therapy on the unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer was studied by a multicenter, randomized-controlled trial. All the patients who were randomly divided into the two groups were administered orally with 400 or 600 mg/day of UFT everyday. In addition, the UFT-MMC group was intravenously injected weekly for three weeks and then triweekly after six weeks with 6 or 8 mg/body of MMC, while the UFT-ACR group was intravenously injected with 20 mg/body of ACR for 5 serial-days every three weeks. Out of 88 cases registered, 75 (85.2%) were evaluable, consisting of 40 (31 complete cases) in UFT-MMC and 35 (27 complete cases) in UFT-ACR. There was no difference in various background factors between the two groups. PR, NC and PD was 10/31, 15/31 and 6/31 in the UFT-MMC group, whereas 0/27, 22/27 and 5/27 in the UFT-ACR group, respectively. The efficacy in the former group was higher, though not significant (U-test, p = 0.052), than that in the latter group. However, there was no difference in the 50% survival time (4.9 months in UFT-MMC vs. 5.4 months in UFT-ACR) of the either group.

Aclarubicin↗
PubMed2006

A novel accurate ACRS-PCR method with a digestion internal control for identification of wild type and YMDD mutants of hepatitis B virus strains.

As a consequence of the point mutation in the YMDD motif of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase gene, lamivudine-resistant mutants have been reported in chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent lamivudine therapy. The objective of the study was to develop a novel accurate artificially created restriction site (ACRS) method with a digestion internal control for identification of YMDD, YIDD and YVDD HBV strains. Three conserved, specific and diagnostic primers introducing NdeI, SspI and AleI cleavage sites were designed in order to identify YMDD, YIDD and YVDD strains, respectively; while, their reverse primers also modified with the above recognition sites in order to enzyme correctness monitoring and false outcome avoiding. Thirty-two chronic hepatitis B patients who had taken lamivudine for 1-3 years and checked by the Inno-LiPA HBV DR kit, were evaluated by the ACRS method and then compared to sequencing data. The results of the ACRS method revealed the YMDD mutant strain in 20 patients, YMDD plus YIDD pattern in 1 patient, YMDD plus YVDD in 4 patients, the YIDD in 4 patients and mixed infection with each three strains in 1 patient. The sequencing and Inno-LiPA results were in agreement with the ACRS results. The novel ACRS method is a reliable, rapid and a cost-effective technique for determination of HBV strains with the wild type and YMDD mutant patterns.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The Ror receptor tyrosine kinase CAM-1 is required for ACR-16-mediated synaptic transmission at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction.

Nicotinic (cholinergic) neurotransmission plays a critical role in the vertebrate nervous system, underlies nicotine addiction, and nicotinic receptor dysfunction leads to neurological disorders. The C. elegans neuromuscular junction (NMJ) shares many characteristics with neuronal synapses, including multiple classes of postsynaptic currents. Here, we identify two genes required for the major excitatory current found at the C. elegans NMJ: acr-16, which encodes a nicotinic AChR subunit homologous to the vertebrate alpha7 subunit, and cam-1, which encodes a Ror receptor tyrosine kinase. acr-16 mutants lack fast cholinergic current at the NMJ and exhibit synthetic behavioral deficits with other known AChR mutants. In cam-1 mutants, ACR-16 is mislocalized and ACR-16-dependent currents are disrupted. The postsynaptic deficit in cam-1 mutants is accompanied by alterations in the distribution of cholinergic vesicles and associated synaptic proteins. We hypothesize that CAM-1 contributes to the localization or stabilization of postsynaptic ACR-16 receptors and presynaptic release sites.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2005

Resistance to fluoroquinolones linked to gyrA and par C mutations and overexpression of acr AB efflux pump in Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis.

Between 2000 and 2002, 60 clinical isolates of Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis were collected to investigate the mechanism of fluoroquinolone resistance. PCR and sequencing were performed to identify mutations in gyrA, gyrB, par C, the Acr AB-TolC efflux pump regulator, acr R, and the global regulons mar RAB and sox RS. All resistant strains showed mutations in the target genes leading to amino acid changes of Ser 83 Phe and Asp 87 Asn in GyrA and Ser 80 Ile in Par C. A mutation in gyrB was linked to the serotype genetic diversity but not to fluoroquinolone resistance. An efflux pump inhibitor, Phe-Arg-beta-naphthylamide, caused fourfold lower MIC of ciprofloxacin in the resistant isolates, indicating that efflux systems are involved in fluoroquinolone resistance. Western blot analysis showed moderate overproduction of Acr A in fluoroquinolone- resistant isolates. A mutation in acr R gave rise to an internal stop codon in both ciprofloxacin-resistant and -susceptible isolates, suggesting another serotype genetic diversity. No mutations were detected in mar RAB and sox RS among the isolates examined. Cross-resistance to three fluoroquinolones was observed, but gatifloxacin demonstrated relatively lower MICs than those of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Fluoroquinolone resistance in S. Choleraesuis appears to be the combination effect of multiple mutations in various target genes and overexpression of the Acr AB-TolC efflux pump.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2006

Usefulness of acr expression for monitoring latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli in 'in vitro' and 'in vivo' experimental models.

Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantify the expression of genes possibly involved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis latency in in vitro and murine models. Exponential and stationary phase (EP and SP) bacilli were exposed to decreasing pH levels (from 6.5 to 4.5) in an unstirred culture, and mRNA levels for 16S rRNA, sigma factors sigA,B,E,F,G,H and M, Rv0834c, icl, nirA, narG, fpbB, acr, rpoA, recA and cysH were quantified. The expression of acr was the one that best correlated with the CFU decrease observed in SP bacilli. In the murine model, the expressions of icl, acr and sigF tended to decrease when bacillary counts increased and vice versa. Values from immunodepressed mice (e.g. alpha/beta T cells, TNF, IFN-gamma and iNOs knock out strains), with accelerated bacillary growth rate, confirmed this fact. Finally, the expression of acr was maintained in mice following long-term treatment with antibiotics. The quantification of acr expression could be useful for monitoring the presence of latent bacilli in some murine models of tuberculosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Applicability of ACR breast dosimetry methodology to a digital mammography system.

Determination of mean glandular dose (MGD) to breast tissue is an essential aspect of mammography equipment evaluations and exposure controls. The American College of Radiology (ACR) Quality Control Manual outlines the procedure for MGD determination in screen-film mammography based upon conversions of entrance skin exposures (ESEs) measured with an ionization chamber (IC). The development of digital mammography has increased with the demand for improved object resolution and tissue contrast. This change in image receptor from screen-film to a solid-state detector has led to questions about the applicability of the ACR MGD methodology to digital mammography. This research has validated the applicability of the ACR MGD methodology to digital mammography in the GE digital mammography system Senographe 2000D. MGD was determined using light output measurements from thermoluminescent dosimeters (MGDTL), exposure measurements from an IC (MGD(IC)) and conversion factors from the ACR Mammography Quality Control Manual. MGD(TL) and MGD(IC) data indicate that there is a statistically significant difference between the two measurements with the Senographe 2000D. However, the applicability of the ACR's methodology was validated by calculating MGD at various depths in a 50/50 breast phantom. Additionally, the results of backscatter measurements from the image receptors of both mammography modalities indicate there is a difference (all P values < 0.001) in the radiation backscattered from each image receptor.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2003

The ACR nomenclature for CNS lupus revisited.

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) involves a wide range of peripheral and central nervous system manifestations. These manifestations are complex and their pathophysiology is poorly understood. NPSLE can precede the onset of lupus or occur at any time during its course. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) developed a standardized nomenclature system providing case definitions for the neuropsychiatric syndromes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to facilitate and enhance patient classification and reporting requirements in clinical research. Estimates of NPSLE prevalence have ranged widely and most are based on research conducted before the introduction of ACR case definitions. This paper reviews the early experience with the ACR nomenclature use and possible future directions for its improvement. The identification and categorization of the major neuropsychiatric syndromes in SLE using ACR case definitions seems to be adequate, however the mildest and most subjective of the syndromes are the most problematic. Even if the definitions in their present form might have drawbacks the only way forward is further use of ACR nomenclature, pooling data from different populations, and collection of experience as a basis for improvement. The acquisition of normative data for ethnic, age and sex stratification would extend their usefulness.

Female↗
PubMed2026

Comparative Analysis of Volatile Compounds, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, and Lipidomic Profiles in Thigh Muscles of Commercial Arbor Acres (AA) Broilers and Indigenous Chengkou and Langshan Chickens.

Flavor-related compounds and nutritional components of chicken meat vary among different breeds, but comprehensive comparisons of these characteristics between commercial and indigenous chickens remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, three chicken breeds (Arbor Acres, Chengkou, and Langshan) were slaughtered at their respective market ages, and the volatile flavor compounds, amino acids, fatty acids, and lipidomic profiles of thigh muscle were analyzed to investigate breed-associated differences in flavor-related and nutritional characteristics. Langshan chickens exhibited the highest total volatile compound content and also had the highest total amino acid levels, with significantly higher contents of umami and sweet amino acids. In addition, both indigenous breeds showed higher levels of arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) than Arbor Acres broilers, while Chengkou chickens had the highest content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3). Lipidomic analysis identified 787 lipids, with glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids as the predominant classes. Differential lipid analysis revealed that Langshan chickens had 38 upregulated lipids compared with Arbor Acres chickens, while Chengkou chickens exhibited 258 differential lipids relative to Arbor Acres chickens. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these differential lipids were mainly associated with glycerolipid, sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed significant associations between specific lipids and flavor-related compounds, amino acids, and fatty acids, suggesting their potential roles in breed-associated differences. Overall, this study demonstrates that indigenous chicken breeds possess distinct flavor-related and nutritional profiles compared with commercial Arbor Acres broilers and provides valuable insights into breed-associated differences in chicken meat characteristics.

amino acids↗
PubMed2006

ACR accreditation of nuclear medicine and PET imaging departments.

The accreditation programs of the American College of Radiology (ACR) are the most established and widely proven for all imaging modalities. For facilities committed to quality imaging, the ACR Nuclear Medicine and PET Accreditation Program provides a solid foundation for a continuous quality improvement program through a peer review and educational process. This article provides general information describing the goals and development of the ACR accreditation programs. The ACR Nuclear Medicine and PET Accreditation Program evaluates the qualifications of personnel, equipment, image quality, and quality control measures. It is believed that these are the primary factors that have an impact on the quality of patient imaging. This article describes the application process, including the clinical examinations that are required and the quality control and performance tests that are expected from each facility. Outcomes and pass/fail statistics are discussed, as are common pitfalls that may cause deficiencies. Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the application process, the components of the ACR accreditation program, the most common causes for failure, and the site survey process.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1995

Cloning and partial characterization of the cDNA encoding the fox sperm protein FSA-Acr.1 with similarities to the SP-10 antigen.

We have isolated and characterized a cDNA, cFSA-Acr.1, encoding a testis-specific fox sperm antigen. The antigen is located on the inner acrosomal compartment, and is expressed during spermatogenesis on the developing acrosome of round and elongating spermatids. Database searches with the deduced amino acid sequence of cFSA-Acr.1 revealed that the clone has high homology to both human and baboon sperm protein SP-10, and the mouse sperm protein, MSA-63. The region of highest homology is within the carboxyl terminus. In the middle of the open reading frame, the fox sequence shows unique sequences absent from both the human, baboon SP-10, and mouse MSA-63 sequences. In addition to cFSA-Acr.1, two other clones were also isolated from the same fox testis cDNA library, and sequence analysis shows that they may represent alternatively spliced mRNAs coding for other FSA-Acr proteins.

Acrosome↗
PubMed1996

Modular extension of the ACR-NEMA DICOM standard to support new diagnostic imaging modalities and services.

The American College of Radiology-National Electrical Manufacturers Association (ACR-NEMA) Standard for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) (NEMA PS3-1993, DICOM) enables interconnection of imaging equipment and exchange of diagnostic images over standard networks. The widespread adoption of DICOM by industry and the benefits of standardized image management have attracted international attention. Other medical specialties, dentistry, and veterinary medicine have indicated strong interest in extending the DICOM Standard to support nonradiological image modalities. Parts 1 through 9 of DICOM were published in 1992 and 1993. Additional features developed in response to requests from the user community are being added in DICOM Supplements. The ACR, NEMA, and committees from other medical specialties working under the coordination of the American National Standards Institute Healthcare Informatics Standards Planning Panel Message Standards Developers Subcommittee Joint Working Group for Diagnostic Image Communication have defined new image object classes to support X-Ray Angiography, Radio-Fluoroscopy, Positron Emission Tomography, Endoscopy, and Light Microscopy. ACR-NEMA has also developed new service classes for Storage Commitment and Worklist Management. In joint work with the standards development committee of the Japanese Industries for Radiation Apparatus and the Japanese Medical Information System Development Center, ACR-NEMA has developed specifications for multibyte character set support and for a DICOM file format for transportable media. Other work is in progress. New DICOM features have provided and can continue to provide significant new functionality for digital image management systems. The demonstrated capability of efficient extension of the base standard is evidence of the effectiveness of the object oriented strategy of DICOM.

Diagnostic Imaging↗
PubMed2006

Portal verification using the KODAK ACR 2000 RT storage phosphor plate system and EC films. A semiquantitative comparison.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The suitability of the storage phosphor plate system ACR 2000 RT (Eastman Kodak Corp., Rochester, MN, USA), that is destined for portal verification as well as for portal simulation imaging in radiotherapy, had to be proven by the comparison with a highly sensitive verification film. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The comparison included portal verification images of different regions (head and neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis) irradiated with 6- and 15-MV photons and electrons. Each portal verification image was done at the storage screen and the EC film as well, using the EC-L cassettes (both: Eastman Kodak Corp., Rochester, MN, USA) for both systems. The soft-tissue and bony contrast and the brightness were evaluated and compared in a ranking of the two compared images. Different phantoms were irradiated to investigate the high- and low-contrast resolution. To account for quality assurance application, the short-time exposure of the unpacked and irradiated storage screen by green and red room lasers was also investigated. RESULTS: In general, the quality of the processed ACR images was slightly higher than that of the films, mostly due to cases of an insufficient exposure to the film. The storage screen was able to verify electron portals even for low electron energies with only minor photon contamination. The laser lines were sharply and clearly visible on the ACR images. CONCLUSION: The ACR system may replace the film without any noticeable decrease in image quality thereby reducing processing time and saving the costs of films and avoiding incorrect exposures.

Electrons↗
PubMed1987

The maturation of the central auditory conduction in preterm infants until three months post term. IV. Composite group averages of the cortical auditory evoked responses (ACRs).

Composite group averages were constructed from cortical auditory evoked responses (ACRs), which are recorded sequentially at maximally 8 conceptional age levels in 5 groups of 49 preterm infants, with additional inclusion of the records of 16 prematures obtained at different conceptional age levels. The group averages for the 5 gestational age groups showed replicable waveforms at all conceptional age (CA) levels reflecting the intragroup stability of the ACR complex. From the earliest age levels, from 25 weeks CA on, ACR group averages can be obtained, containing relative low voltage fast waves and high voltage slow waves. The most outstanding developmental changes in the ACR complex are the waveform changes. Until about 36 weeks CA a premature waveform is found, followed by a transitional phase with low voltage noisy records. Finally the adult waveform is found in the measurements at three months after term date. The latency values of the group averages are determined by the waveform changes. Persistent amplitude differences are found for the slow late waves between the vertex and the central temporal derivations.

Cerebral Cortex↗
PubMed1998

The 16-kDa alpha-crystallin (Acr) protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is required for growth in macrophages.

Although the 16-kDa alpha-crystallin homologue of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the dominant protein produced by stationary phase cultures in vitro, it is undetectable in logarithmically growing cultures. By growing bacilli at defined oxygen concentrations, acr transcription was shown to be strongly induced by mildly hypoxic conditions. Acr expression also was found to be induced during the course of in vitro infection of macrophages. The acr gene was replaced with a hygromycin resistance cassette by allelic exchange in MTB H37Rv. The resulting Deltaacr::hpt strain was shown to be equivalent to wild-type H37Rv in in vitro growth rate and infectivity but was significantly impaired for growth in both mouse bone marrow derived macrophages and THP-1 cells. In addition to its proposed role in maintenance of long-term viability during latent, asymptomatic infections, these results establish a role for the Acr protein in replication during initial MTB infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

The phantom portion of the American College of Radiology (ACR) computed tomography (CT) accreditation program: practical tips, artifact examples, and pitfalls to avoid.

The ACR CT accreditation program, begun in 2002, requires the submission of approximately 20 images, several completed data sheets and printouts of three Excel worksheets. The procedure manual is very detailed, yet participants unfamiliar with the program or having minimal CT experience have needed to redo aspects of their submission, or in some cases do not receive accreditation, due to mistakes made by the physicist. This review of the phantom portion of the ACR CT accreditation program supplements the ACR provided instructions with additional photos of phantom setup, region-of-interest (ROI), and image placement on the film sheets, and examples of completed portions of actual (but anonymous) submissions. Common mistakes, as well as uncommon but interesting images, are shown and explanations are given as to what could have been done to avoid the problem. Additionally, a review of CT dose measurement techniques and calculations will enable the physicist to better assist sites where typical exam doses are above the ACR reference values.

Accreditation↗