bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutations and polymorphisms of the p21B transcript in breast cancer
Authors: Knappskog Stian , Chrisanthar Ranjan , Staalesen Vidar , Børresen‐Dale Anne‐Lise , Gram Inger Torhild , Lillehaug Johan Richard , Lønning Per Eystein
Published: April 2007

p21WAF1/CIP1, transcribed from the CDKN1A locus, plays a key role executing p53‐induced growth arrest. The recent discovery that an alternative transcript, p21B, induces apoptosis, suggests an additional important function of this gene. Here, we report p21 and p21B mutation status in large cohorts of breast cancers and compare distributions of p21B polymorphisms in cancer patients to healthy controls. In 521 breast tumor samples analyzed, only one point mutation affecting the p21B protein was observed. No mutations were found when screening a panel of 20 established cell lines. A novel polymorphism, p21BG128T was identified. Haplotype analysis revealed no association between this variant and the previously identified p21B polymorphism p21BT35C or any of the known p21WAF1/CIP1 polymorphisms. As previously reported for p21BT35C, distribution of p21BG128T was similar among breast cancer patients and healthy controls (n = 691 and 1,015; incidence 6.1 vs. 4.8%; p = 0.273, respectively). No association between p21BG128T or p21BT35C and response to chemotherapy with an anthracycline‐containing regimen or paclitaxel was recorded. Our findings do not suggest mutations or polymorphisms of p21B to play a major role with respect to either breast cancer risk or sensitivity towards chemotherapy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of combinations of ROS scavengers on oxidative DNA damage caused by visible‐light‐activated camphorquinone/N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine
Authors: Lee Seungbum , Pagoria Dustin , Raigrodski Ariel , Geurtsen Werner
Published: April 2007

The objective of this investigation was to analyze whether various combinations of the ROS scavengers glutathione (GSH), N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC), and vitamins C and E decrease DNA damage due to visible‐light‐irradiated (VL‐irradiated) camphorquinone/N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine (CQ/DMT) compared with individual vitamin C or E. ΦX‐174 RF plasmid DNA was used to determine single and double strand breaks as parameters of DNA damage. Individual ROS scavengers and combinations of the antioxidants were added to plasmid DNA treated with VL‐irradiated CQ/DMT/Cu (II). After incubation, DNA was loaded into a 1% agarose gel. Following electrophoresis, gels stained with 0.5 μg/mL ethidium bromide were photographed under ultraviolet illumination and analyzed with NIH ImageJ software. Results were evaluated between groups for statistical significance using Student's paired t‐test (p < 0.05). Glutathione significantly reduced oxidative DNA damage at all test concentrations when combined with vitamin C or vitamin E. The concentration of damaged DNA observed in the presence of combinations of GSH with vitamin C or vitamin E was significantly lower compared with all other combinations of antioxidants investigated in our study (p < 0.05). In contrast to GSH, NAC was not able to compensate the pro‐oxidative effects of vitamin C and vitamin E. Only at a concentration of 2 mM, NAC combined with vitamin C efficiently prevented CQ/DMT/Cu (II)‐associated DNA damage. Our data indicate that solely the combinations of GSH with vitamin C or vitamin E significantly reduce the severity of oxidative DNA damage caused by CQ/DMT, whereas NAC may even increase the pro‐oxidant activity of vitamin C and vitamin E. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Polarized protein membrane for high cell seeding efficiency
Authors: Atthoff Björn , Aulin Cecilia , Adelöw Catharina , Hilborn Jöns
Published: April 2007

A new type of scaffold for tissue engineering was developed to give enhanced cell seeding in three dimensions. A gradient of either collagen or fibrin protein was prepared, supported by a knitted poly(ethylene terephtalate) PET fabric. The membranes were, after hydrolysis and acetic acid wash, submerged in a protein solution for adsorption followed by immersion into a gelling agent. The immediate contact between the protein solution held by the fabric and the gelling agent resulted in a dense, fibrous protein network with pore sizes around 0.5 μm at the surface, and larger pores of 10–50 μm size throughout the interior of the fabric as observed by scanning electron microscopy. By separating the fabric double layers holding this network, a gradient porosity membrane was produced. To evaluate the fractions of cells trapped in the matrix upon seeding, i.e. the seeding efficiency, 500 μl 3T3 fibroblasts cell suspension containing one million cells was seeded by filtering through the gradient protein membrane. For both the collagen and fibrin membranes, the seeding efficiency was ∼93%, which was significantly higher than that of 28% from the corresponding PET fabric without protein immobilization. Attempt to seed cells from the dense side of the protein networks resulted in no cell penetration into the scaffold. Histology on subsequent culture of the cells in the scaffold demonstrated viability and proliferation in three dimensions throughout the scaffold. This new and simple way of producing scaffolds play an important role when the cells are precious or scarce and cell seeding in three dimensions is important. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Influence of recovering collagen with bioactive glass on osteoblast behavior
Authors: Andrade Ângela Leão , Valério Patrícia , de Goes Alfredo Miranda , de Fátima Leite Maria , Domingues Rosana Zacarias
Published: April 2007

Bioactive ceramics have interesting properties from the biological standpoint, but their effects on cellular events remain partially unknown. In the current work, we investigated cellular viability, proliferation, and metabolic activity of rat primary osteoblasts in contact with four different samples: type I collagen, bioactive glass‐coated collagen (GC), and both samples submitted to immersion for 5 days in a simulated body fluid. The bioactive glass coating was obtained from a sol‐gel process. The cell viability, the alkaline phosphate, the collagen secretion, and the nitric oxide production by osteoblast were measured after 72 h of incubation in the presence of the samples. The GC that was immersed for 5 days in a simulated body fluid solution showed an increase in osteoblast viability and proliferation when it was compared with control and the other samples. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Spontaneous autocrine release of protons activates ASIC‐mediated currents in HEK293 cells
Authors: Lalo Ulyana , Pankratov Yuri , North R. Alan , Verkhratsky Alexei
Published: April 2007

When examining HEK293 cells by whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology we found spontaneous currents, present in almost all cells. These currents were carried by Na+ ions, were inhibited by amiloride and by cells exposure to acidic (pH 6.3) extracellular solutions. These properties (ion carrier, amiloride‐sensitivity, and inactivation by constant lowering of extracellular pH) were similar to the properties of proton‐activated currents measured from the same cells. Spontaneous currents required intracellular ATP, were completely inhibited by intracellular Ca2+ buffering with BAPTA and were suppressed by intracellular administration of vesicular H+ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin. ATP‐induced Ca2+ influx through P2X receptors in HEK293 cells stably transfected with P2X2, P2X2/3 or P2X4 purinoreceptor subunits transiently potentiated amplitude and frequency of spontaneous currents; this effect was antagonized by bafilomycin. We concluded that spontaneous currents represent activation of acid‐sensitive ion channels (ASICs) by autocrine vesicular release of protons from HEK cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 473–480, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) inhibits mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis through CK2
Authors: Okoumassoun Liliane Eustache , Russo Caterina , Denizeau Francine , Averill‐Bates Diana , Henderson Dr. Janet E.
Published: April 2007

Over the past decade, parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) has been identified as a key survival factor for cells subjected to apoptotic stimuli. Its anti‐apoptotic activity has been attributed to nuclear accumulation of the intact protein, or a synthetic peptide corresponding to its nuclear targeting sequence (NTS), which promotes rapid exit of nutrient deprived cells from the cell cycle. Intracellular PTHrP also inhibited apoptosis by blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)‐induced apoptosis by blocking signaling from the “death receptor” and preventing damage to the mitochondrial membrane. In both cases, the anti‐apoptotic activity was significantly reduced in the presence of a nuclear deficient form of PTHrP with a 88K/E K/E·K/I91 mutation in the NTS. The current work was undertaken to determine the mechanism by which nuclear PTHrP blocked mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis. Using sub‐cellular fractionation and functional assays we showed that pre‐treatment of HEK293 cells with exogenous NTS peptide before inducing apoptosis with TNFα was as effective as expression of the full‐length protein in inhibiting apoptosis. Inhibition of apoptosis was associated with increased expression of protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) and in sustained CK2 accumulation and activity in the nuclear fraction. In primary chondrogenic cells harvested from the limb buds of PTHrP+/− and PTHrP−/− embryonic mice, there was a dose‐dependent decrease in CK2 expression and activity that correlated with increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Taken together the results indicate that nuclear accumulation of PTHrP effectively inhibits mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis through regulation of the expression, activity, and sub‐cellular trafficking of CK2. J. Cell. Physiol. 212:591–599, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Redox control of G1/S cell cycle regulators during nitric oxide‐mediated cell cycle arrest
Authors: Lu Qi , Jourd'heuil Frances L. , Jourd'heuil David
Published: April 2007

Redox regulation of cell cycle progression during nitric oxide (NO) mediated cytostasis is not well‐understood. In this study, we investigated the role of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in regulating specific signaling events that are associated with NO‐mediated cell cycle arrest. Manipulation of intracellular GSH content through pharmacological inhibition of glutamate‐cysteine ligase (GCL) indicated that GSH depletion potentiated nitrosative stress, DNA damage, phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor p53 (Ser‐18) and upregulation of p21cip1/waf1 upon NO stimulation. However, we found that neither overexpression of a dominant negative p53 nor pharmacological inhibition of p53 with cyclic pifithrin‐α (cPFT‐α) was sufficient to reverse NO‐mediated cell cycle arrest or hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb). We found that the decrease in cyclin D1 levels induced by NO was GSH‐sensitive implying that the redox regulation of NO‐mediated cytostasis was a multifaceted process and that both p53/p21cip1/waf1 and p53 independent cyclin D1 pathways were involved. Together, our results demonstrate that GSH serves as an important component of cellular protective mechanisms against NO‐derived nitrosative stress to regulate DNA damage checkpoint. J. Cell. Physiol. 212:827–839, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteasomes and RARS modulate AIMP1/EMAP II secretion in human cancer cell lines
Authors: Bottoni Arianna , Vignali Cristina , Piccin Daniela , Tagliati Federico , Luchin Andrea , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Uberti Ettore C. degli
Published: April 2007

The aminoacyl t‐RNA synthetase interacting multifunctional protein (AIMP1) is the precursor of the multifunctional inflammatory cytokine endothelial monocyte‐activating polypeptide II (EMAP II). We previously demonstrated that AIMP1 secretion by pituitary adenomas is inversely correlated with tumor diameter and with RARS expression, suggesting that a high amount of RARS associated with AIMP1 might prevent the secretion of the latter cytokine. In this study, we investigated the role of RARS in modulating the secretion of AIMP1 in HeLa and MCF7 cell lines and investigated the possible role of the multicatalytic protease in the cleavage of AIMP1 to generate EMAP II. Our data show that RARS over‐expression impairs AIMP1 secretion by both HeLa and MCF7 cells. Moreover, proteasome inhibition impairs AIMP1 cleavage to produce EMAP II. These data indicate that RARS over‐expression associates with a reduced AIMP1 secretion and that the multicatalytic protease is involved in the generation of the mature cytokine, EMAP II. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 293–297, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TNF reduces LIF endocytosis despite increasing NFκB‐mediated gp130 expression
Authors: Yu Chuanhui , Kastin Abba J. , Pan Weihong
Published: April 2007

To examine how the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) modulates the response of cerebral microvessels to other cytokines, we used rat cerebral microvessel endothelial RBE4 cells to simulate the in vitro blood‐brain barrier (BBB). The gp130 receptor, which is shared by the interleukin (IL)‐6 family of cytokines, showed specific upregulation by TNF. TNF treatment (5 ng/ml for 30 min to 24 h) increased gp130 at both the levels of transcription and protein expression. The stability of gp130 protein was mediated by NFκB activity, as the inhibitors quinazoline and MG132 not only blocked the increase induced by 6 h of TNF treatment, but also reduced its basal level of expression. By contrast, the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine and the extracellular regulated kinase inhibitor U0126 showed no effect. Despite the increase of gp130, TNF caused a significant reduction in the cell binding and endocytosis of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), another proinflammatory cytokine that binds to the gp130 co‐receptor and its unique gp190 receptor. This is consistent with our previous findings that TNF reduces gp190 expression and Stat3 activation. Thus, TNF stimulation results in decreased responsiveness of RBE4 cells to LIF, indicating complex regulatory interactions of cytokines at the BBB. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 161–166, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leadership training for managers: An Adlerian approach
Authors: Preiss Amy , Molina‐Ray Caroline
Published: April 2007

Adlerian theory—a social model of human behavior—provides an effective framework to improve managerial practices and enhance organizational leadership. Developed by Alfred Adler (1870–1937), founder of the influential school of individual psychology, Adlerian theory promotes principles of social interest, democracy, and encouragement. These principles may guide leaders in building collaborative, productive workforces through participative management, coaching, and employee engagement. Experiential training exercises that integrate Adlerian principles can help managers expand their interpersonal competencies and increase leadership effectiveness.
The characteristics of dyadic trust in executive coaching
Authors: Alvey Susan , Barclay Kathleen
Published: April 2007

This qualitative study explores the development of trust in executive coaching relationships. Interviews were conducted with 27 high‐level executives who were voluntarily engaged in executive coaching for the purpose of leadership development. The theory that emerged from these findings, as expressed in an integrated model of sequential, interdependent trust development, was that interplay of relational, situational, and behavioral factors influenced the development of trust in executive coaching. Trust was highest when (a) the client was willing to disclose honest feelings and thoughts to the coach and was met with a supportive, nonjudgmental reaction from the coach; (b) the organization was supportive of the positive leadership development that could occur in executive coaching; (c) the coach and client were clear about expectations of confidentiality and outcomes; and (d) the coach supportively confirmed the client's developmental needs, and challenged the client's leadership behaviors. These multiple, interdependent factors manifested throughout the coaching relationship to result in bonds of trust.
An exploratory review of global leadership: The example of French and British leadership styles
Authors: Evans David
Published: April 2007

The emerging global leader must demonstrate specific competencies to succeed in the international marketplace. International leaders must be able to create strategic partnerships with individuals from different cultures. In this article, the author, after reviewing state of the art research in the field, describes the difficulties involved in leading multicultural teams in Franco–British collaborative ventures. Corporate human resource managers at British Petroleum and Vivendi Corporation in the United Kingdom and Eurotunnel Corporation in France revealed that cultural differences impact international leadership styles.
Adding ethical consideration to the decision‐making process: A leadership challenge
Authors: Berry Gregory R.
Published: April 2007

Stakeholder analysis offers a well‐established framework for understanding organizational context and environment. Stakeholder analysis also offers a lens through which ethical considerations can be consciously evaluated and included in organizational decision making. In this article, the author offers a brief overview of the ethics literature and then examines the decision‐making process to identify how and when opportunities arise to include ethical considerations into the decision‐making process. He concludes by offering suggestions on how leaders might improve their ethical decision‐making by using a more macro and strategic stakeholder lens.
Quantitative determination of dihydrostreptomycin in bovine tissues and milk by liquid chromatography‐ electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cherlet Marc , De Baere Siegrid , De Backer Patrick
Published: April 2007

Dihydrostreptomycin (DHS) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in veterinary medicine in combination with benzylpenicillin for the treatment of bacterial infections in cattle, pigs and sheep. A method to determine its residues in edible tissues of cattle, as well as in milk, was developed and validated. Extraction of DHS from the tissues was performed using a liquid extraction with a 10 mM phosphate buffer containing 2% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid, while milk samples were treated with a 50% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid solution, followed by a solid‐phase clean‐up procedure on a carboxypropyl (CBA) weak cation exchange column. Ion‐pair chromatography, using a mixture of 20 mM pentafluoropropionic acid in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase, was used to retain DHS and the internal standard streptomycin (STR) on a Nucleosil (5 µm) reversed‐phase C18 column. The components were detected and quantified by electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry. The method could be validated according to EC (European Community) requirements with respect to linearity, trueness and precision, the latter evaluated at the maximum residue limit (MRL)—1000 ng g−1 for kidney, 500 ng g−1 for muscle, liver and fat, and 200 ng g−1 for milk—, at one‐half of the MRL and at one and a half times the MRL. A limit of quantification of 10 ng g−1 and 1 ng ml−1 was obtained for all tissues and for milk, respectively, which is far below one‐half of the MRL as requested, while the limit of detection was in the low ppb range, varying between 1.9 and 4.2 ng g−1 for the different tissues tested, and being 0.6 ng ml−1 for milk. The method was used for the monitoring of DHS residues in incurred tissue and milk samples coming from cattle medicated with DHS in combination with benzylpenicillin by intramuscular injection, in order to evaluate withdrawal times. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glow discharge electron impact ionization source for miniature mass spectrometers
Authors: Gao Liang , Song Qingyu , Noll Robert J. , Duncan Jason , Cooks R. Graham , Ouyang Zheng
Published: April 2007

A glow discharge electron impact ionization (GDEI) source was developed for operation using air as the support gas. An alternative to the use of thermoemission from a resistively heated filament electron source for miniature mass spectrometers, the GDEI source is shown to have advantages of long lifetime under high‐pressure operation and low power consumption. The GDEI source was characterized using our laboratory's handheld mass spectrometer, the Mini 10. The effects of the discharge voltage and pressure were investigated. Design considerations are illustrated with calculations. Performance is demonstrated in a set of experimental tests. The results show that the low power requirements, mechanical ruggedness, and quality of the data produced using the small glow discharge ion source make it well‐suited for use with a portable handheld mass spectrometer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrogen fertilizer–induced mineralization of soil organic C and N in six contrasting soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Khalil Mohammad I. , Rahman Muhammad S. , Schmidhalter Urs , Olfs Hans‐Werner
Published: April 2007

A 90‐day laboratory incubation study was carried out using six contrasting subtropical soils (calcareous, peat, saline, noncalcareous, terrace, and acid sulfate) from Bangladesh. A control treatment without nitrogen (N) application was compared with treatments where urea, ammonium sulfate (AS), and ammonium nitrate (AN) were applied at a rate of 100 mg N (kg soil)–1. To study the effect of N fertilizers on soil carbon (C) turnover, the CO2‐C flux was determined at nine sampling dates during the incubation, and the total loss of soil carbon (TC) was calculated. Nitrogen turnover was characterized by measuring net nitrogen mineralization (NNM) and net nitrification (NN). Simple and stepwise multiple regressions were calculated between CO2‐C flux, TC, NNM, and NN on the one hand and selected soil properties (organic C, total N, C : N ratio, CEC, pH, clay and sand content) on the other hand. In general, CO2‐C fluxes were clearly higher during the first 2 weeks of the incubation compared to the later phases. Soils with high pH and/or indigenous C displayed the highest CO2‐C flux. However, soils having low C levels (i.e., calcareous and terrace soils) displayed a large relative TC loss (up to 22.3%) and the added N–induced TC loss from these soils reached a maximum of 10.6%. Loss of TC differed depending on the N treatments (urea > AS > AN >> control). Significantly higher NNM was found in the acidic soils (terrace and acid sulfate). On average, NNM after urea application was higher than for AS and AN (80.3 vs. 71.9 and 70.9 N (kg soil)–1, respectively). However, specific interactions between N‐fertilizer form and soil type have to be taken into consideration. High pH soils displayed larger NN (75.9–98.1 mg N (kg soil)–1) than low pH soils. Averaged over the six soils, NN after application of urea and AS (83.3 and 82.2 mg N (kg soil)–1, respectively) was significantly higher than after application of AN (60.6 mg N (kg soil)–1). Significant relationships were found between total CO2 flux and certain soil properties (organic C, total N, CEC, clay and sand content). The most important soil property for NNM as well as NN was soil pH, showing a correlation coefficient of –0.33** and 0.45***, respectively. The results indicate that application of urea to acidic soils and AS to high‐pH soils could be an effective measure to improve the availability of added N for crop uptake.
Long‐term fertilization impacts on corn yields and soil organic matter on a clay‐loam soil in Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Ping , Ren Jun , Wang Lichun , Zhang Xiaoping , Yang Xueming , MacTavish Don
Published: April 2007

A long‐term fertilization experiment with monoculture corn (Zea mays L.) was established in 1980 on a clay‐loam soil (Black Soil in Chinese Soil Classification and Typic Halpudoll in USDA Soil Taxonomy) at Gongzhuling, Jilin Province, China. The experiment aimed to study the sustainability of grain‐corn production on this soil type with eight different nitrogen (N)‐, phosphorus (P)‐, and potassium (K)–mineral fertilizer combinations and three levels (0, 30, and 60 Mg ha–1 y–1) of farmyard manure (FYM). On average, FYM additions produced higher grain yields (7.78 and 8.03 Mg ha–1) compared to the FYM0 (no farmyard application) treatments (5.67 Mg ha–1). The application of N fertilizer (solely or in various combinations with P and K) in the FYM0 treatment resulted in substantial grain‐yield increases compared to the FYM0 control treatment (3.56 Mg ha–1). However, the use of NP or NK did not yield in any significant additional effect on the corn yield compared to the use of N alone. The treatments involving P, K, and PK fertilizers resulted in an average 24% increase in yield over the FYM0 control. Over all FYM treatments, the effect of fertilization on corn yield was NPK > NP = NK = N > PK = P > K = control. Farmyard‐manure additions for 25 y increased soil organic‐matter (SOM) content by 3.8 g kg–1 (13.6%) in the FYM1 treatments and by 7.8 g kg–1 (27.8%) in the FYM2 treatments, compared to a 3.2 g kg–1 decrease (11.4%) in the FYM0 treatments. Overall, the results suggest that mineral fertilizers can maintain high yields, but a combination of mineral fertilizers plus farmyard manure are needed to enhance soil organic‐matter levels in this soil type.
An integrated sampling/speciation method for inorganic arsenic in soil solution
Authors: Weigand Harald , Argut Ilona , Marb Clemens , Koch Christoph , Diemer Jürgen
Published: April 2007

Arsenic mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity in soil‐water systems are strongly affected by species distribution. In spite of species‐selective analytical tools, results may be biased by postsampling oxidation or reduction of compounds. The scope of this study was to delineate a speciation method for inorganic arsenic integrated with pore‐water sampling to prevent problems related to postsampling species transformation. Experiments were performed with exchange cartridges packed with quaternary amine (nitrate‐form) to separate anionic arsenate from uncharged arsenite. Standard solutions with varied As(III) : As(V) ratios as well as groundwater and soil‐solution samples were studied. Analyses were performed by ICP‐MS using either extraction cartridges directly coupled to the instrument or samples obtained by offline speciation tests. Results showed that As(III) passes the packed bed with the rinsing solution, while As(V) is retained on the column and can be released by elution with 0.25 M NH4NO3. Recoveries between 98% and 116% were insensitive to pH variation (pH 3–8) and competing anions. Groundwater samples from a contaminated site yielded recoveries between 92% and 125% when the sum of As(III) and As(V) was compared to total As. Integration of the speciation scheme with pore‐water sampling was tested in a soil‐column experiment. Soil material from a fen site with elevated geogenic As contents was subjected to a varying moisture regime. Reducing conditions during prolonged saturation caused a marked increase of As(III) concentrations. Conversely, when the soil was drained, total As levels decreased and were dominated by As(V). Overall, extraction results with standard solutions and natural samples indicate reliable performance of the method in experimental investigations and field studies.
Long‐term development of nitrogen fluxes in a coniferous ecosystem: Does soil freezing trigger nitrate leaching?
Authors: Callesen Ingeborg , Borken Werner , Kalbitz Karsten , Matzner Egbert
Published: April 2007

In many forest ecosystems chronically large atmospheric deposition of N has caused considerable losses of inorganic N by seepage. Freezing and thawing of soil may alter the N turnover in soils and thereby the interannual variation of N seepage fluxes, which in turn makes it difficult to evaluate the N status of forest ecosystems. Here, we analyzed long‐term monitoring data of concentrations and fluxes of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) in throughfall and seepage from a Norway spruce stand at the Fichtelgebirge (SE Germany) between 1993 and 2004. Despite constant or even slightly increasing N inputs in throughfall, N losses with seepage at 90 cm declined from 15–32 kg N ha–1 y–1 in the first years of the study period (1993–1999) to 3–10 kg N ha–1 y–1 in 2000 to 2004. The large N losses in the first years coincided with extreme soil frost in the winter of 1995/96, ranging from –3.3°C to –1.0°C at 35 cm soil depth. Over the entire observation period, maximum fluxes of nitrate and ammonium were observed in the mineral soil following thawing of the soil. The elevated ammonium and nitrate fluxes resulted apparently from increased net ammonification and nitrification rates in the mineral soil, whereas mineral‐N fluxes in the O horizon were less affected by frost. Our data suggest that (1) extreme soil frost may cause substantial annual variations of nitrate losses with seepage and that (2) the assessment of the N status of forest ecosystems requires long periods of monitoring. Time series of biogeochemical data collected over the last 20–30 y include years with extreme cold winters and warm summers as well as unusual precipitation patterns. Analysis of such long‐term monitoring data should address climate extremes as a cause of variation in N outputs via leaching. The mean loss of 14.7 kg N with seepage water during 12 y of observation suggests that the forest ecosystem was saturated with N.
Variations of soil phosphorus accumulation in Nanjing, China as affected by urban development
Authors: Yuan Da‐Gang , Zhang Gan‐Lin , Gong Zi‐Tong , Burghardt Wolfgang
Published: April 2007

Human activities can affect the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus substantially. However, the relationship between P accumulation and urban development process is largely unknown. This study investigated the influence of urban development on the P accumulation in urban and suburban soils, using Nanjing (China) as a case. Based on its urban development history, Nanjing was divided into suburban and urban area, and the urban area was subdivided into urban north and urban south. Soil total P (TP) and available P (AP) of 578 samples from 68 pedons at different locations were measured. Thickness‐weighted mean P content of each pedon (Pw), P content of the surface soil layer (Ps), the highest P content of each pedon (Ph), and the lowest P content (Pl) of each pedon were selected as statistical indices. Compared with the background value, urban and suburban soils were enriched in P. The highest TP content was up to 11.14 g P kg–1, and the highest AP content was up to 360 mg P kg–1. However, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons of Pw, Ps, Ph, Pl showed that urban south with longest residential history had the highest TPw, TPs TPh, and APw, APl contents, and urbanizing suburban had the lowest TPw and APw, APl contents. For both APs and APh, there was no significant difference between suburban and urban area. However, significant differences between urban south and urban north were observed. The results demonstrated that urban development process, including population quantity and level of urban infrastructure, could influence soil P accumulation and distribution in urban environment. A more detailed assessment is required to avoid the potential secondary eutrophication caused by excess P release from those anthropogenic high‐P soils.
Enzyme activities and litter decomposition in agricultural soils in northern, central, and southern Germany
Authors: Dilly Oliver , Munch Jean Charles , Pfeiffer Eva‐Maria
Published: April 2007

Although enzyme activities were extensively investigated in soils with reference to abiotic environmental conditions and human impact, their role in litter decomposition is not fully understood. Therefore, decomposition rates and enzyme activities were studied using nylon bags and three litter types buried in silty‐loamy Cambisols and Luvisols in northern, central, and southern Germany under similar averaged temperature and precipitation and a maritime to continental gradient. After 180 d, the ash‐free mass remaining ranged between 15% and 68% for the Triticum, Secale, and Lolium litter. The enzyme activities were mainly controlled by the litter type and the decomposition time and less but significant by site. The highest decomposition rate occurred at the central German site for Lolium litter associated with highest arginine ammonification and urease activity in litter. In contrast, the recalcitrant Secale and Triticum litter were decomposed more rapidly at the northern and southern site where urease, protease, and arginine ammonification was high in the bulk soil. The β‐glucosidase activity was similar in soil and litter at the three locations and was not correlated to the velocity of litter decomposition. Since the abiotic environmental factors at the maritime to continental gradient did not explain the site‐specific velocity of both rapidly decomposing and refractory litter, enzyme activities related to the N cycling like arginine ammonification and urease activity were recognized to velocity of litter decomposition.
Cadmium and zinc accumulation in willow and poplar species grown on polluted soils
Authors: Dos Santos Utmazian Maria N. , Wenzel Walter W.
Published: April 2007

Woody plant species that produce high biomass have been proposed for use in phytoremediation technology. We investigated the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in Salix babylonica, S. caprea, S. dasyclados, S. matsudana × alba, S. purpurea, S. smithiana, Populus tremula, and P. nigra clones grown in a pot experiment on a Calcaric and a Eutric Cambisol (pH 7.2 and 6.4) of different levels of contamination (total metal concentrations in mg kg–1 in soil A: 32.7 Cd, 1760 Zn; soil B: 4.34 Cd, 220 Zn).

Generally, the tested clones tolerated large metal concentrations in soils and had larger Cd and Zn concentrations in leaves compared to the roots. The largest Cd concentrations in leaves were found in two clones of S. smithiana (440 mg kg–1 on soil A; 70 mg kg–1 on soil B). One of the S. smithiana clones had also the largest Zn concentrations (870 mg kg–1) on soil B but accumulated slightly less Zn than a S. matsudana × alba clone (2430 mg kg–1) on soil A. The Cd concentrations in leaves of both S. smithiana clones on soil A are the largest ever reported for soil‐grown willows. The bioconcentration factors of the best performing clone reached 15.9 for Cd and 3.93 for Zn on the less contaminated soil B. Also based on the metal contents in leaves, this clone was identified as the most promising for phytoextraction.

The metal concentrations in leaves observed in the pot experiment do not reflect those found in a previous hydroponic study and the leaf‐to‐root ratios are clearly underestimated in hydroponic conditions. This demonstrates the need for testing candidates for phytoextraction crops on soils rather than in hydroponics. Our data also show that the phytoextraction potential should be tested on different soils to avoid misleading conclusions.
Application of low‐phosphorus‐containing legume residues reduces extractable phosphorus in a tropical Ultisol
Authors: Somado Eklou A. , Kühne Ronald F. , Sahrawat Kanwar L. , Becker Mathias
Published: April 2007

Application of legume green manure (GM) is suggested to be effective in increasing the availability of native soil phosphorus (P) and the dissolution and utilization of phosphate rock (PR)‐P by food crops.

Experiments were conducted to study the dynamics of extractable P (P extracted by Bray‐1‐extracting solution) of an Ultisol amended with or without GM residues of contrasting P concentrations in the absence of growing plants. In two separate experiments, GM residues of Aschynomene afraspera (a flood‐tolerant legume) and of Crotalaria micans (upland) with varying P concentrations were added to an acidic soil amended with PR‐P or triple superphosphate (TSP) in plastic bottles. Soil moisture was brought to field capacity of the soil in the upland experiment and saturated with distilled water in the lowland setup. This was done to simulate aerobic upland and anaerobic lowland soil conditions in the relevant plastic bottles. Only P concentration of the residues added varied, while lignin and C : N ratios were similar. A temperature of 25°C was maintained throughout the experiment.

Changes in soil extractable Bray‐1‐P were measured at the end of the incubation period (60 or 80 d). In the aerobic soils, extractable P in the combined PR+GM or TSP+GM treatments was significantly lower than in the PR‐ or TSP‐ treated soils. The amendment with GM residues alone significantly increased Bray‐1‐P over the unamended control in the case of the inorganic P‐fertilized GM residues. The trend in extractable P was similar in the soils incubated under anaerobic conditions. However, in the case of PR, concentrations of P extracted by Bray‐1 solution did not significantly change in the presence or absence of GM.

The results suggest that the incorporation of GM residues with low P concentration does not lead to a net P release in upland or lowland soils. These results have implications for nutrient cycling in farming systems in W Africa as most of the soils are poor and very low in available P.
Apoptosis and chemo‐resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Prabhudesai S.G. , Rekhraj S. , Roberts G. , Darzi A.W. , Ziprin P.
Published: April 2007

Systemic chemotherapy plays an integral part in treating advanced colorectal cancer. However 50% of patients respond poorly or have disease progression due to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This article reviews the pathways that regulate apoptosis, apoptotic mechanisms through which chemotherapeutic agents mediate their effect and how deregulation of apoptotic proteins may contribute to chemo‐resistance. Also discussed are potential therapeutic strategies designed to target these proteins and thereby improve response rates to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:77–88. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Should adjuvant radiotherapy to the supraclavicular fossa be routinely given in patients with breast conservative treatment?
Authors: Wang Chun‐Wei , Kuo Wen‐Hong , Chang King‐Jen , Huang Chiun‐Sheng , Cheng Jason Chia‐Hsien
Published: April 2007

Background

To analyze the overall outcome, supraclavicular fossa (SCF) recurrence rate, and pattern of failure in breast cancer patients treated with conservative surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy excluding SCF treatment.

Methods

A total of 143 patients were enrolled in the study. Ninety‐two percent of patients were stages I and II, and 8% were stage III. The median age was 44 years, and 31% of patients were ≤40 years old. Radiotherapy was delivered to the ipsilateral breast excluding the SCF.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival rate of the cohort was 95%, and disease‐free survival rate was 91%. The cumulative incidence of SCF recurrence was 18% in patients with involved axillary nodes (N) ≥ 4, and 0.8% in patients with N < 4. The 5‐year SCF‐recurrence‐free survival in patients with N ≥ 4 and N < 4 was 80% and 99%, respectively (P < 0.001). N ≥ 4 was the only independent predictor for locoregional control (P = 0.045), disease‐free survival (P = 0.001), and overall survival (P = 0.008) in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Women with N ≥ 4 have a significantly higher risk of SCF recurrence and poorer survival. The SCF might be safely spared in patients with N < 4, but should be routinely included in the radiotherapy design for those with N ≥ 4. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:144–150. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical impact of the surgical margin status in hepatectomy for solitary mass‐forming type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma without lymph node metastases
Authors: Shimada Kazuaki , Sano Tsuyoshi , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Esaki Minoru , Kosuge Tomoo , Ojima Hidenori
Published: April 2007

Background and Objectives

The clinical impact of the surgical margin status in macroscopic curative hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has not yet been fully investigated.

Methods

The data of 57 consecutive patients with mass‐forming (MF) type ICC who underwent macroscopic curative hepatectomy during a 10‐year period were retrospectively examined, and the relationship between the surgical margin status and patient survival was analyzed.

Results

Lymph node metastases were found to be independently associated with poor survival. The overall 5‐year survival rates and the median survival term in the 38 patients without lymph node metastases were 56.8% and 62 months, respectively. Among these 38 patients, the survival rate was better in the negative surgical margin group as compared with that in the positive surgical margin group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the narrow and wide surgical margin groups.

Conclusions

Negative surgical margin had a definite favorable impact on the survival of patients with a solitary ICC without lymph node metastases. Surgery should be conducted in patients without lymph node metastases even if a wide surgical margin cannot be obtained, but careful attention should be paid not to expose tumors during hepatic dissection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:160–165. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surgical management of carcinoma of the cervical esophagus
Authors: Daiko Hiroyuki , Hayashi Ryuichi , Saikawa Masahisa , Sakuraba Minoru , Yamazaki Mitsuo , Miyazaki Masakazu , Ugumori Toru , Asai Masahiro , Oyama Waichiro , Ebihara Satoshi
Published: April 2007

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics, reconstruction methods after resection, and prognosis of cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Seventy‐four with squamous cell carcinomas of the cervical esophagus not previously treated who underwent cervical esophagectomy or total esophagectomy with or without laryngectomy were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The operative morbidity and in‐hospital mortality rates were 34% (25 patients) and 4% (3 patients), respectively. Alimentary continuity was achieved with free jejunal transfer (50 patients), gastric pull‐up (19 patients), and other procedures (5 patients). The frequencies of postoperative complications and death did not differ between free jejunal transfer and gastric pull‐up. The overall 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 42% and 33%, respectively. The significant clinicopathological factors affecting survival were patient gender, high T factor, lymph node involvement, palpable cervical lymph nodes, vocal cord paralysis, lymphatic invasion, and extracapsular invasion. The pattern of first failure was most often locoregional (82%, 36 patients).

Conclusion

The choice of free jejunal transfer or gastric pull‐up for reconstruction after surgical resection of cervical esophageal carcinoma depends on the degree of tumor extension. Adverse factors affecting survival should be considered when candidates for the surgery are selected. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:166–172. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic impact of positive lymph node ratio in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Celen Orhan , Yildirim Emin , Berberoglu Uğur
Published: April 2007

Background and objectives

To evaluate the prognostic value of metastatic lymph node ratio in gastric carcinoma.

Methods

One hundred and sixty four patients who underwent D2dissection for gastric carcinoma at Ankara Oncology Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The prognostic factors including Japanese classification, AJCC/UICC TNM classification and metastatic lymph node ratio (1–10% and >10%) were evaluated in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

The multivariate analysis showed that Borrmann classification, pN–category of AJCC/UICC classification and metastatic lymph node ratio were the most significant prognostic factors and a higher hazard ratio was obtained for metastatic lymph node ratio than pN category of AJCC/UICC classification (4.5 vs. 11.4). When the metastatic ratio groups of 1–10% and >10% were subdivided into pN1, pN2and pN3categories of the AJCC/UICC classification, there was no statistical difference between survival curves. When pN1, pN2and pN3categories of the AJCC/UICC classification were subdivided into the ratio groups of 1–10% and >10%, the survival rate of ratio group 1–10% was better than ratio group >10%.

Conclusion

With its simplicity and reproducibility, metastatic lymph node ratio can be used as a reliable prognostic indicator. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:95–101. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complex liver resection for a large intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a Jehovah's witness: A strategy to avoid transfusion
Authors: Barakat Omar , Cooper John R. , Riggs Shirley A. , Hoef John W. , Ozaki Claire F. , Wood R. Patrick
Published: April 2007

Although morbidity and mortality after liver resection have improved over the last two decades, complex liver resections still require perioperative blood transfusions. In this report, we describe the use of a combined left trisegmentectomy and caudate lobectomy, along with resection of the inferior vena cava, to treat a large intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a Jehovah's Witness. To our knowledge, this is the first report of major liver resection for a large malignant tumor in this patient population. We also discuss the perioperative strategy and surgical technique we used to minimize blood loss and avoid transfusion. This approach could be a safe alternative for use in all patients with complex liver tumor, regardless of their religious beliefs, to reduce the risks and cost associated with blood transfusion. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96: 249–253. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined brief psychosexual intervention after mastectomy: Effects on sexuality, body image, and psychological well‐being
Authors: Kalaitzi Chrisanthi , Papadopoulos Vassilios P , Michas Konstantinos , Vlasis Konstantinos , Skandalakis Panagiotis , Filippou Dimitris
Published: April 2007

Background

Mastectomy poses a severe threat to body image and sexuality, interfering with the psychological well‐being of both the patient and her partner. Although many psychotherapeutic approaches have been assessed and found effective in such patients, few studies have assessed couple or sex therapy in mastectomy patients.

Methods

We report on a structured combination of brief couples and sex therapy (CBPI) used in 20 women with in situ breast cancer and mastectomy and their partners. An equal number of mastectomy patients were used as controls.

Results

CBPI patients showed significant improvement in depression and state anxiety scores, as well as in body image, satisfaction with relationship, presumed attractiveness to their partner, orgasm frequency and communicating their desire.

Discussion/Conclusions

CBPI can be used as an effective alternative to individual or group psychotherapy for mastectomy patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96: 235–240. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.