bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli cold‐shock gene profiles in response to over‐expression/deletion of CsdA, RNase R and PNPase  and relevance to low‐temperature RNA metabolism
Authors: Phadtare Sangita 
Published: September 2012

Cold‐shock response is elicited by the transfer of exponentially growing cells from their optimum temperature to a significantly lower growth temperature and is characterized by the induction of several cold‐shock proteins. These proteins, which presumably possess a variety of different activities, are critical for survival and continued growth at low temperature. One of the main consequences of cold shock is stabilization of the secondary structures in nucleic acids leading to hindrance of RNA degradation. Cold‐shock proteins, such as RNA helicase CsdA, and 3′‐5′ processing exoribonucleases, such as PNPase and RNase R, are presumably involved in facilitating the RNA metabolism at low temperature. As a step toward elucidating the individual contributions of these proteins to low‐temperature RNA metabolism, the global transcript profiles of cells lacking CsdA, RNase R and PNPase proteins as well as cells individually over‐expressing these proteins as compared to the wild‐type cells were analyzed at 15 °C. The analysis showed distinct sets of genes, which are possible targets of each of these proteins. This analysis will help further our understanding of the low‐temperature RNA metabolism.
Efficacy and safety during formulation switch of a pasteurized VWF/FVIII concentrate: results from an Italian prospective observational study in patients with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Castaman G. , Coppola A. , Zanon E. , Boeri E. , Musso M. , Siragusa S. , Federici A. B. , Mancuso G. , Barillari G. , Biasoli C. , Feola G. , Franchini M. , Moratelli S. , Gamba G. , Schinco P. , Valdrè L. , Dragani A. , Mazzucconi G. , Tagliaferri A. , Morfini M. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryVon Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by the quantitative or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Replacement therapy with plasma‐derived VWF/factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates is required in patients unresponsive to desmopressin. To assess the efficacy, safety and ease of use of a new, volume‐reduced (VR) formulation of VWF/FVIII concentrate Haemate® P in patients requiring treatment for bleeding or prophylaxis for recurrent bleeding or for invasive procedures. Pharmacoeconomic variables were also recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. This was a multicentre, prospective, observational study. Consecutively enrolled patients received Haemate® P VR according to their needs, and were followed for 24 months. Of the 121 patients enrolled, 25.6% had type 3 VWD and more than 40% had severe disease. All patients were followed for 2 years, for a total of 521 visits. On‐demand treatment was given to 61.9% of patients, secondary long‐term prophylaxis to 25.6% and prophylaxis for surgery, dental or invasive procedures to 45.5%. The response to treatment was rated as good to excellent in >93–99% of interventions. The new formulation was well tolerated by all patients with no report of drug‐related adverse events. The switch to volume‐reduced Haemate® P was easy to perform and infusion duration was decreased twofold compared with the previous formulation. Volume‐reduced Haemate® P was at least as effective and well‐tolerated as the previous formulation.
Neuropsychometric correlates of efavirenz pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics following a single oral dose
Authors: Johnson Daniel H. , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Shintani Ayumi , Mayo Gail , Acosta Edward P. , Stein C. Michael , Haas David W. 
Published: September 2012

AimsTo determine pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenomic correlates of efavirenz central nervous system (CNS) side effects following a single dose.MethodsThirty‐four healthy HIV‐negative African Americans were administered a 600 mg dose of efavirenz. Blood samples for pharmacokinetics were drawn serially from 0 to 12 h post‐dose. Neuropsychometric testing with drowsiness visual analogue scale, grooved pegboard and letter digit substitution tests was done the day prior to dosing and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 h post‐dose. Subjective CNS symptoms were assessed at 6 h post‐dose. Composite CYP2B6 516/983 genotype was determined.ResultsPharmacokinetic indices reflecting increased plasma efavirenz exposure were associated with slower non‐dominant hand grooved pegboard task completion (Cmax, P1 h = 0.01, P2 h = 0.05, P3 h = 0.03, P4 h = 0.01; AUC, P1 h = 0.04; clearance P1 h = 0.05, P2 h = 0.02, P6 h = 0.01). In a repeated measures model analysis that adjusted timing of neuropsychometric testing for timing of peak drug concentration, clearance (P < 0.001), AUC(0.312 h) (P = 0.001) and Cmax (P = 0.008) were associated with non‐dominant grooved pegboard test performance. CYP2B6 genotype trended to correlate with non‐dominant hand grooved pegboard at 4 and 6 h (P = 0.07 and 0.06). Decreased drowsiness at 6 h was associated with higher Cmax (P = 0.02).ConclusionsFollowing a single dose of efavirenz, an association between pharmacokinetics and neuropsychometric performance was discernable. A weaker association between genotype and neurocognitive test performance is likely mediated by effect of genotype on plasma clearance. Strategies that lower Cmax during initial dosing may decrease CNS side effects.
The parasite–host interface in the zonetail butterfly ray, Gymnura zonura (Bleeker), infected with Hexacanalis folifer (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea)
Authors: Borucinska J D , Cielocha J J , Jensen K 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA wild‐caught specimen of the zonetail butterfly ray, Gymnura zonura (Bleeker), harboured numerous specimens of Hexacanalis folifer Cielocha & Jensen, 2011 (Systematic Parasitology, 79, 1–16; Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) within its spiral intestine. The cestodes were primarily attached in single rows along the base of mucosal folds, each associated with a nodular mucosal thickening. Microscopically, the scolex was embedded within the submucosa and muscularis; the attachment sites were marked by ulceration and necro‐proliferative inflammation demarcating the parasite from normal host tissues. Physical attachment of the cestode was restricted to the anterior portion of its scolex where presumed tegumental secretions from the apical organ contributed to a cementing intermediate layer blending with necrotic host cells. The presence of tegumental differentiation between the apical organ and the scolex proper, associated with presumed different roles in attachment, correlated with ultrastructural observations of the surface modifications on the scolex. Despite the locally severe pathological change, insignificant morbidity owing to this particular host–parasite relationship is suggested.
Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Flavobacterium columnare isolates collected worldwide from 17 fish species
Authors: Declercq A M , Boyen F , Van den Broeck W , Bossier P , Karsi A , Haesebrouck F , Decostere A 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFlavobacterium columnare is the causative agent of columnaris disease in diverse fish species worldwide. Although columnaris is an important disease, the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of F. columnare is not well studied. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of 97 F. columnare isolates collected worldwide between 1987 and 2011 from 17 fish species. The broth microdilution technique was utilized for reliable testing of these fastidious organisms. None of the isolates displayed acquired resistance to florfenicol, gentamicin, ormetoprim‐sulfadimethoxine and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole. Acquired resistance to chloramphenicol was detected in 1%, to nitrofuran in 5%, to oxytetracycline in 11% and to enrofloxacin, flumequine and oxolinic acid in 10%, 16% and 16% of the isolates, respectively, as reflected by a bimodal or trimodal distribution of their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). One isolate showed acquired resistance towards several antimicrobial agents including erythromycin. Another isolate revealed acquired resistance towards – amongst others – ampicillin. The isolates displaying acquired resistance originated from ornamental fish species or Vietnamese catfish, except for two isolates coming from wild channel catfish in which acquired resistance was encountered towards oxytetracycline only. Fifty per cent of the resistant isolates from ornamental fish were shown to have acquired resistance against three classes of antimicrobial agents, assigning these isolates as multiple resistant. These data might indicate less prudent use of antimicrobials especially in ornamental fish species.
Automated quantification of zebrafish somites based on PDE method
Authors: LU J. , WU T. , LIU T. , CHEN C. , ZHAO C. , YANG J. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryWith the availability of high‐throughput imaging machines and a large number of zebrafish embryos, zebrafish are clearly among the most cost‐effective vertebrate systems for high‐throughput or high‐content screens with applications in drug discovery and biological pathway analysis. With the tremendous volume of images generated from large numbers of zebrafish screens, computerized image analysis for accurate and efficient data interpretation becomes essential. This paper presents an automated algorithm for a high‐throughput screening pipeline for quantification of zebrafish somite. First, the main body is segmented using the level set method; then the head is removed; after that, the body is aligned and a coherence‐enhancing filter is carried out so as to facilitate the somite detection. Finally, the somites can be easily extracted. Preliminary evaluation results are reported to demonstrate the good performance of the algorithm.
Leaf litter of the invasive Casuarina equisetifolia decomposes at the same rate as that of native woody species on oceanic islands but releases more nitrogen
Authors: HATA K , KATO H , KACHI N 
Published: September 2012

Hata K, Kato H & Kachi N (2012). Leaf litter of the invasive Casuarina equisetifolia decomposes at the same rate as that of native woody species on oceanic islands but releases more nitrogen. Weed Research52, 542–550.SummaryWe tested whether the decomposition rates and N loss of leaf litter of an alien invasive tree, Casuarina equisetifolia, are affected by litter traits and environmental conditions in the Ogasawara Islands in the north‐western Pacific Ocean. In a field experiment, we compared mass loss and N loss of leaf litter among four treatments in a 2 × 2 design of forest type (native and C. equisetifolia) × litter type (native and C. equisetifolia). The dry weight of C. equisetifolia litter remaining at the end of the experiment was significantly less than that of the litter of native species in both forest types. The dry weight of decomposing litter at the C. equisetifolia sites was significantly less than that at native forest sites, regardless of litter type. The dry weight of C. equisetifolia litter at the C. equisetifolia sites was similar to that of the litter of native species at the native forest sites. The C. equisetifolia leaf litter was significantly greater in N content and rate of N loss than the litter of native species. Our results demonstrate that the decomposition rate of C. equisetifolia litter is affected by both litter type and the forest type of the invaded sites and suggest that litter decomposition of C. equisetifolia may alter the total N and N cycling in invaded forest ecosystems.
Ecological and genetic differentiation in Persea boninensis (Lauraceae) endemic to the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands
Authors: Tsuneki Shizuka , Kato Hidetoshi , Murakami Noriaki 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPersea boninensis (Lauraceae) is an endemic tree species distributed throughout the Bonin Islands. It grows in a wide range of environments from dry to mesic forests, and has multiple flowering peaks that may correspond to different habitats on Chichijima Island of the Bonin Islands. We predicted that P. boninensis is differentiated into two groups with different habitats on these islands. We examined and compared the flowering phenology, morphology, and genetics of populations of species growing in dry and mesic forests. We also performed preliminary artificial crossing experiments. Based on our results, P. boninensis on the Chichijima Islands can be clearly divided into two genetic groups with different habitats and flowering times. Although the flowering time difference could act as an effective pre‐zygotic isolation mechanism between the two groups, there was still a 1‐month overlap in flowering time. Furthermore, our artificial crossing experiments between the two groups resulted in plants that set seeds. Therefore, there was no evidence of reproductive isolation after fertilization. Differences in flowering time as well as in growth habitat will have to occur to maintain genetic differentiation between the two groups of P. boninensis.
Dry eye syndrome in aromatase inhibitor users
Authors: Turaka Kiran , Nottage Jennifer M , Hammersmith Kristin M , Nagra Parveen K , Rapuano Christopher J 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundAromatase inhibitors are frequently used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. We observed that several patients taking aromatase inhibitors presented with severe dry eye symptoms, and we investigated whether there is a relationship between aromatase inhibitors and dry eyes in these patients.DesignRetrospective chart review.ParticipantsForty‐one women.MethodsA computerized search of health records was performed to identify patients using anastrazole, letrozole and exemestane seen by the Cornea Service from August 2008 to March 2011. The results were compared with age‐matched controls.Main Outcome MeasuresOcular surface changes among aromatase inhibitors users.ResultsOf the 41 women, 39 were Caucasians. Thirty‐nine patients had breast cancer (95%), one patient had ovarian cancer (2.5%) and one had an unknown primary cancer. Mean age was 68 ± 11.3 years (range 47–95). Most common presenting symptoms were blurred vision in 28 (68%) patients, irritation/foreign body sensation in 12 (29%) patients, redness in 9 (22%) patients, tearing in 6 (22%) patients and photosensitivity in 2 (5%) patients. Mean Schirmer's test measurement was 11 ± 5.8 mm (range 0.5–20 mm). Blepharitis was noted in 68 of 82 eyes (73%), decreased or poor tear function in 24 eyes (29%), conjunctival injection in 18 eyes (22%) and superficial punctate keratitis in 12 eyes (29%). Among an age‐matched population (45–95 years), dry eye syndrome was found in only 9.5% of patients.ConclusionsBecause the prevalence of ocular surface disease signs and symptoms appears to be higher in study group than control patients, aromatase inhibitors might be a contributing factor to the dry eye symptoms.
Phacoemulsification versus manual small‐incision cataract surgery for age‐related cataract: meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Jia‐yu , Feng Yi‐fan , Cai Jian‐qiu 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundTo compare outcomes of phacoemulsification (PE) with manual small‐incision cataract surgery (MSICS) for age‐related cataract.DesignMeta‐analysis.ParticipantsPatients from previously reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PE and MSICS with clinical outcomes.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMBASE to identify relevant RCTs comparing PE and MSICS. A meta‐analysis was performed on the results and a RevMan 5.0 software (version 5.0; Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) was used for data analysis.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures included best corrected vision acuity (BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA). Secondary outcome measures included surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), percentage of endothelial cell count (ECC) loss and complications.ResultsSix RCTs describing a total of 1315 eyes were identified. There were no significant differences between the techniques regarding the BCVA 6/9 or better (P = 0.69) and less than 6/18 (P = 0.68), percent of ECC loss (P = 0.45), intraoperative or postoperative complications (P = 0.44 and P = 0.87, respectively). However, a greater proportion of patients in the PE group had final UCVA ≥ 6/9 (P = 0.03), whereas a greater proportion of patients in the MSICS group had final UCVA < 6/18 (P = 0.03). Moreover, PE group induced less SIA (P < 0.00001).ConclusionsPE is superior to MSICS in UCVA and causes less SIA, but there were no significant differences in visual rehabilitation, ECC loss and complication rates between the two techniques.
Perspective on ophthalmic support in countries of the developing world
Authors: Muecke James , Sia David IT , Newland Henry , Casson Robert J , Selva Dinesh 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThere are over 300 million people living in the world today who are visually impaired and a further 45 million who are blind. The large majority (90%) of these people live in developing countries, and up to 75% of blindness are avoidable. With cataracts being the major cause of blindness and visual impairment, many ophthalmic aid programmes are aimed at alleviating the enormous burden caused by this readily treatable disease. Having said that, caution should be exercised that short surgical visits to remote rural areas that are not coordinated with local national eye care managers should be discouraged because they do little for the development of sustainable eye care programmes. With this in view, it has become imperative to design blindness prevention and ophthalmic support programmes that are workable, comprehensive, economical and sustainable.
Longitudinal effect of topical antiglaucoma medications on central corneal thickness
Authors: Viswanathan Deepa , Goldberg Ivan , Graham Stuart L 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the change in central corneal thickness over time and whether the use of long‐term topical antiglaucoma medications influences central corneal thickness.DesignCase control study with retrospective and prospective data collection.ParticipantsOne hundred eighty‐seven eyes of 187 glaucoma patients (mean follow up 6.92 ± 1.67 years) being treated with topical antiglaucoma medications (at least 3 years) with no history of surgery or laser were included and compared with 100 eyes of 100 age–matched, untreated control subjects (mean follow up 6.58 ± 1.93 years) who were glaucoma suspects with normal intraocular pressure not on any treatment.MethodsDemographic data, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were collected at initial glaucoma diagnosis and at most recent visit, and findings were compared between two groups.Main Outcome MeasuresMean change in central corneal thickness in microns (μm).ResultsCentral corneal thickness fell significantly (P < 0.0001) in treated eyes but not in control eyes (P = 0.18); mean central corneal thickness reduction was 12.29 ± 13.65 μm in treated eyes and 1.17 ± 8.75 μm in controls. Among treated eyes, central corneal thickness reduction was significant (P < 0.0001) in those treated with either prostaglandins or a combination of prostaglandin and beta‐blockers, while no significant reduction occurred in eyes treated with only beta‐blockers (P = 0.15) when compared with control eyes.ConclusionsProstaglandins appear to be associated with a small but significant central corneal thickness reduction over time. Serial central corneal thickness measurements might be helpful in glaucoma patients, particularly those on prostaglandins.
ABO blood group is a predictor of survival in patients undergoing surgery for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kaffenberger Samuel D. , Morgan Todd M. , Stratton Kelly L. , Boachie Adu M. , Barocas Daniel A. , Chang Sam S. , Cookson Michael S. , Herrell S. Duke , Smith Joseph A. , Clark Peter E. 
Published: September 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort series)Level of Evidence 3aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Some evidence suggests that ABO blood type may be a risk factor for cancer incidence and prognosis. For example, a large study recently discovered an increased incidence of pancreatic cancer in patients with non‐O blood type; however, it is not known whether blood group correlates with outcomes in patients with RCC.We found a significant and independent association between ABO blood group and overall survival in patients undergoing surgery for locoregional RCC. Specifically, we identified non‐O blood type as a predictor of mortality.OBJECTIVE
To determine whether ABO blood group is associated with survival after nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 900 patients who underwent surgery for locoregional RCC between 1997 and 2008 at a single institution.
Covariates included age, gender, race, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status, preoperative anaemia and hypoalbuminemia, tumour characteristics, lymph node status, procedure performed, transfusion status and ABO blood group.
Primary outcomes were overall (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS).
Univariable survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank methods. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model.
RESULTS
The 3‐year OS estimate was 75% (95%CI 70–79%) for O blood group and 68% (95% CI 63–73%) for non‐O blood group (P= 0.072). The 3‐year DSS was 81% (95% CI 76–85%) for O blood group and 76% (95%CI 71–80%) for non‐O blood group (P= 0.053).
In the multivariable analysis for OS, non‐O blood type was significantly associated with decreased OS (HR 1.68, 95%CI 1.18–2.39; P= 0.004) but not DSS (HR 1.53, 95%CI 0.97–2.41; P= 0.065).
CONCLUSION
These data suggest that ABO blood group is independently associated with OS in patients undergoing surgery for locoregional RCC. ABO blood group has not been previously recognized as a predictor of survival in RCC.