bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neonatal enteral feeding tubes as loci for colonisation by members of the Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Hurrell Edward , Kucerova Eva , Loughlin Michael , Caubilla-Barron Juncal , Hilton Anthony , Armstrong Richard , Smith Craig , Grant Judith , Shoo Shiu , Forsythe Stephen 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to determine whether neonatal nasogastric enteral feeding tubes are colonised by the opportunistic pathogen Cronobacter spp. (Enterobacter sakazakii) and other Enterobacteriaceae, and whether their presence was influenced by the feeding regime.

Methods
One hundred and twenty-nine tubes were collected from two neonatal intensive care units (NICU). A questionnaire on feeding regime was completed with each sample. Enterobacteriaceae present in the tubes were identified using conventional and molecular methods, and their antibiograms determined.

Results
The neonates were fed breast milk (16%), fortified breast milk (28%), ready to feed formula (20%), reconstituted powdered infant formula (PIF, 6%), or a mixture of these (21%). Eight percent of tubes were received from neonates who were 'nil by mouth'. Organisms were isolated from 76% of enteral feeding tubes as a biofilm (up to 107 cfu/tube from neonates fed fortified breast milk and reconstituted PIF) and in the residual lumen liquid (up to 107
Enterobacteriaceae cfu/ml, average volume 250 μl). The most common isolates were Enterobacter cancerogenus (41%), Serratia marcescens (36%), E. hormaechei (33%), Escherichia coli (29%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (25%), Raoultella terrigena (10%), and S. liquefaciens (12%). Other organisms isolated included C. sakazakii (2%),Yersinia enterocolitica (1%),Citrobacter freundii (1%), E. vulneris (1%), Pseudomonas fluorescens (1%), and P. luteola (1%). The enteral feeding tubes were in place between < 6 h (22%) to > 48 h (13%). All the S. marcescens isolates from the enteral feeding tubes were resistant to amoxicillin and co-amoxiclav. Of additional importance was that a quarter of E. hormaechei isolates were resistant to the 3rd generation cephalosporins ceftazidime and cefotaxime. During the period of the study, K. pneumoniae and S. marcescens caused infections in the two NICUs.

Conclusion
This study shows that neonatal enteral feeding tubes, irrespective of feeding regime, act as loci for the bacterial attachment and multiplication of numerous opportunistic pathogens within the Enterobacteriaceae family. Subsequently, these organisms will enter the stomach as a bolus with each feed. Therefore, enteral feeding tubes are an important risk factor to consider with respect to neonatal infections.
Regulation of excitation-contraction coupling in mouse cardiac myocytes: integrative analysis with mathematical modelling
Authors: Koivumäki Jussi T , Korhonen Topi , Takalo Jouni , Weckström Matti , Tavi Pasi 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
The cardiomyocyte is a prime example of inherently complex biological system with inter- and cross-connected feedback loops in signalling, forming the basic properties of intracellular homeostasis. Functional properties of cells and tissues have been studied e.g. with powerful tools of genetic engineering, combined with extensive experimentation. While this approach provides accurate information about the physiology at the endpoint, complementary methods, such as mathematical modelling, can provide more detailed information about the processes that have lead to the endpoint phenotype.

Results
In order to gain novel mechanistic information of the excitation-contraction coupling in normal myocytes and to analyze sophisticated genetically engineered heart models, we have built a mathematical model of a mouse ventricular myocyte. In addition to the fundamental components of membrane excitation, calcium signalling and contraction, our integrated model includes the calcium-calmodulin-dependent enzyme cascade and the regulation it imposes on the proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling. With the model, we investigate the effects of three genetic modifications that interfere with calcium signalling: 1) ablation of phospholamban, 2) disruption of the regulation of L-type calcium channels by calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMK) and 3) overexpression of CaMK. We show that the key features of the experimental phenotypes involve physiological compensatory and autoregulatory mechanisms that bring the system to a state closer to the original wild-type phenotype in all transgenic models. A drastic phenotype was found when the genetic modification disrupts the regulatory signalling system itself, i.e. the CaMK overexpression model.

Conclusion
The novel features of the presented cardiomyocyte model enable accurate description of excitation-contraction coupling. The model is thus an applicable tool for further studies of both normal and defective cellular physiology. We propose that integrative modelling as in the present work is a valuable complement to experiments in understanding the causality within complex biological systems such as cardiac myocytes.
Complete PHB mobilization in Escherichia coli enhances the stress tolerance: a potential biotechnological application
Authors: Wang Qian , Yu Hongmin , Xia Yongzhen , Kang Zhen , Qi Qingsheng 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) mobilization in bacteria has been proposed as a mechanism that can benefit their host for survival under stress conditions. Here we reported for the first time that a stress-induced system enabled E. coli, a non-PHB producer, to mobilize PHB in vivo by mimicking natural PHB accumulation bacteria.

Results
The successful expression of PHB biosynthesis and PHB depolymerase genes in E. coli was confirmed by PHB production and 3-hydroxybutyrate secretion. Starvation experiment demonstrated that the complete PHB mobilization system in E. coli served as an intracellular energy and carbon storage system, which increased the survival rate of the host when carbon resources were limited. Stress tolerance experiment indicated that E. coli strains with PHB production and mobilization system exhibited an enhanced stress resistance capability.

Conclusion
This engineered E. coli with PHB mobilization has a potential biotechnological application as immobilized cell factories for biocatalysis and biotransformation.
MicroRNA expression profiling in Imatinib-resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia patients without clinically significant ABL1-mutations
Authors: San José-Enériz Edurne , Román-Gómez José , Jiménez-Velasco Antonio , Garate Leire , Martin Vanesa , Cordeu Lucia , Vilas-Zornoza Amaia , Rodríguez-Otero Paula , José Calasanz María , Prósper Felipe , Agirre Xabier 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The development of Imatinib Mesylate (IM), the first specific inhibitor of BCR-ABL1, has had a major impact in patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), establishing IM as the standard therapy for CML. Despite the clinical success obtained with the use of IM, primary resistance to IM and molecular evidence of persistent disease has been observed in 20-25% of IM treated patients. The existence of second generation TK inhibitors, which are effective in patients with IM resistance, makes identification of predictors of resistance to IM an important goal in CML. In this study, we have identified a group of 19 miRNAs that may predict clinical resistance to IM in patients with newly diagnosed CML.
Proteomic analysis of total cellular proteins of human neutrophils
Authors: Tomazella Gisele G , da Silva Idalete , Laure Helen J , Rosa José C , Chammas Roger , Wiker Harald G , de Souza Gustavo A , Greene Lewis J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in peripheral blood and represent one of the most important elements of innate immunity. Recent subcellular proteomic studies have focused on the identification of human neutrophil proteins in various subcellular membrane and granular fractions. Although there are relatively few studies dealing with the analysis of the total extract of human neutrophils, many biological problems such as the role of chemokines, adhesion molecules, and other activating inputs involved in neutrophil responses and signaling can be approached on the basis of the identification of the total cellular proteins.

Results
Using gel-LC-MS/MS, 251 total cellular proteins were identified from resting human neutrophils. This is more than ten times the number of proteins identified by an initial proteome analysis of human neutrophils and almost five times the number of proteins identified by the first 2-DE map of extracts of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Most of the proteins identified in the present study are well-known, but some of them, such as neutrophil-secreted proteins and centaurin beta-1, a cytoplasmic protein involved in the regulation of NF-κB activity, are described here for the first-time.

Conclusion
The present report provides new information about the protein content of human neutrophils. Importantly, our study resulted in the discovery of a series of proteins not previously reported to be associated with human neutrophils. These data are relevant to the investigation of comparative pathological states and models for novel classes of pharmaceutical drugs that could be useful in the treatment of inflammatory disorders in which neutrophils participate.
Presence of Intratumoral Neutrophils Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jensen Hanne Krogh , Donskov Frede , Marcussen Niels , Nordsmark Marianne , Lundbeck Finn , von der Maase Hans 
Published: September 2009

PurposeWe have previously demonstrated a significant negative impact of intratumoral neutrophils in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This study assessed intratumoral neutrophils in localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Patients and MethodsThe study comprised 121 consecutive patients who had a nephrectomy for localized RCC. Biomarkers (intratumoral CD8+, CD57+ immune cells, CD66b+ neutrophils, and carbonic anhydrase IX [CA IX]) were assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship with clinical and histopathologic features and patient outcome was evaluated.ResultsThe intratumoral neutrophils ranged from zero to 289 cells/mm2tumor tissue. The presence of intratumoral neutrophils was statistically significantly associated with increasing tumor size, low hemoglobin, high creatinine, and CA IX ≤ 85%. In multivariate analysis, the presence of intratumoral neutrophils (hazard ratio [HR], 3.0; 95% CI, 1.7 to 5.4; P < .0001), pT stage T3b/T4 (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.6; P = .007), and low hemoglobin (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.1; P = .03) were independent prognostic factors significantly associated with short recurrence-free survival. The presence of intratumoral neutrophils was also an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.9 to 6.4; P < .0001) and overall survival (HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.9 to 5.0; P < .0001). Applying the prognostic value of intratumoral neutrophils to the Leibovich low-/intermediate-risk group (n = 78) showed a 5-year recurrence-free survival of 53% (95% CI, 34.6% to 71.8%; presence of intratumoral neutrophils) versus 87% (95% CI, 77.8% to 96.8%; absence of intratumoral neutrophils). The estimated concordance index was 0.74 using the Leibovich risk score and 0.80 when intratumoral neutrophils were added.ConclusionThe presence of intratumoral neutrophils is a new, strong, independent prognostic factor for short recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival in localized clear cell RCC.
Prospective Comparison of [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography in Patients With Melanoma With Palpable Lymph Node Metastases: Diagnostic Accuracy and Impact on Treatment
Authors: Bastiaannet Esther , Wobbes Theo , Hoekstra Otto S. , van der Jagt Eric J. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Koelemij Ron , de Klerk John M.H. , Oyen Wim J.G. , Meijer Sybren , Hoekstra Harald J. 
Published: September 2009

Purpose Patients with melanoma with potentially resectable lymph node metastases require accurate staging to prevent unnecessary surgery. [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is attractive for this because melanoma typically is FDG avid. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to perform a head-to-head comparison of FDG-PET and computed tomography (CT) in staging of patients with melanoma with palpable lymph node metastases in terms of diagnostic accuracy and impact on treatment. Patients and Methods All consecutive patients with palpable, proven lymph node metastases of melanoma between mid 2003 and 2007 were prospectively included. The number/site of distant metastases detected with FDG-PET and CT were recorded. Histology/cytology or 6 months follow-up were the reference standard. Intended and performed treatment was recorded. Results Distant metastases were suspected by FDG-PET in 32% of the 251 patients and by CT in 29% (P = .26). Upstaging was correct in 27% by FDG-PET and in 24% by CT (P = .18). FDG-PET detected more metastatic sites (133 v 112, P = .03), detecting significantly more bone and subcutaneous metastases. Treatment changed in 19% of patients; in 79% as a result of both scans, in 17% exclusively by FDG-PET, and in 4% exclusively by CT. In 34 patients (14%), FDG-PET had an additional value over spiral CT, and in 23 patients (9%), CT had additional value over FDG-PET. Conclusion As a result of FDG-PET and CT, 27% of patients were upstaged, and treatment changed in one of five patients. FDG-PET and CT are equivalent in upstaging; however, FDG-PET detected more metastatic sites, especially bone and subcutaneous. FDG-PET and/or CT are indicated in the staging of patients with melanoma with palpable lymph node metastases.
High-Dose Imatinib in Newly Diagnosed Chronic-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: High Rates of Rapid Cytogenetic and Molecular Responses
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Goldberg Stuart L. , Powell Bayard L. , Giles Francis J. , Wetzler Meir , Akard Luke , Burke John M. , Kerr Robert , Saleh Mansoor , Salvado August , McDougall Karen , Albitar Maher , Radich Jerald 
Published: September 2009

Purpose Long-term clinical outcome data have established imatinib 400 mg/d as standard front-line treatment for newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Patients and Methods The Rationale and Insight for Gleevec High-Dose Therapy (RIGHT) trial is a multicenter study of imatinib 400 mg twice a day as initial therapy in 115 patients (70% Sokal low risk) with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase who were observed for both molecular and cytogenetic responses for up to 18 months. Eighty-three patients (72%) completed the study, 10 patients (9%) discontinued the study because of adverse events, and six patients (5%) discontinued because of unsatisfactory therapeutic effect. Results Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated rapid kinetics of major molecular response (MMR), with 48% of patients achieving MMR by 6 months, 54% by 12 months, and 63% by 18 months. Corresponding complete molecular response rates were 39%, 44%, and 55%, respectively. Median dose-intensity was 98%. Overall, 79% of patients who received at least 90% dose-intensity achieved MMR. The most frequent adverse events included myelosuppression, rash, fatigue, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion This study suggests that imatinib 400 mg twice a day results in more rapid reduction in tumor burden than imatinib 400 mg/d with minimal added toxicity.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Translocation (8;21) or Inversion (16) in Elderly Patients Treated With Conventional Chemotherapy: A Collaborative Study of the French CBF-AML Intergroup
Authors: Prébet Thomas , Boissel Nicolas , Reutenauer Sarah , Thomas Xavier , Delaunay Jacques , Cahn Jean-Yves , Pigneux Arnaud , Quesnel Bruno , Witz Francis , Thépot Sylvain , Ugo Valérie , Terre Christine , Recher Christian , Tavernier Emmanuelle , Hunault Mathilde , Esterni Benjamin , Castaigne Sylvie , Guilhot François , Dombret Hervé , Vey Norbert 
Published: September 2009

Purpose Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with translocation (t) (8;21) or inversion (inv) (16) is associated with a favorable prognosis when treated with intensive chemotherapy. In elderly patients, these AML types are rare, and intensive treatments are much less tolerated. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the characteristics and outcome of AML with t(8;21) or inv(16) in the elderly. Patients and Methods Patients with t(8;21) or inv(16) AML who were age 60 years or older and who received at least one course of induction chemotherapy were included. Postremission therapy consisted of low-dose maintenance chemotherapy (n = 72) or intensive consolidation (n = 56). Results A total of 147 patients were analyzed. The median age was 67 years. Sixty patients had t(8;21), and 87 patients had inv(16). A total of 129 patients achieved complete response (CR) after one or two induction courses (ie, 88% CR rate), and 15 patients (10%) died early (ie, during the 8 weeks after induction). During a median follow-up of 48 months, the 5-year probabilities of overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) were 31% and 27%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a negative impact of high WBC, impaired performance status, and deletion (9q) on OS and LFS. Administration of intensive consolidation was associated with better LFS only in patients with t(8;21). In addition, the need for critical care during induction independently predicted lower LFS. Conclusion Because of a high CR rate, induction chemotherapy should be considered systematically for elderly patients who have AML with t(8;21) or inv(16). The high risk of relapse suggests that alternative strategies of postremission therapy are warranted.
Prospective Study of Determinants and Outcomes of Deferred Treatment or Watchful Waiting Among Men With Prostate Cancer in a Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Shappley William V. , Kenfield Stacey A. , Kasperzyk Julie L. , Qiu Weiliang , Stampfer Meir J. , Sanda Martin G. , Chan June M. 
Published: September 2009

Purpose To examine consequences of deferred treatment (DT) as initial management of prostate cancer (PCa) in a contemporary, prospective cohort of American men diagnosed with PCa. Participants and Methods We evaluated deferred treatment for PCa in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a prospective study of 51,529 men. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for time to eventual treatment among men who deferred treatment for more than 1 year after diagnosis. HRs for time to metastasis or death as a result of PCa were compared between patients who deferred treatment and those who underwent immediate treatment within 1 year of diagnosis. Results From among 3,331 cohort participants diagnosed with PCa from 1986 to 2007, 342 (10.3%) initially deferred treatment. Of these, 174 (51%) remained untreated throughout follow-up (mean 7.7 years); the remainder were treated an average of 3.9 years after diagnosis. Factors associated with progression to treatment among DT patients included younger age, higher clinical stage, higher Gleason score, and higher prostate-specific antigen at diagnosis. We observed similar rates for development of metastases (n = 20 and n = 199; 7.2 v 8.1 per 1,000 person-years; P = .68) and death as a result of PCa (n = 8 and n = 80; 2.4 v 2.6 per 1,000 person-years; P = .99) for DT and immediate treatment, respectively. Conclusion In this nationwide cohort, more than half the men who opted for DT remained without treatment for 7.7 years after diagnosis. Older men and men with lesser cancer severity at diagnosis were more likely to remain untreated. PCa mortality did not differ between DT and active treatment patients.
Early Postoperative Paclitaxel Followed by Concurrent Paclitaxel and Cisplatin With Radiation Therapy for Patients With Resected High-Risk Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Report of the Phase II Trial RTOG 0024
Authors: Rosenthal David I. , Harris Jonathan , Forastiere Arlene A. , Weber Randal S. , Ridge John A. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Garden Adam S. , Kuettel Michael R. , Sidhu Kulbir , Schultz Christopher J. , Trotti Andy , Ang K. Kian 
Published: September 2009

PurposeWe sought to improve outcomes for patients with high-risk head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) after surgical resection by testing the feasibility and safety of early postoperative chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Patients and MethodsEligible patients had resected, stages III to IV HNSCC with positive margins, extracapsular nodal extension, or multiple positive nodes. Paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) was given once weekly during postoperative weeks 2, 3, and 4 and was given before radiation therapy (RT). Paclitaxel (30 mg/m2) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2) were given once weekly during the last 3 weeks of RT (60 Gy over 6 weeks, beginning 4 to 5 weeks after surgery). The primary end points were treatment safety and tolerability compared with concurrent cisplatin (100 mg/m2every 3 weeks) and RT, as tested in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial RTOG 9501.ResultsThe median follow-up time for the 70 patients enrolled was 3.3 years (range, 0.6 to 4.4 years) for surviving patients. Tolerability of all treatment components was comparable to that of RTOG 9501 treatment, which is the current standard of care (compliance rate, 75%; 95% CI, 63% to 85%). One patient died, and seven patients experienced grade 4 nonhematologic toxicities. Rates of locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival exceeded those of RTOG 9501 after adjustment for important prognostic variables (ie, positive margins, extracapsular extension, primary site, and performance status).ConclusionChemotherapy soon after surgery followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy therapy was feasible; tolerance was in line with standard postoperative chemoradiotherapy; and this regimen led to excellent rates of locoregional control and disease-free survival.