bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low incidence of hepatitis B virus reactivation during chemotherapy among diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients who are HBsAg‐negative/ HBcAb‐positive: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ji Dongmei , Cao Junning , Hong Xiaonan , Li Junmin , Wang Jianmin , Chen Fangyuan , Wang Chun , Zou Shanhua 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is less common in lymphoma patients with prior resolved HBV infection [characterized by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative/hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)‐positive status] compared with chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positive) when receiving chemotherapy alone. The use of rituximab in chemotherapy regimen might increase the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with prior resolved HBV infection. However, the incidence of HBV reactivation is uncertain, and prophylactic antiviral treatment for this group of patients during rituximab‐containing chemotherapy is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of HBV reactivation in HBsAg‐negative/HBcAb‐positive patients diagnosed of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and treated with CHOP‐like or RCHOP‐like regimen. In addition, this study also aims to explore the relationship of HBV reactivation and HBV serology.Methods:  Patients were identified using data from six university hospitals collected between January 1998 and November 2008. Four hundred and thirty‐seven patients with complete data were selected based on the diagnosis of CD20+ DLBCL, availability of HBV serum markers prior to initiation of chemotherapy and during the development of hepatitis, completion of at least four cycles of chemotherapy using CHOP‐like or RCHOP‐like regimen, and follow‐up for at least 6 months after completion of treatment. The characteristics of the HBsAg‐negative/HBcAb‐positive patients treated with CHOP‐like regimen were compared to those treated with RCHOP‐like regimen.Results:  Eighty‐eight patients of the total 437 patients had pretreatment serology of prior resolved hepatitis B, with a prevalence of 20.1%. Among them, 45 patients received CHOP‐like regimen while 43 patients received RCHOP‐like regimen. Five patients developed hepatitis during treatment, two from CHOP group and three from RCHOP group. Only one patient treated with RCHOP had hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation, while the other four patients did not have evidence of HBV reactivation. Those four patients also demonstrated positive HBsAb at baseline, while the only patient who suffered from HBV reactivation had negative HBsAb status. This patient was successfully treated with antiviral medications. There were no statistically significant risk factors predictive of HBV reactivation.Conclusions:  The present study revealed a low HBV reactivation rate of 2.3% in prior resolved hepatitis B among DLBCL patients undergoing RCHOP‐like therapy.
Prevalence of the MspI and Ile462Val SNPs of Cytochrome P‐450 1A1 in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Lukowsky Ansgar , Sterry Wolfram , Schneider‐Burrus Sylke 
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Prevalence of the MspI and Ile462Val SNPs of Cytochrome P‐450 1A1 in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 541–542.Abstract:  Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the hair follicles in the axillary, perianal and inguinal area. Its cause and pathogenesis are unknown, but cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing HS conceivably by accumulating toxic metabolites in sweat. The xenobiotic compounds from tobacco are metabolized by the cytochromes P‐450. The cytochrome P‐450 1A1 (CYP1A1), one of the most active isoenzymes, harbours several polymorphisms. Two of them, MspI and Ile462Val single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), are associated with enhanced activity and inducibility. Performing direct DNA sequencing, we investigated the frequencies of these SNP in 51 patients with HS, 45 of these were smokers. We found similar overall SNP rates in our patients in comparison with previous data for Caucasian or German controls. Obviously, there is no relation between the occurrence of these SNPs and the risk of developing HS.
Sex‐specific association between leptin receptor polymorphisms and leptin levels and BMI in healthy adolescents*
Authors: Riestra P , García‐Anguita A , Schoppen S , López‐Simón L , De Oya M , Garcés C 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  To examine the relationship of three common polymorphisms in the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene, implicated in the regulation of body weight, with leptin levels and obesity‐related phenotypes in a population‐based sample of healthy pubertal children in Spain.Methods:  The study included 806 boys and girls aged 12–16 whose anthropometrical data and body composition were recorded. Serum leptin levels were determined by ELISA. The LEPR Q223R, K109R and K656N polymorphisms were determined by TaqMan® allelic discrimination assays.Results:  When analysing the Q223R polymorphism, we observed that female carriers of the RR genotype had significantly higher plasma leptin levels (18.2 vs. 15.1 ng/mL p = 0.016) and significantly higher mean BMI values (22.5 vs. 21.3 Kg/m2 p = 0.032) than QR carriers. Furthermore, the frequency of the RR genotype in overweight‐obese girls was significantly higher than that found in normal‐weight girls. No significant differences were observed in boys. Neither boys nor girls showed significant differences when comparing leptin levels, anthropometric variables or body composition by K109R or K656N genotype.Conclusion:  The fact, that the Q223R polymorphism in the LEPR gene is significantly associated with leptin levels and BMI only in girls, suggests a sex‐specific influence of this polymorphism on these variables.
Temporal changes in the island flora at different scales in the archipelago of SW Finland
Authors: Hannus Jens‐Johan , Von Numers Mikael 
Published: May 2010

AbstractQuestion: How have species richness and vegetation patterns changed in a group of islands in the northern Baltic Sea over a 58‐yr period of changing land use and increasing eutrophication?Location: A group of 116 islands, the Brunskär sub‐archipelago, in SW Finland.Methods: A complete survey of vascular plant species performed in 1947–1949 by Skult was repeated by our group using the same methodology in 2005–2007 (historical versus contemporary, respectively). DCAs were performed and total number of species, extinction–colonization rates, species frequency changes and mean Ellenberg indicator values for light, moisture and nitrogen and Eklund indicator values for dependence of human cultural influence were obtained for each island and relevé.Results: Species richness has declined on large islands and increased on small islands. The increase in number of species on small islands is driven by a strong increase in frequency of shore species, which in turn is induced by more productive shores. The decrease in species richness on large islands is related to overgrowth of open semi‐natural habitats after cessation of grazing and other agricultural practices.Conclusions: After the late 1940s, open habitats, which were created and maintained by cattle grazing and other traditional agricultural activities, have declined in favour of woody shrub and forest land. Shores have been stabilized and influenced by the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea, and the vegetation has become more homogeneous. This development, resulting in lower species diversity, poses a challenge for the preservation of biodiversity both on a local and on a landscape level.
TOWARD GREENER DIALYSIS: A CASE STUDY TO ILLUSTRATE AND ENCOURAGE THE SALVAGE OF REJECT WATER
Authors: Connor Andrew , Milne Steve , Owen Andrew , Boyle Gerard , Mortimer Frances , Stevens Paul 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYClimate change is now considered to be a major global public health concern. However, the very provision of health care itself has a significant impact upon the environment. Action must be taken to reduce this impact. Water is a precious and finite natural resource. Vast quantities of high‐grade water are required to provide haemodialysis. The reverse osmosis systems used in the purification process reject approximately two‐thirds of the water presented to them. Therefore, around 250 litres of ‘reject water’ result from the production of the dialysate required for one treatment. This good quality reject water is lost‐to‐drain in the vast majority of centres worldwide. Simple methodologies exist to recycle this water for alternative purposes. We describe here a case study of the only UK renal service we know to have implemented such water‐saving methodologies. We outline the benefits in terms of financial and environmental savings.
CORONARY REVASCULARISATION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PART 1: STABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Seddon Mike , Curzen Nick 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high burden of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Detection and treatment of coronary artery disease in CKD patients has been hampered by the limitations of screening tests, the lack of direct evidence for therapeutic interventions in this specific population, and concerns about therapy‐related adverse effects. However, these patients potentially have much to gain from conventional strategies used in the general population. This review summarises the current evidence regarding the treatment of coronary artery disease in patients with CKD, with the focus on coronary revascularisation by percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting.
CORONARY REVASCULARISATION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PART II: ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES
Authors: Seddon Mike , Curzen Nick 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high burden of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Management of patients with CKD presenting with acute coronary syndromes is more complex than in the general population, due to greater diagnostic uncertainty and the lack of direct evidence for therapeutic interventions in this specific population, coupled with concerns about therapy‐related adverse effects. However, these patients potentially have much to gain from conventional revascularisation strategies used in the general population. This review summarises the current evidence regarding the treatment of patients with CKD presenting with acute coronary syndromes, in particular with respect to coronary revascularisation strategies.
HEART FAILURE AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: AN INTEGRATED CARE APPROACH
Authors: Jenkins Karen , Kirk Mary 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYRenal impairment may be evident at any stage of heart failure (CHF). Up to 30% of patients with heart failure have abnormal renal function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be a complication of heart failure and chronic heart disease can be a consequence of CKD. Members of the multidisciplinary team, such as nurses, dieticians and physiotherapists should be encouraged to maximise their knowledge and skills across disease areas to influence and improve outcomes of those with CKD and CHF. In particular management of fluid balance, blood pressure control/monitoring, discussion of blood results and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. Close monitoring and effective management of modifiable cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension can reduce onset and slow progression of CKD. This can be done by applying the key principles of good practice, such as communication between healthcare professionals, patient education and empowerment alongside early identification and management of symptoms of CKD and CHF.
INFLUENCE OF DIALYSIS THERAPIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIAC DISEASE IN CKD
Authors: Odudu Aghogho , McIntyre Chris 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYIt is well recognised that dialysis patients suffer excess morbidity and mortality and that this is mainly due to cardiac failure and sudden cardiac death rather than conventional risk factors. Dialysis patients are primed by a number of structural, functional and microcirculatory abnormalities to experience demand myocardial ischaemia. We have shown that haemodialysis induces repetitive myocardial ischaemia in the majority of patients. In this way, haemodialysis itself may contribute to the development of heart failure and the risk of sudden death. There is recent appreciation that peritoneal dialysis is also capable of exerting short‐term effects on cardiovascular performance through mechanisms both mutual and exclusive to haemodialysis. The aim of this paper is to give an appreciation of the possibility that modification of the dialysis procedure is capable of improving treatment tolerability and has the potential to reduce the excessive rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
A Kinematic Assessment of Normal Elbow Movement in Activities of Modern Day Living
Authors: Sinha Apurv , Nazar Muhammad A. , Moorehead John , Bhalaik Vijay , Brownson Peter 
Published: May 2010

Background The range of functional elbow movement has previously been studied. The data obtained have been used to provide an objective basis for the determination of disability, to determine the optimum position for elbow splinting arthrodesis and to assist in the design of elbow prostheses. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional range of elbow movement as applied to a predetermined list of activities of daily living, which might be considered relevant to modern day life. This includes the use of computers and driving, which has not been studied earlier. Methods Twenty normal volunteers were studied and the range of elbow motion required for specific activities was recorded by means of a ‘Polhemus Fastrak’ magnetic tracking measurement system. The results obtained suggests that the functional range of elbow flexion is from 1.33° to 146.57° and the rotation arc is from 56° of pronation to 104° of supination. Conclusion This data compliments the work previously carried out, and defines the functional range of movement for some of the common activities of daily living.
Network Diversity and Economic Development
Authors: Eagle Nathan , Macy Michael , Claxton Rob 
Published: May 2010

Network for RecoveryA long-standing theory suggests that social diversity leads to economic development. By combining the United Kingdom's telephone communication records (both landline and mobile) with information on regional economic conditions,Eagleet al.(p.1029) demonstrate that network diversity alone accounts for over three-quarters of the variance of a region's economic status. Although the data cannot be used to show causality, the association suggests that economic development and recovery may depend not solely on monetary stimulus but also on the development of a nation's social infrastructure.
Soil Type-Dependent Responses to Phenanthrene as Revealed by Determining the Diversity and Abundance of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Ring-Hydroxylating Dioxygenase Genes by Using a Novel PCR Detection System
Authors: Ding Guo-Chun , Heuer Holger , Zühlke Sebastian , Spiteller Michael , Pronk Geertje Johanna , Heister Katja , Kögel-Knabner Ingrid , Smalla Kornelia 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

A novel PCR primer system that targets a wide range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ring-hydroxylating dioxygenase (PAH-RHD
α
) genes of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was developed and used to study their abundance and diversity in two different soils in response to phenanthrene spiking. The specificities and target ranges of the primers predicted
in silico
were confirmed experimentally by cloning and sequencing of PAH-RHD
α
gene amplicons from soil DNA. Cloning and sequencing showed the dominance of
phnAc
genes in the contaminated Luvisol. In contrast, high diversity of PAH-RHD
α
genes of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was observed in the phenanthrene-spiked Cambisol. Quantitative real-time PCR based on the same primers revealed that 63 days after phenanthrene spiking, PAH-RHD
α
genes were 1 order of magnitude more abundant in the Luvisol than in the Cambisol, while they were not detected in both control soils. In conclusion, sequence analysis of the amplicons obtained confirmed the specificity of the novel primer system and revealed a soil type-dependent response of PAH-RHD
α
gene-carrying soil bacteria to phenanthrene spiking.
Diversity of Formyltetrahydrofolate Synthetases in the Guts of the Wood-Feeding Cockroach
Cryptocercus punctulatus
and the Omnivorous Cockroach
Periplaneta americana
Authors: Ottesen Elizabeth A. , Leadbetter Jared R. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

We examined the diversity of a marker gene for homoacetogens in two cockroach gut microbial communities. Formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (FTHFS or fhs) libraries prepared from a wood-feeding cockroach,
Cryptocercus punctulatus
, were dominated by sequences that affiliated with termite gut treponemes. No spirochete-like sequences were recovered from the omnivorous roach
Periplaneta americana
, which was dominated by
Firmicutes
-like sequences.
Potential of Aerobic Denitrification by
Pseudomonas stutzeri
TR2 To Reduce Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Miyahara Morio , Kim Sang-Wan , Fushinobu Shinya , Takaki Koki , Yamada Takeshi , Watanabe Akira , Miyauchi Keisuke , Endo Ginro , Wakagi Takayoshi , Shoun Hirofumi 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

In contrast to most denitrifiers studied so far,
Pseudomonas stutzeri
TR2 produces low levels of nitrous oxide (N
2
O) even under aerobic conditions. We compared the denitrification activity of strain TR2 with those of various denitrifiers in an artificial medium that was derived from piggery wastewater. Strain TR2 exhibited strong denitrification activity and produced little N
2
O under all conditions tested. Its growth rate under denitrifying conditions was near comparable to that under aerobic conditions, showing a sharp contrast to the lower growth rates of other denitrifiers under denitrifying conditions. Strain TR2 was tolerant to toxic nitrite, even utilizing it as a good denitrification substrate. When both nitrite and N
2
O were present, strain TR2 reduced N
2
O in preference to nitrite as the denitrification substrate. This bacterial strain was readily able to adapt to denitrifying conditions by expressing the denitrification genes for cytochrome
cd
1
nitrite reductase (NiR) (
nirS
) and nitrous oxide reductase (NoS) (
nosZ
). Interestingly,
nosZ
was constitutively expressed even under nondenitrifying, aerobic conditions, consistent with our finding that strain TR2 preferred N
2
O to nitrite. These properties of strain TR2 concerning denitrification are in sharp contrast to those of well-characterized denitrifiers. These results demonstrate that some bacterial species, such as strain TR2, have adopted a strategy for survival by preferring denitrification to oxygen respiration. The bacterium was also shown to contain the potential to reduce N
2
O emissions when applied to sewage disposal fields.
Genomic Plasticity of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Selmecki Anna , Forche Anja , Berman Judith 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

The genomic plasticity of
Candida albicans
, a commensal and common opportunistic fungal pathogen, continues to reveal unexpected surprises. Once thought to be asexual, we now know that the organism can generate genetic diversity through several mechanisms, including mating between cells of the opposite or of the same mating type and by a parasexual reduction in chromosome number that can be accompanied by recombination events (2, 12, 14, 53, 77, 115). In addition, dramatic genome changes can appear quite rapidly in mitotic cells propagated
in vitro
as well as
in vivo
. The detection of aneuploidy in other fungal pathogens isolated directly from patients (145) and from environmental samples (71) suggests that variations in chromosome organization and copy number are a common mechanism used by pathogenic fungi to rapidly generate diversity in response to stressful growth conditions, including, but not limited to, antifungal drug exposure. Since cancer cells often become polyploid and/or aneuploid, some of the lessons learned from studies of genome plasticity in
C. albicans
may provide important insights into how these processes occur in higher-eukaryotic cells exposed to stresses such as anticancer drugs.
A Sequence That Affects the Copy Number and Stability of pSW200 and ColE1
Authors: Wu Ying-Chung , Liu Shih-Tung 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTPantoea stewartiiSW2 contains 13 plasmids. One of these plasmids, pSW200, has a replicon that resembles that of ColE1. This study demonstrates that pSW200 contains a 9-bp UP element, 5′-AAGATCTTC, which is located immediately upstream of the −35 box in the RNAII promoter. A transcriptional fusion study reveals that substituting this 9-bp sequence reduces the activity of the RNAII promoter by 78%. The same mutation also reduced the number of plasmid copies from 13 to 5, as well as the plasmid stability. When a similar sequence in a ColE1 derivative, pYCW301, is mutated, the copy number of the plasmid also declines from 34 to 16 per cell. Additionally, inserting this 9-bp sequence stabilizes an unstable pSW100 derivative, pSW142K, which also contains a replicon resembling that of ColE1, indicating the importance of this sequence in maintaining the stability of the plasmid. In conclusion, the 9-bp sequence upstream of the −35 box in the RNAII promoter is required for the efficient synthesis of RNAII and maintenance of the stability of the plasmids in the ColE1 family.
Cochaperone Interactions in Export of the Type III Needle Component PscF of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Plé Sophie , Job Viviana , Dessen Andréa , Attree Ina 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Type III secretion (T3S) systems allow the export and translocation of bacterial effectors into the host cell cytoplasm. Secretion is accomplished by an 80-nm-long needle-like structure composed, in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, of the polymerized form of a 7-kDa protein, PscF. Two proteins, PscG and PscE, stabilize PscF within the bacterial cell before its export and polymerization. In this work we screened the 1,320-Å
2
interface between the two chaperones, PscE and PscG, by site-directed mutagenesis and determined hot spot regions that are important for T3S function
in vivo
and complex formation
in vitro
. Three amino acids in PscE and five amino acids in PscG, found to be relevant for complex formation, map to the central part of the interacting surface. Stability assays on selected mutants performed both
in vitro
on purified PscE-PscG complexes and
in vivo
on
P. aeruginosa
revealed that PscE is a cochaperone that is essential for the stability of the main chaperone, PscG. Notably, when overexpressed from a bicistronic construct, PscG and PscF compensate for the absence of PscE in cytotoxic
P. aeruginosa
. These results show that all of the information needed for needle protein stabilization and folding, its presentation to the T3 secreton, and its export is present within the sequence of the PscG chaperone.