bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracapsular extension but not the tumour burden of lymph node metastases is an independent adverse risk factor in lymph node‐positive bladder cancer
Authors: Seiler Roland , von Gunten Michael , Thalmann George N. , Fleischmann Achim 
Published: March 2011

Seiler R, von Gunten M, Thalmann G N & Fleischmann A (2011) Histopathology 58, 571–578 Extracapsular extension but not the tumour burden of lymph node metastases is an independent adverse risk factor in lymph node‐positive bladder cancerAims:  To evaluate risk factors in lymph node‐positive bladder cancer.Methods and results:  Lymph node‐positive bladder cancer patients (n = 162), preoperatively staged N0M0, underwent cystectomy and standardized extended lymphadenectomy. Five‐year overall survival of the cohort was 33%. In univariate analysis, tumour stage (P < 0.006), extracapsular extension of lymph node metastases (P < 0.001), total diameter of metastases (P < 0.04) and lymph node stage (P < 0.03) were significantly correlated with overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). On multivariate analysis, only extracapsular extension (OS, P < 0.002; DSS, P < 0.02; RFS, P = 0.058) and primary tumour stage (OS, P = 0.058; DSS, P < 0.02; RFS, P < 0.02) added independent prognostic information. Extracapsular extension of lymph node metastases did not correlate with a specific recurrence pattern; patients with organ‐confined tumours (pT1/2) never had pelvic relapse.Conclusions:  Extracapsular extension of lymph node metastases but not lymph node tumour burden adds independent prognostic information in lymph node‐positive bladder cancer. These biological differences in lymph node‐positive bladder cancer are not reflected in the sixth, and challenge future, TNM classification.
Detection of CHK1 and CCND1 gene copy number changes in breast cancer with dual‐colour fluorescence in‐situ hybridization
Authors: Mu Kun , Li Li , Yang Qingrui , Zhang Tingguo , Gao Peng , Meng Bin , Liu Zhiyan , Wang Yan , Zhou Gengyin 
Published: March 2011

Mu K, Li L, Yang Q, Zhang T, Gao P, Meng B, Liu Z, Wang Y & Zhou G (2011) Histopathology 58, 601–607 Detection of CHK1 and CCND1 gene copy number changes in breast cancer with dual‐colour fluorescence in‐situ hybridizationAims:  To investigate the correlation between CCND1 amplification and CHK1 deletion in breast cancer, and to explore their role in tumorigenesis and progression, a comparative study of the gene copy number changes of CCND1 and CHK1 was performed with dual‐colour fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH).Methods and results:  Sixty‐one infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas with foci of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) components were selected for dual‐colour FISH. A strong correlation was found between CCND1 amplification and CHK1 deletion (P < 0.0001). Fourteen cases were detected that demonstrated both CCND1 amplification and CHK1 deletion. Interestingly, when comparing the infiltrating and non‐invasive areas for the same tumour, we found three cases with CCND1 amplification in the infiltrating areas but not in the DCIS areas. We did not find a CHK1 gene profile difference between infiltrating and DCIS areas in the same lesions.Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that CCND1 amplification and CHK1 deletion are common events in breast cancer, and that the two genetic alterations often coexist. Our data also suggest that CHK1 deletion is an early genetic event in the development of breast cancer and can be detected at the DCIS stage, whereas CCND1 amplification is more likely to be associated with tumour progression.
Determining appropriate goals for restoration of imperilled communities and species
Authors: Thorpe Andrea S. , Stanley Amanda G. 
Published: March 2011

Summary 1. Conservation and restoration practitioners often struggle to define appropriate targets for restoration. Frequently, ‘pre‐settlement conditions’ (the conditions that are believed to have existed prior to European settlement) are used. In this review, we draw on our experiences working with land‐managers to restore native ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest (USA) to discuss some of the challenges in using pre‐settlement conditions as a restoration target. 2. We have found that information on the structure and composition of pre‐settlement communities does not exist in sufficient detail to set quantitative restoration targets. 3. The systems we work in have been so altered from the historic condition (as we best understand it), that mimicking the anthropogenic and ‘natural’ disturbances that shaped these communities is both difficult and unlikely to guarantee success. 4. Furthermore, the pre‐settlement condition may not be an appropriate restoration goal given on‐going global changes, including species invasions, habitat loss, and climate change. 5. Synthesis and applications. We suggest that rather than focusing on historic benchmarks, restoration goals should be based on ecological principles that will lead to resilient, functioning ecosystems. We provide real‐world examples for how scientists and managers can work together to define and test appropriate and effective restoration methods and targets.
Post‐stroke aphasia prognosis: a review of patient‐related and stroke‐related factors
Authors: Plowman Emily , Hentz Brecken , Ellis Charles 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Recovery of language function in individuals with post‐stroke aphasia is associated with a variety of patient and stroke‐related indices. Amidst a complex interaction of a multitude of variables, clinicians are faced with the arduous challenge of predicting aphasia recovery patterns and subsequently, long‐term outcomes in these individuals. Unfortunately, predictive factors are highly variable making prognosis of aphasia recovery difficult. Therefore, the objective of this review was to assess the influence of patient‐related and stroke‐related factors on language recovery in individuals with post‐stroke aphasia.Methods  We completed a literature review to assess and identify evidence‐based patient and stroke‐related variables shown to be influential in aphasia recovery.Results  A range of patient‐related (gender, handedness, age, education, socio‐economic status and intelligence) and stroke‐related indices (initial severity, lesion site and lesion size) were identified as potential influential factors to post‐stroke aphasia recovery. Initial severity of aphasia emerged as the factor most predictive of long‐term aphasia recovery. Other influential factors of post‐stroke language recovery included lesion site and size.Conclusions  Stroke‐related factors, including aphasia severity, lesion site and lesion size, appear most critical to post‐stroke aphasia recovery. The findings presented in this review offer clinicians an evidenced‐based framework to assist in prediction of post‐stroke aphasia recovery patterns and subsequent long‐term functional communication outcomes.
Phylogenetic ecology of widespread uncultured clades of the Kingdom Euryarchaeota
Authors: BARBERÁN ALBERT , FERNÁNDEZ‐GUERRA ANTONI , AUGUET JEAN‐CHRISTOPHE , GALAND PIERRE E. , CASAMAYOR EMILIO O. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractDespite its widespread distribution and high levels of phylogenetic diversity, microbes are poorly understood creatures. We applied a phylogenetic ecology approach in the Kingdom Euryarchaeota (Archaea) to gain insight into the environmental distribution and evolutionary history of one of the most ubiquitous and largely unknown microbial groups. We compiled 16S rRNA gene sequences from our own sequence libraries and public genetic databases for two of the most widespread mesophilic Euryarchaeota clades, Lake Dagow Sediment (LDS) and Rice Cluster‐V (RC‐V). The inferred population history indicated that both groups have undergone specific nonrandom evolution within environments, with several noteworthy habitat transition events. Remarkably, the LDS and RC‐V groups had enormous levels of genetic diversity when compared with other microbial groups, and proliferation of sequences within each single clade was accompanied by significant ecological differentiation. Additionally, the freshwater Euryarchaeota counterparts unexpectedly showed high phylogenetic diversity, possibly promoted by their environmental adaptability and the heterogeneous nature of freshwater ecosystems. The temporal phylogenetic diversification pattern of these freshwater Euryarchaeota was concentrated both in early times and recently, similarly to other much less diverse but deeply sampled archaeal groups, further stressing that their genetic diversity is a function of environment plasticity. For the vast majority of living beings on Earth (i.e. the uncultured microorganisms), how they differ in the genetic or physiological traits used to exploit the environmental resources is largely unknown. Inferring population history from 16S rRNA gene‐based molecular phylogenies under an ecological perspective may shed light on the intriguing relationships between lineage, environment, evolution and diversity in the microbial world.
Interplay of SLIM1 and miR395 in the regulation of sulfate assimilation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kawashima Cintia G. , Matthewman Colette A. , Huang Siqi , Lee Bok‐Rye , Yoshimoto Naoko , Koprivova Anna , Rubio‐Somoza Ignacio , Todesco Marco , Rathjen Tina , Saito Kazuki , Takahashi Hideki , Dalmay Tamas , Kopriva Stanislav 
Published: March 2011

SummaryMicroRNAs play a key role in the control of plant development and response to adverse environmental conditions. For example, microRNA395 (miR395), which targets three out of four isoforms of ATP sulfurylase, the first enzyme of sulfate assimilation, as well as a low‐affinity sulfate transporter, SULTR2;1, is strongly induced by sulfate deficiency. However, other components of sulfate assimilation are induced by sulfate starvation, so that the role of miR395 is counterintuitive. Here, we describe the regulation of miR395 and its targets by sulfate starvation. We show that miR395 is important for the increased translocation of sulfate to the shoots during sulfate starvation. MiR395 together with the SULFUR LIMITATION 1 transcription factor maintain optimal levels of ATP sulfurylase transcripts to enable increased flux through the sulfate assimilation pathway in sulfate‐deficient plants. Reduced expression of ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) alone affects both sulfate translocation and flux, but SULTR2;1 is important for the full rate of sulfate translocation to the shoots. Thus, miR395 is an integral part of the regulatory circuit controlling plant sulfate assimilation with a complex mechanism of action.
Functional interaction of the circadian clock and UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8‐controlled UV‐B signaling pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fehér Balázs , Kozma‐Bognár László , Kevei Éva , Hajdu Anita , Binkert Melanie , Davis Seth Jon , Schäfer Eberhard , Ulm Roman , Nagy Ferenc 
Published: March 2011

SummaryCircadian clocks regulate many molecular and physiological processes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), allowing the timing of these processes to occur at the most appropriate time of the day in a 24‐h period. The accuracy of timing relies on the synchrony of the clock and the environmental day/night cycle. Visible light is the most potent signal for such synchronization, but light‐induced responses are also rhythmically attenuated (gated) by the clock. Here, we report a similar mutual interaction of the circadian clock and non‐damaging photomorphogenic UV‐B light. We show that low‐intensity UV‐B radiation acts as entraining signal for the clock. UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) and CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) are required, but ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) and HY5 HOMOLOG (HYH) are dispensable for this process. UV‐B responsiveness of clock gene expression suggests that photomorphogenic UV‐B entrains the plant clock through transcriptional activation. We also demonstrate that UV‐B induction of gene expression under these conditions is gated by the clock in a HY5/HYH‐independent manner. The arrhythmic early flowering 3–4 mutant showed non‐gated, high‐level gene induction by UV‐B, yet displayed no increased tolerance to UV‐B stress. Thus, the temporal restriction of UV‐B responsiveness by the circadian clock can be considered as saving resources during acclimation without losing fitness.
Genetic identification of Arabidopsis RID2 as an essential factor involved in pre‐rRNA processing
Authors: Ohbayashi Iwai , Konishi Mineko , Ebine Kazuo , Sugiyama Munetaka 
Published: March 2011

SummaryA temperature‐sensitive mutant of Arabidopsis, root initiation defective 2‐1 (rid2‐1), is characterized by peculiar defects in callus formation. To gain insights into the requirements for the reactivation of cell division, we analyzed this mutant and isolated the gene responsible, RID2. The phenotypes of rid2‐1 in tissue culture and in seedlings indicated that the rid2 mutation has various (acute and non‐acute) inhibitory effects on different aspects of cell proliferation. This suggests that the RID2 function is not directly involved in every cycle of cell division, but is related to ‘vitality’, supporting cell proliferation. The rid2‐1 mutation was shown to cause nucleolar vacuolation and excessive accumulation of various intermediates of pre‐rRNA processing. Positional cloning of the RID2 gene revealed that it encodes an evolutionarily conserved methyltransferase‐like protein, which was found to localize in the nucleus, with accumulation being most evident in the nucleolus. It can be inferred from these findings that RID2 contributes to the nucleolar activity for pre‐rRNA processing, probably through some methylation reaction.
Bundle‐sheath cell regulation of xylem‐mesophyll water transport via aquaporins under drought stress: a target of xylem‐borne ABA?
Authors: Shatil‐Cohen Arava , Attia Ziv , Moshelion Menachem 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThe hydraulic conductivity of the leaf vascular system (Kleaf) is dynamic and decreases rapidly under drought stress, possibly in response to the stress phytohormone ABA, which increases sharply in the xylem sap (ABAxyl) during periods of drought. Vascular bundle‐sheath cells (BSCs; a layer of parenchymatous cells tightly enwrapping the entire leaf vasculature) have been hypothesized to control Kleaf via the specific activity of BSC aquaporins (AQPs). We examined this hypothesis and provide evidence for drought‐induced ABAxyl diminishing BSC osmotic water permeability (Pf) via downregulated activity of their AQPs. ABA fed to the leaf via the xylem (petiole) both decreased Kleaf and led to stomatal closure, replicating the effect of drought. In contrast, smearing ABA on the leaf blade, while also closing stomata, did not decrease Kleaf within 2–3 h of application, demonstrating that Kleaf does not depend entirely on stomatal closure. GFP‐labeled BSCs showed decreased Pf in response to ‘drought’ and ABA treatment, and a reversible decrease with HgCl2 (an AQP blocker). These Pf responses, absent in mesophyll cells, suggest stress‐regulated AQP activity specific to BSCs, and imply a role for these cells in decreasing Kleaf via a reduction in Pf. Our results support the above hypothesis and highlight the BSCs as hitherto overlooked vasculature sensor compartments, extending throughout the leaf and functioning as ‘stress‐regulated valves’ converting vasculature chemical signals (possibly ABAxyl) into leaf hydraulic signals.
Systematic review: neonatal meningitis in the developing world
Authors: Furyk J. S. , Swann O. , Molyneux E. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryMeningitis is more common in the neonatal period than any other time in life and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the majority of the burden occurring in the developing world, the majority of the existing literature originates from wealthy countries. Mortality from neonatal meningitis in developing countries is estimated to be 40–58%, against 10% in developed countries. Important differences exist in the spectrum of pathogens isolated from cerebrospinal fluid cultures in developed versus developing countries. Briefly, while studies in developed countries have generally found Group B streptococcus (GBS), Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes as important organisms, we describe how in the developing world results have varied; particularly regarding GBS, other Gram negatives (excluding E. coli), Listeria and Gram‐positive organisms. The choice of empiric antibiotics should take into consideration local epidemiology if known, early versus late disease, resistance patterns and availability within resource constraints. Gaps in knowledge, the role of adjuvant therapies and future directions for research are explored.
Enhancing the routine health information system in rural southern Tanzania: successes, challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Maokola W. , Willey B. A. , Shirima K. , Chemba M. , Armstrong Schellenberg J. R. M. , Mshinda H. , Alonso P. , Tanner M. , Schellenberg D. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryObjective  To describe and evaluate the use of handheld computers for the management of Health Management Information System data.Methods  Electronic data capture took place in 11 sentinel health centres in rural southern Tanzania. Information from children attending the outpatient department (OPD) and the Expanded Program on Immunization vaccination clinic was captured by trained local school‐leavers, supported by monthly supervision visits. Clinical data included malaria blood slides and haemoglobin colour scale results. Quality of captured data was assessed using double data entry. Malaria blood slide results from health centre laboratories were compared to those from the study’s quality control laboratory.Results  The system took 5 months to implement, and few staffings or logistical problems were encountered. Over the following 12 months (April 2006–March 2007), 7056 attendances were recorded in 9880 infants aged 2–11 months, 50% with clinical malaria. Monthly supervision visits highlighted incomplete recording of information between OPD and laboratory records, where on average 40% of laboratory visits were missing the record of their corresponding OPD visit. Quality of microscopy from health facility laboratories was lower overall than that from the quality assurance laboratory.Conclusions  Electronic capture of HMIS data was rapidly and successfully implemented in this resource‐poor setting. Electronic capture alone did not resolve issues of data completeness, accuracy and reliability, which are essential for management, monitoring and evaluation; suggestions to monitor and improve data quality are made.
Genotyping of Malassezia pachydermatis isolates from canine healthy skin and atopic dermatitis by internal spacer 1 (IGS1) region analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuya , Kano Rui , Nagata Masahiko , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Kamata Hiroshi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIsolates of Malassezia pachydermatis from healthy dog skin and from dogs with atopic dermatitis were molecularly characterized using internal spacer 1 (IGS1) region analyses, and their phospholipase A2 activity and pH growth profiles were then characterized in vitro. The percentage of isolates from healthy dogs that had the following IGS1 subtypes (isotype, %) were as follows: 1A, 6%; 1B, 27%; 1C, 11%; 2A, 6%; 2B, 6%; 3A, 11%; 3C, 3%; and 3D, 24%. In contrast, 9% of isolates from dogs with atopic dermatitis were isotype IB and 91% were isotype 3D, indicating that isolates of subtype 3D were the most prevalent in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Production of phospholipase A2 was statistically higher in isolates of subtype 3D than in the other subtypes. The subtype 3D isolates showed enhanced growth on alkaline medium compared with non‐3D subtype isolates. The main clinical sign of canine Malassezia dermatitis is waxy exudates on the skin, which predispose the patient to development of a yeast overgrowth of the subtype 3D. Increased phospholipase A2 production may be involved in the inflammatory process associated with Malassezia dermatitis.
Clinical characteristics and causes of pruritus in cats: a multicentre study on feline hypersensitivity‐associated dermatoses
Authors: Hobi Stefan , Linek Monika , Marignac Geneviève , Olivry Thierry , Beco Luc , Nett Claudia , Fontaine Jacques , Roosje Petra , Bergvall Kerstin , Belova Sveta , Koebrich Stefanie , Pin Didier , Kovalik Marcel , Meury Sabrina , Wilhelm Sylvie , Favrot Claude 
Published: March 2011

AbstractHypersensitivity dermatitides (HD) are often suspected in cats. Cats with HD are reported to present with one or more of the following patterns: miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic dermatitis, self‐induced symmetrical alopecia or head and/or neck excoriations. Previous reports on feline HD included small numbers of animals, took place in geographically restricted areas or did not compare these conditions with other causes of pruritus. The goal of the present study was to analyse 72 parameters covering signalment, clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics from a large group of pruritic cats from different geographical areas. Of the 502 cats, the following diagnoses were made: flea HD (29% of cases), food HD (12%) nonflea/nonfood HD (20%) and other diseases in which pruritus was a feature (24%). Cats with signs consistent with a HD but which did not complete a food trial were not analysed further (15% of cases). Most cats with nonflea HD exhibited signs compatible with one or more of the four typical lesional patterns, but none of these patterns was found to be pathognomonic for any specific diagnosis. Food HD and nonflea/nonfood HD were found to be clinically undistinguishable. Young adult, purebred and female cats appeared predisposed to nonflea/nonfood HD. As many diagnoses presented with similar lesional patterns, a thorough clinical work‐up is required for establishment of a specific diagnosis.
The canine hair cycle – a guide for the assessment of morphological and immunohistochemical criteria
Authors: Müntener Tabitha , Doherr Marcus G. , Guscetti Franco , Suter Maja M. , Welle Monika M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe hair follicle has a lifelong capacity to cycle through recurrent phases of controlled growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and quiescence (telogen), each associated with specific morphological changes. A comprehensive classification scheme is available for mice to distinguish the cycle stages anagen I–VI, catagen I–VIII and telogen. For dogs, such a classification system does not exist, although alopecia associated with hair cycle arrest is common. We applied analogous morphological criteria and various staining techniques to subdivide the canine hair cycle stages to the same extent as has been done in mice. Of all the staining techniques applied, haematoxylin and eosin stain, Sacpic, Masson Fontana and immunohistochemistry for vimentin and laminin proved to be most useful. To evaluate the applicability of our criteria, we investigated skin biopsies from healthy beagle dogs (n = 20; biopsies from shoulder and thigh) kept in controlled conditions. From each biopsy, at least 50 hair follicles were assessed. Statistical analysis revealed that 30% of the follicles were in anagen (12% early and 18% late), 8% in catagen (2% early, 5% late and 1% not determinable) and 27% in telogen. Thirty‐five per cent of hair follicles could not be assigned to a specific cycle stage because not all follicles within one biopsy were oriented perfectly. In conclusion, this guide will not only be helpful for the investigation of alopecic disorders and possibly their pathogenesis, but may also serve as a basis for research projects in which the comparison of hair cycle stages is essential, e.g. comparative analysis of gene expression patterns.