bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DddQ, a novel, cupin‐containing, dimethylsulfoniopropionate lyase in marine roseobacters and in uncultured marine bacteria
Authors: Todd Jonathan D. , Curson Andrew R. J. , Kirkwood Mark , Sullivan Matthew J. , Green Robert T. , Johnston Andrew W. B. 
Published: September 2010

Summary Ruegeria (previously Silicibacter) pomeroyi DSS‐3, a marine roseobacter, can catabolize dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a compatible solute that is made in large amounts by marine plankton and algae. This strain was known to demethylate DMSP via a demethylase, encoded by the dmdA gene, and it can also cleave DMSP, releasing the environmentally important volatile dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the process. We found that this strain has two different genes, dddP and dddQ, which encode enzymes that cleave DMSP, generating DMS plus acrylate. DddP had earlier been found in other roseobacters and is a member of the M24 family of peptidases. The newly discovered DddQ polypeptide contains a predicted cupin metal‐binding pocket, but has no other similarity to any other polypeptide with known function. DddP‐ and DddQ‐ mutants each produced DMS at significantly reduced levels compared with wild‐type R. pomeroyi DSS‐3, and transcription of the corresponding ddd genes was enhanced when cells were pre‐grown with DMSP. Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS‐3 also has a gene product that is homologous to DddD, a previously identified enzyme that cleaves DMSP, but which forms DMS plus 3‐OH‐propionate as the initial catabolites. However, mutations in this dddD‐like gene did not affect DMS production, and it was not transcribed under our conditions. Another roseobacter strain, Roseovarius nubinhibens ISM, also contains dddP and has two functional copies of dddQ, encoded by adjacent genes. Judged by their frequencies in the Global Ocean Sampling metagenomic databases, DddP and DddQ are relatively abundant among marine bacteria compared with the previously identified DddL and DddD enzymes.
Evolutionary analysis and distribution of type III effector genes in pathogenic Escherichia coli from human, animal and food sources
Authors: Creuzburg Kristina , Middendorf Barbara , Mellmann Alexander , Martaler Tatjana , Holz Christina , Fruth Angelika , Karch Helge , Schmidt Herbert 
Published: September 2010

SummaryMolecular analysis of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from different sources is considered as a major approach to assess their risk potential. However, only limited data are available about the correlation of evolutionary relationship, the presence of major virulence factor genes and the putative risk of an STEC strain for human infection. In this study, we analysed the evolutionary relationship of 136 pathogenic E. coli strains from human, animal and food sources by multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST) and molecular subtyping of their Shiga toxin (stx) and intimin (eae) genes. Moreover, the distribution of three type III effector genes, encoded within the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), and 16 effector genes, which are encoded outside the LEE, was analysed. One hundred and five strains from different sources harboured 5–15 of the analysed non‐LEE‐encoded effector genes. In 101 of these strains, the LEE genes eae, map, espF and espG were present simultaneously. Thirty‐one isolates deriving mainly from food and patients suffering from haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) were eae‐negative and did not carry any of the analysed effector genes. By combination of MLST and virulence gene data, we defined five genetic clusters. Within these clusters a clear‐cut affiliation of particular sequence types and the occurrence of certain effector genes was observed. However, in contrast to other studies, a significant correlation between the amount and type of effector genes and the risk to cause HUS could not be demonstrated.
Radical nephrectomy with vena caval thrombectomy: a contemporary experience
Authors: Kaag Matthew G. , Toyen Christien , Russo Paul , Cronin Angel , Thompson R. Houston , Schiff Jeffrey , Bernstein Melanie , Bains Manjit 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Renal tumours with caval thrombus are relatively rare. Surgical management is the standard of care for lesions of this nature. Small series have been published by other groups, but our understanding of the optimal management continues to evolve.We present the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center series, with a discussion of techniques and complications. Of interest, we include several patients with high‐level caval thrombi which were managed without bypass, supporting previous publications by the group from University of Miami.OBJECTIVE

To report on the contemporary Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center experience with radical nephrectomy and vena caval thrombectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent radical nephrectomy and vena caval thrombectomy without the use of bypass techniques were retrospectively identified.
Data were collected on intraoperative and pathological findings as well as postoperative complications and oncological outcomes.

RESULTS

In all, 78 patients underwent radical nephrectomy with off‐bypass resection of vena caval thrombus between 1989 and 2009.
The median (interquartile range, IQR) operation duration was 293 (226–370) min, and median (IQR) blood loss was 1300 (750–2500) mL. In all, 10 patients (13%) were confirmed to have intra‐ or supra‐hepatic tumour thrombus (level 3/4), eight of whom required supra‐hepatic control of the inferior vena cava (IVC).
Major (grade 3–5) postoperative complications occurred in 14 (18%), with five postoperative deaths. Disease recurred in 27/62 patients who were considered completely resected at surgery and had adequate follow‐up.
The overall 5‐year survival (95% confidence interval) probability was 48% (35–60%).

CONCLUSIONS

Radical nephrectomy with vena caval thrombectomy is associated with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long‐term survival is possible in some patients.
Many level 3/4 thrombi could be safely approached without the use of bypass techniques.
Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review
Authors: Laydner Humberto K. , Oliveira Paulo , Oliveira Carlos Roberto A. , Makarawo Tafadzwa P. , Andrade Weslley S. , Tannus Matheus , Araújo José Luciano R. 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (systematic review) Level of Evidence 1aWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), however the maximum urinary flow rate is not significantly affected. Also, the underlying mechanism of action of these drugs on LUTS is not well understood.This systematic review confirms the findings of the individual studies included; however the high heterogeneity between them precluded meta‐analysis and further recommendations.OBJECTIVE• To review the evidence in support of the effectiveness of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).METHODS• Relevant studies were identified by performing a literature search using MEDLINE® and The Cochrane Library®. The criteria used during the search included randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of treatment for LUTS secondary to BPH using the International Prostate Symptom Score as an outcome measure.RESULTS• Four trials that included a total of 1928 patients met the inclusion criteria. All four studies showed a statistically significant difference in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life and erectile function in favour of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.• No study showed a statistically significant improvement of the maximum urinary flow.• Meta‐analysis of the results was not possible because of heterogeneity across the studies.CONCLUSIONS• Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors used in the clinical setting can significantly improve LUTS secondary to BPH, erectile function and quality of life. Maximum urinary flow improvement is not statistically significant.• Future research should focus on pathophysiological principles and cost analysis.
Mid‐term results for the retroluminar transobturator sling suspension for stress urinary incontinence after prostatectomy
Authors: Bauer Ricarda M. , Soljanik Irina , Füllhase Claudius , Karl Alexander , Becker Armin , Stief Christian G. , Gozzi Christian 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Several studies showed encouraging early results of the AdVance® sling.However, mid‐term and long‐term results are missing. We were able to show that the AdVance® sling is also, in a longer follow up (median follow‐up of 27 months), an effective, safe and attractive treatment option with stable results for male SUI after radical prostatectomy.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate prospectively the efficacy of the retroluminar transobturator male sling (AdVance® sling) for the functional treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostatectomy.PATIENTS AND METHODS• A total of 137 patients with grade II–IV SUI, resulting from radical prostatectomy, were treated with the AdVance® sling in a prospective clinical study. In all, 11 patients were lost to follow‐up. A total of 17 patients (13.5%) had additional adjuvant radiotherapy before sling implantation.• Before and after sling implantation, a standardized 1‐h pad test was performed and post‐void residual urine, uroflowmetry, quality‐of‐life scores and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) were assessed.• When calculating the cure and improvement rates, ‘cure’ was defined as no pad use or one dry prophylactic pad; and ‘improved’ was defined as 1–2 pads or reduction of pads ≥50%.RESULTS• After a median (range) follow‐up of 27 (20–37) months, and a mean follow‐up of 27.2 months, the success rate was 75.4% with 51.6%‘cured’ and 23.8%‘improved’.• Overall daily pad use, urine loss in the 1‐h pad test and quality‐of‐life scores improved significantly after sling implantation.• Compared with 1‐year follow‐up data, no worsening over time was noticed and no additional complications were seen.CONCLUSION• With a mid‐term follow‐up, the retroluminar transobturator male sling is an effective, safe and attractive treatment option for SUI after radical prostatectomy. Results are stable over time.
Closing the gap in academic readiness and achievement: the role of early childcare
Authors: Geoffroy Marie‐Claude , Côté Sylvana. M. , Giguère Charles‐Édouard , Dionne Ginette , Zelazo Philip David , Tremblay Richard E. , Boivin Michel , Séguin Jean. R. 
Published: September 2010

Background:  Socially disadvantaged children with academic difficulties at school entry are at increased risk for poor health and psychosocial outcomes. Our objective is to test the possibility that participation in childcare – at the population level – could attenuate the gap in academic readiness and achievement between children with and without a social disadvantage (indexed by low levels of maternal education).Methods:  A cohort of infants born in the Canadian province of Quebec in 1997/1998 was selected through birth registries and followed annually until 7 years of age (n = 1,863). Children receiving formal childcare (i.e., center‐based or non‐relative out‐of‐home) were distinguished from those receiving informal childcare (i.e., relative or nanny). Measures from 4 standardized tests that assessed cognitive school readiness (Lollipop Test for School Readiness), receptive vocabulary (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Revised), mathematics (Number Knowledge Test), and reading performance (Kaufman Assessment Battery for children) were administered at 6 and 7 years.Results:  Children of mothers with low levels of education showed a consistent pattern of lower scores on academic readiness and achievement tests at 6 and 7 years than those of highly educated mothers, unless they received formal childcare. Specifically, among children of mothers with low levels of education, those who received formal childcare obtained higher school readiness (d = 0.87), receptive vocabulary (d = 0.36), reading(d = 0.48) and math achievement scores (d = 0.38; although not significant at 5%) in comparison with those who were cared for by their parents. Childcare participation was not associated with cognitive outcomes among children of mothers with higher levels of education.Conclusions:  Public investments in early childcare are increasing in many countries with the intention of reducing cognitive inequalities between disadvantaged and advantaged children. Our findings provide further evidence suggesting that formal childcare could represent a preventative means of attenuating effects of disadvantage on children’s early academic trajectory.
Temporal attention shortens perceptual latency: A temporal prior entry effect
Authors: Seibold Verena C. , Fiedler Anja , Rolke Bettina 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe prior entry hypothesis of attention holds that attended stimuli are perceived earlier than unattended stimuli. Whereas this speeding of perceptual processing has been repeatedly demonstrated for spatial attention, it has not been reported within the temporal domain. To fill this gap, we tested whether temporal attention accelerates auditory perceptual processing by employing event‐related potentials as on‐line indicators of perceptual processing. In a modified oddball paradigm, we presented a single tone in each trial, either a frequent standard tone or an infrequent deviant or target tone. Temporal attention to tones was manipulated via constant foreperiods. We observed that the latency of the N2, an event‐related potential reflecting perceptual processing, is shortened by temporal attention. This result provides first evidence for the idea that temporal attention accelerates perceptual processing as suggested by the prior entry hypothesis.
Divergent engagements: roles and strategies of Taiwanese and mainland Chinese returnee entrepreneurs in the IT industry
Authors: ZHOU YU , HSU JINN‐YUH 
Published: September 2010

AbstractProfessionals and entrepreneurs returning to developing countries from developed countries play key roles in the technological ‘catch‐up’ of their home countries, but they are rarely well‐conceptualized by the theories of globalization. This is especially the case in Asia. The American‐trained Chinese engineers who returned to Taiwan were instrumental in creating Taiwan's excellent semiconductor industry during the 1980s and 1990s. In a similar vein, since the late 1990s, Chinese professionals returning to the mainland have also emerged as the most innovative industrial and capital agents in the technological industry. In this article we compare the roles and business strategies of transnational entrepreneurs on the two sides of Taiwan Strait in the information communication industry (ICT). While these Chinese returnees share striking similarities in their educational and personal trajectories, we identify major structural differences underlying their particular resources and commercial strategies. These empirical findings move beyond the assumptions of common behaviour by overseas Chinese, for they highlight the different political economic dynamics between mainland China, Taiwan and the United States in shaping the divergent engagements of these entrepreneurs in the emerging global technology industry.
Peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst prevents matrix metalloproteinase activation and neurovascular injury after prolonged cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: Suofu Yalikun , Clark Joseph , Broderick Joseph , Wagner Kenneth R. , Tomsick Thomas , Sa Yalian , Lu Aigang 
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 1266–1276.AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in reperfusion‐induced brain injury following ischemia. To define the effects of peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst on MMP activation and neurovascular reperfusion injury, 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis (2,4,6‐trimethyl‐3,5‐disulfonatophenyl)‐porphyrin iron (III) (FeTMPyP) was administered intravenously 30 min prior to reperfusion following a middle cerebral artery occlusion. Activation of MMP was assessed byin situand gel zymography. Neurovascular injury was assessed using endothelial barrier antigen, collagen IV immunohistochemistry and Cresyl violet staining. Results were compared with sham and ischemia alone groups. We found that administration of FeTMPyP just before reperfusion after ischemia inhibited MMP‐9 activation and total MMP‐2 increases in the cortex and decreased active MMP‐9 along with the total amounts of active MMP‐9 and active MMP‐2 in the striatum. Reperfusion‐induced injury to the basal lamina of collagen IV‐immunopositive microvasculature and neural cells in cortex and striatum was ameliorated by FeTMPyP. Losses of blood vessel endothelium produced by ischemia or reperfusion were also decreased in the cortex. These results suggest that administration of FeTMPy prior to reperfusion decreases MMP activation and neurovascular injury after prolonged cerebral ischemia. This strategy may be useful for future therapies targeted at preventing breakdown of the blood–brain barrier and hemorrhagic transformation.
The effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and melatonin on age‐related vascular remodeling and cardiac damage
Authors: Eşrefoğlu Mukaddes , Gül Mehmet , Ateş Burhan , Erdoğan Ali 
Published: September 2010

AbstractOxidative stress has been implicated with cardiovascular aging. Most antioxidant intervention studies have involved long‐term treatments as a potential means to eliminate age‐related oxidative damage in many systems. In the present study, not only light and electron microscopic pictures of the heart and thoracic aorta of young and aged and, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and melatonin and administered aged Sprague Dawley rats, but also antioxidant system status was evaluated. Significantly elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in the heart and thoracic aorta of aged rats (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Chronic melatonin and CAPE administration significantly reduced the levels of MDA in the heart (P = 0.005 and P = 0.05, respectively) and thoracic aorta (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) of aged animals. Additionally, melatonin and CAPE were efficient in stimulating the activities and increasing the levels of the antioxidant enzymes in the heart and aorta. Prominent electron microscopic alterations in cardiac myocytes such as nuclear irregularity, mitochondrial degeneration, myofilament disorganization and disruption, and lipofuscin accumulation were observed in aged rats. The main age‐related histologic modifications observed in aorta were irregularity in endothelial cells and their nuclei, divergence of endothelial cells from basement membrane and neighboring cells, and elastic fibril fragmentation and reduction. Melatonin and CAPE obviously reduced these alterations in both heart and aorta of aged rats. Taking the results together, we suggest that supplemental administration of CAPE and melatonin is beneficial in delaying age‐related cellular damage in cardiovascular system.
Identification of evolutionarily conserved genetic regulators of cellular aging
Authors: Laschober Gerhard T. , Ruli Doris , Hofer Edith , Muck Christoph , Carmona‐Gutierrez Didac , Ring Julia , Hutter Eveline , Ruckenstuhl Christoph , Micutkova Lucia , Brunauer Regina , Jamnig Angelika , Trimmel Daniela , Herndler‐Brandstetter Dietmar , Brunner Stefan , Zenzmaier Christoph , Sampson Natalie , Breitenbach Michael , Fröhlich Kai‐Uwe , Grubeck‐Loebenstein Beatrix , Berger Peter , Wieser Matthias , Grillari‐Voglauer Regina , Thallinger Gerhard G. , Grillari Johannes , Trajanoski Zlatko , Madeo Frank , Lepperdinger Günter , Jansen‐Dürr Pidder 
Published: September 2010

SummaryTo identify new genetic regulators of cellular aging and senescence, we performed genome‐wide comparative RNA profiling with selected human cellular model systems, reflecting replicative senescence, stress‐induced premature senescence, and distinct other forms of cellular aging. Gene expression profiles were measured, analyzed, and entered into a newly generated database referred to as the GiSAO database. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a set of new candidate genes, conserved across the majority of the cellular aging models, which were so far not associated with cellular aging, and highlighted several new pathways that potentially play a role in cellular aging. Several candidate genes obtained through this analysis have been confirmed by functional experiments, thereby validating the experimental approach. The effect of genetic deletion on chronological lifespan in yeast was assessed for 93 genes where (i) functional homologues were found in the yeast genome and (ii) the deletion strain was viable. We identified several genes whose deletion led to significant changes of chronological lifespan in yeast, featuring both lifespan shortening and lifespan extension. In conclusion, an unbiased screen across species uncovered several so far unrecognized molecular pathways for cellular aging that are conserved in evolution.
Double‐transfected MDCK cells expressing human OCT1/MATE1 or OCT2/MATE1: determinants of uptake and transcellular translocation of organic cations
Authors: König J , Zolk O , Singer K , Hoffmann C , Fromm MF 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The organic cation transporters 1 (OCT1) and 2 (OCT2) mediate drug uptake into hepatocytes and renal proximal tubular cells, respectively. Multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1) is a major component of subsequent export into bile and urine. However, the functional interaction of OCTs and MATE1 for uptake and transcellular transport of the oral antidiabetic drug metformin or of the cation 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) has not fully been characterized.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Single‐transfected Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells as well as double‐transfected MDCK‐OCT1‐MATE1 and ‐OCT2‐MATE1 cells were used to study metformin and MPP+ uptake into and transcellular transport across cell monolayers, along with their concentration and pH dependence.KEY RESULTS Cellular accumulation of MPP+ and metformin was significantly reduced by 31% and 46% in MDCK‐MATE1 single‐transfected cells compared with MDCK control cells (10 µM; P < 0.01). Over a wide concentration range (10–2500 µM) metformin transcellular transport from the basal into the apical compartment was significantly higher in the double‐transfected cells compared with the MDCK control and MDCK‐MATE1 monolayers. This process was not saturated up to metformin concentrations of 2500 µM. In MDCK‐OCT2‐MATE1 cells basal to apical MPP+ and metformin transcellular translocation decreased with increasing pH from 6.0 to 7.5.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data demonstrate functional interplay between OCT1/OCT2‐mediated uptake and efflux by MATE1. Moreover, MATE1 function in human kidney might be modified by changes in luminal pH values.