bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of the distance between the neurovascular bundle and prostate cancer foci in radical prostatectomy specimens: its clinical implication in nerve‐sparing surgery
Authors: Inoue Shogo , Shiina Hiroaki , Hiraoka Takeo , Mitsui Yozo , Sumura Masahiro , Urakami Shinji , Igawa Mikio 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVETo analyse the distance between the ipsilateral neurovascular bundles (NVBs) and foci of prostate cancer (N‐T distance) in specimens removed by radical prostatectomy (RP) and identify the predictor for N‐T distance for preserving the ipsilateral NVB, as an accurate understanding of the anatomical relationship between prostate cancer foci and the NVB is necessary for establishing the indications for the appropriate use of nerve‐sparing (NS) modifications of RP.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 245 patients with prostate cancer who had RP through the perineal or retropubic approach between June 2000 and November 2006. The analysis focused on 302 foci of prostate cancer (192 cases), which involved at least the posterolateral region of the prostate. The N‐T distance was separately measured in the apex, middle and base of the prostate, and was correlated with the maximum diameter and Gleason score of the foci, and the preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.RESULTSThe mean N‐T distance was 2.98, 2.95 and 3.03 mm in the apex (216 foci), middle (195 foci) and base (80 foci), respectively. In the apex, the N‐T distance was related to both tumour size and preoperative PSA value (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the base, tumour size was related to the N‐T distance (P < 0.01), but the preoperative PSA level was not related to the N‐T distance. In the middle, the association of tumour size with N‐T distance was of borderline significance (P = 0.07). Irrespective of tumour location, the Gleason score did not contribute to the N‐T distance.CONCLUSIONSThese findings show the basic information necessary when making a decision to perform NS‐RP in patients with localized prostate cancer. The application of N‐T distance could provide a better strategy for determining indications that warrant the use of NS RP than with the conventional tactile feedback approach.
Survival outcomes in men receiving androgen‐deprivation therapy as primary or salvage treatment for localized or advanced prostate cancer: 20‐year single‐centre experience
Authors: DiBlasio Christopher J. , Malcolm John B. , Hammett Jessica , Wan Jim Y. , Aleman Michael A. , Patterson Anthony L. , Wake Robert W. , Derweesh Ithaar H. 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) in men receiving primary androgen‐deprivation therapy (PADT) or salvage medical ADT (SADT) for prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSAfter Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer between July 1987 and June 2007. Variables included age at diagnosis and ADT induction, race, PSA level before ADT, ADT schedule (continuous/intermittent), clinical/pathological stage, hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRCP) status, PADT or SADT, and deaths.RESULTSIn all, 548 men were analysed. The mean age at diagnosis and ADT induction were 70.1 and 72.3 years, respectively, and 321 (58.6%) were African‐American. The median PSA level before ADT was 16.3 ng/mL. ADT was administered continuously in 497 (90.7%) patients; 342 (62.4%) received PADT while 206 (37.6%) received SADT. At mean (range) follow‐up of 81.8 (2.1–445) months, 98 (17.9%) deaths occurred; 31 (31.6%) were cancer‐specific. The OS and DSS in the PADT and SADT groups were not significantly different (P = 0.36 and P = 0.81, respectively). Mortality rates/distributions were similar between groups (P = 0.68). Multivariate predictors of OS and DSS included age at diagnosis (P = 0.03) and ADT induction (P = 0.009), tumour stage (P < 0.001), and PSA level at ADT induction (P = 0.01). Progression to HRPC worsened OS and DSS (both P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONPADT and SADT prolong survival in men with prostate cancer. HRPC portends a poor DSS. Age at diagnosis and ADT induction, PSA level before ADT, and disease stage predict both OS and DSS in this population. However, most men died from causes unrelated to prostate cancer, thus questioning the true value of ADT in prolonging patient survival.
Transient co‐expression for fast and high‐yield production of antibodies with human‐like N‐glycans in plants
Authors: Vézina Louis‐P. , Faye Loïc , Lerouge Patrice , D’Aoust Marc‐André , Marquet‐Blouin Estelle , Burel Carole , Lavoie Pierre‐Olivier , Bardor Muriel , Gomord Véronique 
Published: April 2009

SummaryPlant‐based transient expression is potentially the most rapid and cost‐efficient system for the production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins, but safety concerns associated with plant‐specific N‐glycosylation have hampered its adoption as a commercial production system. In this article, we describe an approach based on the simultaneous transient co‐expression of an antibody, a suppressor of silencing and a chimaeric human β1,4‐galactosyltransferase targeted for optimal activity to the early secretory pathway in agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. This strategy allows fast and high‐yield production of antibodies with human‐like N‐glycans and, more generally, provides solutions to many critical problems posed by the large‐scale production of therapeutic and vaccinal proteins, specifically yield, volume and quality.
Comparative sequence analyses of the major quantitative trait locus phosphorus uptake 1 (Pup1) reveal a complex genetic structure
Authors: Heuer Sigrid , Lu Xiaochun , Chin Joong Hyoun , Tanaka Juan Pariasca , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Takashi , De Leon Teresa , Ulat Victor Jun , Ismail Abdelbagi M. , Yano Masahiro , Wissuwa Matthias 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe phosphorus uptake 1 (Pup1) locus was identified as a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for tolerance of phosphorus deficiency in rice. Near‐isogenic lines with the Pup1 region from tolerant donor parent Kasalath typically show threefold higher phosphorus uptake and grain yield in phosphorus‐deficient field trials than the intolerant parent Nipponbare. In this study, we report the fine mapping of the Pup1 locus to the long arm of chromosome 12 (15.31–15.47 Mb). Genes in the region were initially identified on the basis of the Nipponbare reference genome, but did not reveal any obvious candidate genes related to phosphorus uptake. Kasalath BAC clones were therefore sequenced and revealed a 278‐kbp sequence significantly different from the syntenic regions in Nipponbare (145 kb) and in the indica reference genome of 93‐11 (742 kbp). Size differences are caused by large insertions or deletions (INDELs), and an exceptionally large number of retrotransposon and transposon‐related elements (TEs) present in all three sequences (45%–54%). About 46 kb of the Kasalath sequence did not align with the entire Nipponbare genome, and only three Nipponbare genes (fatty acid α‐dioxygenase, dirigent protein and aspartic proteinase) are highly conserved in Kasalath. Two Nipponbare genes (expressed proteins) might have evolved by at least three TE integrations in an ancestor gene that is still present in Kasalath. Several predicted Kasalath genes are novel or unknown genes that are mainly located within INDEL regions. Our results highlight the importance of sequencing QTL regions in the respective donor parent, as important genes might not be present in the current reference genomes.
The polymorphisms of UCP2 and UCP3 genes associated with fat metabolism, obesity and diabetes
Authors: Jia J.‐J. , Zhang X. , Ge C.‐R. , Jois M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryUncoupling proteins (UCPs) belong to the family of mitochondrial transporter proteins that may uncouple the transport of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane from electron transport and the synthesis of ATP from ADP, hence generating heat rather than energy. In mammals, more than five family members have been identified, including UCP1, UCP2, UCP3, UCP4 (or BMCP1/UCP5) and UCP5. The UCPs may play an important role in energy homeostasis and have become prominent in the fields of thermogenesis, obesity, diabetes and free‐radical biology and have been considered candidate genes for obesity and insulin resistance. They have been as important potential targets for treatment of aging, degenerative diseases, diabetes and obesity. Recently, a series of studies showed the polymorphisms of UCPs gene association with the fat metabolism, obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes data supporting the roles of UCP2 and UCP3 in energy dissipation, as well as the genetic variety association with fat metabolism, obesity and diabetes in humans.
Obesity and overweight in Canada: an updated cost‐of‐illness study
Authors: Anis A. H. , Zhang W. , Bansback N. , Guh D. P. , Amarsi Z. , Birmingham C. L. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThis study is to update the estimates of the economic burden of illness because of overweight and obesity in Canada by incorporating the increase in prevalence of overweight and obesity, findings of new related comorbidities and rise in the national healthcare expenditure. The burden was estimated from a societal perspective using the prevalence‐based cost‐of‐illness methodology. Results from a literature review of the risks of 18 related comorbidities were combined with prevalence of overweight and obesity in Canada to estimate the extent to which each comorbidity is attributable to overweight and obesity. The direct costs were extracted from the National Health Expenditure Database and allocated to each comorbidity using weights principally from the Economic Burden of Illness in Canada. The study showed that the total direct costs attributable to overweight and obesity in Canada were $6.0 billion in 2006, with 66% attributable to obesity. This corresponds to 4.1% of the total health expenditures in Canada in 2006. The inclusion of newly identified comorbidities increased the direct cost estimates of obesity by 25%, while the rise in national healthcare expenditure accounted for a 19% increase. Policies to reduce being overweight and obese could potentially save the Canadian healthcare system millions of dollars.
Reflections from a systematic review of dietary energy density and weight gain: is the inclusion of drinks valid?
Authors: Johnson L. , Wilks D. C. , Lindroos A. K. , Jebb S. A. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe association between dietary energy density, increased energy intake and weight gain is supported by experimental evidence, but confirmation of an effect in free‐living humans is limited. Experimental evidence supports a role of energy density in obesity through changes in food composition, not drinks consumption. The inclusion of drinks in the calculation creates a variable of questionable validity and has a substantive impact on the estimated energy density of the diet. We posit, based on the experimental evidence, that calculating the energy density of diets by excluding drinks and including calories from drinks as a covariate in the analysis is the most valid and reliable method of testing the relationship between energy density and weight gain in free‐living humans. We demonstrate, by systematically reviewing existing observational studies of dietary energy density and weight gain in free‐living humans, how current variation in the method for calculating energy density hampers the interpretation of these data. Reaching an a priori decision on the appropriate methodology will reduce the error caused by multiple comparisons and facilitate meaningful interpretation of epidemiological evidence to inform the development of effective obesity prevention strategies.
The effect of pharmaceutical intervention on lipid profile in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Diamanti‐Kandarakis E. , Kandaraki E. , Christakou C. , Panidis D. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrinopathy of women, has been associated with a clustering of adverse metabolic features, which co‐exist with reproductive dysfunction. Lipid abnormalities are very common in lean as well as obese women with PCOS and should be cautiously considered in the therapeutic management of the syndrome. Clinicians should also critically assess the lipidemic effect of pharmaceutical intervention, primarily aimed at hyperandrogenism, anovulation or insulin resistance. Because dyslipidemia may contribute to long‐term cardiometabolic and reproductive sequelae in PCOS, it should be considered as an additional therapeutic target when these patients are assigned to appropriate pharmaceutical treatment.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with cardiovascular disease risk markers
Authors: Edens M. A. , Kuipers F. , Stolk R. P. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryRecognition of the link between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has boosted research in this area. The main objective of this paper is to review the literature on NAFLD in the context of CVD, focussing on underlying mechanisms and treatment. Besides excessive fatty acid influx, etiologic factors may include components of the metabolic syndrome, cytokines and mitochondrial dysfunction. NAFLD is associated with both hepatic and systemic insulin resistance. In the case of NAFLD, the liver overproduces several atherogenic factors, notably inflammatory cytokines, glucose, lipoproteins and coagulation factors, and factors increasing blood pressure. Intervention studies on diet and laparoscopic surgery revealed improvements of hepatic fat content and CVD risk profile. Pharmacological approaches with potential benefit have been developed as well, but effects are often confounded by weight change. NAFLD is associated with an increased CVD risk profile (and hepatic risk). In order to improve CVD risk profile, prevention and treatment of NAFLD seem advisable. However, well‐designed intervention studies, randomized clinical trials and long‐term follow‐up studies are scarce.
WHAT ‘EMPIRICAL TURN IN BIOETHICS’?
Authors: HURST SAMIA 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTUncertainty as to how we should articulate empirical data and normative reasoning seems to underlie most difficulties regarding the ‘empirical turn’ in bioethics. This article examines three different ways in which we could understand ‘empirical turn’. Using real facts in normative reasoning is trivial and would not represent a ‘turn’. Becoming an empirical discipline through a shift to the social and neurosciences would be a turn away from normative thinking, which we should not take. Conducting empirical research to inform normative reasoning is the usual meaning given to the term ‘empirical turn’. In this sense, however, the turn is incomplete. Bioethics has imported methodological tools from empirical disciplines, but too often it has not imported the standards to which researchers in these disciplines are held. Integrating empirical and normative approaches also represents true added difficulties. Addressing these issues from the standpoint of debates on the fact‐value distinction can cloud very real methodological concerns by displacing the debate to a level of abstraction where they need not be apparent. Ideally, empirical research in bioethics should meet standards for empirical and normative validity similar to those used in the source disciplines for these methods, and articulate these aspects clearly and appropriately. More modestly, criteria to ensure that none of these standards are completely left aside would improve the quality of empirical bioethics research and partly clear the air of critiques addressing its theoretical justification, when its rigour in the particularly difficult context of interdisciplinarity is what should be at stake.
REFLECTIVE EQUILIBRIUM AND EMPIRICAL DATA: THIRD PERSON MORAL EXPERIENCES IN EMPIRICAL MEDICAL ETHICS
Authors: DE VRIES MARTINE , VAN LEEUWEN EVERT 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTIn ethics, the use of empirical data has become more and more popular, leading to a distinct form of applied ethics, namely empirical ethics. This ‘empirical turn’ is especially visible in bioethics. There are various ways of combining empirical research and ethical reflection. In this paper we discuss the use of empirical data in a special form of Reflective Equilibrium (RE), namely the Network Model with Third Person Moral Experiences. In this model, the empirical data consist of the moral experiences of people in a practice. Although inclusion of these moral experiences in this specific model of RE can be well defended, their use in the application of the model still raises important questions. What precisely are moral experiences? How to determine relevance of experiences, in other words: should there be a selection of the moral experiences that are eventually used in the RE? How much weight should the empirical data have in the RE? And the key question: can the use of RE by empirical ethicists really produce answers to practical moral questions?In this paper we start to answer the above questions by giving examples taken from our research project on understanding the norm of informed consent in the field of pediatric oncology. We especially emphasize that incorporation of empirical data in a network model can reduce the risk of self‐justification and bias and can increase the credibility of the RE reached.
WHEN SPEED TRULY MATTERS, OPENNESS IS THE ANSWER
Authors: MARTURANO ANTONIO 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper I analyse the ethical implications of the two main competing methodologies in genomic research. I do not aim to provide another contribution from the mainstream legal and public policy perspective; rather I offer a novel approach in which I analyse and describe the patent‐and‐publish regime (the proprietary regime) led by biologist J. Craig Venter and the ‘open‐source’ methodologies led by biotechnology Nobel laureate John Sulston. The ‘open‐source methodologies’ arose in biotechnology as an alternative to the patent‐and‐publish regime in the wake of the explosion in computer technology. Indeed, the tremendous increase in computer technology has generated a corresponding increase in the pace of genomics research. I conclude this paper by arguing that while the patent‐and‐publish method is a transactional method based on the exchange of extrinsic goods (patents in exchange for research funds), the free and open‐source methodology (FLOSS)1 is a transformational method based on a visionary ideal of science, which leads to prioritizing intrinsic goods in scientific research over extrinsic goods.
637. FRITILLARIA YUMINENSIS
Authors: Leon Christine , Fay Michael F. , Rix Martyn 
Published: April 2009

Summary. Fritillaria yuminensis X.Z. Duan (Liliaceae) is described and illustrated; the species in the Fritillaria verticillata complex are listed and their relationship to the rest of the genus, as revealed by DNA studies, is described. The cultivation of Fritillaria (bei mu) for medicine and its conservation in China are summarised.
639. PTEROCACTUS GONJIANII
Authors: Kiesling Roberto , Márquez Justo , Taylor Nigel 
Published: April 2009

Summary.The cactus geophyte, Pterocactus gonjianii, an endemic from San Juan province in the Andes of Argentina, is illustrated and its habitat and morphological details are described. Botanical and horticultural notes on this unusual genus of opuntioid cacti are also provided.
640. QUERCUS CASTANEIFOLIA
Authors: Rix Martyn , Kirkham Tony 
Published: April 2009

Summary. Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey. is described and illustrated from a tree growing at Kew. Its habitat, distribution, variation in the wild and its relationships with similar species, are discussed. A summary of the history and conservation of some of the oldest trees at Kew is included.
642. SAXIFRAGA GRANULATA
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Rankou Hassan , Wilford Richard 
Published: April 2009

Summary. Saxifraga granulata L. (Saxifragaceae) is a characteristic plant of semi‐natural grasslands at Kew. The literature relating to its occurrence in the UK and its use in medicine is summarised, and a description, cultivation requirements, colour plate and line drawings are given.
644. MERTENSIA MARITIMA
Authors: Alton Steve , FitzGerald Ro 
Published: April 2009

Summary.The Mertensia maritima aggregate is discussed, with the primary focus on M. maritima (L.) Gray sensu stricto which is illustrated and described. Its highly specialised habitat is examined and some unusual physical adaptations noted, together with its history, occurrence in ethnobotanical records, and reported performance in cultivation. Some problems encountered in attempting to clarify the nomenclature and taxonomy of the aggregate are discussed, notably those concerning the segregates M. maritima subsp. asiatica Takeda, and Mertensia simplicissima G.Don.
646. CYLINDROCLINE LORENCEI
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Sánchez Michèle , Magdalena Carlos 
Published: April 2009

Summary. Cylindrocline lorencei A. J. Scott, a ‘Plant in Peril’, is described and illustrated, and its cultivation requirements provided. The species' conservation status is commented on: once declared extinct in the wild, attempts have now been made to re‐introduce the species into Mauritius. The relationships of Cylindrocline are discussed.
Identification of Multivariate Responders and Non-Responders by using Bayesian Growth Curve Latent Class Models
Authors: Leiby Benjamin E. , Sammel Mary D. , Ten Have Thomas R. , Lynch Kevin G. 
Published: April 2009

Summary
We propose a multivariate growth curve mixture model that groups subjects on the basis of multiple symptoms measured repeatedly over time. Our model synthesizes features of two models. First, we follow Roy and Lin in relating the multiple symptoms at each time point to a single latent variable. Second, we use the growth mixture model of Muthén and Shedden to group subjects on the basis of distinctive longitudinal profiles of this latent variable. The mean growth curve for the latent variable in each class defines that class’s features. For example, a class of ‘responders’ would have a decline in the latent symptom summary variable over time. A Bayesian approach to estimation is employed where the methods of Elliott and co-workers are extended to estimate simultaneously the posterior distributions of the parameters from the latent variable and growth curve mixture portions of the model. We apply our model to data from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of bacillus Calmette–Guerin in treating symptoms of interstitial cystitis. In contrast with conventional approaches using a single subjective global response assessment, we use the multivariate symptom data to identify a class of subjects where treatment demonstrates effectiveness. Simulations are used to confirm identifiability results and to evaluate the performance of our algorithm.
Spatial Prediction of Weed Intensities From Exact Count Data and Image-Based Estimates
Authors: Guillot Gilles , Lorén Niklas , Rudemo Mats 
Published: April 2009

Summary
Collecting weed exact counts in an agricultural field is easy but extremely time consuming. Image analysis algorithms for object extraction applied to pictures of agricultural fields may be used to estimate the weed content with a high resolution (about 1 m2), and pictures that are acquired at a large number of sites can be used to obtain maps of weed content over a whole field at a reasonably low cost. However, these image-based estimates are not perfect and acquiring exact weed counts also is highly useful both for assessing the accuracy of the image-based algorithms and for improving the estimates by use of the combined data. We propose and compare various models for image index and exact weed count and we use them to assess how such data should be combined to obtain reliable maps. The method is applied to a real data set from a 30-ha field. We show that using image estimates in addition to exact counts allows us to improve the accuracy of maps significantly. We also show that the relative performances of the methods depend on the size of the data set and on the specific methodology (full Bayes versus plug-in) that is implemented.