bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro cell growth of marine archaeal‐bacterial consortia during anaerobic oxidation of methane with sulfate
Authors: Nauhaus Katja , Albrecht Melanie , Elvert Marcus , Boetius Antje , Widdel Friedrich 
Published: September 2006

SummaryAnoxic sediment from a methane hydrate area (Hydrate Ridge, north‐east Pacific; water depth 780 m) was incubated in a long‐term laboratory experiment with semi‐continuous supply of pressurized [1.4 MPa (14 atm)] methane and sulfate to attempt in vitro propagation of the indigenous consortia of archaea (ANME‐2) and bacteria (DSS, Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus cluster) to which anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) with sulfate has been attributed. During 24 months of incubation, the rate of AOM (measured as methane‐dependent sulfide formation) increased from 20 to 230 μmol day−1 (g sediment dry weight)−1 and the number of aggregates (determined by microscopic counts) from 0.5 × 108 to 5.7 × 108 (g sediment dry weight)−1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization targeting 16S rRNA of both partners showed that the newly grown consortia contained central archaeal clusters and peripheral bacterial layers, both with the same morphology and phylogenetic affiliation as in the original sediment. The development of the AOM rate and the total consortia biovolume over time indicated that the consortia grew with a doubling time of approximately 7 months (growth rate 0.003 day−1) under the given conditions. The molar growth yield of AOM was approximately 0.6 g cell dry weight (mol CH4 oxidized)−1; according to this, only 1% of the consumed methane is channelled into synthesis of consortia biomass. Concentrations of biomarker lipids previously attributed to ANME‐2 archaea (e.g. sn‐2‐hydroxyarchaeol, archaeol, crocetane, pentamethylicosatriene) and Desulfosarcina‐like bacteria [e.g. hexadecenoic‐11 acid (16:1ω5c), 11,12‐methylene‐hexadecanoic acid (cy17:0ω5,6)] strongly increased over time (some of them over‐proportionally to consortia biovolume), suggesting that they are useful biomarkers to detect active anaerobic methanotrophic consortia in sediments.
Thoraco‐abdominal approach to large retroperitoneal tumours
Authors: Buse Stephan , Gilfrich Christian , Wagener Nina , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Haferkamp Axel , Hohenfellner Markus 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the thoraco‐abdominal approach for resection of retroperitoneal tumours, as this approach is rarely used because, although exposure is excellent, morbidity is presumed to be increased.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom October 2003 to September 2005, 21 patients (six female, 15 male), aged 14–76 years, underwent resection of very large and/or T4 retroperitoneal tumours through a thoraco‐abdominal approach.RESULTSIn 16 (76%) patients tumour resection was complete. There were no significant complications during surgery. After surgery, there were complications in six patients (29%), in four of whom there was no long‐term impairment. One patient died at 75 days after surgery from a complicated retroperitoneal haematoma. The mean (range) estimated blood loss was 2883  (50–20 000) mL, the intensive‐care unit stay was 3.85 (0–30) days and the intermediate‐care unit stay 2.6 (0–9) days. With a mean follow‐up of 9.6 (1–19) months, 15 patients (72%) are recurrence‐free, two (10%) have progressive disease, and four (19%) have died from malignancy.CONCLUSIONSThe thoraco‐abdominal approach permits excellent exposure of the retroperitoneum for large and/or T4 tumours, allowing radical surgery in cases considered otherwise inoperable. Additional advantages are the possibilities of early vascular control and easy surgical extension of the procedure. These facts, combined with the reasonable morbidity found in our series, support the integration of the thoraco‐abdominal approach in the regular options for urological surgery.
The predictive value of helical computed tomography for collecting‐system entry during nephron‐sparing surgery
Authors: Derweesh Ithaar H. , Herts Brian R. , Motta‐Ramirez Gaspar A. , Ismail Hazem R. , Obuchowski Nancy , Venerio Joseph , Remer Erick M. , Gill Inderbir S. , Novick Andrew C. 
Published: September 2006

The role played by Andrew Novick and his team in the Cleveland Clinic in the development of nephron‐sparing surgery for RCC has been obvious to all who are involved in the speciality of urological oncology. Interestingly, the laparoscopic revolution is also concentrating its efforts in this area also, through Inderbir Gill and others. In this section, the Cleveland Clinic team describe a technique which will help with the fine‐tuning of this method of treating renal cancer.Also in this section is a study from Boston by Michael Barry and his co‐workers on the rising prevalence of androgen deprivation among men in the PSA era. There are also other papers on prostate cancer, particularly what I think will be one of a series of great interest from Northern Ireland on PSA testing. The other papers in this section will also be of great interest.OBJECTIVESTo assess the ability of helical computed tomography (CT) including multiplanar reformatting and volume rendering (3D CT) to predict collecting system entry at surgery, as helical CT can be used to delineate renal tumour and normal renal anatomy before nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS).PATIENTS AND METHODSKnowledge of the possibility of collecting system entry during surgery might either dissuade some surgeons from NSS in elective situations or influence the operative approach or ablative technology in cases where NSS is imperative, or prepare the surgeon for the possibility of collecting system repair. We reviewed all 3D CT (349 scans) obtained before NSS at our institution over three consecutive years. Tumour size, central tumour extension, and presence of calyceal involvement were prospectively recorded at the time of 3D rendering. Collecting system entry was analysed for these three CT variables, and for three clinical variables (tumour side, size and surgical approach) collected retrospectively from the medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.RESULTSOf 344 patients, 170 had collecting system entry reported at surgery. There were statistically significant associations between collecting system entry and central tumour location by CT (sensitivity 58.8%, specificity 80.5%, P < 0.001), calyceal involvement at CT (sensitivity 53.5%, specificity 78.2%, P < 0.001), and tumour size on CT of >4 cm (sensitivity 39.4%, specificity 74.7%, P = 0.005). There were no significant associations with side or type of surgery (P > 0.83).CONCLUSIONHelical CT is a reliable predictor of calyceal entry at surgery.
Preliminary evidence that the allogeneic response might trigger antitumour immunity in patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Muir Gordon , Rajbabu Krishnamoorthy , Callen Charles , Fabre John W. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo explore the possibility that allogeneic responses might, by chance, encompass cross‐reactive T cell clones specific for neo‐antigenic tumour determinants, and thereby activate antitumour immunity; such cross‐reactions are well documented for antiviral immunity, and genetic instability in developing cancers generates many neo‐antigenic determinants as potential targets for immune responses, but the biology inevitably favours tumour progression.PATIENTS AND METHODSFourteen patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer received full‐thickness skin allografts from different, unrelated donors (fellow patients) until each had received six grafts. Serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level was used as a surrogate for tumour mass.RESULTSOne patient had a remarkable decline in PSA level, with levels at 1 year lower than before grafting. A second patient had stable PSA levels for almost 2 years. A third patient had stable PSA levels for 10–12 months before they resumed an exponential rise. Of four patients with PSA levels of >10 ng/mL, three required surgery or radiotherapy for obstructive symptoms during or shortly after grafting.CONCLUSIONTransplant rejection involves mechanistically atypical T cell recognition of allogeneic major histocompatibility complex antigens, with massive polyclonal T cell activation. This unique aspect of T cell biology might represent a novel approach for initiating cross‐reactive antitumour responses.
The impact of obesity on laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Eden Christopher G. , Chang Christopher M. , Gianduzzo Troy , Moon Daniel A. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of obesity on the operative variables of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP).PATIENTS AND METHODSThe database entries and case‐notes of 532 consecutive patients undergoing LRP from March 2000 to August 2005 were examined retrospectively. Complete data were available on 505 (95%) patients, 108 (21%) of whom were obese (body mass index, BMI, ≥ 30 kg/m2). All patients had clinical stage T ≤ 3aN0M0 prostate cancer and had their procedure done or supervised by the same surgeon.RESULTSThe patients’ prostate‐specific antigen level, Gleason score, clinical stage and prostate weight were similar. The mean values for patients deemed not obese and obese were: for operative duration (182 and 197 min, P = 0.01), blood loss (310 and 250 mL, P = 0.66), hospital stay (3.0 and 3.3 nights, P = 1.00), complications (3.5% and 4.6%, P = 0.77), positive margins (15.4% and 20.6%, P = 0.26) and biochemical recurrence (3.8% and 3.7%, P = 1.00) at a mean follow‐up of 9.7 and 12.0 months, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe operation was significantly longer for obese patients, by a mean of 15 min; all other variables were comparable in the two groups. The results from this study suggest that obese patients can expect a similar outcome to their non‐obese counterparts after LRP, when operated on by an experienced surgeon.
The pathology of bladder cancer: an update on selected issues
Authors: Pavone‐Macaluso Michele , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Aragona Federico , Bassi Pierfrancesco , Fitzpatrick John M. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo achieve a closer relationship between urologists and pathologists and to use a common language and identical objectives in the pathology of bladder cancer.METHODS AND RESULTSSpecial emphasis was given to an analysis of the new World Health Organization (WHO) grading system, to the interpretation of the last Tumour‐Nodes‐Metastasis staging rules, and to identifying new markers of prognostic significance in clinical practice. A consensus was achieved on the main points.CONCLUSIONSThe 2004 WHO grading system must become acceptable to clinicians, perhaps by a minimal modification of the present terminology. Simple transurethral resection‐biopsy should be expressed in terms of clinical rather than pathological staging. Although there are substantial improvements, no new markers can be recommended for routine use in histopathology at present.
Early onset insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus as an initial manifestation of aceruloplasminaemia
Authors: Muroi R. , Yagyu H. , Kobayashi H. , Nagata M. , Sato N. , Ideno J. , Fujita N. , Ando A. , Okada K. , Takiyama Y. , Nagasaka S. , Miyajima H. , Nakano I. , Ishibashi S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  Aceruloplasminaemia is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by specific mutations in the ceruloplasmin gene. Aceruloplasminaemia is clinically characterized by diabetes mellitus, pigment degeneration of the retina, and neurological abnormalities, such as cerebellar ataxia, extrapyramidal signs, and dementia. We present a patient with aceruloplasminaemia who, until progressive neurological abnormalities were noticed, had been treated for more than 30 years as having Type 1 diabetes mellitus requiring multiple insulin injection therapy.Case reportd  The patient was a 58‐year‐old man. At the age of 23 years, he developed diabetes that required multiple insulin injection therapy. At the age of 39 years, he was commenced on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Despite CSII therapy, the patient's blood glucose levels were poorly controlled (HbA1c, ∼9.5%). He was diagnosed as having aceruloplasminaemia at 58 years of age when he presented with progressive cerebellar ataxia, extrapyramidal signs of recent onset and pigment degeneration of the retina.Conclusionsd  It is possible that some diabetic patients with aceruloplasminaemia are mistakenly diagnosed as having Type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they have reduced insulin secretion and develop diabetes at a younger age, before neurological abnormalities associated with aceruloplasminaemia are apparent. Therefore, aceruloplasminaemia should be considered in patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus who develop progressive neurological abnormalities of unknown aetiology along with a microcytic hypochromic anaemia and retinal degeneration.
Effect of metformin plus roziglitazone compared with metformin alone on glycaemic control in well‐controlled Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Stewart M. W. , Cirkel D. T. , Furuseth K. , Donaldson J. , Biswas N. , Starkie M. G. , Phenekos C. , Hamann A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  To investigate the effect of metformin plus roziglitazione (RSGMET) compared with metformin alone (MET) on glycaemic control in well‐controlled Type 2 diabetes.Methods  Subjects (drug naïve or those on glucose‐lowering monotherapy) were randomized (n = 526), following a 4‐week placebo run‐in period, to RSGMET [4 mg rosiglitazone (RSG)/500 mg MET] or MET 500 mg. From weeks 2–18, medication was escalated every 4 weeks (based on gastrointestinal tolerability), then remained at RSGMET 8 mg/2 g or MET 3 g for 14 weeks.Results  RSGMET reduced HbA1c from 7.2 ± 0.6 to 6.7 ± 0.8% at week 32, compared with a reduction from 7.2 ± 0.6 to 6.8 ± 0.9% with MET (treatment difference −0.13%; P = 0.0357). More subjects achieved an HbA1c value of ≤ 6.5% at week 32 with RSGMET (51.6 vs. 43.7%), but the treatment difference was not significant (odds ratio 1.37, P = 0.0949). RSGMET produced larger reductions from baseline in mean fasting plasma glucose (adjusted difference −0.62 mmol/l, P < 0.0001), with the odds ratio of achieving a target of < 7.0 mmol/l being 2.33 (P < 0.0001). Statistically significant differences in favour of RSGMET relative to MET were seen for homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐derived estimates of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic B‐cell function, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and systolic blood pressure. Overall rates of gastrointestinal adverse events (relevant to the known profile of MET) were comparable, but with a lower incidence of diarrhoea (8 vs. 18%) with RSGMET. Hypoglycaemia was reported in ≤ 7% subjects per group.Conclusions  RSGMET provided similar short‐term glycaemic control to MET with greater improvements in estimates of insulin sensitivity, B‐cell function and CRP, with less diarrhoea and low risk of biochemical hypoglycaemia, suggesting that early use of combination therapy may be appropriate.
Phenotypic and genetic analyses of T‐cell‐mediated immunoregulation in patients with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tsutsumi Y. , Jie X. , Ihara K. , Nomura A. , Kanemitsu S. , Takada H. , Hara T. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  To investigate the contribution of regulatory T cells and co‐stimulatory molecules in CD4+ T cells to the development of Type 1 diabetes (T1D).Methods  Twelve patients with T1D, nine patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 12 age‐matched healthy control subjects participated. We analysed the proportions of CD25+CD4+ T cells and natural killer T cells (NKT cells), and the expression levels of Foxp3, CTLA‐4, CD28, ICOS, PD‐1 and BTLA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified CD4+ T cells.Results  There were no significant differences in the proportions of CD25+ CD4+ T cells or NKT cells among the three groups. PD‐1 expression levels of peripheral CD4+ T cells from T1D patients were significantly lower than those from healthy control subjects (P = 0.00066). In contrast, PD‐1 expression levels were similar in SLE patients and healthy control subjects. The expression levels of Foxp3, CTLA‐4, CD28, ICOS and BTLA were similar in the three groups.Conclusions  Decreased expression of the PD‐1 gene in CD4+ T cells may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of autoimmune T1D. As the population studied was small and heterogeneous, further studies are required to confirm the findings.
Short‐term suppression of plasma free fatty acids fails to improve insulin sensitivity when intramyocellular lipid is elevated
Authors: Johnson N. A. , Stannard S. R. , Rowlands D. S. , Chapman P. G. , Thompson C. H. , Sachinwalla T. , Thompson M. W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  Metabolic responses to manipulation of the plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration were assessed in six healthy men via cross‐over design to determine whether FFAs independently influence insulin sensitivity.Methods  Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and insulin sensitivity via frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) after 67 h of two identical low carbohydrate/high fat (LC) diets which were used to elevate IMCL and plasma FFAs. To uncouple the influence of FFAs and IMCL on insulin sensitivity, FFAs were suppressed 30 min prior to and during IVGTT in one treatment [LC + nicotinic acid (NA)] by NA ingestion.Results  Vastus lateralis IMCL was significantly elevated in LC (13.3 ± 1.1 × 10−3) and LC + NA (13.5 ± 1.1 × 10−3) (P < 0.01 for both), but was not different between conditions (P > 0.05). Plasma FFAs were raised in LC (0.79 ± 0.08 mmol/l) and LC + NA (0.80 ± 0.11 mmol/l) (P < 0.01 for both) and were significantly reduced by NA ingestion prior to (0.36 ± 0.05 mmol/l, P < 0.01) and during IVGTT (P < 0.05) in LC + NA. Despite marked differences in plasma FFA availability, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance were not different between LC and LC + NA (P > 0.05 for both).Conclusions  Plasma FFAs appear to exert no immediate effect on insulin sensitivity/glucose tolerance independent of their action on intracellular lipid moieties. Further research is required to elucidate the duration of FFA suppression required to restore insulin sensitivity following lipid‐induced insulin resistance.
Perception of, and anxiety levels induced by, laser treatment in patients with sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy. A multicentre study
Authors: Trento M. , Tomelini M. , Lattanzio R. , Brancato R. , Coggiola A. , Benecchi R. , Scoccianti L. , Insacco C. , Bandello F. , Montanaro M. , Cavallo F. , Porta M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  To investigate how laser treatment is perceived, in terms of anxiety and awareness, by diabetic patients attending four centres in Northern Italy with specific interest and expertise in diabetic retinopathy, where work settings and flow are organized differently.Methods  The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Family Apgar‐List of Threatening Experiences (FA‐LTE), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventories 1 and 2 (STAI‐1 and STAI‐2) questionnaires were completed by 259 patients, 131 waiting for laser treatment and 128 control subejcts awaiting non‐intervention visits. Open questions were also asked on whether patients had ever heard the word ‘laser’ and whether they could describe laser treatment.Results  High scores were detected by HADS, STAI‐1 and STAI‐2 among patients waiting for photocoagulation. Anxiety was greater in women and people with poor schooling. After controlling for centres, gender, previous laser treatment and schooling, HADS and STAI‐1 remained significantly lower among persons waiting for non‐intervention visits. Having received photocoagulation previously did not modify anxiety. Anxiety was lower in those centres where facilities and resources were more patient‐oriented. Most patients could neither describe photocoagulation nor explain why they were about to receive it, but had a negative perception and some described it with words evoking cruelty and pain.Conclusions  These data suggest that laser treatment is experienced as an event that causes anxiety. Preoperative education and counselling may help to reduce fear and patients’ avoidance of treatment.
The effect of metformin on blood glucose control in overweight patients with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Khan A. S. A. , McLoughney C. R. , Ahmed A. B. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  In a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over study, we investigated the effect of metformin on blood glucose control and daily insulin dose in overweight patients with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  We studied 15 C‐peptide‐negative patients, aged 48 ± 12 years, with a body mass index of 31.3 ± 2.6 kg/m2. Each patient had a ‘screening visit’, followed by a 4‐week ‘run‐in’ period. This was followed by two separate 16‐week ‘study’ (treatment) periods, separated by a 4‐week ‘wash‐out’ period. Patients received either metformin or placebo during the ‘study’ periods, in random order.Results  HbA1c was significantly lower following 16 weeks of treatment with metformin (7.8 ± 1.1%) compared with baseline (8.5 ± 1.4%; P < 0.005) and placebo (8.6 ± 1.2%; P < 0.005). Fasting plasma glucose, following 16 weeks of metformin treatment, was significantly lower (8.3 ± 2.8 mmol/l) compared with baseline (12.4 ± 3.0 mmol/l; P < 0.01) and placebo (12.6 ± 3.4 mmol/l; P < 0.01). Compared with baseline (60 ± 14 units), total daily insulin dose was significantly lower following the addition of metformin (50 ± 13 units; P < 0.05) and this final total daily insulin dose in the metformin group was lower compared with placebo (58 ± 12 units, P < 0.05). Body weight did not change following metformin or placebo treatment.Conclusion  Metformin can effectively improve glycaemic control and reduce the total daily insulin dose in overweight people with Type 1 diabetes.
Psychological morbidity and problems of daily living in people with visual loss and diabetes: do they differ from people without diabetes?
Authors: Robertson N. , Burden M. L. , Burden A. C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  To examine psychological adjustment and changes in the activities of daily living in relation to visual loss in diabetes.Methods  This was an incident cohort, longitudinal, observational study contrasting the adjustment of individuals with visual loss associated with diabetes and those whose visual loss arose from other conditions; in the year subsequent to registration for blindness and 12 months later, 124 individuals participated in the study (51 with diabetes and 73 without). Participants provided demographic and biomedical information, and completed the Brief COPE, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, SF‐36, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale and Social Avoidance and Distress Scale via interview. People with diabetes were compared with those without.Results  Both diabetic and non‐diabetic groups showed elevated and comparable levels of psychological morbidity, sustained over time. Significant differences in functional adjustment were found at initial interview: people with diabetes having more problems coping but these were no longer present 1 year later.Conclusions  There was a significant and enduring elevation of anxiety and depression in those who were newly registered blind or visually handicapped. Taking these findings into account, psychological assessment should be developed for all those experiencing visual loss.