bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRY1 inhibits COP1‐mediated degradation of BIT1, a MYB transcription factor, to activate blue light‐dependent gene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hong Sung Hyun , Kim Hyo Jung , Ryu Jong Sang , Choi Hyunmo , Jeong Suyeong , Shin Jieun , Choi Giltsu , Nam Hong Gil 
Published: April 2008

SummaryCryptochromes (CRY) are one of the two major classes of photoreceptors that perceive light stimuli in the UV‐A to blue light region and they are involved in multiple aspects of plant growth and development. However, knowledge regarding their signaling transduction components and mechanisms remains limited. Here, we report that a MYB transcription factor Blue Insensitive Trait 1 (BIT1), plays an important role in controlling blue light responses. Hypocotyl growth responses indicate that BIT1 functions as a positive element in blue light signaling, since BIT1 antisense and knock‐out lines show a reduced light response in blue light. BIT1 controls blue light‐dependent expression of various genes such as PsbS, a member of the light‐harvesting complex gene family. A transactivation assay showed that BIT1 regulates promoter activity of PsbS in a blue light‐dependent manner and that it requires CRY1 for activation of the PsbS promoter. BIT1 undergoes degradation in darkness and CRY1 functions to stabilize BIT1 in a blue light‐dependent manner. In contrast, COP1 binds to BIT1 and mediates its degradation. We propose that the PsbS promoter is activated in blue light via the blue light‐dependent stabilization of BIT1 by CRY1, while in darkness BIT1 is degraded by COP1‐mediated proteolysis.
Gene expression of AGS cells stimulated with released proteins by Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kim Nayoung , Park Woong‐Yang , Kim Jung Mogg , Park Ji Hyun , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Interactions between released proteins by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and the cells of gastric epithelium to which it adheres may contribute to gastric inflammation and epithelial damage. The present study was performed to evaluate the gene expression of AGS gastric cancer cells stimulated with released proteins by H. pylori.Methods:  Gene expression of AGS cells to the stimulation by H. pylori‐released proteins (G27 strain) were monitored using oligonucleotide microarrays.Results:  Eighty‐eight genes (0.88%) and eight genes (0.08%) were up‐ or downregulated, respectively, by treating AGS cells with H. pylori‐released proteins but not by H. pylori adhesion after 12 h of coculture. Out of the selected 40 up‐ and five downregulated genes, 29 upregulated genes classified as general RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity (GTF2B, PPARGC1A), SH3/SH2 adaptor activity (CRKL), transferase activity (ACLY, CRKL, PIGC, PLK4), and oxidoreductase activity (IDH1) were confirmed to be upregulated by released proteins and not by H. pylori adhesion by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. When the concentrated H. pylori‐cultured supernatant prepared by our protocol was treated by boiling, the upregulations of 26 of these 29 genes (89.7%) except for CD160, ZNF268, and PSAT1 disappeared. This confirmed that most of these upregulations were caused by released proteins.Conclusion:  Host genes involving transcription, signaling and stress are significantly modulated by the proteins released by H. pylori. This might strengthen the gastroduodenal pathogenesis induced by H. pylori.
Endoscopic mucosal resection: Not only therapeutic, but a diagnostic procedure for sessile gastric polyps
Authors: Szalóki Tibor , Tóth Veronika , Németh István , Tiszlavicz László , Lonovics János , Czakó László 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Histological examination of specimens obtained by forceps biopsy sampling of gastric lesions is of limited accuracy, and their management on this basis is therefore controversial. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was initially developed in Japan for the resection of early gastric cancer (EGC). The potential use of EMR as a diagnostic tool has been suggested. The aims of the present study were to assess the value of forceps biopsy sampling in establishing the correct diagnosis revealed by EMR and to evaluate the efficacy of EMR.Methods:  Fifty‐six subjects with sessile gastric polyps of epithelial origin, at least 0.5 cm in diameter, and not associated with polyposis syndromes, were included. Following forceps biopsy sampling, EMR was performed with an inject‐and‐cut technique or with cap‐fitted methods. The histological results on the forceps biopsy and the resected specimens were analyzed.Results:  Histology on the resected specimens revealed neoplastic lesions in 34 cases, including seven EGC, and there were hyperplastic‐inflammatory lesions in 21 cases. Complete agreement between the previous histological results of the forceps biopsy samples and the resected specimens was seen in only 76.7% of the lesions. Altogether, the sensitivity and specificity of the forceps biopsy procedure for diagnosing neoplastic lesions were 87.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 76.0–98.9%) and 65.2% (95% CI = 45.7–84.7), respectively. A clinically relevant discrimination between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions was not achieved in seven cases. No complications, such as perforation or massive bleeding necessitating surgical treatment, were encountered. EMR was considered complete in five patients. None of the EGC recurred during the mean 38‐month (6–72) follow up.Conclusions:  Forceps biopsy is not fully representative of the entire lesion, and a simple biopsy may therefore lead to a faulty differentiation between neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions. EMR proposes diagnostic and staging advantage in assessing patients with EGC as compared to forceps biopsy, because it provides more intact mucosa and submucosa for histological analysis. Sessile gastric polyps should be fully resected by EMR for a final diagnosis and (depending on the lesion size and type) possibly definitive treatment.
Risk factors of lymph node metastasis in T1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Dong Uk , Lee Jun Haeng , Min Byung‐Hoon , Shim Sang Goon , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young‐Ho , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Kim Jae J , Rhee Jong Chul , Kim Kyoung‐Mee , Shim Young Mog 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To perform endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for T1 esophageal cancer, it is essential to estimate the lymph node status exactly. In order to evaluate the feasibility of EMR for esophageal cancers, we evaluated the clinicopathological features of T1 esophageal squamous carcinomas with an emphasis on the risk factors and distribution patterns of lymph node metastasis.Methods:  From 1994 to 2006, a total of 200 patients with T1 esophageal carcinoma were treated surgically in our institution. Among them, clinicopathological features were evaluated for 197 consecutive patients with T1 squamous cell carcinoma.Results:  The frequency of lymph node involvement was 6.25% (4/64) in mucosal cancers and 29.3% (39/133) in submucosal cancers (P < 0.001). In patients with M1 (n = 32) and M2 (n = 14) cancers, no lymph node metastasis was found. In multivariate analysis, size larger than 20 mm, endoscopically non‐flat type, and endo‐lymphatic invasion were significant independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis. The differentiation of tumor cell was not a risk factor for lymph node metastasis.Conclusions:  We suggest that EMR may be attempted for flat superficial squamous esophageal cancers smaller than 20 mm. After EMR, careful histological examination is mandatory.
Disturbed gastrointestinal motility and decreased interstitial cells of Cajal in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Yamamoto Takahiro , Watabe Kenji , Nakahara Masanori , Ogiyama Hideharu , Kiyohara Tatsuya , Tsutsui Shusaku , Tamura Shinji , Shinomura Yasuhisa , Hayashi Norio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes gastrointestinal dysmotility. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which express c‐kit receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), are considered the pacemaker cells for gastrointestinal movement. The present study was designed to determine the role of ICC in the pathogenesis of gastroenteropathy in type 2 DM.Methods:  We examined C57BL/KsJ‐db/db mice as a model for type 2 DM. Gastrointestinal motility was evaluated by measuring gastric emptying, whole gut transit time, and isometric tension of the isolated small intestine. The area of KIT‐positive cells in the gastrointestinal tract was examined by image analysis of fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of KIT ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), in the gastrointestinal tract was quantified by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results:  Compared with 12‐week‐old db/+m control mice, diabetic db/db mice of the same age exhibited delayed gastric emptying, prolonged whole gut transit time, irregular frequency of isometric tension in the small intestine, smaller areas of KIT‐positive cells in the antrum, small intestine, and colon, and lower mRNA expression levels of SCF in the small intestine and colon.Conclusions:  We demonstrated disturbed gastrointestinal motility in db/db mice with reduced areas of ICC and expression of SCF. Our results suggest the involvement of ICC in the gastroenteropathy of type 2 DM.
Clinicopathological features of gastric cancer detected by endoscopy as part of annual health checkup
Authors: Aida Kayo , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Mochizuki Chihiro , Mori Atsuyoshi , Muto Shigeki , Fukuda Takanori , Otsuki Makoto 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is generally accepted as the gold standard for the clinical evaluation of gastric cancer (GC). However, the efficacy of endoscopic screening for asymptomatic GC remains controversial. The present study is designed to clarify the efficacy of endoscopic screening for the detection of early GC by investigating the clinicopathological features.Methods:  A total of 17 522 patients who had underwent endoscopic screening as a part of their annual health checkup at the Seirei Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine between April 2002 and March 2006 were enrolled in this study. We investigated the clinicopathological findings of GC detected by endoscopy. Furthermore, in accordance with the screening interval at our center, patients with GC were categorized into two groups: group A, patients with repeated endoscopic screening within the last 2 years, and group B, patients without endoscopic screening within the last 2 years.Results:  Thirty‐nine GC (mean age of patients: 62.2 ± 8.0 years, 36 males and three females) were detected in total (0.22%). The proportion of early GC was 87.2%. Notable differences between groups A and B were not found in the rate of early GC (P = 0.6342). However, eight of 27 cases (29.6%) in group A were treated by endoscopic resection, but none in group B (P = 0.0344). In six of 26 cases (23.1%) in group A, the recorded images from the previous endoscopic examination indicated some macroscopic abnormalities at the same location, suggesting GC or premalignant lesions.Conclusion:  Endoscopic screening is useful for detecting GC at the early stages, and repeated examinations at short‐time intervals contribute to the detection of resectable lesions by endoscopy. Further studies are needed to decrease the false negative rate of endoscopic screening.
Malnutrition in end stage liver disease: Recommendations and nutritional support
Authors: Tsiaousi Eleni T , Hatzitolios Apostolos I , Trygonis Sotirios K , Savopoulos Christos G 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMalnutrition has increasingly been acknowledged as an important prognostic factor which can influence the clinical outcome of patients suffering from end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). Despite the fact that malnutrition is not included in the Child–Pugh classification, its presence should alert clinicians to the same extent as do other complications, such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. The pathophysiological mechanisms and the clinical conditions that drive cirrhotic patients to an ill‐balanced metabolic state are multiple and they intertwine. Inadequate offer of nutrients, the hypermetabolic state in cirrhosis, the diminished synthetic capacity of the liver and the impaired absorption of nutrients are the main reasons that disrupt the metabolic balance in ESLD. Identifying patients that are approaching the state of malnutrition by simple and easily applied methods is necessary in order to provide nutritional support to those that need it most. According to the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, simple bedside methods such as Subjective Global Assessment and anthropometric parameters are reliable in assessing the nutritional state of cirrhotic patients. Correcting the nutrient deficit of the affected patients is mandatory. Avoidance of alcohol and excess fat and ingestion of 4–6 meals/day containing carbohydrates and protein are the most common recommendations. In severe malnutrition, initiation of enteral feeding and/or use of special formulae such as branched‐chain amino acid‐enriched nutrient mixtures are often recommended. Enteral nutrition improves nutritional status and liver function, reduces complications, prolongs survival and is therefore indicated.
On the relationship between methane production and oxidation by anaerobic methanotrophic communities from cold seeps of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Orcutt Beth! , Samarkin Vladimir , Boetius Antje , Joye Samantha 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in the marine subsurface is a significant sink for methane in the environment, yet our understanding of its regulation and dynamics is still incomplete. Relatively few groups of microorganisms consume methane in subsurface environments – namely the anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME clades 1, 2 and 3), which are phylogenetically related to methanogenic archaea. Anaerobic oxidation of methane presumably proceeds via a ‘reversed’ methanogenic pathway. The ANME are generally associated with sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfate is the only documented final electron acceptor for AOM in marine sediments. Our comparative study explored the coupling of AOM with sulfate reduction (SR) and methane generation (MOG) in microbial communities from Gulf of Mexico cold seep sediments that were naturally enriched with methane and other hydrocarbons. These sediments harbour a variety of ANME clades and SRB. Following enrichment under an atmosphere of methane, AOM fuelled 50–100% of SR, even in sediment slurries containing petroleum‐associated hydrocarbons and organic matter. In the presence of methane and sulfate, the investigated microbial communities produce methane at a small fraction (∼10%) of the AOM rate. Anaerobic oxidation of methane, MOG and SR rates decreased significantly with decreasing concentration of methane, and in the presence of the SR inhibitor molybdate, but reacted differently to the MOG inhibitor 2‐bromoethanesulfonate (BES). The addition of acetate, a possible breakdown product of petroleum in situ and a potential intermediate in AOM/SR syntrophy, did not suppress AOM activity; rather acetate stimulated microbial activity in oily sediment slurries.
Bacterial ectosymbionts and virulence silencing in a Fusarium oxysporum strain
Authors: Minerdi Daniela , Moretti Marino , Gilardi Giovanna , Barberio Claudia , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Garibaldi Angelo 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIn the present article we have ascertained the presence of a consortium of ectosymbiotic bacteria belonging to Serratia, Achromobacter, Bacillus and Stenotrophomonas genera associated to the mycelium of the antagonistic Fusarium oxysporum MSA 35 [wild‐type (WT) strain]. Morphological characterization carried out on the WT strain, on the F. oxysporum MSA 35 without ectosymbionts [cured (CU) strain] and on the pathogenic F. oxysporum f.sp. lactucae (Fuslat 10) showed that the ectosymbionts, present only in the WT strain, caused a depleted production of micro conidia and aerial hyphae, and a change in shape and dimension of the latter. Virulence tests showed that the cured Fusarium was a pathogenic strain and, as shown by polymerase chain reaction and microscope analysis, pathogenicity was correlated with the capability of the cured hyphae of penetrating lettuce roots. Accordingly, the hyphae of the WT strain were impaired in entering the plant roots. Typing experiments provided evidence that both CU and WT strains belong to F. oxysporum f.sp. lactucae. This implies that the antagonistic effect of WT Fusarium is not a fungal trait, but it is due to the interaction with the ectosymbiotic bacteria. Expression analysis showed that fmk1, chsV and pl1 genes involved in F. oxysporum pathogenicity are not expressed in the WT strain whereas they are expressed in the cured fungus. These results, together with the hyphal characteristics, suggest that the inability of WT strain to penetrate the plant roots could be due to alterations in the expression profile of cell wall‐degrading enzymes. In conclusion, we demonstrated a modulation of F. oxysporum gene expression in response to the interaction with the ectosymbiotic bacteria. Preliminary researches indicated that the presence of bacteria attached to the hyphae of antagonistic F. oxysporum is not an isolated phenomenon. Further investigations are necessary to better understand the rule and the diffusion of ectosymbiotic bacteria among antagonistic Fusarium.
Is there an alternative to pad tests? Correlation of subjective variables of severity of urinary loss to the 1‐h pad test in women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Franco Anna Virginia M. , Lee Frank , Fynes Michelle M. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare the 1‐h pad test in women who have urodynamically confirmed stress incontinence (USI) with a patient‐based 3‐point symptom severity scale and validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaires.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 98 women with USI were prospectively recruited; all had a 1‐h pad test and completed the validated disease‐specific QoL questionnaires, including short forms of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ‐SF), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7). In addition, the severity of incontinence was determined using the Stamey grading scale, a visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and a patient‐based 3‐point symptom severity scale.RESULTSThe VAS, symptom severity scale, Stamey grade, UDI‐6, and IIQ‐7 failed to correlate significantly with the 1‐h pad test. Only the ICIQ‐SF correlated significantly with this test.CONCLUSIONThe ICIQ‐SF is easy to administer and, in this study, correlated best with the 1‐h pad test in women with pure primary or secondary USI. It incorporates both symptom severity and QoL variables. We recommend its routine use in clinical practice.
Accuracy of life tables in predicting overall survival in patients after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Walz Jochen , Suardi Nazareno , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Jeldres Claudio , Perrotte Paul , Graefen Markus , Widmer Hughes , Arjane Philippe , Valiquette Luc , Hutterer Georg , Saad Fred , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo test the accuracy of life tables (LT), the standard tool for predicting life‐expectancy (LE), but the accuracy of which is unknown in patients with prostate cancer, where the 10‐year LE is a widely accepted threshold for the delivery of definitive therapy.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe tested the accuracy of predictions of LE from LT in 9678 men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. The predictions of LE from LT at 10 years after RP were compared to Kaplan Meier‐derived 10‐year survival values. Moreover, the accuracy of LT predictions was quantified in a Cox‐regression using Harrell’s concordance index. To control for the effect of prostate cancer mortality, analyses were repeated in a subset of 5955 patients with no evidence of disease recurrence. Additional stratification schemes were applied to control for age and comorbidity.RESULTSAt RP, the median age was 64 years, the median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 1 and the median LT‐derived LE was 16 years. The median actuarial survival was not reached (mean 12.4 years). In the whole group the LT‐predicted 10‐year survival was 96.8%, vs an observed of 75.3%. In men with no disease recurrence the LT‐predicted survival was 97.3%, vs 81.1% observed. After age and CCI stratification, LT overestimated the 10‐year survival the most in those aged 65–69 years and in patients with CCI scores of >2.CONCLUSIONThe overestimation of LE can lead to overtreatment of prostate cancer, especially in those men who die early from other causes.
Imperfect Competition and Growth with Entrepreneurial Risk
Authors: Clemens Christiane 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper analyzes an overlapping generations endogenous growth model of occupational choice under risk in a two-sector economy with intermediate and final goods. Agents choose between business ownership in the monopolistically competitive intermediate goods industry or employment as a worker in this sector. Firm-specific profits are stochastic. Occupational choice under risk endogenizes the number of firms and products in the intermediate goods industry. The analysis shows that economic performance and growth both depend on the entrepreneurship rate and are inefficiently low compared with an economy with perfect markets for pooling risks. Monopolistic competition partly offsets the negative income effects from a too low level of entrepreneurial risk-taking.
Rural market imperfections and the role of institutions in collective action to improve markets for the poor
Authors: Shiferaw Bekele , Obare Gideon , Muricho Geoffrey 
Published: April 2008

Abstract Many countries in sub‐Saharan Africa have liberalized markets to improve efficiency and enhance market linkages for smallholder farmers. The expected positive response by the private sector in areas with limited market infrastructure has however been very limited. The functioning of markets is constrained by high transaction costs and coordination problems along the production‐to‐consumption value chain. New kinds of institutional arrangements are needed to reduce these costs and fill the vacuum left when governments withdrew from markets in the era of structural adjustments. One of these institutional innovations has been the strengthening of producer organizations and formation of collective marketing groups as instruments to remedy pervasive market failures in rural economies. The analysis presented here with a case study from eastern Kenya has shown that marketing groups pay 20–25% higher prices than other buyers to farmers while participation was also positively correlated with adoption of improved dryland legume varieties, crops not targeted by the formal extension system. However the effectiveness of marketing groups is undermined by external shocks and structural constraints that limit the volume of trade and access to capital and information, and require investments in complementary institutions and coordination mechanisms to exploit scale economies. Successful groups have shown high levels of collective action in the form of increased participatory decision making, member contributions and initial start‐up capital. Failure to pay on delivery, resulting from lack of capital credit, is a major constraint that stifles competitiveness of marketing groups relative to other buyers. These findings call for interventions that improve governance and participation; mechanisms for improving access to operating capital; and effective strategies for risk management and enhancing the business skills of farmer marketing groups.