bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liposomal cytarabine for treatment of myeloid central nervous system relapse in chronic myeloid leukaemia occurring during imatinib therapy
Authors: Aichberger K. J. , Herndlhofer S. , Agis H. , Sperr W. R. , Esterbauer H. , Rabitsch W. , Knöbl P. , Haas O. A. , Thalhammer R. , Schwarzinger I. , Sillaber C. , Jäger U. , Valent P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is rare and if recorded is usually found to occur in patients with lymphoblastic transformation. The BCR/ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib is highly effective in patients with CML, but hardly crosses the blood–brain barrier.Patients and methods  We report on two CML patients who developed a myeloid CNS relapse during treatment with imatinib. One patient was in major cytogenetic response at the time of CNS relapse. In both cases, the myeloid origin of neoplastic cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was demonstrable by immunophenotyping, and their leukaemic origin by detection of the BCR/ABL oncoprotein. No BCR/ABL kinase domain mutations were found. Both patients received intrathecal liposomal cytarabine (50 mg each cycle; 6 cycles). In one patient, additional CNS radiation was performed, whereas in the other, consecutive treatment with dasatinib (70 mg per os twice daily) was started.Results  In response to therapy, the clinical symptoms resolved, and the leukaemic cells in the CSF disappeared in both cases. After three months of observation, both patients are in complete cytogenetic and major molecular response, without evidence for a systemic or a CNS relapse.Conclusions  ‘Anatomic’ resistance against imatinib in the CNS can lead to a myeloid CNS relapse. Liposomal cytarabine with or without radiation is effective as local therapy in these patients. For systemic treatment and prophylaxis, BCR/ABL kinase inhibitors crossing the blood–brain barrier such as dasatinib should be considered in patients with CNS relapse.
The inulin hydrogen breath test accurately reflects orocaecal transit time
Authors: Schneider A. R. J. , Jepp K. , Murczynski L. , Biniek U. , Stein J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  The lactose[13C]ureide breath test (13C‐LUBT) has been validated and established as a reliable, non‐invasive test for the assessment of orocaecal transit time (OCTT). More recently, small studies have demonstrated that inulin could be an alternative substrate for H2‐based breath testing of the small bowel transit (H2‐INBT). We compared the performance of the H2‐INBT with the 13C‐LUBT in an appropriate number of participants, determined by sample‐size calculation.Design  Twenty‐nine people underwent a combined 13C‐LUBT/H2‐INBT. Five Hundred mg of lactoseureide was ingested on the day before the test to induce an adequate enzyme activity in colonic bacteria. For the test, they received 500 mg of lactose[13C]ureide and 5 g inulin, dissolved in 400 mL of a standard enteral liquid nutrition orally. Breath samples were collected every 30 min for 8 h and analysed for H2[ p.p.m.] and 13CO2‐enrichment [δ‐13C]. For the 13C‐LUBT, the OCTT was defined as the interval with an increase of δ > 2·5SD above the running average of all previous points. The latter was defined as a rise of > 10ppm above baseline regarding the H2‐INBT.Results  Breath tests produced evaluable data in 27/29 patients [93%]. Median OCTTs were 315 min (range 210–450 min) for the 13C‐LUBT and 300 min (180–420 min) for the H2‐INBT (P = 0·15). The 13C‐LU‐OCTT correlated well with the H2‐IN‐OCTT (r = 0·72). Bland‐Altman blot showed that the mean H2‐IN‐OCTTs were approximately 30 min shorter than predicted with the 13C‐LUBT.Conclusions  Inulin is a reliable and inexpensive substrate for a hydrogen‐based assessment of the OCTT. In contrast to the 13C‐LUBT, the H2‐INBT does not require patients to refrain from physical activity and may additionally increase its acceptance for clinical purposes.
Factors controlling soil loss during sugar beet harvesting at the field plot scale in Belgium
Authors: Ruysschaert G. , Poesen J. , Wauters A. , Govers G. , Verstraeten G. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryConsiderable masses of soil may be lost from arable land during the harvest of crops such as sugar beet, potato and chicory roots, as soil adhering to these crops, soil clods and rock fragments are exported from the field (together with the crop) to places such as headlands, farmsteads and crop‐processing factories. This soil erosion process is referred to as soil losses due to crop harvesting (SLCH). These soil losses range from a few to tens of tonnes per hectare and per harvest and are thus the same order of magnitude as soil losses caused by water, wind or tillage erosion. However, only a few studies have incorporated SLCH as a soil erosion process. We investigated the variability of soil losses due to sugar beet harvesting at the field plot scale and the importance of controlling factors related to soil, agronomic practices and crop characteristics. Twenty‐six field parcels, distributed over the Belgian sugar beet growing area, were sampled during the harvesting seasons 2002, 2003 and 2004. Soil losses ranged between 1 and 30 Mg ha−1 harvest−1 with an average of 4 Mg ha−1 harvest−1. Gravimetric soil moisture content at harvest was by far the most important controlling factor and was positively and exponentially related to SLCH. Differences in SLCH between harvesting seasons could not be explained by the factors investigated in this study, which indicates that other factors also play a role in SLCH variability.
Microbial biomass dynamics and soil wettability as affected by the intensity and frequency of wetting and drying during straw decomposition
Authors: Zhang B. , Yao S.‐H. , Hu F. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryWater repellency is influenced by soil management and biological process. We carried out a 60‐day laboratory incubation experiment to evaluate the effects of straw amendment, together with the intensity and frequency of wetting and drying (W/D), on microbial processes and water repellency. One W/D cycle consisted of 1.5‐day wetting at −0.03 kPa from the soil core bottom and different drying lengths in a temperature‐controlled laboratory, resulting in different drying intensities. At a regular interval, soil respiration rate (SRR) on drying and wetting, soil microbial biomass C and N (SMB‐C and N), and soil water repellency (SWR) after the wetting were measured simultaneously. Rice straw amendment had a greater effect on SRR, but smaller influences on SMB and SMB‐C : N than W/D frequency and drying intensity. The first W/D caused the largest decrease in soil respiration and the soil respiration recovered partly in the subsequent W/D cycles. The increase in SMB and SMB‐C : N as well as metabolic quotient with W/D frequency and intensity suggested a shift of microbial community from bacterial dominance to fungal dominance. SWR was significantly related to SMB‐C (R2= 0.689, P < 0.001). However, this study was limited to these indirect measurements. Direct measurements of fungal biomass and microbial community are needed in the future. The results suggest that rice straw amendment in dry season may increase C sequestration due to reduced decomposition and stabilize soil structure due to the enhancement of microbial induced water repellency.
Microbial CO2production, CH4dynamics and nitrogen in a wetland soil (New York State, USA) associated with three plant species (Typha,Lythrum,Phalaris)
Authors: Welsch M. , Yavitt J. B. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryPlants furnish soil with organic carbon (OC) compounds that fuel soil microorganisms, but whether individual plant species – or plants with unique traits – do so uniquely is uncertain. We evaluated soil microbial processes within a wetland in which areas dominated by a distinct plant species (cattail –Typhasp.; purple loosestrife –Lythrum salicariaL.; reed canarygrass –Phalaris arundinaceaL.) co‐mingled. We also established an experimental plot with plant shoot removal. ThePhalarisarea had more acidic soil pH (7.08 vs. 7.27–7.57), greater amount of soil organic matter (19.0% vs. 9.0–11.5%), and the slowest production rates of CO2(0.10 vs. 0.21–0.46 μmol kg−1 s−1) and CH4(0.040 vs. 0.054–0.079 nmol kg−1 s−1). Nitrogen cycling was dominated by net nitrification, with similar rates (17.2–18.9 mg kg−114 days−1) among the four sampling areas. In the second part of the study, we emplaced soil cores that either allowed root in‐growth or excluded roots to evaluate how roots directly affect soil CO2and CH4. The three plant species had similar amounts of root growth (ca 290 g m−2 year−1). Fungal biomass was similar in soils with root in‐growth versus root exclusion, regardless of dominant plant species. Rates of soil CO2production did not differ with root in‐growth versus root exclusion, and added glucose increased CO2production rates by only 35%. Root in‐growth did lead to greater rates of CH4production; albeit, addition of glucose had much greater effect on CH4production (1.24 nmol kg−1 s−1) compared with controls without added glucose (0.058 nmol kg−1 s−1). Our data revealed relatively few subtle differences in soil characteristics and processes associated with different plant species; albeit, roots had little effect, even inhibiting some microbial processes. This research highlights the need for both field and experimental studies in long‐established monocultures of plant species to understand the role of plant biodiversity in soil function.
Spatial patterns of seston concentration and biochemical composition between nearshore and offshore waters of a Great Lake
Authors: SMITH RALPH E. H. , PARRISH CHRISTOPHER C. , DEPEW DAVID C. , GHADOUANI ANAS 
Published: September 2007

Summary1. The concentration and composition of seston were measured in the east basin of Lake Erie (U.S.A.–Canada) to determine whether the classical patterns of nearshore versus offshore zonation considered typical of large lakes have been altered by decades of change in nutrient loading and food web structure, and to test the possibility that food quality for seston consumers, as reflected in nutrient and lipid composition, may currently be diminished. Chlorophyll‐a (chl‐a), particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate P, total lipid (TL), lipid classes, fatty acids and major phytoplankton groups were compared between the nearshore (<20 m) and offshore zones in spring and early summer.2. Particulate organic carbon, chl‐a and TL concentrations were lower nearshore than offshore, which is a reversal of the classical large lake pattern but consistent with other evidence from the Great Lakes that colonization by filter‐feeding dreissenid mussels can cause seston depletion in relatively shallow waters.3. Terrestrial and bacterial fatty acid markers were slightly higher in the nearshore than the offshore, but there was little difference in nutrient, taxonomic or biochemical composition between zones otherwise. This shows a small differential influence of terrestrial and detrital inputs, and a slight shift away from phytoplankton dominance of seston composition in the nearshore, but little difference in potential food quality of seston.4. Microscope counts, phytoplankton fluorescence, and fatty acid composition indicated succession from diatom dominance in May to dominance by cryptophyte and chromophyte flagellates in June and July. Depletion of dissolved P and Si, increased contribution of storage lipids, and changes in fatty acid composition suggested a mild degree of nutrient deficiency during this spring to summer transition.5. Total lipids were dominated by classes typical of pigments and membranes with only moderate amounts of neutral (storage) lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were abundant (especially the long chain ω‐3 acids) and the POC : chl‐a and POC : particulate P ratios indicated P sufficiency or slight P‐deficiency. Despite concerns that some important consumers in the Great Lakes food web may be suffering from diminished food quality, these results point to a generally high seston food quality even with highly abundant mussels and incipient P deficiency in the east basin of Lake Erie.
Stochastic inversion of pressure and saturation changes from time‐lapse multi component data
Authors: Veire Helene Hafslund , Borgos Hilde Grude , Landrø Martin 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTKnowledge about saturation and pressure distributions in a reservoir can help in determining an optimal drainage pattern, and in deciding on optimal well designs to reduce risks of blow‐outs and damage to production equipment. By analyzing time‐lapse PP AVO or time‐lapse multicomponent seismic data, it is possible to separate the effects of production related saturation and pressure changes on seismic data. To be able to utilize information about saturation and pressure distributions in reservoir model building and simulation, information about uncertainty in the estimates is useful. In this paper we present a method to estimate changes in saturation and pressure from time‐lapse multicomponent seismic data using a Bayesian estimation technique. Results of the estimations will be probability density functions (pdfs), giving immediate information about both parameter values and uncertainties. Linearized rock physical models are linked to the changes in saturation and pressure in the prior probability distribution. The relationship between the elastic parameters and the measured seismic data is described in the likelihood model. By assuming Gaussian distributed prior uncertainties the posterior distribution of the saturation and pressure changes can be calculated analytically. Results from tests on synthetic seismic data show that this method produces more precise estimates of changes in effective pressure than a similar methodology based on only PP AVO time‐lapse seismic data. This indicates that additional information about S‐waves obtained from converted‐wave seismic data is useful for obtaining reliable information about the pressure change distribution.
Defective Toll‐like receptor 9‐mediated cytokine production in B cells from Bruton's tyrosine kinase‐deficient mice
Authors: Hasan Maroof , Lopez‐Herrera Gabriela , Blomberg K. Emelie M. , Lindvall Jessica M. , Berglöf Anna , Smith C. I. Edvard , Vargas Leonardo 
Published: September 2007

SummaryBruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), a member of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases, plays an important role in the differentiation and activation of B cells. Mutations affecting Btk cause immunodeficiency in both humans and mice. In this study we set out to investigate the potential role of Btk in Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐12p40. Our data show that Btk‐deficient B cells respond more efficiently to CpG‐DNA stimulation, producing significantly higher levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines but lower levels of the inhibitory cytokine IL‐10. The quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis presented in this work shows that mRNA production of one of the important new members of the IL‐12 family, IL‐27, was significantly increased in Btk‐deficient B cells after CpG‐DNA stimulation. In this study, we demonstrate significant differences in CpG responsiveness between transitional 1 (T1) and T2 B cells for survival and maturation. Furthermore, TLR9 expression, measured both as protein and as mRNA, was increased in Btk‐defective cells, especially after TLR9 stimulation. Collectively, these data provide evidence in support of the theory that Btk regulates both TLR9 activation and expression in mouse splenic B cells.
Changes in Drosophila melanogaster midgut proteins in response to dietary Bowman–Birk inhibitor
Authors: Li H.‐M. , Margam V. , Muir W. M. , Murdock L. L. , Pittendrigh B. R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe midgut proteome of Drosophila melanogaster was compared in larvae fed dietary Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI) vs. larvae fed a control diet. By using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, nine differentially expressed proteins were observed, which were associated with enzymes or transport functions such as sterol carrier protein X (SCPX), ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme, endopeptidase, receptor signalling protein kinase, ATP‐dependent RNA helicase and α‐tocopherol transport. Quantitative real‐time PCR verified differential expression of transcripts coding for six of the proteins observed from the proteomic analysis. BBI evidently affects expression of proteins associated with protein degradation, transport and fatty acid catabolism. We then tested the hypothesis that SCPX was critical for the Drosophila third instars’ response to BBI treatment. Inhibition of SCPX caused the third instars to become more susceptible to dietary BBI.
A novel cadherin‐like gene from western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larval midgut tissue
Authors: Sayed A. , Nekl E. R. , Siqueira H. A. A. , Wang H.‐C. , Ffrench‐Constant R. H. , Bagley M. , Siegfried B. D. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA cadherin‐like gene associated with larval midgut tissues was cloned from western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera: Coleoptera), an economically important agricultural pest in North America and Europe and the primary target pest species for corn hybrids expressing Cry3 toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The full‐length cDNA (5371 bp in length) encodes an open reading frame for a 1688 amino acid polypeptide. The putative protein has similar architecture to cadherin‐like proteins isolated from lepidopteran midguts that have been shown to bind to Cry1 Bt toxins and have been implicated in Bt resistance. The D. v. virgifera cadherin‐like gene is expressed primarily in the larval midgut and regulated during development, with high levels of expression observed in all instars and adults but not pupae. The corresponding genomic sequence spans more than 90 kb and is interspersed with 30 large introns. The genomic organization of the cadherin‐like gene for this coleopteran species bears strong resemblance to lepidopteran cadherins suggesting a common molecular basis for susceptibility to Cry3 toxins in Coleoptera.
Aedes Dronc: a novel ecdysone‐inducible caspase in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Cooper D. M. , Thi E. P. , Chamberlain C. M. , Pio F. , Lowenberger C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCaspases are cysteinyl‐aspartate‐specific proteases known for their role in apoptosis. Here, we describe the characterization of Aedes Dronc, a novel caspase in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Aedes Dronc is predicted to contain an N‐terminal caspase recruitment domain and is a homologue of Drosophila Dronc and human caspase‐9. An increase in transcripts and caspase activity coincides with developmental changes in the mosquito, suggesting that Aedes Dronc plays a role in developmental apoptosis. Exposure of third instar larvae to ecdysone resulted in a significant increase in both transcript levels and caspase activity. We present here a functional characterization of the first caspase recruitment domain‐containing caspase in mosquitoes, and will initiate studies on the role of apoptosis in the innate immune response of vectors.
Validity, trustworthiness and rigour: reasserting realism in qualitative research
Authors: Porter Sam 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTitle.  Validity, trustworthiness and rigour: reasserting realism in qualitative research Aim.  This paper challenges recent sceptical approaches to the possibility of validating qualitative research and underlines the benefits of adopting a realist approach to validity.Background.  In recent discussion about the methodological bases for qualitative research it has been argued that, because different methodologies take different approaches to validity, attempts to develop a common set of validation criteria are futile. On the basis of this sceptical view, a number of strategies for judging qualitative research have been proposed. These include suggestions that: it should be judged according to aesthetic or rhetorical criteria, rather than epistemological validity; responsibility for appraisal should move from researchers to readers; each methodology should be assessed individually according to its own merits.Discussion.  None of these suggestions provide a viable alternative to validity, defined as the extent to which research reflects accurately that to which it refers. Because the form of research does not determine its content, replacement of epistemology by aesthetics is unsustainable. Because research reports mediate between writer and reader, a one‐sided approach to this relationship constitutes a false dichotomy. If we accept the criterion of practitioner confidence as a means of judging methodological approaches, this involves rejection of judgement according to a methodology’s own merits.Conclusion.  If qualitative research is actually about something, and if it is required to provide beneficial information, then a realist approach to validity holds out greatest promise.
Sources of burnout among healthcare employees as perceived by managers
Authors: Glasberg Ann‐Louise , Norberg Astrid , Söderberg Anna 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTitle.  Sources of burnout among healthcare employees as perceived by managers Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate healthcare managers’ perspectives on factors contributing to the increase of healthcare employees on sick leave for burnout symptoms.Background.  Current turbulent healthcare reorganization has resulted in structural instability, role conflicts and vague responsibility commitments, all of which contribute to increasing numbers of sick days caused by burnout symptoms. Managers’ perceptions of burnout sources are important as these perceptions guide the actions taken to prevent burnout.Method.  Interviews were carried out with 30 healthcare managers, with different occupational backgrounds and from different units. The data were collected in Sweden in 2003 and analysed using thematic qualitative content analysis.Findings.  According to the healthcare managers, continuous reorganization and downsizing of healthcare services has reduced resources and increased demands and responsibilities. These problems are compounded by high ideals and expectations, making staff question their own abilities and worth as well as making them feel less confirmed and less valued as people. The main finding indicates that healthcare employees are thrown into a spiralling sense of inadequacy and an emerging sense of pessimism and powerlessness.Conclusion.  To understand and influence people’s actions, one has to understand their perceptions and thoughts – their explanatory models. This study shows the complexity and interconnection between sources of burnout as perceived by healthcare managers, and highlights the encouragement of realism without the destruction of enthusiasm as an important factor in management and healthcare practice.