bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep-sea wood-boring bivalves ofXylophaga(Myoida: Pholadidae) on the Continental Shelf: a new species described
Authors: Voight Janet R. 
Published: July 2008

Deep-sea organisms are generally considered to be restricted to the great ocean depths, unable to enter shallower habitats except perhaps at the isothermic polar latitudes, due to physiological constraints, or more intense biotic interactions. Wood-boring bivalves ofXylophaga, however, are here shown to be exceptional. A clade, formally recognized by Turner in 2002, united by the derived characters of a complex mesoplax and a truncated excurrent siphon, papillose incurrent siphon with a longitudinal dorsal trough bordered by lappets, and often carrying white or glass-like granules, occurs at significantly shallower and warmer depths than do other species of the genus. Here, description of the new speciesX. multichelafrom 106 m depth off the Pacific coast of Guatemala illustrates the characters that unite the clade. Because wood-boring bivalves face intense competition and high levels of predation at depths of 2200 to 3250 m, they may not perceive biotic interactions at shallower depths to be dramatically more intense. In addition, members of this group are hypothesized to tolerate reduced oxygen availability, a requisite if animals are to occur in warm waters.
Visualizing genetic loci and molecular machines in living bacteria
Authors: Wang Xindan , Reyes-Lamothe Rodrigo , Sherratt David J. 
Published: July 2008

An ongoing mission for biologists is to probe the molecular nature of cellular processes within live cells. Although much of what we have discovered during the molecular biology revolution of the last 50 years has been achieved by exploiting bacteria as ‘bags of DNA and proteins’, relatively little has been learnt about how they organize their life processes within cells. The mistaken perception of bacteria cells as unstructured systems arose partly because of the difficulty of performing studies by light microscopy due to their small size (many of them having cell lengths a few times bigger than the wavelength of visible light). With the opportunities provided by a range of new fluorophores and by new microscopic techniques, a revolution in bacterial cell biology is revealing unimagined organization in the bacterial cell. We review the development and exploitation of new visualization methods and reagents and show how they are contributing to the understanding of bacterial structure, chromosome organization, DNA metabolism and their relationship to the cell cycle.
Addressing African American English in Early Literacy Assessment and Instruction
Authors: Terry Nicole Patton 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Determining how best to address young children's African American English use in formal literacy assessment and instruction is a challenge. Evidence is not yet available to discern which theory best accounts for the relation between AAE use and literacy skills or to delineate which dialect-informed educational practices are most effective for children in preschool and the primary grades. Nonetheless, consistent observations of an educationally significant relation between AAE use and various early literacy skills suggest that dialect variation should be considered in assessment and instruction practices involving children who are learning to read and write. The speech-language pathologist can play a critical role in instituting such practices in schools.
Speech Science Education - Roll Over Beethoven
Authors: Finan Donald S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Speech science education has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. New technologies in the laboratory, clinic, and classroom have influenced what and how we teach. The Internet has proven to be an effective resource, yet information gleaned must be viewed with a critical eye. Speech science educators are typically professors with extensive research training, but little or no training in how to teach. It is common, therefore, for professors to teach in the manner in which they were taught. The traditional lecture format class has been superseded by teaching methods that encourage active learning and collaboration between students. As speech science education adapts to include new technologies and by embracing new instructional models, students will be better prepared to bridge science and clinical practice.
Analysis of the Use of Digoxin Immune Fab for the Treatment of Non-Life-Threatening Digoxin Toxicity
Authors: DiDomenico Robert J. , Walton Surrey M. , Sanoski Cynthia A. , Bauman Jerry L. 
Published: July 2008

Background: Studies indicate that digoxin toxicity often results in lengthy hospitalizations and considerable costs, both of which may be decreased through the routine use of digoxin immune Fab (FAB). Methods: A computer-based decision analysis model was developed to compare the treat ment of non-life-threatening digoxin toxicity with either FAB or standard therapy from the hospital perspective. A cost-minimization analysis was then performed to compare overall total costs (primary endpoint) for each treatment branch. A secondary endpoint of length of hospital stay (LOS) was also compared between the 2 groups. Clinical variables (serum digoxin concentration [SDC], creatinine clearance [Clcr], and body weight), event probabili ties, and other model-specific variables were varied in univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses. Results: FAB was associated with an incremental cost of $54 compared with standard therapy ($2,784 vs. $2,730, respectively) but reduced LOS by 1.5 days (1.5 days vs. 3.0 days, respectively). Sensitivity analyses show that FAB is less costly at SDC > 3.5 ng/mL and Clcr < 22 mL/min. FAB reduced LOS at SDC > 2.3 ng/mL. Monte Carlo simulation revealed that FAB was less costly in 37% of the cases and reduced LOS 72% of the time compared with standard therapy. Conclusions: The abbreviated LOS associated with the use of FAB in patients with non-life- threatening digoxin toxicity may translate into lower treatment costs in many clinical sce narios, making it a cost-saving alternative to standard therapy in patients with high SDC and renal dysfunction.
Combination Therapy with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition and AT1 Receptor Inhibitor on Ventricular Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Zornoff Leonardo A.M. , Paiva Sérgio A.R. , Matsubara Beatriz B. , Matsubara Luiz S. , Spadaro Joel 
Published: July 2008

Background: There are limited data regarding the effects of angiotensin II receptor blockade after myocardial infarction (MI). In addition, whether combined angiotensin converting en zyme (ACE) inhibitor and angiotensin II type I (AT,) receptor antagonist may be superior to either drug alone on ventricular remodeling remains unclear. The goal of this study was to determine if the cardiac effects of the combined administration of an ACE inhibitor and AT, receptor antagonist are greater than those produced by either of these agents administered individually after MI. Methods and Results: After MI, rats were divided into 4 groups: 1) untreated animals, 2) lisinopril treatment (20 mg/kg/day), 3) losartan treatment (20 mg/kg/day), and 4) lisinopril plus losartan treatment. After 3 months, the cardiac parameters studied were: mortality, fibrosis (hydroxyproline), hypertrophy (ventricular weight/body weight ratio [VW/BW]), left ventricular enlargement (volume at end-diastolic pressure equaled zero/body weight ratio [V0/BW]), and ventricular function (isovolumetric developed pressure, dp/dt, -dp/dt). A lowest mortality rate in the animals treated with the combination of both ACE inhibitor and AT1 receptor antagonist was observed. Although lisinopril and losartan significantly de creased VW/BW ratio, when administered concomitantly, VW/BW ratio was lower than when either agent was administered individually. There were no differences in right ventricle hydroxyproline concentration. Only combination therapy decreased V0/BW ratio. The treat ment with lisinopril plus losartan resulted in increases in the development of pressure versus untreated group; without alteration in dp/dt and -dp/dt. Conclusions: The combination of the AT1 receptor blockade and ACE inhibitor is more effective than individual treatment on ventricular remodeling and survival after MI in rats.
Identification of differentially expressed root genes upon rhizomania disease
Authors: SCHMIDLIN LAURE , DE BRUYNE ERIK , WEYENS GUY , LEFEBVRE MARC , GILMER DAVID 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYRhizomania is one of the most devastating sugar beet diseases. It is caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), which induces abnormal rootlet proliferation. To understand better the physiological and molecular basis of the disorder, transcriptome analysis was performed by restriction fragment differential display polymerase chain reaction (RFDD‐PCR), which provided differential gene expression profiles between non‐infected and infected sugar beet roots. Two distinct viral isolates were used to detect specific or general virus‐induced genes. Differentially expressed genes were selected and identified by sequence analysis, followed by reverse Northern and reverse transcriptase PCR experiments. These latter analyses of different plants (Beta vulgaris and Beta macrocarpa) infected under distinct standardized conditions revealed specific and variable expressions. Candidate genes were linked to cell development, metabolism, defence signalling and oxidative stress. In addition, the expression of already characterized genes linked to defence response (pathogenesis‐related protein genes), auxin signalling and cell elongation was also studied to further examine some aspects of the disease. Differential expression was retrieved in both B. vulgaris and B. macrocarpa. However, some candidate genes were found to be deregulated in only one plant species, suggesting differential response to BNYVV or specific responses to the BNYVV vector.
Stabilization of tRNA (m1G37) methyltransferase [TrmD] from Aquifex aeolicus by an intersubunit disulfide bond formation
Authors: Toyooka Takashi , Awai Takako , Kanai Tamotsu , Imanaka Tadayuki , Hori Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2008

Recombinant Aquifex aeolicus TrmD protein has a Cys20–Cys20 disulfide bond between its two subunits. This was demonstrated by SDS–polyacrylamide gel analysis of wild‐type enzyme and C20S mutant protein (in which the Cys20 residue is substituted by serine), in the absence or presence of various concentrations of dithiothreitol. Analytical gel‐filtration chromatography revealed that the C20S mutant protein forms a dimer structure even though it is missing the disulfide bond. Western blotting analysis suggests that the Cys20–Cys20 disulfide bond is formed in native TrmD protein in living A. aeolicus cells. Incubation at 85 °C for 20 min caused the precipitation of more than half of the C20S protein, while more than 70% of the wild‐type enzyme was soluble at that temperature. This assay clearly demonstrates that the disulfide bond enhances the protein stability at 85 °C. A kinetic assay showed that the methyl‐transfer activity of the C20S mutant protein was slightly less than that of the wild‐type enzyme at 70 °C. Comparison of the CD‐spectra of wild‐type and C20S proteins reveals that some of the α‐helices in the C20S mutant protein are less tightly packed than those of the wild‐type enzyme at 70 °C.
Arterial and interstitial remodelling processes in non‐specific interstitial pneumonia: systemic sclerosis versus idiopathic
Authors: De Carvalho E F , Parra E R , De Souza R , A’b Saber A M , De Carvalho Machado J , Capelozzi V L 
Published: July 2008

Aims:  To compare septal and vascular matrix remodelling, vascular occlusion, pulmonary function tests and survival between two groups: one with idiopathic non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and one with NSIP associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods and results:  Pulmonary biopsy specimens were examined from 40 patients, 22 with NSIP and 18 with NSIP associated with SSc.The content of septal collagen and elastic fibres, as well as the elastic fibres in the vascular interstitium, were higher in the SSc group (P = 0.01, P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Among pulmonary function tests, the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide/alveolar volume was affected to a greater extent in the SSc group (59% of the predicted value in SSc and 97% in the idiopathic group). There were no differences in collagen content of the vascular interstitium, arterial occlusion, or survival between the two groups.Conclusions:  Although the fibrotic process is more intense in the SSc group, it does not affect the prognosis of these patients. Because the elastotic process is higher in the SSc group, this might suggest that autoimmune inflammatory mechanisms affecting the elastic fibre system play a greater role in the pathogenesis and pulmonary remodelling process of SSc NSIP than in idiopathic NSIP.
hCGβ expression by cervical squamous carcinoma –in vivo histological association with tumour invasion and apoptosis
Authors: Li D , Wen X , Ghali L , Al‐Shalabi F M , Docherty S M , Purkis P , Iles R K 
Published: July 2008

Aims:  To investigate the correlation of β‐subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCGβ) expression by cervical carcinomas with measures of tumour apoptosis.Methods and results:  Eighty‐nine cervical carcinoma patients’ samples were subject to hCGβ immunohistochemistry and scored with respect to intensity of immunopositivity and percentage of positive cells. Apoptosis was evaluated by three independent parameters: morphological characteristics [haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)], terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) immunopositivity. Of the 12 adenocarcinomas, only one (8%) was hCGβ+. However, 87% (61/70) of the squamous cell and 100% (7/7) of adenosquamous cell carcinomas were hCGβ+. hCGβ reactivity and intensity was predominantly confined to peripheral tumour cells at the stromal–epithelial interface. Correlation analysis showed that H&E and PARP apoptotic immunopositivity negatively correlated with hCGβ expression (P < 0.001 and P = 0.028 respectively), whereas TUNEL did not (P = 0.12). However, immunopositivity for apoptotic cells by TUNEL was significantly less in tumours where hCGβ expression was greater (scoring ≥ 6) and vice versa. hCGβ immunopositivity was also observed in newly formed blood vessels, as well as tumour cells within lymphatic vessels. When tumour vascularization was taken into account, samples with noted vascularization positively correlated with hCGβ scoring.Conclusions:  hCGβ expression correlates with reduced tumour cell apoptosis and may be involved in tumour vascularization and dissemination.
Mycothiol biosynthesis is essential for ethionamide susceptibility in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Vilchèze Catherine , Av‐Gay Yossef , Attarian Rodgoun , Liu Zhen , Hazbón Manzour H. , Colangeli Roberto , Chen Bing , Liu Weijun , Alland David , Sacchettini James C. , Jacobs Jr William R. 
Published: July 2008

SummarySpontaneous mutants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that were resistant to the anti‐tuberculosis drugs ethionamide and isoniazid were isolated and found to map to mshA, a gene encoding the first enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of mycothiol, a major low‐molecular‐weight thiol in M. tuberculosis. Seven independent missense or frameshift mutations within mshA were identified and characterized. Precise null deletion mutations of the mshA gene were generated by specialized transduction in three different strains of M. tuberculosis. The mshA deletion mutants were defective in mycothiol biosynthesis, were only ethionamide‐resistant and required catalase to grow. Biochemical studies suggested that the mechanism of ethionamide resistance in mshA mutants was likely due to a defect in ethionamide activation. In vivo, a mycothiol‐deficient strain grew normally in immunodeficient mice, but was slightly defective for growth in immunocompetent mice. Mutations in mshA demonstrate the non‐essentiality of mycothiol for growth in vitro and in vivo, and provide a novel mechanism of ethionamide resistance in M. tuberculosis.
Transplant‐associated Ochroconis gallopava infections
Authors: Shoham S. , Pic‐Aluas L. , Taylor J. , Cortez K. , Rinaldi M.G. , Shea Y. , Walsh T.J. 
Published: July 2008

Background. Ochroconis gallopava is a neurotropic dematiaceous mold that causes respiratory and central nervous system (CNS) infection in domestic poultry and in immunocompromised patients. We recently treated 3 solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients for pulmonary Ochroconis infections with successful outcome, prompting us to review the literature on this unique pathogen.Methods. We reviewed all published cases of O. gallopava infections in SOT recipients and analyzed the impact of CNS infection on the outcome.Results. In addition to the 3 new cases reported here, 9 published cases of Ochroconis infection were analyzed. The disease involved the lungs only in 5/12 (42%) of patients, brain in 6/12 (50%) patients, and lung and skin in 1 patient. Survival was significantly reduced with brain infection (33% vs. 100%; P<0.03; Fisher's exact test).Conclusions. O. gallopava may infect SOT recipients with a particular tropism for the CNS. Early recognition of O. gallopava pulmonary infection is important, as the prognosis is excellent before dissemination to the brain.
Prospective study of combined treatment with interferon‐alpha and active vitamin D3 for Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Obara Wataru , Mizutani Yoichi , Oyama Chikara , Akaza Hideyuki , Ishii Nobuhisa , Kohri Kenjiro , Namiki Mikio , Okuyama Akihiko , Shima Hiroki , Yokoyama Masayoshi , Shuin Taro , Miki Tsuneharu , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Fujioka Tomoaki 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To assess the safety and efficacy of combined therapy with interferon‐alpha (INF‐α) and active vitamin D3 for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods:  Sixteen patients with metastatic RCC were enrolled in this prospective study. All received oral alfacalcidol (1 µg once daily) and INF‐α (Sumiferon; 3 million units, three times a week). The primary endpoint was the response rate (defined as complete + partial remission). Secondary endpoints were cancer‐specific survival and toxicity. The median follow‐up period was 17 months (range: 5–49 months).Results:  The median age of the patients was 68 years (range: 41–73 years). The sites of metastases were: lung in 13 patients, bone in one, lung and bone in one, and lung, bone, and lymph nodes in one. Four patients (25%) had a partial response (PR), 10 patients (62.5%) showed no change (NC), and two patients (12.5%) had progressive disease (PD). The median cancer‐specific survival time was 45 months. One patient had to discontinue vitamin D3 because of hypercalcemia. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed that metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis and older than average age were significant predictors of poor survival (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Combined treatment with INF‐α and active vitamin D3 has shown to be safe and effective for metastatic RCC patients.
Viral efficacy maintained and safety parameters improved with a reduced dose of stavudine: a pilot study
Authors: Ait‐Mohand H , Bonmarchand M , Guiguet M , Slama L , Marguet F , Behin A , Amellal B , Bennai Y , Peytavin G , Calvez V , Pialoux G , Murphy R , Katlama C 
Published: July 2008

ObjectivesStavudine (d4T) is a potent but potentially toxic nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that is still widely used in developing countries. This study's aim was to determine the efficacy and safety profile of lower‐dose d4T.MethodsMulti‐centre, open‐label, single‐arm, pilot, 48‐week study in French patients weighing >60 kg with viral load <400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL who were receiving d4T 40 mg twice daily and then switched to 30 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion with plasma viral load <400 copies/mL at week 24. Secondary endpoints included the proportion with <50 copies/mL at weeks 24 and 48, changes in mitochondrial DNA, CD4 cell count and pharmacokinetics, and clinical and laboratory safety.ResultsFifty‐seven patients enrolled. Baseline CD4 count was 584 cells/μL; viral loads were <400 copies/mL and <50 copies/mL in 100% and 89%, respectively. Prior antiretroviral drug exposure was 6.9 years, d4T exposure was 6.3 years. Fifty‐six out of 57 (98%) patients had viral load <400 copies/mL and 51 (89%) had viral load <50 copies/mL at week 24. Median CD4 count increased by 63 cells/μL at week 48 (P=0.006). At 48 weeks, total cholesterol decreased by 0.24 mmol (P=0.02), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol by 0.15 mmol (P=0.0001) and alanine aminotransferase by 5.74 mg/dL (P=0.01). Paired baseline DNA and week 24 RNA mutations were unchanged. Mitochondrial DNA (copies/cell) content increased from 672±254 to 682±269. d4T area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) decreased by 31% (P=0.003) and Cmax by 44% (P=0.004). Clinical and laboratory parameters improved or were unchanged.ConclusionsReduced‐dose d4T is effective with improved safety parameters.
Switching from suppressive protease inhibitor‐based regimens to nevirapine‐based regimens: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ena J , Leach A , Nguyen P 
Published: July 2008

ObjectivesWe performed a meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of switching from protease inhibitor (PI)‐ to nevirapine (NVP)‐based regimens in HIV‐infected patients in whom virological suppression had been achieved.MethodsSix trials (550 patients) were analysed. The demographics showed that 11–48% of participants were female and 40–53% had hepatitis C or B virus infection, and the mean CD4 lymphocyte count was >500 cells/μL at study entry.ResultsNVP‐based regimens showed noninferiority compared with continuation of PI therapy to maintain virological suppression in ‘intention to treat’ (80 vs. 78%; P=0.35) and ‘on treatment’ analyses (91 vs. 89%; P=0.10). Overall rates of discontinuation because of adverse events were similar in the two groups (11 vs. 10%; P=0.79). However, NVP‐based therapies caused more discontinuations because of liver toxicity than PI‐based therapies (7 vs. 0%; P=0.0009). At the end of follow‐up there was no statistical difference in CD4, cholesterol, triglyceride and body shape measurements between the two groups. Two studies reported greater improvement in quality of life in patients who were switched to the NVP group.ConclusionsSwitching from suppressive PI‐ to NVP‐based regimens is virologically and immunologically safe; however, the risk of liver toxicity requires monitoring of clinical symptoms and liver chemistry during NVP therapy.