bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late relapse of metastatic testicular nonseminomatous germ cell cancer: surgery is needed for cure
Authors: GELDART THOMAS R. , GALE JOANNA , McKENDRICK JOE , KIRBY JULIE , MEAD GRAHAM 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVETo identify patients with late relapse of metastatic, nonseminomatous germ cell tumour (NSGCT) and to evaluate the patterns of relapse, treatment and outcome, as such relapse at >2 years after complete remission to treatment for metastatic disease (late relapse) is uncommon, but with prolonged follow‐up is becoming increasingly recognized.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1980 and 2004, 1405 patients with testicular GCTs were identified who presented to Southampton University Hospital; 742 had NSGCTs or combined testicular GCTs, of whom 405 received primary chemotherapy for metastatic disease. In all, 329 (81%) patients achieved a complete response (CR) to initial treatment, with 101 of them (31%) requiring surgical resection of residual masses after chemotherapy. Any patient relapsing at >2 years after a CR to initial treatment (late relapse) was assessed in detail.RESULTSIn all, 20 patients had a late relapse, 17 of whom received initial treatment locally and three of whom were initially treated elsewhere. Most (65%) late relapses were asymptomatic and detected by routine cross‐sectional imaging or rising levels of tumour markers. Late relapse occurred at a median (range) of 108 (26–217) months (≈ 9 years) after CR. Fifteen (75%) patients underwent only surgery for late relapse, including five who had invasive malignant germ cell cancer within the resected specimens. Fourteen of 15 surgically treated patients remained alive at a median of 44 (9–184) months from initial treatment for late relapse; one had died with progressive recurrent germ cell/epithelial malignancy. Five (25%) patients were initially treated with chemotherapy for late relapse; three of them died from progressive germ cell cancer and the two survivors both had surgical excision of residual abnormalities after salvage chemotherapy. Overall, 15 of 20 (75%) men remain alive with no evidence of disease; one further patient is currently undergoing salvage treatment for his third relapse.CONCLUSIONSLate relapse is uncommon after modern therapy for metastatic GCTs. Surgical treatment for localized disease, where possible, is associated with prolonged disease‐free and overall survival. By contrast, chemotherapy is associated with a low response rate and a poor outcome.
MN‐001, a novel oral anti‐inflammatory agent, suppresses bladder hyperactivity in a rat model
Authors: RAJASEKARAN MAHADEVAN , LOCKE KENNETH W. , PARSONS C. LOWELL 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of MN‐001, a novel orally active anti‐inflammatory agent, in suppressing the bladder hyperactivity resulting from ovalbumin (OA)‐induced mast‐cell stimulation in a rat model.MATERIALS AND METHODSSprague‐Dawley rats of both sexes were divided into five groups of 10 each, with group 1 as the control and groups 2–5 undergoing OA sensitization to produce mast‐cell degranulation using an established method. At 14 days after sensitization, rats were given an acute intravesical challenge: in group 1, by saline (control), and in groups 2–5, with ≈ 2 mL of OA (10 mg/mL in sterile saline). Groups 3–5 received the investigational agent MN‐001 orally at 10, 30 or 50 mg/kg, respectively, 1 h before intravesical OA challenge. Urodynamics were then evaluated to quantify the frequency of contractions (voids), intercontractile interval (ICI) and non‐voiding contractions (NVCs).RESULTSAcute intravesical OA challenge in rats in group 2 caused contractions of bladder smooth muscle, leading to a significant (P < 0.05) dose‐dependent increase in NVCs and a decrease in ICI. Rats pre‐treated with MN‐001 at 30 and 50 mg/kg (groups 4 and 5) had significantly fewer NVCs and a greater ICI than rats in group 2 (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONOA challenge in OA‐sensitized rats produces bladder hyperactivity, as reflected in significantly more NVCs and a lower ICI. At doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg orally, MN‐001 produces significant protection against the OA‐induced bladder hyperactivity. MN‐001 might have a role in managing mast cell activity and the associated bladder symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis.
Random albumin/creatinine ratio for quantification of proteinuria in manifest pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Wikström A‐K , Wikström J , Larsson A , Olovsson M 
Published: July 2006

Objective  1) To assess the correlation between urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and 24‐hour urine albumin excretion in women with pre‐eclampsia, 2) to study the influence of potential confounders on this correlation and 3) to assess the variability of ACR between voids during a 24‐hour period.Design  Prospective study.Setting  Fetal maternity ward, university hospital.Population  Women with pre‐eclampsia scheduled for quantitative albumin measurement with a 24‐hour urine collection.Methods  Random urine samples were obtained for analysis of ACRs during the time of 24‐hour urine collections in 31 women. ACRs were also measured from the complete 24‐hour collections. In five additional women, serial urine samples were obtained during the 24‐hour collection.Main outcome measures  Correlation between ACRs and albumin amount in 24‐hour urine samples. Variability of the ACRs during a 24‐hour collection.Results  The random ACR was poorly correlated to 24‐hour excretion of urine albumin (R2= 0.42). Adjustment for maternal age and nifedipine medication significantly (P= 0.044 and P= 0.023, respectively) improved the correlation (R2= 0.60). The mean variability (highest/lowest) of ACR during a 24‐hour period was 222%. The ACR from the 24‐hour collection had an excellent correlation to 24‐hour excretion of urine albumin (R2= 0.96).Conclusions  In women with pre‐eclampsia, random ACR is not stable during the day and cannot predict 24‐hour urine protein excretion accurately. ACR from the 24‐hour collection is an accurate predictor of total albumin amount and can be used to minimise errors from incomplete collections.
Maternal total vascular resistance and concentric geometry: a key to identify uncomplicated gestational hypertension
Authors: Valensise H , Vasapollo B , Novelli GP , Pasqualetti P , Galante A , Arduini D 
Published: July 2006

Objective  To evaluate the prognostic impact of elevated total vascular resistance (TVR) on the outcome of pregnancy in early mild gestational hypertension (EMGH).Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  Data collected from women with EMGH referred to the obstetrics outpatient clinic of Tor Vergata University from June 2003 to June 2005.Population  A total of 268 women with EMGH (systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP] 140–150 mmHg and 90–99 mmHg, respectively, without significant proteinuria).Methods  Women had a maternal echocardiographic examination and BP examination within 24 hours of diagnosis. From this, the TVR was calculated and the geometric pattern of the left ventricle assessed.Main outcome measures  Fetal/maternal adverse outcomes (pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery, placental abruption, other maternal medical problems, fetal distress, neonatal low birthweight, admittance to neonatal intensive care unit and perinatal death).Results  Ninety‐two out of the 268 pregnancies showed adverse outcomes (34.3%). The best independent predictor for the composite of maternal and fetal complications was TVR (OR 64.4, 95% CI 25.9–160.1). The cutoff value was 1340 dyn seconds/cm5 with a sensitivity and a specificity of 90 and 91%, respectively. Concentric geometry of the left ventricle was also an independent predictor (OR 4.72, 95% CI 1.85–12.04).Conclusions  Echocardiography could help in identifying women with EMGH who subsequently develop maternal and fetal complications, allowing a classification in high‐risk (TVR > 1340 dyn seconds/cm5, concentric geometry of the left ventricle) and low‐risk women (TVR < 1340 dyn seconds/cm5, nonconcentric geometry of the left ventricle) for adverse outcomes of pregnancy.
Cost‐effective media for the rapid and high resolution of small DNA fragments using polyacrylamide‐based electrophoresis
Authors: NEGRO S. S. , CLOOTS R. , GEMMELL N. J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCurrent Tris‐based solutions for DNA electrophoresis produce a positive feedback loop between current and temperature at high voltage, resulting in long running times for the separation of even small DNA fragments. We optimized the separation of small DNA fragments (90–300 bp) in polyacrylamide‐based electrophoresis at high voltages (200volts/cm) by substituting Tris with low concentration alkali salts (e.g. 1 mm LiCl and CsCl). These media reduced the heat produced during electrophoresis, enhanced the DNA fragment resolution, and allowed gels to be run at higher voltages, reducing gel running times by 25%. In addition, the elimination of Tris and EDTA from the buffer reduced material costs approximately 10‐fold.
A set of highly discriminating microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus
Authors: STEINFARTZ SEBASTIAN , CACCONE ADALGISA 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe describe here the cloning of 12 (7 dinucleotide, 1 trinucleotide and 4 tetranucleotide) microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus. When tested for individuals from five different island populations on the Galápagos archipelago, high genetic diversities (9–20 alleles per locus) and heterozygosities (0.200–0.944) were observed. All loci showed no obvious deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The new set of microsatellite loci was able to assign individuals reliably to their island of origin, thus being able to discriminate between residents and migrants between islands.
Quality indexes to assess the reliability of genotypes in studies using noninvasive sampling and multiple‐tube approach
Authors: MIQUEL C. , BELLEMAIN E. , POILLOT C. , BESSIÈRE J. , DURAND A. , TABERLET P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn noninvasive studies, the intersample variance in DNA quality and quantity is large, and produces multilocus genotypes of highly variable quality. Here we propose a standardized method for testing the reliability of the genotyping procedure when using the multiple‐tube approach. The quality indexes generated will allow reliable comparisons among samples, loci, studies, and field and/or laboratory protocols. These indexes represent a powerful tool for the quality management of noninvasive studies.
Characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci and development and validation of multiplex reactions for the study of right whale species (genus Eubalaena)
Authors: FRASIER T. R. , RASTOGI T. , BROWN M. W. , HAMILTON P. K. , KRAUS S. D. , WHITE B. N. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) genomic library was developed and screened with a (GATA)8 probe to identify tetranucleotide microsatellite loci. Sixteen characterized loci were polymorphic in North Atlantic and/or South Atlantic (Eubalaena australis) right whales, 12 being polymorphic in E. glacialis, and 15 in E. australis. Fourteen of these were combined with 21 other previously identified loci for a suite of 35 loci which can be used to increase resolution of genetic analyses of these species. Multiplex reactions were developed for genotyping samples at these loci, providing a method that is rapid, reliable and cost‐effective.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers from European pear (Pyrus communis L.)
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐FERNÁNDEZ F. , HARVEY N. G. , JAMES C. M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study reports the development and characterization of 19 microsatellite primer pairs developed from genomic DNA of European pear (Pyrus communis) and their transferability to other Pyrus and Malus material. The primers were designed from two different genomic libraries enriched for di‐ and trinucleotide repeats. When tested in six P. communis cultivars and 15 other Pyrus species, 13 primers revealed single‐locus polymorphism and six showed more complex patterns that suggest multiple loci. Two to 18 alleles were detected per locus and two primer pairs were sufficient to discriminate all accessions. Transferability of nine primer pairs to Malus was demonstrated through amplification of discrete products in two accessions.
Allele frequencies and diversity parameters of 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms within and across goat breeds
Authors: CAPPUCCIO I. , PARISET L. , AJMONE‐MARSAN P. , DUNNER S. , CORTES O. , ERHARDT G. , LÜHKEN G. , GUTSCHER K. , JOOST S. , NIJMAN I. J. , LENSTRA J. A. , ENGLAND P. R. , ZUNDEL S. , OBEXER‐RUFF G. , BEJA‐PEREIRA A. , VALENTINI A. , CONSORTIUM THE ECONOGENE 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSingle‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are useful markers for biodiversity assessment, linkage analysis, traceability and paternity testing. To date, there are no available SNPs for goat in the NCBI dbSNP database and only a few are reported in the literature. Within the European Union Econogene project, we characterized 27 SNPs in goats using a targeted‐gene approach. Polymorphisms were identified in a panel of 16 unrelated individuals belonging to eight different goat breeds selected throughout Europe. Genotypes of 30 goats from each of the eight breeds were determined for all the SNPs characterized and diversity measures were estimated. The caprine SNPs described will be a useful complement to the available genome markers.
Microsatellite loci for the New Zealand trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis
Authors: KEENEY DEVON B. , WATERS JONATHAN M. , POULIN ROBERT 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSeven polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the coastal New Zealand trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis, an important driving force in the population dynamics of its snail and crustacean intermediate hosts. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.33 to 0.82, and three to 17 alleles were detected in 22 trematode sporocysts. These loci will be integral for identifying parasite genetic clones within hosts and addressing a range of questions concerning the molecular ecology of this species.
Characterization of six microsatellite markers in Trillium camschatcense using a dual‐suppression‐polymerase chain reaction technique
Authors: KUBOTA S. , KAMEYAMA Y. , OHARA M. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract Trillium camschatcense is a herbaceous perennial plant distributed in Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan. Geographical variations in the breeding system (partial selfing or obligate outcrossing) are reported in the populations of Hokkaido. We isolated six polymorphic microsatellite loci from this species. The number of allele per locus ranged from four to 12, whereas the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.69 to 0.83. These markers may allow further investigations to reveal the evolutionary and ecological processes of mating system in T. camschatcense.
A minimalist barcode can identify a specimen whose DNA is degraded
Authors: HAJIBABAEI MEHRDAD , SMITH M. ALEX , JANZEN DANIEL H. , RODRIGUEZ JOSEPHINE J. , WHITFIELD JAMES B. , HEBERT PAUL D. N. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA DNA barcode based on 650 bp of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I is proving to be highly functional in species identification for various animal groups. However, DNA degradation complicates the recovery of a full‐length barcode from many museum specimens. Here we explore the use of shorter barcode sequences for identification of such specimens. We recovered short sequences — i.e. ∼100 bp — with a single PCR pass from more than 90% of the specimens in assemblages of moth and wasp museum specimens from which full barcode recovery was only 50%, and the latter were usually less than 8 years old. Short barcodes were effective in identifying specimens, confirming their utility in circumstances where full barcodes are too expensive to obtain and the identification comparisons are within a confined taxonomic group.
Identification and characterization of 17 microsatellite primers for the tick, Ixodes ricinus, using enriched genomic libraries
Authors: RØED KNUT H. , HASLE GUNNAR , MIDTHJELL V. , SKRETTING GRETHE , LEINAAS HANS P. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract Ixodes ricinus is the main vector for important infectious diseases in both humans and in animals. Microsatellite loci were isolated from a dinucleotide‐enriched library made from I. ricinus sampled in Norway. Seventeen polymorphic microsatellites were further characterized among 24 individuals sampled from an island in the Oslofjord region. The number of observed alleles ranged from two to 17 and the observed heterozygosities between 0.10 and 0.83. Analysis of family materials gives evidence of non‐Mendelian inheritance of several of the characterized loci, among which most could be explained by presence of null alleles.
Number of individuals and molecular markers to use in genetic differentiation studies
Authors: MEDINA RAUL F. , BARBOSA PEDRO , CHRISTMAN MARY , BATTISTI ANDREA 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMolecular markers are frequently used to study genetic variation among individuals within or between populations. Differences in marker banding patterns can be used to verify if individuals do, or do not, represent distinct groups or populations. Only in 2005, more than 500 studies used molecular markers to group individuals in clusters. Such studies make use of an arbitrary number of molecular markers from each of an arbitrary number of individuals presumed to represent distinct genotypes. However, the greater the genetic variation, the more likely a larger number of individuals and markers will be needed to capture a population's genetic signature. The numbers of both, markers and individuals included thus affect the way in which individuals are organized through cluster analyses, thereby affecting the conclusions drawn. Here we present a method that provides statistical criteria to verify that individual and marker sample sizes are sufficient to accurately depict genetic differentiation among different populations. Our method uses a resampling technique to assess the reproducibility of obtaining a particular grouping pattern for specific data sets. It thus, allows to estimate the robustness of the results obtained without including additional individuals, or markers.
The effect of melatonin on 7,12‐dimethyl‐benz[a]anthracene injury in comparison with vitamin E + selenium in mouse kidneys
Authors: Ozturk Feral , Ozturk I. Cetin , Batcioglu Kadir , Vardi Nigar 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe aims of this study were to observe the changes in antioxidative defense enzymes and renal morphology after 7,12‐dimethyl‐benz[a]anthracene (7,12‐DMBA) administration in mice and to investigate the possible protective effects of melatonin against 7,12‐DMBA‐induced renal damage in comparison with vitamin E + selenium (vit E + Se). Forty female mice were divided into four groups: control, DMBA, DMBA + vit E + Se and DMBA + melatonin. In the DMBA group, mice were given injections of 7,12‐DMBA (20 mg/kg). DMBA + vit E + Se group mice received injections of 7,12‐DMBA + vit E + Se (20 mg/kg + 90 mg/kg + 1.8 μg/kg). In the melatonin group, mice were given injections of 7,12‐DMBA + melatonin (20 mg/kg + 4.2 mg/kg). The experiment lasted for 21 days. Mice were killed and the kidneys were taken for enzyme analyses and histologic examination. Catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities were found significantly decreased in the DMBA group and in the DMBA + vit E + Se group when compared with the control group (P < 0.05), whereas CAT and GSH‐Px activities were found significantly elevated in the DMBA + melatonin group when compared with the control (P < 0.05) and the DMBA group (P < 0.01). Exposure to DMBA resulted in tubular alterations in renal cortex. Morphometric analysis revealed proximal and distal tubular damage (P < 0.05). These alterations were found to be prevented by melatonin but not with vit E + Se administration. These results reveal that melatonin stimulates CAT and GSH‐Px activities and prevents renal injury better than vit E + Se combination in mice kidneys.
Estimation of a Hedonic Pricing Model for Medigap Insurance
Authors: Robst John 
Published: July 2006

Objective. This paper uses a unique database to examine premiums paid by beneficiaries for Medigap supplemental coverage. Average premiums charged by insurers are reported, as well as premiums by enrollee age and gender, and additional policy characteristics. Marginal prices for Medigap benefits are estimated using hedonic price regressions. In addition, the paper considers how additional policy characteristics and geographic differences in the use and cost of medical care affect premiums.Data Sources/Study Setting. A comprehensive database on premiums paid by beneficiaries for newly issued Medigap policies in the year 2000 along with state‐level characteristics.Study Design. Hedonic pricing equations are used to estimate implicit prices for Medigap benefits.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services contracted for the creation of a detailed database on Medigap premiums. Data were collected in three stages. First, letters were sent directly to insurers requesting premium data. Second, letters were directly to state insurance commissioner's offices requesting premium data. Last, each state insurance commissioner's office was visited to collect missing data.Principal Findings. With the exceptions of the part B deductible and drug benefit, Medigap supplemental insurance is priced consistent with the actuarial value of benefits offered under the standardized plans. Premiums vary substantially based on rating method, whether the policy is guaranteed issue, Medigap Select, or explicitly for smokers. Premiums increase with enrollee age, but do not vary between men and women. The relationship between premiums and enrollee age varies across rating methods. Attained‐age policies show the strongest relationship between age and premiums, while community‐rated premiums, by definition, do not vary with age. Medigap supplemental insurance premiums are higher in states with poorer health, greater utilization, and greater managed care penetration.Conclusions. Despite the high cost, Medigap plans are generally priced in accordance with the actuarial value of benefits. The primary exception is the drug benefit, which appears to be subject to substantial adverse selection. Benefits such as the part B deductible and at‐home recovery benefit offer little value to consumers. Several states require insurers to community rate premiums. Such regulation has important implications for premiums, and research needs to consider the impact of such regulation on the Medigap market.