bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors of renal cell carcinoma with extension into inferior vena cava
Authors: Tanaka Masahiro , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Okajima Eijiro , Tanaka Nobumichi , Yoshida Katsunori , Hirao Yoshihiko 
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To evaluate the prognosis of our series of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and tumor thrombus involving inferior vena cava (IVC) treated with nephrectomy and thrombectomy.Methods:  In 46 patients with unilateral RCC extending into IVC who underwent nephrectomy and thrombectomy (T3b in 38 patients, T3c in 6, T4 in 2, N+ in 15, M1 in 21), overall and cancer‐specific survival rates were estimated, and the univariable and multivariable analysis were carried out to determine the prognostic factors among age, gender, performance status, fever, inflammatory laboratory parameters, nodal and distant metastasis, tumor thrombus level, pathological parameters and postoperative interferon‐α administration.Results:  The median age was 66.5 (range 35–79) years. The median follow‐up was 18.0 (mean 36.7 ± 38.7) months. The overall and cancer‐specific 5‐year survival rates were 32.9% and 40.0%, respectively. The univariate analysis revealed that fever (hazard ratio: HR 4.03), C‐reactive protein (HR 4.89), grade of tumor cell (HR 3.83), and lymph node metastasis (HR 5.99) were independent prognostic factors of cause‐specific survival in all patients. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymph node metastasis (HR 4.13) was the only independent prognostic factor of cause‐specific survival. The extension level or postoperative interferon‐α administration did not influence the prognosis of patients with tumor thrombus involving IVC.Conclusions:  Aggressive surgery should be considered first in RCC patients with any levels of tumor thrombus. However, patients with both IVC involvement and nodal metastasis showed significantly poor prognosis, and development of novel intensive multidisciplinary therapies will be needed.
Testing the assumptions of chronosequences in succession
Authors: Johnson Edward A. , Miyanishi Kiyoko 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMany introductory ecology textbooks illustrate succession, at least in part, by using certain classic studies (e.g. sand dunes, ponds/bogs, glacial till, and old fields) that substituted space for time (chronosequence) in determining the sequences of the succession. Despite past criticisms of this method, there is continued, often uncritical, use of chronosequences in current research on topics besides succession, including temporal changes in biodiversity, productivity, nutrient cycling, etc. To show the problem with chronosequence‐based studies in general, we review evidence from studies that used non‐chronosequence methods (such as long‐term study of permanent plots, palynology, and stand reconstruction) to test the space‐for‐time substitution in four classic succession studies. In several cases, the tests have used the same locations and, in one case, the same plots as those in the original studies. We show that empirical evidence invalidates the chronosequence‐based sequences inferred in these classic studies.
Polysaccharide hydrolysis in aggregates and free enzyme activity in aggregate‐free seawater from the north‐eastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ziervogel Kai , Arnosti Carol 
Published: March 2008

SummaryMarine snow aggregates represent hotspots of carbon remineralization in the ocean. Various aspects of bacterial dynamics have been investigated on marine snow. To date, extracellular enzymatic activities in aggregates have been measured using small substrate proxies that do not adequately reflect the complexity of biomacromolecules such as polysaccharides, proteins and lipids. To address this issue, we used six structurally distinct, fluorescently labelled polysaccharides to measure enzymatic hydrolysis on aggregates formed with a roller table and in aggregate‐free (ambient) seawater from two near‐coast sites, north‐eastern Gulf of Mexico. A single polysaccharide was incubated in aggregates and ambient seawater. Changes in polysaccharide molecular weight were monitored over time to measure the course of enzymatic hydrolysis. All six polysaccharides were hydrolysed in aggregates, indicating a broad range of enzyme activities in aggregate‐associated bacteria. Four substrates were also hydrolysed in ambient waters. Epifluorescence microscopy revealed that nearly all of the bacteria present in original waters were incorporated into aggregates. Therefore hydrolytic activities in ambient waters were presumably due to enzymes spatially disconnected from cells and aggregates. Our results show substantial enzymatic activity in cell/aggregate‐free seawater, suggesting a significant role of free enzymes in hydrolytic activity in waters from the north‐eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Manure‐amended soil characteristics affecting the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in 36 Dutch soils
Authors: Franz Eelco , Semenov Alexander V. , Termorshuizen Aad J. , De Vos O. J. , Bokhorst Jan G. , Van Bruggen Ariena H. C. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe recent increase in foodborne disease associated with the consumption of fresh vegetables stresses the importance of the development of intervention strategies that minimize the risk of preharvest contamination. To identify risk factors for Escherichia coli O157:H7 persistence in soil, we studied the survival of a Shiga‐toxin‐deficient mutant in a set of 36 Dutch arable manure‐amended soils (organic/conventional, sand/loam) and measured an array of biotic and abiotic manure‐amended soil characteristics. The Weibull model, which is the cumulative form of the underlying distribution of individual inactivation kinetics, proved to be a suitable model for describing the decline of E. coli O157:H7. The survival curves generally showed a concave curvature, indicating changes in biological stress over time. The calculated time to reach the detection limit ttd ranged from 54 to 105 days, and the variability followed a logistic distribution. Due to large variation among soils of each management type, no differences were observed between organic and conventional soils. Although the initial decline was faster in sandy soils, no significant differences were observed in ttd between both sandy and loamy soils. With sandy, loamy and conventional soils, the variation in ttd was best explained by the level of dissolved organic carbon per unit biomass carbon DOC/biomC, with prolonged survival at increasing DOC/biomC. With organic soils, the variation in ttd was best explained by the level of dissolved organic nitrogen (positive relation) and the microbial species diversity as determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (negative relation). Survival increased with a field history of low‐quality manure (artificial fertilizer and slurry) compared with high‐quality manure application (farmyard manure and compost). We conclude that E. coli O157:H7 populations decline faster under more oligotrophic soil conditions, which can be achieved by the use of organic fertilizer with a relatively high C/N ratio and consequently a relatively low rate of nutrient release.
Unexpected co‐occurrence of six bacterial symbionts in the gills of the cold seep mussel Idas sp. (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)
Authors: Duperron Sébastien , Halary Sébastien , Lorion Julien , Sibuet Myriam , Gaill Françoise 
Published: March 2008

SummaryBathymodioline mussels occur in chemosynthesis‐based ecosystems such as cold seeps, hydrothermal vents and organic debris worldwide. Their key adaptation to these environments is their association with bacterial endosymbionts which ensure a chemosynthetic primary production based on the oxidation of reduced compounds such as methane and sulfide. We herein report a multiple symbiosis involving six distinct bacterial 16S rRNA phylotypes, including two belonging to groups not yet reported as symbionts in mytilids, in a small Idas mussel found on carbonate crusts in a cold seep area located north to the Nile deep‐sea fan (Eastern Mediterranean). Symbionts co‐occur within hosts bacteriocytes based on fluorescence in situ hybridizations, and sequencing of functional genes suggests they have the potential to perform autotrophy, and sulfide and methane oxidation. Previous studies indicated the presence of only one or two symbiont 16S rRNA phylotypes in bathymodioline mussels. Together with the recent discovery of four bacterial symbionts in the large seep species Bathymodiolus heckerae, this study shows that symbiont diversity has probably been underestimated, and questions whether the common ancestor of bathymodioline mussels was associated with multiple bacteria.
Diversity of the active methanotrophic community in acidic peatlands as assessed by mRNA and SIP‐PLFA analyses
Authors: Chen Yin , Dumont Marc G. , McNamara Niall P. , Chamberlain Paul M. , Bodrossy Levente , Stralis‐Pavese Nancy , Murrell J. Colin 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe active methanotroph community was investigated for the first time in heather (Calluna)‐covered moorlands and Sphagnum/Eriophorum‐covered UK peatlands. Direct extraction of mRNA from these soils facilitated detection of expression of methane monooxygenase genes, which revealed that particulate methane monooxygenase and not soluble methane monooxygenase was probably responsible for CH4 oxidation in situ, because only pmoA transcripts (encoding a subunit of particulate methane monooxygenase) were readily detectable. Differences in methanotroph community structures were observed between the Calluna‐covered moorland and Sphagnum/Eriophorum‐covered gully habitats. As with many other Sphagnum‐covered peatlands, the Sphagnum/Eriophorum‐covered gullies were dominated by Methylocystis. Methylocella and Methylocapsa‐related species were also present. Methylobacter‐related species were found as demonstrated by the use of a pmoA‐based diagnostic microarray. In Calluna‐covered moorlands, in addition to Methylocella and Methylocystis, a unique group of peat‐associated type I methanotrophs (Gammaproteobacteria) and a group of uncultivated type II methanotrophs (Alphaproteobacteria) were also found. The pmoA sequences of the latter were only distantly related to Methylocapsa and also to the RA‐14 group of methanotrophs, which are believed to be involved in oxidation of atmospheric concentrations of CH4. Soil samples were also labelled with 13CH4, and subsequent analysis of the 13C‐labelled phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) showed that 16:1ω7, 18:1ω7 and 18:1ω9 were the major labelled PLFAs. The presence of 13C‐labelled 18:1ω9, which was not a major PLFA of any extant methanotrophs, indicated the presence of novel methanotrophs in this peatland.
Characterization of true‐branching cyanobacteria from geothermal sites and hot springs of Costa Rica
Authors: Finsinger Karin , Scholz Ingeborg , Serrano Aurelio , Morales Saylen , Uribe‐Lorio Lorena , Mora Marielos , Sittenfeld Ana , Weckesser Jürgen , Hess Wolfgang R. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryCosta Rica is at the centre of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot. Little is known about cyanobacteria from this region so far. Here, four isolates of the order Stigonematales (section V) were characterized in a polyphasic approach. All strains were isolated from geothermal sites and hot springs of Costa Rica. However, one of them, identified as Westiellopsis sp. Ar73, did not grow at more than 40°C. Based on its identical 16S rRNA to several previously isolated Westiellopsis sp. and Fischerella muscicola strains, a ubiquitous distribution throughout tropical and subtropical regions can be implied. In contrast, the isolates MV9, MV11 and RV14 grew well up to 50–55°C. Based on morphologic, ultrastructural, molecular and physiologic data, MV9, MV11 and RV14 were identified to belong to the genus Fischerella. Two distinct intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) types, with or without tRNA genes, were detected for all Stigonematales analysed here, indicating ITS polymorphism as a characteristic feature of heterocystous cyanobacteria. In phylogenetic trees, these Fischerella spp. formed a new and distinct clade within the wider lineage of thermophilic Fischerella (Mastigocladus cf. laminosus), which might represent a geographic lineage. Thus, geographic isolation may be an underestimated aspect of microbial evolution. The strains presented here are suitable as new models to study this group of cyanobacteria.
The role of the nitrate respiration element of Thermus thermophilus in the control and activity of the denitrification apparatus
Authors: Cava Felipe , Zafra Olga , Da Costa Milton S. , Berenguer José 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe nitrate conjugative element (NCE) encodes the ability to respire nitrate in the facultative Thermus thermophilus NAR1 strain. This process is carried out by two heterotetrameric enzymes that catalyse the oxidation of NADH (Nrc) and the reduction of nitrate (Nar), whose expression is activated by the NCE‐encoded transcription factors DnrS and DnrT. We report the presence of NCE in other facultative strains of T. thermophilus and analyse its role in subsequent steps of the denitrification pathway. We encountered that nrc mutants of denitrifying strains show a decrease in anaerobic growth rates not only with nitrate, but also with nitrite, NO and N2O, which is concomitant to their lower NADH oxidation activities in vitro. We show that nitrate, nitrite and NO are activating signals for transcription of nrc in these strains. Finally, we demonstrate that DnrS and DnrT are required for anaerobic growth not only with nitrate, but also with nitrite, NO and N2O. These data allow us to conclude that: (i) Nrc constitutes the main electron donor for the four reductases of the denitrification pathway, and (ii) the NCE controls the expression of the whole denitrification pathway and the repression of the aerobic respiration through the transcription factors DnrS and DnrT.
Aurora kinase B is an independent protective factor in superficial bladder tumours with a dysfunctional G1 checkpoint
Authors: Bruyere Franck , Corcoran Niall M. , Berdjis Navid , Namdarian Benjamin , Pedersen John , Ockrim Jeremy , Voelzke Bryan B. , Costello Anthony J. , Hovens Christopher M. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the clinical role of Aurora kinases (essential for regulating mitosis) in human bladder pathogenesis, by quantifying Aurora kinase A and B, phospho‐Aurora A, and phospho‐Rb and p53 in bladder tumours, analysing the correlations between expression and clinicopathological features.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe evaluated levels of Aurora A, B, phospho‐Aurora A, phospho‐Rb and p53 in 73 superficial bladder tumours using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry, and correlated expression with pathological variables and clinical outcome.RESULTSNone of the Aurora proteins, when analysed alone, significantly predicted either tumour recurrence or progression. In tumours with an aberrant G1 checkpoint, assessed by phospho‐Rb and p53 status, expression of neither Aurora A nor its phosphorylated form predicted either tumour recurrence or progression. Surprisingly, high expression of Aurora B in tumours with an aberrant G1 checkpoint significantly protected from tumour recurrence. On multivariate analysis, Aurora B was the only significant factor that predicted tumour recurrence in the presence of either phospho‐Rb or mutated p53. This difference was not evident in tumours with an intact G1 checkpoint.CONCLUSIONSHigh expression of Aurora B in superficial bladder tumours with an aberrant G1 checkpoint significantly protects patients from tumour recurrence. The potential application of nonspecific Aurora kinase inhibitors in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer might be detrimental.
The development of personal models of diabetes in the first 2 years after diagnosis: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Lawson V. L. , Bundy C. , Harvey J. N. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims  Personal models of diabetes comprise beliefs about symptoms, treatment effectiveness, consequences and emotional responses to possible future complications. They are associated with, and influence, self‐care behaviour. Little work has examined potential influences on the development and maintenance of personal models. The aims of this study were: (i) to assess changes in personal models over 2 years from diagnosis of diabetes; and (ii) to examine the relative contributions of health threat communication (at diagnosis, since diagnosis, during follow‐up care) and personality to personal models of diabetes 2 years post‐diagnosis.Methods  Newly diagnosed patients were interviewed at diagnosis (< 3 months; time 1) and 6 months (time 2), 1 year (time 3) and 2 years (time 4) after diagnosis. Data were available for 158 patients at time 1 (32 Type 1 patients and 126 Type 2 patients), 147 at time 2, 142 at time 3 and 138 at time 4.Results  Perceptions of symptoms, consequences, course and control of diabetes remained stable over time. Emotional responses decreased and illness coherence (perceived understanding) increased over time. Health threat communication was a stronger predictor of personal models than personality. Emotional responses to diabetes 2 years after diagnosis were predicted by perceptions of a threatening health message (at diagnosis 18%, at follow‐up 5%). Health threat communication predicted perceptions of serious consequences (at diagnosis 5%, at follow‐up 9%). Perceptions of a reassuring message during follow‐up were related to beliefs of treatment effectiveness (26%).Conclusions  The communication of information and the way it is perceived is an important determinant of the patient's view of their diabetes. The initial effects of the education process at diagnosis persisted 2 years after diagnosis.
Should liver function tests be included in definitions of metabolic syndrome? Evidence from the association between liver function tests, components of metabolic syndrome and prevalent cardiovascular disease
Authors: Devers M. C. , Campbell S. , Shaw J , Zimmet P. , Simmons D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims  The definition of metabolic syndrome (MS) continues to be debated and does not include abnormal liver function tests (LFTs). This study aims to determine: (1) the association between the five ATP3 MS diagnostic components and different LFTs, and (2) the association between raised LFTs and prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods  A total of 1357 patients, without alcoholism or known liver disease, from randomly selected households from rural Victoria, Australia, attended for biomedical assessment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas under the curve (AUC) were determined for associations between the ATP3 diagnostic components, and between LFTs and ATP3 diagnostic components.Results  The range of ROC AUC for ATP3 diagnostic components was 0.60–0.77. Waist had the strongest association and blood pressure the weakest. The strength of association between ATP3 diagnostic components and gamma GT (GGT) was similar (0.63–0.72), but was less for alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Using the ROC‐derived GGT cut‐off (men 27 IU, women 20 IU), those with MS and a high GGT had more CVD than those with MS and a low GGT, and those without MS (18% vs. 10% vs. 7%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among those with MS, after adjusting for covariates, the odds ratio of CVD was 2.66 (1.18–5.96) for a high GGT compared to a low GGT. CVD was not significantly more prevalent in MS patients with a low GGT compared to non‐MS patients.Conclusions  We suggest that including a raised GGT in the criteria for MS could increase its predictive nature for CVD. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Varenicline may trigger severe hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kristensen P. L. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard U. , Thorsteinsson B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Varenicline is a new drug indicated for smoking cessation. It has primarily been investigated in healthy adults. The commonest side‐effects are nausea, headache, sleep disturbance, constipation, flatulence and vomiting. Hypoglycaemia has not been reported. As smoking cessation is important to reduce risk of cardiovascular morbidity, especially in diabetes, use of effective drugs indicated for smoking cessation is rational.Case report  We report multiple episodes of severe hypoglycaemia after starting varenicline in a 53‐year‐old woman with Type 1 diabetes. Since onset of diabetes at age 25 years and until start of varenicline therapy, she had only experienced one episode of severe hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia awareness was not impaired. The severe hypoglycaemic episodes disappeared after withdrawal of varenicline.Conclusions  We recommend cautious prescription of varenicline, intensified blood glucose monitoring and careful education of patients with diabetes treated with varenicline. Further investigation of the use of varenicline in patients with diabetes is warranted.
Generation of glyco‐engineered Nicotiana benthamiana for the production of monoclonal antibodies with a homogeneous human‐like N‐glycan structure
Authors: Strasser Richard , Stadlmann Johannes , Schähs Matthias , Stiegler Gabriela , Quendler Heribert , Mach Lukas , Glössl Josef , Weterings Koen , Pabst Martin , Steinkellner Herta 
Published: March 2008

SummaryA common argument against using plants as a production system for therapeutic proteins is their inability to perform authentic human N‐glycosylation (i.e. the presence of β1,2‐xylosylation and core α1,3‐fucosylation). In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to obtain a targeted down‐regulation of the endogenous β1,2‐xylosyltransferase (XylT) and α1,3‐fucosyltransferase (FucT) genes in Nicotiana benthamiana, a tobacco‐related plant species widely used for recombinant protein expression. Three glyco‐engineered lines with significantly reduced xylosylated and/or core α1,3‐fucosylated glycan structures were generated. The human anti HIV monoclonal antibody 2G12 was transiently expressed in these glycosylation mutants as well as in wild‐type plants. Four glycoforms of 2G12 differing in the presence/absence of xylose and core α1,3‐fucose residues in their N‐glycans were produced. Notably, 2G12 produced in XylT/FucT‐RNAi plants was found to contain an almost homogeneous N‐glycan species without detectable xylose and α1,3‐fucose residues. Plant‐derived glycoforms were indistinguishable from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐derived 2G12 with respect to electrophoretic properties, and exhibited functional properties (i.e. antigen binding and HIV neutralization activity) at least equivalent to those of the CHO counterpart. The generated RNAi lines were stable, viable and did not show any obvious phenotype, thus providing a robust tool for the production of therapeutically relevant glycoproteins in plants with a humanized N‐glycan structure.
Cross‐constituency Organizing in Canadian Unions
Authors: Briskin Linda 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article explores cross‐constituency organizing inside three Canadian unions that involves dual, parallel and integrated structures. It assesses these approaches with reference to the conceptual frame of intersectional political practice. In particular, this study highlights the institutionalization of intersectionality through constitutional, organizational and representational intersectionality. The paradigm of autonomy and integration is used to identify effective mechanisms for cross‐constituency vehicles. Cross‐constituency organizing is a form of coalition‐building inside unions It is a vehicle for building solidarities across identities and advancing equity organizing in Canadian unions that supports, at one and the same time, union revitalization and the union equity project.