bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The primary target of the killer toxin from Pichia acaciae is tRNAGln
Authors: Klassen Roland , Paluszynski John P. , Wemhoff Sabrina , Pfeiffer Annika , Fricke Julia , Meinhardt Friedhelm 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe Pichia acaciae killer toxin (PaT) arrests yeast cells in the S‐phase of the cell cycle and induces DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Surprisingly, loss of the tRNA‐methyltransferase Trm9 – along with the Elongator complex involved in synthesis of 5‐methoxy‐carbonyl‐methyl (mcm5) modification in certain tRNAs – conferred resistance against PaT. Overexpression of mcm5‐modified tRNAs identified tRNAGln(UUG) as the intracellular target. Consistently, toxin‐challenged cells displayed reduced levels of tRNAGln and in vitro the heterologously expressed active toxin subunit disrupts the integrity of tRNAGln(UUG). Other than Kluyveromyces lactis zymocin, an endonuclease specific for tRNAGlu(UUC), affecting its target in a mcm5‐dependent manner, PaT exerts activity also on tRNAGln lacking such modification. As sensitivity is restored in trm9 elp3 double mutants, target tRNA cleavage is selectively inhibited by incomplete wobble uridine modification, as seen in trm9, but not in elp3 or trm9 elp3 cells. In addition to tRNAGln(UUG), tRNAGln(CUG) is also cleaved in vitro and overexpression of the corresponding gene increased resistance. Consistent with tRNAGln(CUG) as an additional TRM9‐independent target, overexpression of PaT's tRNase subunit abolishes trm9 resistance. Most interestingly, a functional DSB repair pathway confers PaT but also zymocin resistance, suggesting DNA damage to occur generally concomitant with specific tRNA offence.
Effects of feed particle size at dietary presence of added organic acids on caecal parameters and the prevalence of Salmonella in fattening pigs on farm and at slaughter
Authors: Visscher C. F. , Winter P. , Verspohl J. , Stratmann‐Selke J. , Upmann M. , Beyerbach M. , Kamphues J. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryIn a field study with fattening pigs, effects of feed particle size at the dietary presence of organic acids on Salmonella prevalence were measured. On two farms (f1/f2), each holding ∼800 pigs, diets based on finely ground (control) or coarsely ground ingredients (experiment) were fed as crumbs. On f1 both control and experimental grower and finisher diets contained identical concentrations of formic and propionic acid (0.4% and 0.2% respectively). On f2 only finisher diet of the experimental group contained 1.2% potassium diformate. At the start of the fattening period no statistical differences were measured between Salmonella prevalence in animals fed control and experimental diets on both farms. At slaughter Salmonella prevalence in caecal contents was lower (p < 0.05) on f1 in animals fed the experimental diet. Furthermore, the number of seronegative meat juice samples taken from these animals [optical density (OD) <10] was higher (p < 0.001); seropositive as well as distinct seropositive samples (OD ≥20 and ≥40 respectively) were less frequent (p < 0.01) compared to samples from animals fed the control diet. Feeding the experimental diet on f2 resulted in a lower Salmonella detection rate in faeces before slaughter (p < 0.01). Salmonella prevalence was lower in caecal content at slaughter for pigs fed the experimental diet compared to those fed control diet (p < 0.0001). The number of distinct seropositive meat juice samples (OD ≥40) was lower (p < 0.01) for pigs fed the experimental than for those fed the control diet. In comparison to pigs in the control group, starch concentrations in the caecal content from pigs in the experimental groups on both farms were higher (p < 0.05) and the pH values lower (p < 0.05). Propionate (p < 0.0001) and butyrate (p < 0.01) concentrations were higher in the caecal content taken from pigs in the experimental group on f2.
When do host–parasite interactions drive the evolution of non‐random mating?
Authors: Nuismer Scott L. , Otto Sarah P. , Blanquart François 
Published: June 2008

AbstractInteractions with parasites may promote the evolution of disassortative mating in host populations as a mechanism through which genetically diverse offspring can be produced. This possibility has been confirmed through simulation studies and suggested for some empirical systems in which disassortative mating by disease resistance genotype has been documented. The generality of this phenomenon is unclear, however, because existing theory has considered only a subset of possible genetic and mating scenarios. Here we present results from analytical models that consider a broader range of genetic and mating scenarios and allow the evolution of non‐random mating in the parasite as well. Our results confirm results of previous simulation studies, demonstrating that coevolutionary interactions with parasites can indeed lead to the evolution of host disassortative mating. However, our results also show that the conditions under which this occurs are significantly more fickle than previously thought, requiring specific forms of infection genetics and modes of non‐random mating that do not generate substantial sexual selection. In cases where such conditions are not met, hosts may evolve random or assortative mating. Our analyses also reveal that coevolutionary interactions with hosts cause the evolution of non‐random mating in parasites as well. In some cases, particularly those where mating occurs within groups, we find that assortative mating evolves sufficiently to catalyze sympatric speciation in the interacting species.
High beta diversity of bacteria in the shallow terrestrial subsurface
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Wu Yucheng , Jiang Hongchen , Li Chunhai , Dong Hailiang , Wu Qinglong , Soininen Janne , Shen Ji 
Published: June 2008

SummaryWhile there have been a vast number of studies on bacterial alpha diversity in the shallow terrestrial subsurface, beta diversity – how the bacterial community composition changes with spatial distance – has received surprisingly limited attention. Here, bacterial beta diversity and its controlling factors are investigated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and cloning of samples from a 700‐cm‐long sediment core, the lower half of which consisted of marine‐originated sediments. According to canonical correspondence analysis with variation partitioning, contemporary environmental variables explain beta diversity in a greater proportion than depth. However, we also found that community similarity decayed significantly with spatial distance and the slopes of the distance–decay relationships are relatively high. The high beta diversity indicates that the bacterial distribution patterns are not only controlled by contemporary environments, but also related to historical events, that is, dispersal or depositional history. This is highlighted by the different beta diversity patterns among studied sediment layers. We thus conclude that the high beta diversity in the shallow terrestrial subsurface is a trade‐off between historical events and environmental heterogeneity. Furthermore, we suggest that the high beta diversity of bacteria is likely to be recapitulated in other terrestrial sites because of the great frequency of high geochemical and/or historical variations along depth.
Relationships between Facets of Job Satisfaction and Task and Contextual Performance
Authors: Edwards Bryan D. , Bell Suzanne T. , Arthur, Jr. Winfred , Decuir Arlette D. 
Published: June 2008

This study examined the relationship between job satisfaction and task and contextual performance. Specifically, it assessed this relationship for overall as well as facets of job satisfaction. Four hundred and forty‐four employees in a manufacturing plant completed measures of job satisfaction and their supervisors completed measures of task and contextual job performance. Results indicate that the relationships between overall job satisfaction and task and contextual performance were the same. However, when the facets of job satisfaction were considered, different relationships emerged. There was a stronger relationship between satisfaction with supervision and contextual performance compared to task performance. In contrast, there was a stronger relationship between satisfaction with work and task performance compared to contextual performance. Results indicated the importance of considering different facets with the job satisfaction and job performance relationship, as well as the importance of matching predictors and criteria in terms of their levels of specificity.Cette étude examine la relation entre la satisfaction au travail, la tâche et la performance en contexte. Plus spécifiquement, cette relation a étéévaluée en envisageant la relation au travail de façon globale ou selon différentes facettes. La satisfaction au travail a été mesurée auprès de 444 salariés d’une usine de fabrication, la tâche et la performance en contexte ont étéévaluées par leurs supérieurs. Les résultats indiquent que les relations entre la satisfaction au travail envisagée de façon globale, la tâche et la performance en contexte sont les mêmes. Cependant, quand on distingue les facettes de la satisfaction au travail, des relations différentes émergent. Il y a une relation plus importante entre la satisfaction envers la supervision et la performance en contexte qu’entre la satisfaction envers la supervision et la performance. En revanche, il y a une relation plus forte entre la satisfaction du travail et la performance qu’entre la satisfaction du travail et la performance en contexte. Les résultats indiquent l’importance de trouver des indicateurs et des critères qui rendent compte de ces spécificités.
A polymorphism in a transporter of testosterone is a determinant of androgen independence in prostate cancer
Authors: Sharifi Nima , Hamada Akinobu , Sissung Tristan , Danesi Romano , Venzon David , Baum Caitlin , Gulley James L. , Price Douglas K. , Dahut William L. , Figg William D. 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo determine if patients with advanced prostate cancer carrying a polymorphism that codes for a more active testosterone transporter have less durable responses to androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) than patients not carrying this polymorphism.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe previously determined that a polymorphism in SLCO1B3 affects testosterone transport and that those men who have at least one wild‐type T allele at the 334 T > G polymorphism in this gene have a shorter survival. We hypothesized that the T allele which increases testosterone transport would be associated with a shorter interval from ADT to androgen independence. We examined the association between this SLCO1B3 polymorphism and time from ADT to androgen independence, ADT to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nadir and PSA nadir to androgen independence in 68 Caucasian patients with advanced prostate cancer who were treated with ADT with metastatic disease (D2) or biochemical failure with no metastatic disease (D0).RESULTSWhen examined separately, patients in the individual stages tended to have a shorter time to androgen independence with the T allele in the D0 (P = 0.11) and D2 (P = 0.18) groups. Combining these groups and stratifying by stage yielded a statistically significant shorter time to androgen independence with the T allele (P = 0.048).CONCLUSIONA polymorphism in a transporter that increases testosterone import is associated with a shorter time to androgen independence in patients with prostate cancer who are treated with ADT.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection combined with adjuvant chemotherapy for pathological stage II disease in nonseminomatous germ cell tumours: a 15‐year experience
Authors: Cresswell Joanne , Scheitlin Walter , Gozen Ali , Lenz Elke , Teber Dogu , Rassweiler Jens 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo present our 15‐year experience of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LRPLND) combined with adjuvant chemotherapy (after RPLND) for patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumour and positive nodes (pN+), evaluating the morbidity and long‐term oncological outcome.PATIENTS AND METHODSData for 87 patients with clinical stage I GCT were collected prospectively from 1992 to 2007. Primary diagnostic LRPLND was performed for pathological staging using a modified‐template dissection. Patients with lymph node involvement had adjuvant chemotherapy, with two cycles of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin.RESULTSThe mean (range) operative duration was 177 (68–360) min, and the hospital stay 6 (4–18) days. Positive nodes were identified in 24% of patients, who subsequently had adjuvant chemotherapy. After a mean (range) follow‐up of 84 (1–186) months, distant relapse occurred in 9% of patients with pathological stage I (no adjuvant chemotherapy), including three patients with pulmonary metastases, two with retroperitoneal recurrence (outside the template field), two biochemical recurrences (α‐fetoprotein elevated) and one port‐site metastasis. No patients with pN+ disease relapsed. There were complications after surgery in 9% of patients, i.e. one pulmonary embolus, one lymphocoele, temporary ureteric stenting in two, ureteric stenosis requiring surgical repair in three and retrograde ejaculation in one patient. All patients remain disease‐free.CONCLUSIONSAfter gaining experience, LRPLND has comparable operative times to contemporary open series, and low morbidity. The two retroperitoneal recurrences (2.5%) were outside the template field. No patients with pN+ had a recurrence, showing the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy. Our approach provides excellent oncological outcomes, avoiding intensive surveillance.
Positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy: do they have an impact on biochemical or clinical progression?
Authors: Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Pahernik Sascha , Tremmel Tina , Haferkamp Axel , Buse Stephan , Hohenfellner Markus 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo prospectively examine the effects of the margin status after radical prostatectomy (RP), the location, and the number of positive surgical margins (PSMs) on biochemical and clinical outcome, as even if there seems to be little debate that there is a higher risk of both local and distant recurrence of prostate cancer in the face of a PSM the significance of a PSM after RP is only followed for biochemical progression in most studies.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom our prospective database, 406 consecutive well‐described patients without neoadjuvant and ‘direct postoperative’ adjuvant therapy who underwent RP were included. The median age was 64.7 years, the median preoperative PSA level was 7.9 ng/mL, and the median follow‐up was 5.2 years. We analysed pathological tumour stage, grading, number and location of PSMs, PSA‐free survival, local recurrence‐free survival, metastasis‐free survival, prostate cancer‐specific and, overall survival prospectively.RESULTSThe overall rate of PSMs was 17.2%. The number was higher in higher stage (P < 0.001) and higher grade tumours (P = 0.041). For a PSM the PSA recurrence rate was 64.3%, the local recurrence rate was 18.6%, the development of distant metastasis was 15.7% and therefore much higher than in patients with negative margins (20.5%, 2.7%, and 1.5%). A PSM was an adverse predictor for PSA‐free survival (P < 0.001), local recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.002), and development of metastasis (P = 0.003) on multivariate analysis. The number and location of PSMs was of no additional prognostic value.CONCLUSIONSA PSM increases the risk of biochemical and clinical e.g. local, disease progression after RP. The number and location of PSMs is of minor importance. Although only ≈20% of patients with a PSM will develop local recurrence, surgeons should continue to strive to reduce the rate of PSMs to improve cancer control.
Prevalence of HSV‐2 antibody in a Melbourne antenatal population attending a tertiary obstetric hospital
Authors: SASADEUSZ Joseph John , SILVERS Julie Elizabeth , KENT Helen Elizabeth , DEVENISH Wayne , HOCKING Jane , GARLAND Suzanne Marie 
Published: June 2008

Objective: To determine the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV‐2) seroprevalence rate in a Melbourne antenatal cohort.Design: Prospective collection of serum and questionnaires in 1371 women attending an outpatient antenatal clinic.Setting: A tertiary obstetric hospital in metropolitan Melbourne.Participants: Women aged 18 years or older attending an antenatal clinic appointment.Main outcome measure: Seroprevalence rate of HSV‐2 using an ELISA‐based‐ type‐specific serological assay.Results: The overall HSV‐2 seroprevalence rate in women was 13.6%. Only 0.4% of assays were equivocal and required confirmation by Western blot analysis. By multivariate analysis, HSV‐2 seroprevalence was found to be associated with increasing age (odds ratio (OR) 4.63; confidence interval (CI) 1.86, 11.52 for age greater than 40 years), increasing number of sexual partners (OR 4.07, CI 2.13, 7.7 for five or more) and a past history of genital herpes in the index case (OR 5.48, CI 2.77, 10.87) or in a current or previous partner (OR 8.29, CI 4.15 to 16.56).Conclusions: HSV‐2 seroprevalence rates in Melbourne are comparable to other similar populations in Australia. Routine antenatal screening for HSV‐2 is probably not warranted but targeted screening based on numbers of sexual partners or a history of genital herpes in partners may be justified.
Nocturia among women aged 60 or older in Taiwan
Authors: HSIEH Ching‐Hung , KUO Tsung‐Cheng , HSU Chun‐Sen , CHANG Shao‐Tung , LEE Meng‐Chih 
Published: June 2008

Background:  From a public health point of view, it is important to evaluate the prevalence of nocturia and to identify the associated factors for nocturia among the elderly that might impair the quality of life of sufferers. However, those among the Taiwanese female population aged 60 or older are still unclear.Aims:  To estimate the prevalence of nocturia in Taiwanese women aged 60 or older and to assess its associated factors.Methods:  Nocturia, defined by the International Continence Society, and its associated problems were evaluated, and medical history and sociodemographic variables were recorded. A sample of 2410 female was selected by a multistage random sampling method.Results:  Six hundred and twenty‐one women who were selected had been deceased. Face‐to‐face interviews with 1523 women were completed, producing a response rate of 85.1% (1523 of 1789) and 73.5% (1120 of 1523) of the interviewees reported having had nocturia. Age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prior drug allergy and urinary incontinence significantly increased the risk of nocturia.Conclusions:  Although the pathophysiologies of nocturia are still not all known, it is a common condition among Taiwanese women. Multiple approaches are necessary to treat the patients with nocturia. Treatment of nocturia in this patient population can both improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of deterioration in their general state of health.
Maternal deaths in New South Wales, Australia: A data linkage project
Authors: CLIFFE Susan , BLACK Deborah , BRYANT Joanne , SULLIVAN Elizabeth 
Published: June 2008

Background: The magnitude of maternal mortality is underestimated as deaths occurring beyond the traditional 42‐day time period after the pregnancy ending (‘late death’) have not been reported routinely in Australia.Aims: The aims of this study were to undertake a data linkage study to improve the ascertainment of maternal deaths and to determine the number of deaths occurring 43–365 days after the pregnancy ended (‘late maternal death’).Methods: Data from the New South Wales Midwives Data Collection were linked with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Death Index. Australian identified pregnancy‐related deaths were then coded as direct, indirect and incidental to the pregnancy.Results: During the period 1994–2001, 173 maternal deaths were identified. Of these, 97 were classified as occurring up to 42 days of the pregnancy ending, 15 (15.5%) of which were previously unknown to the maternal mortality committee. In addition, 76 deaths were classified as occurring between 43 and 365 days after the pregnancy ended. The majority (70 of 76) of these late deaths were only identified through the linkage study. Most (73 of 76) of these deaths were classified as indirect maternal deaths with the most common causes of deaths suicide (n= 23), cardiac disorders (n= 16) or accident/violence (n= 16).Conclusions: The ascertainment of maternal and late maternal mortality was enhanced through data linkage of birth and mortality data. Data linkage is a viable method for monitoring late maternal deaths.
Tardive dyskinesia with ziprasidone and citalopram use in an elderly female patient
Authors: OZBULUT Omer , EMUL Murat , GULER Ozkan , GECICI Omer 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTardive dyskinesia (TD) is occasionally an irreversible condition caused by antipsychotic treatment. Second‐generation antipsychotics are considered to have less extrapyramidal effects, including causing TD. Herein, we present a case of TD following ziprasidone use. A 67 year‐old woman started to hear voices and ‘see’ people speaking to her, especially while praying. She presented to our clinic with anxiety, anhedonia, dysphoria, and auditory hallucinations. She was admitted with a diagnosis of depressive disorder with psychotic features. Citalopram 20 mg/day and ziprasidone 40 mg b.i.d. were started. After her symptoms had been relieved, the patient was was discharged and with monthly follow up. At her first visit 1 month after discharge, orofacial dyskinesia was found on physical examination. Ziprasidone may be associated with TD, even in someone who has never been exposed to a traditional neuroleptic. However, concomittant treatment with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the present case may have favored the appearance of TD.
Efficacy of risperidone in the treatment of delirium in elderly patients
Authors: IKEZAWA Koji , CANUET Leonides , ISHII Ryouhei , IWASE Masao , TESHIMA Yoshio , TAKEDA Masatoshi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground:  Despite increasing recognition of delirium as a serious complication of physical illness, little has been reported in this area. Interest has been raised in treatment options other than haloperidol, such as atypical antipsychotic agents.Methods:  A 2‐week open‐label trial of risperidone for the treatment of delirium was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerance of this medication in elderly patients. Twenty‐two patients with DSM‐IV‐defined delirium were investigated. All patients had the hyperactive–hyperalert variant of delirium. Patients received a fixed dose of risperidone (mean 1.5 ± 0.7 mg; range 0.5–3 mg). Delirium was assessed using the Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) at baseline and on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 after the initiation of risperidone treatment. Clinical and demographic data, as well as risperidone therapy related information, were collected.Results:  Delirium resolved in all patients over the course of treatment. The mean period over which delirium resolved was 4.0 ± 2.9 days. The mean DRS score at baseline was 20.7 ± 3.0. The DRS score improved from baseline to Day 1 of treatment and continued to improve until the study end‐point. Mild side‐effects were present in 27.3% of patients. Stepwise logistic regression identified a decrease of 2 points or higher on the DRS on Day 1 associated with side‐effects. There were no significant differences in the response to treatment with the different doses of risperidone used.Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that low‐dose risperidone (0.5–3.0 mg/day) is effective and safe for the treatment of delirium in elderly patients, and that an early response on Day 1 of treatment may be associated with side‐effects in these patients.