bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low reproductive success for copepods during a bloom of the non‐aldehyde‐producing diatom Cerataulina pelagica in the North Adriatic Sea
Authors: Ianora Adrianna , Casotti Raffaella , Bastianini Mauro , Brunet Christophe , D’Ippolito Giuliana , Acri Francesco , Fontana Angelo , Cutignano Adele , Turner Jefferson T. , Miralto Antonio 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEgg production rates and/or hatching success in the copepods Acartia clausi, Calanus helgolandicus and Temora longicornis were negatively affected by a late spring (May–June 2003) phytoplankton bloom in the North Adriatic Sea, dominated mainly by the large diatom Cerataulina pelagica. Highest total concentrations of 3.3·104 cells·ml−1 were located in the vicinity of the Po River, which also corresponded to the area where the highest numbers of phaeophorbides were measured (0.779, 0.528 and 0.419 μg·l−1, respectively, compared to an average of the remaining stations of 0.183 ± 0.049 SD), suggesting some grazing on the bloom. Phytoplankton biomass in terms of carbon was dominated by diatoms, representing on average 42% of total phytoplankton carbon and more than 80% at several stations. Cerataulina pelagica, Cyclotella spp., Chaetoceros spp. and small unidentified centric diatoms dominated the diatom community numerically but C. pelagica was by far the dominant diatom in terms of carbon due to its large cell size. This species represented more than 60% of the diatom biomass at nine of the 14 stations sampled, and was absent only at one station, which was the most offshore station sampled during the cruise. Although polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) were not detected, other oxylipins which are hydroxy and keto derivatives of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids that affect copepod reproduction were found in these samples. Hence, we can attribute the negative impact of diatoms not only to PUAs, as previously believed, but also to these compounds. This is the first direct evidence of the presence of oxylipins other than PUAs in marine blooms dominated by diatoms.
Composition and activity of external carbonic anhydrase of microalgae from karst lakes in China
Authors: Wu Yanyou , Li Pingping , Wang Baoli , Liu Congqiang , He Mei , Chen Chuan 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARYThe species composition, the net photosynthetic O2 evolution rate and the activity of external carbonic anhydrase (CA) of microalgae from three reservoirs were studied. Carbonic anhydrase activity had a significant positive correlation with the density of Cyanobacteria in Lake Aha. Microalgae's carbonic anhydrase activity in Lakes Baihua and Hongfeng was related to the density of Chlorophyceae. The species abundances of microalgae in Lake Aha, Lake Baihua, and Lake Hongfeng were different. A relationship between carbonic anhydrase activity and net photosynthetic O2 evolution rate had also been established. Algae with external CA influenced the algal productivity. These results demonstrate the role of external CA in facilitating the availability of CO2 that limits the photosynthesis of microalgae in karst lakes in China.
Roles of type IV pili, flagellum‐mediated motility and extracellular DNA in the formation of mature multicellular structures in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Barken Kim B. , Pamp Sünje J. , Yang Liang , Gjermansen Morten , Bertrand Jacob J. , Klausen Mikkel , Givskov Michael , Whitchurch Cynthia B. , Engel Joanne N. , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWhen grown as a biofilm in laboratory flow chambers Pseudomonas aeruginosa can develop mushroom‐shaped multicellular structures consisting of distinct subpopulations in the cap and stalk portions. We have previously presented evidence that formation of the cap portion of the mushroom‐shaped structures in P. aeruginosa biofilms occurs via bacterial migration and depends on type IV pili (Mol Microbiol 50: 61–68). In the present study we examine additional factors involved in the formation of this multicellular substructure. While pilA mutants, lacking type IV pili, are deficient in mushroom cap formation, pilH and chpA mutants, which are inactivated in the type IV pili‐linked chemosensory system, showed only minor defects in cap formation. On the contrary, fliM mutants, which are non‐flagellated, and cheY mutants, which are inactivated in the flagellum‐linked chemotaxis system, were largely deficient in cap formation. Experiments involving DNase treatment of developing biofilms provided evidence that extracellular DNA plays a role in cap formation. Moreover, mutants that are deficient in quorum sensing‐controlled DNA release formed microcolonies upon which wild‐type bacteria could not form caps. These results constitute evidence that type IV pili, flagellum‐mediated motility and quorum sensing‐controlled DNA release are involved in the formation of mature multicellular structures in P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Molecular analysis of a novel gene cluster encoding an insect toxin in plant‐associated strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Péchy‐Tarr Maria , Bruck Denny J. , Maurhofer Monika , Fischer Esther , Vogne Christelle , Henkels Marcella D. , Donahue Kelly M. , Grunder Jürg , Loper Joyce E. , Keel Christoph 
Published: May 2008

Summary Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0 and the related strain Pf‐5 are well‐characterized representatives of rhizosphere bacteria that have the capacity to protect crop plants from fungal root diseases, mainly by releasing a variety of exoproducts that are toxic to plant pathogenic fungi. Here, we report that the two plant‐beneficial pseudomonads also exhibit potent insecticidal activity. Anti‐insect activity is linked to a novel genomic locus encoding a large protein toxin termed Fit (for P. fluorescensinsecticidal toxin) that is related to the insect toxin Mcf (Makes caterpillars floppy) of the entomopathogen Photorhabdus luminescens, a mutualist of insect‐invading nematodes. When injected into the haemocoel, even low doses of P. fluorescens CHA0 or Pf‐5 killed larvae of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. In contrast, mutants of CHA0 or Pf‐5 with deletions in the Fit toxin gene were significantly less virulent to the larvae. When expressed from an inducible promoter in a non‐toxic Escherichia coli host, the Fit toxin gene was sufficient to render the bacterium toxic to both insect hosts. Our findings establish the Fit gene products of P. fluorescens CHA0 and Pf‐5 as potent insect toxins that define previously unappreciated anti‐insect properties of these plant‐colonizing bacteria.
The Cry48Aa‐Cry49Aa binary toxin from Bacillus sphaericus exhibits highly restricted target specificity
Authors: Jones Gareth W. , Wirth Margaret C. , Monnerat Rose G. , Berry Colin 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa binary toxin of Bacillus sphaericus was recently discovered by its ability to kill Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae through a novel interaction between its two components. We have investigated the target specificity of this toxin and show it to be non‐toxic to coleopteran, lepidopteran and other dipteran insects, including closely related Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. This represents an unusually restricted target range for crystal toxins from either B. sphaericus or Bacillus thuringiensis. Gut extracts from Culex and Aedes larvae show differential processing of the Cry48Aa protein, with the location of cleavage sites in Culex reflecting those previously shown for the activation of Cry4 toxins in mosquitoes. Pre‐activation of Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa with Culex extracts, however, fails to induce toxicity to Aedes larvae. Co‐administration of Cry49Aa with Cry4Aa gives higher than predicted toxicity, perhaps suggesting weak synergism against Culex larvae between Cry49Aa and other three‐domain Cry toxins.
The presence of lymphovascular invasion in radical cystectomy specimens from patients with urothelial carcinoma portends a poor clinical prognosis
Authors: Canter Daniel , Guzzo Thomas , Resnick Matthew , Magerfleisch Laurie , Sonnad Seema , Bergey Meredith , Tomazewski John , Vaughn David , Van Arsdalen Keith , Malkowicz Bruce 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVESTo assess the prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on clinical outcomes in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy (RC).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively evaluated a prospectively maintained and authorised cystectomy database; the presence or absence of LVI was determined by pathological examination of the RC specimen. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan‐Meier tables were developed to evaluate the contribution of LVI to clinical outcomes.RESULTSIn all, we analysed 356 patients treated with RC and urinary diversion between 1988 and 2006, with a mean follow‐up of 45.6 months. Of these patients, 242 (68%) had no evidence of LVI in the RC specimen, whereas 114 (32%) had LVI. Patients with LVI tended to present with higher pathological stage; 84 (74%) had pT3 or pT4 disease. On univariable analysis the presence of LVI conferred a significant risk for decreased overall, cancer‐specific and recurrence‐free survival (P < 0.001); the mean values for LVI‐negative patients were 96.8, 157.4, and 135.0 months, respectively, vs LVI‐positive patients, whose survival times were 52.3, 82.7 and 75.2 months, respectively. The multivariable analysis showed significant independent risk for cancer‐specific and overall survival for patients who were LVI‐positive and had no lymph‐node metastases. The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.63 (1.06–2.51, P < 0.026) and 1.81 (1.06–3.08, P < 0.03) for overall and disease‐specific survival, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe presence of LVI in the pathological RC specimen confers significant independent risk for reduced bladder cancer‐specific and overall survival. This variable could be used to prospectively stratify patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
A safe and simple solution for intravesical tension‐free vaginal tape erosion: removal by standard transurethral resection
Authors: Huwyler Mirjam , Springer Johannes , Kessler Thomas M. , Burkhard Fiona C. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo report our experience with the successful removal of visible tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) by standard transurethral electroresection, as intravesical tape erosion after TVT is a rare complication, and removal can be challenging, with few cases reported.PATIENTS AND METHODSFive patients presenting with TVT erosion into the bladder were treated at our institutions from December 2004 to July 2007; all had standard transurethral electroresection. Their records were reviewed retrospectively to retrieve data on presenting symptoms, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures and outcomes.RESULTSThe median (range) interval between the TVT procedure and the onset of symptoms was 17 (1–32) months. The predominant symptoms were painful micturition, recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), urgency and urge incontinence. There were no complications during surgery. The storage symptoms and UTI resolved completely after removing the eroded mesh in all but one patient. Cystoscopy at 1 month after surgery showed complete healing of the bladder mucosa.CONCLUSIONAlthough TVT erosion into the bladder is rare, persistent symptoms, particularly recurrent UTIs, must raise some suspicion for this condition. Standard transurethral electroresection seems to be a safe, simple, minimally invasive and successful treatment option for TVT removal.
Risk factors associated with renal parenchymal fracture during laparoscopic cryoablation
Authors: Hruby Gregory , Edelstein Andrew , Karpf Jason , Durak Evren , Phillips Courtney , Lehman Daniel , Landman Jaime 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the risk factors for haemorrhage and renal fracture associated with renal cryoablation.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn a porcine model, 120 cryoablations were administered in 26 pigs, with five groups of 24 ice‐balls each; in groups 1 and 2 asynchronous cryoprobe activation was evaluated for the 1.47‐ and 3.4‐mm cryoprobes (IceRods, Galil Medical, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA), respectively; in group 3, three‐3.4 mm cryoprobes were used to examine synchronous probe activation; in group 4 the 1.47‐mm cryoprobe was used to examine single‐probe activation with premature cryoprobe extraction; and in group 5 we used a new ‘guillotine’ technique for upper‐pole renal cryoablation. Ice‐ball fractures and haemorrhage were characterized by the location, length and depth of each fracture, was well as the degree of bleeding.RESULTSIn all, 26 domestic pigs successfully had renal cryoablation procedures. In group 1 and 4 there were no episodes of renal fracture; in group 2 renal fracture occurred in 10 (42%) trials. Group 3 had 22 (92%) renal fractures during the freeze/thaw cycle. Group 5 had 13 (54%) renal fractures during the freeze/thaw cycle, and there was an additional ice‐ball fracture during probe removal once in 24 times.CONCLUSIONSRenal fracture is most common with the application of larger 3.4‐mm cryoprobes in the synchronous and asynchronous setting. Under standard application, smaller (1.47‐mm) cryoprobes result in little renal fracture or bleeding. The use of the guillotine technique is associated with a greater risk of renal fracture.
The long‐term outcome of prenatally detected posterior urethral valves: a 10 to 23‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kousidis Grigorios , Thomas David F.M. , Morgan Henry , Haider Nadeem , Subramaniam Ramnath , Feather Sally 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo document the functional outcome of patients with prenatally detected posterior urethral valves (PUV) in the second decade of life, and to evaluate the possible impact of prenatal diagnosis on the long‐term outcome of this conditionPATIENTS AND METHODSWe analysed the functional outcome of 25 patients with prenatally detected PUV born between 1984 and 1996, whose mean (range) age at follow‐up was 17.7 (10–23) years. The findings were compared with those in 17 patients (mean age 16.1 years) who had presented clinically to our unit during the same period. The duration of follow‐up in both groups was ≥10 years. Late outcomes were also compared with published data for PUV. Outcome measures included; death, incidence of end‐stage renal failure (ESRF), age at transplantation and the most the recently available plasma creatinine level in untransplanted patients. We also examined any possible association between functional outcome and early predictors, including nadir plasma creatinine level at <1 year and vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR).RESULTSThree patients died (12%), two as neonates and one aged 3 years. Of five patients who had been shunted in utero, four died or developed early‐onset renal failure. In the 23 prenatally detected patients who survived the neonatal period, four (17%) had a renal transplant at a mean (range) age of 6.5  (3.0–12.0) years. Of 19 patients with prenatally detected PUV who had not been transplanted in the first 12 years of life, only one (5%) developed new‐onset ESRF at 10.0–23.4 years whilst 11 (58%) of these patients had normal creatinine values. In the untransplanted patients there was a statistically significant correlation between age and plasma creatinine level, but no correlation between late functional outcome and nadir creatinine in the first year of life, or bilateral VUR.CONCLUSIONSPrenatal diagnosis had little impact on mortality or ESRF in the first decade of life. This appears to be largely predetermined by renal dysplasia and the severity of intrauterine obstruction. However, the functional outcome of patients with prenatally detected PUV aged 10–23 years was considerably better than published long‐term data and the outcome of clinically presenting patients in our study. These findings suggest that the long‐term prognosis of PUV of intermediate severity might be improved by prenatal diagnosis.
The effect of ovariectomy and oestrogen therapy on the free fatty acid content, endogenous lipase activity, and phospholipid content of the rabbit urinary bladder
Authors: Lin Wei‐Yu , Radu Florian , Schuler Catherine , Leggett Robert E. , Mannikarottu Anita , Levin Robert M. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of ovariectomy (Ovx) and oestrogen therapy on the free fatty acid (FFA) content, endogenous lipase activity, and the phospholipid (PL) content of the urinary bladder, as reduced circulating oestrogen during and after the menopause has been linked to various bladder dysfunctions including incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 12 New Zealand White female rabbits were separated into three groups; the Ovx + oestrogen group received Ovx and treatment with conjugated β‐oestradiol (3 weeks), the Ovx group received Ovx and vehicle (3 weeks), and the control group received sham operation and vehicle. Cystometry was used to evaluate compliance and in vitro muscle strip studies quantified contractility. For the bulk of the bladder, the muscle and mucosa were separated; FFA and PL concentrations were analysed using standard biochemical techniques.RESULTSThe bladder contractile responses and compliance decreased after Ovx and returned to or above normal after oestrogen administration. Both FFA and PL concentrations of the mucosa were about three times greater than that of the smooth muscle. Ovx significantly reduced the FFA and PL concentrations of both muscle and mucosa, while oestrogen therapy restored them to normal.CONCLUSIONSReduced FFA and PL content of the smooth muscle membranes would decrease their fluidity and contribute to decreased compliance and contractility. Reduced FFA and PL content of the mucosa would be consistent with mucosal damage and may contribute to the increased incidences of incontinence and bladder infection.
Docetaxel, with or without estramustine phosphate, as first‐line chemotherapy for hormone‐refractory prostate cancer: results of a multicentre, randomized phase II trial
Authors: Caffo Orazio , Sava Teodoro , Comploj Evi , Fariello Annamaria , Zustovich Fable , Segati Romana , Sacco Cosimo , Valduga Francesco , Cetto Gianluigi , Galligioni Enzo 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo report the results of a randomized phase II trial of docetaxel with and without estramustine phosphate (EP) in patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients with progressive HRPC were randomized to receive docetaxel 70 mg/m2 on day 1 (arm A), or docetaxel 70 mg/m2 on day 2 plus oral EP three times daily, at a total daily dose of 840 mg, on days 1–5 (arm B). The primary objective of the trial was to evaluate the activity of the treatments in terms of the response in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.RESULTSForty‐five of the 49 patients centrally randomized to arm A and 44 of the 46 in arm B were evaluable for activity. The PSA level decreased by ≥50% in 40% of the patients in arm A and in 75% of those in arm B. The median time to PSA progression was 20 weeks in arm A and 30 weeks in arm B. The patients in arm B had an improvement in pain over time.CONCLUSIONThese data support the existence of a possible advantage in combining docetaxel and EP, which should be verified in a specific randomized phase III study.
The prevalence of the G2019S and R1441C/G/H mutations in LRRK2 in German patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Möller J. C. , Rissling I. , Mylius V. , Höft C. , Eggert K. M. , Oertel W. H 
Published: May 2008

Background and purpose:  The prevalence of the heterozygous G2019S and R1441C/G/H mutations in LRRK2 in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) has shown a great variability depending on the sample population. Here we investigated the prevalence of these mutations in a large cohort of German PD patients (n = 1049).Results:  We observed heterozygous G2019S mutations in five patients with apparently sporadic late‐onset PD (LOPD; n = 3) and young‐onset PD (YOPD) (one sporadic and one familial), respectively, resulting in an overall prevalence of 0.5%. No R1441C/G/H mutation was found in our sample.Discussion:  In summary, the overall prevalence of the G2019S mutation in German PD patients is apparently somewhat lower than in patients from other nearby European countries. In contrast to previous reports, the G2019S mutation was also observed in apparently sporadic German LOPD patients.
Post‐stroke sexual functioning in first stroke patients
Authors: Tamam Y. , Tamam L. , Akil E. , Yasan A. , Tamam B. 
Published: May 2008

Background and purpose:  Although physical problems after stroke have been well studied, there is little information on one of the crucial aspects of the quality of life of those patients, namely sexual functioning and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of stroke on sexual functioning in a stable cohort of Turkish stroke patients with mild or no disability and to assess the relationship between post‐stroke sexuality and a number of socio‐demographic, clinical and laboratory variables.Methods:  The sexual functioning of 103 Turkish stroke patients with no disability or mild disability was assessed in two consecutive interviews along with clinical and sociodemographic features. NIH stroke, Glasgow coma, Barthel, and Rankin scales were also applied to assess neurologic status and disability.Results:  Most of the patients were male (61%) and illiterate (70%). There was a significant difference between the baseline and post‐stroke frequency of sexual activity of the patients. The differences between baseline and post‐stroke vaginal lubrication, orgasms and satisfaction were all statistically significant. This latter difference was significant for both genders. Frequency of coitus both prior to and after the stroke was significantly different between males and females. Erection and ejaculation of the males was significantly affected by the stroke, and lubrication and orgasm was affected in the females. Interestingly, fear of recurrent stroke did not differ between genders.Discussion and Conclusion:  Our study has shown that Turkish stroke survivors have sexual health needs during the rehabilitation process, though this has not been addressed previously. Sexual health needs seem to be affected by cultural factors and biases.
Intralesional immunotherapy with killed Mycobacterium w vaccine for the treatment of ano‐genital warts: an open label pilot study
Authors: Gupta S , Malhotra AK , Verma KK , Sharma VK 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Intralesional immunotherapy with skin test antigens and vaccines has been found to be effective in the management of genital and extragenital warts.Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional Mycobacterium w (Mw) vaccine monotherapy for the treatment of ano‐genital warts.Patients and methods  Ten patients clinically diagnosed to have external ano‐genital warts, including three with giant ano‐genital warts (Buschke Löwenstein tumour), were included in this open‐label pilot study. Two patients were human immunodeficiency virus seropositive, and one was on iatrogenic immunosuppression for renal transplantation. Mw vaccine (0.1 mL) was initially injected intradermally in the deltoid region on both the sides, followed 2 weeks later by intradermal intralesional injection into the genital warts. Intralesional injections were repeated weekly until either complete clearance or a maximum of 10 injections was achieved.Results  One patient was lost to follow‐up after the first intralesional injection. In 8 out of remaining 9 patients (88.9%), the genital warts cleared completely. In one patient with giant perianal wart, the lesion was reduced to less than 5% of its volume after 10 intralesional injections, which was later electrosurgically excised. The treatment was well tolerated by the majority of the patients. The adverse reactions were noted in four patients, which were reversible. No recurrence was seen after a mean follow‐up of 5.1 months.Conclusion  Intralesional immunotherapy of ano‐genital warts with Mw vaccine seems to be a promising new approach, which needs to be evaluated in the randomized controlled trials.