bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host location and oviposition of lepidopteran herbivores in diversified broccoli cropping systems
Authors: Broad S. T. , Schellhorn N. A. , Lisson S. N. , Mendham N. J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1 Host location and oviposition are crucial steps in the life cycles of insect herbivores. A diversified cropping system may interfere with these processes, ultimately reducing pest colonization of crops and the need for chemical interventions.2 In the present study, nonhost vegetation was added to a broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cropping system to determine the effect of plant diversification on host location and colonization of broccoli by Lepidopteran pests. The two diversification strategies applied consisted of a broccoli/potato (Solanum tuberosum) strip crop, made up of 1.65 m (tractor width) replications of two rows of potatoes and two rows of broccoli, and a cereal rye (Secale cereale) cover crop, which formed a sacrificial planting that was killed and rolled flat to minimize weed competition and improve the agronomic performance of the subsequent broccoli crop.3 Diamondback moth Plutella xylostella eggs, and subsequent larvae and pupae, were less abundant on broccoli with the cover crop, probably due to interference with host location and oviposition processes. The strip crop had no effect.4 Numbers of cabbage white butterflies Pieris rapae eggs and larvae did not differ among treatments, probably due to the superior ability of these Lepidoptera to visually locate hosts and their active egg‐dispersing behaviour.5 These results of the present study indicate that the success of crop diversification strategies are contingent on the relative ability of the target herbivore to locate its host plant and the scale of diversity (e.g. the distance between the host and the nonhost plants), rather than diversity itself.
Identification of intermediates formed during anaerobic benzene degradation by an iron‐reducing enrichment culture
Authors: Kunapuli Umakanth , Griebler Christian , Beller Harry R. , Meckenstock Rainer U. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryAnaerobic benzene degradation is an important process in contaminated aquifers but is poorly understood due to the scarcity of microbial cultures for study. We have enriched a ferric iron‐reducing culture that completely mineralizes benzene to CO2. With 13C6‐labelled benzene as the growth substrate, ring‐labelled benzoate was identified as a major intermediate by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of culture supernatants. With increasing incubation time, 13C7‐labelled benzoate appeared, indicating that the carboxyl group of benzoate derived from CO2 that was produced from mineralization of labelled benzene. This was confirmed by growing the culture in 13C‐bicarbonate‐buffered medium with unlabelled benzene as the substrate, as the label appeared in the carboxyl group of benzoate produced. Phenol was also identified as an intermediate at high concentration. However, it was clearly shown that phenol was formed abiotically by autoxidation of benzene during the sampling and analysis procedure as a result of exposure to air. The results suggest that, in our culture, anaerobic benzene degradation proceeds via carboxylation and that caution should be exercised in interpreting hydroxylated benzene derivatives as metabolic intermediates of anaerobic benzene degradation.
Robotic salvage retropubic prostatectomy after radiation/brachytherapy: initial results
Authors: Kaouk Jihad H. , Hafron Jason , Goel Rajk , Haber George‐Pascal , Jones J. Stephen 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo report on the initial four patients who had robotic salvage retropubic prostatectomy (SRP) for biochemical recurrence after radiation therapy, and to review the surgical outcome of robotic cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer in two patients who previously had prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSSince February 2006, four patients had SRP for biochemical failure after radiation and/or brachytherapy. Transrectal biopsy of the prostate confirmed locally recurrent disease and a metastatic evaluation including bone scan and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis were negative in all cases. The SRP was done using a six‐port transperitoneal approach. An additional two patients had a robotic cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer, in whom radiation was provided previously for prostate cancer. A retrospective analysis of the immediate and short‐term surgical outcome was reviewed.RESULTSSRP was completed in all patients with no major complication or conversion to an open approach. The mean operative duration was 125 min, the mean (range) blood loss was 117 (50–250) mL and the mean hospital stay was 2.7 days. Of the four patients undergoing SRP, three had extracapsular extension and the first two had positive margins, while no patients had rectal injuries or significant blood loss. The lymph nodes were negative in all the patients. Three patients were continent within a month while one continued to use two to three pads/day at 3 weeks of follow‐up. In the two patients who had cystoprostatectomy there were no major complications or increased surgical difficulty.CONCLUSIONSSRP is technically possible and with limited perioperative morbidity. Further studies are warranted to validate the oncological and functional outcomes of SRP after radiation and/or brachytherapy. Moreover, the robotic approach for radical cystoprostatectomy in patients who have had prostate radiation is feasible, with no increase in perioperative morbidity.
Mitochondrial DNA in serum of patients with prostate cancer: a predictor of biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy
Authors: Ellinger Jörg , Müller Stefan C. , Wernert Nicolas , Von Ruecker Alexander , Bastian Patrick J. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of circulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in patients with localized prostate cancer, as recent reports show that patients with advanced cancer have increased levels of mtDNA.PATIENTS AND METHODSDNA was isolated from the serum of 100 patients with prostate cancer and 18 with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify 79 bp and 230 bp fragments of the mitochondrial 16s‐RNA gene, the short fragment representing total mtDNA, including mtDNA truncated by apoptosis, and the long fragment representing mostly mtDNA from other cell death entities. mtDNA integrity was defined as the ratio of long to short mtDNA fragments.RESULTSThe short and long mtDNA levels, and mtDNA integrity, were similar in patients with BPH and cancer (P = 0.940, 0.211 and 0.441, respectively), and were not correlated with clinical or pathological variables, e.g. age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, cT stage, pT stage, seminal vesicle infiltration, lymph node invasion, or Gleason score (P = 0.075 to 0.961). However, patients with high levels of short mtDNA (>75th percentile) had a greater risk of PSA progression and this variable was the strongest predictor of PSA recurrence in a multivariate Cox analysis (P = 0.023; hazard ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval 0.113–0.851).CONCLUSIONCirculating mtDNA levels did not distinguish between patients with prostate cancer or BPH. However, there was a significant increase in short mtDNA fragments in patients with early PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy.
Application of transcript profiling in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded diagnostic prostate cancer needle biopsies
Authors: Rogerson Lynsey , Darby Steve , Jabbar Talal , Mathers Marie E. , Leung Hing Y. , Robson Craig N. , Sahadevan Kanagasabai , O’Toole Kieran , Gnanapragasam Vincent J. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of transcript profiling in diagnostic formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) biopsies for prostate cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODSLaser‐capture microdissection (LCM) was used to microdissect glandular epithelium as well as stromal tissue in archival prostate needle biopsies. Optimized RNA extraction, reverse transcription and real‐time PCR (QPCR) protocols were used to detect transcript expression. RNA degradation effects were assessed using hydrolysed cell line RNA and matched xenograft FFPE and frozen tumours.RESULTSLCM and RNA extraction was achieved in all biopsies from a pilot cohort of five patients. cDNA produced was successfully used to detect expression of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, RPL13, prostate‐specific antigen, vimentin, inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding 1 (Id‐1) and polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) transcripts. In the cell line and xenograft models, we investigated the effect of RNA degradation on transcript quantification by QPCR. In both models normalization of transcript quantity with a housekeeping gene resulted in restored expression in all degraded samples to within a 50% difference of control samples. Using an extended cohort of 29 biopsies, we tested application in detecting differences in EZH2 and Id‐1 expression between malignant and benign epithelium. The results confirmed that our technique was capable of quantifying significant differences in expression between malignant and benign epithelium consistent with the reported trends.CONCLUSIONThis study reports the use of standard FFPE needle biopsies for transcript profiling and supports the concept of molecular prognostic studies in tissue acquired at diagnosis in prostate cancer.
Type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor suppresses experimental bladder inflammation
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Tanaka Hiroshi , Mitsui Takahiko , Moriya Kimihiko , Nonomura Katsuya 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of orally administered YM976, a specific inhibitor of type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4), on bladder activity in a rat model with hydrochloric acid (HCl)‐induced cystitis (IC), hypothesizing that a PDE4 inhibitor might suppress bladder overactivity and bladder pain responses in bladder‐hypersensitive disorders such as IC.MATERIALS AND METHODSWistar rats with HCl‐induced IC were treated with YM976 or vehicle and their voiding observed and assessed by cystometry. The severity of bladder inflammation (BI) was quantified using the BI index (BII), which comprises three factors (oedema, leukocyte infiltration and haemorrhage). Nociceptive neural activity was also examined using an immunohistochemical study of spinal c‐fos expression.RESULTSYM976 significantly reduced the number of voids, and the volume per void was significantly higher than in control (vehicle) group. Cystometry showed a significant increase in bladder capacity, voided volume and voiding efficiency, and a decrease in the amplitude of voiding pressure in rats treated with YM976. All BII scores were significantly lower in the YM976 than in the control group. c‐fos expression in the spine was less in the YM976 than in the control group.CONCLUSIONSOral administration of YM976 significantly improved the voiding behaviour and histological damage in rats with IC induced by HCl. These results indicate that PDE4 inhibitor might be effective in relieving bladder symptoms with IC.
THE MEDICAL DECISION‐MAKING PROCESS AND THE FAMILY: THE CASE OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR HUSBANDS
Authors: GILBAR ROY , GILBAR ORA 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:  The objectives of the study were (1) to assess similarities and differences between breast cancer patients and their husbands in terms of doctor‐patient/spouse relationships and shared decision making; and (2) to investigate the association between breast cancer patients and husbands in terms of preference of type of doctor, doctor‐patient relationship, and shared decision making regarding medical treatment.Method:  Fifty‐seven women with breast cancer, and their husbands, completed questionnaires measuring doctor‐patient/spouse relationships (paternalism, autonomy), and decision making regarding medical treatment.Results:  Patients believe they have a key role in the medical decision‐making process (93%) and that the participation of their husbands, and their agreement with the decision, is important (84% and 89%, respectively). Both breast cancer patients and their husbands prefer a shared decision‐making process to paternalistic or autonomy‐based approaches.Conclusion:  In contrast to legal and bioethical approaches, which focus on the patient as the primary decision maker, this study reflects a practical recognition of the role of the breast cancer patient's husband in the decision‐making process. It also reflects a relational rather than an individualistic perception of patient autonomy.
REASSESSING INSURERS' ACCESS TO GENETIC INFORMATION: GENETIC PRIVACY, IGNORANCE, AND INJUSTICE
Authors: FEIRING ELI 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTMany countries have imposed strict regulations on the genetic information to which insurers have access. Commentators have warned against the emerging body of legislation for different reasons. This paper demonstrates that, when confronted with the argument that genetic information should be available to insurers for health insurance underwriting purposes, one should avoid appeals to rights of genetic privacy and genetic ignorance. The principle of equality of opportunity may nevertheless warrant restrictions. A choice‐based account of this principle implies that it is unfair to hold people responsible for the consequences of the genetic lottery, since we have no choice in selecting our genotype or the expression of it. However appealing, this view does not take us all the way to an adequate justification of inaccessibility of genetic information. A contractarian account, suggesting that health is a condition of opportunity and that healthcare is an essential good, seems more promising. I conclude that if or when predictive medical tests (such as genetic tests) are developed with significant actuarial value, individuals have less reason to accept as fair institutions that limit access to healthcare on the grounds of risk status. Given the assumption that a division of risk pools in accordance with a rough estimate of people's level of (genetic) risk will occur, fairness and justice favour universal health insurance based on solidarity.
Long‐term reaction to bone cement in osteoporotic bone: new bone formation in vertebral bodies after vertebroplasty
Authors: Braunstein Volker , Sprecher Christoph M. , Gisep Armando , Benneker Lorin , Yen Kathrin , Schneider Erich , Heini Paul , Milz Stefan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractElderly patients frequently suffer from osteoporotic vertebral fractures resulting in the need of vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Nevertheless, no data are available about the long‐term consequences of cement injection into osteoporotic bone. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term tissue reaction on bone cement injected to osteoporotic bone during vertebroplasty. The thoracic spine of an 80‐year‐old female was explanted 3.5 years after vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate. The treatment had been performed due to painful osteoporotic compression fractures. Individual vertebral bodies were cut in axial or sagittal sections after embedding. The sections were analysed using contact radiography and staining with toluidine blue. Furthermore, selected samples were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy and micro‐compted tomography (in‐plane resolution 6 µm). Large amounts of newly formed callus surrounding the injected polymethylmethacrylate were detected with all imaging techniques. The callus formation almost completely filled the spaces between the vertebral endplate, the cancellous bone, and the injected polymethylmethacrylate. In trabecular bone microfractures and osteoclast lacuna were bridged or filled with newly formed bone. Nevertheless, the majority of the callus formation was found in the immediate vicinity of the polymethylmethacrylate without any obvious relationship to trabecular fractures. The results indicate for the first time that, contrary to established knowledge, even in osteoporosis the formation of large amounts of new bone is possible.
Fibrillin‐1 in incisional hernias: an immunohistochemical study in scar and non‐scar regions of human skin and muscle fasciae
Authors: Fricke Martin , Langer Claus , Brunner Edgar , Sakai Lynn Y. , Füzesi Laszlo , Reinhardt Dieter P. , Quondamatteo Fabio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIncisional hernias represent one of the most common complications after laparotomy. Specific pre‐operative risk factors have not yet been identified. Recent studies indicate that changes in extracellular matrix components such as collagen I and collagen III may be involved in hernia development. In the present study we have evaluated the significance of fibrillin‐1 in hernia development as one of the main components of the extracellular matrix. Tissue samples from non‐scar skin and muscle fascia of 12 patients with incisional hernias as well as from the respective scar tissues were obtained. Corresponding tissue samples of 10 patients with normal postoperative wound healing served as controls. Distribution of fibrillin‐1 was evaluated immunohistochemically. Differences in fibrillin‐1 distribution in the non‐scar tissues of muscle fascia have been found in patients with incisional hernia, compared to those without hernia. In scar regions of both patient groups, slight differences in the pattern of fibrillin‐1 were observed. A tendency to a differential deposition of fibrillin‐1 in skin samples, although hardly quantifiable, was observed as well. Our results suggest that fibrillin‐1 is a relevant factor contributing to tissue stability. Disturbances in its deposition, even before scar formation, may be an important factor to the development of incisional hernias.
Genetic diversity in the North American captive African elephant collection
Authors: Lei R. , Brenneman R. A. , Louis E. E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOne hundred and eight mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences were used in combination with multilocus genotypes generated from 19 nuclear microsatellite loci to assess the genetic diversity in the North American captive African elephant collection. The analysis of 4488 bp of mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogenenase subunit 4‐cytochrome b (ND4‐cyt b) sequence revealed the existence of three distinct mtDNA lineages (Haplogroups I–III). The genetic distance between Haplogroups I/II and Haplogroup III was determined to be 0.046. The nucleotide diversity for the elephant mtDNA ND4‐cyt b was <0.004. Analysis of multilocus genotypes indicated an average observed heterozygosity of 0.53 compared with the expected heterozygosity of 0.64. No subdivision in the data was detected including data partitioned by mtDNA haplogroup. Relatedness among the 108 individuals did not differ from that expected in random mating populations.
Health promoting schools: integrated practices to develop critical thinking and healthy lifestyles through farming, growing and healthy eating
Authors: Lakin Liz , Littledyke Michael 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper reports on two case study examples of schools identified from Gloucestershire primary schools as showing particularly good practice in developing the concept of a Health Promoting School. The schools were selected from research projects linked to the Growing Schools programme for promoting children's understanding of food production and consumption, and the Gloucestershire Food Strategy for promoting healthy eating patterns in school children. Examples of curriculum development and associated pedagogy, school organization for democratic involvement of all its participants, and practical changes in the provision of eating choices are presented. These illustrate how integration of critical thinking and changes to the schools' provision of choices for healthy eating patterns can influence children's understanding and behaviour towards diet and health. The key factors that influenced such changes in the schools are identified as: clear leadership with vision from the head teacher, community involvement, ownership of processes of change by all participants, critical thinking as a focus for processes of learning; integrated practice to link experience and understanding, and the school acting as a model for good practice in health and environmental matters.
Chronic consumer debtors: the need for specific intervention
Authors: Townley‐Jones Maureen , Griffiths Margaret , Bryant Mary 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMany studies of consumer debtors have identified risk factors associated with chronic consumer debt. Chronic consumer debtors exist in an environment of ongoing efforts to survive financially and meet their debt commitments. Despite otherwise favourable economic conditions for the community at large such as low interest rates and low levels of unemployment, the chronic consumer debtor remains continuously at peril of overcommitment. An analysis of financial counselling interviews in New South Wales (the largest state in Australia) has been used to identify the group that the authors believe to be most at risk of chronic consumer debt in Australia. Other independent studies are provided to support the choice of the identified group. The situation for chronic consumer debtors is contrasted to the situation for acute cases. While financial literacy and support programmes can be provided to the community, the ability to target programmes towards a specifically identifiable group concentrates activities on measures aimed to alleviate the distress caused by ongoing financial hardship for one particular consumer group. The challenge of reducing chronic consumer debt has the potential to raise awareness and understanding of risk factors for consumer debtors generally. Thus, concentrated efforts towards alleviating chronic consumer debt may lead to a reduction in consumer financial overcommitment.