bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Updated survival analyses after prolonged follow‐up of the phase 2, multicenter CREST study of bortezomib in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Jagannath Sundar , Barlogie Bart , Berenson James R. , Siegel David S. , Irwin David , Richardson Paul G. , Niesvizky Ruben , Alexanian Raymond , Limentani Steven A. , Alsina Melissa , Esseltine Dixie‐Lee , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe Clinical Response and Efficacy Study of Bortezomib in the Treatment of Relapsing Multiple Myeloma (CREST) demonstrated substantial activity with two dose levels of bortezomib (1·0 and 1·3 mg/m2), alone or with dexamethasone, in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. We present updated survival analyses after prolonged follow‐up (median >5 years). One‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 82% and 32%, respectively, in the 1·0 mg/m2 group (n = 28), and 81% and 45%, respectively, in the 1·3 mg/m2 group (n = 26). Notable survival, response, and time‐to‐progression data suggest that a bortezomib starting dose of 1·3 mg/m2 is preferred. If bortezomib dose reduction is required, the 1·0 mg/m2 dose still offers patients a substantial survival benefit.
Food habits and marine survival of juvenile Chinook and coho salmon from marine waters of Southeast Alaska
Authors: WEITKAMP LAURIE A. , STURDEVANT MOLLY V. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractLittle is known about the food habits of juvenile Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon in marine environments of Alaska, or whether their diets may have contributed to extremely high marine survival rates for coho salmon from Southeast Alaska and much more modest survival rates for Southeast Alaskan Chinook salmon. To address these issues, we documented the spatial and temporal variability of diets of both species collected from marine waters of Southeast Alaska during summers of 1997–2000. Food habits were similar: major prey items of both species included fishes, crab larvae, hyperiid amphipods, insects, and euphausiids. Multivariate analyses of diet composition indicated that the most distinct groups were formed at the smallest spatial and temporal scales (the haul), although groups also formed at larger scales, such as by month or habitat type. Our expectations for how food habits would influence survival were only partially supported. As predicted, Southeast Alaskan coho salmon had more prey in their stomachs overall [1.8% of body weight (BW)] and proportionally far fewer empty stomachs (0.7%) than either Alaskan Chinook (1.4% BW, 5.1% empty) or coho salmon from other regions. However, contrary to our expectations, coho salmon diets contained surprisingly few fish (49% by weight). Apparently, Alaskan coho salmon achieved extremely high marine survival rates despite a diet consisting largely of small, less energetically‐efficient crustacean prey. Our results suggest that diet quantity (how much is eaten) rather than diet quality (what is eaten) is important to marine survival.
Microgeographic life history variation in an alpine caddisfly: plasticity in response to seasonal time constraints
Authors: SHAMA LISA N. S. , ROBINSON CHRISTOPHER T. 
Published: September 2008

Summary1. Temporally constrained environments, such as habitats with short growth seasons or short hydroperiods, cause potentially strong selection on life histories. Depending on the predictability of these events and the extent of spatial and temporal heterogeneity, local populations could become adapted either via a fixed phenotype or via life history plasticity in response to these environmental cues.2. We used a common garden experiment to investigate microgeographic variation in life history responses to combined changes in photoperiod (ambient/late) and hydroperiod (constant/drying) time constraint cues in an alpine caddisfly (Trichoptera). We compared six populations (three permanent/three temporary streams) originating from a small, alpine floodplain and which spanned an expected gradient in growth period duration (GPD) with distance from glaciers.3. We made two main predictions in relation to locally varying selection pressures: (i) populations nearest glaciers (shorter GPD and strongest time constraints) should have the fastest development rates and (ii) populations from permanent streams should be less able to respond to drying hydroperiods than populations from temporary streams.4. All populations and both sexes accelerated development in response to late season photoperiod cues. However, only permanent stream populations showed an increase in development time with increasing GPD, suggesting that other factors were influencing populations in temporary streams.5. Permanent stream populations showed countergradient variation (genetic and environmental influences were in opposition) in development time, and under‐compensation of growth rates resulted in a converse Bergmann cline in body size (smaller body size along gradients of declining season length). The extent of plasticity in response to hydroperiod, and the combined effects of both time constraints, differed between populations and sexes, but were not consistent among populations.6. Taken together, our results suggest adaptive plasticity in response to season length. The lack of a predictable pattern in response to hydroperiod may be due to gene flow or weak selection. We conclude that spatially structured populations can strongly differ in phenotypic plasticity even at microgeographic scales.
Access to immunology through the Gene Ontology
Authors: Lovering Ruth C. , Camon Evelyn B. , Blake Judith A. , Diehl Alexander D. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe Gene Ontology (GO) is widely recognized as the premier tool for the organization and functional annotation of molecular aspects of cellular systems. However, for many immunologists the use of GO is a very foreign concept. Indeed, as a controlled vocabulary, GO can almost be considered a new language, and it can be difficult to appreciate the use and value of this approach for understanding the immune system. This review reflects on the application of GO to the field of immunology and explains the process of GO annotation. Finally, this review hopes to inspire immunologists to invest time and energy in improving both the content of the GO and the quality of GO annotations associated with genes of immunological interest.
The transition to parenthood: what does it mean for fathers?
Authors: Deave Toity , Johnson Debbie 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  The transition to parenthood: what does it mean for fathers? Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the needs of first‐time fathers in relation to the care, support and education provided by healthcare professionals during the antenatal period, particularly in relation to preparing them for the transition to fatherhood.Background.  Pregnancy and transition to parenthood are major developmental periods within families throughout the world. Previous research suggests that fathers in many different countries feel unprepared for parenthood.Methods.  Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 partners of primiparous women from two healthcare provider organizations in South‐West England between December 2005 and July 2006. Recruitment took place at about 28 weeks gestation. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken at home in the last trimester of pregnancy and 3–4 months postpartum. Content analysis of the interview data was undertaken.Findings.  Several common themes emerged from both the ante‐ and postnatal data, including lack of support mechanisms, involvement in antenatal provision and the need for more information given in the antenatal period on parenting, baby care and relationships.Conclusions.  Adequately preparing new fathers for parenthood in advance of the birth of their baby is important, and healthcare professionals can contribute to this by involving and supporting new fathers. Further study is needed to explore the role of fathers in antenatal education and the types of interventions that are effective in improving their early experiences of parenthood. The study needs to be repeated with fathers from black and ethnic minority groups.
The experience of heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review and meta‐ethnography of qualitative studies
Authors: Garside Ruth , Britten Nicky , Stein Ken 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  The experience of heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review and meta‐ethnography of qualitative studies. Aim.  This paper is a report of a systematic review and meta‐ethnography of the experience of heavy menstrual bleeding.Background.  Heavy menstrual bleeding is common. Not all women seeking help have heavy menstrual bleeding as measured objectively and, conversely, some who do have this problem do not seek help.Data sources.  Seven electronic databases were searched in 2004 and updated in 2008, and supplemented with hand‐searching.Method.  We identified four papers describing qualitative research among women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Key themes and concepts were extracted and synthesised using meta‐ethnography, the key process of which is translation, identifying similar or contradictory findings in primary research. In the updated search three papers were identified.Findings.  Three papers were largely descriptive. These provided support for the fourth paper’s conceptual framework of a lay model of heavy menstrual bleeding which shows little overlap with the traditional clinical definition. Details of physical, practical and emotional elements of this model were identified. A matrix of uncertainties were identified suggesting reasons why women may or may not seek medical help for heavy menstrual bleeding. Women and healthcare professionals may conspire to privilege blood loss over other symptoms and the disease model of heavy menstrual bleeding is little help to either. Two papers from the updated search were also largely descriptive. The third interpreted key elements of the lay model as relating to the need for concealment demanded by ‘menstrual etiquette’.Conclusion.  A lay model of heavy menstrual bleeding is proposed, detailing key physical, social and emotional impacts that women find problematic.
Increased levels of nerve growth factor in the airways of patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Dagnell C. , Grunewald J. , Idali F. , Wikén M. , Kemi C. , Sköld C. M. , Planck A. , Newman L. S. , Eklund A. , Olgart Höglund C. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Objectives.  Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a potent neuronal growth factor with inflammatory properties that recently has been proposed to be of importance in airway pathology. A role for NGF in the inflammatory granulomatous lung disease sarcoidosis is not well elucidated. The aims of this study were to investigate the secreted levels of NGF in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from sarcoidosis patients compared with patients with resolved disease, patients with another granulomatous disease – chronic beryllium disease (CBD) – and healthy subjects and also to investigate the relationship between NGF levels and markers of inflammation.Methods and results.  NGF levels in BALF from 56 patients with active sarcoidosis (22 with Löfgren’s syndrome), nine subjects with resolved sarcoidosis, six patients with CBD, and 31 healthy subjects were compared. A 10‐fold elevation of NGF levels was found in patients with active sarcoidosis compared with subjects with clinically resolved sarcoidosis, patients with CBD and healthy subjects. In sarcoidosis patients, positive correlations between concentrations of NGF and lymphocytes, eosinophils and interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12 were found.Conclusions.  We demonstrate that secreted levels of NGF are markedly enhanced in the airways in active pulmonary sarcoidosis. Furthermore, a relationship between NGF and pulmonary inflammation in sarcoidosis is supported.
Treatment with apo B peptide vaccines inhibits atherosclerosis in human apo B‐100 transgenic mice without inducing an increase in peptide‐specific antibodies
Authors: Fredrikson G. N. , Björkbacka H. , Söderberg I. , Ljungcrantz I. , Nilsson J. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Objectives.  Autoantibodies to apolipoprotein (apo) B‐100 peptides are present in human plasma and have been shown to be associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. The present study aimed to determine if apo B‐100 peptide vaccines are atheroprotective in mice expressing human apo B‐100 and if the effectiveness of the vaccines is influenced by the level of pre‐existing peptide‐specific autoantibodies.Design.  LDL receptor−/−/human apo B‐100 transgenic mice were immunized with native human apo B‐100 peptides p45 or p210 at 6, 9 and 11 weeks and the extent of atherosclerosis determined by en face Oil Red O staining of the aorta at 25 weeks. Autoantibody levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and RNA expression in the spleen was assessed by real time PCR.Results.  Control mice had high levels of autoantibodies against p210 but only low levels against p45. Immunization with native p45 and p210 reduced atherosclerosis by 66% (P < 0.02) and 59% (P = 0.06), respectively. The atheroprotective effect of apo B peptide immunization occurred in the absence of an increase in peptide‐specific IgG, but was associated with an increase in IgM recognizing native and copper‐oxidized LDL.Conclusions.  Immunization with apo B peptide‐based vaccines inhibits atherosclerosis in mice expressing human apo B‐100 suggesting that they can interact with their target as expressed in humans. The protective effect is independent of the pre‐existing level of apo B peptide autoantibodies and can occur without activating an increase in peptide‐specific antibodies suggesting that atheroprotection can be mediated by cellular immune responses.
Reduced leucocyte cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression in acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Ye D. , Kraaijeveld A. O. , Grauss R. W. , Willems S. M. , Van Vark‐van der Zee L. C. , De Jager S. C. A. , Jauhiainen M. , Kuivenhoven J. A. , Dallinga‐Thie G. M. , Atsma D. E. , Hogendoorn P. C. W. , Biessen E. A. L. , Van Berkel T. J. C. , Jukema J. W. , Van Eck M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Objective.  Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in HDL cholesterol metabolism. Leucocytes, including monocyte‐derived macrophages in the arterial wall synthesize and secrete CETP, but its role in atherosclerosis is unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) on leucocyte CETP expression.Research design.  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were freshly isolated from hospitalized ACS patients displaying Braunwald class IIIB unstable angina pectoris (UAP) on admission (t = 0) and at 180 days post inclusion (t = 180) for analysis of CETP expression. In addition, to prove the potential correlation between leucocyte CETP and ACS the effect of acute myocardial infarction on leucocyte CETP expression was studied in CETP transgenic mice.Results.  Upon admission, UAP patients displayed ∼3–6 fold (P < 0.01) lower CETP mRNA and nearly absent CETP protein expression in PBMCs, as compared to healthy age‐/sex‐matched controls. Interestingly, CETP mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in PBMCs isolated from UAP patients (both stabilized and refractory) at t = 180 as compared to t = 0 (P < 0.01), which was correlated with a reduced inflammatory status after medical treatment. In agreement with the data obtained in UAP patients, markedly down‐regulated leucocyte CETP mRNA expression was observed after coronary artery ligation in CETP transgenic mice, which also correlated with increased serum amyloid A levels.Conclusions.  We are the first to report that episodes of UAP in humans and myocardial infarction in CETP transgenic mice are associated with reduced leucocyte CETP expression. We propose that the impairment in leucocyte CETP production is associated with an enhanced inflammatory status, which could be clinically relevant for the pathogenesis of ACS.
Geographical distribution of atopic rhinitis in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I*
Authors: Bousquet P.‐J. , Leynaert B. , Neukirch F. , Sunyer J. , Janson C. M. , Anto J. , Jarvis D. , Burney P. 
Published: September 2008

Background:  No large studies in adults has examined geographical variation in the prevalence of nasal allergy/allergic rhinitis in adults or considered the proportion of reported nasal symptoms on exposure to allergen attributable to atopy. The aim of this report was to describe the geographic distribution of subjects with nasal symptoms who are sensitized as determined by skin prick tests, using data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I.Methods:  Information on the presence of nasal allergy, nasal symptoms on exposure to allergen and atopy using skin prick tests was collected from 15 394 adults aged 20–44 years living in 35 centres in 15 countries. Age sex standardized prevalence of symptoms and the attributable fraction of IgE sensitization for nasal symptoms on exposure to allergen were determined.Results:  The age‐sex standardized prevalence of nasal allergy ranged from 11.8% in Oviedo (Spain) to 46.0% in Melbourne (Australia). The prevalence of atopic nasal allergy ranged from 4.6% in Oviedo to 31.8% in Melbourne (analysis limited on 12 566 subjects). The median attributable fraction for atopy on nasal symptoms on exposure ranged between 12.8% and 65.9% (median 27.2%).Conclusion:  In the general population there is a wide variation in the prevalence of nasal allergy in young adults. Many subjects complaining from nasal symptoms on exposure to allergen are not atopic.
The diversity and abundance of bacteria inhabiting seafloor lavas positively correlate with rock alteration
Authors: Santelli Cara M. , Edgcomb Virginia P. , Bach Wolfgang , Edwards Katrina J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryYoung, basaltic ocean crust exposed near mid‐ocean ridge spreading centers present a spatially extensive environment that may be exploited by epi‐ and endolithic microbes in the deep sea. Geochemical energy released during basalt alteration reactions can theoretically support chemosynthesis, contributing to a trophic base for the ocean crust biome. To examine associations between endolithic microorganisms and basalt alteration processes, we compare the phylogenetic diversity, abundance and community structure of bacteria existing in several young, seafloor lavas from the East Pacific Rise at ∼9°N that are variably affected by oxidative seawater alteration. The results of 16S rRNA gene analyses and real‐time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction measurements show that the abundance of prokaryotic communities, dominated by the bacterial domain, positively correlates with the extent of rock alteration – the oldest, most altered basalt harbours the greatest microbial biomass. The bacterial community overlap, structure and species richness relative to alteration state is less explicit, but broadly corresponds to sample characteristics (type of alteration products and general alteration state). Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the basalt biome may contribute to the geochemical cycling of Fe, S, Mn, C and N in the deep sea.
Potential for phosphonoacetate utilization by marine bacteria in temperate coastal waters
Authors: Gilbert Jack A. , Thomas Simon , Cooley Natalie A. , Kulakova Anna , Field Dawn , Booth Tim , McGrath John W. , Quinn John P. , Joint Ian 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPhosphonates are organic compounds that contain a C–P bond and are a poorly characterized component of the marine phosphorus cycle. They may represent a potential source of bioavailable phosphorus, particularly in oligotrophic conditions. This study has investigated the distribution of thephnAgene which encodes phosphonoacetate hydrolase, the enzyme that mineralizes phosphonoacetate. Using newly designed degenerate primers targeting thephnAgene we analysed the potential for phosphonoacetate utilization in DNA and cDNA libraries constructed from a phytoplankton bloom in the Western English Channel during July 2006. Total RNA was isolated and reverse transcribed and phosphonoacetate hydrolase (phnA) transcripts were PCR amplified from the cDNA with the degenerate primers, cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated considerable diversity with 14 sequence types yielding five uniquephnAprotein groups. We also identified 28phnAhomologues in a 454‐pyrosequencing metagenomic and metatranscriptomic study from a coastal marine mesocosm, indicating that > 3% of marine bacteria in this study containedphnA.phnAhomologues were also present in a metagenomic fosmid library from this experiment. Finally, cultures of four isolates of potential coral pathogens belonging to theVibrionaceaecontained thephnAgene. In the laboratory, these isolates were able to grow with phosphonoacetate as sole P and C source. The fact that the capacity to utilize phosphonoacetate was evident in each of the three coastal environments suggests the potential for widespread utilization of this bioavailable P source.
Comparison of type I and II papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and clear cell RCC
Authors: Waldert Matthias , Haitel Andrea , Marberger Michael , Katzenbeisser Daniela , Ozsoy Mehmet , Stadler Elisabeth , Remzi Mesut 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare the pathological features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with papillary RCC (pRCC) and further differentiate type I and II pRCC as independent prognosticators for survival.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom September 1994 to February 2007 557 RCCs were treated and reviewed. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy or nephron‐sparing surgery. We reviewed patient data and correlated RCC subtypes to tumour size, pathological stage, nuclear grade, and 5‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS). pRCC was re‐evaluated in to type I and II. The 2002 Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis and Fuhrman classifications were used.RESULTSIn all, 391 (70%) patients had ccRCC, 96 (17%) had pRCC, 34 (6%) had chromophobe RCC, seven (1%) had ductus Bellini RCC and 29 (5%) had unclassified RCC. Upon re‐evaluation 34 patients had type I pRCC and 62 had type II. The pRCCs were significantly smaller than the ccRCCs, at a mean (sd) of 4.5 (2.5) cm vs 5 (2.9) cm (P = 0.013), and multifocal (25% vs 12%, P = 0.001). Whereas patients with ccRCC had significantly more primary metastases (12% vs 3%, P = 0.014). The mean (sd) follow‐up was 42.3 (41.4) months. The 5‐year CSS for M0 patients was 84% for ccRCC and 90% for pRCC (P = 0.573). At multivariate analyses predictors for 5‐year CSS were only tumour size (hazard ratio, HR 2.6, P < 0.001), pathological stage (HR 3.9, P < 0.001) and nuclear grade (HR 2.7, P < 0.001). The type I and II pRCCs had significantly different lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and 5‐year CSS rates (94% vs 74%, P = 0.03).CONCLUSIONSThe ccRCCs were significantly larger at diagnosis than the pRCCs. The histological subtype (pRCC vs ccRCC) had no impact on the 5‐year CSS in multivariate analyses. The type I and II pRCCs had similar histopathological features except for a significant difference in LVI. However, the 5‐year CSS was significantly different in type I and II pRCC.