bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morbidity and mortality after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in children with neurological disability
Authors: CATTO‐SMITH ANTHONY G , JIMENEZ SUSAN 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Gastrostomy placement has become an integral mechanism for delivering nutritional support to children with severe neurological disability. Its impact on gastroesophageal reflux and mortality remains contentious. We examined the morbidity and long‐term mortality of a group of children with severe neurological disability after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).Methods:  We retrospectively identified all children with severe neurological disability who had a PEG at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne between 1990 and 1997. Data were obtained from medical records.Results:  Ninety‐eight children with neurological disability (M:F 1.8:1.0; median age 3.5 years, interquartile range 1.1–8.7 years) had an initial PEG in this period and were able to be followed for 6–14 years. As a group, they were underweight for their age with a Z score at PEG of −3.52 (SD 3.33), but had increased weight‐for‐age Z scores by 1.05 after a mean period of 6.1 months. Fourteen subsequently required fundoplication for reflux. Mortality rates were 11% after 1 year, 21% after 2 years, 27% after 3 years and 39% after 13 years. Mortality was increased in those children who were older at the time of PEG (P = 0.06). Gastroesophageal reflux, underweight‐for‐age and gender were not significantly related to mortality.Conclusion:  Children with severe neurological dysfunction who require gastrostomy feeding have a substantial long‐term mortality, but this may be unrelated to PEG placement.
Efficacy and tolerability of pegylated‐interferon alpha‐2a in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: KOKOGLU OMER FARUK , UÇMAK HASAN , HOSOGLU SALIH , CETINKAYA ALI , KANTARCEKEN BULENT , BUYUKBESE MEHMET AKIF , ISIK ISMET ONDER 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. These patients experience more side‐effects with antiviral treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) α‐2a in chronic hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C.Methods:  Twenty‐five patients were included into the study. All of the patients were interferon naive, anti‐HCV antibodies positive and polymerase chain reaction HCV‐RNA positive. Twelve of the patients received PEG‐IFN α‐2a at a dose of 135 µg weekly for 48 weeks (Group 1). The remaining 13 patients who received no specific treatment were used as controls (Group 2). The patients were prospectively followed up for a period of 18 months. Biochemical and virological responses were evaluated at the end of the study period (end‐of‐treatment response) and 6 months after the completion of therapy (sustained response).Results:  Virological end‐of‐treatment response was observed in 10 patients (83.4%) in Group 1 and one patient (7.7%) in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Sustained virological response was observed in nine patients (75%) in Group 1 and one patient (7.7%) in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were initially increased in seven patients in Group 1 and normalized in five of these patients at the end of the treatment and sustained biochemical response was 71.4%. In contrast, ALT levels in Group 2 were initially high in five patients and normalized in two of them (40%) at the end of the 48 weeks. Even if most of the patients experienced several side‐effects (anemia 75%, fatigue 58.3%, thrombocytopenia 33.3% and leukopenia 33.3%), they did not impose the discontinuation of the treatment.Conclusion:  The present study showed that PEG‐IFN α‐2a for 48 weeks is efficacious and well tolerated in hemodialysis patients with HCV.
Somatic mutations of mitochondrial DNA in digestive tract cancers
Authors: KOSE KAZUHIRO , HIYAMA TORU , TANAKA SHINJI , YOSHIHARA MASAHARU , YASUI WATARU , CHAYAMA KAZUAKI 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:  Somatic mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been reported to play an important role in the carcinogenesis of several human cancers. However, there are few reports on mtDNA mutations in digestive tract cancers, including esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancers. The present study examined somatic mtDNA mutations in these cancers.Methods:  Samples of 82 esophageal cancers, 96 gastric cancers and 138 colorectal cancers were collected. Mutations in the D310 mononucleotide repeat of mtDNA were examined by microsatellite assay.Results:  Frequencies of mtDNA mutations were similar in each digestive tract cancer: 14% (7/51) in esophageal cancers, 15% (14/94) in gastric cancers and 8% (11/133) in colorectal cancers. There were no significant relationships between mtDNA mutations and clinicopathological features, such as patient age or sex, tumor location, depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis in each digestive tract cancer.Conclusions:  The results suggest that mtDNA mutations play a role in the development but not progression in each digestive tract cancer, and that the role of mtDNA mutations might be similar among the digestive tract cancers.
Phase I study of biweekly gemcitabine followed by oxaliplatin and simplified 48‐h infusion of fluorouracil/leucovorin for advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: CH’ANG HUI‐JU , WANG CHUAN‐CHENG , CHENG ANN‐LII , HSU CHIUN , LU YEN‐SHEN , CHANG MING‐CHU , LIN JAW‐TOWN , WANG HSIU‐PO , SHIAH HER‐SHYONG , LIU TSANG‐WU , CHANG JANG‐YANG , WHANG‐PENG JACQUELINE , CHEN LI‐TZONG 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectives:  To evaluate the feasibility and maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of oxaliplatin of a triplet regimen consisting of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and infusional fluorouracil (5‐FU)/leucovorin (LV) (GOFL) for advanced pancreatic cancer.Patients and Methods:  Patients with histologically proven metastatic or unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma were eligible to take part in the study. The treatment consisted of fixed‐rate infusion (10 mg/m2/minute) of 800 mg/m2 gemcitabine followed by 2‐h infusion of oxaliplatin and then 48‐h infusion of 5‐FU/LV day 1 and day 15 every 4 weeks. The oxaliplatin would be evaluated at three dose levels, 65, 75 and 85 mg/m2.Results:  A total of 15 patients were enrolled at three dose levels. Dose‐limiting toxicity of neutropenic fever and grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in one of each six patients at oxaliplatin dose level of 65 mg/m2 and 85 mg/m2, respectively. The MTD of oxaliplatin for this combination was 85 mg/m2. After a median four cycles of treatment, grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 46.7% of patients and thrombocytopenia in 13.3%. Non‐hematological toxicities were generally of grade 1/2. Objective tumor response was observed in five patients (33.3%, 95% confidence interval, 6.3–60.4%).Conclusion:  Biweekly GOFL is a feasible regimen for advanced pancreatic cancer. For further phase II studies, the recommended dose of oxaliplatin is 85 mg/m2.
Hepatic arterial infusion alternating with systemic chemotherapy in patients with non‐resectable hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer
Authors: KIM JIN C , KIM HEE C , LEE KANG H , YU CHANG S , KIM TAE W , CHANG HEUNG M , RYU MIN H , KIM JONG H , HA HYUN K , LEE MOON G 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy has a number of limitations, including a low rate of complete response and frequent extrahepatic recurrence, in colorectal cancer patients with non‐resectable hepatic metastases.Methods:  Twenty‐nine colorectal cancer patients with non‐resectable hepatic metastases were consecutively enrolled for HAI alternating with systemic chemotherapy (HA + SC group). The protocol comprised six cycles of alternating HAI (5‐FU + leucovorin for 14 days, and mitomycin C on the first day) and systemic chemotherapy (5‐FU + leucovorin). Colorectal cancer patients with two or more hepatic metastases treated using hepatic resection and systemic chemotherapy (HR + SC group) were selected as a comparative group.Results:  Within the HA + SC group, complete response was achieved in eight patients (28%), whereas 13 patients (45%) showed progressive disease. Six of the eight patients with complete response lived for more than 38 months. Extrahepatic recurrences were more frequent in the HR + SC group than the HA + SC group (47 vs 21%, P = 0.024). The two groups did not differ with respect to overall and hepatic progression‐free survival (P = 0.947 and 0.444, respectively), displaying median ± SE values of 38 ± 7 and 20 ± 3 months in the HA + SC group, and 39 ± 9 and 33 ± 14 months in the HR + SC group, respectively. One patient in each group experienced toxic hepatitis, and sclerosing cholangitis occurred in one patient of the HA + SC group. Other complications were mostly grade 1 or 2.Conclusions:  HAI alternating with systemic chemotherapy led to a promising response and hepatic progression‐free survival, possibly reducing extrahepatic recurrence in colorectal cancer patients with non‐resectable liver metastases.
Autoantibody profiles in microscopic colitis
Authors: HOLSTEIN ANDREAS , BURMEISTER JOERG , PLASCHKE ARMIN , ROSEMEIER DIRK , WIDJAJA ADJI , EGBERTS EICK‐HARTWIG 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  The etiology of microscopic colitis is unclear; an autoimmune response and pharmacological induction have been proposed as possible mechanisms. We conducted a multicentre cross‐sectional study to compare the antibody profiles of patients with collagenous and lymphocytic colitis with those of a control group.Methods:  The medical histories and antibody profiles of 26 patients with collagenous and 16 patients with lymphocytic colitis were compared with the corresponding data of 43 controls without gastroenterological disease. Antibodies to the following structures were determined: intestinal goblet cells, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), tissue transglutaminase, gliadin, pancreatic acini, glutamate decarboxylase, tyrosine phosphatase IA‐2 and thyroid (microsomal anitbodies, MAB).Results:  Patients with collagenous and lymphocytic colitis had been treated significantly more often with H2‐receptor antagonists and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (P = 0.026 and 0.014, respectively). Additional diseases of presumed autoimmune etiology were present in 43% (18/42) of patients. Comparison with the controls showed significantly more positive findings for ANA immunoglobulin G (IgG), gliadin immunoglobulin A (IgA) and ASCA (IgA and IgG) in patients with collagenous colitis but not in those with lymphocytic colitis. Collagenous colitis was associated with positive ASCA in 15% of patients and lymphocytic colitis in 13%.Conclusions:  The autoantibodies investigated are of no diagnostic relevance to microscopic colitis. Positive ANA and strong associations with other autoimmune diseases point to an autoimmune etiology. H2‐receptor antagonists and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs might also be of pathogenetic significance.
Highways block gene flow and cause a rapid decline in genetic diversity of desert bighorn sheep
Authors: Epps Clinton W. , Palsbøll Per J. , Wehausen John D. , Roderick George K. , Ramey Rob R. , McCullough Dale R. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe rapid expansion of road networks has reduced connectivity among populations of flora and fauna. The resulting isolation is assumed to increase population extinction rates, in part because of the loss of genetic diversity. However, there are few cases where loss of genetic diversity has been linked directly to roads or other barriers. We analysed the effects of such barriers on connectivity and genetic diversity of 27 populations ofOvis canadensis nelsoni(desert bighorn sheep). We used partial Mantel tests, multiple linear regression and coalescent simulations to infer changes in gene flow and diversity of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. Our findings link a rapid reduction in genetic diversity (up to 15%) to as few as 40 years of anthropogenic isolation. Interstate highways, canals and developed areas, where present, have apparently eliminated gene flow. These results suggest that anthropogenic barriers constitute a severe threat to the persistence of naturally fragmented populations.
New techniques and findings in the study of a candidate allelochemical implicated in invasion success
Authors: Blair Amy C. , Hanson Bradley D. , Brunk Galen R. , Marrs Robin A. , Westra Philip , Nissen Scott J. , Hufbauer Ruth A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAllelopathy has been hypothesized to promote the success of invasive plants. Support for the role of allelopathy in invasions has emerged from research on the candidate allelochemical (−)‐catechin, which is secreted by spotted knapweed. Here we describe new methods to quantify catechin in liquid and soil. With a new technique, we assayed catechin production by individual plants in liquid media and found levels up to two orders of magnitude less than previously reported. An acetone/water solution provided consistent recovery of catechin from soil, with percent recovery depending upon soil type. We evaluated soils from two spotted knapweed sites in Montana, USA, but found no measurable catechin. Idaho fescue, a native species reportedly sensitive to catechin, only exhibited slightly reduced growth at concentrations 10 times higher than previously reported to cause 100% mortality. Our results emphasize that more research is required to clarify the role of catechin in the invasion of spotted knapweed.
Direct and indirect fishery effects on small coastal elasmobranchs in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Shepherd Travis D. , Myers Ransom A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractGlobally, bycatch in tropical/subtropical shrimp trawl and longline fisheries is threatening many marine species. Here we examine the joint effects of increased mortality caused by shrimp trawling bycatch, and reduced predation caused by losses of large sharks because of longline fishing. Research surveys in the Gulf of Mexico (1972–2002) demonstrated precipitous declines in shallow water coastal elasmobranchs where shrimping effort was highest (bonnethead 96%, Bancroft's numbfish (lesser electric ray) 98%, smooth butterfly ray > 99%) and consistent increases in deeper water elasmobranchs (Atlantic angel shark, smooth dogfish). These increases are the first empirical support for predation release caused by the loss of large sharks, which have been theorized to structure tropical/subtropical marine ecosystems. Bycatch of elasmobranchs in shrimp trawls is a critical conservation concern which is not solved by present mitigation measures; similar loss of elasmobranchs is expected to be occurring in tropical/subtropical regions worldwide where ever intensive shrimp trawling occurs.
Life‐history correlates of plant invasiveness at regional and continental scales
Authors: Hamilton Mark A. , Murray Brad R. , Cadotte Marc W. , Hose Grant C. , Baker Andrew C. , Harris Carla J. , Licari Damian 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe implemented cross‐species and independent‐contrasts multiple regression models to compare life‐history correlates of invasion success between regional and continental spatial scales among non‐native plants of eastern Australia. We focussed on three life‐history traits that represent major axes of variation in plant life history: specific leaf area (SLA), plant height and seed mass. After controlling for residence time and cross‐correlation with other life‐history traits, small seed mass was significantly and uniquely correlated with invasion success at continental and regional scales. High SLA was significantly and uniquely correlated with invasion success at the continental scale only. Plant height could not explain unique variation in invasion success at either spatial scale. Variation among spatial scales in the significance and strength of life‐history relationships with invasion success suggests that the search for predictive tools of invasion need not be fruitless, as long as predictive investigations are targeted at appropriate spatial scales.
Interaction frequency as a surrogate for the total effect of animal mutualists on plants
Authors: Vázquez Diego P. , Morris William F. , Jordano Pedro 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe evaluate whether species interaction frequency can be used as a surrogate for the total effect of a species on another. Because interaction frequency is easier to estimate than per‐interaction effect, using interaction frequency as a surrogate of total effect could facilitate the large‐scale analysis of quantitative patterns of species‐rich interaction networks. We show mathematically that the correlation between interaction frequency (I) and total effect (T) becomes more strongly positive the greater the variation of I relative to the variation of per‐interaction effect (P) and the greater the correlation between I and P. A meta‐analysis using data on I, P and T for animal pollinators and seed dispersers visiting plants shows a generally strong, positive relationship between T and I, in spite of no general relationship between P and I. Thus, frequent animal mutualists usually contribute the most to plant reproduction, regardless of their effectiveness on a per‐interaction basis.
Patch area, population density and the scaling of migration rates: the resource concentration hypothesis revisited
Authors: Hambäck Peter A. , Englund Göran 
Published: September 2005

AbstractEmpirical research has for a long time observed that animal densities may both increase and decrease with patch size, and these variable responses have been difficult to explain using the current theoretical framework. The most influential hypothesis, the resource concentration hypothesis, predicts only positive density–area relations, as a consequence of different emigration and immigration rates in small and large patches, and empirical deviations have inspired a flurry of alternative explanations. In this paper, we use realistic rules for the relationship between patch size and migration rates and show a wider predictive range for density–area relations than previously believed. Comparisons with published data suggest that observed density–area relations may easily fit in a framework based on a minimum set of behavioural and population processes. This does not imply that other mechanisms are unimportant, but merely that their quantitative importance can only be evaluated relative to patch geometry and local growth.
Size and functional diversity of microbe populations control plant persistence and long‐term soil carbon accumulation
Authors: Fontaine Sébastien , Barot Sébastien 
Published: September 2005

AbstractSoil organic matter (SOM) models are based on the equation dC/dt = −kC which states that the decomposition rate of a particular carbon (C) pool is proportional to the size of the pool and the decomposition constant k. However, this equation does not adequately describe the decomposition of recalcitrant SOM compounds. We present an alternative theory of SOM dynamics in which SOM decay rate is controlled by the size and the diversity of microbe populations and by the supply of energy‐rich litter compounds. We show that the SOM pool does not necessarily reach equilibrium and may increase continuously, which explains how SOM can accumulate over thousands of years. However, the simulated SOM accumulation involves the sequestration of available nutrients. How can plants persist? This question is explored with two models that couple the C cycle with a limiting nutrient. The first model considers a single type of microbe whereas the second includes two functional types in competition for energy and nutrient acquisition. The condition for plant persistence is the presence of these two competing microbial types.
Why are birds’ eggs speckled?
Authors: Gosler Andrew G. , Higham James P. , James Reynolds S. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBirds are unique in laying eggs with pigmented shells, but for most species (e.g. most passerines, which lay white eggs speckled with reddish spots of protoporphyrin) the pigments’ function is unknown. We studied a bird population at a geologically variable site, and considered a hitherto untested hypothesis: that protoporphyrin pigments might compensate for reduced eggshell‐thickness (caused partly by calcium deficiency), which is known to reduce eggshell‐strength and increase eggshell‐permeability. We found that pigment spots specifically demarcated thinner areas of shell, with darker spots marking yet thinner shell than paler spots. Variation in pigmentation was thus associated with variation in shell thickness both within and between clutches, so accounting for the eggshell's characteristic spot patterns. Geological variability at this site has resulted in a great range of calcium availability and, as predicted by the hypothesis, variation in calcium availability was found to affect between‐clutch variation in both eggshell‐mass (+) and pigmentation characteristics (−). We suggest a physiological mechanism and some important implications of these findings.
Potential photosynthesis gene recombination between Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus via viral intermediates
Authors: Zeidner Gil , Bielawski Joseph P. , Shmoish Michael , Scanlan David J. , Sabehi Gazalah , Béjà Oded 
Published: September 2005

SummaryGenes (psbA and psbD) encoding for photosynthetically important proteins were recently found in a number of cultured cyanophage genomes. This phenomenon may be a beneficial trait to the viruses or their photosynthetic cyanobacterial hosts, or may represent an untapped pool of genes involved in the formation of the photosynthetic apparatus that are prone to lateral gene transfer. Here we show analyses of psbA genes from uncultured environmental viruses and prophage populations. We observe a statistically significant separation between viral genes and their potential Synechococcus hosts’ genes, and statistical analyses under models of codon evolution indicate that the psbA genes of viruses are evolving under levels of purifying selection that are virtually indistinguishable from their hosts. Furthermore, our data also indicate the possible exchange and reshuffling of psbA genes between Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus via phage intermediates. Overall, these observations raise the possibility that marine viruses serve as a potential genetic pool in shaping the evolution of cyanobacterial photosynthesis.
Incidence of novel and potentially archaeal nitrogenase genes in the deep Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Mehta Mausmi P. , Huber Julie A. , Baross John A. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryArchaea have been detected throughout the oceanic water column and are quantitatively important members of picoplankton in the deep ocean. Two common groups, group I Crenarchaeota and group II Euryarchaeota, are consistently detected in warm hydrothermal fluid and are assumed to have been drawn into the subseafloor, mixed with hydrothermal fluid and then expelled. However, because they remain resistant to cultivation, very little is known about their physiology. Here we show that cold deep‐seawater from the axial valley of Endeavour Segment on the Juan de Fuca Ridge contains not only groups I and II archaea as expected, but also unique potentially archaeal nitrogenase (nifH) genes, which are required for nitrogen fixation. These nifH genes are phylogenetically distinct and have dissimilar G+C content compared with those of hydrothermal vent archaea, suggesting that they belong to non‐thermophilic deep‐sea archaea. Furthermore, this sample did not contain mcrA genes, which are present in methanogens, the only known archaeal nitrogen fixers. These nifH genes were not detected in upper water column samples, or in a deep‐seawater sample 100 km away from the spreading axis of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. We propose that these unique nifH genes may be localized to archaea that circulate through the nitrogen‐poor subseafloor at the mid‐ocean ridge as part of their life cycle.