bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathological audit of stapled haemorhoidopexy
Authors: Shanmugam V. , Watson A. J. M. , Chapman A. D. , Binnie N. R. , Loudon M. A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIntroduction  Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is increasingly used for the surgical management of prolapsing haemorrhoids. Accurate placement of the staple line is essential to avoid involvement of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and the pain sensitive squamous epithelium. The aim of this study was to correlate histology with symptomatic outcome after stapled haemorrhoidopexy.Patients and methods  A single pathologist reviewed one hundred and six consecutive rectal mucosal specimens. Each specimen was assessed for the presence of columnar, transitional and squamous epithelium as well as involvement of smooth and skeletal muscle. In November 2003 all patients were sent a previously validated postal questionnaire about haemorrhoidal symptoms and a Cleveland Clinic continence scale. Symptomatic outcome was compared between patients who did or did not have squamous epithelium involvement in their pathology specimens and were analysed by Mann–Whitney U‐test.Results  One hundred and six stapled haemorrhoidopexies were performed between June 2001 and September 2003. Eighty‐four patients (79%) returned the questionnaire; 19 patients had squamous epithelium present in the pathology specimens. There was no significant difference between symptom or Cleveland Clinic scores in patients with or without squamous epithelium in their pathology specimens. Some specimens (n = 6) were found to have smooth muscle underlying squamous epithelium; this was interpreted as the presence of internal anal sphincter (IAS) within the specimen. There was no significant difference in Cleveland Clinic scores between this group and those without IAS involvement.Conclusion  This study has not demonstrated a long‐term difference in symptomatic outcome or continence in patients who have squamous epithelium present in their stapled haemorrhoidopexy specimens.
People, energy and avian species richness
Authors: Evans Karl L. , Gaston Kevin J. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate the inter‐relationships between energy availability, species richness and human population density, particularly whether human population density influences the manner in which species richness responds to energy availability.Location  British 10‐km grid cells.Methods  Using regressions, we investigate how human population density varies with energy availability and the nature of relationships between the numbers of species, classified by abundance and threat categories, and human population density. We then assess whether the relationships between these species richness measures and energy availability are altered when accounting for human population density. We conduct analyses using both independent error models and ones that control for spatial autocorrelation.Results  Human population density was strongly and positively correlated with energy availability. Total species richness, and that of unthreatened, threatened, common and moderately common species, increases in a positive decelerating manner with human density. When human population density was taken into account, these species groups exhibited similar species–energy relationships, but the slopes of these relationships were significantly reduced in independent error models and, in the case of total richness, in spatial models.Main conclusions  Positive correlations between human density and species richness probably arise as both increase with energy availability. Our data are compatible with the suggestion that high human population densities reduce the rate at which species richness increases with energy availability, but additional research is required before causality can be confirmed.
The distribution and diversity of Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) in western Finnish Lapland, with special emphasis on shallow lakes
Authors: Nyman Marjut , Korhola A. , Brooks S. J. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTAim  Predictions of aquatic ecosystem change with global warming require basic data that accurately reflect the environmental conditions underlying species distributions. However, in remote arctic areas such baseline data are scarce. We assess the influence of environmental variables on chironomid distribution and taxon richness in shallow, isothermal lakes in a poorly studied arctic region. We pay particular attention to community variation along the treeline ecotonal zone where many environmental variables change abruptly in a relatively small area.Location  Lake transect in Finnish Lapland spanning from boreal coniferous forest to arctic tundra.Methods  Chironomid assemblages were determined from surface‐sediment samples of 50 shallow (< 10 m) natural lakes. Abundance and taxon richness data were related to 24 limnological variables using canonical ordination techniques (DCA, CCA, RDA). A Monte Carlo permutation procedure was used to assess the explanatory power of single variables. Between‐vegetation zone differences of richness were tested for statistical significance using one‐way anova.Results  In total, 7771 chironomid head capsules were identified, consisting of 13 species, 10 species groups, four subgenera, 41 genera, four genus groups, five types and three with uncertain taxonomic affiliation. A hump‐shaped relationship between taxon richness and elevation was noted along the study transect with a peak in taxon richness occurring in mountain birch woodland lakes at middle elevations, decreasing then towards both warmer and colder ends of the elevation/temperature gradient. Of the individual parameters, sediment organic content, total organic carbon, pH, and lake‐specific air temperature accounted for the greatest amount of variation in the chironomid data.Main conclusions  Maximum taxon richness occurred at mid‐elevations where aquatic algae also reached their maximum diversity. This area coincides with an ecotonal transitional zone, which seems more likely to account for the peak in species richness. Our study demonstrates that the factors most strongly affecting chironomids in Finnish Lapland (i.e. temperature, and ecosystem features) are those that with great probability will also change as a result of future climate change. This will likely have an effect on the distribution of chironomids in subarctic and arctic areas.
Identification and characterization of undifferentiated mast cells in mouse bone marrow
Authors: Jamur Maria Célia , Grodzki Ana Cristina G. , Berenstein Elsa H. , Hamawy Majed M. , Siraganian Reuben P. , Oliver Constance 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSequential immunomagnetic isolation with 2 monoclonal antibodies was used to purify and characterize an undifferentiated mast cell in adult mouse bone marrow that had not been previously recognized. This cell represents 0.02% of the cells in the bone marrow, is CD34+, CD13+, and c-kit+, and does not express FcϵRI. However, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the cell contains message for the α and β subunits of FcϵRI, mast cell–specific proteases, and carboxypeptidase A. Morphologically, this cell has a large nucleus, little cytoplasm, few cytoplasmic organelles, and no cytoplasmic granules. In vitro, in the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and stem cell factor (SCF) these cells differentiate only into a granulated mast cell that now expresses CD13, c-kit, mast cell–specific gangliosides, FcϵRI, and binds immunoglobulin E (IgE). When injected into lethally irradiated mice, these cells are able to reconstitute the mast cell population in the spleen.
Cell death of bioenergetically compromised and transcriptionally challenged CLL lymphocytes by chlorinated ATP
Authors: Balakrishnan Kumudha , Stellrecht Christine M. , Genini Davide , Ayres Mary , Wierda William G. , Keating Michael J. , Leoni Lorenzo M. , Gandhi Varsha 
Published: February 2005

AbstractMyeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) acts as a key survival factor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. In addition, dissipation of cellular bioenergy may impose a lethal effect on these quiescent cells. Previously, in multiple myeloma cell lines we demonstrated that halogenated adenosine (8-Cl-Ado) was phosphorylated to triphosphate (8-Cl–adenosine triphosphate [ATP]), which preferentially incorporated into mRNA and inhibited RNA synthesis by premature transcription termination. Furthermore, 8-Cl-ATP accumulation was associated with a decline in cellular bioenergy. Based on these actions, we hypothesized that 8-Cl-Ado would be ideal to target CLL lymphocytes. In the present study we demonstrate that leukemic lymphocytes incubated with 8-Cl-Ado display time- and dose-dependent increase in the accumulation of 8-Cl-ATP, with a parallel depletion of the endogenous ATP pool. Inhibition of global RNA synthesis resulted in a significant decline in the expression of transcripts with a short half-life such as MCL1. Consistent to this, protein expression of MCL-1 but not B-cell lymphoma–2 (BCL-2) was decreased. Furthermore, 8-Cl-ATP induced programmed cell death, as suggested by caspases activation, cleavage of caspase 3, and PARP (poly–adenosine diphosphate [ADP]–ribose polymerase), and increased DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, 8-Cl-Ado induces apoptosis in CLL lymphocytes by targeting cellular bioenergy as well as RNA transcription and translation of key survival genes such as MCL1.
Leukotrienes enhance the bactericidal activity of alveolar macrophages against Klebsiella pneumoniae through the activation of NADPH oxidase
Authors: Serezani Carlos H. C. , Aronoff David M. , Jancar Sonia , Mancuso Peter , Peters-Golden Marc 
Published: February 2005

AbstractLeukotrienes (LTs) are lipid mediators that participate in inflammatory diseases and innate immune function. We sought to investigate the importance of LTs in regulating the microbicidal activity of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs. The role of LTs in enhancing AM microbicidal activity was evaluated pharmacologically and genetically using in vitro challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Exogenous LTs increased AM microbicidal activity in a dose- and receptor-dependent manner, and endogenous production of LTs was necessary for optimal killing. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was more potent than cysteinyl LTs. An important role for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADPH) oxidase in LT-induced microbicidal activity was indicated by the fact that bacterial killing was abrogated by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI; 10 μM) and in AMs derived from gp91phox-deficient mice. By contrast, LT-induced microbicidal activity was independent of the generation of nitric oxide. LTs increased H2O2 production, and LTB4 was again the more potent agonist. Both classes of LTs elicited translocation of p47phox to the cell membrane, and LTB4 induced phosphorylation of p47phox in a manner dependent on protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ) activity. In addition, the enhancement of microbicidal activity by LTs was also dependent on PKC-δ activity. Our results demonstrate that LTs, especially LTB4, enhanceAM microbicidal activity through the PKC-δ-dependent activation of NADPH oxidase.
Statistical model of natural stimuli predicts edge-like pooling of spatial frequency channels in V2
Authors: Hyvärinen Aapo , Gutmann Michael , Hoyer Patrik O 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
It has been shown that the classical receptive fields of simple and complex cells in the primary visual cortex emerge from the statistical properties of natural images by forcing the cell responses to be maximally sparse or independent. We investigate how to learn features beyond the primary visual cortex from the statistical properties of modelled complex-cell outputs. In previous work, we showed that a new model, non-negative sparse coding, led to the emergence of features which code for contours of a given spatial frequency band.

Results
We applied ordinary independent component analysis to modelled outputs of complex cells that span different frequency bands. The analysis led to the emergence of features which pool spatially coherent across-frequency activity in the modelled primary visual cortex. Thus, the statistically optimal way of processing complex-cell outputs abandons separate frequency channels, while preserving and even enhancing orientation tuning and spatial localization. As a technical aside, we found that the non-negativity constraint is not necessary: ordinary independent component analysis produces essentially the same results as our previous work.

Conclusion
We propose that the pooling that emerges allows the features to code for realistic low-level image features related to step edges. Further, the results prove the viability of statistical modelling of natural images as a framework that produces quantitative predictions of visual processing.
Evaluating the role of quality assessment of primary studies in systematic reviews of cancer practice guidelines
Authors: Brouwers Melissa C , Johnston Mary E , Charette Manya L , Hanna Steve E , Jadad Alejandro R , Browman George P 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of study quality assessment of primary studies in cancer practice guidelines.

Methods
Reliable and valid study quality assessment scales were sought and applied to published reports of trials included in systematic reviews of cancer guidelines. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between quality scores and pooled odds ratios (OR) for mortality and need for blood transfusion.

Results
Results found that that whether trials were classified as high or low quality depended on the scale used to assess them. Although the results of the sensitivity analyses found some variation in the ORs observed, the confidence intervals (CIs) of the pooled effects from each of the analyses of high quality trials overlapped with the CI of the pooled odds of all trials. Quality score was not predictive of pooled ORs studied here.

Conclusions
Had sensitivity analyses based on study quality been conducted prospectively, it is highly unlikely that different conclusions would have been found or that different clinical recommendations would have emerged in the guidelines.
Assessment of the proliferative, apoptotic and cellular renovation indices of the human mammary epithelium during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Navarrete Maria Alicia H , Maier Carolina M , Falzoni Roberto , Quadros Luiz Gerk de Azevedo , Lima Geraldo R , Baracat Edmund C , Nazário Afonso CP 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Introduction
During the menstrual cycle, the mammary gland goes through sequential waves of proliferation and apoptosis. In mammary epithelial cells, hormonal and non-hormonal factors regulate apoptosis. To determine the cyclical effects of gonadal steroids on breast homeostasis, we evaluated the apoptotic index (AI) determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining in human mammary epithelial cells during the spontaneous menstrual cycle and correlated it with cellular proliferation as determined by the expression of Ki-67 during the same period.

Methods
Normal breast tissue samples were obtained from 42 randomly selected patients in the proliferative (n = 21) and luteal (n = 21) phases. Menstrual cycle phase characterization was based on the date of the last and subsequent menses, and on progesterone serum levels obtained at the time of biopsy.

Results
The proliferation index (PI), defined as the number of Ki-67-positive nuclei per 1,000 epithelial cells, was significantly larger in the luteal phase (30.46) than in the follicular phase (13.45; P = 0.0033). The AI was defined as the number of TUNEL-positive cells per 1,000 epithelial cells. The average AI values in both phases of the menstrual cycle were not statistically significant (P = 0.21). However, the cell renewal index (CRI = PI/AI) was significantly higher in the luteal phase (P = 0.033). A significant cyclical variation of PI, AI and CRI was observed. PI and AI peaks occurred on about the 24th day of the menstrual cycle, whereas the CRI reached higher values on the 28th day.

Conclusions
We conclude that proliferative activity is dependent mainly on hormonal fluctuations, whereas apoptotic activity is probably regulated by hormonal and non-hormonal factors.
Does a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse Affect Sexual Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors?
Authors: Wyatt Gail E. , Loeb Tamra Burns , Desmond Katherine A. , Ganz Patricia A. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeLittle is known about a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in breast cancer survivors and its relationship to sexual functioning after cancer. As part of a larger survey study examining sexuality and intimacy in breast cancer survivors, we conducted in-person interviews with a subsample of participants.MethodsA total of 147 women in Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, completed a structured interview that addressed sexual socialization and a history of sexual abuse. Trained female interviewers conducted the interviews. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence of CSA, and its potential impact on sexual health and functioning.ResultsOne in three women reported at least one CSA incident. Among women who had experienced CSA, 71% reported a single incident, and 22% reported a penetrative form of sexual contact. In multivariate regression analyses examining physical and psychological aspects of sexuality and body image, CSA was not a significant predictor of physical discomfort. However, a history of penetrative CSA was a significant predictor of psychological discomfort (P = .02).ConclusionThe prevalence of CSA in this sample was similar to the general population literature on this topic. In this small sample, a past history of CSA did not contribute significantly to the physical discomforts associated with sexual intimacy after breast cancer; however, our findings suggest that a past history of penetrative CSA is associated with increased psychological discomfort, and may warrant additional examination in future research.
Clinical Role of Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 Expression in Chemotherapy Resistance in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: The Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group
Authors: Filipits Martin , Pohl Gudrun , Rudas Margaretha , Dietze Otto , Lax Sigurd , Grill Renate , Pirker Robert , Zielinski Christoph C. , Hausmaninger Hubert , Kubista Ernst , Samonigg Hellmut , Jakesz Raimund 
Published: February 2005

Purpose The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is expressed in human breast cancer cells and may contribute to the clinical drug resistance of breast cancer patients. Therefore, we determined the impact of MRP1 expression on the clinical outcome of adjuvant therapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Patients and Methods Immunostaining for MRP1 was performed on tissue sections from 516 premenopausal, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients with stage I and II disease. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the effect of MRP1 expression on survival and to test for interaction between MRP1 expression and treatment. Results MRP1 expression independently predicted shorter relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF; RFS: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.88; P = .002; OS: HR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.10 to 3.01; P = .02), but it did not predict shorter RFS and OS in patients who received tamoxifen plus goserelin (RFS: HR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.31; P = .9; OS: HR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.40 to 1.15; P = .1). Tests for interaction between MRP1 expression and treatment were statistically significant for both RFS (P = .04) and OS (P = .006). Conclusion Our data suggest that MRP1 expression plays an important role in the clinical resistance to adjuvant CMF chemotherapy but does not seem to affect response to adjuvant endocrine treatment with tamoxifen plus goserelin. Thus, MRP1 may be a useful marker for the selection of patients with early-stage breast cancer for the appropriate adjuvant therapy after prospective confirmatory evaluation.
Prospective Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity Profile of Docetaxel in the Elderly
Authors: ten Tije Albert J. , Verweij Jaap , Carducci Michael A. , Graveland Wilfried , Rogers Theresa , Pronk Tatjana , Verbruggen M.P. , Dawkins Fitzroy , Baker Sharyn D. 
Published: February 2005

Purpose To prospectively study the pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile of docetaxel in elderly patients with cancer. Patients and Methods Docetaxel was administered at a dose 75 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks to 25 elderly cancer patients aged ≥ 65 years and 26 cancer patients aged younger than 65 years. Pharmacokinetic studies and toxicity assessments were performed during the first cycle of therapy. Results Of 51 patients treated, 20 aged ≥ 65 years (median, 71 years; range, 65 to 80 years) and 20 aged younger than 65 years (median, 53 years; range, 26 to 64 years) were assessable for pharmacokinetic studies, and 39 were assessable for toxicity. Patient characteristics were similar (P ≥ .15) between the two cohorts. Mean docetaxel clearance was not altered in the elderly versus younger patients: 30.1 L/h (standard deviation [SD] 18.3 L/h) v 30.0 L/h (SD, 14.8 L/h; P = .98). The percentage of patients with grade 4 and febrile neutropenia was higher in the elderly (63% and 16%, respectively) versus younger (30% and 0%, respectively) cohort, although this observation did not reach a level of statistical significance (P = .056). From logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for a patient aged 65 years was 1.98 for developing grade 4 neutropenia compared with a patient aged 50 years (P = .091). Conclusion Docetaxel plasma pharmacokinetics are unaltered in elderly patients. Patients aged ≥ 65 years appear to be more sensitive to docetaxel-induced neutropenia.
Should 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 Receptor Antagonists Be Administered Beyond 24 Hours After Chemotherapy to Prevent Delayed Emesis? Systematic Re-Evaluation of Clinical Evidence and Drug Cost Implications
Authors: Geling Olga , Eichler Hans-Georg 
Published: February 2005

Purpose 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonists (5-HT3 antagonists) are effective for preventing acute chemotherapy-induced emesis but the benefits of continuing administration of these agents beyond 24 hours after chemotherapy (delayed emesis) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to provide estimates of clinical efficacy and drug acquisition cost associated with administering 5-HT3 antagonists beyond 24 hours, as monotherapy or as added to dexamethasone. Methods This analysis is based on the Cancer Care Ontario Practice Guidelines Initiative meta-analysis of the efficacy of 5-HT3 antagonists. Results from the clinical trials covered in that meta-analysis were reanalyzed to provide estimates of absolute risk reductions (ARR) and numbers needed to treat (NNT) for 5-HT3 antagonists, as monotherapy or as adjunct treatment. Numbers of 5-HT3 antagonist unit doses per successfully treated patient were also calculated. Results Five studies (comprising 1,716 assessable patients) compared a 5-HT3 antagonist with placebo; five studies (2,240 patients) compared a combination of a 5-HT3 antagonist and dexamethasone with dexamethasone monotherapy. ARR for monotherapy was only 8.2% (95% CI, 3.0% to 13.4%). On average, 74 5-HT3 antagonist doses must be administered to 12 patients (NNT, 12.2; 95% CI, 7.5 to 33.4) not receiving dexamethasone to protect one patient from delayed emesis. In those patients receiving dexamethasone as standard antiemetic treatment in the delayed phase, the addition of a 5-HT3 antagonist did not significantly improve control of delayed emesis as compared with dexamethasone monotherapy (ARR, 2.6%; 95% CI, −0.6% to 5.8%). Conclusion Neither clinical evidence nor considerations of cost effectiveness justify using 5-HT3 antagonists beyond 24 hours after chemotherapy for prevention of delayed emesis.