2 macrophages. Microbiology 2007,153(Pt 6):1756–1771.PubMedCrossRef 118. Joseph B, Przybilla K, Stuhler C, Schauer K, Slaghuis J, Fuchs TM, Goebel W: Identification of Listeria monocytogenes genes contributing to intracellular replication by expression profiling and mutant screening. J Bacteriol 2006,188(2):556–568.PubMedCrossRef 119. Stojiljkovic I, Baumler AJ, Heffron F: Ethanolamine utilization in Salmonella typhimurium : nucleotide sequence, protein expression, and mutational analysis of the cchA cchB eutE eutJ

eutG eutH gene cluster. J Bacteriol 1995,177(5):1357–1366.PubMed 120. Dibden DP, Green J: In vivo cycling of the Escherichia coli transcription factor FNR between active and inactive

states. Microbiology 2005,151(Pt 12):4063–4070.PubMedCrossRef 121. Jones find more HM, Gunsalus RP: Regulation of Escherichia coli fumarate reductase ( frdABCD ) operon expression by respiratory electron acceptors and the fnr gene product. J Bacteriol 1987,169(7):3340–3349.PubMed 122. Melville SB, Gunsalus RP: Mutations in fnr that alter anaerobic regulation of electron https://www.selleckchem.com/products/byl719.html transport-associated genes in Escherichia coli . J Biol Chem 1990,265(31):18733–18736.PubMed 123. McCrindle SL, Kappler U, McEwan AG: Microbial dimethylsulfoxide and trimethylamine-N-oxide respiration. Adv Microb Physiol 2005, 50:147–198.PubMedCrossRef 124. Privalle CT, Fridovich I: Transcriptional and maturational effects of manganese and iron on the biosynthesis of manganese-superoxide dismutase in Escherichia coli . J Biol Chem 1992,267(13):9140–9145.PubMed 125. McCollister BD, Bourret TJ, Gill R, Jones-Carson J, Vazquez-Torres A: Branched chain aminotransferase Repression of SPI2 transcription by nitric oxide-producing, IFNgamma-activated macrophages promotes maturation of Salmonella phagosomes. J Exp Med 2005,202(5):625–635.PubMedCrossRef 126. Foster JW, Bearson B: Acid-sensitive mutants of Salmonella typhimurium identified through a dinitrophenol lethal screening strategy. J Bacteriol 1994,176(9):2596–2602.PubMed

127. Pettis GS, Brickman TJ, McIntosh MA: Transcriptional mapping and nucleotide sequence of the Escherichia coli fepA-fes enterobactin region. Identification of a unique iron-regulated bidirectional promoter. J Biol Chem 1988,263(35):18857–18863.PubMed 128. Hunt MD, Pettis GS, McIntosh MA: Promoter and operator determinants for Fur-mediated iron regulation in the bidirectional fepA-fes control region of the Escherichia coli enterobactin gene system. J Bacteriol 1994,176(13):3944–3955.PubMed 129. Escolar L, Perez-Martin J, de Lorenzo V: Coordinated repression in vitro of the divergent fepA-fes promoters of Escherichia coli by the iron uptake regulation (Fur) protein. J Bacteriol 1998,180(9):2579–2582.PubMed 130.

​genome.​jp/​kegg/​. *Protein with changed pI in

RIF R versus RIF S isolate. Proteins belonging to the carbohydrate metabolism and the enzymes involved in the reactions of the tricarboxylic cycle (TCA) resulted up-expressed: in particular, the phosphenolpyruvate synthase [A1KSM6], the pyruvate dehydrogenase subunit E1 [A1KUG5], the glutamate dehydrogenase [A1KVB4], together with the isocitrate dehydrogenase [A1KTJ0], the succinyl-CoA synthetase subunit beta [A1KTM6] and the aconitate hydratase [A9M175]. Four proteins belonging to different metabolic pathways and those responsible for ATP production were down-expressed

in both resistant strains: the malate quinone oxidoreductase [A1KWH2], the enolase [A1KUB6], selleck chemical the putative zinc-binding alcohol dehydrogenase [A1KSL2], the carboxyphosphonoenol pyruvate phosphonomutase [A9M2G6] and the F0F1 ATP synthase subunit α [A9M121 (Table 2). A BMS-777607 price second group of proteins is involved in the regulation of the gene expression: the elongation factor G [A1KRH0], the transcription elongation factor NusA [C9WY90], and the DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit α [A1KRJ9] were up-expressed. On the contrary, the DNA-binding response regulator [A9M2D6], involved in the transcription, the trigger factor [A1KUE0] involved in protein export, the 60 kDa chaperonin [A1KW52], that prevents misfolding and promotes the refolding of polypeptides, and the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase [A9M3M5], which accelerates the folding of proteins, were down-expressed.

The cell division protein [A1KVK9], the septum site-determining protein MinD [A9M3T7], the malonyl-CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase [A1KRY7] and the putative buy ZD1839 oxidoreductase [A9M1W2], also resulted down-expressed. Four of the 23 listed proteins in the Table2 had a different pI in both the resistant strains. The difference in the pI was well visualised in the 2-DE gels. As shown in figure 1B, the isocitrate dehydrogenase (spot 5) and the putative zinc-binding alcohol dehydrogenase (spot 15) were shifted to a more basic pI, while the putative phosphate acetyltransferase (spot 9) and the putative oxidoreductase (spot 23) were shifted to a more acidic pI. Sequence analysis of the genes encoding the shifted proteins The four genes encoding proteins with a different pI were sequenced. In particular, NMC0426, NMC0547, NMC0575 and NMC0897 genes of the two resistant strains showed nucleotide mutations resulting in amino acid changes absent in the susceptible strain.

JAMA 261:2663–2668PubMed 67. Moreland JD, Richardson JA, Goldsmith CH, Clase CM (2004) Muscle weakness and falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 52:1121–1129PubMed 68. Lanza IR, Towse TF, Caldwell GE, Wigmore DM, Kent-Braun JA (2003) Effects of age on human muscle torque, velocity, and power in two muscle groups. J Appl Physiol 95:2361–2369PubMed 69. Petrella JK, Kim JS, Tuggle SC, Hall SR, Bamman MM (2005) Age differences in knee extension power,

contractile velocity, and fatigability. J Appl Physiol 98:211–220PubMed 70. Morse CI, Thom JM, Reeves MK0683 order ND, Birch KM, Narici MV (2005) In vivo physiological cross-sectional area and specific force are reduced in the gastrocnemius Ku-0059436 purchase of elderly men. J Appl Physiol 99:1050–1055PubMed 71. Kubo K, Morimoto M, Komuro T, Tsunoda N, Kanehisa H, Fukunaga T (2007) Age-related differences in the properties of the plantar flexor muscles and tendons. Med Sci Sports Exerc 39:541–547PubMed 72. Johnson ME, Mille ML, Martinez KM, Crombie G, Rogers MW (2004) Age-related changes in hip abductor and adductor joint torques. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 85:593–597PubMed 73. Dean JC, Kuo AD, Alexander NB (2004) Age-related changes in maximal hip strength and movement speed. J Gerontol Ser A Biol Sci Med Sci 59:286–292 74. Larsson

L, Grimby G, Karlsson J (1979) Muscle strength and speed of movement in relation to age and muscle morphology. J Appl Physiol 46:451–456PubMed 75. Murray MP, Duthie EH Jr, Gambert SR, Sepic SB, Mollinger LA (1985) Age-related differences in knee muscle strength in normal women. J Gerontol 40:275–280PubMed 76. Murray MP, Gardner GM, Mollinger LA, Sepic SB (1980) Strength of isometric and isokinetic contractions: knee muscles of men aged 20 to 86. Phys Ther Casein kinase 1 60:412–419PubMed

77. Young A, Stokes M, Crowe M (1984) Size and strength of the quadriceps muscles of old and young women. Eur J Clin Invest 14:282–287PubMed 78. Young A, Stokes M, Crowe M (1985) The size and strength of the quadriceps muscles of old and young men. Clin Physiol 5:145–154PubMed 79. Hughes VA, Frontera WR, Wood M, Evans WJ, Dallal GE, Roubenoff R, Fiatarone Singh MA (2001) Longitudinal muscle strength changes in older adults: influence of muscle mass, physical activity, and health. J Gerontol Ser A Biol Sci Med Sci 56:B209–217 80. Aniansson A, Hedberg M, Henning GB, Grimby G (1986) Muscle morphology, enzymatic activity, and muscle strength in elderly men: a follow-up study. Muscle Nerve 9:585–591PubMed 81. Greig CA, Botella J, Young A (1993) The quadriceps strength of healthy elderly people remeasured after eight years. Muscle Nerve 16:6–10PubMed 82. Overend TJ, Cunningham DA, Paterson DH, Lefcoe MS (1992) Thigh composition in young and elderly men determined by computed tomography. Clin Physiol 12:629–640PubMed 83.

The 213 households in the watershed (639 equivalent inhabitants) rely on on-site septic systems. Among them, 49 septic tanks (147 equivalent inhabitants) were located on a 500 to 600 m stretch of the stream. Untreated sewage of human origin (4 equivalent inhabitants) resulting from a dysfunctional septic Selleckchem MG-132 system was located 400 m from the sampling location corresponding to a input of E. coli which varies from 6.5 101 CFUs per 100 ml-1 in a wet period to 3.6 104 CFUs

per 100 ml-1 after a rainfall event. The land-use data were provided by the “”Groupement d’Intéret Public Seine Aval”", and data on beef and dairy cattle were provided by the “”Direction Départementale de l’Agriculture et de la Forêt (DDAF)”". Materials and sampling method Samples were collected

with autosamplers (ISCO 6700 s, Roucaire, Courtaboeuf, France) from the stream, near the swallow hole, during a wet period in February 2007 (high flow) and during a dry period in May 2007 (low flow), after a storm during a dry period in July 2007 (Table 1), and after a storm during a wet period in March 2008, with samples taken 5 h before the storm, 6 h after the storm, and 19 h after the storm (Figure 2). The site was equipped with dataprobes (YSI 6820) to measure turbidity. Suspended sediment concentration was measured by filtration through pre-weighed Millipore filters (0.45 μm). ICG-001 supplier Water (1 L) was collected by autosamplers every hour for 24 h, 250 ml of each flask were mixed until subsequent microbial analysis, except for the sampling campaign in March 2008. All samples were kept at 4°C until the microbiological analyses were carried out,

which occurred within 8 h. Enumeration of culturable Fenbendazole E. coli E. coli were enumerated using membrane filtration methods (0.45 μm HA047 Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA). E. coli were isolated from the water samples with a selective chromogenic media specific for E. coli, with the addition of a selective supplement for water samples (RAPID’E.coli 2 Medium and Supplement; Biorad, USA), and incubated for 24 h at 44°C. The threshold value for the enumeration of E. coli in water was 5 CFUs per 100 ml-1. E. coli isolates Two hundred and thirteen isolates of E. coli were isolated from the creek water. The isolates were taken from the membrane of RAPID’E.coli 2 medium and isolated on RAPID’E.coli 2 medium for 24 h at 37°C. Each clone of E. coli was stored on a cryo-bead system (AES laboratory, France) at -80°C. Four sets of isolates were obtained from the stream under different hydrological conditions: 44 isolates during dry season conditions (February 2007); 45 isolates during wet season conditions (May 2007); 34 isolates after a storm during the dry period (July 2007); and 90 isolates from the storm during the wet period (March 2008). Determination of the E.

Thus, the membrane damage resulting from carolacton treatment appears to be specific for biofilm cells. Although the microscopical observations in Figure 2 are not quantitative, they confirm

that carolacton treated planktonic cultures had a slightly reduced density compared to untreated controls. Figure 2 Effect of carolacton on cell morphology and viability. Fluorescent phase-contrast images of planktonically grown cultures (A, B) and biofilm cells of S. mutans (C, D) after LIVE/DEAD staining without (A, C) and in the presence of 5.3 μM carolacton (B, D). Planktonic cultures were grown in THB. Biofilms were grown in THB supplemented with 0.5% sucrose on microtitre plates for 24 h hours. Cultivation was at 37°C under anaerobic conditions (80% selleck N2, 10% H2, 10% CO2). For microscopy, biofilm cells were scraped off from the bottom of the wells using pipette tips. Samples (100 μl) were stained with LIVE/DEAD BacLight click here bacterial viability staining kit L13152 (Molecular Probes; Eugene, OR, US) as recommended by the manufacturer and analysed using an Olympus BX60 microscope equipped with fluorescence filters U-MWB and U-MNUA2 and the Olympus digital camera Color View II (Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Germany). Arrows (B, D) indicate bulging cells. Quantification of S. mutans biofilm damage by carolacton We attempted to quantify

the extent of biofilm damage caused by carolacton by determining colony forming units (CFU). Figure 3 shows that the number of CFU in carolacton treated biofilms was only 5 – 15% compared to untreated controls, thus confirming that carolacton induced cell death. Due to the microscopic observations described above, these results have to be interpreted cautiously, because not only the high percentage of red stained biofilm cells, but also the elongated cell chains reduced the viable cell count. Disaggregation of these chains by sonification failed to yield individual cells or short chains comparable to untreated cultures and led to more or less complete cell death. Figure 3 Quantification of the viability of carolacton treated

S. mutans biofilms determined by counting colony forming units pentoxifylline (CFU) and by measuring membrane damage, calculated as the green/red ratio after LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacterial Viability staining in percent of untreated controls. Biofilms were grown for 24 h under anerobic conditions. Each data point is the average +/- standard deviation of triplicate to fourfold determinations. The CFU in the control without carolacton was 2.1 × 107ml-1. Therefore, we used the LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability staining as a sensitive and fast method for quantifying the effect of carolacton on biofilm viability of S. mutans. Biofilm damage was calculated as the ratio of green versus red fluorescence of the biofilm cells normalized against the untreated control.

Assessment of the physical work ability is a common practice in disability claim procedures. It is, however, a complex task, and IPs cannot rely on many instruments to support them in that task. Several studies indicate the weak relation between pathoanatomic findings and functional capacity (Tait et al. 2006; Vasudevan 1996). One instrument that might help IPs to assess the physical work ability of claimants with MSD is functional capacity evaluation (FCE). This approach makes use of highly structured,

scientifically developed, individualized work simulators, designed to provide a profile of an individual’s work-related selleck kinase inhibitor physical and functional capabilities (Lyth 2001). According to Harten (1998), FCE offers a comprehensive, objective test that measures the individual’s current functional status and ability to meet the Bcl-2 inhibitor physical demands of a current or prospective job. In particular, FCE provides information on physical work ability, being especially important in the assessment of disability in claimants

with MSD and pain syndromes (Vasudevan 1996). The information of an FCE assessment can be used for several purposes, among which making disability determinations (King et al. 1998). Innes and Straker (1999a, b) reported the level of reliability and validity of several FCE methods and concluded that both for reliability as for validity adequate levels were lacking. However, in an update Innes (2006) concluded that since 1997 there had been a dramatic increase in the research in

this field, with several FCEs showing moderate for to excellent levels of reliability. FCE information offers a view on the ability to perform physical activities, which is an important part of the full work ability, especially in patients with MSDs. In a previous study, we found that IPs who assess claimants with long-term disability have mixed opinions on the utility of FCE (Wind et al. 2006). In fact, it appeared that only few physicians were familiar with FCE. Therefore, the topic of this study is whether FCE information can be of assistance to IPs in the assessment of the physical work ability of claimants, irrespective of their previous familiarity with the instrument. This is a first step in the process of possibly introducing FCE in the process of assessing disability claims of claimants with MSDs.

0–18,000.0) 316.3 (1,795.2) Sitting on heels 71.6 76.8 1.4 (0.0–57.9) 4.2 (6.8) 1.5 (0.0–360.0) 16.7 (46.0) 1.8 (0.0–57.9) 4.5 (7.6) 11.0 (0.0–18,000.0) 193.8 (1,607.5) Squatting 67.4 67.2 0.9 (0.0–83.4) 5.0 (11.5) 2.5 (0.0–300.0)

17.3 (37.8) 0.8 (0.0–78.6) 4.5 (10.2) 6.0 (0.0–2,000) 54.4 (204.5) Crawling 73.2 57.6 0.0 (0.0–7.0) 0.2 (0.9) 0.0 (0.0–900.0) 19.2 (90.5) 0.0 (0.0–7.0) 0.3 (1.0) 2.0 (0.0–9,000.0) 121.7 (822.9) Knee postures in total 100.0 95.2 32.7 (0.0–146.8) 39.3 (32.3) 60.0 (0.0–2,200.0) 152.2 (279.4) 33.9 (0.0–146.8) 42.6 (34.5) 105.0 (0.0–39,850) 762.6 (3,977.0) Survey t 1 (n = 125) resulted in a high percentage (95.2 %) of agreement between subjects’ assessment and measurement for the occurrence of any knee posture, as well, showing a range from 57.6 % (crawling) to 87.2 % (unsupported kneeling) for the learn more single knee postures. Quantification of knee loading The proportion of knee-straining postures during the measuring period over all 190 measurements was 34.1 % (SD, 24.7 %) and the coefficient of variability (CV) was calculated to 0.72. The quantitative assessment of knee loading obtained by self-reports and measurement is presented in Table 1 (duration of knee loading). In contrast to the good agreement found in identifying knee postures, comparing the quantification

of knee load assessed by both methods showed considerable find more differences between questionnaires and measurement. In survey t 0, the median duration of the reported knee postures in total was about twice as high as the corresponding measured result (60.0 compared to 32.7 min). Regarding the median duration of the single kinds of knee postures, the duration of knee postures seemed to be overestimated by the participants (e.g. supported kneeling 11.0 compared to 2.9 min, squatting 2.5–0.9 min), while the agreement between the median results of measurements and self-reports for sitting on heels and crawling was good (1.4 compared to 1.5 min and 0.0–0.0 min, respectively). Obviously, the self-reported durations of knee postures varied to a far greater extent than

science the corresponding measured results (e.g. standard deviation knee postures in total 279.4 compared to 32.3 min). Moreover, extreme and implausible overestimations for all examined postures occurred to a high degree: Self-reported mean durations of knee postures exceeded the mean measurement results many times over (e.g. knee postures in total, 152.2 compared to 39.3 min, supported kneeling, 44.9–9.2 min). These findings could be confirmed for survey t 1, where, for example, the median self-reported duration of knee postures in total was about three times as high as the corresponding measured duration (105.0 compared to 33.9 min), while the differences between the self-reported and measured median durations of the single knee postures ranged from nearly no difference (unsupported kneeling, 20.0 compared to 17.2 min) to slight (crawling, 2.0–0.0 min) to serious overestimation (supported kneeling, 25.0–2.6 min).

2006) and there are important trade-offs in producing knowledge that is simultaneously credible, legitimate and relevant (Cash et al. 2003). For example, whilst there may sometimes be a case for rushing results to meet pressing policy demands thereby addressing their relevance, there is a risk this may impact on the quality of the science produced, its credibility and, in turn, the perceived credibility of the knowledge providers (Sarkki et al. 2013). Taken together, these

more nuanced views of science policy communication highlight the need to engage in two-way interaction (Lemos and Morehouse 2005), not BVD-523 cost solely focussing on packaging and presentation of information. This is important, as it is more effective to have a ‘conversation’. Several authors have provided insights designed to encourage this (in particular see Nutley et al. 2007; Shaxson and Bielak 2012). These ideas focus on facilitating interactions and building interpersonal

relationships, in order to provide knowledge and advice (Best and Holmes 2010; Van den Hove 2007), that may achieve many and varied eventual influences, not necessarily immediate and direct use (Rich 1997). However, the design of many interventions is RXDX-106 still thought to be influenced by the ‘linear model’ (e.g. Engels et al. 2006; Koetz et al. 2011). This includes initiatives related to environment knowledge and communication (Turnhout et al. 2008). The Global Biodiversity Assessment, for example, was a scientific document that had limited policy impact due to inadequate communication before, during and after its publication (Watson 2005). More recently, the development of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment paid less attention to processes of interaction than the literature would recommend (Waylen and Young). Furthermore, there are also specific challenges associated with communication on biodiversity issues, because the characteristics of biodiversity and environmental issues may make them particularly problematic to understand, communicate and resolve.

Problems Thalidomide related to biodiversity and ecosystem services are often referred to as “wicked” problems (Churchman 1967; Sharman and Mlambo 2012), and include uncertainty, complexity, diverse values and the involvement of many sectors. These complex problems are likely to be particularly difficult to communicate (Rothman et al. 2009) and unlikely to have simple ‘optimal’ solutions (Laurance et al. 2012; Pielke 2007; Stirling 2010). The cross-sectoral nature of some conservation and environmental issues means that many policies are linked and contain multiple objectives, thereby adding to their complexity. Interdisciplinarity has been recommended to better understand and address these challenges arising from this complexity (Young and Marzano 2010). However, moving beyond disciplinary boundaries is challenging (Bracken and Oughton 2009; Lowe et al. 2013). It is thought that a key barrier is “silo thinking” in both science (e.g.

Methods find more Bacterial strains The following bacterial strains were tested: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538); Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442); Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)(ATCC 33592); and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (ATCC

35150). Materials The studied countertops were composed of homogenous blends of polyester, acrylic alloys and fillers, inert pigment and dyes, with (test samples) or without (control samples) Cupron’s 16% copper (I) oxide weight/weight. Three and two separate manufacturing lots of the test and control countertop samples were tested, respectively. A total of 1500 pieces, cut into one inch by one inch squares (Figure 1), 300 per each manufacturing lot, were tested. The countertops were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

(EDS) by using Hitachi FE-SEM SU-70. The Cupron Enhanced EOS Surface is a novel polymeric solid surface that has all the properties of a solid surface including hardness, firmness, and the ability to be easily cleaned and shaped or fashioned with the antimicrobial ability of copper. The surface can be easily refinished and repaired in the event of damage or aesthetic appeal. Selleck SCH 900776 The surfaces are currently available in two color choices due to the addition of pigments to alter the color of the surfaces at the time of manufacture. The surface is produced by Fossariinae mixing a blend of acrylic and polyester resins with copper oxide and pigments, which is then heated until liquified and poured into casting molds. The material is allowed to cure allowing the polymerization of the material to produce a solid surface which can then be cut and shaped to produce a final product or installed surface. Figure 1 SEM pictures and EDS analysis of a representative countertop containing copper oxide particles. A. A representative picture of a tested countertop impregnated with copper oxide; B. A SEM imaging of the Countertop (white dots indicating copper oxide particles; C. EDS imaging of the Countertop (purple

dots indicating the copper oxide); D. cut through SEM imaging of the Countertop (white dots indicating copper oxide particles); and E. corresponding EDS spectra of D, showing a peak corresponding to copper. Biocidal testing protocols The biocidal testing of the countertops was conducted by an independent laboratory, MicroBiotest, a division of Microbac Laboratories, Inc. Sterling, VA, using Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) according to protocols pre-approved by the USA EPA. Protocol 1- sanitizer activity The carriers were cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol, rinsed with deionized water, and allowed to air dry. After steam sterilization for 15 minutes at 121°C, each carrier was placed into a plastic Petri dish matted with two pieces of filter paper using sterile forceps.

007), and TNM stage (P = 0.029) were strongly correlated with DFS. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the presence of CD44+/CD24-/low tumor cells was significantly associated with shorter DFS compared with the absence of CD44+/CD24-/low

tumor cells (22.9 ± 2.2 months versus 35.9 ± 3.8 months; Pearson chi-square, 10.696, p = 0.001; Figure 2A). When all predictors were included in a Cox model (multivariate analysis, Table 3), the presence of CD44+/CD24-/low tumor cells (hazard ratio, 1.931; P = 0.011), PR status, basal-like feature, and TNM stage retained their prognostic significance for DFS. Table 3 Univariate and multivariate analyses of the relationship of CD44+/CD24-/low tumor cells to disease-free survival Variable Univariate analysis Multivariate analysis HR 95% CI p-value HR 95% CI p-value CD44+/CD24-/low tumor cells High 2.144 1.321-3.479 0.002 1.963 1.163-3.313 0.012 Low 1.000     1.000     ER status Positive 0.826 0.524-1.304 selleck compound 0.412 1.425 0.731-2.776 0.298 Negative 1.000     1.000     PR status Positive 0.500 0.312–0.800 0.004 0.192 0.088–0.420 0.001 Negative 1.000     1.000     Her2 status Positive 0.966 0.614–1.521 0.882 0.692 0.317–1.513 0.357 Negative 1.000     1.000     Basal-like feature* Present 2.731 0.461-1.393 0.007 3.902 1.402-10.859 0.009 Absent 1.000     1.000     TNM stage Stage III/IV

1.989 0.814–2.626 0.029 1.820 1.051–3.151 0.033 Stage I/II 1.000     1.000   BIBW2992 supplier   Lymph node involvement Absent 0.724 0.427-1.227 Benzatropine 0.230 1.081 0.540-2.164 0.827 Present 1.000     1.000     Age (years) ≥ 50 1.047 0.681–1.610 0.883 1.062 0.627–1.799 0.822 < 50 1.000     1.000     Abbreviations: HR, hazard ratio estimated from Cox proportional hazard regression model; CI, confidence interval of the estimated HR. ER, estrogen receptor; PR, progesterone receptor; Her2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. * Immunohistochemically negative for both SR and Her2. Figure 2 Analysis of disease-free survival (DFS) in breast

cancer patients with and without the CD44+/CD24- phenotype. A. All patients; B. Patients with invasive ductal carcinoma; C. Progesterone receptor (PR) negative patients; D. PR positive patients; E. Estrogen receptor (ER) negative patients; F. ER positive patients; G. Her2 negative patients; H. Her2 positive patients; I. Patients with basal-like features; J. Patients not receiving postoperative immunotherapy; K. Patients receiving postoperative immunotherapy. Meanwhile, the results of univariate analyses of the associations between each individual predictor and OS are shown in Table 4. Similarly with the relation with DFS, the proportion of CD44+/CD24-/low tumor cells (P = 0.001), basal-like feature (P = 0.029), and TNM stage (P = 0.027) were strongly correlated with OS. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the presence of CD44+/CD24-/low tumor cells was significantly associated with shorter OS compared with the absence of CD44+/CD24-/low tumor cells (39.3 ± 2.6 months versus 54.0 ± 3.5 months; Pearson chi-square, 12.140, p = 0.