bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro studies regarding the feasibility of bovine erythrocyte xenotransfusion
Authors: Johnstone James E. , MacLaren Leslie A. , Doucet Jay , McAlister Vivian C.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Pigs are considered the most likely source of organs and tissues should the barriers to xenotransplantation be overcome. The use of animal blood for transfusion, xenotransfusion, would have advantages over blood from random human donors with respect to supply and infection control. Large animals such as cows would be more suitable than pigs for blood donation because of easier venous access and large volume phlebotomy. Blood from 12 Holstein cows was typed and then tested for hemagglutination assay (HA), complement mediated lysis (CML), human IgM and IgG antibody binding, anti‐human globulin augmented clinical cross‐match and osmotic fragility with normal human serum. Results were compared with porcine erythrocytes (pRBC) and with human type O controls (hRBC). The frequency of ultra‐low xenoantigen expressors was tested in a larger herd of various breeds using HA and CML. Median HA and CML titers were one of six (no HA – one of 64) and one of 26 (no CML – one of 64), respectively for bovine erythrocytes (bRBC). Hemagglutination titer was significantly higher for pRBC at one of 170 (one of four – one of 1024). HA and CML were lowest with bovine blood group J. Repeated HA and CML were negative with bRBC from one cow that also tested negative by anti‐human globulin augmented cross‐match with seven of nine random human sera representing the different blood groups. However, flow cytometry showed that bRBC from all cows bound human IgM and IgG. IgM mean channel fluorescence (MCF) was positively correlated with HA titer. The mean corpuscular fragility of pRBC, bRBC, and hRBC was 0.56, 0.48 and 0.41%, respectively. The frequency of HA‐negative and CML‐negative cows were 20 and 35%, respectively in herds of 49 animals. Bovine RBC elicit variable in vitro responses from human serum but these are uniformly much less than those seen with pRBC. Bovine RBC is more robust than pRBC. These characteristics including the potential ease and volume of blood collection make the cow a more suitable blood donor than the pig.
Human Fas‐ligand expression on porcine endothelial cells does not protect against xenogeneic natural killer cytotoxicity*
Authors: Matter‐Reissmann Ulrike B. , Sonntag Kai‐Christian , Gilli Urs O. , Leguern Christian , Schneider Mårten K. J. , Seebach Jörg D.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Several human leukocyte subsets including natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) participate in cellular immune responses directed against vascularized pig‐to‐human xenografts. As these leukocytes express the death receptor Fas either constitutively (PMN) or upon activation (NK, CTL), we explored in vitro whether the transgenic expression of Fas ligand (FasL) on porcine endothelial cells (EC) is a valuable strategy to protect porcine xenografts. The porcine EC line 2A2 was stably transfected with human FasL (2A2‐FasL) and interactions of 2A2‐FasL with human leukocytes were analyzed using functional assays for apoptosis, cytotoxicity, chemotaxis, adhesion under shear stress, and transmigration. FasL expressed on porcine EC induced apoptosis in human NK and T cells, but did not protect porcine EC against killing mediated by human NK cells. 2A2‐FasL released soluble FasL, which induced strong chemotaxis in human PMN. Adhesion under shear stress of PMN on 2A2‐FasL cells was increased whereas transendothelial migration was decreased. In contrast, FasL had no effect on the adhesion of NK cells but increased their transmigration through porcine EC. Although FasL expression on porcine EC is able to induce apoptosis in human effector cells, it did not provide protection against xenogeneic cytotoxicity. The observed impact of FasL on adhesion and transendothelial migration provides evidence for novel biological functions of FasL.
Control of microbial contamination during surgical harvest of pig renal xenografts
Authors: Tucker Alexander W. , Foweraker Juliet E. , Belcher Carolyn E. , Moloo Badru , Bell Judith A. , Humar Atul , Mazzulli Tony , Grant David
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The pig has been identified as the most likely source of xenograft material for clinical use and studies are ongoing to overcome the immunological hurdles of pig‐to‐human transplantation. Attention is now being focussed on identifying and reducing the potential microbiological hazards associated with this technique. Studies have primarily addressed issues surrounding the production and health monitoring of xenograft source pigs and none have so far specifically evaluated the possible risks of microbial contamination during xenograft harvest. In this report, we evaluate the possible routes for contamination of a pig kidney xenograft during organ harvest and describe approaches to the control of these hazards, including the novel use of a custom designed airtight surgical canopy. A standard procedure for microbiological monitoring during xenograft harvest was devised and evaluated. This allowed the rapid identification and anti‐microbial sensitivity testing of any isolated organisms. This would enable an early and appropriate pre‐emptive treatment of infection because of transmission of pig micro‐organisms.
Morphology and Innervation Pattern of the Feline Urogenital Junction
Authors: Wrobel K. H. , Gürtler A.
Published: November 2004

The feline urogenital junction is situated between the extratesticular rete and the spacious initial segments of the efferent ductules. The rete epithelium is cuboidal to low columnar. The rete cells forming the junction rest on a wavy basal lamina, display deep mutual invaginations, possess central nuclei with several infoldings and form a distinct border with the columnar epithelial cells of the initial segments of the ductuli efferentes. The epithelium of the initial segments is composed of ciliated cells and non‐ciliated principal cells. The latter are the dominating type and characterized by an apical brush‐border and a supranuclear endocytotic apparatus. The stroma of the extratesticular rete contains an abundance of collagen whereas contractile cells are here generally absent. In contrast, the initial segments of the efferent ductules are surrounded by elastic fibres and a layer of contractile cells. All nerves for the feline urogenital junction come from the nervus spermaticus superior. In the epididymal head, small nerve bundles deviate into the septa between the ductules. Single fibres establish a dense network within the muscular coat of the ductuli. At the transition to the extratesticular rete, this network ends abruptly. Nerve fibres in the confines of the rete are associated with blood vessels or proceed to the testicular interior, but establish no relationships with the rete epithelium or the myofibroblasts of the mediastinum. The nervous network in the walls of the efferent ductules and their initial segments is not only composed of sympathetic but also parasympathetic, non‐myelinated fibres. Particularly noteworthy is the abundance of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP)‐ and substance P (SP)‐containing axons around the initial segments. Both neuroproteins are consistent markers for sensory neurones. Taken together, it can be assumed that the entry of seminal fluid and spermatozoa into the efferent ductules is controlled by a regulatory nervous chain provided with afferent and efferent components.
The Subchondral Split Line Patterns of the Medial Coronoid Process in Canine Ulnae
Authors: Künzel W. , Breit S. , Probst A.
Published: November 2004

The subchondral split line patterns of the canine medial coronoid process (MCP) were compared with fragmentation line patterns of the MCP in case of elbow dysplasia. Split line patterns were determined in paired ulnae from the killed 26 large‐breed dogs ranging in age between 0.8 and 15 years and in two ulnae affected by fragmentation of the MCP. The macerated ulnae were degreased with methylene chloride and decalcified in 5% nitric acid. The subchondral bony layer was pierced at right angles in regular intervals using a round needle that was dipped in black liquid acrylic colour. Three main types of split line patterns could be differentiated (i.e. a sagittal type, a transverse type and an intermediate type). In the sagittal type, split lines were aligned in parallel to the lateral border and at right angles to the rim of the tip and medial border of the MCP. In the transverse type, split lines were orientated in a transverse line to both collateral borders. The intermediate type was characterized as a transition type between sagittal and transverse type as the split lines were aligned obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the MCP. These three types corresponded well with the fissure and fragmentation line patterns of the MCP. The present findings strongly suggest an association between split line pattern and type of fragmentation of the MCP.
Effect of dietary clenbuterol and cimaterol on muscle composition, β‐adrenergic and androgen receptor concentrations in broiler chickens
Authors: Schiavone A. , Tarantola M. , Perona G. , Pagliasso S. , Badino P. , Odore R. , Cuniberti B. , Lussiana C.
Published: November 2004

Illegal dietary supplementation withβ2‐agonists has been shown to increase protein deposition and decrease fat accretion in domestic animals. In poultry the metabolic and endocrine responses toβ2‐agonists are not fully elucidated. In this trial the effects of dietary clenbuterol (1 p.p.m.) and cimaterol (1 p.p.m.) on muscle composition and endocrine response of male broiler chickens were studied. Dietary clenbuterol induced a slight, but in general not significant, improvement of zootechnical performances and carcass yields. Chemical composition of muscle was not influenced by dietary treatments, even if a slight improvement of protein content was observed in treated groups. No effects on fatty acid composition of meat were detected. Both clenbuterol and cimaterol treatments caused a downregulation in testicular androgen receptors and in pulmonary, cardiac and central nervous systemβ‐adrenergic receptors.
Development of Post‐weaning Diarrhoea in Piglets. Relation to Presence ofEscherichia coliStrains and Rotavirus
Authors: Melin L. , Mattsson S. , Katouli M. , Wallgren P.
Published: November 2004

Weaning of piglets complicated with an exposure to pathogenic strains ofEscherichia coliwas scrutinized in two sets. The first set comprised 20 animals representing two litters and the second set included 30 animals from five litters. The piglets were either left as controls or exposed to one or three pathogenic strains ofE. coli. Aiming to simulate a natural exposure the challenge strains were spread on the floor of the pens at weaning. In addition the pigs experienced several non‐infectious stress factors commonly occurring at that occasion. Some groups were given adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), aiming to simulate a stressful weaning. The balance and the composition of the faecal coliform populations, measured by a metabolic fingerprinting method, was disturbed among all animals following weaning. This disturbance was more pronounced and lasted longer among piglets exposed to pathogenic strains ofE. coli.

All piglets exposed to pathogenicE. colished these strains in faeces. Diarrhoea was induced in the groups exposed toE. coli, but not among the control animals. Pigs not treated with ACTH and subjected to a single pathogenic strain ofE. colibecame infected but did not develop diarrhoea unless if coinciding with shed of rotavirus. Control pigs excreting rotavirus had no diarrhoea. Diarrhoea was most frequent in the groups exposed to three pathogenic strains ofE. coli, and in these groups diarrhoea was seen in the absence of rotavirus. ACTH administration amplified the clinical signs. The litter of origin influenced the development of post‐weaning diarrhoea.
The problem of postoperative pain: Issues for future research
Authors: Botti Mari , Bucknall Tracey , Manias Elizabeth
Published: November 2004

Uncontrolled postoperative pain continues despite abundant research in the area. The purposes of the paper are to review how past research influences our understanding of pain in the postsurgery context and to argue for a methodological shift towards naturalistic inquiry. Such a shift incorporates the complexities of pain assessment and management in the clinical practice environment. Decisions regarding pain are often examined outside of the contextual concerns of clinical practice. Research approaches have involved analyses of nurse and patient‐related factors associated with pain. These approaches do not account for complex interactions that occur between nurses, patients and the dynamic environment in which these interactions take place. The failure of research to address the context of pain decisions has several implications. It limits our understanding of why pain continues despite ongoing research and it does not enable evaluation of clinical strategies to improve pain decision‐making and pain outcomes for patients.
Clinicopathological features of eight Korean cases of primary hepatic lymphoma
Authors: Eom Dae‐Woon , Huh Joo Ryung , Kang Yoon Ku , Lee Yong Sang , Yu Eunsil
Published: November 2004

Primary hepatic lymphoma is very rare, accounting for less than 0.4% of extranodal lymphomas. Furthermore, hepatic lymphoma, either primary or metastatic, is infrequently confirmed histopathologically in needle biopsy specimens. The aim of the current study is to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of primary hepatic lymphomas in Korea, which is an endemic area of chronic B viral hepatitis. In total, 17 cases with liver needle biopsy specimens with involvement of malignant lymphoma, from whom eight cases met the criteria for primary hepatic lymphoma, were selected. The clinicopathological features were reviewed. Five of eight (62.5%) cases were T cell lymphoma, including three cases (37.5%) of hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma. Three cases (37.5%) were diffuse large B cell lymphomas. Seven patients had follow‐up data from 25 days to 50 months that was available for evaluation. The partial remission was present in two of seven patients (28.6%) and five patients (71%) died of disease 25 days to 7 months after the diagnosis. The data indicate that the relatively high incidence of T‐cell type in Korean cases of primary hepatic lymphoma may be related to its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis despite combination chemotherapy.
Balloon cell nevus of the soft palate: An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Ide Fumio , Obara Kumi , Enatsu Kazuaki , Mishima Kenji , Saito Ichiro
Published: November 2004

An ultrastructural analysis of oral balloon cell nevus of intramucosal type complemented with an immunohistochemical study was performed for the first time. The lesion was composed of large balloon cells with an admixture of small nevus cells and melanophages at the periphery. Balloon cells showed cytoplasmic accumulation of vacuoles of varying sizes and the presence of microgranular and vacuolated melanosomes were found. Residual cytoplasm contained no identifiable organelles. A spectrum of transitional forms between balloon cells and conventional nevus cells with microvacuoles was readily observed. Both cells exhibited intense immunoreactivity to multiple melanocytic markers. Ballooning phenomenon was not evident in melanophages containing a large amount of melanosome complex. It can be inferred, from the present and previous observations, that progressive vacuolization of melanosomes in nevomelanocytes may be responsible for the formation of peculiar ballooning appearance, suggesting an aberrant melanogenesis.
Causative microorganisms of hospital‐acquired pneumonia and laboratory procedures for isolation and identification of causative microorganisms
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Causative microorganisms of hospital‐acquired pneumonia and laboratory procedures for isolation and identification of causative microorganisms

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S6–S12
Pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S25–S29
Treatment other than by antimicrobial therapy
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Treatment other than by antimicrobial therapy

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S38–S39
Assessment of the efficacy of antibacterial agents
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Assessment of the efficacy of antibacterial agents

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S40–S42
Prevention of hospital‐acquired pneumonia (strategies for prevention of hospital‐acquired infections)
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Prevention of hospital‐acquired pneumonia (strategies for prevention of hospital‐acquired infections)

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S48–S50
Definition and pathophysiology of hospital‐acquired pneumonia
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Definition and pathophysiology of hospital‐acquired pneumonia

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S3–S5
Revegetation of a wetland following control of the invasive woody weed, Mimosa pigra, in the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Paynter Quentin
Published: November 2004

Summary  Methods for floodplain revegetation using native species were investigated, following clearance of the invasive shrub Mimosa pigra L. (Mimosaceae) in the Northern Territory of Australia. Prolific revegetation occurred naturally and several species were identified that have potential for revegetation at sites where natural regeneration is poor, namely: Spiny Mud Grass, Pseudoraphis spinescens, Awnless Barnyard Grass, Echinochloa colona, and an unidentified Panicum species. However, it may still be desirable to plant native perennial grasses, of which most species did not establish naturally. Stolons of the native floodplain grass Hymenachne acutigluma (Steud) Gilliland (Poaceae) established well when planted in wet mud and shallow water during the early dry season, as seasonal floodwaters subsided. Similar plantings during the early wet season were less successful. Sowing seed of several floodplain grasses and Eliocharis dulcis was unsuccessful in both seasons. Planting stolons of H. acutigluma as seasonal floodwaters subside may provide a reliable alternative to exotic floodplain grasses, Para Grass (Urochloa mutica), and Amity Aleman Grass (Echinochloa polystachya), which are also currently propagated vegetatively in Australia. However, planting H. acutigluma stolons had no tangible benefits in terms of suppressing Mimosa establishment, which was low in all treatments. Revegetation should not be considered an alternative to the diligent control of Mimosa seedlings; regenerating following control of Mimosa thickets.
Paediatric uveitis: a Sydney clinic experience
Authors: Azar Domit , Martin Frank
Published: November 2004

Purpose: The aim of this study was to retrospectively review uveitis cases at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, since its inception in 1997 to 2001, including patients presenting at the Camperdown, Sydney, campus between 1989 and 1997 attending Westmead for further care. Comparison is made with international centres.

Methods: Information was obtained from medical records.

Results: Forty patients (53 eyes) presented, of whom 23 (57.5%) were female and 17 (42.5%) were male (mean age 6.7 years). Of 53 eyes, 35 (66%) had anterior uveitis, three (5.7%) intermediate uveitis, seven (13.2%) posterior uveitis and eight (15.1%) panuveitis. Twenty‐seven (67.5%) patients had disease unilaterally and 13 (32.5%) bilaterally. Twenty‐four (60%) cases were idiopathic. Seven (17.5%) cases were associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, three (7.5%) with herpes zoster, two (5%) with herpes simplex, two (5%) with toxocara, one (2.5%) with toxoplasma, and one (2.5%) with ulcerative colitis. Complications included cataract in 14 (26.4%) eyes; band keratopathy in four (7.5%) eyes; macular scarring in three (5.7%) eyes; and glaucoma in four (7.5%) eyes. Last measured acuity was 6/6 for 19 (35.8%) eyes, ≤6/18 for 15 (28.3%) eyes and <6/60 for eight (15.1%) eyes.

Conclusions: Despite small numbers, the comparisons of this study with some international studies, and its contrasts with other studies, are due to similarities and differences amongst these studies with respect to factors of referral bias, and the aetiological basis of disease.
Bacterial keratitis in Christchurch, New Zealand, 1997–2001
Authors: Hall Reece C , McKellar Malcolm J
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To identify which organisms cause bacterial keratitis in a local community and to determine how patients with suspected bacterial keratitis should be initially treated.

Methods: The results of all corneal scrapes performed in the ophthalmology department of Christchurch Hospital between 1997 and 2001 were reviewed. All samples were collected at the ‘bedside’ by a technician from the microbiology department and were processed immediately.

Results: Eighty‐seven corneal scrapes were performed on 78 patients. There was a positive Gram stain in 43.7% (38/87) of scrapes. There was a positive culture in 58.6% (51/87) of scrapes. The commonest Gram‐positive organisms were coagulase negative Staphylococci (19.4%) and Corynebacterium spp. (16.1%). The commonest Gram‐negative organisms were Moraxella spp. (19.4%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.2%). Every Gram‐positive organism was sensitive to chloramphenicol and every Gram‐negative organism was sensitive to ciprofloxacin. In contrast, 89% of Gram‐negative organisms were sensitive to chloramphenicol and 88% of Gram‐positive organisms were sensitive to ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion: The results are very different to those reported by other centres. Most notably, a much higher incidence of infection by Corynebacterium spp. and Moraxella spp. and a lower incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found. In this centre it appears appropriate to initially treat patients with Gram‐positive organisms with chloramphenicol and patients with Gram‐negative organisms with ciprofloxacin. Patients with a negative Gram stain should be treated with alternating chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin while awaiting culture results.
Analysis of optineurin (OPTN) gene mutations in subjects with and without glaucoma: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
Authors: Baird Paul N , Richardson Andrea J , Craig Jamie E , Mackey David A , Rochtchina Elena , Mitchell Paul
Published: November 2004

Background: The optineurin (OPTN) gene has been reported to possess both causal as well as risk‐associated alleles for open‐angle glaucoma. However, these findings have so far only been reported in family and clinic based studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the spectrum of mutations and gene variants in OPTN that might be present in people with glaucoma from a population‐based study, the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES).

Methods: A total of 108 subjects of Caucasian origin were identified at baseline in the BMES as having open‐angle glaucoma. Blood samples were available from 27 of these, of whom 18 had high‐tension glaucoma and the remaining nine had normal‐tension glaucoma. Ninety‐four control subjects were chosen at random from the BMES, who satisfied the criteria of not having glaucoma at baseline and were over age 70 years. The 13 coding exons (exons 4–16 inclusive) and their intron–exon boundaries of OPTN were screened by the use of single‐strand conformation polymorphism. Samples exhibiting mobility shifts were di‐deoxy nucleotide sequenced. The M98K polymorphism was additionally screened using the restriction enzyme Stu1 in all cases and controls in this study.

Results: The M98K risk‐associated alteration was identified in 2/18 (11%) subjects with high‐tension glaucoma, 0/9 subjects (0%) with normal‐tension glaucoma and 3/94 (3.2%) controls. However, association of this variant with disease was not significant (P = 0.2 for each phenotype) for either high‐tension glaucoma or normal‐tension glaucoma. A novel variant (P556P in exon 16) was found in one subject with open‐angle glaucoma and a previously described variant (exon 7) was found in a further subject with open‐angle glaucoma and in one control. No other OPTN variants were identified in this study cohort.

Conclusions: Cross‐sectional analysis from baseline observations of the BMES suggested that the M98K risk‐associated allele appeared at a higher prevalence in high‐tension glaucoma compared with controls, although this finding was not statistically significant.
Modular biased‐competition and cooperation: a candidate mechanism for selective working memory
Authors: Almeida Rita , Deco Gustavo , Stetter Martin
Published: November 2004

Prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been suggested to play an important role in executive cognitive functions, participating in planning and controlling behaviour. The results of several recent electrophysiological studies indicate that PFC might be involved not only in the active maintenance of information but in doing so in a context‐ or task‐dependent manner. In a delayed‐match‐to‐sample paradigm, recordings from neurons in the PFC showed their ability to selectively represent information, which is needed for task completion, suggesting that task‐irrelevant information does not access working memory. We present a neurodynamical computational model of a part of the PFC to account for the selective representation of information in working memory. We show that a network of biological realistic integrate‐and‐fire excitatory and inhibitory neurons, implementing the mechanisms of local or modular biased‐competition, which is transmitted through cooperation to different subsets of neuronal pools, can explain the formation of selective context‐dependent working memory. The modes of operation of the network are characterized and the corresponding parameter settings revealed. Modular competition and cooperation might constitute general mechanisms for implementing context‐dependent formation of working memory.
Delayed onset of prepulse inhibition deficits following kainic acid treatment on postnatal day 7 in rats
Authors: Howland John G. , Hannesson Darren K. , Phillips Anthony G.
Published: November 2004

Abnormal activity in corticolimbic circuits during development may be a predisposing factor for schizophrenia. Permanent or temporary lesions of limbic structures such as the ventral hippocampus and basolateral amygdala in rats on postnatal day (PND) 7 result in functional changes similar to some behavioural and cognitive signs of schizophrenia. The present experiments tested whether transient increases in the neural activity of corticolimbic circuits on PND 7 would result in similar behavioural changes. Long‐Evans rats were treated with either kainic acid (KA, 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline on PND 7 and tested for prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response and spontaneous locomotor activity both in a novel environment and following amphetamine treatment before puberty (PND 35) and in early adulthood (PND 56). In subgroups of animals PPI was also measured following apomorphine administration (0.2 mg/kg) and spatial learning and memory were tested in the water maze. Rats treated with KA were indistinguishable from saline‐treated animals on PND 35. However, on PND 56, KA‐treated animals showed a subtle consistent decrease in PPI relative to control animals, but did not show increased sensitivity to the disruptive effects of a low dose of apomorphine on PPI. Locomotor responses to novelty or amphetamine were not reliably altered in the KA‐treated animals. KA‐ and saline‐treated animals performed similarly in the water maze. These results support the hypothesis that neural hyperactivity on PND 7 in rats causes behavioural changes in early adulthood that resemble some symptoms of schizophrenia. These pharmacological data suggest that the changes are not mediated by postsynaptic alterations in mesolimbic dopamine transmission.
Newborn human brain identifies repeated auditory feature conjunctions of low sequential probability
Authors: Ruusuvirta Timo , Huotilainen Minna , Fellman Vineta , Näätänen Risto
Published: November 2004

Natural environments are usually composed of multiple sources for sounds. The sounds might physically differ from one another only as feature conjunctions, and several of them might occur repeatedly in the short term. Nevertheless, the detection of rare sounds requires the identification of the repeated ones. Adults have some limited ability to effortlessly identify repeated sounds in such acoustically complex environments, but the developmental onset of this finite ability is unknown. Sleeping newborn infants were presented with a repeated tone carrying six frequent (P = 0.15 each) and six rare (P ∼0.017 each) conjunctions of its frequency, intensity and duration. Event‐related potentials recorded from the infants' scalp were found to shift in amplitude towards positive polarity selectively in response to rare conjunctions. This finding suggests that humans are relatively hard‐wired to preattentively identify repeated auditory feature conjunctions even when such conjunctions occur rarely among other similar ones.
Functional neuroanatomy of the human near/far response to blur cues: eye‐lens accommodation/vergence to point targets varying in depth
Authors: Richter Hans O. , Costello Patricia , Sponheim Scott R. , Lee Joel T. , Pardo José V.
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this study was to identify the networks involved in the regulation of visual accommodation/vergence by contrasting the cortical functions subservient to eye‐lens accommodation with those evoked by foveal fixation. Neural activity was assessed in normal volunteers by changes in rCBF measured with PET. Thirteen right‐handed subjects participated in three monocular tasks: (i) resting with eyes closed; (ii) sustained foveal fixation upon a LED at 1.2 m (0.83 D); and (iii) accommodating alternately on a near (24 cm, 4.16 D) vs. a far (3.0 m, 0.33 D) LED alternately illuminated in sequential 2 s epochs. The contrast between the conditions of near/far accommodation and of constant foveal fixation revealed activation in cerebellar hemispheres and vermis; middle and inferior temporal cortex (BA 20, 21, 37); striate cortex and associative visual areas (BA 17/18). Comparison of the condition of constant fixation with the condition of resting with closed eyes indicated activation of cerebellar hemispheres and vermis; visual cortices (BA 17/18); a right hemisphere dominant network encompassing prefrontal (BA 6, 9, 47), superior parietal (BA 7), and superior temporal (BA 40) cortices; and bilateral thalamus. The contrast between the conditions of near/far accommodation with closed‐eye rest reflected an incremental summation of the activations found in the previous comparisons (i.e. activations associated with constant fixation). Neural circuits activated selectively during the near/far response to blur cues over those during constant visual fixation, occupy posterior structures that include occipital visual regions, cerebellar hemispheres and vermis, and temporal cortex.
Altered circadian locomotor activity in APP23 mice: a model for BPSD disturbances
Authors: Vloeberghs Ellen , Van Dam Debby , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Nagels Guy , Staufenbiel Matthias , De Deyn Peter Paul
Published: November 2004

Over the past decade, clinical Alzheimer's disease research has been challenged with an increased interest in noncognitive symptomatology, commonly referred to as behavioural and psychological signs and symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In accordance, major attention is being paid to behavioural alterations in the phenotyping of transgenic mouse models. Besides an age‐dependent decline of cognitive functions, the APP23 model was previously shown to exhibit cage activity disturbances, reminiscent of diurnal rhythm disturbances in Alzheimer patients. To further scrutinize these observations, circadian patterns of horizontal locomotor activity were assessed in 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month‐old APP23 mice and wild‐type littermates in a test paradigm continuously recording cage activity over a period ranging from 1 to 3 days. At the age of 3 months, APP23 profiles resembled the wild‐type pattern to a large extent, although minor differences were already noticeable. Six‐month‐old APP23 mice displayed an altered activity profile with a first indication of increased activity during the second half of the active phase, reminiscent of sundowning behaviour in Alzheimer patients. This bimodal overnight activity pattern became even more evident at the age of 12 months. The APP23 model was therefore shown to display an age‐dependent development of cage activity disturbances and sundowning‐like behaviour. A comparison is made with actigraphic recordings of human Alzheimer patients exhibiting sundowning behaviour. This first report of diurnal rhythm disturbances and sundowning‐like phenomena in a transgenic mouse model greatly adds to the validity of the APP23 model.
Influence of control variables on mannequin temperature in a paediatric operating theatre
Authors: Cassey John , Strezov Vladimir , Armstrong Peter , Forsyth Robert , Lucas John , Jones Bryan , Farrell Patrick
Published: November 2004

Background : Core temperature drops in all children having general anaesthesia. Convection heating may be useful, but its effectiveness in the paediatric setting is not established. Additionally, its utility in many paediatric situations is limited by blanket design.

Methods : Using a mannequin model in a sham operation, we assessed the likely safety and effectiveness of a draping technique in association with a ‘Bair Hugger’ and a heat dissipation unit (HDU). In Part 1 of the study, the influence of ambient temperature was assessed. In Part 2, a simulated laparotomy was set up and a more detailed assessment of air temperatures around the mannequin was made. In addition, the effect of a change in the HDU design was assessed.

Results : Part 1: the technique achieved ‘near‐plateau’ temperature within 5–10 min. A difference of 8°C in ambient temperature (between 18 and 26°C) translated only to a 2–3°C difference under the drapes. Part 2: the technique produced sidestream cooler zones at the head and shoulders. Air temperature at these sites was 28–34°C, whereas at other points (irrespective of their distance from the heat source), it was 37–40°C. Warm air reached sufficient skin sites to anticipate adequate heat transfer in the clinical situation. Air temperature at ‘skin’ surface stayed below 40°C over the 90‐min study period.

Conclusions : A customized HDU used in association with a ‘Bair Hugger’ unit and a careful surgical draping technique provides stable, safe and consistent air temperatures around a mannequin. Net heat gain by a child's body should occur with this arrangement. Further evaluation in a clinical study is underway.
Predictions and tests of climate‐based hypotheses of broad‐scale variation in taxonomic richness
Authors: Currie David J. , Mittelbach Gary G. , Cornell Howard V. , Field Richard , Guégan Jean‐Francois , Hawkins Bradford A. , Kaufman Dawn M. , Kerr Jeremy T. , Oberdorff Thierry , O'Brien Eileen , Turner J. R. G.
Published: November 2004

Broad‐scale variation in taxonomic richness is strongly correlated with climate. Many mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain these patterns; however, testable predictions that would distinguish among them have rarely been derived. Here, we examine several prominent hypotheses for climate–richness relationships, deriving and testing predictions based on their hypothesized mechanisms. The ‘energy–richness hypothesis’ (also called the ‘more individuals hypothesis’) postulates that more productive areas have more individuals and therefore more species. More productive areas do often have more species, but extant data are not consistent with the expected causal relationship from energy to numbers of individuals to numbers of species. We reject the energy–richness hypothesis in its standard form and consider some proposed modifications. The ‘physiological tolerance hypothesis’ postulates that richness varies according to the tolerances of individual species for different sets of climatic conditions. This hypothesis predicts that more combinations of physiological parameters can survive under warm and wet than cold or dry conditions. Data are qualitatively consistent with this prediction, but are inconsistent with the prediction that species should fill climatically suitable areas. Finally, the ‘speciation rate hypothesis’ postulates that speciation rates should vary with climate, due either to faster evolutionary rates or stronger biotic interactions increasing the opportunity for evolutionary diversification in some regions. The biotic interactions mechanism also has the potential to amplify shallower, underlying gradients in richness. Tests of speciation rate hypotheses are few (to date), and their results are mixed.
Experimental warming causes large and rapid species loss, dampened by simulated grazing, on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Klein Julia A. , Harte John , Zhao Xin‐Quan
Published: November 2004

We investigated the independent and combined effects of experimental warming and grazing on plant species diversity on the north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau, a region highly vulnerable to ongoing climate and land use changes. Experimental warming caused a 26–36% decrease in species richness, a response that was generally dampened by experimental grazing. Higher species losses occurred at the drier sites where N was less available. Moreover, we observed an indirect effect of climate change on species richness as mediated by plant–plant interactions. Heat stress and warming‐induced litter accumulation are potential explanations for the species’ responses to experimental warming. This is the first reported experimental evidence that climate warming could cause dramatic declines in plant species diversity in high elevation ecosystems over short time frames and supports model predictions of species losses with anthropogenic climate change.
A modified yeast assay used on archival samples of localized prostate cancer tissue improves the detection of p53 abnormalities and increases their predictive value
Authors: Shi Xu‐Bao , Gandour‐Edwards Regina , Beckett Laurel A. , Deitch Arline D. , De Vere White Ralph W.
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and predictive value of p53 mutations in localized prostate cancer, comparing the accuracy of detection using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a modified yeast assay, on archival tissue samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prostate cancer tissue was obtained from 98 patients who had ≥ 2 years of clinical follow‐up after radical prostatectomy. DNA sequencing was used to verify the presence of p53 mutations in samples that were immunopositive or that gave evidence for p53 alterations using the yeast assay. The IHC and yeast findings were compared with patient outcome to determine the predictive value of these two test types.

RESULTS

Fifty‐five tumours (57%) were immunopositive, and 58 (59%) were positive using the yeast assay. Sequence‐confirmed p53 mutations occurred in 44 (45%) cases. The IHC protocol generated 49% (27/55) false‐positive and 36% (15/42) false‐negative results, and was 65% sensitive and 50% specific, with an overall accuracy of 57%. The yeast assay resulted in 24% (14/58) false‐positive results with a specificity of 74% and an accuracy of 86%. When the p53 status of these patients was correlated with their clinical outcome, patients who had sequence‐confirmed p53 mutations had a 2.6‐fold greater failure rate (P = 0.026) and a 2.5‐fold greater risk of dying from prostate cancer (P = 0.05). Notably, mutations in exon 6 predicted a six‐fold increase in treatment failure (P = 0.043) and a 5.3‐fold increase in the chance of dying from prostate cancer (P = 0.009). Abnormal yeast‐assay findings gave similar predictive results to those obtained for DNA sequencing, while immunopositivity did not correspond to patient outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutations of p53 occurred in 45% of localized prostate cancers. These alterations have important prognostic implications. The yeast assay was more accurate for detecting p53 mutations than the IHC protocol used and, unlike IHC, the results of the yeast assay were predictive of patient outcome.
Is povidone iodine an alternative to silver nitrate for renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy in chyluria?
Authors: Goel Shailendra , Mandhani Anil , Srivastava Aneesh , Kapoor Rakesh , Gogoi Sanjay , Kumar Anant , Bhandari Mahendra
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and toxicity of 1% silver nitrate, 0.2% povidone iodine and 50% dextrose in renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy (RPIS) for chyluria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective randomized comparative study from January 1999 to June 2003, 106 patients (61 males and 45 females; mean age 36 years, sd 12, range 14–65) were randomized to receive 1% silver nitrate, 0.2% povidone iodine or 50% dextrose as RPIS. In all, nine doses were given at 8‐h intervals, and patients followed at 6 weeks and then at 3‐monthly intervals. Patients with ‘persistence’ or ‘recurrence’ of chyluria were treated with second course of RPIS using same sclerosant.

RESULTS

The dextrose treatment was discontinued at mid‐term because of poor success (one of 21 patients, P < 0.001). Of 85 patients, 44 received silver nitrate and 41 povidone iodine; both groups were well‐matched and the mean follow‐up was 28.4 and 23.3 months, respectively. ‘Immediate clearance’ was recorded in 91% and 98%, and recurrence in 21% and 22% of patients after the first course of RPIS, after silver nitrate and povidone, respectively; Kaplan‐Meier estimates of ‘disease‐free duration’ in the two groups (23.6 vs 20.1 months) were also similar (P = 0.7906). The cumulative success rate after two courses of RPIS was 82% (silver nitrate) and 83% (povidone; P = 1.0). Five (11%) patients in the silver nitrate and one (2%) in the povidone group had significant flank pain during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Povidone iodine 0.2% is as effective for RPIS as 1% silver nitrate.
Single‐layer small intestinal submucosa or tunica vaginalis flap for correcting penile chordee
Authors: El‐Assmy Ahmed , El‐Hamid Mohamed Abd , Abo‐Elghar Mohamed E. , Hafez Ashraf T.
Published: November 2004

In this section, techniques are evaluated by authors from Mansoura into the correction of penile chordee, and by authors from Kolkata into the tubularised incised plate in one‐stage hypospadias surgery. In the third article in this section, the authors from Los Angeles investigate methods of enhanced objective quantitative cystometric analysis of compliance and contractility.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of single‐layer small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) for covering defects in the ventral surface of the tunica albuginea to correct severe penile chordee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 24 New Zealand white rabbits had a rectangular area excised from the ventral surface of tunica albuginea. In 12 rabbits TVF was used to cover the defect and in the remaining animals single‐layer SIS was used. Animals were killed in groups of four at 2‐, 6‐ and 12‐week intervals after surgery. Before death in the 12‐week group, an artificial erection was induced and cavernosography performed. Transverse sections of the penis at the graft site were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome, and examined microscopically.

RESULTS

None of the animals developed haematoma or bleeding. The mean operative duration for TVF and SIS grafts were 56 and 29 min, respectively (P < 0.001). At the time of autopsy, there was no contracture in any of the rabbits. Of the 8 rabbits assessed, all had a straight rigid erection and cavernosography showed evidence of an intact corporal veno‐occlusive mechanism. Histologically at 6 and 12 weeks, the mesothelial layers of the TVF and the SIS graft were completely replaced by well‐collagenized tissue similar to that of normal tunica albuginea, with no inflammatory infiltrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the TVF and single‐layer SIS graft are viable comparable options for corporal body grafting. The ‘off‐the‐shelf’ availability, significantly quicker operation and absence of donor site morbidity make single‐layer SIS better than TVF for correcting chordee.
REGIONAL CONVERGENCE AND THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF PERIPHERAL AREAS IN TURKEY
Authors: Gezici Ferhan , Hewings Geoffrey J.D.
Published: November 2004

The objective of this paper is to examine regional convergence and core‐periphery relations in Turkey. The main question explores the degree to which there has been a transformation of interregional disparities in terms of “convergence” and performance of peripheral regions in Turkey by considering GDP per capita over the 1980‐97 period. As a result of σ and β convergence (absolute and conditional) analyses, following Barro and Sala‐i‐Martin (1995), there is no evidence for convergence across both provinces and the functional regions in Turkey from 1980 to 1997. Moreover, a high level of the spatial dependence was revealed. Therefore, the level of regional GDP per capita growth was highly related to the neighbors and disparities are still obvious between the east and west of Turkey. Most of the new dynamic areas are also located in the west. Notwithstanding policies for “Priority Provinces in Development” (PPD), the findings of the convergence analysis indicates that PPDs do not grow faster than core‐developed provinces. Moreover, the majority of them remained as poor regions with their neighbors. While the PPDs share similar features compare to the developed provinces, they are differentiated in terms of their performance.
Likelihood Ratio Tests in Linear Mixed Models with One Variance Component
Authors: Crainiceanu Ciprian M. , Ruppert David
Published: November 2004

We consider the problem of testing null hypotheses that include restrictions on the variance component in a linear mixed model with one variance component and we derive the finite sample and asymptotic distribution of the likelihood ratio test and the restricted likelihood ratio test. The spectral representations of the likelihood ratio test and the restricted likelihood ratio test statistics are used as the basis of efficient simulation algorithms of their null distributions. The large sample χ2 mixture approximations using the usual asymptotic theory for a null hypothesis on the boundary of the parameter space have been shown to be poor in simulation studies. Our asymptotic calculations explain these empirical results. The theory of Self and Liang applies only to linear mixed models for which the data vector can be partitioned into a large number of independent and identically distributed subvectors. One-way analysis of variance and penalized splines models illustrate the results.