bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Brauer groups in characteristic 𝑝
Authors: Aravire Roberto , Jacob Bill
Published: December 2008

This paper gives a description of the relative Brauer group

Br

(
E

/

F
)

\textrm {Br}(E/F)

when

F
F

has characteristic

p
p

,

[
E
:
F
]
=
p

[E:F]=p

, and the Galois group

Gal

(

E
1

/

F
)

\textrm {Gal}(E_1/F)

is solvable, where

E
1

E_1

is the Galois closure of

E
E

over

F
F

.
Gröbnerian Dickson polynomials
Authors: Sezer Müfi̇t , Ünlü Özgün
Published: December 2008

Let

F
F

be a finite field and

k
k

be a positive integer. We compute the reduced Gröbner basis for the Hilbert ideal of

G

L
k

(
F
)

GL_k(F)

in terms of Dickson invariants of its subgroups.
A convexity theorem for the real part of a Borel invariant subvariety
Authors: Goldberg Timothy
Published: December 2008

M. Brion proved a convexity result for the moment map image of an irreducible subvariety of a compact integral Kähler manifold preserved by the complexification of the Hamiltonian group action. V. Guillemin and R. Sjamaar generalized this result to irreducible subvarieties preserved only by a Borel subgroup. In another direction, L. O’Shea and R. Sjamaar proved a convexity result for the moment map image of the submanifold fixed by an antisymplectic involution. Analogous to Guillemin and Sjamaar’s generalization of Brion’s theorem, in this paper we generalize O’Shea and Sjamaar’s result, proving a convexity theorem for the moment map image of the involution fixed set of an irreducible subvariety preserved by a Borel subgroup.
Vanishing of modular forms at infinity
Authors: Ahlgren Scott , Masri Nadia , Rouse Jeremy
Published: December 2008

We give upper bounds for the maximal order of vanishing at

∞
\infty

of a modular form or cusp form of weight

k
k

on

Γ
0

(
N
p
)

\Gamma _0(Np)

when

p
∤
N

p\nmid N

is prime. The results improve the upper bound given by the classical valence formula and the bound (in characteristic

p
p

) given by a theorem of Sturm. In many cases the bounds are sharp. As a corollary, we obtain a necessary condition for the existence of a non-zero form

f
∈

S
2

(

Γ
0

(
N
p
)
)

f\in S_2(\Gamma _0(Np))

with

ord
∞

⁡
(
f
)

\operatorname {ord} _\infty (f)

larger than the genus of

X
0

(
N
p
)

X_0(Np)

. In particular, this gives a (non-geometric) proof of a theorem of Ogg, which asserts that

∞
\infty

is not a Weierstrass point on

X
0

(
N
p
)

X_0(Np)

if

p
∤
N

p\nmid N

and

X
0

(
N
)

X_0(N)

has genus zero.
On the Lusternik-Schnirelmann category of spaces with 2-dimensional fundamental group
Authors: Dranishnikov Alexander
Published: December 2008

The following inequality
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="normal c normal a normal t Subscript normal upper L normal upper S Baseline upper X less-than-or-equal-to normal c normal a normal t Subscript normal upper L normal upper S Baseline upper Y plus left ceiling StartFraction h d left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis minus r Over r plus 1 EndFraction right ceiling">

c
a
t

L
S

X
≤

c
a
t

L
S

Y
+

⌈

h
d
(
X
)
−
r

r
+
1

⌉

\mathrm {cat}_{\mathrm {LS}} X\le \mathrm {cat}_{\mathrm {LS}} Y+\bigg \lceil \frac {hd(X)-r}{r+1}\bigg \rceil

\]
holds for every locally trivial fibration

f
:
X
→
Y

f:X\to Y

between

A
N
E

ANE

spaces which admits a section and has the

r
r

-connected fiber, where

h
d
(
X
)

hd(X)

is the homotopical dimension of

X
X

. We apply this inequality to prove that
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="normal c normal a normal t Subscript normal upper L normal upper S Baseline upper X less-than-or-equal-to c d left-parenthesis pi 1 left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis right-parenthesis plus left ceiling StartFraction dimension upper X minus 1 Over 2 EndFraction right ceiling">

c
a
t

L
S

X
≤
c
d
(

π
1

(
X
)
)
+

⌈

dim
⁡
X
−
1

2

⌉

\mathrm {cat}_{\mathrm {LS}} X\le cd(\pi _1(X))+\bigg \lceil \frac {\dim X-1}{2}\bigg \rceil

\]
for every complex

X
X

with

c
d
(

π
1

(
X
)
)
≤
2

cd(\pi _1(X))\le 2

, where

c
d
(

π
1

(
X
)
)

cd(\pi _1(X))

denotes the cohomological dimension of the fundamental group of

X
X

.
On the classification of solutions of -Δ𝑢=𝑒^{𝑢} on ℝ^{ℕ}: Stability outside a compact set and applications
Authors: Dancer E. , Farina Alberto
Published: December 2008

In this short paper we prove that, for3≤N≤93 \le N \le 9, the problem−Δu=eu-\Delta u = e^uon the entire Euclidean spaceRN\mathbb {R}^Ndoes not admit any solution stable outside a compact set ofRN\mathbb {R}^N. This result is obtained without making any assumption about the boundedness of solutions. Furthermore, as a consequence of our analysis, we also prove the non-existence of finite Morse Index solutions for the considered problem. We then use our results to give some applications to bounded domain problems.
Irreducible representations of groupoid 𝐶*-algebras
Authors: Ionescu Marius , Williams Dana
Published: December 2008

If

G
G

is a second countable locally compact Hausdorff groupoid with Haar system, we show that every representation induced from an irreducible representation of a stability group is irreducible.
Heat Shock Proteins and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Soo Eliza Ting-Li , Ng Yee-Kong , Bay Boon-Huat , Yip George Wai-Cheong
Published: December 2008

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are evolutionarily conserved molecules and play important roles in fundamental cellular processes. They serve as molecular chaperones and hence provide a protective function in ensuring cell survival and repair of cellular damage after a stressful stimulus. This paper summarizes the current knowledge about the different roles of HSPs in aging and disease, focusing on the neurodegenerative disorders of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and prion disease.
Randomized clinical comparisons of diclofenac concentration in the soft tissues and blood plasma between topical and oral applications
Authors: Miyatake Shin , Ichiyama Hiroki , Kondo Eiji , Yasuda Kazunori
Published: December 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Efficacy of oral administration of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the synovial and muscle tissues has been established.

• However, efficacy of percutaneous administration of NSAIDs has not sufficiently been established because of lack of scientific data.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The diclofenac concentration in the muscle and fat at 12 h after topical application with a pair of tapes containing a total of 30 mg diclofenac sodium was significantly higher than that after oral application of a capsule containing 37.5 mg diclofenac sodium, whereas there was no significant difference in the plasma diclofenac level between the two applications.

• The concentration in the synovial membrane and fluid was significantly lower after topical application than after oral application.

AIMS

To compare tissue concentrations of diclofenac resulting from topical and oral applications of diclofenac according to clinically recommended prescriptions.

METHODS

Diclofenac sodium was applied to 14 subjects (four male and 10 female), who were scheduled to undergo knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis, according to the oral or topical prescription (a capsule containing 37.5 mg diclofenac sodium or two tapes containing a total of 30 mg diclofenac sodium). At 12 h after prescription, the diclofenac concentration in the fat, muscle and synovial tissues was measured with liquid chromatography and mass analysis.

RESULTS

The diclofenac concentration in the muscle was significantly higher (P = 0.0196) after topical application (average 9.29 ng ml−1) than after oral application (0.66 ng ml−1), whereas there was no significant difference in the plasma diclofenac level (4.70 and 6.63 ng ml−1) between the two applications. The concentration in the synovial membrane was significantly (P = 0.0181) lower in the topical application (4.99 ng ml−1) than in the oral application (15.07 ng ml−1).

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas plasma levels resulting from topical and oral applications of diclofenac according to clinically recommended prescriptions were comparable, concentration levels in the muscle and synovial tissues were different.
Methylation of tumour suppressor gene promoters in the presence and absence of transcriptional silencing in high hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Paulsson Kajsa , An Qian , Moorman Anthony V. , Parker Helen , Molloy Gael , Davies Teresa , Griffiths Mike , Ross Fiona M. , Irving Julie , Harrison Christine J. , Young Bryan D. , Strefford Jon C.
Published: December 2008

Promoter methylation is a common phenomenon in tumours, including haematological malignancies. In the present study, we investigated 36 cases of high hyperdiploid (>50 chromosomes) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with methylation‐specific multiplex ligase‐dependent probe amplification to determine the extent of aberrant methylation in this subgroup. The analysis, which comprised the promoters of 35 known tumour suppressor genes, showed that 16 genes displayed abnormal methylation in at least one case each. The highest number of methylated gene promoters seen in a single case was thirteen, with all but one case displaying methylation for at least one gene. The most common targets were ESR1 (29/36 cases; 81%), CADM1 (IGSF4, TSLC1; 25/36 cases; 69%), FHIT (24/36 cases; 67%) and RARB (22/36 cases; 61%). Interestingly, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction showed that although methylation of the CADM1 and RARB promoters resulted in the expected pattern of downregulation of the respective genes, no difference could be detected in FHIT expression between methylation‐positive and ‐negative cases. Furthermore, TIMP3 was not expressed regardless of methylation status, showing that aberrant methylation does not always lead to gene expression changes. Taken together, our findings suggest that aberrant methylation of tumour suppressor gene promoters is a common phenomenon in high hyperdiploid ALL.
Bone mineral density and bone turnover in Romanian children and young adults with classical 21‐hydroxylase deficiency are influenced by glucocorticoid replacement therapy
Authors: Zimmermann Anca , Sido Paula Grigorescu , Schulze Egbert , Al Khzouz Camelia , Lazea Cecilia , Coldea Cristina , Weber Matthias M.
Published: December 2008

Objective  It remains controversial if glucocorticoid replacement therapy impairs bone mineral density (BMD) in young patients with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency. We aimed to analyze the impact of treatment variables, phenotype and genotype on BMD and bone metabolism in these patients.

Design  Cross‐sectional study.

Measurements  Twenty‐eight Caucasian patients with classical 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (5–39 years). Clinical parameters, hormonal status, osteocalcin (OC), C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), genotype and lumbar BMD (Z‐scores) were assessed. Cumulative and mean hydrocortisone equivalent doses were calculated for the entire treatment period.

Results  Patients with severely reduced BMD Z‐scores (≤–2·5 SD) had significantly higher mean/cumulative glucocorticoid doses compared to patients with moderately reduced (P = 0·003/P = 0·026) and normal Z‐scores (> –1 SD) (P = 0·005/P = 0·011). Mean hydrocortisone equivalent doses > 20 mg/m2/day led to significantly lower lumbar BMD Z‐scores (–2·16 ± 1·4 SD) vs. doses ≤ 20 mg/m2/day (–0·59 ± 1·25 SD) (P = 0·008). BMD correlated negatively with mean/cumulative glucocorticoid doses and treatment duration. OC (86·45 ± 37·45 ng/ml) and CTX (1·45 ± 0·43 ng/ml) were significantly increased compared to an age‐ and sex‐matched control group in patients with active growth; only CTX was slightly increased in patients who completed growth.

Conclusions  High cumulative and mean glucocorticoid doses negatively impact on BMD in children and young adults with classical 21‐hydroxylase deficiency. Substitution therapy should be adapted particularly at this life period to prevent bone loss.
Coadministration of active phthalates results in disruption of foetal testicular function in rats
Authors: Martino‐Andrade Anderson J. , Morais Rosana N. , Botelho Giuliana G. K. , Muller Graziela , Grande Simone W. , Carpentieri Giovanna B. , Leão Gabriel M. C. , Dalsenter Paulo R.
Published: December 2008

The reproductive effects of the coadministration of di‐2‐(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di‐butyl phthalate (DBP) were studied in both foetal and adult male rat offspring exposed in utero. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated by oral gavage from gestation day 13 to 21 with vehicle control, 150 mg DEHP/kg body weight (bw)/day, 100 mg DBP/kg bw/ or a combination of the two compounds (DEHP 150 + DBP 100 mg/kg bw/day). An additional group of dams received 500 mg DBP/kg bw/day. A significant decrease in foetal testicular testosterone levels was observed in animals exposed to 500 mg DBP/kg/day or the phthalate mixture. Similarly, histological analysis of the foetal testis revealed that the coadministration of DEHP and DBP was able to increase the diameter of seminiferous cords and induce gonocyte multinucleation at doses that individually had no significant effects on these variables. However, in the phthalate mixture group, no significant changes were observed in anogenital distance and nipple retention, variables that are used to indicate possible anti‐androgenic effects. Also, the adult endpoints investigated, that included reproductive organ weights and the number of spermatids per testis, were unaffected by any treatment regimen. Overall, coadministration of DEHP and DBP in utero significantly reduced testicular testosterone levels and resulted in misshapen seminiferous cords and gonocyte multinucleation in rat foetal testis. Our results also confirm that these foetal endpoints seem to be the most sensitive markers of prenatal phthalate exposure.
The spatial distribution of vegetation types in the Serengeti ecosystem: the influence of rainfall and topographic relief on vegetation patch characteristics
Authors: Reed D. N. , Anderson T. M. , Dempewolf J. , Metzger K. , Serneels S.
Published: December 2008

Aim The aim of this study is to introduce a structural vegetation map of the Serengeti ecosystem and, based on the map, to test the relative influences of landscape factors on the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation in the ecosystem.

Location This study was conducted in the Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, between 34° and 36° E longitude, and 1° and 2° S latitude.

Methods The vegetation map was produced from satellite imagery using data from over 800 ground‐truthing points. Spatial characteristics of the vegetation were analysed in the resulting map using thefragstatssoftware package. Average patch area and nearest neighbour distance (NND) were determined for grassland, shrubland and woodland vegetation types. The heterogeneity of vegetation types was estimated with Simpson’s diversity index (D). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to explore the relationships between the spatial characteristics of vegetation and three predictor variables: annual rainfall, coefficient of variation (CV) in annual rainfall, and topographic moisture index (TMI).

Results A vegetation map is presented along with a detailed summary of the distribution of land‐cover classes and spatial heterogeneity in the ecosystem. Significant relationships were found between vegetation diversity (D) and TMI, and also betweenDand average rainfall. The average area of grassland patches showed significant relationships with average rainfall, with rainfall CV and with TMI. Grassland NND was positively associated with average rainfall. Woodland patch area showed a unimodal response to average rainfall and a negative linear association with TMI. Woodland NND showed a U‐shaped association with annual rainfall and a weaker positive linear association with TMI. An acceptable model that explained variation in shrubland patch characteristics could not be identified.

Main conclusions The vegetation map and analysis thereof resulted in three significant causal explanatory models that demonstrate that both rainfall and topography are important contributors to the distribution of woodlands and grasslands in the Serengeti. These findings further indicate that changes in patch characteristics have a complex interaction with rainfall and with topography. Our results are concordant with recent studies suggesting that percent woody cover in African savannas receiving less thanc.650 mm year−1is bounded by average annual rainfall.
Differential permeability of rivers to raccoon gene flow corresponds to rabies incidence in Ontario, Canada
Authors: CULLINGHAM CATHERINE I. , KYLE CHRISTOPHER J. , POND BRUCE A. , REES ERIN E. , WHITE BRADLEY N.
Published: December 2008

The correlation of landscape features with genetic discontinuities reveals barriers to dispersal that can contribute to understanding present and future spread of wildlife diseases. This knowledge can then be used for targeting control efforts. The impact of natural barriers on raccoon dispersal was assessed through genetic analysis of samples from two regions, Niagara (N = 666) and St. Lawrence (N = 802). These areas are transected by major rivers and are at the northern front of a raccoon rabies epizootic. Genetic clusters were identified in each region using Bayesian clustering algorithms. In the Niagara region, two clusters were identified corresponding to either side of the Niagara River. For the St. Lawrence region, spatially congruent clusters were not identified, despite the presence of the intervening St. Lawrence River. These genetic data are consistent with raccoon rabies incidence data where rabies has been detected across the St. Lawrence River in Ontario while no cases have been detected in Ontario across the Niagara River. This is despite expectations of rabies incidence in Niagara before the St. Lawrence based on the progression of rabies from New York. The results from the two regions suggest different permeabilities to raccoons between New York and Ontario that may be attributed to the rivers. However, other factors have also been explored that could contribute to this difference between these study sites including the shape of the landscape and resource distribution.
Y not introgress? Insights into the genetics of speciation in European rabbits
Authors: PAYSEUR BRET A.
Published: December 2008

Hybridization between genetically divergent populations is common in nature. By comparing the rate of gene flow throughout the genome, loci that impede genetic mixing, and therefore underlie reproductive isolation, can be identified, providing key insights into the process of speciation. In a previous issue of Molecular Ecology, Geraldes et al. (2008) report the geographical distribution of Y chromosome lineages in wild populations of rabbits from across the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Y chromosomes showed a high level of differentiation between rabbit subspecies on either side of a hybrid zone, despite clear evidence for gene flow at other loci. This provocative result suggests a role for the Y chromosome in reproductive isolation, and adds to a growing list of nascent species with mosaic patterns of differentiation across their genomes.
Limestone pseudoconglomerates in the Late Cambrian Gushan and Chaomidian Formations (Shandong Province, China): soft‐sediment deformation induced by storm‐wave loading
Authors: CHEN JITAO , CHOUGH SUNG KWUN , CHUN SEUNG SOO , HAN ZUOZHEN
Published: December 2008

This paper focuses on the formative processes of limestone pseudoconglomerates in the Gushan and Chaomidian Formations (Late Cambrian) of the North China Platform, Shandong Province, China. The Gushan and Chaomidian Formations consist mainly of limestone and shale (marlstone) interlayers, wackestone to packstone, grainstone and microbialite as well as numerous limestone conglomerates. Seventy‐three beds of limestone pseudoconglomerate in the Gushan and Chaomidian Formations were analysed based on clast and matrix compositions, internal fabric, sedimentary structures and bed geometry. These pseudoconglomerates are characterized by oligomictic to polymictic limestone clasts of various shapes (i.e. flat to undulatory disc, blade and sheet), marlstone and/or grainstone matrix and various internal fabrics (i.e. intact, thrusted, edgewise and disorganized), as well as transitional boundaries. Limestone pseudoconglomerates formed as a result of soft‐sediment deformation of carbonate and argillaceous interlayers at a shallow burial depth. Differential early cementation of carbonate and argillaceous sediments provided the requisite conditions for the formation of pseudoconglomerates. Initial deformation (i.e. burial fragmentation, liquefaction and injection) and subsequent mobilization and disruption of fragmented clasts are two important processes for the formation of pseudoconglomerates. Burial fragmentation resulted from mechanical rupture of cohesive carbonate mud, whereas subsequent mobilization of fragmented clasts was due to the injection of fluid materials (liquefied carbonate sand and water‐saturated argillaceous mud) under increased stress. Storm‐wave loading was the most probable deformation mechanism, as an external triggering force. Subsequent re‐orientation and rounding of clasts were probably prolonged under normal compactional stress. Eventually, disrupted clasts, along with matrix materials, were transformed into pseudoconglomerates by progressive lithification. Soft‐sediment deformation is prevalent in alternate layers of limestone and mud(marl)stone and/or grainstone, regardless of their depositional environments.
Aseismic controls on in situ soft‐sediment deformation processes and products in submarine slope deposits of the Karoo Basin, South Africa
Authors: OLIVEIRA CARLOS M. M. , HODGSON DAVID M. , FLINT STEPHEN S.
Published: December 2008

Intervals of soft‐sediment deformation features, including vertical fluid escape and load structures, are common and well‐exposed in Permian lower slope deposits of the Tanqua Depocentre, Karoo Basin. The structures mainly comprise elongated flames and load structures associated with ruptured sandstones and structureless siltstones, observed over a range of scales. The presence of an upper structureless siltstone layer linked to the flames, interpreted as a product of the debouching of fine‐grained material transported through the flame onto the palaeo‐seabed, together with the drag and upward folding of lower sandstone layers is evidence that the flames were formed in situ by upward movement of sediment‐rich fluids. Flames are oriented parallel to the deep‐water palaeoslope in lateral splay deposits between two major slope channel complexes. Statistical correlation and regression analyses of 180 flame structures from seven stratigraphic intervals suggest a common mechanism for the deformation and indicate the importance of fluidization as a deformation mechanism. Importantly, deformation occurred in an instantaneous and synchronous manner. Liquefaction and fluidization were triggered by incremental movement of sediment over steeper local gradients that were generated by deposition of a lateral splay on an inherited local north‐west‐facing slope. Seismic activity is not invoked as a trigger mechanism because of the restricted spatial occurrence of these features and the lack of indications of earthquakes during the time of deposition of the deep‐water succession. The driving mechanisms that resulted in the final configuration of the soft‐sediment deformation structures involved a combination of vertical shear stress caused by fluidization, development of an inverse density gradient and a downslope component of force associated with the local slope. Ground‐penetrating radar profiles confirm the overall north‐east orientation of the flame structures and provide a basis for recognition of potential larger‐scale examples of flames in seismic reflection data sets.
Histamine N‐methyltransferase 939A>G polymorphism affects mRNA stability in patients with acetylsalicylic acid‐intolerant chronic urticaria
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Kang Y.‐M. , Kim S.‐H. , Cho B.‐Y. , Ye Y.‐M. , Hur G.‐Y. , Park H.‐S.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Histamine plays an important role in allergic inflammation. Histamine levels are regulated by histamine N‐methyltransferase (HNMT).

Objective:  To investigate the functional variability of HNMT gene in relation to genetic polymorphisms in patients with aspirin intolerant chronic urticaria (AICU).

Methods:  Two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of the HNMT gene (314C>T, 939A>G) were genotyped in chronic urticaria patients. The functional variability of 3′‐untranslated region polymorphism (3′‐UTR) was assessed using the pEGFP‐HNMT 3′‐UTR reporter construct to examine mRNA stability and fluorescence‐tagged protein expression. The HNMT enzymatic activities related to the 939A>G polymorphism were examined both in the human mast cells (HMC‐1) transfected with the pHNMT CDS‐3′‐UTR construct and in the patients’ red blood cells (RBCs). Histamine release from the basophils of AICU patients was examined.

Results:  The 939A>G polymorphism was significantly associated with the AICU phenotype, while no association was found with the 314C>T polymorphism. An in vitro functional study using HMC‐1 cells demonstrated that the 939A allele gave lower levels of HNMT mRNA stability, HNMT protein expression, and HNMT enzymatic activity and higher histamine release than the 939G allele. The in vivo functional study demonstrated that the AICU patients with the 939A allele had lower HNMT activity in RBC lysates and higher histamine release from their basophils.

Conclusion:  The HNMT 939A>G polymorphism lowers HNMT enzymatic activity by decreasing HNMT mRNA stability, which leads to an increase in the histamine level and contributes to the development of AICU.
Topical glucocorticoids downregulate COX‐1 positive cells in nasal polyps
Authors: Ebbens F. A. , Maldonado M. , De Groot E. J. J. , Alobid I. , Van Drunen C. M. , Picado C. , Fokkens W. J. , Mullol J.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Influx of inflammatory cells is one of the hallmarks of nasal polyposis. As glucocorticoids (GC) are known to exhibit strong anti‐inflammatory effects, these drugs are frequently used in the treatment of the disease. Part of the anti‐inflammatory effects of GC is attributed to their interference with prostanoid synthesis. As cyclooxygenases (COX) are key enzymes in the synthesis of both pro‐ (COX‐1, COX‐2) and anti‐inflammatory prostanoids (COX‐2), we investigated the role of topical GC on COX‐1, COX‐2 and inflammatory markers in nasal polyps (NP).

Methods:  Immunohistochemical analysis of inflammatory markers (CD68, CD117, MBP, elastase, IgE, BB‐1, IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐6), COX‐1 and COX‐2 was performed on normal nasal mucosa (NM) (n = 18), non‐GC treated NP (n = 27) and topical GC treated NP (n = 12). NP groups were matched for allergy, asthma and ASA intolerance.

Results:  Increased numbers of eosinophils, IL‐5+ cells and IgE+ cells and decreased numbers of mastcells are striking features of NP inflammation (P < 0.05). In addition, increased numbers of COX‐1+ cells are observed in NP epithelium compared to NM (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Topical GC significantly reduce the number of COX‐1+ NP cells (P < 0.05), but have no significant effect on COX‐2+ NP cells. No significant reduction in the number of eosinophils is observed for GC treated NP. The number of IL‐5+ cells is however increased significantly upon GC treatment (P < 0.05).
Reproductive Maturation in the Male Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx): A Study on 55 Reproductive Organs Collected from Carcasses During 2002–2005
Authors: Axnér E , Uhlhorn H , Ågren E , Mörner T
Published: December 2008

Contents

Data on reproductive physiology from the Eu rasian lynx (Lynx lynx) are still scarce. The lynx is protected under Swedish hunting legislation. All lynx that are found dead or that are culled at hunting are to be sent to the Swedish National Veterinary Institute. In this study, we examined reproductive organs from 55 male lynx collected during the years 2002–2005. Age, body weight, testicular weight and volume, production of spermatozoa, and sperm viability were evaluated. The majority of the animals (39) had been killed in February and March, which is during the hunting season. The ages varied between 6 months and 17 years, body weight between 3.6 and 25.5 kg, and mean testes weight between 0.16 and 3.16 g. The gonadosomatic index was low compared with other species (approximately 0.02% in mature males). Mean testes weight differed significantly between males <12 months of age and all other age groups but did not differ between males of 18–23 months and older males. Spermatozoa could be collected but had lost most of their viability. Seven of 10 males of 18–23 months were fertile, as defined by the production of spermatozoa while no males ≤15 months of age were fertile. Adherence of the prepuce to the penis and absence of penile spines were associated with immaturity. The results indicate that most males are fertile during the reproductive season of their second year.
Effect of Inter‐Breed Embryo Transfer on Lamb Growing Performance and Survival
Authors: Emsen E , Diaz CAG , Yaprak M , Koycegiz F , Kutluca M , Emsen H
Published: December 2008

Contents

The roles of recipient and embryo genotype in determining the growth performance and survivability of offspring based on specific behavioural differences were investigated using inter‐breed embryo transfer. This study was carried out using three recipient genotypes (Awassi, Redkaraman and Tuj) and two embryo genotypes (Charollais and Romanov) to obtain the six possible combinations of ewe and lamb genotypes. Data were collected from 71 recipient ewes (10 Redkaraman with Charollais and 15 Redkaraman with Romanov embryos; 10 Tuj with Charollais and 12 Tuj with Romanov embryos, and 12 Awassi with Charollais lambs and 12 Awassi with Romanov embryos); all ewes received two frozen‐thawed embryos. Awassi ewes had a significantly longer duration of the licking/grooming event (25.5 min, p < 0.05) than Tuj ewes. Charollais lambs were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to require birth assistance compared to Romanov lambs. Romanov lambs were significantly more (p < 0.01) active than Charollais lambs in the first 2 h after birth; ewe breed had no effect on lamb behaviour. There was no recipient breed effect on either birth or weaning weights of lambs. Charollais lambs were recorded with higher birth (5.5 ± 0.3 kg vs 3.9 ± 0.2 kg; p < 0.001) and weaning (29.4 ± 1.2 kg vs 22.4 ± 1.9 kg; p < 0.001) weights compared to Romanov lambs. At weaning Romanov lambs had significantly higher (95% vs 75%; p < 0.05) survival rates, however, this was not significantly affected by recipient breed. It was concluded that recipient breed was not an important factor in survival and weaning performance of embryo transferred lambs from a prolific breed (Romanov) while these traits recorded for lambs from meat type (Charollais) embryos were influenced by dam breed.
Generation and Characterization of Embryonic Stem‐Like Cell Lines Derived from In Vitro Fertilization Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos
Authors: Huang B , Li T , Wang X‐L , Xie T‐S , Lu Y‐Q , Da Silva FM , Shi D‐S
Published: December 2008

Contents

In the present study, buffalo embryonic stem‐like (ES‐like) cell lines were successfully isolated, cultured and characterized. From a total of 92 normal buffalo embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization, 18 were morulae, 33 were blastocyst and 41 were hatched blastocyst, the inside of morulae or inner cell masses of blastocysts were isolated mechanically and cultured onto mitomocin‐C‐inactivated buffalo embryonic fibroblasts as feeder layers. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) of ES‐like cells, as well as the specific stage embryonic antigen SSEA‐1, SSEA‐3, SSEA‐4 and transcription factor OCT‐4, was used to evaluate the characterization of the cells. The spontaneous differentiation of ES‐like cells was induced by culturing on leukaemia inhibitory factor‐free medium for more than 2 weeks without passage. To evaluate mark gene expression, total RNA was extracted from cells, and specific primers were used for reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). After 8–10 days of culture, primary ES‐like cell colonies were formed in 0% (0/18) of morulae, 24.24% (8/33) of blastocysts and 60.98% (25/41) of hatched blastocysts, respectively. The forming rate of primary ES‐like cells colonies in hatched blastocyst group was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the obtained for other groups. Two ES‐like cell lines could survive to eight passages at least by using the method of mechanical dissociation, but just three passages by using the method of enzymatic dissociation. The cells formed large, multicellular colonies with distinct boundaries, exhibited many important features of ES/ES‐like cells, including positive AP, SSEA‐1, SSEA‐3 and SSEA‐4 activity. Undifferentiated buffalo ES‐like cells expressed Oct‐4, Nanog, Sox2 gene mRNA. In vitro differentiation experiments had demonstrated that those cells were pluripotent.
PRIMARY GASTRIC PLASMACYTOMA REFRACTORY TO HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION THERAPY
Authors: Kawasaki Naruo , Nakada Koji , Kawasaki Yuko , Suzuki Yutaka , Masuda Katsunori , Miyazawa Yoshio , Kashiwagi Hideyuki , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: December 2008

A 49‐year‐old woman underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination for epigastric discomfort, revealing giant folds on the greater curvature of the stomach. Histological examinations of biopsy specimens taken from the giant folds showed signs of chronic inflammation, and Helicobacter pylori was also identified. She underwent first‐step H. pylori eradication. On follow‐up endoscopy, H. pylori was not identified. However, endoscopic findings were unchanged and repeated biopsies showed dense infiltration of atypical plasma cells. No proliferation of centrocyte‐like cells was seen. Immunohistochemically, plasma cells were positive for λ‐chain. Primary gastric plasmacytoma was diagnosed. Total gastrectomy was carried out with splenectomy and regional lymph node dissection. The patient remains disease free as of 6 years postoperatively.
BLUE RUBBER BLEB NEVUS SYNDROME: TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE GASTROINTESTINAL HEMANGIOMAS WITH ARGON PLASMA COAGULATOR
Authors: Ng Enders K.W. , Cheung Frances K.Y. , Chiu Philip W.Y.
Published: December 2008

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a rare clinical entity characterized by the formation of multiple blue or purplish rubbery cavernous hemangiomas on the skin and other epithelial surfaces. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is common and often presents with crippling anemia as a result of chronic occult blood loss. While surgical extirpation is an option for symptomatic hemangiomas in the intestine, endoscopic therapy is more appealing for lesions found in the stomach and colon. Here we report the successful use of argon plasma coagulation in the management of an adult with multiple hemangiomas in her colon and terminal ileum.
PROPHYLACTIC PANCREAS STENTING FOLLOWED BY NEEDLE‐KNIFE FISTULOTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH SPHINCTER OF ODDI DYSFUNCTION AND DIFFICULT CANNULATION: NEW METHOD TO PREVENT POST‐ERCP PANCREATITIS
Authors: Madácsy László , Kurucsai Gábor , Fejes Roland , Székely András , Székely Iván
Published: December 2008

Introduction:  The aim of the present study was to reduce post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications with a combination of early needle‐knife access fistulotomy and prophylactic pancreatic stenting in selected high‐risk sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) patients with difficult cannulation.

Methods:  Prophylactic pancreatic stent insertion was attempted in 22 consecutive patients with definite SOD and difficult cannulation. After 10 min of failed selective common bile duct cannulation, but repeated (>5×) pancreatic duct contrast filling, a prophylactic small calibre (3–5 Fr) pancreatic stent was inserted, followed by fistulotomy with a standard needle‐knife, then a standard complete biliary sphincterotomy followed. The success and complication rates were compared retrospectively with a cohort of 35 patients, in which we persisted with the application of standard methods of cannulation without pre‐cutting methods.

Results:  Prophylactic pancreatic stenting followed by needle‐knife fistulotomy was successfully carried out in all 22 consecutive patients, and selective biliary cannulation and complete endoscopic sphincterotomy were achieved in all but two cases. In this group, not a single case of post‐ERCP pancreatitis was observed, in contrast with a control group of three mild, 10 moderate and two severe post‐ERCP pancreatitis cases. The frequency of post‐ERCP pancreatitis was significantly different: 0% versus 43%, as were the post‐procedure (24 h mean) amylase levels: 206 U/L versus 1959 U/L, respectively.

Conclusions:  In selected, high‐risk, SOD patients, early, prophylactic pancreas stent insertion followed by needle‐knife fistulotomy seems a safe and effective procedure with no or only minimal risk of post‐ERCP pancreatitis. However, prospective, randomized studies are awaited to lend to support to our approach.
ENDOSONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED GALLBLADDER DRAINAGE FOR ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS FOLLOWING COVERED METAL STENT DEPLOYMENT
Authors: Takasawa Osamu , Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Ito Kei , Horaguchi Jun , Obana Takashi
Published: December 2008

Endosonography‐guided biliary drainage (ESBD) is gaining acceptance as an effective treatment for obstructive jaundice. Only a few reports on the application of this technique to the gallbladder (endosonography‐guided gallbladder drainage [ESGBD]) have been published in the literature. In order to relieve acute cholecystitis which developed in a patient with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction after deployment of a covered metal stent (CMS), we applied this technique. ESGBD was carried out by using an electronic curved linear array echoendoscope. After visualization of the gallbladder and determination of the puncture route, a needle knife papillotome was advanced with electrocautery to pierce the gastric and gallbladder walls. Under the guidance of a guidewire inserted through the needle sheath into the gallbladder, a 7.2 Fr, 30 cm‐long, single pigtail plastic tube was placed to bridge the gallbladder and the stomach. No complications relevant to the procedure were encountered. ESGBD was quite effective in ameliorating the patient's acute cholecystitis and the drainage tube was removed after 10 days without sequelae. Acute cholecystitis following CMS deployment is considered to be a good indication for ESGBD.
ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION OF A MINUTE INTRAMUCOSAL ADENOCARCINOMA IN BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS
Authors: Ikeda Koki , Isomoto Hajime , Oda Hidetoshi , Shikuwa Saburo , Mizuta Yohei , Iwasaki Keisuke , Kohno Shigeru
Published: December 2008

A 73‐year‐old man with short segmental Barrett's esophagus underwent esophagoscopy, and a slightly depressed, discolored lesion was found on the anterior wall of the lower esophagus. Under a provisional diagnosis of differentiated adenocarcinoma without local lymph node metastasis, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was carried out. En bloc resection with tumor‐free lateral/basal margins was accomplished without complication. The resected area was 12 × 15 mm in size, whereas the neoplastic lesion was 4 × 4 mm. Histopathological examination confirmed intramucosal well‐differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma without angiolymphatic invasion adjacent to the muscularis mucosae. Repeated esophagoscopy 6 months after ESD showed neither locally recurrent nor metachronous lesions. Considering that Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition, one may recommend eradication of both the neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesion with using ESD.
Invasion of renal sinus fat is not an independent predictor of survival in pT3a renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Poon Stephen A. , Gonzalez Joshua R. , Benson Mitchell C. , McKiernan James M.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the significance of the location of extrarenal tumour extension of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as in the 2002 Tumour‐Nodes‐Metastasis classification. Renal cortical tumours with perirenal fat invasion (PFI) or sinus fat invasion (SFI) are consolidated within the pT3a grouping; tumours with SFI are close to the renal veins, lymphatics and the collecting system. This might carry a worse prognosis for disease‐specific survival (DSS), but reports are limited and contradictory.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1244 patients treated with nephrectomy from 1988 to 2007, to identify patients with pT3a renal tumours. They were classified as having PFI or SFI. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess predictors of survival.

RESULTS

The 230 patients who met the inclusion criteria had a median follow‐up of 24 months. SFI was found in 63 (27.4%) patients and was associated with a worse 5‐year DSS than the 167 (72.6%) with PFI (62.5% vs 75.0%; log rank P = 0.022). On univariate analysis, diameter (hazard ratio, HR 1.1), nuclear grade (HR 4.5), margin status (HR 5.8), lymph node metastases (HR 6.4), and systemic metastases (HR 15.4) were significant for DSS. In a multivariate model, only nuclear grade (HR 3.1), margin status (HR 8.9) and systemic metastases (HR 9.8) were independent predictors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with renal tumours with SFI are more likely to die from RCC than those with PFI. However, in the present patients the presence of SFI was not an independent predictor of DSS.
Clinical staging error in prostate cancer: localization and relevance of undetected tumour areas
Authors: Bolenz Christian , Gierth Michael , Grobholz Rainer , Köpke Thomas , Semjonow Axel , Weiss Christel , Alken Peter , Michel Maurice Stephan , Trojan Lutz
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To describe the localization and to assess the clinical implications of areas of undetected prostate cancer in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, focusing on patients with unilaterally negative preoperative biopsy cores.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 149 of 559 consecutive patients (26.7%) who had RP for prostate cancer. Unilateral prostate cancer was diagnosed from prostate biopsies, taken by several physicians, but ≥ pT2c disease was present in the RP specimen. The prostate was dissected by standardized transversal cuts and tumour areas were mapped by one genitourinary pathologist. To estimate the tumour size and location, areas of prostate cancer were transferred to a digital grid database representing the prostate by 794 units.

RESULTS

The most frequent location of undetected prostate cancer was in the dorsalateral region and in the apex of the prostate. The mean tumour volume of the false‐negative lobe was significantly lower than contralaterally (18.9 vs 47.5 units, P < 0.001). In 36 of 149 patients (24.2%), the tumour volume on the negative biopsy side was equal or higher than on the positive biopsy side; in the final RP specimen, 60 patients (40.3%) had capsular involvement on the negative biopsy side.

CONCLUSION

Significantly many patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer remain clinically understaged. The apical and dorsolateral region of the prostate are not adequately represented in current biopsy strategies. Undetected tumour areas are often clinically significant by size and capsular involvement, indicating a direct clinical implication when planning nerve‐sparing RP or focal therapy. Our results show a continuing need for optimized and standardized biopsy protocols.
Pretreatment with low‐energy shock waves induces renal vasoconstriction during standard shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): a treatment protocol known to reduce SWL‐induced renal injury
Authors: Handa Rajash K. , Bailey Michael R. , Paun Marla , Gao Sujuan , Connors Bret A. , Willis Lynn R. , Evan Andrew P.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that the pretreatment of the kidney with low‐energy shock waves (SWs) will induce renal vasoconstriction sooner than a standard clinical dose of high‐energy SWs, thus providing a potential mechanism by which the pretreatment SW lithotripsy (SWL) protocol reduces tissue injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female farm pigs (6‐weeks‐old) were anaesthetized with isoflurane and the lower pole of the right kidney treated with SWs using a conventional electrohydraulic lithotripter (HM3, Dornier GmbH, Germany). Pulsed Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure renal resistive index (RI) in blood vessels as a measure of resistance/impedance to blood flow. RI was recorded from one intralobar artery located in the targeted pole of the kidney, and measurements taken from pigs given sham SW treatment (Group 1; no SWs, four pigs), a standard clinical dose of high‐energy SWs (Group 2; 2000 SWs, 24 kV, 120 SWs/min, seven pigs), low‐energy SW pretreatment followed by high‐energy SWL (Group 3; 500 SWs, 12 kV, 120 SWs/min + 2000 SWs, 24 kV, 120 SWs/min, eight pigs) and low‐energy SW pretreatment alone (Group 4; 500 SWs, 12 kV, 120 SWs/min, six pigs).

RESULTS

Baseline RI (≈0.61) was similar for all groups. Pigs receiving sham SW treatment (Group 1) had no significant change in RI. A standard clinical dose of high‐energy SWs (Group 2) did not significantly alter RI during treatment, but did increase RI at 45 min after SWL. Low‐energy SWs did not alter RI in Group 3 pigs, but subsequent treatment with a standard clinical dose of high‐energy SWs resulted in a significantly earlier (at 1000 SWs) and greater (two‐fold) rise in RI than that in Group 2 pigs. This rise in RI during the low/high‐energy SWL protocol was not due to a delayed vasoconstrictor response of pretreatment, as low‐energy SW treatment alone (Group 4) did not increase RI until 65 min after SWL.

CONCLUSIONS

The pretreatment protocol induces renal vasoconstriction during the period of SW application whereas the standard protocol shows vasoconstriction occurring after SWL. Thus, the earlier and greater rise in RI during the pretreatment protocol may be causally associated with a reduction in tissue injury.
Behavioral genetic analyses of prosocial behavior in adolescents
Authors: Gregory Alice M. , Light‐Häusermann Jade H. , Rijsdijk Frühling , Eley Thalia C.
Published: December 2008

Prosocial behavior is an important aspect of normal social and psychological development. Adult and child twin studies typically estimate the heritability of prosocial behavior to be between 30 and 50%, although relatively little is known about genetic and environmental influences upon prosocial behavior in adolescence. We therefore examined reports of prosocial behavior in a large longitudinal family study of 1160 adolescent twin pairs (aged between 13 and 19 years). Prosocial behavior was assessed at two time points by self‐report and at the second time point by additional parent‐ratings using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ;Goodman, 1997). Adolescent females were reported to be significantly more prosocial than males (p <.001). Univariate analyses primarily showed moderate heritability and large nonshared environmental influences. There was a moderate genetic correlation between self‐ and parent‐reported prosocial behaviour, suggesting that both types of rater were tapping into genetically overlapping constructs. Longitudinal analyses revealed that continuity was largely explained by genes. Unique environmental influences were predominantly time‐specific and were the major source of individual differences.