bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex‐related Macrostructural Organization of the Deer's Brachial Plexus
Authors: Melo S. R. , Gonçalves A. F. N. , De Castro Sasahara T. H. , Fioretto E. T. , Gerbasi S. H. , Machado M. R. F. , Guimarães G. C. , Ribeiro A. A. C. M.
Published: July 2007

We describe the morphological organization of the deer brachial plexus in order to supply data to veterinary neuroclinics and anaesthesiology. The deer (Mazama gouazoubira) brachial plexus is composed of four roots: three cervical (C6, C7 and C8) and one thoracic (T1). Within each sex group, no variations are observed between the left and the right brachial plexus, though sex‐related differences are seen especially in its origin. The origin of axillary and radial nerves was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 in males and C8–T1 (radial nerve) and C7, C8 and T1 (axillary nerve) in females; musculocutaneous nerve was: C6–C7 (males) and C8–T1 (females); median and ulnar nerves was: C8–T1 (males) and T1 (females); long thoracic nerve was: C7 (males) and T1 (females); lateral thoracic nerve was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 (males) and T1 (females); thoracodorsal nerve was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 (males) and C8–T1 (females); suprascapular nerve was: C6–C7 (males) and C6 (females) and subscapular nerve was: C6–C7 (males) and C7 (females). This study suggests that in male deer the origin of the brachial plexus is more cranial than in females and the origin of the brachial plexus is slightly more complex in males, i.e. there is an additional number of roots (from one to three). This sexual dimorphism may be related to specific biomechanical functions of the thoracic limb and electrophysiological studies may be needed to shed light on this morphological feature.
Interstitial Cells of Cajal and their Role in Veterinary Gastrointestinal Pathologies
Authors: De Ceulaer K. M. G. , Van Ginneken C. J. D. , Philips W. A. , Weyns A.
Published: July 2007

This study highlights the importance of intersitial cells of Cajal (ICs) in gastrointestinal disease. Human research is already considering IC pathologies but in veterinary research IC pathologies are rarely studied. Nevertheless, recent studies of ICs show a growing interest in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases and emphasize the consideration of this cell type in the pathophysiology of veterinary gastrointestinal malfunctions.
Preliminary study of female‐targeted semiochemical baits for the western corn rootworm in Europe
Authors: Tóth M. , Vuts J. , Szarukán I. , Juhász I. , Manajlovics F.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  In recent years emphasis of semiochemical research on the western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica v. virgifera LeConte, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) shifted towards the development of more female‐specific lures. Through identifying volatile compounds from maize silk, Hammack (J. Chem. Ecol., 27, 2001,1373) claimed that some combinations of the newly identified compounds were more powerful in attracting females than the conventional floral baits (based on 4‐methoxycinnamaldehyde). Earlier we found that the newly developed ‘hat’ trap design (KLP) when baited with the floral bait was especially suitable for the capture of female WCR. Encouraged by this we set out to compare efficiency of female‐targeted Diabrotica baits. None of the treatments tested captured females in higher percentage than the conventional WCR floral bait (4‐methoxycinnamaldehyde + indole). The combination of β‐ionone + methyl salicylate + β‐caryophyllene (attractant found to be more female‐specific in the USA previously) was not more attractive for females than unbaited controls. No other treatment produced significantly higher female percentages than the conventional floral bait. However, the conventional bait caught far more beetles than any of the other treatments. Electroantennographic responses from male or female antennae were very similar, suggesting that all 27 floral compounds tested were perceived similarly by the two sexes. The only exception was β‐ionone, to which females were slightly more responsive. It seemed that among the other compounds none showed potential for the development of a more female‐specific lure. In conclusion, so far the most efficient female‐targeted trap‐bait combination for WCR in Europe is the conventional floral attractant applied in KLP traps.
Large‐scale releases of Trichogramma ostriniae to suppress Ostrinia nubilalis in commercially grown processing and fresh market sweet corn
Authors: Gardner J. , Hoffmann M. P. , Cheever S. A. , Seaman A. J. , Westgate P. , Hazzard R. V.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  We evaluated the egg parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae (Pang et Chen) (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) for control of European corn borer [Lep.:Crambidae: Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)] in fields of commercial processing sweet corn in New York in 2002 and 2003. We made inoculative releases of 75 000 T. ostriniae/ha when corn was at mid‐whorl and regional O. nubilalis activity had begun. Each release field was paired with a similar non‐release control. The incidence of egg mass parasitism, number of stalk tunnels, incidence of ear damage and effect on insecticide spray decisions were evaluated. Parasitism of cumulative number of O. nubilalis egg masses was 51.3 ± 7.2% and 43.5 ± 5.7% (mean ± SEM) in release fields in 2002 and 2003 respectively. The incidence of ear damage by O. nubilalis was not affected by T. ostriniae in either year of the study. There was no difference in stalk damage between release fields and control fields in either 2002 or 2003. However, individual comparisons between paired release and control fields showed reduced stalk tunnelling in 10 of 19 fields, but ear damage was reduced in only two of 19 fields. Neither the number of actual insecticide sprays nor the number of decisions to spray based on sequential sampling were affected significantly by releasing T. ostriniae. In a separate but related study, where releases were conducted in commercial fresh market sweet corn and used higher rates of release, T. ostriniae had no effect on the number of insecticidal sprays. In an additional experiment using small plots of sweet corn, ear damage was similar whether plots were treated with T. Ostriniae or with insecticide. Additional research should focus on improving the timing, frequency and rate of releases.
THE EFFECTS OF SYMPATHOMIMETICS ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM OF SHEEP
Authors: Pack R. J. , Alley M. R. , Davie P. S. , Kealey A. S. , Baxter S. , Allen R. , Dallimore J. A. , Lapwood K. R. , Crane J. , Burgess C.
Published: July 2007

1. Sheep hearts have been used to study the effects of P‐adrenoceptor (P‐AR) agonists in order to better understand the effects of common asthma treatment drugs on heart rate, cardiac power output and cardiac pathology. Hearts have been examined both in vivo and in vim.

2. In whole anaesthetized sheep, isoprenaline, fenoterol and salbutamol induced dose‐dependent increases in heart rate. Hypokalaemia in response to salbutamol was accentuated in hypoxia. Many of these hearts showed significant myocardial lesions. Hypoxia alone caused no significant cardiac response.

3. As expected, the β1‐AR agonist dobutamine caused dose‐dependent increases in heart performance (heart rate and cardiac power output). Both responses were blocked by metoprolol and propranolol. The β2‐AR agonist salbutamol caused dose‐dependent increases in heart rate and although cardiac output increased, cardiac power output remained unchanged as a consequence of the fall in peripheral resistance. The heart rate changes were blocked by metoprolol. Importantly, propranolol blocked both the heart rate response and the fall in peripheral resistance.

4. Isolated atrial strips showed a right shift of their dose‐response curve to isoprenaline in the presence of the highly selective β2‐AR antagonist ICI 118 551 at concentrations above 1 × 10−‐8 mol/L.

5. We conclude that the sheep heart shows many pharmacological characteristics of the human heart which makes it a good pharmacological model in addition to its being amenable to many common techniques available for humans.
Macroinvertebrate assemblages along a land‐use gradient in the upper River Njoro watershed of Lake Nakuru drainage basin, Kenya
Authors: Kibichii Samuel , Shivoga William A. , Muchiri Mucai , Miller Scott N.
Published: July 2007

A study was conducted in the upper reaches of the River Njoro watershed to test the impacts of changing land‐use patterns, from predominantly forest to pasture and agriculture, on benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Stream sampling sites were chosen to correspond to the main offstream land uses, including forests, grazing, small‐scale agriculture, and intensive agriculture. Physicochemical variables were measured at each sampling site, and from collected water samples. Sampled macroinvertebrates were identified, and taxon diversity, richness, evenness and dominance were estimated for each site. Higher mean temperatures were recorded at the grazed and cultivated sites, compared to the forested sites. Higher ammonia concentrations were characteristic of the grazed parts of the watershed, while higher mean total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations were observed at the intensively cultivated sites. Baetis and Simulidae composed 65% by number of all the invertebrates collected. They dominated the benthos of the cultivated sections of the watershed, where they formed up to 75% of the observed invertebrate numbers. However, higher mean diversities, richness and evenness were recorded at forested sites, with a few taxa (notably Lepidostoma hirtum, Potamon sp., Leptophlebia sp. and Helodidae) being restricted to these unpolluted reaches, although many other taxa were common to all sites. Our findings suggest that a change from forestry to agriculture and grazing land uses have affected the physicochemical environment of the River Njoro, leading to a reduction in the diversity and evenness of benthic macroinvertebrates.
A method for improving predictions of bed‐load discharges to reservoirs
Authors: Lopes Vicente L. , Osterkamp Waite R. , Bravo‐Espinosa Miguel
Published: July 2007

Effective management options for mitigating the loss of reservoir water storage capacity to sedimentation depend on improved predictions of bed‐load discharges into the reservoirs. Most predictions of bed‐load discharges, however, are based on the assumption that the rates of bed‐load sediment availability equal the transport capacity of the flow, ignoring the spatio‐temporal variability of the sediment supply. This paper develops a semiquantitative method to characterize bed‐load sediment transport in alluvial channels, assuming a channel reach is non‐supply limited when the bed‐load discharge of a given sediment particle‐size class is functionally related to the energy that is available to transport that fraction of the total bed‐load. The method was applied to 22 alluvial stream channels in the USA to determine whether a channel reach had a supply‐limited or non‐supply‐limited bed‐load transport regime. The non‐supply‐limited transport regime was further subdivided into two groups on the basis of statistical tests. The results indicated the pattern of bed‐load sediment transport in alluvial channels depends on the complete spectrum of sediment particle sizes available for transport rather than individual particle‐size fractions represented by one characteristic particle size. The application of the method developed in this paper should assist reservoir managers in selecting bed‐load sediment transport equations to improve predictions of bed‐load discharge in alluvial streams, thereby significantly increasing the efficiency of management options for maintaining the storage capacity of waterbodies.
Influences of land use/cover on water quality in the upper and middle reaches of River Njoro, Kenya
Authors: Shivoga William A. , Muchiri Mucai , Kibichi Samuel , Odanga Jethro , Miller Scott N. , Baldyga Tracy J. , Enanga Eric M. , Gichaba Maina C.
Published: July 2007

Data from 10 sampling sites along the River Njoro are used to examine the contribution of nutrients from upstream land uses draining each of the sampling sites. The data also are used to assess whether both the proportion of land uses and the size of the subwatersheds account for the variability in water quality in the River Njoro watershed. Geographical Information System analysis was used to determine the spatial distribution of land‐cover types and subwatersheds contributing run‐off to the sampling sites in the River Njoro. Standard Digital Elevation Model‐based routines were used to establish the watershed area contributing run‐off to each sampling site. Water and sediment samples were collected for chemical analysis, and the nutrient levels were related to the upstream land‐use types and the size of the subwatersheds. The mid‐stream portion of the River Njoro (near Egerton University) accounts for the highest nutrient contributions. The percentage contribution is magnified by additions from industrial, human settlements and agricultural land uses around the University. There is a significant decrease in nutrient levels downstream, however, indicating natural purification as the river flows through an area of large‐scale farming with intense, well‐preserved riparian and in‐stream vegetation. Steep slopes of the land upstream of Egerton University enhance erosion and nutrient losses from those subwatersheds. Mixed small‐scale agricultural and bare lands contribute over 55% of the phosphorus load to the upper and mid‐reaches of the River Njoro. The size of the subwatershed accounts for about 53% of the variability in the soluble phosphorus in the river. The land‐use subwatershed proportions are important for characterizing and modelling water quality in the River Njoro watershed. Upland land uses are as important as near‐stream land uses. We suggest that conservation of intact riparian corridor along the river and its tributaries contributes significantly to natural purification processes and recovery of the ecological integrity of the River Njoro ecosystem.
Effects of direct injection of dehydrated ethanol on PC3 human prostate cancer cells in nude mice: Preliminary study
Authors: Goya Nobuyuki , Koga Shoji , Tomizawa Yasuko , Onitsuka Shiro , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Toma Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

Objectives:  The effect of direct local injection of dehydrated ethanol on hormone‐independent prostatic carcinoma cells (PC3 cells) implanted in nude mice was investigated.

Methods:  PC3 tumors were implanted subcutaneously into 30 nude mice. Three weeks later, dehydrated ethanol was injected directly into the tumors. Twenty‐three animals received an injection of ethanol at a volume of 40 μL, 80 μL, or 160 μL, and were divided into a low‐dose group (n = 11) and a high‐dose group (n = 12) on the basis of the ethanol/tumor volume ratio (<30% versus≥30%). The control group (n = 7) was injected with 40 μL of physiological saline. The tumor volume before treatment was 324.9 ± 110.9 mm3 and was assessed as well as 1 day, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after injection. Then the changes of tumor volume were compared between the two ethanol groups (low‐dose group and high‐dose group) and the control group. Histological examination was performed for up to 3 weeks after injection.

Results:  Assessment of tumor volume showed that the ethanol/tumor volume ratio was 16.1 ± 5.3% in the low‐dose group (n = 5) and 51.8 ± 20.3% in the high‐dose group (n = 6). Tumor growth was significantly inhibited after 1 and 2 weeks in the ethanol groups compared with the control group (n = 3). After 3 weeks, there was a tendency for tumor regrowth in the low‐dose group, but growth inhibition was maintained in the high‐dose group. Histological examination showed tumor degeneration and necrosis with feeding vessel obstruction in the acute phase.

Conclusions:  Local injection of dehydrated ethanol regressed tumors of prostatic carcinoma cells in nude mice, with the degeneration of tumor cells and occlusion of feeding vessels.
Prostate‐specific antigen cut‐off point of 2.5 ng/mL and increasing the number of prostate biopsies results in the detection of curable prostate cancer even in Japanese population
Authors: Saito Seiichi
Published: July 2007

Aim:  There is a trend for the cut‐off point of Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) to be lower and the number of biopsies to be increased for detecting prostate cancer. I divided patients who visited my institution for prostate biopsy into 3 groups based on the time of examination. The results were evaluated retrospectively.

Methods:  The three groups were: group A, PSA cut‐off point of 4.0 ng/mL and sextant biopsy; group B, 2.5 ng/mL and 12 core biopsies; and group C, 2.5 ng/mL and saturation biopsy. I evaluated the rates of cancer detection, localized cancer, T1c, high grade cancer, major complications, insignificant cancer and the pain scores, and compared biopsy number and cancer detection rates with PSA range. Only the patients with T1c and PSA 2.6–10.0 ng/mL were evaluated about high grade cancer and insignificant cancer rates.

Results:  Cancer detection rates, localized cancer rates and T1c rates were significantly high in group C. There were no significant differences in the high grade cancer rates, major complication rates and the insignificant cancer rates. A comparison between biopsy number and cancer detection rates was significantly high in the saturation biopsy group with PSA 4.1–10.0 ng/mL.

Conclusion:  A PSA cut‐off point of 2.5 ng/mL and increasing the number of biopsies results in the increased detection of localized prostate cancer. The insignificant cancer rate, the high grade cancer rate and the complication rate were not significantly different among the groups. I recommend a PSA cut‐off point of 2.5 ng/mL and an increased number of biopsies, saturation biopsy particularly in cases with PSA 4.1– 10.0 mg/mL.
Long‐term results of permanent metallic stent implantation in the treatment of benign upper urinary tract occlusion
Authors: Li Xun , He Zhaohui , Yuan Jian , Zeng Guohua , He Yongzhong , Lei Ming
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The management of complicated benign upper urinary tract occlusion is extremely challenging, especially in patients unable to undergo an open operative procedure. We report the long‐term results of a permanent metallic stent for benign upper urinary tract occlusion.

Methods:  From October 1995 to December 1998, 13 patients (8 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 43 years) with benign upper tract occlusion have been treated by metallic stent implantation. All patients had a nephrostomy tube to relieve the obstruction and the average time of the nephrostomy tube stay was 27 months, ranging from 3 to 131 months. The average length of occlusion was 2.7 cm, ranging from 1 to 3.6 cm. Ultrasonography, urography, diuresis renography and urine culture were performed every 3 months after stent insertion. Ureteroscopy was done when needed.

Results:  The mean follow‐up was 92 months (12–132 months). Ureteral patency was achieved in six patients and assisted patency with a Double‐J stent was achieved in three patients. In two patients the kidney had to be removed because of progressive malfunction and in two patients the metal stent had to be extracted with the Holmium: YAG laser, burning it down due to the uncontrollable pyonephrosis. In three patients the ipsilateral flank pain recurred. One of these patients experienced urine leakage due to the initial nephrostomy tract: a ureteroscopy revealed a complete hyperplastic urothelial response. Proximal stone formations were found in 2 patients and all were removed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). No stent migration or fragmentation was observed.

Conclusion:  The implantation of metal stent is a safe and effective treatment for benign upper urinary tract occlusion, and has satisfying long‐term outcome in selected cases. A further investigation is needed for its impact on the urodynamics of upper urinary tract.
Protective effects of melatonin on renal failure in pinealectomized rats
Authors: Parlakpinar Hakan , Acet Ahmet , Gul Mehmet , Altinoz Eyup , Esrefoglu Mukaddes , Colak Cemil
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects melatonin on renal function.

Methods:  The histological appearance of the kidney and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione and superoxide dismutase contents were determined. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were also assayed. Rats were divided as: Sham, pinealectomized (Px) and pinealectomized and treated with melatonin.

Results:  In Px group, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were elevated when compared with the sham group. The Px group exhibited reduced superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content. All of these harmful changes were restored by melatonin. Melatonin also ameliorated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels related to renal injury. The score for glomerular, tubular and interstitial changes was significantly higher in the Px group. Melatonin supplementation significantly reduced these parameters.

Conclusions:  This protective effect may be associated with both melatonin's lipophilic and hydrophilic effects, thus providing on‐site protection against free radical mediated damage.
Percentages of positive cores, cancer length and Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in systematic sextant biopsy are all predictive of adverse pathology and biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Suekane Shigetaka , Noguchi Masanori , Nakashima Osamu , Yamada Satoko , Kojiro Masamichi , Matsuoka Kei
Published: July 2007

Aim:  We investigated whether the quantitative parameters of systematic sextant biopsies were predictive of either adverse pathological findings or disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods:  We retrospectively evaluated a total of 117 men with untreated prostate cancer whose needle biopsies were matched with RP specimens. The pretreatment parameters of the serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), the PSA density, the percentage of positive biopsy cores, the percentage of cancer length and the percentage of Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in the biopsy were determined and compared with the pathological features of prostate cancer in RP specimens. These pretreatment parameters and pathological factors in the RP specimens, including the cancer volume, the percentage of Gleason grade 4/5 cancer, the positive surgical margin and the seminal vesicle invasion were evaluated for their ability to predict the disease recurrence.

Results:  The percentages of positive biopsy cores, the Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in the biopsy and the cancer length in the biopsy had a weak correlation with the cancer volume in RP specimens (r = 0.373, 0.345, 0.408, respectively). All quantitative biopsy parameters were strongly predictive of the non‐organ‐confined status, the positive surgical margin and the seminal vesicle invasion in the logistic regression analysis. The percentage of positive biopsy cores and the percentage of Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in the biopsy predicted biochemical failure after RP.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that quantitative biopsy parameters are independent predictors of the adverse pathology of prostate cancers and disease recurrence after RP.
Ventral based dartos flap for the prevention of the urethrocutaneous fistula urethroplasty
Authors: Hayashi Yutaro , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Nakane Akihiro , Kurokawa Satoshi , Tozawa Keiichi , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: July 2007

Background:  Urethrocutaneous fistula is a common complication of urethroplasty for hypospadias even when a microsurgical technique is applied.

Methods:  From January 1999 to November 2006, we applied the ventral based dartos flap wrapping technique to prevent the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in 34 patients with hypospadias.

Results:  Hypospadias was repaired without fistula formation in 31 patients while three patients developed a tiny fistula, which was later closed successfully by a simple procedure.

Conclusion:  We conclude that the ventral based dartos flap wrapping technique could be an alternative to the dorsal dartos flap for covering the neourethra with a vascularized flap because the procedure is very simple, and complications rarely occur.
Phylogenetic identity, growth‐response time and rRNA operon copy number of soil bacteria indicate different stages of community succession
Authors: Shrestha Pravin Malla , Noll Matthias , Liesack Werner
Published: July 2007

Bacterial community succession corresponds to changes in the phylogenetic identity, growth‐response time and rRNA operon (rrn) copy number of culturable populations. To test this hypothesis, we compared the bacterial fractions culturable from the oxic zone of flooded, unplanted paddy soil microcosms after 1‐day (early succession) and 70‐day (late succession) incubation periods. The proportion of bacteria that was cultivable on solid media corresponded for early and late succession to 37–40% and 31–35% of total DAPI cell counts, which were 7.40 (±0.36) × 108 and 5.54 (±0.28) × 108 cells per gram of dry soil, respectively. In colony‐forming curve analysis, late successional bacteria showed a significant delay in their growth response compared with those from early succession. A total of 59 early successional isolates grouped into 16 species‐level clusters (SLC) plus three Bacilli‐like SLC, while 66 late successional isolates formed 25 SLC plus five Bacilli‐like SLC. Except Bacilli‐like spp., isolates from early succession always belonged to different SLC than those from late succession. Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were typical of the early stage, while Alphaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria prevailed in late succession. Considering all SLC except those assigned to Bacilli, growth‐response time and rrn copy number were significantly correlated with successional stage. Isolates of most early successional SLC (14 of 16) formed visible colonies within 1 (11 SLC) or 2 days (three SLC) and contained ≥ 4 rrn copies. In contrast, isolates of late successional SLC (23 of 25) formed visible colonies within 2 days (four SLC) or, in most cases, only within 3–15 days (19 SLC) and contained ≤ 2 rrn copies. Regardless of whether isolated from early or late succession, Bacilli‐like isolates always showed a colony‐forming time of 2 days and had 9–11 rrn copies.
A morphometric analysis of bulbar urethral strictures
Authors: Cavalcanti Andre G. , Costa Waldemar S. , Baskin Laurence S. , McAninch Jack A. , Sampaio Francisco J.B.
Published: July 2007

In a beautifully descriptive paper, authors from Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco report a quantitative and qualitative histological analysis of spongiosal tissue in patients with bulbar urethral strictures. They found that stricture formation was characterised by major alterations in extracellular matrix features.

OBJECTIVE

To report a quantitative and qualitative histological analysis of spongiosum tissue in patients with bulbar urethral strictures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Urethral specimens from 15 patients who had end‐to‐end anastomotic urethroplasty were evaluated; the control group comprised five bulbar urethras from cadavers. The collagen content, elastic fibres, smooth muscle and vessels were analysed using stereological methods.

RESULTS

There was complete loss of the relationship between smooth muscle, extracellular matrix and sinusoids in the peri‐luminal area (PLA), with collagen replacement. The extension of the fibrotic area was greater in those with a traumatic than in those with an atraumatic stricture. The content of smooth muscle and collagen in the peripheral spongiosum (PS) area was similar for the stricture and control groups, and results were comparable for traumatic and atraumatic groups and those with suprapubic cystostomy diversion or not before surgery. There was a remarkably lower vascular density in the traumatic than in the atraumatic group. There was an increase in type III collagen in the PLA and in type I collagen in the PS; collagen type III in the PLA was greater in the group with no suprapubic cystostomy diversion before surgery. There were fewer elastic fibres in both stricture areas (PLA and PS) than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethral stricture formation is characterized by marked changes in extracellular matrix features, with consequent changes in organ function.
Alterations in the expression of inhibitors of apoptosis during differentiation of prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Long Ronan M. , Morrissey Colm , Walsh Sinead , Hamilton Hilary J. , Farrell Nicole , O'Neill Amanda , Fitzpatrick John M. , Watson William R.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE

To investigate alterations in the apoptotic phenotype, specifically the inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) family, in prostate epithelial cells after differentiation from an apoptotic‐resistant basal cell to an apoptotic‐susceptible secretory cell.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells of the immortalized human prostate epithelial line HPr‐1AR were cultured with and with no 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to drive differentiation. Western blotting and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were used to determine changes in differentiation markers such as cytokeratins (CK) 14 and 18, and in XIAP, cIAP‐1 and cIAP‐2. Flow cytometry was used to assess viability and apoptosis, by propidium iodide DNA staining of the cells during differentiation.

RESULTS

Morphological changes and the increased CK‐18 and decreased CK‐14 expression confirmed differentiation of cells towards a secretory phenotype. Real‐time PCR and Western blotting confirmed the expression of the IAPs in the HPr‐1AR cells. There was a time‐dependent decrease in the mRNA expression of XIAP, cIAP‐1 and cIAP‐2 after treatment with DHT. Differentiation also resulted in decreased cIAP‐1 and XIAP protein expression, but cIAP‐2 remained unchanged. Spontaneous apoptosis was significantly increased during cellular differentiation.

CONCLUSION

We show for the first time that differentiation of HPr‐1AR prostate epithelial cells results in the development of a transient end‐stage cell that might be explained by the loss of the IAP family of proteins.
Occlusion Textures for Plausible Soft Shadows*
Authors: Eisemann E. , Décoret X.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a new approach to compute plausible soft shadows for complex dynamic scenes and rectangular light sources. We estimate the occlusion at each point of the scene using prefiltered occlusion textures, which dynamically approximate the scene geometry. The algorithm is fast and its performance independent of the light's size. Being image‐based, it is mostly independent of the scene complexity and type. No a priori information is needed, and there is no caster/receiver separation. This makes the method appealing and easy to use.
FRANCE: A LIMITED EFFECT OF REGIONS ON PUBLIC WAGE DIFFERENTIALS?*
Authors: MEURS DOMINIQUE , EDON CYRIAQUE
Published: July 2007

Unlike the private sector, the French public sector is still characterized by a high level of centralization in pay setting. Public services have recently gained more autonomy in personnel management locally. Consequently, the public–private wage gap at the local level may play an increasing role in recruitment policy. Using standard methods of estimation and geographically weighted regressions for 2002, we show that the average public–private wage differential does not differ widely across regions. However, quantile regressions estimated by region reveal that the pattern of public wage premiums varies according to gender and skill.
Shifts in the Demand and Supply of Skills in the OECD: A Single‐Index Model with a Continuous Distribution of Skills*
Authors: Manacorda Marco , Manning Alan
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes a one‐dimensional index for the gap between the demand and supply of skills; this index can be estimated based on the labour market performance of groups defined with characteristics (e.g. education) that are only imperfectly correlated with labour market skills. Using data from five European countries and the US, we find that the relative demand for skills has increased more than the relative supply in the US and UK during the 1980s but not in other European countries. However, the gap between relative demand and supply increased in Italy and the Netherlands from the early 1990s.
Financial Pressure and Balance Sheet Adjustment by Firms*
Authors: Benito Andrew , Young Garry
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the financial policies and balance sheet adjustment of companies. Using a large panel of UK‐listed firms we consider how companies resolve pressures on their balance sheet, estimating models for dividends, new equity issuance and investment. The results indicate that companies resolve balance sheet pressures by each of these means. Financial policies, through dividends and new equity issuance, and real investment decisions, respond to the underlying level of debt and the borrowing cost of servicing that debt. Dividends are estimated to be slow to adjust in the short run.
Reflecting on ‘Linkage’: Cognitive and Institutional Change in The International Trading System
Authors: Lang Andrew T. F.
Published: July 2007

Since the creation of the World Trade Organisation, the international trading system has lived through a decade of sustained and vocal public criticism. International trade lawyers have made significant efforts to engage, evaluate and respond to these critiques. This article assesses the adequacy of these responses, focusing on the so‐called ‘trade and’ debate – or ‘trade linkage’ debate – in international trade law. While this debate has produced valuable insights, it tends to legitimate and reproduce precisely those aspects of the trade regime which it purports to contest. Drawing on the insights of economic history, an alternative mode of scholarship is proposed – at once historical, critical, constructivist and institutionalist – to augment the current literature in the ‘trade and’ debate. Concrete lines of enquiry are proposed which, if followed, would help international trade lawyers to respond more productively and with greater legitimacy to contemporary public critiques of the international trading order.
Editorial Comment
Authors: WHITTINGHAM T. G. , TOWERS B.
Published: July 2007

The fact that the Conservative Party won the general election in June means that its policy for the reform of the British system of industrial relations is now of immediate relevance to all who are concerned with that system—either as practitioners or as students. The industrial relations policies of the Conservatives have been tossed about in public debate and, in the process, may have lost some of their clarity. It would seem to us, therefore, that it is both important and relevant to examine exactly what the Conservative Party has said in its policy document, Fair Deal at Work,1 and what major points were added at the Party's Conference last year.
Labour relations in transition in Eastern Europe
Authors: Thirkell John , Scase Richard , Vickerstaff Sarah
Published: July 2007

This article discusses the emerging models of labour relations in Bulgaria, the Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary and Poland. It focuses on the institutions of trade unions, tripartism, collective bargaining and participation and considers the degrees of similarity and difference between the countries.
Class belonging: a quantitative exploration of identity and consciousness
Authors: Surridge Paula
Published: July 2007

The recent revival in interest in class subjectivity has been largely premised on class belonging as a form of identity, eschewing talk of class‐consciousness. Evidence in this debate has been mostly qualitative and focused on specific social groups. This paper uses data from the 2003 British Social Attitudes Survey to map the sense of class belonging in England and to assess the strength of class belonging when placed alongside other social identities, such as gender and nationality. The paper also explores the extent to which class identity could be conceived of as class‐consciousness through its links with attitudes to redistribution and workplace relations.
Analysing non‐doctrinal socialization: re‐assessing the role of cognition to account for social cohesion in the Religious Society of Friends1
Authors: Plüss Caroline
Published: July 2007

To incorporate newcomers into membership, a group employs socialization strategies to transform the characteristics of the newcomers, so that it can admit them with the confidence that their behaviour will not endanger group unity. Analyses of socialization emphasize that novices' interiorization of an institutional definition of group behaviour is a necessary condition to ensure successful socialization. The contemporary Religious Society of Friends in Britain, however, is a non‐doctrinal religious movement that avoids defining the content of its beliefs and practices. To analyse the socializing interaction between members and newcomers in this movement in Britain, and among co‐religionists in the USA, this inquiry applies a model of socialization that does not include assumptions about the role played by cognition in socialization (Long and Hadden 1983). My results show that: (a) the diffuseness in Friends' collective explanations of institutional conduct supports novices' identification with institutional practice, and (b) experimental and affective components in socialization motivate novices to imitate institutional behaviour despite the fact that Friends have no authoritative explanations of such behaviour. The data suggest that socialization and social cohesion are not necessarily as strongly cognitive‐oriented phenomena as they were previously thought to be. This finding has important implications for thinking about social cohesion in postmodern society.
BRAZILIAN PUBLIC POLICIES FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: FAMILY PLANNING, ABORTION AND PRENATAL CARE
Authors: GUILHEM DIRCE , AZEVEDO ANAMARIA FERREIRA
Published: July 2007

This study is an ethical reflection on the formulation and application of public policies regarding reproductive health in Brazil. The Integral Assistance Program for Women's Health (PAISM) can be considered advanced for a country in development. Universal access for family planning is foreseen in the Brazilian legislation, but the services do not offer contraceptive methods for the population in a regular and consistent manner. Abortion is restricted by law to two cases: risk to the woman's life and rape. This reality favors the practice of unsafe abortion, which is the third largest cause of maternal death in Brazil. Legal abortion is regulated by the State and the procedure is performed in public health centers. However, there is resistance on the part of professionals to attend these women. Prenatal care is a priority strategy for promoting the quality of life of these women and of future generations. Nonetheless, it is still difficult for these women to access the prenatal care services and to have the required number of consultations. Moreover, managers and health professionals need to be made aware of the importance of implementing the actions indicated by the public policies in the area of sexual and reproductive health, favoring respect for autonomy in a context of personal freedom.
Application of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment tracing of hepatocellular carcinoma‐associated arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Li Ying Ying , Duan Yun You , Yan Guo Zhen , Lv Fa Qin , Cao Wei , Cao Tie Sheng , Yuan Li Jun
Published: July 2007

Objective: Hepatic arteriovenous fistula (HAVF) can be caused by trauma, hepatic biopsy, bile duct radiology, etc. Small intrahepatic HAVF can be found in lesions of carcinoma and hepatocirrhosis. Accurate detection of HAVF was magnitude in the process to take appropriate treatment in clinic. The aim of this article is to evaluate the imaging diagnostic value on HAVF and to study the imaging character of HAVF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to evaluate the role of ultrasonographic and radiological techniques in the diagnosis and management of developmental intrahepatic shunts so as to assess the imaging diagnostic evaluation in a follow‐up study.

Methods: Seventy‐eight patients diagnosed with HCC were enrolled in this study, and retrospective analysis of ultrasonographic and radiological data was carried out on all 78 patients, and 25 patients suspected of having HAVF were selected. The results from ultrasonography were compared with that from digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as a gold standard. The portal and hepatic veins, hepatic arteries and vessels around and inside the tumour patients were detected and the haemodynamic indices were recorded with ultrasonography. Ten patients with HAVF were followed up after the therapy of arterial embolization and the reversal effect of the therapy was observed. Associations of HAVF with clinical and ultrasonographic features were evaluated by stepwise logistic regression analysis.

Results: Twenty‐five of 78 HAVF patients were detected by ultrasonography and other imaging methods. Ultrasonographic parameters made excellent predictions for the patients with HAVF; sensitivity (SE) 83.3%, specificity (SP) 90.7%, positive predictive value (pPV, 80.0%), negative predictive value (nPV) 92.5% and accuracy 88.5%. Among the 25 HAVF patients, 16 were central hepatic artery–portal vein fistulae, seven were peri‐hepatic artery–portal vein fistulae and two were hepatic artery–vein shunts. Characteristic ultrasonographic methods of hepatic artery–portal vein fistulae were as follows: 10 patients with hepatic artery–portal vein fistula were followed up after embolization. Compared with that of preembolization, seven cases returned to normal and in three patients abnormalities were still detected.

Conclusion: Ultrasonographic evaluation of HAVF is easy to perform, reproducible and, when present, gives a high degree of certainty for the diagnosis of HAVF. Ultrasonography is a valuable method for the diagnoses HAVF; it can offer imaging evidence after the treatment of hepatic cell cancer. HAVF in patients with HCC can be detected by ultrasonographic methods, which are characterized by changes of hepatic arteries and veins involved in fistulas. These can be used for diagnosing HAVF and evaluating its arterial embolization effect in patients with HCC.
Patency of stents covered with polytetrafluoroethylene in patients treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: long‐term results of a randomized multicentre study
Authors: Bureau Christophe , Pagan Juan Carlos Garcia , Layrargues Gilles Pomier , Metivier Sophie , Bellot Pablo , Perreault Pierre , Otal Philippe , Abraldes Juan‐G , Peron Jean Marie , Rousseau Hervé , Bosch Jaume , Vinel Jean Pierre
Published: July 2007

An 80% dysfunction rate at 2 years limits the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. The use of covered stents could improve shunt patency; however, long‐term effect and safety remain unknown. Eighty patients randomized to be treated by TIPS either with a covered stent (Group 1) or an uncovered prosthesis (Group 2) were followed‐up for 2 years. Doppler US was performed every 3 months. Angiography and portosystemic pressure gradient measurement were performed every 6 months or whenever dysfunction was suspected. Actuarial rates of primary patency in Groups 1 and 2 were 76% and 36% respectively (P=0.001). Clinical relapse occurred in four patients (10%) in Group 1 and 12 (29%) in Group 2 (P<0.05). Actuarial rates of being free of encephalopathy were 67% in Group 1 and 51% in Group 2 (P<0.05). Probability of survival was 58% and 45% at 2 years, respectively, in Groups 1 and 2 (NS). The mean Child–Pugh score improved only in Group 1 (from 8.1±1.6 to 7±2.2 at 2 years –P<0.05). We also compared the Doppler‐US parameters between patent and dysfunctioning shunts. In patent shunts, the mean velocity within the portal vein was significantly higher but the performance of Doppler‐US was not accurate enough to predict shunt dysfunction. In conclusion, the improvement in TIPS patency by using covered prostheses is maintained over time with a decreased risk of encephalopathy, while the risk of death was not increased.
Expression and activity of the cytochrome P450 2E1 in patients with nonalcoholic steatosis and steatohepatitis
Authors: Chtioui Haithem , Semela David , Ledermann Monika , Zimmermann Arthur , Dufour Jean‐François
Published: July 2007

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) have a different prognosis and should be dealt with differently. The pathogenesis of NASH implicates the overexpression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). We investigated whether the noninvasive determination of CYP2E1 activity could replace a liver biopsy in order to differentiate NASH from NAFL.

Method: Forty patients referred for suspicion of NASH underwent liver biopsy. In these patients, CYP2E1 activity was determined noninvasively by the 6‐hydroxychlorzoxazone/chlorzoxazone (CHZ) ratio (CHZ test). Expression of CYP2E1 on liver slides was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and immunostaining for smooth muscle actin was used to assess the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC).

Results: Thirty patients with NASH were compared with 10 subjects with NAFL. No statistically significant difference could be identified for the clinical and biochemical parameters between the two groups. In the histology, steatosis was more important in NASH than in NAFL (P<0.0001). There was no difference either in the activity (CHZ test) or in the expression of CYP2E1 (immunohistochemistry) between patients with NASH and patients with NAFL. The degree of HSC activation was also comparable between the two groups. A positive and significant correlation was found between the activity of CYP2E1 and body mass index (P<0.001) as well as with the degree of steatosis (P=0.008).

Conclusion: For patients suspected to have NASH, noninvasive tests including the determination of the CYP2E1 activity are unable to distinguish them from patients with steatosis.
Efficacy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in treating lamivudine‐resistant HBV reactivation following hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion
Authors: Gérolami René , Borentain Patrick , Colson Philippe , Norguet Emmanuelle , Gérolami André , Tamalet Catherine
Published: July 2007

Background: HBsAg vaccination might help to control HBV replication following nucleos(t)ide analog therapy. We tested HBsAg vaccine in a patient who developed lamivudine resistance.

Patient and Results: An HBeAg negative HBV chronically‐infected patient developed HBsAg seroconversion after 3 years of treatment by lamivudine. However, the control of HBV replication was transient and HBV DNA could be detected in the serum one year after lamivudine was stopped. Concurrently, the anti‐HBs antibodies (HBsAb) titre had decreased from more than 100 IU/L to 23 IU/L. Due to the presence of rtM204V resistance mutation, lamivudine was not reintroduced and the patient was treated by HBsAg vaccination. After three injections, HBV DNA was no more detectable and the HBsAb titre reached more than 200 IU/L.

Conclusion: This observation suggests that a regular follow up of patients presenting HBsAg seroconversion following lamivudine therapy is necessary. In these patients, a low titre of HBsAb may not prevent from lamivudine‐resistant HBV reactivation. Evaluation of HBsAg vaccination to maintain HBsAb at a high titre in these patients deserves further studies.