bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restricting glutathione biosynthesis to the cytosol is sufficient for normal plant development
Authors: Pasternak Maciej , Lim Benson , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Cobbett Christopher S. , Meyer Andreas J.
Published: February 2008

Glutathione (GSH) homeostasis in plants is essential for cellular redox control and efficient responses to abiotic and biotic stress. Compartmentation of the GSH biosynthetic pathway is a unique feature of plants. The first enzyme, γ‐glutamate cysteine ligase (GSH1), responsible for synthesis of γ‐glutamylcysteine (γ‐EC), is, in Arabidopsis, exclusively located in the plastids, whereas the second enzyme, glutathione synthetase (GSH2), is located in both plastids and cytosol. In Arabidopsis, gsh2 insertion mutants have a seedling lethal phenotype in contrast to the embryo lethal phenotype of gsh1 null mutants. This difference in phenotype may be due to partial replacement of GSH functions by γ‐EC, which in gsh2 mutants hyperaccumulates to levels 5000‐fold that in the wild type and 200‐fold wild‐type levels of GSH. In situ labelling of thiols with bimane and confocal imaging in combination with HPLC analysis showed high concentrations of γ‐EC in the cytosol. Feedback inhibition of Brassica juncea plastidic GSH1 by γ‐EC in vitro strongly suggests export of γ‐EC as functional explanation for hyperaccumulation. Complementation of gsh2 mutants with the cytosol‐specific GSH2 gave rise to phenotypically wild‐type transgenic plants. These results support the conclusion that cytosolic synthesis of GSH is sufficient for plant growth. The transgenic lines further show that, consistent with the exclusive plastidic localization of GSH1, γ‐EC is exported from the plastids to supply the cytosol with the immediate precursor for GSH biosynthesis, and that there can be efficient re‐import of GSH into the plastids to allow effective control of GSH biosynthesis through feedback inhibition of GSH1.
Evidence for chloroplast control of external Ca2+‐induced cytosolic Ca2+ transients and stomatal closure
Authors: Nomura Hironari , Komori Teiko , Kobori Maki , Nakahira Yoichi , Shiina Takashi
Published: February 2008

The role of guard cell chloroplasts in stomatal function is controversial. It is usually assumed that stomatal closure is preceded by a transient increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in the guard cells. Here, we provide the evidence that chloroplasts play a critical role in the generation of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]ext)‐induced [Ca2+]cyt transients and stomatal closure in Arabidopsis. CAS (Ca2+ sensing receptor) is a plant‐specific putative Ca2+‐binding protein that was originally proposed to be a plasma membrane‐localized external Ca2+ sensor. In the present study, we characterized the intracellular localization of CAS in Arabidopsis with a combination of techniques, including (i) in vivo localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused gene expression, (ii) subcellular fractionation and fractional analysis of CAS with Western blots, and (iii) database analysis of thylakoid membrane proteomes. Each technique produced consistent results. CAS was localized mainly to chloroplasts. It is an integral thylakoid membrane protein, and the N‐terminus acidic Ca2+‐binding region is likely exposed to the stromal side of the membrane. The phenotype of T‐DNA insertion CAS knockout mutants and cDNA mutant‐complemented plants revealed that CAS is essential for stomatal closure induced by external Ca2+. In contrast, overexpression of CAS promoted stomatal closure in the absence of externally applied Ca2+. Furthermore, using the transgenic aequorin system, we showed that [Ca2+]ext‐induced [Ca2+]cyt transients were significantly reduced in CAS knockout mutants. Our results suggest that thylakoid membrane‐localized CAS is essential for [Ca2+]ext‐induced [Ca2+]cyt transients and stomatal closure.
Extrachromosomal circular DNA derived from tandemly repeated genomic sequences in plants
Authors: Cohen Sarit , Houben Andreas , Segal Daniel
Published: February 2008

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) is one characteristic of the plasticity of the eukaryotic genome. It was found in various non‐plant organisms from yeast to humans. EccDNA is heterogeneous in size and contains sequences derived primarily from repetitive chromosomal DNA. Here, we report the occurrence of eccDNA in small and large genome plant species, as identified using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. We show that eccDNA is readily detected in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Brachycome dichromosomatica, reflecting a normal phenomenon that occurs in wild‐type plants. The size of plant eccDNA ranges from > 2 kb to < 20 kb, which is similar to the sizes found in other organisms. These DNA molecules correspond to 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), non‐coding chromosomal high‐copy tandem repeats and telomeric DNA of both species. Circular multimers of the repeating unit of 5S rDNA were identified in both species. In addition, similar multimers were also demonstrated with the B. dichromosomatica repetitive element Bdm29. Such circular multimers of tandem repeats were found in animal models, suggesting a common mechanism for eccDNA formation among eukaryotes. This mechanism may involve looping‐out via intrachromosomal homologous recombination. The implications of these results on genome plasticity and evolutionary processes are discussed.
CLINICAL STUDY: Postmortem diagnosis and toxicological validation of illicit substance use
Authors: Lehrmann Elin , Afanador Zoan R. , Deep‐Soboslay Amy , Gallegos Gloria , Darwin William D. , Lowe Ross H. , Barnes Allan J. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Cadet Jean L. , Herman Mary M. , Hyde Thomas M. , Kleinman Joel E. , Freed William J.
Published: February 2008

The present study examines the diagnostic challenges of identifying ante‐mortem illicit substance use in human postmortem cases. Substance use, assessed by clinical case history reviews, structured next‐of‐kin interviews, by general toxicology of blood, urine and/or brain, and by scalp hair testing, identified 33 cocaine, 29 cannabis, 10 phencyclidine and nine opioid cases. Case history identified 42% cocaine, 76% cannabis, 10% phencyclidine and 33% opioid cases. Next‐of‐kin interviews identified almost twice as many cocaine and cannabis cases as Medical Examiner (ME) case histories, and were crucial in establishing a detailed lifetime substance use history. Toxicology identified 91% cocaine, 68% cannabis, 80% phencyclidine and 100% opioid cases, with hair testing increasing detection for all drug classes. A cocaine or cannabis use history was corroborated by general toxicology with 50% and 32% sensitivity, respectively, and with 82% and 64% sensitivity by hair testing. Hair testing corroborated a positive general toxicology for cocaine and cannabis with 91% and 100% sensitivity, respectively. Case history corroborated hair toxicology with 38% sensitivity for cocaine and 79% sensitivity for cannabis, suggesting that both case history and general toxicology underestimated cocaine use. Identifying ante‐mortem substance use in human postmortem cases are key considerations in case diagnosis and for characterization of disorder‐specific changes in neurobiology. The sensitivity and specificity of substance use assessments increased when ME case history was supplemented with structured next‐of‐kin interviews to establish a detailed lifetime substance use history, while comprehensive toxicology, and hair testing in particular, increased detection of recent illicit substance use.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Effect of chronic morphine exposure on response properties of rat barrel cortex neurons
Authors: Afarinesh Mohammad Reza , Sheibani Vahid , Arabzadeh Somaye , Shamsizadeh Ali
Published: February 2008

Chronic exposure to morphine can impair performance in tasks which need sensory processing. Using single unit recordings we investigate the effect of chronic morphine exposure on the firing properties of neurons in layers IV and V of the whisker‐related area of rat primary somatosensory cortex. In urethane‐anesthetized animals, neuronal activity was recorded in response to principal and adjacent whisker deflections either stimulated independently or in a conditioning test paradigm. A condition test ratio (CTR) was calculated for assessing the inhibitory receptive field. In layer IV, chronic morphine treatment did not change the spontaneous discharge activity. On responses to principal and adjacent whisker deflections did not show any significant changes following chronic morphine exposure. The magnitude Off responses to adjacent whisker deflection decreased while its response latency increased. In addition, there was a significant increase in the latency of Off responses to principal whisker deflection. CTR did not change significantly following morphine exposure. Layer V neurons, on the other hand, did not show any significant changes in their spontaneous activity or their evoked responses following morphine exposure. Our results suggest that chronic morphine exposure has a subtle modulatory effect on response properties of neurons in barrel cortex.
GENETIC STUDY: Association between the nociceptin receptor gene (OPRL1) single nucleotide polymorphisms and alcohol dependence
Authors: Huang Jia , Young Brandon , Pletcher Mathew T. , Heilig Markus , Wahlestedt Claes
Published: February 2008

OPRL1 encodes the nociceptin receptor, which has been shown to be involved in alcohol dependence in previous studies. In the present study, we investigated the association between genetic polymorphisms of OPRL1 and alcohol dependence in a Scandinavian population. We genotyped 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the OPRL1 locus and found that SNP rs6010718 was significantly associated with both Type I and Type II alcoholics (P < 0.05). Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis identified two haplotype blocks in this region. Furthermore, two haplotypes composed of five tag SNPs showed significant association with alcohol dependence. These findings suggest that genetic variants of the OPRL1 gene play a role in alcohol dependence in the Scandinavian population, warranting further investigation at the OPRL1 locus.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Chronic morphine‐induced neuronal morphological changes in the ventral tegmental area in rats are reversed by electroacupuncture treatment
Authors: Chu Ning‐ning , Xia Wei , Yu Peng , Hu Ling , Zhang Rong , Cui Cai‐lian
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on chronic morphine‐induced neuronal morphological changes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in rats at electron‐microscopic level. Fourteen days of administering escalating doses of morphine induced pathological morphological changes of neurons in the VTA: the rough endoplasmic reticulum swelled, membrane configuration of the nucleus and mitochondria blurred, and structure of myelin sheath changed. Both 2 and 100 Hz EA treatment reversed the morphological alterations induced by chronic morphine administration. The findings provide new evidence that EA may serve as a potential therapy in treating opiate addiction.
Original article: Sinonasal pathology in nonallergic asthma and COPD: ‘united airway disease’ beyond the scope of allergy
Authors: Hens G. , Vanaudenaerde B. M. , Bullens D. M. A. , Piessens M. , Decramer M. , Dupont L. J. , Ceuppens J. L. , Hellings P. W.
Published: February 2008

Background:  In contrast to the epidemiological and clinical association between allergic rhinitis and asthma, upper airway inflammation is less characterized in patients with nonatopic asthma and virtually unexplored in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, sinonasal pathology is studied in patients with allergic asthma, nonallergic asthma and COPD.

Methods:  Ninety patients with stable bronchial disease were included in the study, of which 35 were diagnosed with allergic asthma, 24 with nonallergic asthma and 31 with COPD. Concurrently, 61 control subjects without pulmonary disease were included and matched for age and smoking habits respectively with the asthma and the COPD group. Sinonasal symptoms were evaluated on a visual analogue scale and rhinosinusitis‐related impairment of quality of life was assessed with the sino‐nasal outcome test‐22 (SNOT‐22) questionnaire. Nasal mucosal abnormalities were quantified with nasal endoscopy and nasal secretions collected for measuring inflammatory mediators.

Results:  Allergic asthmatics, nonallergic asthmatics and COPD patients reported more nasal symptoms than their respective control subjects, had a higher SNOT‐22 score and presented more mucosal abnormalities in the nose. Nasal secretions of both allergic and nonallergic asthmatics contained higher levels of eotaxin, G‐CSF, IFN‐γ and MCP‐1 than controls. Allergic asthmatics had higher nasal IP‐10 levels as well. COPD‐patients had higher nasal levels of eotaxin, G‐CSF and IFN‐γ than controls.

Conclusion:  Patients with allergic and nonallergic asthma and COPD show increased nasal symptoms and more nasal inflammation. Hence, our data confirm the ‘united airways’ concept to be beyond the scope of allergic asthma.
Original article: Evaluation of cytokine mRNA in induced sputum from patients with allergic rhinitis: relationship to airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Sohn S.‐W. , Lee H.‐S. , Park H.‐W. , Chang Y.‐S. , Kim Y.‐K. , Cho S.‐H. , Kim Y.‐Y. , Min K.‐U.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Although airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a characteristic feature of asthma, it is also frequently present in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the pathogenesis of AHR is unclear and the roles of cytokines in the airway have not been well established in AR. We sought to compare cytokine mRNA levels in the sputum of AR patients with or without AHR and those of asthma patients, and to evaluate whether differences in cytokine levels are associated with the development of an abnormal airway response and the absence of respiratory symptoms in AR patients with AHR.

Methods:  Airway cells were obtained by sputum induction from 18 AR patients with AHR, 58 AR patients without AHR, and 27 asthma patients. Airway cell cytokine levels, interleukin (IL) ‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), were studied at the mRNA level by RT‐PCR.

Results:  Vascular endothelial growth factor and IL‐5 mRNA levels were significantly higher in AR patients with AHR than in AR patients without AHR, but these were lower than those of asthmatic patients. Eosinophils were significantly higher in AR patients with AHR and in asthmatic patients than in AR patients without AHR. Interleukin‐4, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ levels were not elevated in AR patients with or without AHR vs asthma patients.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that VEGF and IL‐5 can be important determinants of the development of AHR in AR patients and that lower levels of other cytokines may be associated with the absence of asthmatic symptoms in AR patients with AHR.
Original article: SCF and IL‐31 rather than IL‐17 and BAFF are potential indicators in patients with allergic asthma
Authors: Lei Z. , Liu G. , Huang Q. , Lv M. , Zu R. , Zhang G.‐M. , Feng Z.‐H. , Huang B.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Although the prevalence of allergic asthma increased quickly in the past decade, the diagnostic criteria have not been well established. The aim of the present study was to explore whether stem cell factor (SCF), B cell‐activating factor (BAFF), and cytokines interleukin (IL)‐17 and IL‐31 are usable parameters for the diagnosis of allergic asthmatics.

Methods:  Blood samples were collected from patients with allergic asthma, control patients, and healthy control subjects. The serum concentrations of SCF, BAFF, IL‐17, and IL‐31 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The corresponding mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  A good correlation existed between protein levels of SCF and IL‐31 and their mRNA levels (SCF: r = 0.6162; IL‐31: r = 0.5463). The serum concentrations of SCF and IL‐31 in allergic asthmatic patients, but not control patients, were significantly higher than those in normal control subjects (SCF: median 1.83 vs 0.85 ng/ml, P < 0.01; IL‐31: 50.15 vs 10.01 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Consistently, the levels of SCF and IL‐31 mRNAs in allergic asthmatic patients’ PBMCs were also significantly higher than those in normal control subjects (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that allergic asthma is characterized by an elevation of cytokines SCF and IL‐31 and the measurement of their expression at either protein level in serum or mRNA level in PBMCs will be a valuable parameter for the diagnosis of allergic asthma.
Original article: Prevalence and cumulative incidence of food hypersensitivity in the first 3 years of life
Authors: Venter C. , Pereira B. , Voigt K. , Grundy J. , Clayton C. B. , Higgins B. , Arshad S. H. , Dean T.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Prevalence and incidence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and its trends in early childhood are unclear.

Methods:  A birth cohort born on the Isle of Wight (UK) between 2001 and 2002 was followed‐up prospectively. Children were clinically examined and skin prick tested at set times and invited for food challenges when indicated.

Results:  Nine hundred and sixty‐nine children were recruited and 92.9%, 88.5% and 91.9% of them respectively were assessed at 1, 2 and 3 years of age. Prevalence of sensitization to foods was 2.2%, 3.8% and 4.5% respectively at these ages. Cumulatively, 5.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.9–7.1] children were sensitized to a food. Using open food challenge and a good clinical history, the cumulative incidence of FHS was 6.0% (58/969, 95% CI: 4.6–7.7). Based on double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, food challenge (DBPCFC) and a good clinical history, the cumulative incidence was 5.0% (48/969, 95% CI: 3.7–6.5). There is no evidence to suggest that the incidence of FHS has increased, comparing these results with previous studies. Overall, 33.7% of parents reported a food‐related problem and of these, 16.1% were diagnosed with FHS by open challenge and history and 12.9% by DBPCFC and history. Main foods implicated were milk, egg and peanut.

Conclusions:  By the age of 3 years, 5–6% of children suffer from FHS based on food challenges and a good clinical history. There were large discrepancies between reported and diagnosed FHS. Comparing our data with a study performed in the USA more than 20 years ago, there were no significant differences in the cumulative incidence of FHS.
Original article: Quality of life in rhinoconjunctivitis assessed with generic and disease‐specific questionnaires
Authors: Petersen K. D. , Kronborg C. , Gyrd‐Hansen D. , Dahl R. , Larsen J. N. , Løwenstein H.
Published: February 2008

Background: Illness as perceived by the allergic patient with asthma and/or rhinoconjunctivitis (RC) can be assessed by measurements of their health‐related quality of life (HRQL). For this purpose the RC Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) has gained general acceptance; however, as most allergic patients experience symptoms from multiple organs, disease‐specific HRQL measures may be deficient. This study compares a generic and a disease‐specific HRQL instrument in grass and/or mite‐allergic patients.

Methods: Two hundred and forty‐eight patients with RC and 121 patients with both RC and asthma were studied. Questionnaire information was obtained about allergy‐related RQLQ and a generic 15‐dimensional instrument for measuring HRQL (15D). Doctors provided general and disease‐specific information to classify disease severity according to the global initiative for asthma and allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma guidelines.

Results: Rhinoconjunctivitis patients with persistent moderate‐to‐severe disease had an impaired quality of life on all items of RQLQ during allergen exposure. The 15D mean score was 0.98 on a day without allergy and 0.83 on a day with allergy (P < 0.001). The correlation between 15D and RQLQ wasr = −0.42 on a day with allergy (P < 0.001). Only 15D scores showed statistically significant differences in HRQL between patients with and without asthma.

Conclusion: During allergen exposure patients with RC experience a serious deterioration in HRQL measured with the disease‐specific RQLQ instrument and the generic 15D instrument. The 15D instrument seems to generate a more comprehensive view of the impact of allergen exposure on patient’s quality of life than RQLQ.
Original article: TRAIL mediated signaling in human mast cells: the influence of IgE‐dependent activation
Authors: Berent‐Maoz B. , Salemi S. , Mankuta D. , Simon H.‐U. , Levi‐Schaffer F.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Mast cells activation through FcɛRI cross‐linking has a pivotal role in the initiation of allergic reactions. The influence of this activation on programmed cell death of human mast cells has not yet been clarified. This study evaluates the influence of IgE‐dependent activation alone and in synergy with TRAIL on the expression of molecules involved in the apoptotic signal transduction.

Methods:  Human cord blood derived mast cells (CBMC) were cultured with myeloma IgE followed by activation with anti‐human IgE. The expression of proteins involved in apoptotic signal transduction was assessed by immunoblot analysis. To test the effect of activation on a pro‐apoptotic stimulus, activated, IgE‐treated and resting CBMC were incubated with TRAIL, or in a medium with suboptimal concentrations of stem cell factor (SCF).

Results:  In accordance with a previous study of ours, it was found that IgE‐dependent activation increased TRAIL‐induced caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 cleavage. However, it did not have a significant influence on CBMC death induced by SCF withdrawal. IgE‐dependent activation increased the expression of FLIP and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL‐1) anti‐apoptotic molecules as well as the pro‐apoptotic one, BIM. In addition, a decrease in BID expression was observed. TRAIL could reverse the increase in FLIP but did not influence the upregulation of MCL‐1 and of BIM.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that IgE‐dependent activation of human mast cells induces an increase in both pro‐survival and pro‐apoptotic molecules. We therefore hypothesized that IgE‐dependent activation may regulate human mast cell apoptosis by fine‐tuning anti‐apoptotic and pro‐apoptotic factors.
Review article: From allergen genes to new forms of allergy diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Vrtala S.
Published: February 2008

Type I allergy represents an important health problem that affects more than 25% of the population in industrialized countries. Specific immunotherapy is one of the few causative treatment approaches for type I allergy and is currently performed with crude allergen extracts, which consist of a mixture of allergenic and nonallergenic components, are difficult to standardize and cannot be applied according to the patient’s reactivity profile. With the introduction of molecular biological techniques into allergy research, a large panel of individual recombinant allergens has become available. Recombinant allergens can be used for improved diagnosis of allergy to determine the patient’s sensitization profile, which is a prerequisite to select the allergens for patient‐tailored immunotherapy. They allow the elucidation of the properties of allergens and of the mechanisms of allergy as well as of the mechanisms of immunotherapy. Moreover, recombinant allergens allow the development of hypoallergenic allergen derivatives with reduced allergenic activity and retained immunogenicity. First immunotherapy trials with hypoallergenic allergen derivatives have shown that this treatment might improve immunotherapy in the near future. This review summarizes the results, which were obtained with recombinant allergens and hypoallergenic allergen derivatives. The experiences from the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the hypoallergenic derivatives and from clinical studies as well as the contribution of hypoallergenic derivatives to develop new treatment strategies and possibly prophylactic vaccination strategies are discussed.
Is there a need for autopsies in the management of fungal disease?
Authors: Knoke Manfred , Bernhardt Hannelore , Schwesinger Günther
Published: February 2008

The autopsy rates in Germany became low like in other European, American and Asian countries. Main reasons for this development are the lack of acceptance of autopsy in the society as well as in the medical profession, the introduction of a requirement for consent, unclear legal position, the public health system, pressure of costs and a change in the field of activity in pathology with much more diagnostics of surgical and biopsy material. The autopsy is missing with respect to the reliability of causes of death and morbidity statistics and other epidemiological studies. Published data indicate that up to 20–30% of patients who die in hospitals have important diseases/lesions that remain undetected before death but that are found at autopsy. For infectious diseases, the data are similar. Therefore, a higher incidence of invasive fungal infections was found. Some rare fungal disorders are diagnosed by autopsy. Only exact death statistics makes specific health care possible and is cost saving in a public health system in the long term. Autopsy remains an important tool for quality control in medical diagnostic and therapeutic activity. It is also essential for fundamental medical education and further training.
Mucormycotic pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery with tracheal involvement
Authors: Hashemzadeh S. , Tubbs R. S. , Fakhree M. B. A. , Shoja M. M.
Published: February 2008

Mucormycosis is an emerging and fatal fungal infection. A high index of suspicion and the knowledge of its potential manifestations are essential for early diagnosis. We describe a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (L2 subtype) who developed a neck mass following a course of induction chemotherapy. Doppler ultrasonography and angiography of the neck revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the right common carotid artery. The patient then developed haemoptysis. Surgical exploration revealed a necrotic right common carotid artery with anteromedial pseudoaneurysm and adjacent tracheal wall perforation. Local debridement and tracheal repair were performed. Nonseptate hypheal invasion (mucormycosis) was found on the microscopic examination of the excised arterial wall. A subsequent recurrence of pseudoaneurysm was treated with local surgical debridement and intravenous amphotericin B (Fungizone) administration. Although rare, clinicians should be aware of these possible presenting features of mucormycosis as early diagnosis and treatment may potentially improve the survival.
Effects of tigecycline and daptomycin on murine gut colonization by Candida albicans
Authors: Samonis George , Mantadakis Elpis , Barbounakis Emmanouel , Kofteridis Diamantis , Papadakis George , Sifaki Loukia , Maraki Sofia
Published: February 2008

Adult male Crl:CD1 (ICR) BR mice were fed chow containing Candida albicans or regular chow. Both groups were subsequently given tigecycline or daptomycin or normal saline subcutaneously for 10 days. To determine the effect on the stool yeast concentration, stool cultures were performed immediately before, at the end, and 1 week after discontinuation of treatment. Candida‐colonized mice treated with tigecycline or daptomycin had higher counts of the yeast in their stools than control C. albicans‐colonized animals treated with saline. Tigecycline caused a significant increase of 2.1 log10 CFU g−1 of stools in C. albicans concentration, while daptomycin caused a minor increase of 0.4 log10 CFU g−1 of stools. Mice fed regular chow and treated with the study antibiotics or saline did not have any Candida in their stools. Dissemination of Candida was not detected in any animal. These data suggest that tigecycline induces a substantial increase in the intestinal concentration of C. albicans, while daptomycin causes only a minimal increase. However, these increases are not associated with dissemination of the yeast to internal organs. Clinical studies in humans are needed to validate our findings, especially in patients at risk of developing disseminated candidosis.
Multidetector CT portal venography in evaluation of portosystemic collateral vessels
Authors: Agarwal A , Jain M
Published: February 2008

This essay shows the usefulness of multidetector CT angiography for evaluation of the splenoportal venous system, which is essential in the management of patients with portal hypertension and its complications, such as portal vein thrombosis. By providing scanning with reconstruction of thin axial source images and reformatting into thicker multiplanar reformats, multidetector CT can help to determine the extent and location of portosystemic collateral vessels in patients with portal hypertension and is probably the optimal imaging technique in this setting.
Interventional radiology in the provision and maintenance of long‐term central venous access
Authors: Lyon SM , Given M , Marshall NL
Published: February 2008

Establishing and maintaining venous access forms an increasing proportion of the workload in interventional radiology. Several patient groups require medium‐term to long‐term venous catheters for a variety of purposes, including chemotherapy, long‐term antimicrobials, parenteral nutrition, short‐term access for haemodialysis or exhausted haemodialysis. Often, these catheters are required for treatment and frequent blood testing, which can quickly exhaust the peripheral veins. Long‐term venous access devices minimize the discomfort of frequent cannulation while preserving the peripheral veins. Venous access devices include implantable catheters (ports), tunnelled catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters, which have different functions, advantages and limitations. Imaging‐guided placement is the preferred method of insertion in many institutions because of higher success rates and radiologists are well suited to address catheter complications.
Lymph node enlargement in pulmonary arterial hypertension due to chronic thromboembolism
Authors: Bergin CJ , Park KJ
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and location of enlarged mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) due to chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (CPTE) and to identify possible causes. Thoracic CT images of 85 patients (43 men and 42 women, aged 18–80 years) with PAH in whom CPTE was confirmed at surgery (n = 75) or angiography and angioscopy (n = 10) were evaluated by two thoracic radiologists to determine the presence, size and location of lymph nodes more than 1 cm in the short axis. The presence of pleural and pericardial effusions and parenchymal abnormalities were also noted. Enlarged lymph nodes were identified in 38 patients (44.7%), including 11 with possible causes of lymphadenopathy other than CPTE. In the 27 patients with CPTE alone, 67 enlarged lymph nodes were detected (average 2.5 per patient). Nine patients had three or more enlarged lymph nodes. The most common sites of lymph node enlargement were American Thoracic Society locations 7 (n = 13), 6 (n = 10), 11L (n = 9), 10R (n = 7) and 4R (n = 7). Pleural and pericardial effusions were more common in patients with CPTE who also had lymphadenopathy than in the group with no lymphadenopathy (P < 0.05). Lymph node enlargement is common in patients with PAH caused by CPTE. The frequent association of lymphadenopathy with pleural and pericardial effusions suggest a possible pathophysiological mechanism of increased lymphatic flow caused by right heart failure.
Transrectal ultrasound in detecting prostate cancer compared with serum total prostate‐specific antigen levels
Authors: Tamsel S , Killi R , Hekimgil M , Altay B , Soydan S , Demirpolat G
Published: February 2008

We carried out a retrospective study to review the efficiency of grey‐scale transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in detecting prostate cancer compared with the data in recent published work, including alternative imaging methods of the prostate gland. Our study group consisted of 830 patients who underwent TRUS‐guided biopsy of the prostate between May 2000 and June 2004. The relation between abnormal TRUS findings and serum total prostate‐specific antigen (tPSA) levels was evaluated in patients with prostate cancer who were divided into three different groups according to serum tPSA levels. Group I included patients with tPSA levels of 4–9.9 ng/mL, group II included tPSA levels of 10–19.9 ng/mL and group III included patients with tPSA levels of 20 ng/mL or more. In general, TRUS detected 185 (64%) of 291 cancers with a specificity of 89%, a PPV of 76% and an accuracy of 80%. TRUS findings enabled the correct identification of 22 (56%) of the 39 cancers in group I, 28 (30%) of the 93 cancers in group II and 135 (85%) of the 159 cancers in group III. In conclusion, TRUS alone has a limited potential to identify prostate cancer, especially in patients with tPSA levels lower than 20 ng/mL. Therefore, increased numbers of systematically placed biopsy cores must be taken or alternative imaging methods are required to direct TRUS‐guided biopsy for improving prostate cancer detection.
Prevalence of significant extracoronary findings on multislice CT coronary angiography examinations and coronary artery calcium scoring examinations
Authors: Law YM , Huang J , Chen K , Cheah FK , Chua T
Published: February 2008

The purpose of the study was to review the prevalence of significant extracoronary findings in patients who underwent multislice CT coronary angiography examinations and coronary artery calcium scoring examinations. We reviewed the reports of 295 consecutive patients who underwent multislice CT coronary angiography examinations and 140 consecutive patients who had separate coronary calcium scoring examinations from September 2004 to March 2006 in our department‘s radiology information system. Additional investigations carried out as a result of these findings were also recorded. Fifty‐six (19%) out of 295 patients had significant extracoronary findings on coronary CT angiography requiring clinical or radiological follow up. There were 60 significant extracoronary findings. These included 24 patients who had pulmonary abnormalities, 4 who had mediastinal abnormalities, 20 who had upper abdominal abnormalities and 5 who had non‐coronary cardiac abnormalities. Three patients had both pulmonary and upper abdominal abnormalities. Eleven (8%) out of 140 patients had significant pulmonary, breast, mediastinal, upper abdominal and cardiac abnormalities on coronary artery calcium scoring examinations, yielding a total of 12 significant findings. In our experience, 19% of the patients who underwent multislice CT coronary angiography and 8% of the patients who underwent coronary artery calcium scoring examinations had significant extracoronary findings requiring follow up. It is therefore imperative for the reporting physician to review the entire examination after the coronary arteries have been assessed. The prevalence of extracoronary findings on these examinations may be of significance, resulting in additional ‘hidden costs’ if widespread ‘screening’ is adopted.
Follow up of coiled intracranial aneurysms with standard resolution and higher resolution magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Dupre S , Coulthard A
Published: February 2008

Time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography is a non‐invasive alternative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for follow up of coiled intracranial aneurysms. Standard cranial MRA protocols are a compromise between spatial resolution and imaging time. This study compares a standard resolution MRA protocol with a protocol at higher spatial resolution MRA (HR‐MRA) in 21 follow‐up occasions in 17 coiled aneurysms in 15 patients. Images were reviewed for presence of residual or recurrent aneurysm and compared with DSA as the gold standard. Aneurysm flow signal on standard resolution MRA differed significantly from HR‐MRA in 6/21 cases (P = 0.02) and DSA in 6/21 cases (P = 0.02). HR‐MRA had 100% concordance with DSA (P = 1.0). In this study, three‐dimensional time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography carried out at standard resolution is inadequate for follow up of coiled intracranial aneurysms. HR‐MRA is comparable to DSA for detection of aneurysm recurrence.
Ultrasound‐based conformal planning for gynaecological brachytherapy
Authors: Van Dyk S , Bernshaw D
Published: February 2008

This report describes the evolving use of transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) as an imaging tool to verify tandem placement, localize the treatment volume and aid conformal brachytherapy planning for both cervical and uterine corpus cancers. Two patients, one with cancer of the cervix and one with cancer of the endometrium, are used as examples to illustrate the advantages of using TAUS. TAUS is used to guide applicator insertion and check the applicator in the treatment position. The dimensions of the uterus are recorded. Brachytherapy isodose plans are generated based on these measurements. Confirmation of uterine dimensions and isodose coverage is obtained using MRI taken after the initial fraction of treatment has been delivered. We illustrate how TAUS is successfully used to correct and verify tandem placement after the patient has been moved from insertion to treatment position. We also show how to use TAUS for conformal planning, based on individually derived target dimensions. TAUS has successfully been used to conformally plan treatment to the uterus and cervix, minimizing brachytherapy‐related toxicity to surrounding structures. Ultrasound is portable, inexpensive and simple to use and allows for accurate, conformal, reproducible and adaptive treatments.
Esthesioneuroblastoma: A case report of diffuse subdural recurrence and review of recently published studies
Authors: Capelle L , Krawitz H
Published: February 2008

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignancy arising from the olfactory epithelium. We present a case history of a 75‐year‐old man who presented with a Kadish stage C esthesioneuroblastoma and underwent craniofacial surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Two years later he was found to have diffuse subdural deposits with distant bone and nodal metastases, treated with further radiotherapy. The patient’s condition subsequently deteriorated and he died. Given this unusual pattern of failure, we review the recent published studies regarding the natural history, treatment and outcome for this tumour.
Modified method of hepatic portal choledochoplasty to treat benign strictures of hilar biliary ducts
Authors: Mi Yuetang , Li Rui , Xu Kesen , Li Shikuan , Wang Peige , Wu Liqun , Mi Haiyan , Yang Guangyun , Zhang Zhaoyang , Niu Jun , Jiang Hongchi , Qiao Haiquan , Sun Xueying
Published: February 2008

Background and Aim:  Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is usually used to treat benign strictures of hilar bile ducts. However, RYHJ might also induce ascending cholangitis and recurrent hepatolithiasis. The present study aims to introduce a modified hepatic portal choledochoplasty with a pedicled graft of gallbladder (HPC) to treat this disease.

Methods:  One hundred and forty‐nine patients, who had undergone HPC or RYHJ from January 1997 to January 2006 in our institutions, were included in this study, and the clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results:  The incidences of perioperative bile leakage and inflammatory ileus in patients treated with HPC were slightly lower than RYHJ without significant difference (1.89% vs 2.08% and 3.77% vs 5.21%, both P > 0.05). However, in a long‐term follow up, patients treated with HPC had significantly lower incidences of cholangitis and recurrent hepatolithiasis (5.66% and 3.77%, respectively) than those treated with RYHJ (cholangitis, 21.88%; hepatolithiasis, 16.67%; both P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Compared to RYHJ, HPC is a safer and more efficient method to treat benign strictures of hilar biliary ducts. It preserves the sphincter of Oddi and normal biliary duct pressure, thus avoiding bile reflux into the bile duct.
Association between the treatment length and cumulative dose of pegylated interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin and their effectiveness as a combination treatment for Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients: Project of the Kyushu University Liver Disease Study Group
Authors: Furusyo Norihiro , Kajiwara Eiji , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Nomura Hideyuki , Tanabe Yuichi , Masumoto Akihide , Maruyama Toshihiro , Nakamuta Makoto , Enjoji Munechika , Azuma Koichi , Shimono Junya , Sakai Hironori , Shimoda Shinji , Hayashi Jun ,   Kyushu University Liver Disease Study (KULDS) Group
Published: February 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the length of the treatment period and the cumulative dose of pegylated interferon alpha‐2b (peg‐IFN alpha‐2b) plus ribavirin (RBV) and their effectiveness in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Methods:  Seven hundred and fifteen patients received peg‐IFN alpha‐2b plus RBV treatment for 48 weeks and 24 weeks for genotypes 1 (n = 586) and 2 (n = 129), respectively.

Results:  Sustained virological responses (SVR), defined as serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA undetectable at 24 weeks after the end of treatment, were 42.4% and 74.4% in genotypes 1 and 2, respectively, on an intention‐to‐treat analysis. SVR significantly increased with treatment length (4.7%, 36.4%, and 51.8% for < 24 weeks, 24–47 weeks, and 48 weeks, respectively, for genotype 1; and 28.6%, 57.1%, 78.3% for < 12 weeks, 12–23 weeks, and 24 weeks, respectively, for genotype 2). SVR significantly increased with total cumulative treatment dose (21.1%, 36.5%, and 52.9% with < 60%, 60–79%, and ≥ 80% in peg‐IFN dose; 29.6%, 51.1%, and 59.2% with < 60%, 60–79%, and ≥ 80% in RBV dose) in genotype 1, although it did not differ significantly for genotype 2.

Conclusions:  In peg‐IFN alpha‐2b plus RBV treatment for chronic hepatitis C, it is important to complete the target length of treatment and to continue the target dosage to achieve SVR, especially for genotype 1 patients.
Renal cell carcinomas arising from the allograft and bilateral native kidneys
Authors: Nobushita Tomohiro , Hara Noboru , Nakagawa Yuki , Saito Kazuhide , Nishiyama Tsutomu , Takahashi Kota
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  We present the case of a young lady who developed renal cell carcinomas (RCC) in the allograft and bilateral native kidneys metachronously within one year. She received a living donor kidney transplantation from her father. A solid tumor of 4 cm in diameter was uncovered first in the allograft kidney 103 months after transplantation, and was treated with graftectomy. Six months after graftectomy, a right renal tumor measuring 3.5 cm and left renal tumors emerged in the native kidneys. She underwent laparoscopic right and left radical nephrectomy in separate sessions. The pathological diagnosis in the allograft and right renal tumors was clear cell RCC with eosinophilic cytoplasm and that in the left kidney was clear cell carcinoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and human leukocyte antigen typing showed that each tumor was most probably primary disease. She was free of disease 18 months postoperatively. This is the first report on RCC arising both in the allograft and bilateral native kidneys.
Expression of two isozymes of acyl‐coenzyme A: Cholesterol acyltransferase‐1 and ‐2 in clear cell type renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Kenshi , Fujiwara Yukio , Nagai Ryoji , Yoshida Masaki , Ueda Shoichi
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  The present study investigated the expression of acyl‐coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase‐1 (ACAT‐1) and ‐2 in clear cell type renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods:  Clear cell type RCC and corresponding normal kidney tissue samples were obtained from 19 surgical cases (28–85 years of age). Tissue extracts were assayed for ACAT activity and protein expression by immunoblotting with anti‐ACAT‐1 and anti‐ACAT‐2 antibodies. Frozen sections were subjected to Oil red O staining for lipids, and were immunostained with ACAT‐specific antibodies.

Results:  Acyl‐coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase activity was 5.7‐fold higher (P < 0.01) in clear cell carcinoma (23.52 ± 4.90 pmol/mg protein/min) than in normal kidney (4.12 ± 0.36). Consistent with this, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical staining revealed strong expression of ACAT‐1 in clear cell type RCC. Densitometric analysis showed that ACAT‐1 expression was 2.9‐fold higher in clear cell type RCC than in normal kidney. In contrast, ACAT‐2 expression was negative in clear cell type RCC and normal kidney. Oil red O staining showed massive deposits of lipid in RCC cells.

Conclusions:  We identified strong expression of ACAT‐1 in clear cell type RCC. Upregulation of ACAT‐1 leads to high ACAT enzymatic activity, which accelerates the accumulation of cholesterol ester in clear cell type RCC.
Increase in 24‐hour urine production/weight causes nocturnal polyuria due to impaired function of antidiuretic hormone in elderly men
Authors: Tani Mitsuru , Hirayama Akihide , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Torimoto Kazumasa , Akiyama Tatsuya , Hirao Yoshihiko
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  The goals of the present study were to evaluate whether the different function of endogenous antidiuretic hormone (arginine vasopressin; AVP) results in the difference in 24‐h production/weight and to make indexes of lifestyle advice for patients with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria (NP).

Methods:  A total of 205 male patients over 50 years of age were enrolled in the study. Frequency volume chart and fluid intake (time and volume) were recorded under unconditioned status. All patients submitted single voided urine sample at 06.00 hours. Urinary AVP (uAVP), sodium (uNa), creatinine (uCr), and osmolarity were measured. Patients were divided into four groups according to 24‐h urine production/weight as follows: 24‐h production/weight >40, 24‐h production/weight: more than 30 to 40, 24‐h production/weight: more than 20 to 30, 24‐h production/weight: 20 or less.

Results:  The data of 174 eligible patients were finally evaluated. Although there were no differences in uAVP/uCr and uNa/uCr among the groups, the nocturnal voided volume (NUV) increased with the increase in 24‐h production/weight. Age, uAVP/uCr, 24‐hr production/weight of more than 20 to 30, and 24‐h production/weight of 20 or less were independent factors for NP. NUV did not correlate with 24‐h drinking volume in any group.

Conclusion:  Our data suggested that the increased 24‐h urine production/weight was apparently a risk factor for NP. We attributed this phenomenon to deterioration of the function of AVP.
Mechanism of calcium oxalate renal stone formation and renal tubular cell injury
Authors: Tsujihata Masao
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Formation of calcium oxalate stones tends to increase with age and begins from the attachment of a crystal formed in the cavity of renal tubules to the surface of renal tubular epithelial cells. Though most of the crystals formed in the cavity of renal tubules are discharged as is in the urine, in healthy people, crystals that attach to the surface of renal tubular epithelial cells are thought to be digested by macrophages and/or lysosomes inside of cells. However, in individuals with hyperoxaluria or crystal urine, renal tubular cells are injured and crystals easily become attached to them. Various factors are thought to be involved in renal tubular cell injury. Crystals attached to the surface of renal tubular cells are taken into the cells (crystal–cell interaction). And then the crystal and crystal aggregates grow, and finally a stone is formed.