bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of Vβ2‐positive T‐cell expansion in toxic shock syndrome
Authors: Wenisch Christoph , Strunk D. , Krause R. , Smolle K. H.
Published: June 2007

Background  diagnostic dilemma in toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is that the results of microbiologic investigations are often not available immediately because of the need for incubation, or no obvious entry point can be found.

Methods  We describe three patients with a clinical diagnosis of TSS in whom microbiologic tests were negative.

Results  All patients had complicated courses with vasopressor‐dependent shock, renal and respiratory failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation for at least 1 week. In all three patients, diagnosis was considerably faster with the assessment of the expansion of T‐cell‐receptor Vβ2‐positive T cells (> 15%) than by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) diagnosis, because of the complicated clinical picture or the delay caused by waiting for the results of microbiologic investigations.

Conclusions  Our results indicate that diagnostic procedures incorporating Vβ2‐positive T cells could be a useful tool for the diagnosis of TSS.
HLA‐DQB1*0319, a novel HLA‐DQB1 allele, shows strong haplotype association to HLA‐DRB1*1102
Authors: Witter K. , Mautner J. , Albert T. , Zahn R. , Kauke T.
Published: June 2007

The new human leukocyte antigen‐DQB1*0319 allele was identified in a prospective bone marrow donor by sequence‐based typing. This novel allele differs from the DQB1*0301 allele at nucleotide position 554 (C→T), which results in a Thr to Ile amino acid exchange. The new allele shows a strong association to DRB1*1102, suggesting that the haplotype DRB1*1102‐DQB1*0319 is quite common.
Identification of a novel allele HLA‐A*9208 by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Yan L. X. , Zhu F. M. , Zhang W. , Xu X. G.
Published: June 2007

A novel HLA‐A*9208 allele was identified in a Chinese individual by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing.
A novel HLA‐A*33 (A*3309) allele in a Caucasian family that differs at protein position 66 from HLA‐A*3308
Authors: Altermann W. W. , Erhuma M. , Seliger B. , Schlaf G.
Published: June 2007

A novel human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A33 (HLA‐A*3309) allele has been identified in a Caucasian family from Middle Europe using single allele‐specific sequencing strategy. This allele is identical to the HLA‐B*3308 allele except for one point mutation in exon 2 at codon 66 (AAA→AAT), resulting in an amino acid change from lysine (K) to asparagine (N).
Receptor expression in orbital inflammatory syndromes and implications for targeted therapy
Authors: Ho V. H. , Chevez‐Barrios P. , Jorgensen J. L. , Silkis R. Z. , Esmaeli B.
Published: June 2007

To investigate the expression of multiple therapeutic targets in tissue specimens from patients with orbital inflammatory syndromes, the clinical records of 16 patients treated for orbital inflammation between January 2003 and November 2005 for whom tissue blocks were available were reviewed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on archived specimens using commercially available monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD25, and CD52 antigens. The histologic diagnoses were confirmed, and the immunohistochemical staining patterns were agreed upon by both collaborating pathologists (JLJ and PC‐B). The study included 13 women and 3 men who ranged in age from 4 to 79 years (mean, 46 years). The histologic diagnoses were as follows: orbital pseudotumor in six patients; sarcoidosis, three; eosinophilic granuloma, one; necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, one; nonspecified granulomatous inflammation, one; Graves’ ophthalmopathy, one; Wegener’s granulomatosis, one; and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, two. One orbital lymphoma specimen and one foreign body reaction specimen were used as controls. CD20 was strongly expressed in all specimens except three (Wegener’s granulomatosis, eosinophilic granuloma, and nonspecified granulomatous inflammation specimens), and CD25 was strongly expressed in all specimens except the Wegener’s granulomatosis specimen, in which this antigen was only moderately expressed. CD20 and CD25 were strongly or moderately expressed in most of the tested specimens of orbital inflammation. If our findings are confirmed in a larger study, rituximab, which targets CD20, and denileukin diftitox (ONTAK), which targets CD25, should be considered for future clinical trials for orbital inflammatory syndromes.
Congenital heart disease and pediatric liver transplantation: Complications and outcome
Authors: Manzoni Diego , D’Ercole Carlo , Spotti Angelica , Carrara Bruno , Sonzogni Valter
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Mild and moderate CHD in infants do not always need surgical correction but possibly augment the operative risk of patients with ESLD undergoing OLT. The aim of this study is to assess the intraoperative and post‐operative complications and evaluate the outcome of these patients. The records of 196 patients were reviewed retrospectively in a cohort study, 50 CHD were found in 36 patients undergoing 41 OLT procedures. The prevalence of CHD during pediatric OLT was 18%. Our data identified no significant differences between the two groups of patients, regarding hypotension, desaturation, acidosis, and bleeding during the procedure. Post‐operatively, no differences were observed in the hemodynamic, respiratory, and renal systems as no differences were detected for graft failure, surgical complications, infection, and rejection rates. Mortality is comparable in the two groups as are re‐transplantation and recovery rates. The above mentioned results indicate that minor cardiac defects do not significantly influence the operative risk of these patients.
PCR‐based markers for detection of different sources of 1AL.1RS and 1BL.1RS wheat–rye translocations in wheat background
Authors: Weng Y. , Azhaguvel P. , Devkota R. N. , Rudd J. C.
Published: June 2007

The rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome arm 1RS is one of the most successfully used alien resources in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement, and it is still being widely utilized by many breeding programmes. With increasing application of marker‐assisted selection in wheat breeding, development of an efficient molecular marker system to monitor and track 1AL.1RS and 1BL.1RS wheat–rye translocations is of practical value. In this study, we systematically evaluated the utility of eight rye‐specific molecular markers in detecting 1RS chromatins with different origins in diverse wheat genetic backgrounds. Two such markers, PAWS5/S6 and SCM9 were identified that were able to differentiate multiple sources of wheat–rye translocations involving 1RS. A duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was developed with two rye‐specific markers PAWS5/S6 and RIS and tested in a set of representative wheat lines. The two rye‐specific markers and the duplex PCR procedure established in this study provided a useful tool in marker‐assisted selection of materials containing desirable 1RS chromatin in wheat breeding.
Evaluation of the effects of resistance to stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) in white clover (Trifolium repens L.) under sheep grazing and cutting
Authors: Williams T. A. , Abberton M. T. , Olyott P. , Mizen K. A. , Cook R.
Published: June 2007

Two field experiments were carried out to analyze the performance of white clover varieties differing in their resistance to stem nematode. Varieties were compared under grazing and cutting regimes in mixed swards with or without the addition of nematode and dry matter yields of white clover and perennial ryegrass recorded over a 3‐year period. The resistant variety did not show a yield advantage in the absence of nematode but did so in the presence of nematode in the first year and for several of the sampling dates in the second year. White clover yields under grazing were significantly less than under cutting in both experiments. The hypothesis that the additional stress of grazing would increase the benefits of resistance relative to a cutting management was not supported.
A method for drought tolerance screening in sunflower
Authors: Pereyra‐Irujo G. A. , Velázquez L. , Granier C. , Aguirrezábal L. A. N.
Published: June 2007

One difficulty in obtaining drought‐tolerant varieties is the unequivocal evaluation of plant response to soil‐water deficits. A method is proposed that allows reproducible soil‐water deficit treatments to be applied to different sunflower genotypes. Maize (Zea mays L.) plants were sown in the same pots as but earlier than some sunflower plants in order to rapidly deplete the soil water. This method was compared to a standard method in which plants under evaluation are used to dry out the soil. The method was reproducible in the evaluation of drought tolerance of four sunflower inbred lines. Advantages of the proposed method are that: (i) it allows the desired soil water content to be reached quickly; (ii) the resulting soil water content in the pot is uniform and (iii) the rate of decrease in soil water content is independent of the genotype being evaluated. Data indicate that maize plants had no effect on the growth of sunflower genotypes.
Ophiolites of the Eastern Peninsulas zone (Eastern Kamchatka): Age, composition, and geodynamic diversity
Authors: Tsukanov Nikolay V. , Kramer Wolfgang , Skolotnev Sergey G. , Luchitskaya Marina V. , Seifert Wolfgang
Published: June 2007

Abstract  The geological, geochemical and mineralogical data of dismembered ophiolites of various ages and genesis occurring in accretionary piles of the Eastern Peninsulas of Kamchatka enables us to discriminate three ophiolite complexes: (i) Aptian–Cenomanian complex: a fragment of ancient oceanic crust, composed of tholeiite basalts, pelagic sediments, and gabbroic rocks, presently occurring in a single tectonic slices (Afrika complex) and in olistoplaques in Pikezh complex of the Kamchatsky Mys Peninsula and probably in the mélange of the Kronotsky Peninsula; (ii) Upper Cretaceous complex, composed of highly depleted peridotite, gabbro and plagiogranite, associated with island arc tholeiite, boninite, and high‐alumina tholeiitic basalt of supra‐subduction origin; and (iii) Paleocene–Early Eocene complex of intra‐island arc or back‐arc origin, composed of gabbros, dolerites (sheeted dykes) and basalts produced from oceanic tholeiite melts, and back‐arc basin‐like dolerites. Formation of the various ophiolite complexes is related to the Kronotskaya intra‐oceanic volcanic arc evolution. The first ophiolite complex is a fragment of ancient Aptian–Cenomanian oceanic crust on which the Kronotskaya arc originated. Ophiolites of the supra‐subduction zone affinity were formed as a result of repeated partial melting of peridotites in the mantle wedge up to the subduction zone. This is accompanied by production of tholeiite basalts and boninites in the Kamchatsky Mys segment and plagioclase‐bearing tholeiites in the Kronotsky segment of the Kronotskaya paleoarc. The ophiolite complex with intra‐arc and mid‐oceanic ridge basalt geochemical characteristics was formed in an extension regime during the last stage of Kronotskaya volcanic arc evolution.
Non‐traumatic pulmonary haematoma complicating oral anticoagulation therapy
Authors: RIACHY Moussa , MAL Hervé , TAILLÉ Camille , DAURIAT Gaëlle , GROUSSARD Odile , CAZALS‐HATEM Dominique , BIONDI Giuseppina , FOURNIER Michel
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Several cases of non‐traumatic pulmonary haematoma have been reported in the literature. However, very few of them are related to anticoagulation therapy. The authors report two cases of pulmonary haematoma caused by oral anticoagulant therapy without any underlying pathological lesion. The evolution was fatal in the first case, whereas a slow spontaneous resolution of the haematoma was noted in the second. Non‐traumatic pulmonary haematoma can be a complication of oral anticoagulation and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary densities in this setting.
Preoperative maximal exercise oxygen consumption test predicts postoperative pulmonary morbidity following major lung resection
Authors: BAYRAM Ahmet Sami , CANDAN Tari̇k , GEBITEKIN Cengiz
Published: June 2007

Background and objective:  Pulmonary resection carries a significant morbidity and mortality. The utility of maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2max) to predict cardiopulmonary complications following major pulmonary resection was evaluated.

Methods:  Following standard preoperative work‐up and VO2max testing, 55 patients (49 male; mean age 59 years, range 20–74) underwent major pulmonary surgery: lobectomy (n = 31), bilobectomy (n = 6) and pneumonectomy (n = 18). An investigator blinded to the preoperative assessment prospectively collected data on postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. Patients were divided into two groups according to preoperative VO2max and also according to FEV1. The frequency of postoperative complications in the groups was compared.

Results:  Complications were observed in 19 (34.5%) patients, 11 of which were pulmonary (20%). There were two deaths (3.6%), both due to respiratory failure. Preoperative FEV1 failed to predict postoperative respiratory complications. Five of 36 patients with a preoperative FEV1 > 2 L suffered pulmonary complications, compared with six of 19 patients with FEV1 < 2 L. Cardiopulmonary complications were not observed in patients with VO2max > 15 mL/kg/min (n = 27); however, 11 patients with VO2max < 15 mL/kg/min (n = 28) suffered cardiopulmonary complications (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  VO2max predicts postoperative pulmonary complications following major lung resection, and the risk of complications increases significantly when the preoperative VO2max is less than 15 mL/kg/min.
Directly measured cabin pressure conditions during Boeing 747–400 commercial aircraft flights
Authors: KELLY Paul T. , SECCOMBE Leigh M. , ROGERS Peter G. , PETERS Matthew J.
Published: June 2007

Background and objectives:  In the low pressure environment of commercial aircraft, hypoxaemia may be common and accentuated in patients with lung or heart disease. Regulations specify a cabin pressure not lower than 750 hPa but it is not known whether this standard is met. This knowledge is important in determining the hazards of commercial flight for patients and the validity of current flight simulation tests.

Methods:  Using a wrist‐watch recording altimeter, cabin pressure was recorded at 60 s intervals on 45 flights in Boeing 747–400 aircraft with three airlines. A log was kept of aircraft altitude using the in‐flight display. Change in cabin pressure during flight, relationship between aircraft altitude and cabin pressure and proportion of flight time with cabin pressure approaching the minimum specified by regulation were determined.

Results:  Flight duration averaged 10 h. Average cabin pressure during flight was 846 hPa. There was a linear fall in cabin pressure as the aircraft cruising altitude increased. At 10 300 m (34 000 ft) cabin pressure was 843 hPa and changed 8 hPa for every 300 m (1000 ft) change in aircraft altitude (r2 = 0.993; P < 0.001). Lowest cabin pressure was 792 hPa at 12 200 m (40 000 ft) but during only 2% of flight time was cabin pressure less than 800 hPa.

Conclusions  Cabin pressure is determined only by the engineering of the aircraft and its altitude and in the present study was always higher than required by regulation. Current fitness‐to‐fly evaluations simulate cabin conditions that passengers will not experience on these aircraft. There may be increased risks to patients should new or older aircraft operate nearer to the present minimum standard.
Lung cancer: Future directions
Authors: LAM Wah K. , WATKINS D Neil
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Increasingly, basic research is being translated into clinical benefits for patients. Recent studies have shed more light on the clinical use of targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase and angiogenesis inhibitors, and predictive factors for their clinical benefit and their role in different clinical settings are now being elucidated. New insights into the basic biology of lung cancer hold translational promise in risk assessment, early detection, molecular staging, treatment response prediction and novel therapies. New targeted agents directed at apoptotic and developmental pathways have the potential to exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities in the basic machinery of cancer. In addition, exploration of the cancer stem cell phenomenon in lung cancer may generate new approaches to prevent recurrence in surgically respectable lung cancer, and for the long‐term control of extensive disease. Molecular profiling may also allow for highly individualized prognostic, predictive and therapeutic treatment plans tailored for each patient based on the molecular diagnostic profile of their tumour. Advances in genetic susceptibility, early detection and individualized therapy based on each tumour’s unique biological properties all hold promise for the future management of lung cancer.
Pediatric liver tumors: Initial presentation, image finding and outcome
Authors: WANG JIAAN‐DER , CHANG TE‐KAU , CHEN HOU‐CHUAN , JAN SHENG‐LING , HUANG FANG‐LIANG , CHI CHING‐SHIANG , LIN CHIEH‐CHUNG
Published: June 2007

Background: Few reports have been carried out on the characteristics of pediatric liver tumors.

Methods: A retrospective study of 57 patients diagnosed with liver tumors from 1989 through 2004 was conducted. They were classified into groups; 10 benign, 33 primary malignant and 14 metastatic liver tumors. Their demographics, initial presentations, laboratory data, image findings and outcomes were investigated and compared.

Results: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with 91% hepatitis B virus‐related, constituted 23 of 33 primary malignant liver tumors and had the poorest survival rate. Initially, 70% of patients with primary malignant liver tumors were at disseminated stages. All of HCC and 88% of hepatoblastoma had elevated serum levels of aphal‐fetoprotein. However, abnormal liver function tests as alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, albumin and alkaline phosphatase were uncommon in patients with pediatric liver tumors. Metastatic liver tumors compared with primary malignant liver tumors showed hypo‐echogenicity in abdominal ultrasound (US) exam and a lesser presence of vessel invasion and contrast enhancement in computed tomography studies (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: It is important to diagnose primary malignant liver tumors before their clinical symptoms and signs develop. Children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection must be followed every 6 months by serum aphal‐fetoprotein and abdominal US even when their liver function tests are normal. Image studies with abdominal US and computed tomography scan can differentiate between primary and metastatic liver tumors.
Quantitation of human parvovirus B19 DNA by real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: TAKANO TADAMASA , YAMADA KOICHIRO
Published: June 2007

Background: There have been no reports on either the serial quantification of genomic copies in the various parvovirus B19 infections or the comparison of the viral amount in erythema infectiosum, unlike with that in other parvovirus B19 infections.

Methods: A total of 19 children with parvovirus B19 infection were classified into a group of seven (group A) with erythema infectiosum and a group of 12 (group B) without erythema infectiosum, and their serum levels of parvovirus B19 DNA were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. A total of 30 boys and girls with some symptoms but no parvovirus B19 infection served as a control group (group C).

Results: The amount of parvovirus B19 DNA differed significantly between groups A and C (P < 0.01) and between groups B and C (P < 0.01). The amount of viral DNA was significantly higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.01). Sequential determination showed that the amount of viral DNA in group B rapidly decreased over several days. Erythema infectiosum developed in two patients of group B on the 6th and 29th days after onset when the amount of viral DNA was similar to that in group A.

Conclusions: The amount of parvovirus B19 DNA correlated well with the stage of infection, and its quantitation was useful for determining disease status and prognosis. In parvovirus B19 infection, the viremia is associated with rare but varied pathological states different from erythema infectiosum, such as transient aplastic crisis, hemophagocytic syndrome, lupus‐like syndrome, and papular‐purpuric gloves and socks syndrome.
Duration of inter‐facility neonatal transport and neonatal mortality: Systematic review and cohort study
Authors: MORI RINTARO , FUJIMURA MASANORI , SHIRAISHI JUN , EVANS BETI , CORKETT MICHAEL , NEGISHI HIROKUNI , DOYLE PAT
Published: June 2007

Background: Regionalization of perinatal health services has been actively discussed, although important determinants such as effect of duration of neonatal transport on neonatal outcomes have not been investigated well as yet. Therefore the purpose of the present paper was to investigate the association between duration of inter‐facility transport and perinatal mortality.

Methods: For the systematic review, six major databases were searched. Any comparative studies investigating associations between duration of inter‐facility neonatal transport and their outcomes, published in the English language were selected. The studies were screened and reviewed by two independent researchers. For the cohort study, study subjects included every neonate transported to neonatal wards in Osaka, Japan between 1980 and 2000 in an existing surveillance called Neonatal Mutual Cooperative System. They are followed up until 28 days of age, or discharge if earlier. Other variables were also considered as effect modifiers or confounders, including calendar year, birthweight (BW), gestational age (GA), sex, maternal/paternal age, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, place of birth and personnel accompanying the neonate during transport (transport personnel), body temperature before transport and on admission, severity of illness, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade. Cox regression analyses were performed to obtain principal results, and sensitivity analysis to support them.

Results: Systematic review: only one cross‐sectional study conducted in an urban area in India was identified. That study showed that neonates with a long duration of transport had 79% higher odds of death than those transported for a short duration after adjusting for the confounding effects. For the cohort study, among 16 429 subjects, full data were available for 4966 neonates. There was strong evidence that those transported for >90 min had more than twice the rate of neonatal death (rate ratio [RR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–4.04), and some evidence that those transported for between 60 and 89 min had an 80% higher rate of neonatal death (RR 1.81, 95%CI: 1.07–3.06), both compared with those transported for between 30 and 59 min, after adjusting for the confounding effects. A sensitivity analysis on missing values also supported the results.

Conclusion: There is evidence of an association between duration of transport and increased neonatal mortality, which can be applied to organization of perinatal health services. A prospective cohort study is needed for further investigation.
Long‐term follow up of patients with invasive bladder carcinoma receiving combined cisplatin‐based intra‐arterial chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Authors: Mori Ken‐Ichi , Nomata Koichiro , Noguchi Mitsuru , Eguchi Jiro , Hayashi Nobuyuki , Kanetake Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

Objectives:  Combined cisplatin‐based intra‐arterial chemotherapy and radiotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with locally invasive bladder carcinoma. We report long‐term follow‐up data regarding definitive treatment of locally invasive bladder carcinoma, regardless of whether bladder preservation was possible.

Methods:  The follow‐up data from 24 patients (18 males and six females; aged, 31–85 years; median, 73 years) with invasive bladder carcinoma, between 1993 and 2003, was examined. The clinical stages of the patients ranged T2–T4, all N0M0, and involved 13 patients at T2 (T2a, T2b), seven patients at T3 and four patients at T4. Combined cisplatin‐based intra‐arterial chemotherapy and radiotherapy was performed.

Results:  The 5‐year overall survival rate and cancer‐specific survival rate for all patients were 81.6% and 85.6%, respectively. When the patients were divided into complete response (CR) of 10 patients and non‐CR groups of 14 patients, the 5‐year overall survival rate for the CR group was 87.5%, while that of the non‐CR group was 78.6% (P = 0.58). The tumor grade of the CR group was significantly lower than that of the non‐CR group (P = 0.01). When the non‐CR group was divided into radical cystectomy and non‐radical cystectomy groups, the 5‐year overall survival rate for the radical cystectomy group (100%) was higher than that of the non‐radical cystectomy group (70%).

Conclusion:  This combined chemo‐radiotherapy was effective for local invasive bladder carcinoma, leading to the possibility of bladder preservation using this therapy.
Early experience in reconstruction of long ureteral strictures with allogenic amniotic membrane
Authors: Koziak Andrzej , Salagierski Maciej , Marcheluk Adam , Szcześniewski Ryszard , Sosnowski Marek
Published: June 2007

Objective:  To present our experience with the application of human amniotic membrane for the reconstruction of extensive ureteral wall defects.

Methods:  Between 2003 and 2006, 11 patients underwent reconstructive surgery of the ureter. A human amniotic membrane allograft was used to supplement ureteral wall defects. Indications for the procedure included ureteral strictures of a 5.5 cm average (range, 3–8 cm) localized in different parts of the ureter: upper (5), middle (5) and lower (3). The etiology of ureteral loss was: postinflammatory after a complicated stone disease (5), iatrogenic (4) and idiopathic (2). Diagnosis of ureteral stricture was based on antegrade pyelography and excretory urography. Two patients had synchronous treatment for upper and middle ureteral stenosis. Treatment efficacy was assessed by excretory urography and ultrasound.

Results:  The mean hospitalization time was 11.9 days, mean operation time 128 min and with an average follow up of 25.2 months. Complications included: stricture recurrence (1) and symptomatic urinary tract infections (2). Excretory urography showed lack of obstruction and normal width of ureters. In one patient, residual hydronephrosis was present on ultrasound.

Conclusions:  The described method seems to be a promising tool in the reconstruction of extensive ureteral strictures.
Histological evidences suggest recommending orchiopexy within the first year of life for children with unilateral inguinal cryptorchid testis
Authors: Park Kwan Hyun , Lee Joo Hwan , Han Jae Joon , Lee Sang Don , Song Sang Yong
Published: June 2007

Objective:  To determine the optimal timing for orchiopexy, we evaluated the histological parameters of the cryptorchid testis.

Methods:  We prospectively performed testicular biopsy in a total of 65 consecutive children with palpable unilateral inguinal cryptorchid testes. For controls, we used testicular histological slides from 15 age‐matched children with testicular tumor. To investigate the fertility potential, we analyzed the parameters including mean tubular diameter (MTD), mean tubular fertility index (MTFI), germ cell count/tubule (GCC), Sertoli cell index (SCI) and interstitial fibrosis index (IFI).

Results:  The MTFI and GCC in children ≤1 years of age were significantly higher than those of other older age groups. The MTFI, GCC and IFI were significantly better in patients ≤2 years of age when compared to those of > 2 years. Compared to the controls, the MTFI and GCC in the patients were significantly worse in those aged > 2 years at surgical repair. In the ≤2‐year age group, the MTFI and GCC of the cryptorchid testis showed a decreasing tendency with age, which were contrasting with the ascending curves in the control and the curves crossed at 1–2 years of age in each parameter.

Conclusions:  To protect fertility potential, we recommend, orchiopexy should be performed within the first year of life, and no later than 2 years of age in patients with palpable inguinal cryptorchid testes.
Fretting fatigue test analysis of contact
Authors: KARUPPANAN S. , DINI D. , HILLS D. A.
Published: June 2007

Fretting fatigue tests conducted by Nowell and Szolwinski are analysed accurately by introducing several modifications needed to the classical formulation. With the total state of stress established, the crack‐tip stress intensity factor for a crack growing inward from the trailing edge of the contact is determined by the distributed dislocation technique. Finally, the results are correlated with local solutions for the contact stress field that enable an estimate of the crack nucleation life, and hence a characteristic material property quantifying initiation, to be found.
Constraint issues in cleavage fracture and matters arising from practical application
Authors: KEIM E.
Published: June 2007

In the past 10 years much research has been carried out to deal with the question of how crack‐tip constraint effects can be described and, moreover, how crack‐tip constraint (stress tri‐axiality in the vicinity of the crack tip) contributes to matters arising from practical application of structures and components containing postulated or real cracks and made of ferritic steel. In fracture mechanics, application crack‐tip constraint can be influenced by loading (out of plane or multi‐axial loading) or by the crack shape and crack depth to ligament ratio. Temperature loading of a crack in a structure is different compared to the loading condition of a fracture toughness specimen and a deep crack behaves differently compared to a short crack. In this paper a model for the prediction of cleavage fracture of ferritic steel is briefly described and summarized and the issues for practical application are pointed out. It turns out that crack‐tip constraint, induced either by loading or geometry, can be described quantitatively by local approach models, but there is still a need to understand the micro structural features behind.
Evaluation of creep damage accumulation models: Considerations of stepped testing and highly stressed volume
Authors: GRELL W. A. , NIGGELER G. H. , GROSKREUTZ M. E. , LAZ P. J.
Published: June 2007

Many components experience combined temperature and stress loading and are designed to withstand creep. In this study, experimental creep testing was performed under both static and stepped loading conditions with constant temperature for two specimen geometries (tensile and three‐point bend). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether existing damage accumulation models accurately predict creep performance when considering step loading and stress gradients. Model predictions, based on static tensile creep data and using a highly stressed volume correction for the three‐point bend specimens and the experimental average damage sum, agreed well with experimental data; differences were on average within 38% (static) and 2.2 h (stepped). Comparisons showed more accurate predictions using an exponential Larson–Miller parameter curve and the Pavlou damage accumulation model. Findings of the current study have applicability to component design, where complex geometries often contain stress gradients and it is desirable to predict creep performance from static tensile creep data.
Role of cortical cannabinoid CB1 receptor in conditioned taste aversion memory
Authors: Kobilo Tali , Hazvi Shoshi , Dudai Yadin
Published: June 2007

The brain endocannabinoid system has been shown to play a role in memory, though the extent to which this role generalizes over different types and processes of memory is not yet determined. Here we show that the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) plays differential roles in acquisition, extinction and reconsolidation of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) memory in the rat insular cortex, which contains the taste cortex. Activation of the CB1 receptor in the insular cortex inhibits acquisition and reconsolidation but not extinction, whereas blockade of the CB1 receptor promotes memory and blocks extinction of CTA, while having no apparent effect on reconsolidation. The CB1 ligands used in this study were incapable of substituting the unconditioned stimulus in CTA training. All in all, the data raise the possibility that the state of activity of the CB1 receptor in the insular cortex contributes to the encoding of hedonic valence that enters into association with taste items.
Expression and localization of P2 nucleotide receptor subtypes during development of the lateral ventricular choroid plexus of the rat
Authors: Johansson P. A. , Burnstock G. , Dziegielewska K. M. , Guida E. , McIntyre P. , Saunders N. R.
Published: June 2007

The choroid plexuses secrete cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and regulate the brain's internal environment via the blood–CSF barrier. The permeability properties of the blood–CSF interface have been studied previously in adult and immature brains, however, little is known about the development of CSF secretion and its modulation. ATP influences secretion in other epithelia via ionotropic P2X or metabotropic P2Y receptors. P2 receptors have frequently been found to be down‐regulated in the postnatal period, suggesting a developmental role for purinergic and pyrimidine signalling. The present study investigated the expression of P2 receptors in lateral ventricular choroid plexus in relation to recent studies of aquaporin‐1 expression and rapid expansion of the lateral ventricles in rat embryos. In the present study mRNAs for all known mammalian nucleotide receptor subtypes, except P2X7, were identified from as early as E15. P2X7 mRNA was detected from E18. Indications of differential expression patterns were observed for the different subtypes during development: an apparent increase in expression for P2Y2 and P2X7, a decline in P2X1‐2,4, no detectable difference in expression levels for P2X6 and P2Y12‐13 and transient expression peaks for P2X3,5 and P2Y1,4,6,14. P2X4,5,7 and P2Y1,4 receptor proteins were detected immunohistochemically in the choroidal epithelium from early in development (E15 or E18). Their differing developmental profiles suggest specific roles in the development of CSF secretion that may have particular relevance for the rapid expansion of the ventricles that occurs in the embryo. P2X5 and P2Y6 were also detected in the developing neuropendyma from P0 and P9, respectively.
Layer and frequency dependencies of phase response properties of pyramidal neurons in rat motor cortex
Authors: Tsubo Yasuhiro , Takada Masahiko , Reyes Alex D. , Fukai Tomoki
Published: June 2007

It is postulated that synchronous firing of cortical neurons plays an active role in cognitive functions of the brain. An important issue is whether pyramidal neurons in different cortical layers exhibit similar tendencies to synchronise. To address this issue, we performed intracellular and whole‐cell recordings of regular‐spiking pyramidal neurons in slice preparations of the rat motor cortex (18–45 days old) and analysed the phase response curves of these pyramidal neurons in layers 2/3 and 5. The phase response curve represents how an external stimulus affects the timing of spikes immediately after the stimulus in repetitively firing neurons. The phase response curve can be classified into two categories, type 1 (the spike is always advanced) and type 2 (the spike is advanced or delayed depending on the stimulus phase), and are important determinants of whether or not rhythmic synchronization of neuron pairs occurs. We found that pyramidal neurons in layer 2/3 tend to display type‐2 phase response curves whereas those in layer 5 tend to exhibit type‐1 phase response curves. The differences were prominent particularly in the gamma‐frequency range (20–45 Hz). Our results imply that the layer‐2/3 pyramidal neurons, when coupled mutually through fast excitatory synapses, may exhibit a much stronger tendency for rhythmic synchronization than layer‐5 neurons in the gamma‐frequency range.
Expression of the cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterases 2 and 9 in normal and Alzheimer's disease human brains
Authors: Reyes‐Irisarri Elisabet , Markerink‐Van Ittersum Marjanne , Mengod Guadalupe , De Vente Jan
Published: June 2007

We studied the mRNA expression of cGMP‐hydrolysing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in selected brain areas of normal elderly people and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Using radioactive in‐situ hybridization histochemistry we found a widespread distribution of the mRNA for PDE2 and PDE9, whereas no specific hybridization signal was observed for PDE5. We observed PDE2 and PDE9 mRNA in all cortical areas studied (insular cortex, entorhinal cortex and visual cortex), although to a different extent. PDE2 mRNA was high in the claustrum, whereas PDE9 mRNA was moderate. PDE2 and PDE9 mRNAs was present in the putamen. No cGMP‐hydrolysing PDE expression was observed in the globus pallidus. PDE2 and PDE9 mRNA was observed in all subareas of the hippocampus; however, there were significant differences in the amount of expression. In the Purkinje and cerebellar granule cells only PDE9 expression was observed. PDE2 and PDE9 mRNA expression was not significantly different in Alzheimer's disease brains.
Factors influencing the relation between corticospinal output and muscle force during voluntary contractions
Authors: Gelli F. , Del Santo F. , Popa T. , Mazzocchio R. , Rossi A.
Published: June 2007

The mechanisms by which voluntary forces of different strengths are produced in human muscles are not clear. We studied the relation between force and surface electromyography (sEMG) variables over a wide range of voluntary contraction strengths of biceps brachii (BIC) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM). The relation between force and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation of motor cortex was also assessed. The root mean square of sEMG and median frequency (Mf) of the sEMG power spectrum as well as the MEP area of ADM and BIC were calculated up to the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The root mean square of ADM and BIC increased with increasing force levels up to the MVC. The Mf of BIC increased with force levels up to 70% MVC after which it rapidly declined. The Mf of ADM peaked at 40% MVC to slowly decline thereafter. The MEP changes with force were similar to Mf changes. Thus, corticospinal output, as tested by the Mf and MEPs, does not parallel force increments across the contraction range. This decline, which is contingent on the relative contribution of motor unit recruitment and rate coding to force production in each muscle, may depend on reduced motoneurone responsiveness at high firing rates. We suggest that, under controlled conditions, the frequency content of the sEMG signal may be taken to indicate motor unit recruitment range. This information may improve the utility of the Mf to enable evaluation of voluntary activation under different conditions.
Endurance exercise facilitates relearning of forelimb motor skill after focal ischemia
Authors: Ploughman Michelle , Attwood Zachary , White Nicole , Doré Jules J. E. , Corbett Dale
Published: June 2007

Endurance exercise (i.e. running), by up‐regulating brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other modulators of synaptic plasticity, improves attention and learning, both critical components of stroke rehabilitation. We hypothesized that, following middle cerebral artery occlusion in male Sprague‐Dawley rats, endurance exercise would act synergistically with a challenging skilled forelimb task to facilitate motor recovery. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four rehabilitation conditions: no rehabilitation, running only, reach training only, and reach training preceded by running (run/reach training) for 5 weeks beginning 5 days after stroke. The behavioral outcome, morphological change and mRNA expression of proteins implicated in neuroplasticity (BDNF, synapsin I and microtubule‐associated protein 2) were compared. Endurance exercise on a motorized running wheel, prior to reach training, enhanced recovery of skilled reaching ability but did not transfer to gross motor skills such as postural support (forelimb asymmetry test) and gait (ladder rung walking test). Microtubule‐associated protein 2 staining density in the run/reach group was slightly enhanced in the contralateral motor cortex compared with the contralateral sensory and ipsilateral cingulate cortices, suggesting that running preceding reach training may have resulted in more dendritic branching within the motor cortex in this group. No significant differences in mRNA levels were detected among the training paradigms; however, there was a trend toward greater BDNF and synapsin I mRNA in the reaching groups. These findings suggest that exercise facilitates learning of subsequent challenging reaching tasks after stroke, which has the potential to optimize outcomes in patients with stroke.
An antibody to synaptotagmin I facilitates synaptic transmission
Authors: Hua Shao‐Ying , Teylan Merilee A. , Cimenser Aylin
Published: June 2007

Proper functioning of the nervous system requires precise control of neurotransmitter release. Synaptotagmin, a synaptic vesicle protein, is crucial for the temporal control of neurotransmitter release. The mechanism of synaptotagmin function is still under debate. To investigate the mechanism by which synaptotagmin controls neurotransmitter release, we injected an antibody of rat synaptotagmin I into a crayfish motor axon. We found that the antibody enhanced synaptic transmission at crayfish neuromuscular junctions by increasing the amplitude of the evoked synaptic response. This effect was antibody‐dose dependent. The antibody also reduced the rise time of the synaptic potentials. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in the Hill coefficient for Ca2+‐dependence of synaptic transmission. Our findings support the hypothesis that synaptotagmin inhibits neurotransmitter release in the absence of Ca2+.
Comparison of a 3‐day with a 1‐day regimen of an extended‐release formulation of ciprofloxacin as antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients undergoing transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate
Authors: Schaeffer Anthony J. , Montorsi Francesco , Scattoni Vincenzo , Perroncel Renee , Song James , Haverstock Daniel C. , Pertel Peter E.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical and bacteriological efficacy and the clinical safety of a 1‐day with a 3‐day regimen of an extended‐release formulation of ciprofloxacin (ciprofloxacin XR) given as antimicrobial prophylaxis to men undergoing transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate (TRNBP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multicentre, prospective, international, double‐blind study in patients who required TRNBP. Patients were randomized to receive oral ciprofloxacin XR 1000 mg as either a 1‐day or a 3‐day regimen. Single doses were given at 24 h before, 2–3 h before, and 24 h after TRNBP. Patients in the 1‐day regimen had placebo instead of the first and third doses of ciprofloxacin.

RESULTS

Of 497 patients enrolled, 247 were randomized to 1‐day ciprofloxacin XR and 250 to the 3‐day regimen. In the population valid for microbiological efficacy, the final assessment identified bacteriological success (primary efficacy endpoint) in more patients who had the 3‐day regimen (98%) than in those who received the 1‐day regimen (94.8%, 95% confidence interval, CI, − 6.1%, 0.8%), although the difference was not statistically significant. In this population, the clinical response at the final visit was 98.5% and 96.7% for patients receiving the 3‐day and the 1‐day regimens, respectively (95% CI − 5.2%, 0.8%). However, in the clinical efficacy population the clinical success rate was significantly greater for the 3‐day (99.0%) than for the 1‐day regimen (95.8%; 95% CI − 6.4%, − 0.3%). In a multivariate analysis, patients with diabetes mellitus and patients with a history of prostatitis had higher microbiological and clinical failure rates, respectively, than those without such conditions. For these patients, all failures occurred among those treated with the 1‐day regimen.

CONCLUSION

As defined by bacteriological success in the population assessed for microbiological efficacy, prophylaxis with one dose of ciprofloxacin XR was statistically no worse than a 3‐day regimen. However, in all efficacy analyses, bacteriological and clinical success rates were consistently lower for the 1‐day than for the 3‐day treatment. Thus, for selected patients undergoing TRNBP, there might be a role for 3‐day preventive therapy with ciprofloxacin XR.
A porcine model of bladder outlet obstruction incorporating radio‐telemetered cystometry
Authors: Shaw Matthew B. , Herndon Claude D. , Cain Mark P. , Rink Richard C. , Kaefer Martin
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To present a novel porcine model of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) with a standardized bladder outlet resistance and real‐time ambulatory radio‐telemetered cystometry, as BOO is a common condition with many causes in both adults and children, with significant morbidity and occasional mortality, but attempts to model this condition in many animal models have the fundamental problem of standardising the degree of outlet resistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BOO was created in nine castrated male pigs by dividing the mid‐urethra; outflow was allowed through an implanted bladder drainage catheter containing a resistance valve, allowing urine to flow across the valve only when a set pressure differential was generated across the valve. An implantable radio‐telemetered pressure sensor monitored the pressure within the bladder and abdominal cavity, and relayed this information to a remote computer. Four control pigs had an occluded bladder drainage catheter and pressure sensor placed, but were allowed to void normally through the native urethra. Intra‐vesical pressure was monitored by telemetry, while the resistance valve was increased weekly, beginning with 2 cmH2O and ultimately reaching 10 cmH2O. The pigs were assessed using conventional cystometry under anaesthesia before death, and samples conserved in formalin for haematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS

The pigs had radio‐telemetered cystometry for a median of 26 days. All telemetry implants functioned well for the duration of the experiment, but one pig developed a urethral fistula and was excluded from the study. With BOO the bladder mass index (bladder mass/body mass × 10 000) increased from 9.7 to 20 (P = 0.004), with a significant degree of hypertrophy of the detrusor smooth muscle bundles. Obstructed bladders were significantly less compliant than control bladders (8.3 vs 22.1 mL/cmH2O, P = 0.03). Telemetric cystometry showed that there was no statistically significance difference in mean bladder pressure between obstructed and control pigs (4.8 vs 6.7 cmH2O, P = 0.7), but that each void was longer in the pigs with BOO.

CONCLUSION

This new model of BOO provides a method of reliably and precisely defining the bladder outlet resistance; it induces the changes classically seen with BOO, including increased bladder mass, increased smooth muscle bundle size and decreased compliance.
The clinical efficacy of tolterodine extended‐release is maintained for 24 h in patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Dmochowski Roger , Kreder Karl , MacDiarmid Scott , Carlsson Martin , Guan Zhonghong
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the 24‐h efficacy of tolterodine extended‐release (ER) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of a 12‐week, placebo‐controlled trial of tolterodine‐ER in patients with frequency (≥8 voids/24 h) and UUI (≥5 episodes/week) for ≥ 6 months. Seven‐day bladder diaries were used to record diary endpoints; 24‐h diary data were stratified by 6‐h periods beginning at midnight.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo (508 patients), tolterodine‐ER (507 patients) significantly and consistently increased volume voided per void and reduced UUI episodes and micturition frequency during each interval.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that tolterodine‐ER maintained clinical efficacy over 24 h and should be effective for OAB symptoms without regard to whether symptoms occur during the day or at night.