bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Native Tree Seedling Establishment for the Restoration of a Mexican Cloud Forest
Authors: Alvarez‐Aquino Claudia , Williams‐Linera Guadalupe , Newton Adrian C.
Published: August 2004

The cloud forests of Mexico have been degraded and severely fragmented, and urgently require restoration. However, progress with restoration has been constrained by a lack of information concerning the seedling ecology of native tree species. An experiment was therefore conducted to assess the influence of different environmental factors on the seedling survival and growth of four native tree species (Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana, Carpinus caroliniana, Symplocos coccinea, and Quercus acutifolia). The seedlings were established on three sites, in two contrasting environments: inside forest fragments and on adjacent agricultural land. Highly significant differences were recorded in seedling survival and growth among sites, environments, species, and interactions between these factors. Highest survival was recorded for Quercus, which uniquely among the four species displayed the same survival percentage inside and outside the forest. Survival of the other species was higher inside the forest. In contrast, growth rates of all four species were higher outside the forest. The most important cause of mortality outside the forest was desiccation, although significant seedling predation was also observed on two sites. Results indicate that all four species can be established successfully both within forest fragments and in neighboring agricultural areas, emphasizing the scope for forest restoration. However, the interactions observed between species, sites, and environments highlight the importance of accurate species–site matching if optimum rates of growth and survival are to be obtained. Quercus spp. have great potential for establishment on agricultural sites.
Evaluating Restoration Success on Lyell Island, British Columbia Using Oblique Videogrammetry
Authors: Davis Trevor J. , Klinkenberg Brian , Keller C. Peter
Published: August 2004

In degraded ecosystems where the impact on wildlife and the destruction of natural systems is high, restoration becomes a critical component of recovery. Monitoring restoration activities plays a key role in determining end points for restoration and assessing effectiveness. Appropriate monitoring of major systems, particularly in assessing vegetation reestablishment and slope stabilization, requires a long‐term commitment to annual assessment of change and improvement over time. However, intrinsic factors built into government or public management systems, such as budgeting and staffing limitations, limit the ability for long‐term monitoring of critical restoration projects. In the research reported in this article, we devised and assessed a new remote method for assessing restoration success and tested it on restoration and monitoring requirements in Lyell Island, British Columbia. We developed a system (the oblique data fusion system [ODFS]) to extract spatial information from oblique aerial video imagery. The ODFS enables low‐cost change detection and database updates at a range of operational scales. System tests show an absolute spatial accuracy on the order of ±2.1 m. The evaluation, based on digitized historical data, ground surveys, and the ODFS‐derived data, indicates that the landslide rate (new area/year) tapered off following treatment; after 5 years it had been reduced by a factor of 3 relative to the background rate. The recovery is deemed sufficient to initiate secondary restoration tasks. The evaluation demonstrates the accuracy and utility of the ODFS for long‐term monitoring of landscape restoration efforts, particularly in remote areas. In conclusion, this new innovative method shows considerable promise for park managers.
High Acorn Predation Prevents the Regeneration of Quercus liaotungensis in the Dongling Mountain Region of North China
Authors: Sun Shucun , Gao Xianming , Chen Lingzhi
Published: August 2004

The mature oak (Quercus liaotungensis Koidz) forests in the Dongling mountains of northern China have become degraded in recent years because regeneration has been limited. To determine whether or not seedling establishment of the oak is seed limited, microsite limited, or predator limited and to determine whether seedling establishment is affected by ground cover, we conducted field experiments during a mast year and investigated the fate of seeds and the soil seed bank dynamics of the oak. A large acorn crop (128.8 acorns/m2) was observed in the study period, and the peak density of acorns on the forest floor reached 46.5 acorns/m2, suggesting that tree recruitment was not seed limited. Acorns in the soil seed bank were mainly lost through decay (principally after fungal attack), consumption in situ, and removal by animals. Predation (including consumption in situ and removal) accounted for 86.4% of acorn loss and was therefore likely to have been the most important factor influencing seed dynamics. More than 70% of acorns were found to have germinated, but no established seedling was observed on the forest floor. Using cages to exclude predators, it was estimated that 87% of acorns germinated and 49% became established as seedlings, indicating that the acorns on the forest floor could emerge and grow in the absence of predators. We conclude that the regeneration of the tree population is limited by predators rather than by the availability of microsites. The presence of ground cover increased the germination rate and increased the chance of seed survival in the early stage of the experiment, but at the end of the investigation, no established seedling was found in the quadrats both with and without ground cover, possibly because of high density of animal predators. On the basis of these results, we suggest that selective tree felling will increase the coverage of the herbaceous layer, which can further decrease the population density of the rodents, and thereby improve the regeneration of oak trees.
Benefits of Using Shrubs as Nurse Plants for Reforestation in Mediterranean Mountains: A 4‐Year Study
Authors: Castro Jorge , Zamora Regino , Hódar José A. , Gómez José M. , Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena
Published: August 2004

Shrubs are commonly considered competitors of planted seedlings in reforestation programs. However, shrubs can facilitate the establishment of understory seedlings in environments that, like Mediterranean‐type ecosystems, are characterized by harsh environmental conditions. In 1997, an experiment was set up in the Sierra Nevada mountains (southeast Spain) to test the use of shrubs as nurse plants for an alternative reforestation technique. Two‐year‐old seedlings ofPinus sylvestrisandPinus nigrawere planted in four microhabitats: (1) open interspaces without vegetation (which is the usual method employed in reforestation programs), (2) under individuals of the shrubSalvia lavandulifolia, (3) under the north side of spiny shrubs, and (4) under the south side of spiny shrubs. Seedlings were also distributed in plots with and without ungulates to test the effect of herbivore damage. We report here the results of survival and growth after four growing seasons, a time span long enough to draw robust conclusions concerning the suitability of this technique. Pine survival was remarkably higher when planted under individuals ofS. lavandulifoliaas compared with open areas (2.6 times forP. sylvestrisand 1.8 forP. nigra). The survival of both pine species was also higher when planted on the north side of spiny shrubs, while mortality on the south side was similar to that found in open areas. The reduction of solar radiation by the canopy of shrubs was likely the main factor determining shrub facilitation. The growth of the pines differed among years. However, growth was not inhibited when planted with shrubs as compared with open areas in any of the years. Herbivore damage was low but was mostly concentrated in the leader shoot, exacerbating the deleterious effect of ungulate herbivores on pine growth. We conclude that the use of shrubs as nurse plants for reforestation is a viable technique to increase establishment success of reforestation in Mediterranean‐type ecosystems and that it might be similarly useful in other water‐stressed environments. In addition, this technique offers the advantage of following natural succession, thus minimizing the impact in the community.
Restoring Stream Ecosystems: Lessons from a Midwestern State
Authors: Moerke Ashley H. , Lamberti Gary A.
Published: August 2004

Reach‐scale stream restorations are becoming a common approach to repair degraded streams, but the effectiveness of these projects is rarely evaluated or reported. We surveyed governmental, private, and nonprofit organizations in the state of Indiana to determine the frequency and nature of reach‐scale stream restorations in this midwestern U.S. state. For 10 attempted restorations in Indiana, questionnaires and on‐site assessments were used to better evaluate current designs for restoring stream ecosystems. At each restoration site, habitat and water quality were evaluated in restored and unrestored reaches. Our surveys identified commonalities across all restorations, including the type of restoration, project goals, structures installed, and level of monitoring conducted. In general, most restorations were described as stream‐relocation projects that combined riparian and in‐stream enhancements. Fewer than half of the restorations conducted pre‐ or post‐restoration monitoring, and most monitoring involved evaluations of riparian vegetation rather than aquatic variables. On‐site assessments revealed that restored reaches had significantly lower stream widths and greater depths than did upstream unrestored reaches, but riparian canopy cover often was lower in restored than in unrestored reaches. This study provides basic information on midwestern restoration strategies, which is needed to identify strengths and weaknesses in current practices and to better inform future stream restorations.
British Association of Critical Care Nurses Position statement on the use of restraint in adult critical care units
Authors: Bray Kate , Hill Karen , Robson Wayne , Leaver Gill , Walker Nikki , O'Leary Mary , Delaney Trish , Walsh Dominic , Gager Melanie , Waterhouse Catheryne
Published: August 2004

• Critical care nurses in the United Kingdom have become increasingly concerned about the use, potential abuse and risks associated with physical restraint of patients.

• Restraint in critical care is not only confined to physical restraint but can also encompass chemical and psychological methods

• There are concerns regarding the legal and ethical issues relating to the (ab)use of physical restraint techniques in critical care

• The aim of this article was to present the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) position statement on the use of restraint in adult critical care units and to provide supporting evidence to assist clinical staff in managing this process.
A study exploring factors which influence the decision to commence nurse‐led weaning
Authors: Gelsthorpe Tony , Crocker Cheryl
Published: August 2004

• Nurse‐led weaning can improve patient outcome

• Exploration of the factors that influence the commencement of weaning

• Themes of decision‐making, pathophysiological and multidisciplinary team factors emerged

• Experience was a key factor in the decision to wean

• The use of protocol‐led weaning may not be useful in the decision to wean
Learning portfolios – evidence of learning: an examination of students’ perspectives
Authors: Corcoran Janet , Nicholson Caroline
Published: August 2004

• There is a lack of evaluative literature on the use of learning portfolios in nursing

• Many students are still unclear on the benefit of using a learning portfolio, and fulfilling the criteria for the portfolios remains low priority

• Over a 5‐year period, tutors on the Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Critical Care found that there was a wide variety of practice in portfolio use.

• There is comparatively little known about how the students perceive the use of portfolios. Therefore, a small descriptive survey took place in 2001/2002 involving 22 previous students, to identify the value of portfolios from the student perspective

• Recommendations from this study are given on how to improve portfolio use
The planning, organising and delivery of a memorial service in critical care
Authors: Platt Jane
Published: August 2004

• The Intensive Care Society (1998) recommends that facilities should be available to follow up bereaved relatives

• As part of bereavement follow up, a memorial service has been held at Royal Preston Hospital for the last three years. Over 300 people attended in 2003

• A memorial service is often referred to as a ritual. Rituals seem to meet certain universal needs, such as confirming the reality of the death, assisting in the expression of feelings, stimulating memories of the deceased and providing support to the family and friends of the deceased

• An audit in 2003 has confirmed the value of the service: 97% of attendees were glad they attended the service and 72% would like to be invited to the service again next year
Standardizing the assessment of clinical competence: an overview of intensive care course design
Authors: McGaughey Jennifer
Published: August 2004

• Rationale for the development of the Certificate in Health Studies: Intensive Care and High Dependency for Adults course developed at Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland

• Structure and content of clinical module reviewed

• Clinical assessment strategy discussed

• Focus on the utilization of a standardized portfolio, individualized learning contract and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to evaluate clinical competence

• Evaluation of OSCE as an assessment tool and of the course provision
Involvement of heterophilic trans‐interaction of Necl‐5/Tage4/PVR/CD155 with nectin‐3 in formation of nectin‐ and cadherin‐based adherens junctions
Authors: Sato Tatsuhiro , Irie Kenji , Ooshio Takako , Ikeda Wataru , Takai Yoshimi
Published: August 2004

Nectins, Ca2+‐independent immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like cell–cell adhesion molecules and cadherins, Ca2+‐dependent cell–cell adhesion molecules, are associated through their respective cytoplasmic tail‐binding proteins, afadin and catenins and play roles in formation of adherens junctions (AJs) in epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Nectin‐like molecule‐5 (Necl‐5) is a Ca2+‐independent Ig‐like molecule which does not homophilically trans‐interact, but heterophilically trans‐interacts with nectin‐3, one member of the nectin family. Necl‐5 does not directly bind afadin and therefore is not associated with cadherins. Necl‐5 regulates cell motility and proliferation in cooperation with integrins and growth factor receptors, when it does not interact with nectin‐3. We studied here a role of the heterophilic trans‐interaction of Necl‐5 with nectin‐3 in cell–cell adhesion using L cells stably expressing Necl‐5, nectin‐3 and E‐cadherin (Necl‐5‐nectin‐3‐EL cells). Afadin, E‐cadherin and catenins were recruited to the nectin‐3 side, but not to the Necl‐5 side, of the contact sites formed by the heterophilic trans‐interaction between Necl‐5 and nectin‐3. The anti‐Necl‐5 monoclonal antibody, which specifically inhibited the heterophilic trans‐interaction of Necl‐5 with nectin‐3, inhibited the formation of the E‐cadherin‐based AJs in Necl‐5‐nectin‐3‐EL cells. These results indicate that Necl‐5 plays roles not only in cell motility and proliferation but also in cell–cell adhesion in cooperation with nectin‐3.
Roles of lipid rafts in integrin‐dependent adhesion and gp130 signalling pathway in mouse embryonic neural precursor cells
Authors: Yanagisawa Makoto , Nakamura Kazuo , Taga Tetsuya
Published: August 2004

Neuronal and glial cells organizing the central nervous system are generated from common neural precursor cells present in the neuroepithelium during development. We tried to clarify functions of a cell surface microdomain, lipid raft, in neuroepithelial cells (NECs). NECs are suggested to adhere to fibronectin substratum dependently on integrin molecules. We found that β1 integrin, a component of fibronectin receptors, was distributed in lipid rafts. Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MBCD), an inhibitor of lipid raft formation, inhibited the integrin‐fibronectin interaction‐dependent adhesion of NECs. However, inhibition of synthesis of glycosphingolipids (GSL), components of lipid rafts, did not affect NEC adhesion. Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an interleukin 6 type cytokine, induces astrocyte differentiation of NECs via activation of a transcription factor STAT3. We detected gp130, JAK1 and Ras but not STAT3 and ERK2 molecules in lipid rafts of NECs. Disruption of lipid rafts by MBCD inhibited LIF‐induced ERK activation but not STAT3 activation. It is thus suggested that LIF‐downstream molecules have differential lipid raft‐dependency in terms of activation upon LIF‐stimulation. In this study, we found functions of lipid rafts in cell adhesion and signal transduction in NECs. This is the first report that characterized functions of lipid rafts in embryonic neural precursor cells.
Sema4D stimulates axonal outgrowth of embryonic DRG sensory neurones
Authors: Masuda Kenta , Furuyama Tatsuo , Takahara Mizue , Fujioka Shiho , Kurinami Hitomi , Inagaki Shinobu
Published: August 2004

Several semaphorins are thought to function as potent inhibitors of axonal growth. We have found that Sema4D stimulates axonal outgrowth of embryonic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones in stead of retraction. Neutralizing antibodies to Sema4D inhibit this action. This action appears to differ slightly from that on PC12 cells, because DRG neurones respond to Sema4D without addition of nerve growth factor (NGF), while PC12 cells do not. On the other hand, it is blocked by deprivation of endogenous NGF with antibodies to NGF and also by Trk‐inhibitor K252a, suggesting that endogenously produced‐NGF and the activation of Trk receptor are required for Sema4D‐action on DRG neurones. These indicate that neurite‐outgrowth promoting actions of Sema4D are similar between DRG neurones and PC12 cells, since NGF‐Trk signalling are required for these actions. Since Schwann cells can produce NGF, the contamination of these cells in our DRG culture might explain this action. In addition to plexin‐B1 that is known as a Sema4D receptor, binding experiments indicate plexin‐B2 as another receptor candidate for Sema4D. These plexins and Sema4D are expressed in embryonic DRGs. We suggest a new function of Sema4D as a neurite‐outgrowth stimulating, autocrine/paracrine factor in embryonic sensory neurones.
Alternative splicing in the first α‐helical region of the Rab‐binding domain of Rim regulates Rab3A binding activity: is Rim a Rab3 effector protein during evolution?
Authors: Fukuda Mitsunori
Published: August 2004

Rim1 and Rim2 were originally described as specific Rab3A‐effector proteins involved in the regulation of secretory vesicle exocytosis. The putative Rab3A‐binding domain (RBD) of Rim consists of two α‐helical regions (named RBD1 and RBD2) separated by two zinc finger motifs. Although alternative splicing in the RBD1 of Rim is known to produce long and short forms of RBD (named Rim1 and Rim1Δ56‐105, and Rim2(+40A) and Rim2, respectively), with the long form of Rim1 and short form of Rim2 being dominant in mouse brain, the physiological significance of the alternative splicing in RBD1 has never been elucidated. In the present study I discovered that alternative splicing in Rim RBD1 alters Rab3A binding affinity to Rims, and found that insertion of 40 amino acids into the RBD1 of Rim2 (i.e. Rim2(+40A)) dramatically reduced its Rab3A binding activity (more than a 50‐fold decrease in affinity). Similarly, Rim1Δ56‐105 exhibited higher affinity binding to Rab3A than the long form of Rim1. Expression of the short forms of the Rim RBD in PC12 cells co‐localized well with endogenous Rab3A, whereas expression of the long forms of the Rim RBD in PC12 cells resulted in cytoplasimc and nuclear localization. Moreover, I found that Caenorhabditis elegans Rim/UNC‐10 (ce‐Rim) and Drosophila Rim (dm‐Rim) do not interact with ce‐Rab3 and dm‐Rab3, respectively, indicating that the Rab3‐effector function of Rim has not been retained during evolution. Based on these findings, I propose that the Rab3A‐effector function of Rim during secretory vesicle exocytosis is limited to the short form of the mammalian Rim RBD alone.
Effect of feeding on peripheral circadian rhythms and behaviour in mammals
Authors: Kobayashi Hisato , Oishi Katsutaka , Hanai Shuji , Ishida Norio
Published: August 2004

Although feeding time is a dominant cue for circadian rhythms in mammalian peripheral tissue, the effect of feeding and fasting on circadian gene expression and behaviour is unknown. Here we report that fasting does not affect the phase of rhythmic mRNA expression levels of the clock genes, mPer1, mPer2 and of the clock controlled gene, mDBP. However, the levels of each of these genes were significantly altered in different ways and recovered by feeding. We also found that feeding enhances phase‐shifting to a new light‐dark cycle of rhythmic mPer2 mRNA expression in the heart. Furthermore, feeding enhances the phase‐shifting to new light‐dark cycle of behaviour more than fasting. Our data indicate that feeding is an important cue for circadian behaviour rhythms as well as for the photo‐entrainment of peripheral clock gene expression.
FtsZ‐dependent localization of GroEL protein at possible division sites
Authors: Ogino Hidetaka , Wachi Masaaki , Ishii Akihiro , Iwai Noritaka , Nishida Tetsuya , Yamada Sakuo , Nagai Kazuo , Sugai Motoyuki
Published: August 2004

When Escherichia coli is treated with penicillin, the envelopes bulge at the centre of the cells and the cells then lyse. The bulges expand into vesicle‐like structures termed penicillin‐induced vesicles. We have developed a method to isolate these structures and have shown that they contain mainly membrane proteins plus a high concentration of a 60 kDa protein. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the protein is identical to that of GroEL protein. Western blotting analysis using anti‐GroEL antibody showed that GroEL is indeed concentrated in the vesicles. Indirect immuno‐fluorescence microscopy showed that GroEL protein is localized at the centre of the cells at the site of formation of FtsZ‐rings. Localization of GroEL is dependent on FtsZ but not other Fts proteins. GroEL mutants formed elongated cells having no or asymmetrically localized FtsZ‐rings at the restrictive temperature. These findings suggest a possible role of the GroEL protein in cell division.
Mutational analyses of the human Rad51‐Tyr315 residue, a site for phosphorylation in leukaemia cells
Authors: Takizawa Yoshimasa , Kinebuchi Takashi , Kagawa Wataru , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Shibata Takehiko , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: August 2004

The human Rad51 protein, which plays a central role in homologous recombination, catalyses homologous pairing. The Rad51‐Tyr315 residue is known to be constitutively phosphorylated in leukaemia cells and is thought to reside within the subunit‐subunit interface of the Rad51 filament. To study the function of the Tyr315 residue, we purified five Rad51 mutants, Y315D, Y315E, Y315R, Y315A and Y315F, in which the Tyr315 residue was replaced by Asp, Glu, Arg, Ala and Phe, respectively. Biochemical studies of these Rad51 mutants revealed that the Y315D and Y315E mutants are defective in homologous pairing due to their impaired ssDNA binding, but their dsDNA binding remained unaffected. The Y315D, Y315E and Y315R mutants are defective in dsDNA unwinding, which depends on Rad51‐filament formation, suggesting that these mutants are defective in filament formation on dsDNA. Therefore, the Rad51‐Tyr315 residue plays important roles in ssDNA binding and filament formation.
Experimental Burkholderia pseudomallei infection of pigs
Authors: Najdenski H. , Kussovski V. , Vesselinova A.
Published: August 2004

Experimental infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei was successfully produced after a single intravenous challenge of 2‐month‐old pigs with a dose of 5.0 × 109 bacterial cells. Clinical, paraclinical and morphological findings of the infectious process and post‐infectious immunity were examined up to day 30 post infection (p.i.). A transient and short hyperthermia accompanied by enhanced and longer demonstrated pulse frequency. An increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and tachypnea were observed too after clinical examination. The infection starts with significant leucopenia, and a reduced number of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages which have been overcome in the latest intervals of infection. In contrast, the phagocytic activity of leucocytes was statistically increased during the course of infection and up to day 15 p.i. in the case of alveolar macrophages. Burkholderia pseudomallei was able to colonize the lungs during the whole experiment and was only present 3 days in the spleen and mesenterial lymph nodes (MLN). Significant antibody response was developed as early as day 7 p.i. Hyperaemia, haemorrhages and necrotic foci were found in the brain, liver spleen and MLN. Lung tissue was also hyperaemic, with formation of small abscesses and signs of catarrhal pneumonia. Data obtained in this study revealed that B. pseudomallei causes a chronic generalized infection in pigs, even after intravenous challenge.
Neuropathological Findings in Brains of Bavarian Cattle Clinically Suspected of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Authors: Miyashita M. , Stierstorfer B. , Schmahl W.
Published: August 2004

The brains of 26 Bavarian bovines clinically suspected of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) were the subject of a neuropathological evaluation containing histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Six animals tested positive for BSE. In these six brains severe histological lesions that correlated with previous reports from the United Kingdom were observed. Immunohistochemistry with prion protein (PrPSc), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and synaptophysin were conducted on the mid‐brain containing the red nucleus. All BSE‐positive brains stained positively for PrPSc, and no plaques were observed. The BSE‐affected brains showed a substantially more intense staining pattern for GFAP in comparison with the control groups, some of which were diagnosed with severe neuropathological disorders. Synaptophysin staining on BSE‐positive brains was substantially reduced in the neuropil of the mid‐brain, especially in the red nucleus. Twenty animals tested negative for BSE. The most common diagnoses were listeriosis, viral infections of unknown aetiology, brain oedema and hypomagnesaemia. These disorders may represent the most important clinical differential diagnoses for BSE in Bavaria.
Impairment of the Peripheral Lymphoid Compartment in Iron‐deficient Piglets
Authors: Svoboda M. , Drabek J. , Krejci J. , Rehakova Z. , Faldyna M.
Published: August 2004

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neonatal iron deficiency on immune functions in young piglets. While control piglets were not given any iron preparation until the age of 21 days, another group of piglets was given 200 mg of Fe3+‐dextran i.m. on day 3. Red blood cell parameters in the former, iron‐deficient group were characteristic of hypochromic anaemia. In addition, the total leucocyte count (P < 0.01), relative and absolute neutrophil count (P < 0.01) and absolute lymphocyte count (P < 0.05) in peripheral blood were found significantly lower in iron‐deficient piglets than in their iron‐supplemented counterparts. Lymphocyte activity as measured by in vitro lymphocyte transformation test was impaired in iron‐deficient piglets. A statistically significant decrease in circulating B‐lymphocyte numbers was found in non‐supplemented animals. Iron deficiency apparently negatively influenced the immunocompetence in piglets.
Taking Advantage of the Positive Side‐Effects of Smallpox Vaccination
Authors: Mayr A.
Published: August 2004

From the introduction of smallpox vaccination approximately 200 years ago right up to its discontinuation (1980), reports by physicians and scientists about positive side‐effects such as healing of chronic skin rashes, reduced susceptibility to various infectious diseases, e.g. measles, scarlet fever and whooping cough, and even the prophylactic use of the vaccination, e.g. against syphilis, were published again and again. Comparison with the period after cessation of vaccination confirms the experiences of the above vaccinators. As early as 1956, targeted research on these observations led to evidence of the ‘ring‐zone phenomenon’, i.e. the production of soluble antiviral substances in infected chicken embryos and cell cultures. With the help of modern immunological and bioengineering methods, it was later possible to demonstrate that these effects are based on the activation of lymphoreticular cells and the regulatory effect of certain cytokines within the context of the non‐specific immune system. These findings led to the development of paramunization with paraspecific vaccines from highly attenuated animal pox viruses. During attenuation, deletions in the virus DNA occur. Attenuated animal pox strains are therefore suited for the production of vector vaccines. The fact that these vector vaccines demonstrate an especially high level of paraspecific efficacy and lack harmful effects is likewise the result of the attenuated animal pox viruses. Optimum regulation of the entire immune system leads to increased paramunity already in the first few days after vaccination and to enhanced antigen recognition and thus accelerated commencement of specific immunity.
Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations for 25 Selected Antimicrobial Agents against Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium Strains Isolated from Footrot in Sheep of Portugal and Spain
Authors: Jiménez R. , Píriz S. , Mateos E. , Vadillo S.
Published: August 2004

The agar dilution method was used to determine the inhibitory activity of 25 antimicrobial agents against 69 strains of Dichelobacter nodosus and 108 strains of the genus Fusobacterium, all of which were isolated from 90 clinical cases of ovine footrot between October 1998 and November 2000. In the case of the micro‐organisms belonging to the genus Fusobacterium, the six β‐lactams studied (benzyl penicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, cefadroxil, cefuroxime and cephalexine) proved to be, in general, the most effective antimicrobial agents. Chloramphenicol, clindamycin and doxycycline were also quite active against Fusobacterium spp. With regard to the 69 strains of D. nodosus tested, the levels of resistance remain low.
Docetaxel and zoledronic acid in patients with metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Vordos Dimitri , Paule Bernard , Vacherot Francis , Allory Yves , Salomon Laurent , Hoznek Andras , Yiou René , Chopin Dominique , Abbou Claude Clément , De La Taille Alexandre
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined docetaxel‐zoledronic acid treatment in patients with metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC), as bisphosphonates are reported have a synergistic antitumoral effect when combined with taxanes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and June 2003, 14 patients with HRPC were treated; their mean (range) age was 71 (57–86) years and mean prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level 202  (6–489) ng/mL. Five patients had had previous chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide in two, mitoxantrone‐prednisolone in three). The response criteria were the Karnofsky performance status, a positive response in mean daily analgesic consumption (defined as a decrease by more than half), decreased serum PSA (by more than half) at 8 weeks, blood transfusion, bone scan at 6 months, skeletal‐related events and survival.

RESULTS

Patients received a mean (range) of 7.3 (6–10) cycles of therapy; there was no reported drug‐related toxicity and all patients stayed at home for their treatment. Only three patients required a blood transfusion and no bone fractures were reported. At 2 months, six patients requiring analgesic drugs decreased their consumption by more than half (anti‐inflammatory, paracetamol, narcotics) and eight had a reduction in PSA by more than half; of these eight with a PSA response at 2 months, six had biochemical progression with a mean delay of 6.2 (3–11) months. At 6 months, five patients had disease progression on bone scan. Nine patients had chemo‐naïve hormone‐refractory prostate cancer; three had biochemical progression at 2 months and two of these had progression on their bone scan. Two patients died at 7 and 15 months of follow‐up; the mean follow‐up was 10.2 (6–15) months. Using Kaplan‐Meier plots, biochemical progression‐free survivals were five of 14 at 6 months and two of 14 at 12 months; overall survival was 12 of 14 at 6 and 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Docetaxel‐zoledronic acid therapy is safe and decreased the serum PSA by more than half at 2 months in more than half the patients. Prospective randomized trials are needed to assess this new approach.
Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of papillary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential and grade associated with extensive invasive low‐grade urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Mai Kien T. , Elmontaser Ghazi , Perkins D. Garth , Yazdi Hossein M. , Stinson William A. , Thijssen Anthony
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To report five cases of papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (UNLMP) and papillary urothelial carcinoma of low grade (UCLG) associated with extensive muscle invasion, and to investigate the clinical and histopathological presentation and their immunohistochemical properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive cystectomy and correlating transurethral resection (TUR) of urinary bladder tumour specimens were reviewed to identify cases of UCLG having extensive invasion into the urinary bladder wall. All specimens were stained immunohistochemically, as were those from 10 control cases having reactive urothelium or superficial UNLMP. The clinical charts were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of a total of 95 cystectomy cases there were four of UNLMP or UCLG with extensive invasion. An additional case was added from our consultation file. All five cases had biopsies misdiagnosed as benign lesions or prostatic adenocarcinoma. The superficial invasive components consisted of UCLG conforming to the previously described entities of nested transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), microcystic or deceptively benign‐appearing TCC. Immunostaining for cytokeratin 20, MIB‐1 and p53 was similar to reactive epithelia, whereas E‐cadherin immunoreactivity was slightly different, with focal negativity compared with extensive immunoreactivity in invasive vs noninvasive UCLG. Four patients developed distant metastases; three died within a follow‐up of 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

UNLMP and UCLG that widely and deeply invade the bladder accounted for 4% of urothelial carcinoma (UC) in cystectomy specimens and commonly pose diagnostic problems in superficial TUR specimens. From this study with few cases the diagnosis of this entity in superficial biopsies is aided by an awareness of it and by identifying ‘benign appearing’ nests of urothelial cells which are deeply seated in the stroma. Immunostaining is unlikely to be very useful.
Health‐related quality of life after prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Miller Nicole L. , Theodorescu Dan
Published: August 2004

Brachytherapy for prostate cancer has become a widely used treatment. Increasingly, urologists are becoming conscious of quality‐of‐life issues relating to treatment. This mini‐review by authors from the University of Virginia looks at this important issue, reminding readers that patients are often willing to choose a treatment which will less certainly ensure a longer life‐expectancy, but which will more certainly guarantee a better quality of life.

Other mini‐reviews in this section describe the technique and complications of transurethral surgery for bladder tumours, the mechanisms of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction after renal transplantation, and laparoscopic radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.
Consensus on genitourinary trauma: external genitalia
Authors: Morey Allen F. , Metro Michael J. , Carney Kenneth J. , Miller Kennon S. , McAninch Jack W.
Published: August 2004

The SIU Consensus Group on Genitourinary Trauma continue their report with the statement on trauma to the external genitalia. This will be the last such report, completing the series. These have been extremely important, and an excellent reference point for people interested in this subject.
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in the elderly
Authors: Varkarakis Ioannis , Neururer Richard , Harabayashi Toru , Bartsch Georg , Peschel Reichard
Published: August 2004

Authors from Innsbruck present their work in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in elderly patients. They evaluated the outcome of this technique in patients over 75 years old and compared the results with a similar number of patients aged less than 75 years who had the same procedure. Despite more comorbid conditions in the older group the final outcome was equally as good as in the younger patients.

Hormone‐refractory prostate cancer is becoming a matter of great concern, and authors from Paris describe their experience with a combination of docetaxel and zoledronic acid in this condition. In this early report, they found the use of these agents to be promising, and recommend the setting up of a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in patients aged >75 years, and to compare the results with those obtained from patients younger than this undergoing laparoscopic surgery for the same indication.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From a retrospective review of 33 patients aged >75 years undergoing LRN, 28 were for tumour. A group of 28 consecutive patients aged <75 years undergoing laparoscopy for the same indication were used for comparison. The two groups were compared for American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status score, comorbidity, previous surgical history, operative duration, estimated blood loss, tumour size, complications during and after surgery, conversion rates, time to oral intake and drain removal, perioperative mortality and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Only the initial ASA score was significantly higher for the older patients. All other variables before, during and after surgery were similar for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The final outcome of laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients was as promising as in their younger counterparts. Therefore, elderly patients should not be excluded from LRN, even though they usually present with more comorbidities.
Socio‐economic deprivation and survival in bladder cancer
Authors: Begum Gulnaz , Dunn Janet A. , Bryan Richard T. , Bathers Sarah , Wallace D. Michael A. ,   the West Midlands Urological Research Group
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between deprivation, delay and survival from bladder cancer in the West Midlands, as socio‐economic deprivation is associated with worse survival in many malignancies, and it has been suggested that treatment differences and delay in seeking care are major contributing causes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were prospectively collected on 1537 newly diagnosed cases of urothelial cancer presenting in the West Midlands between January 1991 and June 1992. Survival was censored at 31 July 2000, when 785 (51%) patients had died. The influence of deprivation on survival was explored using cause‐specific and all‐cause mortality.

RESULTS

Patients in less affluent groups had significantly worse survival than patients in more affluent groups when considering deaths from all causes (P = 0.02), which held true when adjusting for independent prognostic factors (age, smoking history, and tumour grade, stage, type and size). Bladder cancer‐specific mortality showed no significant difference between socio‐economic groups (P = 0.30).

CONCLUSION

Socio‐economic deprivation is a significant predictor of survival when death from all causes is considered. However, this does not hold true for bladder cancer‐specific death. The perceived differences in treatment and delay between socio‐economic groups do not seem to occur for bladder cancer in the West Midlands.
How long is urinary cytology abnormal after flexible cystoscopy?
Authors: McVey Rhona J. , Persad Ranjiv V. , Brown Stephen C.W. , Robinson Elaine , Payne Stephen R.
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To examine the urinary cytological changes caused by flexible cystoscopy and provide clinical guidelines for a reliable time interval for urinary cytological examination after flexible cystoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty‐eight patients attending for flexible cystoscopy were recruited into the study. Each patient was asked to provide eight urine samples before, immediately after and at 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days after cystoscopy. Cytospin preparations of the urine samples were made and slides stained using the Papanicolaou stain. Cytology was analysed while unaware of sample origin, by three different cytopathologists.

RESULTS

The cytological changes were characterized by a striking increase in cellularity immediately after flexible cystoscopy, mostly accounted for by urothelial cells. Consistent morphological changes included the formation of ‘columnar’ cells, papillary clusters, increased nucleo‐cytoplasmic ratio and nuclear atypia. These changes were transient, with most disappearing within a day of flexible cystoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

There are cytological changes, on voided urine cytology, after flexible cystoscopy but they were transient, and urine sent more than a day after flexible cystoscopy should be free from artefactual change caused by instrumentation. These results suggest that clinicians sending urine for cytological analysis should provide information about the nature and timing of any endoscopy so as to avoid false‐positive interpretations of urine cytology by the cytopathologist.
Liver metastases in germ cell cancer: defining a role for surgery after chemotherapy
Authors: Copson Ellen , McKendrick Joe , Hennessey Niklas , Tung Ken , Mead Graham Z.
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To review the clinical course and outcome of patients with germ cell cancer and liver metastases treated at one centre, as the presence of hepatic metastases, although rare, is a poor prognostic feature in germ cell cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The case records of all patients with germ cell cancer and liver metastases at presentation, and treated with chemotherapy at a medical oncology unit between 1984 and 2001, were reviewed. The treatment regimens, tumour responses and patient outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty‐seven patients with germ cell cancer metastatic to the liver were identified. Complete biochemical and radiological responses were achieved in eight patients after initial chemotherapy and surgery for non‐hepatic residual disease. Seven patients had only residual radiological hepatic abnormalities with normal tumour markers at the completion of initial treatment. There were no immediate hepatic resections and no further therapy was given. Serial computed tomography (CT) confirmed a progressive reduction in the size of hepatic lesions in six of seven patients. The persistence of residual hepatic abnormalities was not predictive of relapse, and overall survival of these patients (median survival 49 months, range 15–120) compared well with recent reports of such patients who have undergone hepatic resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management with regular assessment by CT is an acceptable alternative to immediate hepatic resection for patients with isolated residual radiological hepatic abnormalities on completing first‐line therapy for metastatic germ cell cancer, and does not adversely affect their survival.
An epidemiological study of patients with chronic prostatitis
Authors: Liang Chao‐Zhao , Zhang Xue‐Jun , Hao Zong‐Yao , Yang Sen , Wang De‐Bing , Shi Hao‐Qiang , Liu Chen
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To assess possible causes, clinical symptoms and improvements in treatment for chronic prostatitis in China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 3000 patients with chronic prostatitis (aged 20–59 years), selected from urological clinics at province, city and county levels in Anhui (a province in mid‐eastern China). Anonymous questionnaires were distributed which included 29 items to ascertain patient age, height, weight, educational background, personality, career, disease course, treatment status, prostatic fluid test and score of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI).

RESULTS

In all, 2498 valid questionnaires were collected (response rate 83.3%); 78.2% of the patients were aged <40 years and there were fewer patients in groups of increasing age. Discomfort and pain in the pelvis was reported by 52.3%, pain on urination by 23.0%, sexual discomfort by 21.8%, urinary frequency by 65.8%, and voiding discomfort by 74.4%; 34.9% of men were satisfied with their previous treatment.

CONCLUSION

In China there are fewer patients with chronic prostatitis as age increases. The main symptoms were voiding dysfunction, e.g. frequent urination. The prevalence of pain, e.g. on urination, was significantly less than documented in other parts of the world. Most patients had used antibiotics to treat their prostatitis; generally the effect of treating prostatitis was unsatisfactory.
The British Association of Urological Surgeons Section of Endourology audit of laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Keoghane Stephen R. , Keeley Francis X. , Timoney Anthony G. , Tolley David A. , Joyce Adrian , Downey Paul ,   the members of the BAUS Section of Endourology
Published: August 2004

The Section of Endourology of the BAUS present an audit of their experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy covering a 1‐year period. In this detailed analysis of results from 25 centres in the UK they found that results were similar to those reported in other parts of the world. They also showed that there was no difference in results between larger and smaller centres performing fewer than five cases per year, but suggest that this is a result of careful case selection and the use of mentors.

OBJECTIVE

To report the first UK national audit of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, radical and simple nephrectomy.

METHODS

All members of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) undertaking laparoscopic nephrectomy were invited to submit prospectively collected data from their centres to a nationally established database, using a standard proforma. The period covered by the audit was 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002. The indications for surgery, peri‐ and postoperative data, and some demographic details were collected.

RESULTS

Data were received from 25 centres; 13 had undertaken five or fewer cases per year; 263 procedures were reported, including 20 of hand‐assisted nephrectomy. Most cases were for nonfunctioning kidneys, or renal cell carcinoma, with transitional cell cancer and stones forming a smaller proportion. The mean (range) operative duration was 173 (89–335) min. The median postoperative stay was 4 days, with a wide range reflecting clinical and other reasons for delayed discharge. Two deaths were reported, giving a mortality of 0.7%. The mean conversion rate was 5.7% and the mean complication rate 16.8%; these rates were no higher in centres undertaking fewer than five cases per year than in the centres with a greater volume.

CONCLUSION

Encouragingly, this first UK audit of laparoscopic nephrectomy shows similar results to those published worldwide. The lack of any difference in outcome between smaller and larger centres may be explained by case selection and the use of mentors, as recommended by the BAUS Section of Endourology.