bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cystoscopy in women with recurrent urinary tract infection
Authors: LAWRENTSCHUK NATHAN , OOI JASON , PANG ANNA , NAIDU KRISHANT S , BOLTON DAMIEN M
Published: May 2006

Objective:  To investigate if women with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) warrant cystoscopy to exclude an abnormality of the lower urinary tract. This is particularly relevant given that non‐invasive imaging has often been performed to exclude abnormality. Our further aims were to correlate imaging and risk factors with cystoscopic findings to determine their predictive value in finding pathology.

Patients and methods:  A database of women undergoing cystoscopy with recurrent UTI has been maintained at our institution for 10 years. We retrospectively examined this and patient records for patient demographics, and investigative and operative data.

Results:  A total of 118 patients (mean 55 years) having recurrent UTI (mean 4.7 infections/year) were available. There were nine patients (8%) with significant abnormalities at cystoscopy: urethral stricture (six), bladder calculus (one), bladder diverticulum (one) and colovesical fistula (one). The negative predictive value (NPV) of imaging was 99% and significant (P < 0.01). Women with no risk factors for UTI had a NPV of 93% for normal cystoscopy (P > 0.05). The positive predictive value was low for imaging and risk factors in predicting cystoscopy findings.

Conclusions:  In our study, 8% of women had significant abnormalities detected during cystoscopy with most over 50 years. Women without risk factors for recurrent UTI and with normal imaging could have a cystoscopy omitted. Younger women are less likely to have pathology and this must be factored into decisions to perform cystoscopy.
Late metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the submaxillary gland 10 years after radical nephrectomy
Authors: MOUDOUNI SAID M , TLIGUI MOHAMED , DOUBLET JEAN D , HAAB FRANCOIS , GATTEGNO BERNARD , THIBAULT PHLIPPE
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the submaxillary gland after tumor nephrectomy has not been previously recorded in the literature. Most reported cases have involved the parotid gland. We report in this article the first case of solitary submaxillary gland metastasis from clear cell renal cell carcinoma in an 83‐year‐old man who presented 10 years after primary treatment. The submaxillary gland was excised with preservation of the facial nerve.
Ureteral cancer associated with dermatomyositis
Authors: CHOI YANG SU , RYU KWANG HO , KWON GHEE YOUNG , JEON SEONG SOO , CHOI HAN YONG , LEE HYUN MOO
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory myopathy that has characteristic cutaneous lesions. Although many malignancies are associated with dermatomyositis, urogenital malignancies have rarely been reported to be associated with dermatomyositis. We report here on the first case of ureteral cancer associated with dermatomyositis. A 42‐year‐old man presented to us with a skin rash. A clinical diagnosis of dermatomyositis was made due to the skin lesions, muscle weakness, arthralgia, the increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the increased creatine kinase level. The patient revealed microscopic hematuria and abnormal urine cytology during the investigation for the underlying malignancy. Retrograde pyelography demonstrated a suspicious lesion in the right mid‐ureter, and the ureteroscopic biopsy revealed the urothelial carcinoma. Although an operation was recommended, the patient died of pneumonia associated with his interstitial lung disease, which is one of the poor prognostic indicators of dermatomyositis.
Post‐transplant lymphocele: An unusual cause of acute urinary retention mimicking urethral injury
Authors: HWANG EU CHANG , KANG TAEK WON , KOH YANG SEOK , KIM JUNG CHUL , MA SEONG‐KWON , KWON DONG DEUK , PARK KWANGSUNG , RYU SOO BANG
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Retroperitoneal pelvic lymphoceles are one of the most common complications following renal transplantation, and usually present with a palpable mass, ipsilateral leg edema, hydronephrosis caused by ureteral obstruction, decreased renal function and cutaneous lymphatic fistula. However, lymphocele rarely causes acute urinary retention. In this study, we describe a case of a patient who developed acute urinary retention after renal transplantation mimicking urethral injury. When a transplanted patient demonstrates the inability to void, one should consider bladder outlet obstruction resulting from lymphocele as a possible cause.
Successful management of vesicouterine fistula by luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analog
Authors: YOKOYAMA MINATO , ARISAWA CHIZURU , ANDO MASAO
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Vesicouterine fistula is a rare complication of cesarean section. Although surgical repair was mandatory for the management of the fistula previously, a recent review showed high efficacy of hormonal manipulation by the induction of amenorrhea. Herein, we report a new case of vesicouterine fistula secondary to cesarean section successfully treated by luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analog for 6 months. Conservative hormonal treatment for vesicouterine fistula caused by cesarean section should be considered before surgical repair.
Breast metastasis from prostate cancer and interpretation of immunoreactivity to prostate‐specific antigen
Authors: CHENG CHI‐WAI , CHAN LUNG‐WAI , NG CHI‐FAI , CHAN CHI‐KWOK , TSE MAN‐KIT GARY , LAI MAC‐MOUNE FERNAND
Published: May 2006

Abstract  A case of prostate cancer metastasized to the breast is presented, the latter being prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) positive. This is the first of such cases reported in Hong Kong and China in the English literature. As PSA expression also can be found in primary breast cancer, prostatic acid phosphatase staining was employed to confirm the diagnosis. The relationship of PSA and non‐prostatic tissues is reviewed. The differential diagnosis of breast enlargement in patients known to have prostate malignancy also is discussed.
Testicular epidermoid cyst in Klinefelter's syndrome
Authors: YOSHIDA TAKAHIRO , TAKAO TETSUYA , TSUJIMURA AKIRA , TOMITA HIROHIKO , AOZASA KATSUYUKI , OKUYAMA AKIHIKO
Published: May 2006

Abstract  A 38‐year‐old Japanese man was referred to our outpatient clinic for treatment of infertility. Semen analysis showed azoospermia. Chromosome analysis revealed a 47XXY karyotype, and non‐mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome (KFS) was diagnosed. Upon physical examination, the patient's right testicular volume was 30 mL and the left testicular volume was 3 mL. Laboratory tests showed normal levels of lactate dehydrogenase, α‐fetoprotein, and human chorionic gonadotropin β‐subunit. The plasma luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were increased to 15.7 mIU/mL and 45.9 mIU/mL, respectively. The plasma testosterone was decreased to 0.25 ng/mL. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a right testicular mass of low‐signal intensity on the T1‐weighted image and of high‐signal intensity on the T2‐weighted image. Therefore, the final diagnosis was KFS with a right testicular tumor. Thus, a right high orchiectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed an epidermoid cyst of the right testis. Epidermoid cysts in cases of KFS are rare. To our knowledge, only seven cases, including ours, have been reported in the literature.
Tricorporal priapism postradical cystoprostatectomy: First sign of recurrent urogenital malignancy
Authors: AL‐MUFARREJ FAISAL , KAMEL MOHAMED H , MOHAN PONNUSAMY , HICKEY DAVID
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Priapism usually involves the whole length of a corpus or two corpora. Rarely is priapism segmental, especially proximally, and seldomly does it involve all three corpora. The causes of priapism are varied, but priapism due to solid malignancy is an extremely uncommon entity. The usual malignancy is urogenital. The disorder is frequently a manifestation of extensive pelvic extension of the primary disease; less commonly, it is associated with pelvic recurrence after seemingly curative surgery. In cases of malignant recurrence, priapism is rarely the first sign of such recurrence. We report a case of proximal tricorporal priapism, secondary to penile metastasis of a bladder malignancy postradical cystoprostatectomy. In this case, priapism was the first sign of disease recurrence and occurred in the absence of pelvic recurrence. This is the first such report of which we are aware.
Mucoid pseudocyst of the obturator nerve
Authors: UCHIDA ATSUSHI , HORIGUCHI AKIO , IDE HIROKI , HATAKEYAMA NAOKI , YOSHIMURA ICHIRO , OGAWA YOSHIHIDE
Published: May 2006

Abstract  A 71‐year‐old man visited the outpatients’ clinic of National Saitama Hospital, Japan, complaining of pain in the right leg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic mass adjacent to the right side of the urinary bladder. He underwent the removal of the cystic mass and the pathological diagnosis was a mucoid pseudocyst of the obturator nerve. After tumor resection, the pain was diminished and he has been free of disease for 3 years.
The influence of biotic interactions on soil biodiversity
Authors: Wardle David A.
Published: May 2006

Belowground communities usually support a much greater diversity of organisms than do corresponding aboveground ones, and while the factors that regulate their diversity are far less well understood, a growing number of recent studies have presented data relevant to understanding how these factors operate. This review considers how biotic factors influence community diversity within major groups of soil organisms across a broad spectrum of spatial scales, and addresses the mechanisms involved. At the most local scale, soil biodiversity may potentially be affected by interactions within trophic levels or by direct trophic interactions. Within the soil, larger bodied invertebrates can also influence diversity of smaller sized organisms by promoting dispersal and through modification of the soil habitat. At larger scales, individual plant species effects, vegetation composition, plant species diversity, mixing of plant litter types, and aboveground trophic interactions, all impact on soil biodiversity. Further, at the landscape scale, soil diversity also responds to vegetation change and succession. This review also considers how a conceptual understanding of the biotic drivers of soil biodiversity may assist our knowledge of key topics in community and ecosystem ecology, such as aboveground–belowground interactions, and the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. It is concluded that an improved understanding of what drives the diversity of life in the soil, incorporated within appropriate conceptual frameworks, should significantly aid our understanding of the structure and functioning of terrestrial communities.
Interactions between resource availability and enemy release in plant invasion
Authors: Blumenthal Dana M.
Published: May 2006

Understanding why some exotic species become invasive is essential to controlling their populations. This review discusses the possibility that two mechanisms of invasion, release from natural enemies and increased resource availability, may interact. When plants invade new continents, they leave many herbivores and pathogens behind. Species most regulated by enemies in their native range have the most potential for enemy release, and enemy regulation may be strongest for high‐resource species. High resource availability is associated with low defence investment, high nutritional value, high enemy damage and consequently strong enemy regulation. Therefore, invasive plant species adapted to high resource availability may also gain most from enemy release. Strong release of high‐resource species would predict that: (i) both enemy release and resources may underlie plant invasion, leading to potential interactions among control measures; (ii) increases in resource availability due to disturbance or eutrophication may increase the advantage of exotic over native species; (iii) exotic species will tend to have high‐resource traits relative to coexisting native species; and (iv) although high‐resource plants may experience strong enemy release in ecological time, well‐defended low‐resource plants may have stronger evolutionary responses to the absence of enemies.
The benefits of oestrogens on postprandial lipid metabolism are lost in post‐menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Masding M. G. , Stears A. J. , Burdge G. C. , Wootton S. A. , Sandeman D. D.
Published: May 2006

Aims  Women with Type 2 diabetes appear to lose the protection against cardiovascular disease (CVD) afforded by oestrogens. We examined the effects of oestrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on postprandial clearance of dietary fat in non‐diabetic and diabetic post‐menopausal women.

Methods  In a cross‐sectional study, fasting subjects [HRT+ and HRT– control and diabetic women; Type 2 diabetes (DM) HRT+n = 8, DM HRT–n = 14, control HRT+n = 7, control HRT–n = 11] consumed a meal containing the stable isotope 1,1,1–[13]C‐tripalmitin, with blood and breath sampled for 6 and 24 h, respectively, in the postprandial period.

Results  In diabetic women, there were no differences between the HRT+ and HRT– groups for any of these parameters. In contrast, in HRT+ compared with HRT– control women, the triglyceride (TG) area under the curve was lower [AUC; HRT+ median (range) 7.7 (4.1, 12.8) mmol/l per 6 h, HRT– 9.7 (3.9, 18.5) mmol/l per 6 h, P < 0.05] and [13]C‐palmitic acid in the TG fraction was also lower [HRT+ 23.2 (10.3, 41.3) ng/ml per 6 h, HRT– 47.7 (12.6, 77.2) ng/ml per 6 h, P < 0.05], suggesting the lower postprandial triglyceridaemia associated with HRT in non‐diabetic women is because of better chylomicron clearance.

Conclusions  The oestrogen‐associated advantage in clearance of dietary lipid we observed in non‐diabetic post‐menopausal women is not seen in post‐menopausal diabetic women. This is likely to promote an atherogenic lipoprotein profile and may contribute to the loss of CVD protection seen in diabetic women.
Social consumption of alcohol in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased glucose lability, but not hypoglycaemia
Authors: Ismail D. , Gebert R. , Vuillermin P. J. , Fraser L. , McDonnell C. M. , Donath S. M. , Cameron F. J.
Published: May 2006

Aims  To determine the effects of social consumption of alcohol by diabetic adolescents on glycaemic control.

Methods  Fourteen (five male) patients aged > 16 years were recruited from the diabetes clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital. The continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) was attached at a weekend when alcohol consumption was planned for one night only. For each patient, the 12‐h period from 18.00 h to 06.00 h for the night with alcohol consumption (study period) was compared with the same period with non‐alcohol consumption (control period) either 24 h before or after the alcohol study night. Thus, each subject was his/her own control. Glycaemic outcomes calculated from continuous glucose monitoring included mean blood glucose (MBG), percentage of time spent at low glucose levels (CGMS < 4.0 mmol/l), normal glucose levels (CGMS 4.0–10.0 mmol/l) and high glucose levels (> 10.0 mmol/l) and continuous overall net glycaemic action (CONGA).

Results  The mean number of standard alcohol drinks consumed during the study period was 9.0 for males and 6.3 for females. There was no difference in percentage of time at high and normal glucose levels in the study and control periods. During the control period, there was a higher percentage of time with low glucose levels compared with the study period (P < 0.05). There was an increased level of glycaemic variation during the study time when compared with the control period.

Conclusions  In an uncontrolled, social context, moderately heavy alcohol consumption by adolescents with Type 1 diabetes appears to be associated with increased glycaemic variation, but not with low glucose levels.
Alcohol consumption is inversely associated with adherence to diabetes self‐care behaviours
Authors: Ahmed A. T. , Karter A. J. , Liu J.
Published: May 2006

Aims  Our aim was to examine the associations of alcohol consumption with six diabetes self‐care behaviours.

Methods  We determined levels of alcohol consumption and examined associations between alcohol consumption and six self‐care behaviours in 65 996 adults with diabetes who received care through Kaiser Permanente Northern California and who responded to a 1994–1997 survey. Adherence with recommendations for self monitoring of blood glucose, HbA1c testing, and diabetes medications were determined from electronic records; smoking and use of diet and exercise to treat diabetes were self reported. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between alcohol consumption (average number of drinks/day in the past year) and the probability of adherence to each self‐care behaviour.

Results  Current alcohol consumption was reported by 50.8% of adults with diabetes. In adjusted models, we observed a gradient of increasing risk for poor adherence to diabetes self‐care behaviours with increasing alcohol consumption, starting with those who consume even one drink a day. Former drinkers had the greatest compliance with each self‐care behaviour, except for current smoking.

Conclusions  Alcohol consumption is a marker for poorer adherence to diabetes self‐care behaviours. These findings highlight the importance of routine assessment of alcohol intake in people with diabetes, particularly as half of adults with diabetes consume alcohol. Given extant evidence that moderate alcohol intake may have cardiovascular benefits for patients with diabetes, examination of the trade‐offs between cardiovascular benefits vs. potential risk of lower adherence with self‐care behaviours deserves study.
Eating behaviour and adherence to diet in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Van De Laar F. A. , Van De Lisdonk E. H. , Lucassen P. L. B. J. , Stafleu A. , Mulder J. , Van Den Hoogen H. J. M. , Rutten G. E. H. M. , Van Weel C.
Published: May 2006

Aims  To assess restrained, emotional and external eating behaviour in patients newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes compared with the general population, and to assess the relationship of eating behaviour to changes in fat and energy.

Methods  We assessed emotional, external, and restrained eating behaviour and measured fat and energy intake in a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Data from a comparable sample of the general population served as reference figures. We calculated correlation coefficients of the three different types of eating behaviour at diagnosis between: (i) energy and fat intake at diagnosis and (ii) changes in energy and fat intake between diagnosis and both 8 weeks and 4 years later. In addition, we used a stepwise multiple regression model with energy and fat intake or changes in energy and fat intake as dependent variables.

Results  The distribution of the three types of eating behaviour was similar in patients with Type 2 diabetes and the general population. Emotional and external eating was associated with increased intake of energy and fat. Conversely, restrained eating showed an inverse correlation with energy and fat intake. External eating, but not emotional eating, showed a statistically significant relation with a decrease in energy intake in women. We found no statistically significant correlations between eating behaviour (measured at diagnosis) and changes in energy and fat intake between diagnosis and 4 years.

Conclusions  Patients newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have similar eating behaviour compared with the general population. At diagnosis, external eating behaviour and emotional eating behaviour are associated with high‐energy intake and restrained eating behaviour with low‐energy intake. Women with high scores for emotional eating behaviour seem to be less able to make initial dietary changes after being diagnosed and having received dietary advice.
The visfatin gene is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in a Chinese population
Authors: Jian W.‐X. , Luo T.‐H. , Gu Y.‐Y. , Zhang H.‐L. , Zheng S. , Dai M. , Han J.‐F. , Zhao Y. , Li G. , Luo M.
Published: May 2006

Aims  Visfatin is a newly discovered adipokine found in abundance in visceral fat. It lowers plasma glucose in humans and mice. In this study, we explored the relationships between the plasma level of visfatin and genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in Chinese subjects.

Methods  Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and biochemical assays for plasma insulin, lipid profiles and serum visfatin were performed in 241 newly diagnosed T2DM patients, subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR), and normal glucose tolerant subjects more than 40 years of age. Genotyping for three SNP loci: −1535C/T, rs2058539 and rs10953502 were performed using the allele‐specific real‐time PCR method.

Results  Visfatin levels were similar in T2DM patients, IGR and normal glucose tolerant subjects. However, visfatin levels were significantly lower in obese than normal‐weight subjects (13.66 ± 0.87 vs. 15.46 ± 0.47 ng/ml, P = 0.03). There was suggestively significant correlation between visfatin level and body mass index (r = –0.17 P = 0.07) and waist–hip ratio (r = 0.16 P = 0.08) in male subjects, but not in female subjects. Allele and common haplotype frequencies of the three SNP loci were similar in T2DM patients, IGR and normal glucose tolerant subjects. However, significant associations were found between these three SNP loci and plasma glucose concentration at 0 and 120 min during OGTT, the area under the response curve for plasma glucose, and triglyceride and total cholesterol levels.

Conclusions  Serum visfatin levels may be related to visceral obesity in men, and the visfatin gene may account for variation of glucose and lipid parameters in Chinese subjects.
A six‐country European survey on consumer attitudes to the metabolic syndrome, genetics in nutrition and potential agro‐food technologies: questionnaire design methodology
Authors: De Almeida M. D. V. , Pinhão S. , Stewart‐Knox B. , Parr H. J. , Gibney M. J.
Published: May 2006

Summary  The prevalence of overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes is increasing all over Europe. In order to address this major public health problem and to reverse the situation, effective measures are urgently needed. LIPGENE (http://www.lipgene.tcd.ie;
http://www.nutrition.org.uk), an EU Sixth Framework Integrated Project (2004–2009), entitled ‘Diet, genomics and the metabolic syndrome: an integrated nutrition, agro‐food, social and economic analysis’, focuses on those strategies. This paper presents the methodology used to develop a questionnaire to provide data on the general population's attitudes towards genetics in nutrition, the metabolic syndrome and potential agro‐food technologies in a geographically representative sample of six European countries within LIPGENE. In total, 5967 subjects aged 15 years and above in six European countries (France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland and Portugal) completed the survey. Their demographic characteristics are also presented.
To Conform or To Perform? Mimetic Behaviour, Legitimacy‐Based Groups and Performance Consequences*
Authors: Barreto Ilídio , Baden‐Fuller Charles
Published: May 2006

abstract  The study of interorganizational imitation has been an important strand in the recent literature on institutional theory. This paper offers new insights for our understanding of mimetic isomorphism and its reliance on legitimacy: we suggest that legitimacy‐based reference groups guide firms in their mimetic behaviour, that firms undertake imitation even against their own ex ante information, and that legitimacy‐based imitation contributes negatively to firms' profitability. We examine Portuguese bank branching decisions between 1988 and 1996 and find that banks imitate their legitimacy‐based groups, and not only towards ex ante (firm‐specific) attractive locations, but also towards unattractive locations; we also find that mimetic branching produces a negative effect on profitability. We conclude that these results show the importance of legitimacy pressures on organization decisions and the tension between the pressure to conform and the pressure to perform.
Multinational Retailers in China: Proliferating ‘McJobs’ or Developing Skills?*
Authors: Gamble Jos
Published: May 2006

abstract Much has been written on the nature of skills and the extent to which there is increased skills development or a deskilling of workers in modern workplaces. This paper broadens the debate and explores these issues in the novel context of UK‐ and Japanese‐ invested retailers' operations in China. Data derived from over two hundred interviews at twelve retail stores in six Chinese cities and questionnaires completed by almost eight hundred employees elicited contextualized accounts of interactive service workers' own perceptions of their training and skills development. It was found that these firms made a substantial contribution to skills development, fostered and enhanced both directly by company training and also through experiential workplace‐based learning. It might be, however, that this constitutes an essential but ‘one‐off’ increase in skills in transitional economies such as that of China.
Generalized Iteration Method for First‐Kind Integral Equations
Authors: Margetis Dionisios , Choi Jaehyuk
Published: May 2006

An iteration method is described to solve one‐dimensional, first‐kind integral equations with finite integration limits and difference kernel, K(x−x′), that decays exponentially. The method relies on deriving via the Wiener–Hopf factorization and solving by suitable iterations in the Fourier complex plane a pair of integral relations, where each iteration accounts for all end point singularities in x of the exact solution. For even and odd kernels, this pair reduces to decoupled, 2nd‐kind Fredholm equations, and the iteration yields Neumann series subject to known convergence criteria. This formulation is applied to a classic problem of steady advection‐diffusion in the two‐dimensional (2D) potential flow of concentrated fluid. The remarkable overlap of recently derived asymptotic expansions for the flux in this case is shown to be intimately related to the analyticity of the kernel Fourier transform.
Nonlinear Evolution Equations and the Braiding of Weakly Transporting Flows Over Gravel Beds
Authors: Hall Philip
Published: May 2006

The flow of a river that transports sediment in the form of gravel as bedload is investigated for the case when the transport is small. The linear stability of such flows is discussed and used to formulate some strongly nonlinear investigations describing the interaction of bar instabilities that are known to occur. The key spatial scales in the asymptotic limit of small transport are identified, and highly nonlinear evolution equations derived for each case. A generalized KDV equation is found to govern the nonlinear evolution at small wavenumbers, while at O(1) wavenumbers an infinite set of “triad‐like” amplitude equations describes the flow. The interactions demonstrate the natural tendency of rivers of width significantly higher than the critical width at which instability first occurs to form complex patterns that may be associated with braided rivers. The weak transport limit used in our anaysis makes our work directly relevant to rivers experiencing flood conditions where the onset of a flood causes transport to begin. The results shown suggest that in the highly nonlinear stages, bars take the form of slabs tilted in the flow direction with steep edges. In addition, it is found that there is no equilibrium state. These findings are consistent with observations.
Financial Capital and Taxation Policy*
Authors: Wood Richard
Published: May 2006

This paper suggests a relatively simple analytical framework for taxing all financial arrangements. The debt/equity distinction is determined by the contingency principle. The accruals/realisation distinction is determined separately by the volatility principle. The capital/revenue character distinction is effectively removed directly or by a character hedging regime. Hybrids, synthetics, hedging arrangements and other portfolios are tax‐assessed on an aggregate, rather than a bifurcated, basis. The framework could be applied to both classical and dividend‐imputation‐based business tax systems.
The Impact of Second Homes on Local Taxes*
Authors: Torres Emilio , Domínguez‐Menchero J. Santos
Published: May 2006

A methodology to estimate the influence of second homes on municipal taxes is developed in this paper. Assuming that a larger floating population implies an increase in public expenditure, our aim is to develop a model of the relationship between the local taxes paid and the number of second dwellings in a village. As an applied example, the results for two of the most touristy regions of the Mediterranean – the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, in Spain – are shown in this paper. As we will see, there are only three different levels of local taxes, regardless of the number of second homes. The main factors behind high local tax burdens are seaside location and the presence of foreign owners.
Differential findings for CD14‐positive hepatic monocytes/macrophages in primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Leicester Katherine L. , Olynyk John K. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Britton Robert S. , Bacon Bruce R.
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Background and aims: Endotoxin‐responsive monocytes/macrophages (CD14‐positive) are potential sources of profibrogenic factors. The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether hepatic CD14‐positive cells are present in various forms of chronic liver disease, and (2) the relationship between CD14‐positive cells, myofibroblasts, and fibrosis in these diseases.

Methods: Liver specimens from control subjects (n=12) and those with primary biliary cirrhosis (n=18), chronic hepatitis C (n=13), or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n=13) were immunostained for CD14, CD68, and α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and the number of cells expressing these antigens was determined. Fibrosis and inflammation were also assessed.

Results: The total number of hepatic CD68‐positive cells was similar in diseased and control livers. The number of CD14‐positive cells was increased in advanced fibrosis in primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C but not in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The number of CD14‐positive cells was also increased in hepatitis C specimens with high inflammatory activity. CD14‐positive cells were often associated with α‐SMA‐positive myofibroblasts in fibrous septa.

Conclusions: The number of hepatic CD14‐positive cells is increased in advanced fibrosis in subjects with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C but not in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C, CD14‐positive macrophages are found in close proximity to fibrous septa and myofibroblasts. In hepatitis C, an increased number of CD14‐positive cells are associated with high inflammatory activity.
PHYLOGENY OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC EUGLENOPHYTES BASED ON COMBINED CHLOROPLAST AND CYTOPLASMIC SSU RDNA SEQUENCE ANALYSIS1
Authors: Milanowski Rafał , Kosmala Sylwia , Zakryś Bozżena , Kwiatowski Jan
Published: May 2006

Eighteen new 16S rDNA and 16 new 18S rDNA sequences from 24 strains, representing 23 species of photoautotrophic euglenoids, were obtained in nearly their entire length. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were performed on separate data (39 sequences of 16S rDNA and 58 sequences of 18S rDNA), as well as on combined data sets (37 sequences). All methods of sequence analysis gave similar results in those cases in which the clades received substantial support. However, the combined data set produced several additional well‐supported clades, not encountered before in the analyses of green euglenoids. There are three main well‐defined clades (A, B/C/D, and G) on trees from the combined data set. Clade G diverges first, while clades A and B/C/D form sister groups. Clade A consists of Euglena species sensu stricto and is divided into three sub‐clades (A1, A2, and A3). Clade A3 (composed of E. deses and E. mutabilis) branches off first; then, two sister clades emerge: A1 (composed of E. viridis‐like species) and A2 (consisting of E. agilis and E. gracilis species). Clade B/C/D consists of the Strombomonas, Trachelomonas, Cryptoglena, Monomorphina, and Colacium genera. Clade G comprises Phacus and Lepocinclis, as well as the Discoglena species of Euglena, with Discoglena branching off first, and then Phacus and Lepocinclis emerging as sister groups.
Role of the Posterior Papillary Muscle and Purkinje Potentials in the Mechanism of Ventricular Fibrillation in Open Chest Dogs and Swine: Effects of Catheter Ablation
Authors: PAK HUI‐NAM , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , LIM HONG EUY , CHOU CHUNG‐CHUAN , MIYAUCHI YASUSHI , FANG YONG HU , SUN KYUNG , HWANG CHUN , CHEN PENG‐SHENG
Published: May 2006

Background: Papillary muscle (PM) ablation may terminate ventricular fibrillation (VF) in rabbit hearts. Whether or not PM ablation prevents ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction in large animals is unknown.

Methods: We performed noncontact endocardial mapping and/or high‐density epicardial mapping during VF in 12 dogs and 16 swine and tested the effects of posterior PM (PPM) ablation on VF inducibility.

Results: During VF in progressive global ischemia (3 swine and 2 dogs), the highest dominant frequency (DF) was near PPM. The majority of the reentrant wavefronts during a propranolol infusion (swine) were anchored to the PPM. Purkinje potentials onset were recorded on the PPM both during sinus rhythm and during VF. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the endocardium on the PPM with a linear extension of the ablation line from the PPM to the mitral valve annulus and then the left ventricular apex in 7 dogs reduced the VF inducibility from 100% at baseline to 22% after ablation (P < 0.0001). RF applications to the anterolateral wall of dogs (n = 3) did not prevent VF induction. The application of RF energy near the PPM frequently initiated VF in swine (n = 7), preventing subsequent testing of VF inducibility.

Conclusion: In dogs and swine, the highest DF and majority of reentrant wavefronts during VF with acute global ischemia or during a propranolol infusion were located on the PPM. RF ablation targeted at the PPM reduced the inducibility of VF in normal dogs. However, the same ablation provoked incessant VF in swine, preventing subsequent testing of VF inducibility.
Heart Rate Turbulence as a Noninvasive Risk Predictor of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: CASELLA MICHELA , RUSSO ANTONIO DELLO , PACE MANUELA , PELARGONIO GEMMA , IERARDI CAROLINA , SANNA TOMMASO , MESSANO LOREDANA , BENCARDINO GIANLUIGI , VALSECCHI SERGIO , MANGIOLA FORTUNATO , LANZA GAETANO A. , ZECCHI PAOLO , CREA FILIPPO , BELLOCCI FULVIO
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1) is the most common muscular dystrophy of adult life. Cardiac involvement is characterized by disorders of atrioventricular conduction, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden death. Heart rate turbulence (HRT) is a noninvasive risk predictor in patients affected by ischemic heart disease. The aim of our study is to assess the prognostic value of HRT in MD1 patients.

Methods and Results: We performed HRT analysis by 24‐hour Holter recording to calculate turbulence onset (TO) and turbulence slope (TS) in 29 MD1 patients (mean age 52 ± 10 years), and in 30 patients (mean age 52 ± 13 years) with frequent ventricular arrhythmias and structurally normal heart (VANH). An electrophysiological study (EPS) tested ventricular arrhythmias inducibility in 22 MD1 patients.

TO was significantly different between MD1 and VANH patients (−1.66 ± 2.04 and −2.98 ± 1.79%, respectively, P 0.01), while no difference was observed in TS between MD1 and VANH patients (11.12 ± 6.46 and 9.12 ± 6 msec/beat, respectively). On EPS, sustained ventricular arrhythmias (SVA) were induced in six MD1 patients. TO was significantly different in inducible MD1 patients (0.88 ± 1.95%), as compared with both noninducible (−2.49 ± 1.43%, P < 0.001) or no eligible to EPS (−1.93 ± 1.63%, P < 0.005) MD1 patients and to VANH patients (−2.98 ± 1.79%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: An impairment of TO, a measure of HRT, suggesting impaired cardiac parasympathetic activity, may be a useful, noninvasive predictor of arrhythmic risk in MD1 patients.
Evaluation of Exercise‐Induced T Wave Changes in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Before and After Beta‐Blocker Therapy
Authors: HARA HIDEYUKI , NIWANO SHINICHI , HIRASAWA SHOJI , SASAKI TAKESHI , IKEDA NORIAKI , IZUMI TOHRU
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Ventricular repolarization abnormalities are thought to contribute to lethal ventricular arrhythmias in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate exercise‐induced T wave changes in DCM patients before and after beta‐blocker therapy to investigate repolarization abnormalities.

Methods and Results: Treadmill exercise testing was performed in 20 DCM patients and 50 normal subjects. T wave amplitude (TA: baseline to T wave apex; mV) and recovery time (RT: QRS onset to the maximum dV/dt point of the T wave; msec) were measured before and 1 minute after peak exercise. TA was averaged in the right and left precordial leads (TAV1–3, TAV4–6). RT was normalized to the maximum QT interval in the 12‐lead ECG and expressed as the %RT (%RT). %RT was also averaged in the precordial leads (%RTV1–3, %RTV4–6). After exercise, TA increased and %RT decreased in both groups. In DCM patients, TAV1–3 was greater and TAV4–6 was less than in normal subjects before and after exercise. There was no difference in %RTV1–3 between the groups, but %RTV4–6 was greater in DCM patients both before and after exercise. DCM patients repeated the same evaluation after 6 months of oral beta‐blocker therapy. Compared with measurements before beta‐blocker therapy, TAV1–3 and %RTV1–3 did not change. However, TAV4–6 increased and %RTV4–6 decreased significantly both before and after exercise.

Conclusion: DCM patients showed small TA and large %RT in the left precordial leads at rest as well as after exercise. Chronic beta‐blocker therapy in DCM patients normalized these ventricular repolarization abnormalities.
European Carotid PROCAR Trial: Prospective Multicenter Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Performance of the ev3 Protégé™ Stent in the Treatment of Carotid Artery Stenosis—1‐ and 6‐Month Follow‐Up
Authors: SUGITA JENNIFER , CREMONESI ALBERTO , VAN ELST FRANCIS , STOCKX LUC , MATHIAS KLAUS , SCHOFER JOACHIM , SUTTORP MAARTEN‐JAN , REUL J. , LOWENS STEPHAN , SIEVERT HORST
Published: May 2006

Background: The purpose of the European PROCAR Trial was to evaluate the safety and performance of the Protégé stent in the treatment of common and/or internal carotid artery stenoses with adjunctive use of a filter embolic protection device.

Method: The Protégé® GPS stent is a self‐expanding Nitinol stent system mounted on a 6 Fr 0.018″ (6–9 mm stent) or 7 Fr 0.035″ (10 mm stent) over‐the‐wire delivery system. Study patient assessments were conducted at baseline, periprocedure, discharge, and 1 and 6 months postprocedure. A total of 77 patients have been enrolled in the trial.

Results: In the 77 lesions treated (31 symptomatic, 46 asymptomatic), the procedure was technically successful in 76 (99%), with an average residual stenosis of less than 30%. One procedure failed because the embolic protection device could not be retrieved and the patient was sent to surgery. Within 30 days, there were four (5.2%) major adverse neurological events (MANEs). Three of the MANEs were major strokes (3.9%), one a minor stroke. The fifth MANE occurred prior to the 6‐month follow‐up visit; this patient had a major stroke 75 days after the procedure and died 36 days later. One additional death occurred because of urosepsis.

Conclusions: The PROCAR trial shows that the Protégé stent with adjuvant use of a filter embolic protection device satisfies safety and performance criteria for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. The incidence of MANEs for the Protégé stent is comparable to the incidence of these events in other recent carotid stent studies and standard carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
Impact of Age on the Outcomes of Women Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Bare‐Metal Stent Era
Authors: RATHORE SUDHIR , RHYS JULIE , BUCHALTER MAURICE B. , GERNING NICK O. , GROVES PETE H. , PENNY WILLIAM
Published: May 2006

Aim: Advanced age and female gender are both independent predictors of early and late mortality and adverse cardiac outcomes for patients undergoing balloon angioplasty. Elderly women are at particular risk. Stenting is now the standard of care in PCI. Whether elderly women remain at increased risk after PCI in the current stent era has not been examined widely.

Methods: Prospective data were collected in 400 consecutive female patients undergoing PCI at a tertiary cardiac center (1999–2003). Follow‐up was done at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months by clinic visits, telephonic interviews, and reviewing hospital records. Follow‐up was complete in 396 patients.

Results: Compared to young women (<65 years old), elderly women (>65 years old) were less likely to smoke (15.7% vs 47.2%, P = 0.001), less likely to have diabetes (4.1% vs 8.5%, P = 0.05), and had more multivessel coronary artery disease. Usage of stent was high, similar in both groups. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, previous MI, vessels treated, abciximab usage, and access site bleeding were similar in both groups. Procedural success (96% vs 98%) and in‐hospital and 1‐year MACE (23.1% vs 25%) are similar in both groups.

Conclusion: Elderly women undergoing PCI have a distinct profile presenting with more multivessel disease, less smoking, and are less likely to have diabetes than younger women. In the current stent era, procedural success, in‐hospital adverse cardiac events, and MACE at 1 year are similar in both groups. At 1 year, however, elderly women are less likely to have ischemia‐driven TVR and recurrence of angina.
Setting Up a Multidisciplinary Program for Management of Patent Foramen Ovale‐Mediated Syndromes
Authors: RIGATELLI GIANLUCA , BRAGGION GABRIELE , CHINAGLIA MAURIZIO , CARDAIOLI PAOLO , RONCON LORIS , GIORDAN MASSIMO , CUPPINI STEFANO , AGGIO SILVIO , BORTOLAZZI ALESSANDRA , ZONZIN PIETRO
Published: May 2006

Background: These days no codified multidisciplinary protocol has been reported to manage all the different patent foramen ovale (PFO)‐mediated syndromes. We sought to propose a multidisciplinary program of diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of all PFO‐mediated syndromes based on an in‐hospital multidisciplinary task force and to review the activities during the first year.

Methods: From September 2004, we organized in our hospital, a 600‐bed tertiary hospital, a management program for PFO‐mediated syndromes based on a task force composed of cardiologists, neurologists, and internists. Different levels of protocols were created in order to cover diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of PFO‐mediated syndromes. We reviewed the activity of our program in the first year up to September 2005.

Results: Thirty‐five patients (23 female, mean age 65 ± 24 years) were evaluated for suspected PFO‐mediated syndromes: 20 for cryptogenic stroke, 2 for peripheral and coronary embolisms, 3 for platypnea‐orthodeoxia, 9 for emicrania with aura, and 1 with hypoxiemia during neurosurgical intervention in the posterior cranial fossa. Diagnosis of PFO was confirmed in 25 patients. According to the multidisciplinary protocols, 15 patients failed to meet the requirements for transcatheter closure and were left in medical therapy whereas 11 patients (7 patients with PFO, 2 with multiperforated ASD, and 2 with a secundum ASD) underwent transcatheter closure. After a mean follow‐up of 10.8 ± 4.9 months, no recurrent PFO syndromes were noted in patients treated with devices.

Conclusion: The first year of our multidisciplinary program allowed a reasonable and potentially successful approach for correctly identifying patients with PFO‐mediated syndromes until randomized studies are completed.
Failure of Deflation of an Inoue Balloon during Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty
Authors: LANJEWAR CHARAN P. , NATHANI PRATAP J. , KERKAR PRAFULLA G.
Published: May 2006

We describe an unusual complication of the Inoue balloon technique, which has been treated successfully by application of a different technique. This technique has not been described elsewhere to the best of our knowledge.
Deep sclerectomy for the treatment of exfoliation and primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Rekonen Petri , Kannisto Tapio , Puustjärvi Tuomo , Teräsvirta Markku , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: May 2006

Purpose:  To retrospectively compare the efficacy of deep sclerectomy in the treatment of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (ExG).

Methods:  Deep sclerectomy with either collagen or hyaluronate implants was performed in 31 eyes (45%) with POAG and 38 eyes (55%) with ExG. Pre‐ and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded, as was the number of glaucoma medications used pre‐ and postoperatively in each group. The follow‐up data referred to a mean period of 18 months (range: 2 weeks to 36 months).

Results:  At 18 months, complete success had been achieved in 56.3% of POAG eyes and 44.9% of ExG eyes. Qualified success had been achieved in 83.1% and 71.6% of POAG and ExG eyes, respectively. The mean IOP was 18.6 mmHg in POAG eyes and 16.3 mmHg in ExG eyes. YAG‐descemetotomies were performed in nine eyes in each group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in IOP (except at 1 week postoperatively in favour of POAG; p = 0.05), success rates, need for postoperative glaucoma medication or number of complications. Reoperations were required in three (10%) POAG eyes and seven (18%) ExG eyes.

Conclusions:  Deep sclerectomy is equally effective in controlling IOP in both POAG and ExG and has low rates of serious complications, even when the surgeon is inexperienced in the technique. Both survival rates and IOP control were similar between the groups, and there were no serious intra‐ or postoperative complications.
RNA Interference Effector Proteins Localize to Mobile Cytoplasmic Puncta in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Carmichael Jon B. , Stoica Cezar , Parker Henry , McCaffery J. Michael , Simmonds Andrew J. , Hobman Tom C.
Published: May 2006

Ago1, Dcr1 and Rdp1 are the core components of the RNA interference (RNAi) apparatus in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. They function in distinct gene‐silencing pathways that direct homology‐dependent degradation of mRNA and modification of chromatin. In addition, Ago1 and Dcr1 regulate enactment of Cdc2‐dependent cell cycle checkpoints. The ability of the RNAi apparatus to perform multiple roles in these divergent pathways is sure to require dynamic localization of Ago1, Dcr1 and/or Rdp1. Although limited information is available, comprehensive studies regarding the relative localizations of Ago1, Dcr1 and Rdp1 are lacking. To this end, we employed live‐cell imaging and immunoelectron microscopy to study the intracellular localizations of these proteins. In contrast to previous reports, our study results indicate that the bulk of Ago1 and Dcr1 form stable complexes and are associated with large, mobile, highly dynamic cytoplasmic elements. The majority of Rdp1 is localized to the nucleus, but a pool of Rdp1 is associated with the same cytoplasmic structures. The movements of these structures were dependent upon ATP and intact microtubules. Recruitment of the RNAi core proteins to these structures was not dependent upon siRNAs. Together, our data indicate that the enzymes required for the initiation and effector phases of RNA‐dependent gene silencing are concentrated in a common intracellular location, an arrangement that would be expected to result in highly efficient post‐transcriptional gene silencing.