bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies in Red Blood Cell Preservation: 9. The Role of Glutamine in Red Cell Preservation
Authors: Dumaswala U.J. , Rugg N. , Greenwalt T.J.
Published: March 2009

Previous studies have demonstrated that an additive solution containing ammonium chloride (NH4+) and phosphate (Pi) in addition to adenine, glucose and mannitol would support red blood cell (RBC) in vitro characteristics and in vivo 24‐hour viability after storage for 9 weeks. The purpose of the present study was to determine if NH4+generated by the action of glutaminase on glutamine could be substituted for added NH4+salts. Packed RBCs were stored with equal volumes of adenine, glucose, mannitol, and citrate containing additive solutions with 10 mM glutamine (EAS 31) or with 10 mM glutamine and either 10 (EAS 36) or 20 mM (EAS 37) Pi. One aliquot was stored with Adsol®. The mean ATP levels of the RBCs stored in the glutamine plus phosphate EASs were 132 (10 mM Pi) and 144% (20 mM Pi) of the initial levels at 28 days, and at 84 days remained at 48 and 56%, respectively. The ATP levels of the RBC stored in Adsol were 105 and 25% at 28 and 84 days of storage, respectively. Percentage hemolysis and vesiculation was significantly lower (p<0.01) for RBCs stored in glutamine and glutamine plus phosphate as compared to RBCs stored in Adsol. The levels of NH4+were 22 to 34% higher in the EASs than in Adsol at the end of 84 days of storage, suggesting that glutamine is broken down by glutaminase to generate NH4+. The mean corpuscular volumes (MCVs) of RBCs in EASs 36 and 37 were substantially higher than in Adsol throughout the course of storage (p<0.01). However, the MCVs in the additive containing glutamine and no Pi were higher only for 42 days.
Preparation and Properties of a Therapeutic Inter‐Alpha‐Trypsin Inhibitor Concentrate from Human Plasma
Authors: Michalski Catherine , Piva Frank , Balduyck Malika , Mizon Charlotte , Burnouf Thierry , Huart Jean‐Jacques , Mizon Jacques
Published: March 2009

Inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor (ITI) is a serine protease inhibitor found in human plasma. Its antiprotease activity is due to bikunin which is effective in various types of experimental shock and pancreatitis. Therefore ITI, which releases bikunin by proteolytic cleavage, could be of therapeutic interest. A method for the large‐scale isolation of ITI from human plasma is described. ITI was purified from the prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) by diethylaminoethyl‐Sepharose fast‐flow chromatography followed by a chromatographic step on immobilized heparin designed to remove C4, factor X and protein C. With this procedure, which was performed under mild conditions, a homogeneous preparation of native ITI was obtained, as demonstrated by electrophoretic and chromatographic analyses. ITI maintained its biological activity, as exhibited by its specific antitryptic activity of 420+65 IU/g. In order to decrease or eliminate the risk of transmission of viral disease due to lipid‐enveloped viruses, the process incorporated a solvent‐detergent treatment. Animal studies on the final product revealed no adverse side‐effects in terms of toxicity, thrombogenicity or hypotension. This preparation appears suitable for therapeutic evaluation in animal experimental models.
Adverse Reactions to Platelet Transfusions Are Reduced by Use of Platelet Concentrates Derived from Buffy Coat
Authors: Oksanen K. , Ebeling F. , Kekomäki R. , Elonen E. , Sahlstedt L. , Volin L. , Myllylä G.
Published: March 2009

We closely observed 86 transfusions to multitransfused hematologic patients with leukocyte‐depleted platelet concentrates (PCs) prepared from buffy coats (BC PCs), filtered either prior to storage (BC1) or after 3–4 days' storage (BC3). The patients were first given, randomly, either BC1 or BC3, and were thereafter used as their own controls by giving them the two BC types alternately. The results were compared with an earlier study on standard platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) PCs (46 transfusions to 23 patients) and leukocyte‐depleted PRP PCs (23 transfusions to 12 patients). There was no difference in adverse reactions between BC1 and BC3 PCs, but BC PCs caused significantly fewer and milder adverse reactions than PRP PCs. Febrile reactions (FTR) occurred in 4.6%, urticarial skin reactions in 21%, and pulmonary reactions in 0% of BC PC transfusions (17, 29 and 0% of patients). The mean corrected increments (CI) at 16–18 h were higher after BC1 PCs than BC3 PCs (10.3 vs. 8.0, p = 0.046). We conclude that adverse reactions are reduced by use of BC PCs. Prestorage leukocyte depletion may improve platelet increments.
Identification and Removal of Polymer‐ and Aggregate‐Forming Proteins in Human Plasma Albumin Preparations
Authors: Jensen Lisbeth Bjerring , Dam Jørgen , Teisner Børge
Published: March 2009

The presence of the glycoproteins haptoglobin and hemopexin in human plasma albumin (HPA) solutions were demonstrated to be responsible for the formation of polymers and aggregates during heat treatment for 10 h at 60°C. Apart from haptoglobin and hemopexin three other contaminating proteins were identified as transferrin, Gc‐globulin and β2‐glycoprotein. During heat treatment the antigenicity of haptoglobin and hemopexin changed markedly and more than 90% of the antigens appeared as aggregates in the void volume during the following size chromatography. Without loss of albumin haptoglobin and hemopexin were removed from the HPA preparation by lectin (concanavalin A) affinity chromatography. The haptoglobin‐ and hemopexin‐depleted HPA preparation did not form aggregates or polymers during heat treatment.
Modification of Standard Western Pretransfusion Testing Procedures for Taiwan
Authors: Lin Marie , Broadberry Richard E.
Published: March 2009

Due to significant differences in blood group antigen and antibody frequencies between Taiwanese and Caucasians, standard Western pretransfusion testing procedures have been modified for use in Taiwan. Pretransfusion testing consists simply of ABO grouping and antibody screening/major cross‐matching using the manual Polybrene method without any antiglobulin phase. The manual Po‐lybrene method is performed using reagents prepared in house and is rapid (about 3 min), inexpensive and easy to perform. Rh(D) typing of patients is unnecessary as the frequency of D in Taiwanese is 99.67% and the occurrence of anti‐D in patients (or in haemolytic disease of the newborn) is uncommon. Great reductions in both cost and labour have resulted from these modifications, and it is suggested that other countries may consider similar modifications.
Sequence Analysis of cDNA Derived from Reticulocyte mRNAs Coding for Rh Polypeptides and Demonstration of E/e and C/c Polymorphisms
Authors: Simsek S. , de Jong C.A.M. , Cuijpers H. Th. M. , Bleeker P.M.M. , Westers T.M. , Overbeeke M.A.M. , Goldschmeding R. , van der Schoot C.E. , von dem Borne A.E.G. Kr.
Published: March 2009

RNA derived from enriched reticulocytes of Rh‐phenotyped donors was isolated, reversely transcribed into cDNA and amplified with Rh‐specific primers by polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequence analyis of the entire coding region of the Rh cDNAs was carried out. Four types of cDNAs were identified, tentatively designated as RhSCI, RhSCII, RhSCIII and RhSCIV. Comparison of RhSCII with RhSCI (identical to the previously reported RhIXb/30A cDNA), showed a single base pair difference. Since RhSCI and RhSCII were found to be related to the presence of E or e antigen, respectively, the P226A amino acid polymorphism appears to be the genetic basis of the E/e polymorphism. RhSCIII was demonstrated to be a transcript derived from the RhD gene, with 35 amino acid substitutions as compared to RhSCI. RhSCIV was found to be present only in RhC‐positive individuals, indicating that RhSCIV encodes a polypeptide carrying the C antigen. Six nucleotide changes, resulting in four amino acid substitutions W16C, L60I, N68S and P103S, were observed between RhSCII and RhSCIV, probably representing the C/c polymorphism.
Review of the Problems Involved in Using Enzymes in Blood Group Serology ‐ Provision of Freeze‐Dried ICSH/ISBT Protease Enzyme and Anti‐D Reference Standards
Authors: Scott Marion L. , Voak Douglas , Phillips Peter K. , Hoppe P. Ann , Kochman Sheryl A.
Published: March 2009

Proteolytic enzyme preparations and techniques used routinely in blood group serology for the detection of atypical patient antibodies prior to transfusion vary widely and are often poorly standardised. Recent advances have been made in the use of biochemical methods to standardise and stabilise the potency of the enzyme preparations used. A joint working party of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has investigated possibilities for the provision of standards for the protease preparations and techniques. The specification for these standards was that the performance of enzyme reference preparation in the reference technique should be of equivalent sensitivity to the ICSH/ISBT LISS spin indirect antiglobulin test using a titration series of a reference weak anti‐D, and be free from false‐positive reactions. The working party circulated materials for evaluation in inter‐laboratory trials, followed by a laboratory workshop meeting to achieve agreement on the specification for reference materials and methods. Reference freeze‐dried papain at 0.6 azoalbumin units and weak anti‐D preparations (91/562) have been prepared and validated to meet these specifications. The performance of a test enzyme preparation in the technique for which it is recommended for use should be at least equal to that of the reference papain preparation, by the reference two‐stage technique in terms of sensitivity, using a titration series of the reference anti‐D, and freedom from false‐positive reactions, using six fresh inert sera. The reference papain and weak anti‐D can also be used to calibrate the level of proteolytic activity required in other procedures in blood group serology, such as new technology methods for antibody detection, and automated and microplate cell grouping procedures. These preparations and an agreed method for their use are now available from listed centres as ICSH/ISBT and Food and Drug Administration reference materials.
Effect of Donor Age on the Developmental Competence of Bovine Oocytes Retrieved by Ovum Pick Up
Authors: Su L , Yang S , He X , Li X , Ma J , Wang Y , Presicce GA , Ji W
Published: March 2009

Contents

To study the effect of donor age on oocyte developmental competence and steroid profiles, the crossbred cow (Murray Grey × Brahman) in Yunnan province of China were selected and divided into three groups according to its age. The three groups were young cows (n = 12; 12 months old), middle‐aged cows (n = 15; parity: ≤3 calvings; age: 7–8 years old) and old cows (n = 10; parity: ≥8 calvings; age: ≥15 years old). Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected by 10 consecutive ovum pick up (OPU) sessions with a 4‐day interval between each session, followed by in vitro maturation, fertilization and embryo development. Results showed that cleavage rates (CR) and blastocyst rates (BR) were higher in the young cows than those in the middle‐aged and old cows (p < 0.05). CR and BR from COCs of the first and the fourth OPU sessions were lower than those from other sessions in the young cows and the middle‐aged cows (p < 0.05), whereas the similar phenomenon was not observed in the old cows. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol were higher, and plasma concentrations of progesterone were lower before and during OPU sessions in the young cows compared with those in the same period in the middle‐aged cows or the old cows (p < 0.01). In conclusion, donor age of oocytes could affect developmental competence of oocytes recovered by OPU through the action of steroid hormonal balance on follicle development.
CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF l‐GLUTAMATE IN OBESE TYPE 2 DIABETIC ZUCKER FATTY RATS
Authors: Povlsen JA , Løfgren B , Rasmussen LE , Nielsen JM , Nørregaard R , Kristiansen SB , Bøtker HE , Nielsen TT
Published: March 2009

Because diabetic hearts have an increased threshold for cardioprotection by ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), we hypothesized that protection by l‐glutamate during reperfusion is restricted in Type 2 diabetic hearts. Previously, we found that l‐glutamate‐mediated postischaemic cardioprotection mimics IPC.

Rat hearts were studied in a Langendorff preparation perfused with Krebs’–Henseleit solution and subjected to 40 min global no‐flow ischaemia, followed by 120 min reperfusion. l‐Glutamate (0, 15 and 30 mmol/L) was added to the perfusate during reperfusion of hearts from non‐diabetic (Wistar‐Kyoto) and diabetic (Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF)) rats, studied at 16 weeks of age. The infarct size (IS)/area‐at‐risk (AAR) ratio was the primary end‐point. Expression of l‐glutamate excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1 (mitochondrial) and EAAT3 (sarcolemmal) was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting.

The ISS/AAR ratio did not differ between control hearts from Wistar‐Kyoto and ZDF rats (0.52 ± 0.03 and 0.51 ± 0.04, respectively; P = 0.90). l‐Glutamate (15 mmol/L) significantly reduced the IS/AAR ratio in non‐diabetic hearts, but not in diabetic hearts, compared with their respective controls. The higher concentration of l‐glutamate (30 mmol/L) reduced infarct size in diabetic hearts to the same degree as in non‐diabetic hearts (IS/AAR 0.35 ± 0.03 (P = 0.002) and 0.34 ± 0.03 (P = 0.004), respectively). The mitochondrial l‐glutamate transporter EAAT1 was downregulated in hearts from ZDF rats at both the mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). However, there was no change in EAAT3 expression at the protein level. Myocardial l‐glutamate content was increased by 43% in diabetic hearts (P < 0.0001).

Hearts from obese diabetic rats have an elevated threshold for metabolic postischaemic cardioprotection by l‐glutamate. These findings may reflect underlying mechanisms of inherent resistance against additional cardioprotection in the diabetic heart.
PREVENTION OF AORTIC ELASTIC LAMINA DEFECTS BY LOSARTAN IN APOLIPOPROTEIN E‐DEFICIENT MOUSE
Authors: Chan Elsa C , Jones Gregory T , Dusting Gregory J , Datla Srinivasa R , Jiang Fan
Published: March 2009

In a previous study, we identified prevalent internal elastic lamina (IEL) defects in the aorta of hyperlipidaemic apolipoprotein E (ApoE)‐deficient mice that are thought to provide a structural basis for the development of atherosclerosis and intimal thickening. In the present study, we examined the effects of losartan, an angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist, on the development of IEL defects.

Male 18‐week‐old ApoE‐deficient mice (maintained on a normal diet) were treated with losartan (3 or 30 mg/kg per day) for 10 weeks via the drinking water. The IEL defects were quantified histologically by measuring the continuity of the IEL within the inner curvature of the aortic arch.

In untreated animals, there was an age‐dependent increase in IEL defects from 7.2 ± 2.1% at 18 weeks to 13.8 ± 4.0% at 28 weeks. Treatment with the high dose of losartan significantly prevented the development of IEL defects (4.7 ± 1.3% at 28 weeks; P < 0.05 vs untreated). This effect was independent of changes in blood pressure or plasma lipid levels. Using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we found that the effects of losartan were not associated with changes in levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 or inflammatory markers in the aorta.

The results suggest that the renin–angiotensin system may contribute to the development of aortic IEL defects in a blood pressure‐independent manner.
Stream order controls geomorphic heterogeneity and plant distribution in a savanna landscape
Authors: KHOMO LESEGO , ROGERS KEVIN H.
Published: March 2009

We posed the question: does viewing a savanna as a network of streams linked to a matrix of terrestrial hillslopes provide a useful framework to research and understand plant distribution in these landscapes? Our study area, the Phugwane River network, lies in the semi‐arid savanna of Kruger National Park, South Africa. We examined changes in hillslope geomorphology from first‐, third‐ and fifth‐order hillslopes with regression equations. The distribution of geomorphic boundaries was enumerated by moving window analysis and the relationship between geomorphology and plant distribution was explored through ordination. First‐order hillslopes had a simple geomorphology, fewer geomorphic boundaries and a relatively homogeneous plant assemblage. By contrast, fifth‐order hillslopes were more complex in geomorphology, with more boundaries and a relatively heterogeneous vegetation pattern. Stream order classification of a savanna drainage network resulted in landscape units distinguishable by geomorphology, geomorphic boundaries and vegetation pattern. Therefore, the drainage network is a useful template to expose and organize the complexity in savanna landscapes into easily managed and researched units. This perspective should inform a shift from single‐scale phytosociological views of homogeneous vegetation units towards multi‐scale conceptualizations of savannas as water dependent ecosystems.
Rodent pollination in the Cape legume Liparia parva
Authors: LETTEN ANDREW D. , MIDGLEY JEREMY J.
Published: March 2009

Flowers of Liparia parva from which rodents were excluded had lower seed‐set than open flowers. The rodent Acomys subspinosus was captured in the vicinity of this plant species and captures had substantial numbers of L. parva pollen in their scats. Captured individuals of A. subspinosus visited L. parva flowers in tanks and removed standard petals to obtain the nectar. Typical of rodent‐pollinated species, L. parva, flowered in winter and flowers mostly opened in the evenings and the stigma‐nectar distance was about 10 mm. This is the first evidence for rodent pollination in the large cosmopolitan family, the Fabaceae.
Thrombolytic therapy for management of complicated catheter‐related Candida albicans thrombophlebitis
Authors: Block A. A. , Thursky K. A. , Worth L. J. , Slavin M. A.
Published: March 2009

In immunocompromised patients, endovascular infection due to Candida albicans is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recommended management includes removal of any existing central venous catheter. Rarely, complications of endocarditis or infected mural thrombi may arise, with poorer clinical outcomes. For large endoluminal lesions, particularly of the great vessels or those that are intra‐atrial, thrombolysis has been used in paediatric populations or before surgery for dissolution of infected thrombus. We describe the case of an adult patient with lung carcinoma who developed persisting candidaemia with a large endovascular fungal lesion adherent to the tip of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter. Local urokinase infusion enabled safe removal of the catheter without embolization. As an adjunct to antifungal therapy, local thrombolysis may play a contributory role in the management of central venous catheter‐related candidal septic thrombosis.
Identification of a novel region of the GABAB2 C‐terminus that regulates surface expression and neuronal targeting of the GABAB receptor
Authors: Pooler A. M. , Gray A. G. , McIlhinney R. A. J.
Published: March 2009

GABAB is a G protein‐coupled receptor composed of two subunits, GABAB1 and GABAB2. GABAB1 contains an endoplasmic reticulum‐retention sequence and is trafficked to the cell surface only in association with GABAB2. To determine whether the C‐terminus of GABAB2 regulates GABAB trafficking, we constructed forms of GABAB2 with various C‐terminal truncations and examined their surface expression. Truncation of GABAB2 after residue 841 significantly reduced surface expression of both the subunit and the heterodimerized receptor. Turnover of the Δ841 construct, however, did not differ from that of full‐length GABAB2. To determine whether the C‐terminus of GABAB2 might target GABAB to neurites, cultured hippocampal neurons were transfected with the truncated GABAB2 constructs. Truncation of GABAB2 at residue 841 resulted in primarily somatic localization; furthermore, axonal trafficking of this construct was significantly more restricted than dendritic trafficking. Finally, to biochemically assess trafficking of the truncated GABAB2 constructs, we digested transfected HEK293 cell lysates with endoglycosidase H. When GABAB2 was truncated at residue 841, it became sensitive to digestion by this enzyme, indicating incomplete trafficking. Taken together, these data show that the region of the GABAB2 C‐terminus between residues 841 and 862 is important for regulating forward trafficking and neuronal targeting of the GABAB receptor.
Changes in adult olfactory bulb neurogenesis in mice expressing the A30P mutant form of alpha‐synuclein
Authors: Marxreiter Franz , Nuber Silke , Kandasamy Mahesh , Klucken Jochen , Aigner Robert , Burgmayer Ralf , Couillard‐Despres Sebastien , Riess Olaf , Winkler Jürgen , Winner Beate
Published: March 2009

In familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), alpha‐synuclein pathology is present in the brain stem nuclei and olfactory bulb (OB) long before Lewy bodies are detected in the substantia nigra. The OB is an active region of adult neurogenesis, where newly generated neurons physiologically integrate. While accumulation of wild‐type alpha‐synuclein is one of the pathogenic hallmarks of non‐genetic forms of PD, the A30P alpha‐synuclein mutation results in an earlier disease onset and a severe clinical phenotype. Here, we study the regulation of adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ)/OB system in a tetracycline‐suppressive (tet‐off) transgenic model of synucleinopathies, expressing human mutant A30P alpha‐synuclein under the control of the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMK) promoter. In A30P transgenic mice alpha‐synuclein was abundant at the site of integration in the glomerular cell layer of the OB. Without changes in proliferation in the SVZ, significantly fewer newly generated neurons were observed in the OB granule cell and glomerular layers of A30P transgenic mice than in controls, most probably due to increased cell death. By tetracycline‐dependent abrogation of A30P alpha‐synuclein expression, OB neurogenesis and programmed cell death was restored to control levels. Our results indicate that, using A30P conditional (tet‐off) mice, A30P alpha‐synuclein has a negative impact on olfactory neurogenesis and suppression of A30P alpha‐synuclein enhances survival of newly generated neurons. This finding suggests that interfering with alpha‐synuclein pathology can rescue newly generated neurons, possibly leading to new targets for therapeutic interventions in synucleinopathies.
Anti‐Nogo‐A antibody treatment promotes recovery of manual dexterity after unilateral cervical lesion in adult primates – re‐examination and extension of behavioral data
Authors: Freund Patrick , Schmidlin Eric , Wannier Thierry , Bloch Jocelyne , Mir Anis , Schwab Martin E. , Rouiller Eric M.
Published: March 2009

In rodents and nonhuman primates subjected to spinal cord lesion, neutralizing the neurite growth inhibitor Nogo‐A has been shown to promote regenerative axonal sprouting and functional recovery. The goal of the present report was to re‐examine the data on the recovery of the primate manual dexterity using refined behavioral analyses and further statistical assessments, representing secondary outcome measures from the same manual dexterity test. Thirteen adult monkeys were studied; seven received an anti‐Nogo‐A antibody whereas a control antibody was infused into the other monkeys. Monkeys were trained to perform the modified Brinkman board task requiring opposition of index finger and thumb to grasp food pellets placed in vertically and horizontally oriented slots. Two parameters were quantified before and following spinal cord injury: (i) the standard ‘score’ as defined by the number of pellets retrieved within 30 s from the two types of slots; (ii) the newly introduced ‘contact time’ as defined by the duration of digit contact with the food pellet before successful retrieval. After lesion the hand was severely impaired in all monkeys; this was followed by progressive functional recovery. Remarkably, anti‐Nogo‐A antibody‐treated monkeys recovered faster and significantly better than control antibody‐treated monkeys, considering both the score for vertical and horizontal slots (Mann–Whitney test: P = 0.05 and 0.035, respectively) and the contact time (P = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Detailed analysis of the lesions excluded the possibility that this conclusion may have been caused by differences in lesion properties between the two groups of monkeys.
Age matters
Authors: McCutcheon James Edgar , Marinelli Michela
Published: March 2009

The age of an experimental animal can be a critical variable, yet age matters are often overlooked within neuroscience. Many studies make use of young animals, without considering possible differences between immature and mature subjects. This is especially problematic when attempting to model traits or diseases that do not emerge until adulthood. In this commentary we discuss the reasons for this apparent bias in age of experimental animals, and illustrate the problem with a systematic review of published articles on long‐term potentiation. Additionally, we review the developmental stages of a rat and discuss the difficulty of using the weight of an animal as a predictor of its age. Finally, we provide original data from our laboratory and review published data to emphasize that development is an ongoing process that does not end with puberty. Developmental changes can be quantitative in nature, involving gradual changes, rapid switches, or inverted U‐shaped curves. Changes can also be qualitative. Thus, phenomena that appear to be unitary may be governed by different mechanisms at different ages. We conclude that selection of the age of the animals may be critically important in the design and interpretation of neurobiological studies.
The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the USA, the UK and Sweden: results from the Epidemiology of LUTS (EpiLUTS) study
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Sexton Chris C. , Thompson Christine L. , Milsom Ian , Irwin Debra , Kopp Zoe S. , Chapple Christopher R. , Kaplan Steven , Tubaro Andrea , Aiyer Lalitha P. , Wein Alan J.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To estimate and compare the prevalence and associated bother of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the general populations of the USA, UK and Sweden using current International Continence Society (ICS) definitions, as no previous population‐based studies evaluating the prevalence of LUTS in the USA, using the 2002 ICS definitions, have been conducted.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross‐sectional, population‐representative survey was conducted via the Internet in the USA, the UK and Sweden. Members of Internet‐based panels were randomly selected to receive an e‐mailed invitation to participate. If interested, respondents selected a link to an informed consent page, followed by the survey. Participants were asked to rate how often they experienced individual LUTS during the previous 4 weeks, on a five‐point Likert scale, and, if experienced, how much the symptom bothered them. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and present the data.

RESULTS

Responses rates for the USA, the UK and Sweden were 59.6%, 60.6% and 52.3%, respectively, with a final sample of 30 000 (USA 20 000; UK 7500; Sweden 2500). The mean age (range) of the participants was 56.6 (40–99) years; the mean percentages for race were 82.9% white, 6.7% black, 6.0% Hispanic and 4.4% Asian/other. The prevalence of LUTS was defined by two symptom frequency thresholds, i.e. at least ‘sometimes’ and at least ‘often’ for all LUTS except incontinence, where frequency thresholds were at least ‘a few times per month’ and at least ‘a few times per week’. The prevalence of at least one LUTS at least ‘sometimes’ was 72.3% for men and 76.3% for women, and 47.9% and 52.5% for at least ‘often’ for men and women, respectively. For most LUTS, at least half of the participants were bothered ‘somewhat’ or more using a frequency threshold of at least ‘sometimes’. For a threshold of at least ‘often’, ‘somewhat’ or more bother was reported by ≥70% of participants except for terminal dribble in men and split stream in women.

CONCLUSION

In this large population study of three countries, LUTS are highly prevalent among men and women aged >40 years. In general, LUTS experienced ‘often’ or more are bothersome to most people.
PRESENTATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND THE PURSUIT OF REGULATORY LEGITIMACY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COMPETITION AND CONSUMER AGENCIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA
Authors: YEUNG KAREN
Published: March 2009

Independent regulatory agencies, faced with multiple and often conflicting demands from regulatory stakeholders, yet operating at arm’s length from government, may be under considerable pressure to demonstrate the legitimacy of their decisions and the regime they administer. This article considers how regulators employ presentational strategies to establish and maintain their legitimacy by documenting the findings of a comparative study of two independent agencies responsible for the regulation of trade practices in their respective jurisdictions: the UK Office of Fair Trading and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Its findings demonstrate that presentational activities may be an important means by which regulators give concrete expression to their obligations of transparency, promote the effectiveness of the regime they administer, and publicly demonstrate how their work serves the community. The mass media is relied upon by both agencies as the primary vehicle through which they seek to communicate to their targeted audiences and the public at large, actively seeking to manage the ambivalence that infuses the regulatory enterprise.
A Settlement of Sorts: Henry Kissinger's Negotiations and America's Extrication from Vietnam
Authors: Donnelly Dorothy C.
Published: March 2009

The negotiated settlement of the Vietnam war was, in essence, a way of re‐adjusting the role of the United States in Vietnam. Stated in its baldest terms, the settlement was an agreement by both sides to suspend hostilities until the U.S. could extricate itself, allowing a “decent interval” wherein its “commitment” to the Saigon government would wither away, while concern for prestige and credibility would not compel it to re‐intervene. Thus the core of the agreement was a tradeoff of concessions; the North Vietnamese agreed to a provisional settlement of military matters, while the United States dropped its insistence that North Vietnamese troops withdraw from the South. Provisions for a subsequent political settlement between the parties were purposely left vague, as were sanctions for non‐compliance with the spirit and letter of the agreements. The clear implication is that the possibility of renewed warfare after the U.S. withdrawal, and in the event of a breakdown of any progress toward a political settlement, was tacitly accepted by all sides.
ENFORCING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF JUSTICE
Authors: Clark Ann Marie , McCann James A.
Published: March 2009

Amnesty International (AI) works within a conflictual internatwnal milieu to enforce international human rights norms when the organization would seem to have little or no legal, economic, or physical force to wield against sovereign states. Three aspects of AI's activity have enabled the organization to be effective. First, by incorporating an international, “public” audience into ostensibly “private” conflict between individuals and their governments, AI makes it more likely that international norms governing fair rreatment of prisoners will be invoked. Second AI uses particularly powerful symbols to mobilize individuals. Third, AI has heretofore focused on pragmatic demands for action by target countries.
TOWARD AN EMANCIPATORY METHODOLOGY FOR PEACE RESEARCH
Authors: Fuller Abigail A.
Published: March 2009

Peace research is meant to help those working to develop a more peaceful and just world, but it falls short of its potential in this respect. Most peace research is research for dominant groups (taking the nation‐state as primary actor) or about subordinate groups (utilizing them as objects in the research process). Instead, an emancipatory methodology is one that involves in the research process as coinvestigators subordinate groups struggling for change. Standpoint theory, which posits that in a stratified society the perspectives on social reality of those at the bottom are less partial and perverse than those at the top, is used to justify this methodology. The implications of standpoint theory for some issues in peace research and some obstacles to the adoption by peace researchers of an emancipatory methodology are discussed.
THE POTENTIAL FOR PEACEBUILDING Forging a Bridge from Peacekeeping to Peacemaking
Authors: Fisher Ronald J.
Published: March 2009

Protracted social conflicts rooted in the denial of the basic needs of identity groups are highly resistant to de‐escalation. The difficulty of following peacekeeping with successful peacemaking calls for the fuller development of peacebuilding, defined as interactive and developmental activities to improve the relationship and address basic needs. A contingency model of third‐party intervention provides a context for peacebuilding in which approaches to peace are coordinated and sequenced for maximal effect. The Cyprus dispute illustrates the potential role that peacebuilding could play in resolving intractable conflicts.
The Canadian Peace Congress and the Challenge to Postwar Consensus, 1948–1953
Authors: Huard Victor
Published: March 2009

This article delineates the nature of peace activism in Canada in the immediate post‐World War 11 period. It contends that in the politically charged atmosphere of the Cold War any peace activism was, by definition, a highly politicized project. In turn, the range of dissent dictated by the postwar liberal “consensus” was narrowed dramatically. Consequently, peace activists who did not conform found themselves marginalized by a host of political and cultural forces, primarily the state and media. Negative responses to attempts by the Canadian Peace Congress to challenge aspects of the postwar order indicate how Western democracies view peace activism as dissent and how this dissent is marginalized and minimized through a variety of mechanisms.
REWARD AND PUNISHMENT AS CAUSAL FACTORS IN WAR
Authors: Moerk Ernst L.
Published: March 2009

The factors of reward and punishment in war preparations and the initiation of war are explored. Three dimensions in the provision of reward and punishment are specified: the status dimension, the temporal dimension, and the probability of positive or aversive consequences. The probabilities of rewards and punishments are greatly unequal for leaders, elites, and masses. Rewards for war preparations are supplied immediately, whereas punishments from war are mostly delayed. Punishments inflicted by one's own government for noncooperation are immediate and certain whereas those inflicted by “the enemy” are delayed and only probabilistic. It is argued that the web of these contingencies has systematically over millennia inhibited the learning of new ways to cope with the scourge of war.
“OUR WOMENS”/“THEIR WOMENS” Symbolic Boundaries, Territorial Markers, and Violence in the Balkans
Authors: Mostov Julie
Published: March 2009

This essay explores the ways in which traditional gender roles and patriarchal culture play a part in the violent map‐making of ethnonationalism. With special reference to the former Yugoslavia, it looks at how boundaries designed to protect can, at the same time, be barriers to peace and security and tools of exclusion and aggression as women's bodies themselves become boundaries of the nation. Not only are women's bodies symbols of the fecundicity of the nation and the vessels for its reproduction, but they are also territorial markers. The feminization of territorial and symbolic space, however, also suggests a subversive role for women in resisting the imposed boundaries of ethnonationalism and creating alternative identities and spaces.
WHY PEACE HISTORY?
Authors: Summy Ralph , Saunders Malcolm
Published: March 2009

From the perspective of two Australian academics, who have encountered ignorance, apathy, bemusement, or resistance from colleagues to the concept of peace history, this article takes a critical look at the reasons for engaging in such research. After defining the term and briefly outlining the development of peace history overseas (especially in the United States, where it even exists as an officially recognized subfield of inquiry), a review is conducted of how leading peace historians have hitherto justified their endeavors. Some of these justifications are found tenable, others somewhat dubious. In the second half of the article additional arguments, those not usually made explicit, are advanced to support the claim for a special study area dealing exclusively with peace movements and peace cultures. Commentaries by Charles Chatfield, Harriet Hyman Alonso, Lawrence S. Wittner, Sandi E. Cooper, Roger Chickering, Peter van den Dungen, David S. Patterson, and Paul Wehrfollow the main article.
Global Roles of Currencies*
Authors: Thimann Christian
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a new concept – the global roles of currencies. The concept combines the domestic and international (cross‐border) use of currencies, and therefore captures the overall importance of different currencies in a globalized economy. The measure of a currency's global role is based on the size and stage of development of the underlying economy, as well as the size and stage of development of its financial markets and the scope of financial instruments available in this currency. The paper applies the concept to 22 currencies of advanced and emerging economies. The results confirm the well‐known ranking for the leading currencies – in particular the US dollar and the euro – but give considerably greater weight to currencies of emerging economies than the results obtained from the international debt market, which has so far been used as the basis for measuring the international role of currencies in capital markets. The paper also discusses this established measure in detail, arguing that in view of financial globalization, an indicator based on currency shares in the international debt market alone represents a decreasing share of international financial market activity, as this market excludes government debt, other domestic debt and equities, which are increasingly of interest to international investors. The paper also presents an empirical application of the new global concept to examine cross‐border portfolio holdings in debt and equity markets across advanced and emerging economies. It finds that the global role indicator is positively correlated with such holdings and, especially for emerging economies, fares better than the established international debt market indicator. The findings suggest a positive relationship between domestic financial development and international financial integration.
Race, Religion, and Worship: Are Contemporary African‐American Worship Practices Distinct?
Authors: Edwards Korie L.
Published: March 2009

Drawing upon the cultural repertoire and religious marketplace perspectives, this study examines the extent to which ecstatic, participatory worship practices are distinctive to African‐American congregations and explores the role that ecstatic, participatory worship plays in contemporary African‐American worship. National Congregations Study (NCS) data are used to conduct comparative analyses of African‐American and white congregations' participation in two forms of ecstatic, participatory worship: verbal affirmation and spontaneous physical worship. Findings suggest that while spontaneous physical worship is distinctive to the religiocultural repertoires of African‐American congregations, verbal affirmation is not. Traditional explanations about the origin of ecstatic, participatory worship, such as religious tradition, Pentecostalism, and social class, are less compelling than they were in the past. For contemporary African‐American congregations, ecstatic, participatory worship is no longer associated with marginal or less‐educated congregations, but with more sociopolitically and religiously progressive ones.
Succeeding at succession: the myth of Orestes
Authors: Eisold Kenneth
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Although the myth of Oedipus seems an inevitable template for understanding succession in psychoanalysis, the myth of Orestes offers a more complex and promising view of the intergenerational transfer of leadership and authority, one that takes into account the entire community, not merely the individual leader. A closer look at the Aeschylus drama suggests three dimensions that need to be taken into account in managing succession: what are the mechanisms enabling the community to participate, what is the role of the unconscious irrational forces inevitably aroused in the process, and what are the wider social and economic issues that need to be addressed? This paper looks at the myth elaborated in the Greek drama, and then applies it to some of the current problems facing contemporary psychoanalytic institutions.
β‐N‐methylamino‐l‐alanine induced in vivo retinal cell death
Authors: Santucci Serena , Zsürger Nicole , Chabry Joëlle
Published: March 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 109, 819–825.

Controversial debates still remain around the nature of the etiologic agent responsible for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinson dementia complex (ALS/PDC) whose incidence is unusually high among the population of the pacific island of Guam. It has been hypothesized that the neurotoxin β‐N‐methylamino‐l‐alanine (l‐BMAA) produced by cyanobacteria in the roots of Cycas Circinalis seeds might trigger ALS/PDC. Frequently observed in patients with ALS/PDC, retinopathy is one of the clinical features of the disease. The effect of the l‐BMAA on cell viability was examined in vivo by measuring the electrophysiological activity of the mouse retinal neurons by electroretinography recordings. Intra‐ocular injections of l‐BMAA selectively reduced the b‐wave amplitude, without affecting neither the a‐wave amplitude nor the a‐ and b‐latencies. The cell death of retinal cells was evidenced by histology on retina sections, caspase 3 activation, incorporation of propidium iodide and production of reactive oxygen species. Co‐injection with the specific NMDA antagonist, MK‐801, significantly protected the retinal neurons from l‐BMAA/NMDA‐induced apoptosis. We provide evidence that l‐BMAA induced neuronal cell death in vivo supporting a direct causal link between l‐BMAA and neuronal damages.
Proteomic identification and profiling of canine lymphoma patients*
Authors: Ratcliffe L. , Mian S. , Slater K. , King H. , Napolitano M. , Aucoin D. , Mobasheri A.
Published: March 2009

This study employed proteomic and bioinformatic approaches to identify serum biomarkers in canine lymphoma patients. Chilled serum samples derived from non‐lymphoma (n = 92) and lymphoma (n = 87) patients were shipped from first opinion veterinary practices, subjected to ion exchange chromatography and analysed by surface‐enhanced laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Nineteen serum protein peaks were identified between the two groups as being significantly different (P < 0.05) based upon their normalized ion intensities. Two biomarkers were identified that were capable of differentiating lymphoma and non‐lymphoma patients. Analysis of the test data provided a positive predictive value (PPV) of 82%. A clinical follow‐up study was carried out on 96 canine patients suspected of having lymphoma. Evaluation of this data gave a specificity value of 91%, sensitivity of 75%, PPV of 80% and negative predictive value of 88%. In conclusion, the expression pattern of two serum biomarkers has enabled serum samples to be classified into either lymphoma or non‐lymphoma categories.
Redundant Protective Barriers: Minimizing Operator Occupational Risk
Authors: CHALLA KARTHIK , WARREN STAFFORD G. , DANAK SUBHASH , BATES MARK C.
Published: March 2009

Background: The ubiquitous use of less invasive therapeutic angiographic procedures has created the milieu for long‐term occupational risk of cancer and genetic defects. This study set out to determine the relative effectiveness of redundant radiation protective barriers and their impact on operator total‐body‐ionizing radiation exposure in the catheterization suite.

Methods: Thermolucent dosimeter x‐irradiation was measured inside and outside personal and movable protective barriers used concurrently during 50 consecutive procedures by a single operator. Additionally, the entrance/exit doses were recorded on the back and chest for all patients to provide insight into radiation scatter patterns.

Results: The x‐ray beam had an average 90.8% decrement in energy traversing the patient's chest when entrance and exit doses were compared, suggesting a 3.3‐fold greater operator scatter radiation exposure below the table compared with that above the table. All 0.5‐mm lead equivalent personal barriers reduced operator exposure by 72–95%, whereas the 1.0‐mm leaded personal barrier (overlapping gown) reduced exposure by 96%. The 0.75‐mm leaded glasses reduced exposure to the left eye by 67%. A leaded left‐hand glove reduced exposure by only 20%. The effective calculated operator radiation exposure risk reduction provided by the use of personal and movable barriers reduced the theoretical risk of fatal or nonfatal cancer by 22‐fold while decreasing potential severe genetic effect by 25‐fold in comparison to movable barriers alone.

Conclusions: The optimal use of combined personal and movable (redundant) lead barriers results in a significant reduction in total‐body operator radiation exposure in the catheterization laboratory. The use of redundant barriers in the catheterization suite is associated with a dramatic theoretical long‐term occupational risk reduction and should be encouraged.
The disintegrin‐metalloproteinases ADAM 10, 12 and 17 are upregulated in invading peripheral tumor cells of basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Oh Shin Taek , Schramme A. , Stark A. , Tilgen W. , Gutwein P. , Reichrath J.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Members of the a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family are expressed in malignant tumors and participate in the pathogenesis of cancer. However, the presence of ADAM 10, 12, 17 and their role in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) have not been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate expression of ADAM 10, 12 and 17 in BCC.

Methods:  Expression of ADAM 10, 12 and 17 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in skin tissues obtained from 25 patients with different types of BCC.

Results:  Immunoreactivity of ADAM 10, 12 and 17 was increased at the peripheral tumor margin compared with central areas of BCC tumor cell nests. Immunoreactivity of ADAM 10 and 12 was increased in the deep margin of invading tumor cell nests in mixed BCC. Focally increased expression of ADAM 12 was detected in squamous differentiated tumor cells of nodular BCC. In addition, immunoreactivity of ADAM 17 was increased in superficial BCC.

Conclusions:  ADAM 10, 12 and 17 showed different expression pattern in BCC histologic subtypes, indicating their different role in the BCC pathogenesis. Overexpression of ADAM 10, 12 and 17 immunoreactivity in deep invasion area of BCC indicates that these three proteases may play an important role in the locally invasive and highly destructive growth behavior of BCC. Additionally, we suggest that ADAM 17 may play an important role in early development of BCC.