bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrofungal diversity in fragmented and disturbed forests of the Western Ghats of India
Authors: BROWN NICK , BHAGWAT SHONIL , WATKINSON SARAH
Published: December 2005

Despite their functional importance, little is known about how and where fungi can be conserved. It is important that we understand the consequences of habitat degradation and fragmentation for fungal assemblages if we are to devise successful conservation strategies.

We investigated the effects of fragmentation and disturbance on the diversity and landscape distribution of fungi in tropical rain forests in the Kodagu district of the Western Ghats of India. We recorded macrofungi on three occasions over a wet season, in 0·125‐ha plots in 10 forest reserve sites, 25 sacred groves and 23 coffee plantations.

Despite a long history of isolation from continuous forest, sacred groves had the highest sporocarp abundance and the greatest morphotype richness per sample area, while coffee plantations had the lowest. However, coffee plantation samples were more diverse for a given number of sporocarps than a sample of a similar size from other forest types.

Ordination by non‐metric multidimensional scaling suggested that sacred groves had a macrofungal assemblage that was distinct from other forest types. This compositional difference was primarily because of the presence of a group of dead wood and litter decomposing fungi. Coffee plantations and forest reserve sites had very variable but overlapping compositions.

Neither sacred grove size nor distances between a grove and continuous forest accounted for a significant proportion of the total variation in their macrofungal richness.

There was no significant correlation between dissimilarity in macrofungal assemblage composition and geographical distance between sample sites. However, we found strong congruence between patterns of dissimilarity in macrofungi and trees between sites.

Synthesis and applications. These results imply that macrofungal distribution patterns at a landscape scale are determined by habitat requirements rather than dispersal or local population dynamics. This means that habitat degradation is a more serious threat to fungal diversity than fragmentation. Sacred groves, although small, are important for fungus conservation because they provide unique types of habitat.
Effectiveness of the Swiss agri‐environment scheme in promoting biodiversity
Authors: KNOP EVA , KLEIJN DAVID , HERZOG FELIX , SCHMID BERNHARD
Published: December 2005

Increasing concern over the loss of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes was one of the reasons for the introduction of agri‐environment schemes in Europe. These schemes compensate farmers financially for any loss of income associated with measures aimed to benefit biodiversity. Nevertheless, more than a decade after the introduction of the schemes, only a limited number of studies evaluating their ecological effects have been published. We assessed the effect of the Swiss agri‐environment scheme that was designed to maintain and increase species richness in hay meadows. In Switzerland, hay meadows under this agri‐environment scheme (ECA hay meadows) are the most widely adopted environmental measure to conserve biodiversity.

We tested whether meadows under the agri‐environment scheme had higher species richness and species evenness than control meadows, whether species richness and species evenness were higher in the centre than at the edge of meadows, and whether these effects differed between geographical regions.

Biodiversity was sampled in 42 hay meadows in three different regions, using a pair‐wise comparison of ECA hay meadows with conventionally managed hay meadows. Biodiversity was estimated by assessing species richness and species evenness of four taxonomic groups representing different trophic levels: vascular plants, grasshoppers, wild bees and spiders.

Species richness of vascular plants, grasshoppers and wild bees was significantly higher on ECA hay meadows than on control meadows, but species richness of spiders did not differ. These results were consistent across the three study sites, except for the species richness of grasshoppers, which showed no difference between the ECA meadows and the control meadows in one region.

Species evenness was significantly higher on ECA hay meadows than on control meadows for plants and bees but not for spiders and grasshoppers. These results were consistent across the three study regions for bees and spider species only.

The species richness of vascular plants and spiders was higher at the edge than in the centre of both ECA and control meadows, suggesting a more extensive management in the meadow edges and a high species exchange between adjacent habitats for these two groups.

Synthesis and applications. We conclude that the Swiss agri‐environment scheme for hay meadows positively affects biodiversity. The scheme should be maintained and farmers should be encouraged to engage in long‐term extensive management. For spiders, the current management restrictions are not sufficient, most probably because of inappropriate vegetation structure. Therefore, organisms that particularly depend on vegetation structure should be targeted with additional restrictions: not only the time of the first cut but also the frequency of subsequent cuts and the mowing technique may have to be adjusted.
Edge effects on flower‐visiting insects in grapefruit plantations bordering premontane subtropical forest
Authors: CHACOFF NATACHA P. , AIZEN MARCELO A.
Published: December 2005

Over the last decade, there has been much concern about the decline in pollinator abundance and diversity caused by different types of anthropogenic disturbances, including deforestation and habitat fragmentation. However, little empirical information exists documenting this decline and its consequences for cultivated flowering crops. We tested the hypothesis that remnants of natural habitats act as a source of flower‐visiting insects for neighbourhood crops.

Over 3 consecutive years we evaluated flower‐visiting insect diversity, visitation frequency and composition in four grapefruit Citrus paradisi Macf. plantations at increasing distances (edge, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 m) from remnants of subtropical premontane forest in NW Argentina.

The frequency of visits to grapefruit flowers decreased by more than twofold as distance to the forest increased and the flower‐visiting fauna became more depaupurate. Even the feral africanized honeybee Apis mellifera, the dominant flower visitor to grapefruit flowers, showed a decline at distances > 500 m from the forest edge. However, the greatest relative declines occurred among stingless and solitary bees as well as other native flower visitors, which were rarely seen a few hundred metres inside the plantations. In addition, flower‐visiting insect faunas among plantations became more homogeneous as distance from the edge increased.

These trends were consistent over years and among plantations up to 50 km apart. Thus, we can conclude that negative forest edge effects on flower‐visiting insects inside grapefruit plantations are widespread in the increasingly deforested landscape of NW Argentina.

Synthesis and applications. This study provides empirical evidence for considering remnants of natural habitats as a source of both native and alien flower‐visiting insects that can be potential pollinators for agriculture. Increasing edge density in agricultural lands, through preservation and restoration of natural habitats, can foster stocks of diverse and abundant insect pollinators.
Physical aggression towards others in adults with learning disabilities: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Tyrer F. , McGrother C. W. , Thorp C. F. , Donaldson M. , Bhaumik S. , Watson J. M. , Hollin C.
Published: December 2005

Background  Many people with learning disabilities (LD) show aggressive behaviour, but the extent of the problem and its associated factors and effects are unclear.

Methods  A cross‐sectional analysis was carried out using interview data from 3065 adults with LD on the Leicestershire LD Register. Physical aggression towards others was defined as carers reporting frequent (more than three times per week) and/or severe episodes. Individuals with and without aggression were compared using multiple logistic regression models for potential physical and psychological factors.

Results  Carers reported that 443 (14%) of adults were physically aggressive towards others. Men (P = 0.001), younger individuals (P < 0.001), people with more severe LD (P < 0.001) and those in institutional settings (P < 0.001) had a significantly higher prevalence of physical aggression. People with Down syndrome had a lower prevalence of physical aggression (P < 0.001). After adjustment, we found no relationship between aggression and the presence of epilepsy or autism. Among psychological factors, symptoms of frustration (P < 0.001) and mood swings (P < 0.001) were associated with higher levels of aggression. Failure to cope among carers was reported by 14% overall: 42% of people caring for adults with aggression said they were unable to cope compared with 10% of those caring for adults without aggression.

Conclusions  Physical aggression towards other people presents a significant challenge to carers of adults with LD. Further research is needed to identify aetiological factors with a view to finding effective interventions to reduce, and improve management of, this behaviour.
Explorative statistical analysis of planar point processes in microscopy
Authors: MATTFELDT T.
Published: December 2005

Basic methods of explorative statistical analysis for stationary and isotropic planar point processes are briefly and informally reviewed. At the explorative level, planar point patterns may be characterized in terms of the intensity, the K‐function and the pair correlation function. These second‐order functions enable one to classify a given point process as completely random, clustering or repulsive. The repulsive behaviour may be quantified by an estimate of the hard‐core distance. In the exploratory approach, the statistics are essentially free from model assumptions. Second‐order spatial functions have been estimated to characterize genuine planar point processes in the macroscopic domain, for example in forestry, geography and epidemiology. For light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, two situations are distinguished, which may be summarized as the genuine planar case and the stereological case. In the genuine planar case, a direct interpretation of the results of spatial statistics is feasible. Here, monolayers in cell culture, intramembranous particles on freeze fracture specimens and amacrine cells of the retina are mentioned as examples. In the stereological case, point patterns are generated by sections through 3D structures. Here the observed point patterns may arise as the centres of sectional profiles of particles, or as centres of sectional profiles of spatial fibre processes. In both situations, exploratory spatial point process statistics allow a quantitative characterization of sectional images for the purposes of group comparisons and classification. Moreover, for spatial fibre processes it has recently been shown that the observed pair correlation function of the centres of the fibre profiles is an estimate of the reduced pair correlation function of the fibre process in 3D. Hence for fibre processes a stereological interpretation of point process statistics obtained from sections is an additional option.
Two‐photon fluorescence surface wave microscopy
Authors: GOH J. Y. L. , SOMEKH M. G. , SEE C. W. , PITTER M. C. , VERE K. A. , O'SHEA P.
Published: December 2005

This paper demonstrates the principle of two‐photon surface wave microscopy with a view to applications on biological samples. We describe a modified scanning optical microscope, which uses specially prepared coverslips. These coverslips are designed to support the propagation of surface waves capable of large field enhancements. We also discuss the beam conditioning necessary to ensure efficient use of the available illumination. Two‐photon surface wave fluorescent excitation is demonstrated on fluorescent nanospheres, demonstrating a point spread function width of ≈220 nm at an illumination wavelength of 925 nm. The potential of non‐linear surface wave excitation for both fluorescence and harmonic imaging microscopy is discussed.
Evidence that the SpoIIIE DNA translocase participates in membrane fusion during cytokinesis and engulfment
Authors: Liu Nai‐Jia Linda , Dutton Rachel J. , Pogliano Kit
Published: December 2005

During Bacillus subtilis sporulation, SpoIIIE is required for translocation of the trapped forespore chromosome across the sporulation septum, for compartmentalization of cell‐specific gene expression, and for membrane fusion after engulfment. We isolated mutations within the SpoIIIE membrane domain that block localization and function. One mutant protein initially localizes normally and completes DNA translocation, but shows reduced membrane fusion after engulfment. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments demonstrate that in this mutant the sporulation septum remains open, allowing cytoplasmic contents to diffuse between daughter cells, suggesting that it blocks membrane fusion after cytokinesis as well as after engulfment. We propose that SpoIIIE catalyses these topologically opposite fusion events by assembling or disassembling a proteinaceous fusion pore. Mutants defective in SpoIIIE assembly also demonstrate that the ability of SpoIIIE to provide a diffusion barrier is directly proportional to its ability to assemble a focus at the septal midpoint during DNA translocation. Thus, SpoIIIE mediates compartmentalization by two distinct mechanisms: the SpoIIIE focus first provides a temporary diffusion barrier during DNA translocation, and then mediates the completion of membrane fusion after division to provide a permanent diffusion barrier. SpoIIIE‐like proteins might therefore serve to couple the final step in cytokinesis, septal membrane fusion, to the completion of chromosome segregation.
Nested PCR assay for detection of sugarcane grassy shoot phytoplasma in the leafhopper vector Deltocephalus vulgaris: a first report
Authors: Srivastava S. , Singh V. , Gupta P. S. , Sinha O. K. , Baitha A.
Published: December 2005

Nymphs of Deltocephalus vulgaris, the leafhopper vector of sugarcane grassy shoot (SCGS) disease, fed on SCGS‐infected and healthy sugarcane leaves, and SCGS‐infected and healthy plant tissue of sugarcane cv. CoLk 8102, were examined by nested PCR using phytoplasma‐specific rRNA operon primers for detection of the SCGS phytoplasma. Samples of SCGS‐infected plants with symptoms and SCGS‐exposed D. vulgaris nymphs yielded SCGS‐exclusive DNA bands when nested PCR was performed. Negative results were obtained when symptomless plant host and unexposed insect vector samples devoid of phytoplasma DNA templates were used. Such a reliable molecular tool for the precise detection of SCGS phytoplasma in the D. vulgaris population would help forecast the potential of secondary spread of SCGS in a susceptible sugarcane variety, and may facilitate control of the disease.
Verticillium longisporum and V. dahliae: infection and disease in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhou L. , Hu Q. , Johansson A. , Dixelius C.
Published: December 2005

Verticillium wilt of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is caused primarily by Verticillium longisporum and has become a serious problem in northern Europe. In order to evaluate whether V. longisporum and V. dahliae differ in their interaction with oilseed rape, phenotypical and molecular assessments were made. Oilseed rape plants for fungal assessments were inoculated with V. longisporum and V. dahliae via root‐dipping and samples were taken from roots, stems, leaves, flowers, pods and seeds during plant development. The infection by V. longisporum was found to start mainly in lateral roots and root‐hairs, followed by colonization of the xylem vessels and extensive spread in stems and leaves, whereas V. dahliae infected the main roots and remained in the region below the cotyledon node of the plants. Re‐isolation studies, together with PCR analysis of samples taken from early growth stages through to fully ripe plants, showed that the onset of flowering was a critical phase for V. longisporum to colonize plants. No seeds infected with V. longisporum were found. Mycelial growth from V. dahliae but not V. longisporum was significantly reduced on media containing tissue from a low glucosinolate B. napus genotype compared with growth on media containing tissue from a high glucosinolate cultivar. The results of this study suggest that V. longisporum favours B. napus as host and that the transition from the vegetative to the generative phase is of importance for the spread of the fungus in oilseed rape plants.
Patterns of interaction between isolates of three pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae and accessions of a range of host and nonhost legume species
Authors: Hunter P. J. , Taylor J. D.
Published: December 2005

Isolates of three pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae were tested against 10 legume species. Some isolates of all pathovars showed cultivar‐specific interactions with at least one legume species outside the expected host range. Lablab purpureus and Phaseolus lunatus were found to be hosts to isolates of both P. syringae pv. glycinea and P. syringae pv. phaseolicola, while Lathyrus latifolius was host to isolates of P. syringae pv. pisi and P. syringae pv. glycinea. Lens culinaris showed patterns of interaction with isolates of all three pathovars. Gene models based on mathematical estimates of minimum gene numbers agreed with those previously published for the interactions of P. syringae pv. pisi with Pisum sativum and P. syringae pv. phaseolicola with Phaseolus vulgaris. Two different gene‐for‐gene models based on five resistance/avirulence gene pairs were proposed to explain observed interactions between Glycine max and P. syringae pv. glycinea. Pathogen isolates which contained no known avirulences defined on their respective host species were found to carry cryptic avirulences recognized by other plant species. Estimates of minimum gene numbers required to explain the interactions of a plant species with all pathogen isolates or to explain the interactions of the isolates of one pathovar with all plant accessions were consistently lower than the sum of the minimum gene numbers required to explain the interactions of each individual component.
Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis in three communities in north Vietnam
Authors: Somers R. , Dorny P. , Nguyen V. K. , Dang T. C. T. , Goddeeris B. , Craig P. S. , Vercruysse J.
Published: December 2005

Objectives  (1) To investigate the response to a serum antigen‐detecting ELISA for cysticercosis and a stool coproantigen test for taeniasis in two rural communities (mountainous and coastal areas) and one group of (peri‐)urban factory workers; and (2) to examine clinical features of human cysticercosis in northern Vietnam.

Methods  Villagers and factory workers and their families were informed and invited to participate in the study. Blood and faecal samples were collected from the participants and a simple questionnaire on taeniasis/cysticercosis completed. Serum was examined for the presence of circulating cysticercus antigen by a monoclonal‐based sandwich ELISA. Ag‐ELISA positive persons underwent a clinical examination and a computed tomography (CT) scan. Stool samples were examined microscopically for the presence of Taenia eggs and for copro‐antigens. Tapeworms were identified following therapeutic expulsion using morphology and PCR‐RFLP.

Results  Circulating cysticercus antigens, suggesting active infection, were detected in 5.3% (16/303), 0.6% (1/175) and 0.0% (0/229) of the sampled individuals from the mountainous, coastal and urban regions, respectively. Clinical examination and CT scan of the cysticercus antigen positive persons showed that active cysticercosis did not cause severe disease in most cases. Taenia copro‐antigens were found in 0.3% (1/297), 1.8% (3/166) and 0.0% (0/228) of the stool samples from the mountainous, coastal and urban communities, respectively. Three tapeworms were expelled after treatment: two Taenia solium and one Taenia saginata.

Conclusion  This survey points to a focal distribution of taeniasis/cysticercosis and suggests that human cysticercosis is rather acquired due to close contact with a T. solium carrier and self‐infection, than through infection from the environment.
Gender analysis in acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Nagayama Yoko , Tsubaki Toshikazu , Nakayama Shigeru , Sawada Kyoko , Taguchi Kazuko , Tateno Noriko , Toba Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2005

It is reasonable to compare immune reactions between boys and girls because many infections in the early stages are predominant in males. A relationship between immunomodulatory effects of sex hormone surge in boys at early months and infectious diseases is still unclear. We compared clinical features between boys and girls who suffered from wheezing that was initially triggered by acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. For systemic immune response evaluation, white blood cell (WBC) count, blood eosinophil count, and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured. For local inflammation evaluation, scores for eosinophils and neutrophils in sputum were evaluated microscopically. Patients consisted of 90 boys and 51 girls. Most children were under 6 months of age. WBC counts and serum CRP levels were significantly increased in girls compared with boys. Blood eosinophilia at the acute stage was rarely observed in children after 6 months of age. For local response evaluation, sputum specimens obtained from 42 boys and 29 girls were microscopically examined. Sputum eosinophil score of 2+ and more was observed in boys (6/42) exclusively. In contrast, sputum neutrophilia was commonly observed in boys and girls. From a follow‐up study, we confirmed that 28 children with RSV bronchiolitis showed wheezing episodes afterwards. However, their blood and sputum eosinophilia during RSV bronchiolitis did not reflect their subsequent wheezing. We speculated that gender‐specific responses to RSV infection might account for male susceptibility. Differences in RSV pathogenecity between boys and girls should be further investigated in terms of asthma progression.
Inhibitory effect of pooled human immunoglobulin on cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Wu Kuan‐Hsun , Wu Wen‐Mein , Lu Meng‐Yao , Chiang Bor‐Luen
Published: December 2005

Human intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are widely used as immunomodulators because of their ability to modify the course of various immune‐mediated diseases. We investigated the mechanisms responsible for the regulatory effects of IVIG on in vitro human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine production. Pre‐incubation of PBMCs with IVIG inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)/ionomycin stimulated cytokine secretion. Pre‐incubation of PBMCs with IVIG induced a significant inhibition of LPS‐stimulated (IL‐6) secretion (p = 0.045); the effect on tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) secretion was not significant (p = 0.234). Pre‐incubation of PBMCs with IVIG inhibited IL‐6 secretion (p = 0.033) stimulated with anti‐CD14 antibody cross‐linking but had no significant effect on TNF‐α secretion (p = 0.125). PBMC pre‐incubation with anti‐CD14‐blocking antibody induced a significant reduction (p = 0.042) in LPS‐stimulated TNF‐α secretion in comparison with a non‐significant reduction (p =0.256) noted with IVIG pre‐treatment. In contrast, pre‐incubation of PBMCs with anti‐CD14 antibody did not induce a significant reduction in LPS‐stimulated IL‐6 secretion (p = 0.166) in comparison with a significant reduction (p = 0.001) induced with IVIG pre‐treatment. Our data suggest that the immunoregulatory properties of IVIG may rely on several mechanisms, some of which may be independent of CD14. Our data also showed that cross‐linking cell membrane‐bound IVIG with anti‐human kappa‐ and lambda‐chain antibodies resulted in cytokine secretion levels similar to those elicited by LPS. In addition, intracellular DNA staining results did not support the involvement of apoptosis in the regulatory mechanisms of IVIG. This data may further our understanding of the immunoregulatory effects exerted by IVIG on the production of inflammatory‐response mediators.
Mast cell activation and leukotriene secretion in wheezing infants. Relation to respiratory syncytial virus and outcome
Authors: Øymar Knut , Halvorsen Thomas , Aksnes Lage
Published: December 2005

The persistence of wheezing after early wheezing episodes in infancy may be related to the virus involved and to the type of inflammation during the initial wheezing. The role of mast cell activation and leukotriene secretion in wheezing, and the relation to outcome, is not known. Our objective was to study markers of mast cell activation and leukotriene secretion from wheezing infants, and the relation to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and persistent wheezing. Urinary 9α,11β‐PGF2, a marker of mast cell activation, and urinary leukotriene E4 were measured in 106 infants hospitalized for wheezing during their first year of life. Results were related to the presence of RSV infection and the persistence of wheezing at follow‐up 20 months later. Levels of 9α,11β‐PGF2 were higher in infants positive for RSV than in those with RSV negative wheezing, but both groups had higher levels than controls. Leukotriene E4 levels were higher in wheezing infants than in controls. Urinary 9α,11β‐PGF2 levels were higher in infants with transient compared with persistent wheezing. We found a positive correlation between 9α,11β‐PGF2 and leukotriene E4, strongest in infants with RSV negative disease and in infants with persistent wheezing. The results suggest that mast cells play an important role in infant wheezing, and may be a major source of leukotriene secretion in these infants. Mast cell activation and leukotriene secretion were not associated with persistent wheezing.
In vitro evaluation of Haemonetics MCS+ apheresis platelet concentrates treated with photochemical pathogen inactivation following plasma volume reduction using the INTERCEPT Preparation Set
Authors: Isola H. , Kientz D. , Aleil B. , Laeuffer P. , Weil J. , Wiesel M.‐L. , Laforêt M. , Lin L. , Mayaudon V. , Cazenave J.‐P.
Published: December 2005

Pathogen inactivation using the INTERCEPT Blood System™ requires platelet resuspension in InterSol™ and reduced plasma. Platelets in plasma collected on the Haemonetics MCS+® were processed on the INTERCEPT Preparation Set™ for plasma volume reduction and addition of InterSol. The use of the Preparation Set resulted in a mean platelet loss of 5·6 ± 3·4%. Subsequent photochemical treatment (PCT) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light, and 7 days of storage, resulted in acceptable changes for platelet swirling, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), platelet factor‐4 (PF4), p‐selectin, glycoprotein V (GpV), pO2, pCO2, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8). All platelet units processed with the Preparation Set and PCT met European requirements for leucoreduction and pH values.
A modified caprylic acid method for manufacturing immunoglobulin G from human plasma with high yield and efficient virus clearance
Authors: Parkkinen J. , Rahola A. , von Bonsdorff L. , Tölö H. , Törmä E.
Published: December 2005

Background and Objectives  The increasing demand for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) necessitates the development of improved plasma fractionation methods, providing higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) recovery. Here, we describe a new IVIG production process resulting in a high yield of IgG and effective reduction of physico‐chemically resistant viruses.

Materials and Methods  IgG was purified from Cohn fraction II+III by caprylic acid treatment, polyethylene glycol precipitation, anion‐exchange chromatography, nanofiltration and ultrafiltration. Stability of the purified IgG was studied in different formulations. Virus reduction was studied with two viruses: bovine viral diarrhoea virus, assessed by an infectivity assay; and human parvovirus B19, assessed by polymerase chain reaction.

Results  The combination of caprylic acid treatment with polyethylene glycol precipitation and a single anion‐exchange chromatography yielded polymer‐free, pure IgG. The purified IgG could be filtered through a small pore‐size virus filter (Millipore V‐NFP) with high throughput and excellent yield. The formulated product was stable as a 100 g/l IgG solution. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus was effectively inactivated by the caprylic acid treatment, and parvovirus B19 was effectively removed in the polyethylene glycol precipitation and nanofiltration stages, the total reduction of parvovirus being ≈ 14 log10.

Conclusions  The new process gives pure and stable IgG solution with an average yield of 4·8 g of IgG per kg of recovered plasma and has a very high capacity to remove even physico‐chemically resistant viruses.
Renal brucelloma: A rare infection of the kidney
Authors: ONARAN METIN , SEN ILKER , POLAT FAZLI , IRKILATA LOKMAN , TUNC LUTFU , BIRI HASAN
Published: December 2005

Abstract  We report a case of renal abscess caused by brucellosis (renal brucelloma) which was treated by surgery. Renal parenchymal involvement of systemic brucellosis is a very rare condition and relapses after medical treatment, such as solid organ abscess including kidney, should be especially considered. In chronic cases, laboratory findings including polymerase chain‐reaction examination is needed for definitive diagnosis.
Dismembered pyeloplasty in children: A review of 5 years single center experience
Authors: TAL RAANAN , BAR‐SEVER ZVI , LIVNE PINHAS M
Published: December 2005

Aim: Dismembered pyeloplasty is the treatment of choice for significant ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. In the present study, we review our experience in 103 pediatric patients and present the clinical characteristics, the surgical treatment and its complications and the long term results.

Methods: We have reviewed the medical charts of 103 consecutive patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty in a 5‐year period, from 1997 to 2002. Preoperative data, short‐ and long‐term complications and outcome were recorded. Imaging studies included urinary tract sonography and dynamic renal scans, the results of which were compared pre‐ and postoperatively.

Results: Most of our patients were boys (81%), diagnosed prenatally (78%). We had no major complications and acceptable incidence of minor complications. Postoperative outcome was excellent, with decreased hydronephrosis (81%), improved renal drainage (87%) and preserved or improved renal function (89%).

Conclusion: Dismembered pyeloplasty can be performed with a low incidence of minor complications, no major complications and excellent long‐term outcome.
Usefulness of ultrasensitive prostate‐specific antigen assay for early detection of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy
Authors: NAKAMURA MASAFUMI , HASUMI HISASHI , MIYOSHI YASUHIDE , SUGIURA SHINPEI , FUJINAMI KIYOSHI , YAO MASAHIRO , KUBOTA YOSHINOBU , UEMURA HIROJI
Published: December 2005

Background: In order to assess whether the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nadir obtained with an ultrasensitive PSA assay can be used as a prognostic indicator for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, we investigated it retrospectively.

Methods: Between October 1997 and July 2003, 46 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer at our institution. None of them received preoperative treatment. Levels of PSA were measured with an ultrasensitive PSA assay every 1–3 months after prostatectomy. Biochemical recurrence was defined as a PSA level of 0.2 ng/mL or higher.

Results: There was a significant difference in PSA nadir between the biochemical recurrence group and the no recurrence group (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve gave an optimal cut‐off value for PSA nadir of 0.01 ng/mL, demonstrating a significant difference in biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. No patient with a PSA nadir level <0.01 ng/mL showed biochemical failure, while 15 out of 22 patients with PSA nadir levels ≥0.01 ng/mL showed biochemical failure.

Conclusion: The PSA nadir level obtained using an ultrasensitive PSA assay is an excellent predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Early detection of recurrence offers the possibility of early salvage therapy.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning and non‐functioning adrenal tumors: Analysis of surgical aspects based on histological types
Authors: KU JA H , YEO WOON G , KWON TAE G , KIM HYEON H
Published: December 2005

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hormonal functions of the tumor influence the operative results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and to analyse the clinical outcomes in patients with various hormonally active adrenal tumors.

Methods: Clinical and pathological records of 68 patients were reviewed. The average age of patients was 40 years (range 20–75); 39 were women and 29 men. For the comparison, patients were divided into the non‐functioning tumor group (n = 22) and the functioning tumor group (n = 46).

Results: All laparoscopic adrenalectomies were finished successfully, and no open surgery was necessary. The median operative time and blood loss in the two groups were similar; however, in subgroup analysis, operative time for pheochromocytoma was significantly longer than that for non‐functioning tumor (P = 0.044). No difference was noted in intra‐ and postoperative data between the groups. Of the 22 patients with aldosteronoma, 18 (81.8%) became normotensive and no longer required postoperative blood pressure medications. Adrenalectomy led to an overall reduction in the median number of antihypertensive medications (P < 0.001). All patients with Cushing adenoma had resolution or improvement of the signs and symptoms during follow‐up periods. There was no evidence of biochemical or clinical recurrence in any patient with pheochromocytoma.

Conclusion: The results of this retrospective review document that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for functioning as well as non‐functioning adrenal tumors, although endocrinologic features may play a significant role.
Malignant retroperitoneal tumor arising in a multicystic dysplastic kidney of a girl with Schinzel–Giedion syndrome
Authors: MATSUMOTO FUMI , TOHDA AKIRA , SHIMADA KENJI , OKAMOTO NOBUHIKO
Published: December 2005

Abstract  We report the first case of malignant retroperitoneal tumor arising in a multicystic dysplastic kidney of an 8‐year‐old girl with Schinzel‐Giedion syndrome. Although conservative treatment has been regarded as the standard management for asymptomatic multicystic dysplastic kidney, prophylactic surgical removal should be considered for selected children with potential risk of malignancy.
High dose chemotherapy including paclitaxel (T‐ICE) combined with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for male germ cell tumor. Preliminary report
Authors: HARA ISAO , YAMADA YUJI , KUMANO MASAFUMI , FURUKAWA JUNYA , YAMANAKA KAZUKI , FUJISAWA MASATO
Published: December 2005

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of high dose chemotherapy including paclitaxel (T‐ICE) combined with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for male germ cell tumor.

Methods: Five male patients with advanced germ cell tumor underwent 1–6 courses of high dose chemotherapy including paclitaxel (T‐ICE; 175 mg/m2 of paclitaxel, 1250 mg/m2 of carboplatin, 1500 mg/m2 of etoposide and 7.5 g/m2 of ifosfamide) with PBSCT after 2–3 courses of induction chemotherapy (PEB or VIP).

Results: In all patients, serum marker levels decreased to within the normal range by T‐ICE. Two patients underwent resection of residual tumor. In one patient, viable cancer cells were detected in resected lymph node tissue and adjuvant chemotherapy was then performed. Although the follow‐up period was short (7–15.5 months), four of the five patients (80%) showed no evidence of recurrent disease. No significant differences in side‐effects were noted between T‐ICE and conventional high dose ICE, which was previously performed in 39 patients at the Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.

Conclusions: High dose chemotherapy, including T‐ICE, combined with PBSCT showed an almost identical degree of side‐effects as seen in previous high dose chemotherapy without paclitaxel. Although 80% of the patients showed no evidence of disease so far, the efficacy of T‐ICE should be evaluated with more patients and longer follow up.
A critical appraisal of internet resources on colorectal cancer
Authors: John A. K.
Published: December 2005

Objective  The significance of the internet as a source of healthcare information for professionals and public is widely recognized. Access to good quality information is very important for informed decisions making on healthcare issues. This is an introduction to the critical appraisal of clinical information on the internet, discussion of the significance of quality checking of healthcare internet resources and the application of critical appraisal tools to selected internet resources on colorectal cancer care.

Methods  Internet resources were identified on the basis of a general criterion that it provides information on colorectal cancer and selected on the basis of explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each selected website is assessed for quality of information with validated criteria.

Results  The search strategy identified 10 well known internet resources on healthcare information (e.g. Cochrane, NICE) and 12 websites which are dedicated to cancer related information (e.g. CancerBacup, cancer.gov). The websites of NHS Direct, cancerBACUP, cancer.gov, NICE and Cancer Survivors Network were qualified as resources providing good quality information.

Discussion  The critical appraisal process assures quality of the available information and the tool is applicable to all healthcare related internet resources. The process is discussed with respect to colorectal cancer information resources and will be equally useful to healthcare professional and public. The healthcare professionals can apply the tool in practice and advise the public more confidently on internet information.
Positive influence of robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy on the collaborative‐care pathway for open radical prostatectomy
Authors: KAUFMAN MELISSA R. , SMITH JOSEPH A. , BAUMGARTNER ROXELYN G. , WELLS NANCY , CHANG SAM S. , HERRELL S. DUKE , COOKSON MICHAEL S.
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To define changes in the clinical pathway for open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and to determine their impact on patient care under the indirect influence of minimally invasive prostatectomy after implementing robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) at our institution and modifying the collaborative‐care pathway.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the Vanderbilt Prostate Database since the initiation of RALP in May 2003, evaluating those patients who had open RRP. Data were analysed in three consecutive 5‐month blocks to determine incremental changes in protocol and outcomes, including complications and re‐admissions.

RESULTS

Between May 2003 and August 2004, 196 patients had RALP and 183 had RRP. After May 2003, there was a progressive reduction for open RRP in the length of stay from 1.6 to 1.3 days. Analysis also showed an elimination of patient‐controlled analgesia, a rapid diet advancement, and drain removal at the surgeon's discretion. There were no major complications after surgery, and three minor complications (1.6%). The rate of re‐admission after open RRP was low throughout the study period (seven patients, 3.8%), and did not increase progressively.

CONCLUSIONS

The management after open RRP was modified substantially after implementing RALP, with the two clinical pathways now similar. Despite these modifications in the treatment of patients having open RRP there was no increase in morbidity or compromise in patient outcome. Indeed, this study shows the feasibility and safety of a 1‐day length of stay for open RRP.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction are highly prevalent in ageing men
Authors: GLINA SIDNEY , SANTANA ANTONIO W. , AZANK FLAVIO , MELLO LUIZ F. , MOREIRA EDSON D.
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a possible correlation between the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) in an unselected population of men presenting to a clinic, as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are highly prevalent in ageing men, and recent largely community‐based epidemiological studies reported a close association between ED and LUTS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a cross‐sectional study in an unselected consecutive sample of 118 men aged >40 years attending a urology clinic; the reason for consulting was not ascertained. While in the waiting room the men were asked to participate in the study and on agreement were given the IPSS and the SHIM to complete.

RESULTS

The mean (range) age of the participants was 61.7 (45–82) years. Overall, 19 (16%) and 47 (40%) of the men reported having moderate or severe LUTS, respectively. Erectile problems were also common, the prevalence of moderate ED was 11% and complete ED 29%. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the IPSS and the SHIM was − 0.32 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There was a close correlation between the IPSS and SHIM in this unselected population of men, adding evidence favouring a close association between LUTS and ED.
Bicalutamide 150 mg plus standard care vs standard care alone for early prostate cancer
Authors: MCLEOD DAVID G. , IVERSEN PETER , SEE WILLIAM A. , MORRIS THOMAS , ARMSTRONG JON , WIRTH MANFRED P. ,   the Casodex Early Prostate Cancer Trialists’ Group
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in the ongoing Early Prostate Cancer (EPC) trial programme, the efficacy and tolerability of bicalutamide 150 mg once daily in addition to standard care for localized or locally advanced, nonmetastatic prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The EPC programme comprises three randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials designed for combined analysis. Following standard care, 8113 men with localized (T1‐2, N0/Nx) or locally advanced (T3‐4, any N; or any T, N+) prostate cancer (all M0) received oral bicalutamide 150 mg once daily or oral placebo. The primary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival.

RESULTS

The large EPC trial programme is defining men who benefit or do not from early or adjuvant antiandrogen therapy. At a median follow‐up of 7.4 years, in localized disease there is no benefit to PFS by adding bicalutamide to standard care, and there is a trend (hazard ratio, HR, 1.16; 95% confidence intervals, CI, 0.99–1.37; P = 0.07) towards decreased survival in patients otherwise undergoing watchful waiting. However, in locally advanced disease, bicalutamide significantly improved PFS irrespective of standard care. Bicalutamide significantly improved overall survival in patients receiving radiotherapy (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.44–0.95; P = 0.03); this was driven by a lower risk of prostate cancer‐related deaths. Bicalutamide produced a trend towards improved overall survival in patients with locally advanced disease otherwise undergoing watchful waiting (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.66–1.01; P = 0.06). No survival difference was evident in the prostatectomy subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

This ongoing programme is clarifying the role of early or adjuvant antiandrogen therapy in prostate cancer. Patients with localized disease do not appear to derive clinical benefit from added bicalutamide. However, adding bicalutamide 150 mg to standard care provides significant clinical benefits in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, irrespective of primary therapy.
Raloxifene, an oestrogen‐receptor‐β‐targeted therapy, inhibits androgen‐independent prostate cancer growth: results from preclinical studies and a pilot phase II clinical trial
Authors: SHAZER RONALD L. , JAIN ANJALI , GALKIN ANNA V. , CINMAN NADYA , NGUYEN KOO N. , NATALE RONALD B. , GROSS MITCHELL , GREEN LELAND , BENDER LEON I. , HOLDEN STUART , KAPLAN LESLIE , AGUS DAVID B.
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVES

To determine, in preclinical in vivo animal and in clinical studies, whether raloxifene (a selective oestrogen‐receptor (ER) modulator that targets ER‐β and induces apoptosis in vitro in androgen‐independent prostate cancer, AIPC cells) affects prostate cell differentiation, proliferation and carcinogenesis, and in the pilot phase II clinical trial, the response rate and duration of patients with AIPC treated with a daily oral dose of raloxifene.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumour proliferation rate in response to raloxifene treatment, and molecular markers of cell cycle and apoptosis, were evaluated in established ER‐β‐positive androgen‐dependent (AD) CWR22 and AI CWRSA9 human xenograft prostate cancer models. Twenty‐one patients with AIPC and evidence of disease progression were enrolled into the clinical trial and given daily oral raloxifene.

RESULTS

There was significant growth inhibition by raloxifene in the ADPC and AIPC xenograft models (CWR22 68%, P < 0.010; CWRSA9 64%, P < 0.001), with no tumour regression. There was evidence of G1 arrest by increased p27kip1 expression in the raloxifene‐treated group. Eighteen patients comprised the efficacy analysis, as three withdrew before the first evaluation. At the first evaluation, five men had stable disease and continued on the study for a median of five cycles. The longest response was 17 cycles. Drug related toxicity was minimal.

CONCLUSION

Raloxifene has activity in xenograft models, slowing disease progression. This translated to possible disease stabilization in patients with AIPC. Further studies are warranted.
On Multivariate Interpolation
Authors: Olver Peter J.
Published: December 2005

A new approach to interpolation theory for functions of several variables is proposed. We develop a multivariate divided difference calculus based on the theory of noncommutative quasi‐determinants. In addition, intriguing explicit formulae that connect the classical finite difference interpolation coefficients for univariate curves with multivariate interpolation coefficients for higher dimensional submanifolds are established.
Chaos and Shadowing Around a Heteroclinically Tubular Cycle With an Application to Sine‐Gordon Equation
Authors: Li Y. Charles
Published: December 2005

The theory of chaos and shadowing developed recently by the author is amplified to the case of a heteroclinically tubular cycle. Specifically, let F be a C3 diffeomorphism on a Banach space. F has a heteroclinically tubular cycle that connects two normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds. Around the heteroclinically tubular cycle, a Bernoulli shift dynamics of submanifolds is established through a shadowing lemma. As an example, a sine‐Gordon equation with a chaotic forcing is studied. Existence of a heteroclinically tubular cycle is proved. Also proved are chaos associated with the heteroclinically tubular cycle, and chaos cascade referring to the embeddings of smaller‐scale chaos in larger‐scale chaos.