bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite analysis ofAbies sachalinensisregeneration on fallen logs in a subboreal forest in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: LIAN CHUNLAN , GOTO SUSUMU , KUBO TAKUYA , TAKAHASHI YASUO , NAKAGAWA MASAHIKO , HOGETSU TAIZO
Published: May 2008

Fallen logs are the main regeneration sites forAbies sachalinensis(Sachalin fir) in subboreal forests in Japan. We surveyed the spatial genetic structure of different demographic stages in a 4.29‐ha natural population ofA. sachalinensis. Genetic structure was significant at short distances throughout all stages in this wind‐dispersed conifer. To evaluate the effects of fallen‐log‐dependent recruitment on demography and spatial genetic structure, we conducted parentage analysis of offspring with highly polymorphic nuclear simple sequence repeat and chloroplast simple sequence repeat markers, and developed a new hierarchical Bayesian model to estimate the effects of mother trees and fallen logs on seed dispersal and offspring recruitment. Combined application of nuclear and chloroplast simple sequence repeat markers allowed us to unambiguously identify mother trees of most offspring (> 90%). Female reproductive success was extremely skewed; a few adults produced most of the offspring on fallen logs. Limited distance of effective dispersal and recruitment was seen in the parentage analysis and modelling estimation. These recruitment characters ofA. sachalinensis, with a fallen‐log‐dependent recruitment process, may result in significant genetic structure in early demographic stages.
Cryptic diversity of the symbiotic cyanobacterium Synechococcus spongiarum among sponge hosts
Authors: ERWIN PATRICK M. , THACKER ROBERT W.
Published: May 2008

Cyanobacteria are common members of sponge‐associated bacterial communities and are particularly abundant symbionts of coral reef sponges. The unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus spongiarum is the most prevalent photosynthetic symbiont in marine sponges and inhabits taxonomically diverse hosts from tropical and temperate reefs worldwide. Despite the global distribution of S. spongiarum, molecular analyses report low levels of genetic divergence among 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences from diverse sponge hosts, resulting either from the widespread dispersal ability of these symbionts or the low phylogenetic resolution of a conserved molecular marker. Partial 16S rRNA and entire 16S–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genes were sequenced from cyanobacteria inhabiting 32 sponges (representing 18 species, six families and four orders) from six geographical regions. ITS phylogenies revealed 12 distinct clades of S. spongiarum that displayed 9% mean sequence divergence among clades and less than 1% sequence divergence within clades. Symbiont clades ranged in specificity from generalists to specialists, with most (10 of 12) clades detected in one or several closely related hosts. Although multiple symbiont clades inhabited some host sponges, symbiont communities appear to be structured by both geography and host phylogeny. In contrast, 16S rRNA sequences were highly conserved, exhibiting less than 1% sequence divergence among symbiont clades. ITS gene sequences displayed much higher variability than 16S rRNA sequences, highlighting the utility of ITS sequences in determining the genetic diversity and host specificity of S. spongiarum populations among reef sponges. The genetic diversity of S. spongiarum revealed by ITS sequences may be correlated with different physiological capabilities and environmental preferences that may generate variable host–symbiont interactions.
The microglial/macrophagic response at the tumour–brain border of invasive meningiomas
Authors: Grund S. , Schittenhelm J. , Roser F. , Tatagiba M. , Mawrin C. , Kim Y. J. , Bornemann A.
Published: May 2008

Aims: Little is known about the immune response of the brain to invasive meningiomas. The present study was based upon the hypothesis that the microglial/macrophagic response towards brain‐invasive meningiomas is dependent on the intactness of the pial‐glial basement membrane. Methods: We immunostained sections from 40 brain‐invasive meningiomas that were graded according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 criteria. Thirty‐three tumours were histologically WHO grade II (18, ‘otherwise benign’, and 15, ‘otherwise atypical’), and seven, grade III. Microglial/macrophagic cells were labelled with antibodies directed against major histocompatibility complex class II, CD68, CD14 and CD163. Anti‐collagen IV was used to visualize basement membranes. Results: Twenty‐five per cent (10/40) meningiomas (1/18 WHO grade II ‘otherwise benign’, 3/15 grade II ‘otherwise atypical’ and 6/7 WHO grade III) contained microglial/macrophagic cells at the tumour–brain border. The presence of these cells correlated with the absence of the pial‐glial basement membrane (BM) and with WHO grade III. The monocytic response was of two kinds: one consisted of a dense layer of mononuclear cells at the tumour–brain border in nine cases, the other of an elevated number of microglial cells expressing CD14 or CD163 (two cases). Conclusions: The immune response at the tumour–brain interface correlates with the absence of the pial‐glial BM and with malignancy grade. It remains to be established whether the mononuclear cells at the tumour–brain border are native microglia or blood‐derived macrophages.
Nucleotide sequence analysis and detection of a Greek isolate of Tomato chlorosis virus
Authors: Kataya A. R. A. , Stavridou E. , Farhan K. , Livieratos I. C.
Published: May 2008

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is a whitefly‐transmitted crinivirus with a bipartite RNA genome inducing yellowing diseases in greenhouse and outdoor tomato plants. In this study, both genomic RNA components of a Greek isolate (Gr‐535) of ToCV were sequenced. They contained 8594 nucleotides (nt) and 8242 nt and shared 97% and 99% sequence identity with Spanish and American isolates, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and pairwise nucleotide and amino acid sequence comparisons showed that the Greek isolate clustered together with the American ToCV isolate. Nevertheless, the Greek and Spanish isolates shared several common deletions and extra stretches of nucleotides in the untranslated regions of their genomes when compared to the American isolate, suggesting genetic recombination. Prediction of putative structures of the 3′‐terminus of ToCV RNA 1 showed the presence of four stem loops and a pseudo‐knot, while the putative structure of the 3′‐terminus of ToCV RNA 2 varied between the three sequenced isolates. Diagnostic dot‐blot hybridization and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays indicated that ToCV could easily be detected in 20 ng of total RNA extracts from infected plants. Dot‐blot hybridization could also be performed for virus diagnosis using infected crude plant extracts.
Effects of strip intercropping of potatoes with non‐hosts on late blight severity and tuber yield in organic production
Authors: Bouws H. , Finckh M. R.
Published: May 2008

The effects of strip cropping of potatoes with cereals or a grass‐clover mix in and perpendicular to the main wind direction on foliar late blight severity and tuber yield were studied in large‐scale field experiments in Germany. Disease progress was assessed in 12–18 sections per plot and yields determined from the same sections. In 2000, plot size was 3 × 10 m and there were no disease reductions apparently due to interplot interference. In 2001 and 2002, with plot sizes of 6 × 18 and 6 × 36 m in strip‐cropped potatoes, disease was significantly reduced by 9–20% and 4–12%, respectively, compared to pure stands of potato, with the greatest reductions in plots planted perpendicular to the wind and neighboured by grass‐clover. The most important factors contributing to disease reduction were loss of inoculum outside of the plots and barrier effects of neighbouring non‐potato hosts. Only 0–20% of the overall yield variation could be explained by the area under the disease progress curve, depending on cultivar and year. In one year disease effects on the yield of a moderately resistant cultivar were higher than on the yield of a susceptible cultivar. This was probably caused by differences in bulking behaviour. Nutrient limitation appeared to be more important than disease in reducing yields. Yields in the edge potato rows directly neighboured by cereals were significantly reduced in all 3 years, but competition by cereals did not change the disease–yield‐loss relationship. Strip intercropping might be a useful component in an overall management strategy to reduce incoming late blight inoculum.
Post‐infection development and histopathology of Meloidogyne arenaria race 1 on Arachis spp.
Authors: Proite K. , Carneiro R. , Falcão R. , Gomes A. , Leal‐Bertioli S. , Guimarães P. , Bertioli D.
Published: May 2008

The reproductive behaviour of the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria race 1 was compared on two wild species of Arachis (A. duranensis and A. stenosperma) and cultivated peanut (A. hypogaea cv. IAC‐Tatu‐ST). The three species were considered moderately susceptible, resistant, and susceptible, respectively. Penetration and development of the root‐knot nematode in the resistant species was reduced in comparison with that occurring in susceptible plants. Several cell features, including dark blue cytoplasm and altered organelle structure were observed in the central cylinder of A. stenosperma, indicating a hypersensitive‐like response (HR) of infested host cells. Neither giant cells, nor nematodes developed beyond the second stage, were found on A. stenosperma. Arachis duranensis showed a delay in the development of nematodes in the roots compared to A. hypogaea. The two wild peanut species were chosen to be the contrasting parents of a segregating population for mapping and further investigation of resistance genes.
Variability in aggressiveness, cultural characteristics, cercosporin production and fatty acid profile ofCercospora piaropi, a biocontrol agent of water hyacinth
Authors: Tessmann D. J. , Charudattan R. , Preston J. F.
Published: May 2008

The extent of variation in aggressiveness, growth and pigmentation in culture, phytotoxin production and fatty acid profile were determined in a population of 55 isolates ofCercospora piaropi, a fungus used as a biocontrol agent of the aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Besides differences in the colour of mycelium and diffusible pigments in culture, isolates ofC. piaropigrown under standard conditions differed significantly in their ability to produce the phytotoxin cercosporin, as well as in aggressiveness and growth rate. A positive correlation existed between the ability of the isolates to produce cercosporin and their aggressiveness, and a negative correlation between growth rate and cercosporin production or growth rate and aggressiveness. Based on thin‐layer chromatographic separation of extracts and comparison with beticolin‐1, used as a standard, there was no evidence of production of beticolins. In discriminant analysis, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles had low resolution for differentiating populations among isolates of the fungus, and the level of resolution was influenced by the age of the colonies. Diffusible pigments in culture and cercosporin production are useful adjuncts to aggressiveness screening for choosing the most effective isolate ofC. piaropifor biological control.
Quantification of potato common scab pathogens in soil by quantitative competitive PCR with fluorescent quenching‐based probes
Authors: Manome A. , Kageyama A. , Kurata S. , Yokomaku T. , Koyama O. , Kanagawa T. , Tamaki H. , Tagawa M. , Kamagata Y.
Published: May 2008

Common scab of potato tubers caused by pathogenic Streptomyces spp. is a cause of serious economic loss worldwide. For the rapid and accurate quantification of pathogenic Streptomyces spp. residing in soil, a new competitive real‐time PCR method using fluorescent quenching‐based probes (quantitative competitive quenching probe PCR: QCQP‐PCR) was developed. The virulence gene of pathogenic Streptomyces spp., nec1, was selected as the target for QCQP‐PCR. A specific primer set to amplify the nec1 gene, and a fluorescently labelled probe that specifically hybridizes with the nec1 amplicon were designed. For QCQP‐PCR, an internal standard DNA (IS DNA) that is identical to the nec1 amplicon but has a 4‐base mismatch in the probe‐hybridizing region, and a fluorescently labelled probe IS, which specifically hybridizes with IS DNA at the mutagenized region, were PCR‐synthesized. The target nec1 gene was co‐amplified with the known copy number of IS DNA by PCR using the same primer set in the presence of the specific probes. The PCR products were monitored in real‐time by measuring the fluorescence intensity (quenching) of each probe. The initial amount of the nec1 gene was quantified based on the ratio of the PCR products of the same PCR cycle. The results revealed that QCQP‐PCR could be used to precisely quantify the nec1 gene, even in the presence of PCR inhibitors in the soil samples examined. The lower limit of quantification was 20 copies per tube, which corresponded to 1500 copies per g dry soil. The quantification achieved by this method was completed within 5 h, i.e. the duration of the entire analysis. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the present method for monitoring pathogenic Streptomyces species in soil.
A Remarkable Depletion of Both Naïve CD4+ and CD8+ with High Proportion of Memory T Cells in an IPEX Infant with a FOXP3 Mutation in the Forkhead Domain
Authors: Costa‐Carvalho B. T. , De Moraes‐Pinto M. I. , De Almeida L. C. , De Seixas Alves M. T. , Maia R. P. , De Souza R. L. , Barreto M. , Lourenço L. , Vicente A. M. , Coutinho A. , Carneiro‐Sampaio M.
Published: May 2008

IPEX is a rare X‐linked syndrome, with immune dysfunction, polyendocrinopathy and enteropathy. We describe an infant who died at the age of 11 months after developing eczema, severe diarrhoea, diabetes, hypothyroidism, thrombocytopenia and four episodes of septicaemia. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood at 8 months revealed normal CD3+ T, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell numbers, with low NK and B cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes showed remarkably low numbers and percentages of naïve cells and high numbers of memory CD4 and CD8 cells. At autopsy, an intense depletion of immune cells in thymus, spleen and lymph nodes was observed. No Hassall’s corpuscles were found in thymus. Lymphocytic pancreatitis and intense villous atrophy with mucosal lymphocytic infiltration in small bowel were also seen. FOXP3 gene studies revealed a: C→G substitution 3 bp upstream of exon 10, which prevents splicing between exons 9 and 10, likely resulting in a functionally altered or deficient protein. Florid clinical findings are usually observed in association of forkhead DNA‐binding domain mutations. The intense depletion of naïve T cells we report suggest that depletion of immune cells might take place due to uncontrolled activation due to the absence of regulatory T cells.
Donor‐derived human herpes virus 8‐related Kaposi's sarcoma in renal allograft ureter
Authors: Dudderidge T.J. , Khalifa M. , Jeffery R. , Amlot P. , Al‐Akraa M. , Sweny P.
Published: May 2008

Abstract: We present a case of human herpes virus 8 (HHV8)‐associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) occurring in a renal allograft ureter from a male donor. The female patient presented with a rising creatinine due to ureteric obstruction, and subsequent histological examination of the excised tumor revealed a KS. The tumor tested positive for HHV8 antigen and, using in situ hybridization to identify X and Y chromosomes, we were able to demonstrate that the tumor was of male origin. In the absence of any other KS lesions, this suggested that the tumor arose due to reactivation of latent HHV8 in the donor tissue, permitted by the recipient's immunosuppression. The patient was managed by a gradual reduction in immunosuppression and there has been no subsequent recurrence of the tumor. KS in renal transplantation is discussed in detail including the possible utility of pre‐transplant HHV8 screening.
Primary gastrointestinal aspergillosis after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: an unusual presentation of invasive aspergillosis
Authors: González‐Vicent M. , Díaz M.A. , Colmenero I. , Sevilla J. , Madero L.
Published: May 2008

Abstract: Primary gastrointestinal invasive aspergillosis is an unusual presentation in patients with malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. Visceral organ involvement with Aspergillus sp. most often occurs in the setting of disseminated infection. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with Wilms' tumor who developed primary gastrointestinal aspergillosis after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation. He had no evidence of pulmonary, sinus, or central nervous system infection. The patient died of septic shock after emergency surgery.
Newly recognized bacteria involved in trunk scab and canker of white and hybrid poplars
Authors: Fabi A. , Graziani V. , Anselmi N. , Varvaro L.
Published: May 2008

In a 4‐year‐old collection of native Italian Populus alba, growing in the eastern Po valley, many trunks showed severe symptoms characterized by brown spots, similar to trunk scab and/or by cankers. Canker‐like growths, often with gall‐like‐formations in the earlier developmental phases were also found on some clones of P. trichocarpa and their hybrids, as well as on P. deltoides growing in several Northern Italian nurseries. Bacteria and fungi present in the affected tissues and potentially involved in the disease were examined. No fungi were detected, however, several species of bacteria were isolated and identified: Pseudomonas mendocina and Erwinia herbicola group, from the brown spots; Erwinia carotovora sub sp. carotovora and, occasionally, E. herbicola group, from cankers. Only E. carotovora sub sp. carotovora produced clear symptoms of canker when artificially inoculated on young plants of different poplar species. This is the first time this symptomology on poplar species has been clearly related to E. carotovora sub sp. carotovora.
Movement of transgenic plant‐expressed Bt Cry1Ac proteins through high trophic levels
Authors: Wei W. , Schuler T. H. , Clark S. J. , Stewart C. N. , Poppy G. M.
Published: May 2008

The movement of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) Cry1Ac endotoxin through high trophic levels was assessed to help elucidate the effects of Bt toxin on non‐target insects. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L., Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), the parasitic wasp (Cotesia vestalis Haliday, Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the predatory green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) were used as a model system in this laboratory study. Bt‐resistant P. xylostella larvae fed Cry1Ac‐expressing transgenic oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L., Cruciferae), before and after parasitization by C. vestalis, consumed Cry1Ac with the ingested plant material but only a proportion of Cry1Ac consumed was recovered from the bodies and faeces of P. xylostella larvae. Cry1Ac was not detected in newly emerged parasitoid larvae. In contrast, Cry1Ac was detected in C. carnea larvae fed on resistant P. xylostella larvae reared on Bt OSR. However, no Cry1Ac could be detected in C. carnea larvae when the lacewings were transferred to P. xylostella larvae reared on conventional OSR and tested 24–48 h. The metabolizing ability of Cry1Ac is discussed for the larvae of P. xylostella and C. carnea.
Production of greenhouse tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) using Nannotrigona perilampoides, Bombus impatiens and mechanical vibration (Hym.: Apoidea)
Authors: Palma G. , Quezada‐Euán J. J. G. , Reyes‐Oregel V. , Meléndez V. , Moo‐Valle H.
Published: May 2008

Importation of exotic bumblebees for greenhouse pollination may be restricted in México, thus making it necessary to evaluate the potential of native species as pollinators in enclosures. We studied the foraging activity and fruit production of tomato using one colony of Nannotrigona perilampoides (NP) and one colony of Bombus impatiens (BI) in greenhouses with ≈1000 plants. Mechanical vibration (MV) was included as a test treatment.

The foraging activity was measured as the number of flowers visited within 5 min, the time spent on a flower collecting pollen, the number of visits that a flower received and the duration of a foraging trip. BI collected pollen more rapidly, visited more flowers within 5 min and did more visits per flower when compared with NP that also lasted longer in their trips.

Significant correlations were found between environmental variables and the number of bees entering the hive and the number of bees on the flowers. For NP, the highest correlation was found for light intensity whilst in BI a negative effect of environmental temperature was detected.

Regarding the quantity of fruit, BI resulted in higher fruit set when compared with NP, but the latter performed similarly to MV. However, the weight of the fruit and seed number was significantly higher for BI when compared with NP, and this was higher than for MV.

Our results demonstrate that at the densities of tomato plants tested, one colony of BI was more efficient pollinator when compared with NP. We suggest that pollination efficiency of NP could have been limited by a reduced number of foragers on the plants at a given time and their limited flight range when compared with BI. Therefore, it will be necessary to evaluate if increasing densities of colonies of NP could improve tomato yield in tropical greenhouses.
The importance of honeydew as food for larvae of Chrysoperla carnea in the presence of aphids
Authors: Hogervorst P. A. M. , Wäckers F. L. , Carette A.‐C. , Romeis J.
Published: May 2008

Larvae of the common green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea are predacious and feed on a wide range of small, soft‐bodied arthropods. In addition to their feeding on prey arthropods to cover their nutritional requirements for growth and development, the consumption of non‐prey foods such as honeydew has been reported. It is commonly believed that these food supplements are primarily exploited by the larvae when prey is scarce or of low nutritional quality. Here, we assess whether C. carnea larvae also use honeydew when high‐quality aphid prey are readily available. In a choice experiment, the feeding behaviour of C. carnea larvae was observed in the presence of both aphids and honeydew. The larvae were starved, aphid‐fed, or honeydew‐fed prior to the experiment. The time spent feeding on honeydew compared with feeding on aphids was highest for starved larvae and lowest for honeydew‐fed larvae. Among the three treatments, the aphid‐fed larvae spent the most time resting and the least time searching. In an additional experiment food intake was assessed in terms of weight change when larvae were provided with an ad libitum supply of either aphids or honeydew. Larvae yielded a significant lower relative weight increase on honeydew compared with aphids. The reduced weight increase on honeydew was compensated when larvae were subsequently provided with aphids, but not when honeydew was provided again. This study showed that (i) prior honeydew feeding reduces overall aphid consumption, and (ii) larvae do consume honeydew even after they have been given ad libitum access to aphids. The fact that larvae of C. carnea still use honeydew as a food source in the presence of suitable prey underlines the importance of carbohydrates as foods.
Characters and expression of the gene encoding DH, PBAN and other FXPRLamide family neuropeptides in Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Wei Z.‐J. , Hong G.‐Y. , Jiang S.‐T. , Tong Z.‐X. , Lu C.
Published: May 2008

The full‐length cDNA encoding diapause hormone (DH) and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) in Antheraea pernyi (Anp‐DH‐PBAN) were cloned and sequenced by rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods. The Anp‐DH‐PBAN cDNA encodes a 196‐amino acid (aa) prehormone that contains a 24‐aa DH‐like peptide, a 33‐aa PBAN and three other neuropeptides, all of which share a common C‐terminal pentapeptide motif FXPR/KL (X = G, T, S). The Anp‐DH‐PBAN shows highest homology (82%) to that of Samia cynthia ricini at amino acid level. Northern blots demonstrate the presence of a 0.8‐kb transcript in the brain and suboesophageal ganglion (SG) complex. During the early pupal stages, the Anp‐DH‐PBAN mRNA contents increase consistently in both diapause‐ and non‐diapause‐destined pupae. From day 7, mRNA in diapause pupae dropped promptly and maintained a lower level than that in the non‐diapause type. The Anp‐DH‐PBAN mRNA was expressed mainly in SG, at much lower levels in brain and thoracic ganglia (TG), but not in non‐neural tissues. FXPRLamide (Phe‐X‐Pro‐Arg‐Leu) peptide immunoreactivity was detected in the SG, TG and terminal abdominal ganglion of A. pernyi by whole‐mount immunocytochemistry. The titres of FXPRLamide peptides in the haemolymph in diapause type are consistently lower than in non‐diapause insects. In non‐diapause individuals, there are two peaks of FXPRLamide titres, day 2 in the wandering stage and day‐5 in the pupal stage respectively.
Bacteriuria in patients with an orthotopic ileal neobladder: urinary tract infection or asymptomatic bacteriuria?
Authors: Suriano Francesca , Gallucci Michele , Flammia Gerardo Paolo , Musco Stefania , Alcini Antonio , Imbalzano Gregorio , Dicuonzo Giordano
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) and urinary tract infection (UTI), and the local and systemic inflammatory response, in patients with ileal neobladder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 40 patients who had a radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder. Two urine samples, one for chemical and physical analysis, and cytofluorimetry, and one for urine culture, were collected every 3 months for 9 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Of 119 urine cultures, 69 (57%) were positive for bacteria. Only nine of the 40 patients had no bacteriuria on urine culture. Escherichia coli strains were cultured from eight of 10 patients with persistently positive urine. The incidence of bacteriuria was different according to gender. There was a high concentration of leukocytes (0–6 µL) in 118 of 119 samples. The mean concentration of leukocytes in sterile urine culture was 1181/µL, while in patients with ABU the mean was 491 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A positive urine culture is a very common finding in patients with an orthotopic bladder. The most interesting results was the absence of elevated inflammatory indices and/or symptoms, even in those patients with high levels of bacteriuria. Probably this is due to the completely different inflammatory response of ileal mucosa against bacteria than has bladder mucosa. Indeed, the leukocyte concentration detected in urinary sediment was inversely association with bacterial growth in urine cultures. These findings suggest a redefinition of ABU and UTI in patients with an orthotopic neobladder.
Pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction in duplex kidneys
Authors: Horst Maya , Smith Grahame H.H.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of 11 children with pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) in a duplex kidney and to review previous reports.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1995 to 2005 the second author (G.H.H.S.) performed 145 pyeloplasties in single‐system kidneys and in 11 children with PUJO in a duplex kidney. Upper and lower pole obstructions were found in both complete and incomplete duplicated systems. Investigations included renal ultrasonography, renal scintigraphy, micturating cystography, cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography. Ten patients had surgery (eight dismembered pyeloplasties, one upper‐pole heminephrectomy, one pyelo‐ureterostomy).

RESULTS

Three children had obstruction of the upper moiety and eight had obstruction of the lower moiety. Upper and lower pole obstructions were found in both complete and incomplete duplicated systems.

CONCLUSION

Upper‐pole obstruction in a duplex kidney is rare; the present series suggests that it is more common than previously reported.
Influence of prostate size on the outcome of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Shah Hemendra N. , Sodha Hiren S. , Kharodawala Shabbir J. , Khandkar Amit A. , Hegde Sunil S. , Bansal Manish B.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the effect of prostate size on the outcome of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP, an established procedure for treating symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy, BPH), in the initial 354 patients at 1 year of follow‐up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 354 patients who had HoLEP at our institution from April 2003 to March 2007. In 235 patients the prostate weighed <60 g (group 1), in 77 it weighed 60–100 g (group 2) and in 42 >100 g (group 3). Demographic data and perioperative variables were recorded and compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

The mean prostate size was 38.1, 76.4 and 133.5 g for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P < 0.001), and the respective mean weight of resected prostate was 18.47, 40.8 and 82.76 g, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean procedure efficiency increased from 0.36 g/min in group 1 to 0.49 g/min in group 2 and 0.58 g/min in group 3 (P < 0.001). The decrease in haemoglobin level after HoLEP was greater in group 3 than in the other groups. Overall, HoLEP resulted in a 75% reduction in American Urologic Association symptom score, a 225% increase in peak urinary flow rate and an 86% decrease in postvoid residual urine volume at 1 year of follow‐up. Perioperative complications were evenly distributed among the three groups, except for a higher incidence of superficial bladder mucosal injury and stenotic complications in group 3.

CONCLUSIONS

HoLEP is a safe and effective procedure for treating symptomatic BPH, independent of prostate size, and is associated with low morbidity. The efficiency of HoLEP increases with increasing prostate size.
Fertility issues in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Steinsvik Eivind A. , Fosså Sophie D. , Lilleby Wolfgang , Eilertsen Karsten
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To describe fertility issues, only rarely discussed with patients with prostate cancer, although paternity after treatment might be an important component of quality of life for some, as exemplified by two of our patients.

PATIENTS

During pretreatment counselling two patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer initiated the discussion of paternity after treatment. Patient 1 then opted for radiotherapy as the treatment least likely to damage fertility, whereas patient 2 had semen cryopreservation before external beam radiotherapy combined with 6 months adjuvant hormone treatment.

RESULTS

Patient 1 became a father to a healthy child 9 months after starting radiotherapy, with conception two days after he had received one session of brachytherapy with 192Ir (total dose 10 Gy, testicular dose, 0.1 Gy). Patient 2 fathered a child 36 months after completing external beam radiotherapy (total dose 74 Gy, testicular dose 1.2–2.3 Gy), which was combined with medical castration of 6 months’ duration.

CONCLUSION

Fertility issues should be considered in patients before curative treatment of prostate cancer.
Angiogenic gene modification of skeletal muscle cells to compensate for ageing‐induced decline in bioengineered functional muscle tissue
Authors: Delo Dawn M. , Eberli Daniel , Williams J. Koudy , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Atala Anthony , Soker Shay
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of ageing on the viability of bioengineered striated muscle tissue in vivo, and if this viability can be enhanced by concurrent neovascularization, as its utility for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) might be reduced if muscle cells are derived from old patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Myoblasts were obtained and expanded in culture from young (2 weeks), mature (3 months) and old (24 months) mice, and were engineered to express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to stimulate neovascularization. Myoblasts were injected subcutaneously into male nude mice and after 2 and 4 weeks, the engineered muscle tissues were harvested.

RESULTS

Bioengineered muscle tissues were formed in all groups, but the engineered muscles formed by myoblasts from old mice were smaller and less contractile. However, the bioengineered muscles expressing VEGF had a greater mass and better contractility in all age groups.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study showed that there was an age‐related decline in the size and function of bioengineered muscle; however, there was an improvement in volume and function when the muscle cells were expressing VEGF.
Less weight gain and hypoglycaemia with once‐daily insulin detemir than NPH insulin in intensification of insulin therapy in overweight Type 2 diabetes patients—The PREDICTIVE™ BMI clinical trial1
Authors: Montañana C. Fajardo , Herrero C. Hernández , Fernández M. Rivas
Published: May 2008

Objective  To assess weight change when once‐daily insulin detemir (detemir) or neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin (NPH) are used in already overweight Type 2 diabetes patients requiring intensified insulin therapy.

Research design and methods  This 26‐week randomized, controlled trial included adults with Type 2 diabetes [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.5–11.0%, body mass index (BMI) 25–40 kg/m2] who had received two daily doses of insulin (at least one a premix) for ≥ 3 months. Subjects received either detemir (n = 125) or NPH (n = 146) once daily in the evening and insulin aspart at main meals. Concomitant treatment with metformin was allowed. Basal insulin was titrated to a pre‐breakfast plasma glucose target of 6.1 mmol/l without unacceptable hypoglycaemia. Insulin aspart was also titrated (target, postprandial glucose ≤ 10.0 mmol/l without unacceptable hypoglycaemia).

Results  At 26 weeks, weight had increased significantly less with detemir (0.4 kg) than with NPH (1.9 kg; difference 1.5 kg, P < 0.0001). BMI increase was also less with detemir than with NPH (difference 0.6 kg/m2, P < 0.0001). HbA1c decreased from 8.9 to 7.8% (detemir) and from 8.8 to 7.8% (NPH; not significant for between‐treatment difference). Incidence of hypoglycaemia was lower with detemir [relative risks 0.62 (all events) and 0.43 (nocturnal); P < 0.0001 for both].

Conclusions  PREDICTIVE™ BMI was the first study to examine the effect of once‐daily detemir with weight as the primary endpoint in a large population of overweight Type 2 diabetes patients. Use of once‐daily detemir for intensification of insulin therapy resulted in less weight gain, less hypoglycaemia and equivalent glycaemic control compared with NPH.
Severe hypoglycaemia and glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes: meta‐analysis of multiple daily insulin injections compared with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Authors: Pickup J. C. , Sutton A. J.
Published: May 2008

Aims  Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is a recommended treatment for reducing severe hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes, but the change in hypoglycaemia compared with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) is unclear. We therefore conducted a meta‐analysis comparing severe hypoglycaemia and glycaemic control during CSII and MDI.

Methods  Databases and literature (1996–2006) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and before/after studies of ≥ 6 months’ duration CSII and with severe hypoglycaemia frequency > 10 episodes/100 patient years on MDI.

Results  In 22 studies (21 reports), severe hypoglycaemia during MDI was related to diabetes duration (P = 0.038) and was greater in adults than children (100 vs. 36 events/100 patient years, P = 0.036). Severe hypoglycaemia was reduced during CSII compared with MDI, with a rate ratio of 2.89 (95% CI 1.45 to 5.76) for RCTs and 4.34 (2.87 to 6.56) for before/after studies [rate ratio 4.19 (2.86 to 6.13) for all studies]. The reduction was greatest in those with the highest initial severe hypoglycaemia rates on MDI (P < 0.001). The mean difference in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between treatments was less for RCTs [0.21% (0.13–0.30%)] than in before/after studies [0.72% (0.55–0.90%)] but strongly related to the initial HbA1c on MDI (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  The severe hypoglycaemia rate in Type 1 diabetes was markedly less during CSII than MDI, with the greatest reduction in those with most severe hypoglycaemia on MDI and those with the longest duration of diabetes. The biggest improvement in HbA1c was in those with the highest HbA1c on MDI.
Fluorescent protein fusions to a human immunodeficiency virus monoclonal antibody reveal its intracellular transport through the plant endomembrane system
Authors: Irons Sarah L. , Nuttall James , Floß Doreen M. , Frigerio Lorenzo , Kotzer Amanda M. , Hawes Chris
Published: May 2008

In order to further understand the production and intracellular trafficking of pharmaceutical proteins in plants, the light and heavy chains (LC and HC) of the human immunodeficiency virus neutralizing monoclonal antibody 2G12 were fused to fluorescent proteins [Venus and monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)] to enable the visualization of their passage through the plant cell. Co‐expression of LC and HC with various markers of the endomembrane system demonstrated that LC fusions were found in mobile punctate structures, which are likely to be pre‐vacuolar compartments (PVCs) as a proportion of the LC fusions were found to be located in the vacuole. In addition, apoplast labelling was also observed with a 2G12LC‐RFP fusion. The HC fusion expressed alone was found only in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). When the LC and HC fusions were expressed together, they were found to co‐locate to larger punctate structures, which were morphologically distinct from any observed on expression of LC or HC alone. These structures appeared to be in close association with the ER and their labelling partially overlapped with PVC marker fluorescence, but no increase in apoplast labelling was observed. Co‐immunoprecipitation data demonstrated that the presence of the fluorescent proteins did not affect the assembly of the antibody, and also showed the association of BiP with the antibody chains. The antigen‐binding activity of the Venus‐fused 2G12 antibody was confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
To Give or Not to Give: Children’s and Adolescents’ Sharing and Moral Negotiations in Economic Decision Situations
Authors: Gummerum Michaela , Keller Monika , Takezawa Masanori , Mata Jutta
Published: May 2008

This study interconnects developmental psychology of fair and moral behavior with economic game theory. One hundred eighty‐nine 9‐ to 17‐year‐old students shared a sum of money as individuals and groups with another anonymous group (dictator game). Individual allocations did not differ by age but did by gender and were predicted by participants’ preferences for fair allocations. Group decision making followed a majority process. Level of moral reasoning did not predict individual offers, but group members with a higher moral reasoning ability were more influential during group negotiations and in influencing group outcomes. The youngest participants justified offers more frequently by referring to simple distribution principles. Older participants employed more complex reasons to justify deviations from allocation principles.
Compositionality and Statistics in Adjective Acquisition: 4‐Year‐Olds InterpretTallandShortBased on the Size Distributions of Novel Noun Referents
Authors: Barner David , Snedeker Jesse
Published: May 2008

Four experiments investigated 4‐year‐olds’ understanding of adjective–noun compositionality and their sensitivity to statistics when interpreting scalar adjectives. In Experiments 1 and 2, children selectedtallandshortitems from 9 novel objects calledpimwits(1–9 in. in height) or from this array plus 4 taller or shorter distractor objects of the same kind. Changing the height distributions of the sets shifted children’stallandshortjudgments. However, when distractors differed in name and surface features from targets, in Experiment 3, judgments did not shift. In Experiment 4, dissimilar distractors did affect judgments when they received the same name as targets. It is concluded that 4‐year‐olds deploy a compositional semantics that is sensitive to statistics and mediated by linguistic labels.
Interactions Between Child Behavior Patterns and Parent Supervision: Implications for Children’s Risk of Unintentional Injury
Authors: Morrongiello Barbara A. , Klemencic Nora , Corbett Michael
Published: May 2008

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children. Prior research has implicated both child behavioral attributes and parent supervisory patterns as risk factors. The present study assessed interactions between these two risk factors and determined whether supervision moderates the relation between child attributes and injury. Mothers completed questionnaire measures of child attributes and supervisory patterns and also recorded how they supervised their young child (2–5 years) at home on each of 10 randomly selected days within a 3‐week period. Results provide support for the moderating effect of supervision: Supervision interacted with some child attributes to elevate children’s risk of medically attended injury and with other attributes to decrease injury risk. Implications for preventing childhood injuries are discussed.
Memory, Maternal Representations, and Internalizing Symptomatology Among Abused, Neglected, and Nonmaltreated Children
Authors: Valentino Kristin , Cicchetti Dante , Rogosch Fred A. , Toth Sheree L.
Published: May 2008

A depth‐of‐processing incidental recall task for maternal‐referent stimuli was utilized to assess basic memory processes and the affective valence of maternal representations among abused (N = 63), neglected (N = 33), and nonmaltreated (N = 128) school‐aged children (ages 8–13.5 years old). Self‐reported and observer‐rated indices of internalizing symptoms were also assessed. Abused children demonstrated impairments in recall compared to neglected and nonmaltreated children. Although abused, neglected, and nonmaltreated children did not differ in valence of maternal representations, positive and negative maternal schemas related to internalizing symptoms differently among subgroups of maltreated children. Valence of maternal schema was critical in differentiating those with high and low internalizing symptomatology among the neglected children only. Implications for clinical intervention and prevention efforts are underscored.
“They Like Me, They Like Me Not”: Popularity and Adolescents’ Perceptions of Acceptance Predicting Social Functioning Over Time
Authors: McElhaney Kathleen B. , Antonishak Jill , Allen Joseph P.
Published: May 2008

This study examined the dual roles of adolescents’ perceptions of social acceptance and sociometric popularity in predicting relative changes over time in adolescents’ social functioning. Observational, self‐report, and peer report data were obtained from 164 adolescents who were interviewed at age 13 years and then again at age 14 years, as well as their same‐sex close friends. Adolescents who felt positively about their own social standing fared well over time, regardless of their level of sociometric popularity. Further, low popularity was particularly problematic for adolescents who failed to see themselves as fitting in. Results suggest that during adolescence, when it becomes increasingly possible for teens to choose their own social niches, it is possible to be socially successful without being broadly popular.
Limitations on Reliability: Regularity Rules in the English Plural and Past Tense
Authors: Jaswal Vikram K. , McKercher David A. , VanderBorght Mieke
Published: May 2008

Two studies investigated 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds’ trust in a reliable informant when judging novel labels and novel plural and past tense forms. In Study 1, children (N = 24) endorsed the names of new objects given by an informant who had earlier labeled familiar objects correctly over the names given by an informant who had labeled the same objects incorrectly. In Study 2, children (N = 24) endorsed novel names given by an informant who had earlier expressed the plural of familiar nouns correctly over one who had expressed the plural incorrectly. But children overwhelmingly endorsed the regular plural and past tense forms of new words provided by the formerly unreliable labeler (Study 1) or morphologist (Study 2) rather than irregular forms of those words provided by the formerly reliable informant.
Family and School Spillover in Adolescents’ Daily Lives
Authors: Flook Lisa , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: May 2008

This study examined spillover between daily family stressors and school problems among 589 ninth‐grade students (mean age = 14.9 years) from Mexican, Chinese, and European backgrounds. Spillover was examined using a daily diary methodology in which adolescents reported on their school and family experiences each day for 2 weeks. Analyses using hierarchical linear modeling revealed reciprocal spillover effects between adolescents’ daily functioning in the family and school domains that spanned several days. Longitudinal analyses indicated that spillover between family stressors and school problems also occurs across the high school years, from 9th to 12th grade, and that both are predictive of poorer academic performance in 12th grade. These findings have practical implications for adolescents’ academic achievement trajectories and general well‐being.
Do children transcend death? An examination of the terror management function of offspring
Authors: ZHOU XINYUE , LIU JING , CHEN CHENGCHAO , YU ZONGHUO
Published: May 2008

The concept of offspring provides a symbolic shield against the fear of death. The existential function of offspring was examined in two studies conducted in China employing real‐life dependent measures. In Study 1, reminders of death through a word‐completion task increased the disapproval of a birth‐control policy in China. In Study 2, hospitalized patients generally preferred young family members more than other family members. Cancer patients showed this preference to a greater extent than non‐cancer patients. Taken together, the findings showed that the death‐anxiety‐buffering function of offspring affects people's judgments and desires in real‐life settings.
Adolescent coping scales: A critical psychometric review
Authors: SVEINBJORNSDOTTIR SIGRUN , THORSTEINSSON EINAR BALDVIN
Published: May 2008

Individual coping is identified as an important factor in relation to health and well‐being. Although several coping scales have been developed, key terms of coping such as nature and a number of primary and secondary factors (dimensions) are obscure. Coping scales, such as those that have been developed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), have been criticized for poor psychometric properties, yet the critique so far does not evaluate development of the scales against best test‐theoretical practice. The present study reviews six adolescent coping scales against ten detailed psychometric criteria in relation to statistical choices throughout the process of scale development. All six scales measured poorly on several criteria. Best practice had not been followed throughout their development and they suffered serious psychometric limitations. These findings indicate that there still is empirical research to be pursued in search of latent constructs and possible dimensions of coping through the implementation of EFA.