bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global phylogeography and seascape genetics of the lemon sharks (genus Negaprion)
Authors: SCHULTZ J. K. , FELDHEIM K. A. , GRUBER S. H. , ASHLEY M. V. , MCGOVERN T. M. , BOWEN B. W.
Published: December 2008

Seascapes are complex environments, and populations are often isolated by factors other than distance. Here we investigate the role of coastal habitat preference and philopatry in shaping the distribution and population structure of lemon sharks. The genus Negaprion comprises the amphiatlantic lemon shark (N. brevirostris), with a relict population in the eastern Pacific, and its Indo‐West Pacific sister species, the sicklefin lemon shark (N. acutidens). Analyzing 138 individuals throughout the range of N. brevirostris (N = 80) and N. acutidens (N = 58) at microsatellite loci (nine and six loci, respectively) and the mitochondrial control region, we find evidence of allopatric speciation corresponding to the Tethys Sea closure (10–14 million years ago) and isolation of the eastern Pacific N. brevirostris population via the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama (~3.5 million years ago). There is significant isolation by oceanic distance (R2 = 0.89, P = 0.005), defined as the maximum distance travelled at depths greater than 200 m. We find no evidence for contemporary transatlantic gene flow (m, M = 0.00) across an oceanic distance of ~2400 km. Negaprion acutidens populations in Australia and French Polynesia, separated by oceanic distances of at least 750 km, are moderately differentiated (FST = 0.070–0.087, P≤ 0.001; ΦST = 0.00, P = 0.99), with South Pacific archipelagos probably serving as stepping stones for rare dispersal events. Migration between coastally linked N. brevirostris populations is indicated by nuclear (m = 0.31) but not mitochondrial (m < 0.001) analyses, possibly indicating female natal site fidelity. However, philopatry is equivocal in N. acutidens, which has the lowest control region diversity (h = 0.28) of any shark yet studied. Restricted oceanic dispersal and high coastal connectivity stress the importance of both local and international conservation efforts for these threatened sharks.
Inferring the history of speciation in house mice from autosomal, X‐linked, Y‐linked and mitochondrial genes
Authors: GERALDES ARMANDO , BASSET PATRICK , GIBSON BARBARA , SMITH KIMBERLY L. , HARR BETTINA , YU HON‐TSEN , BULATOVA NINA , ZIV YARON , NACHMAN MICHAEL W.
Published: December 2008

Patterns of genetic differentiation among taxa at early stages of divergence provide an opportunity to make inferences about the history of speciation. Here, we conduct a survey of DNA‐sequence polymorphism and divergence at loci on the autosomes, X chromosome, Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA in samples of Mus domesticus, M. musculus and M. castaneus. We analyzed our data under a divergence with gene flow model and estimate that the effective population size of M. castaneus is 200 000–400 000, of M. domesticus is 100 000–200 000 and of M. musculus is 60 000–120 000. These data also suggest that these species started to diverge approximately 500 000 years ago. Consistent with this recent divergence, we observed considerable variation in the genealogical patterns among loci. For some loci, all alleles within each species formed a monophyletic group, while at other loci, species were intermingled on the phylogeny of alleles. This intermingling probably reflects both incomplete lineage sorting and gene flow after divergence. Likelihood ratio tests rejected a strict allopatric model with no gene flow in comparisons between each pair of species. Gene flow was asymmetric: no gene flow was detected into M. domesticus, while significant gene flow was detected into both M. castaneus and M. musculus. Finally, most of the gene flow occurred at autosomal loci, resulting in a significantly higher ratio of fixed differences to polymorphisms at the X and Y chromosomes relative to autosomes in some comparisons, or just the X chromosome in others, emphasizing the important role of the sex chromosomes in general and the X chromosome in particular in speciation.
Phylogenetic and population genetic divergence correspond with habitat for the pathogen Colletotrichum cereale and allied taxa across diverse grass communities
Authors: CROUCH JO ANNE , TREDWAY LANE P. , CLARKE BRUCE B. , HILLMAN BRADLEY I.
Published: December 2008

Over the past decade, the emergence of anthracnose disease has newly challenged the health of turfgrasses on North American golf courses, resulting in considerable economic loss. The fungus responsible for the outbreaks, Colletotrichum cereale, has also been identified from numerous natural grasses and cereal crops, although disease symptoms are generally absent. Here we utilize phylogenetic and population genetic analyses to determine the role of ecosystem in the advancement of turfgrass anthracnose and assess whether natural grass and/or cereal inhabitants are implicated in the epidemics. Using a four‐gene nucleotide data set to diagnose the limits of phylogenetic species and population boundaries, we find that the graminicolous Colletotrichum diverged from a common ancestor into distinct lineages correspondent with host physiology (C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathways). In the C4 lineage, which includes the important cereal pathogens Colletotrichum graminicola, C. sublineolum, C. falcatum, C. eleusines, C. caudatum and several novel species, host specialization predominates, with host‐associated lineages corresponding to isolated sibling species. Although the C3 lineage —C. cereale— is comprised of one wide host‐range species, it is divided into 10 highly specialized populations corresponding to ecosystem and/or host plant, along with a single generalist population spread across multiple habitat types. Extreme differentiation between the specialized C. cereale populations suggests that asymptomatic nonturfgrass hosts are unlikely reservoirs of infectious disease propagules, but gene flow between the generalist population and the specialized genotypes provides an indirect mechanism for genetic exchange between otherwise isolated populations and ecosystems.
Genetic diversity and gene flow in collapsed and healthy abalone fisheries
Authors: MILLER K. J. , MAYNARD B. T. , MUNDY C. N.
Published: December 2008

Overexploitation of marine species invariably results in population decline but can also have indirect effects on ecological processes such as larval dispersal and recruitment that ultimately affect genetic diversity and population resilience. We compared microsatellite DNA variation among depleted and healthy populations of the black‐lip abalone Haliotis rubra from Tasmania, Australia, to determine if over‐fishing had affected genetic diversity. We also used genetic data to assess whether variation in the scale and frequency of larval dispersal was linked to greater population decline in some regions than in others, and if larval dispersal was sufficient to facilitate natural recovery of depleted populations. Surprisingly, allelic diversity was higher in depleted populations than in healthy populations (P < 0.05). Significant subdivision across hundreds of metres among our sampling sites (FST = 0.026, P < 0.01), coupled with assignment tests, indicated that larval dispersal is restricted in all regions studied, and that abalone populations across Tasmania are largely self‐recruiting. Low levels of larval exchange appear to occur at the meso‐scale (7–20 km), but age estimates based on shell size indicated that successful migration of larvae between any two sites may happen only once every few years. We suggest that genetic diversity may be higher in depleted populations due to the higher relative ratio of migrant to self‐recruiting larvae. In addition, we expect that recovery of depleted abalone populations will be reliant on sources of larvae at the meso‐scale (tens of km), but that natural recovery is only likely to occur on a timescale unacceptable to fishers and resource managers.
Lysine restriction and realimentation affected growth, blood profiles and expression of genes related to protein and fat metabolism in weaned pigs
Authors: Yang Y. X. , Guo J. , Jin Z. , Yoon S. Y. , Choi J. Y. , Wang M. H. , Piao X. S. , Kim B. W. , Chae B. J.
Published: December 2008

To investigate the effects of lysine restriction and subsequent realimentation on growth performance, blood profiles and gene expression of leptin and myostatin, 128 weaned pigs [initial body weight (BW) 6.96 ± 1.07 kg, 26 ± 2 days of age] were randomly allotted to four treatments. The starter diets during the first 2 weeks (P1) contained 100%, 80%, 70% or 60% of recommended lysine levels (National Research Council, 1998). Then, common grower 1 and 2 diets were offered for 2 weeks (P2 and P3) each. During P1, average daily gain (ADG) was linearly reduced (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of lysine restriction. Growth rate was greater in pigs previously fed lysine‐restricted diets than well‐fed pigs although it did not reach a significant level during realimentation. However, the final BW and overall ADG were the lowest (p < 0.05) and F/G was poor in pigs fed 60% lysine diet. Relative visceral organ weights and composition of skeletal muscle were similar (p > 0.05) among the treatment. Blood triglyceride and glucose levels were increased (p < 0.05) during P1, while blood urine nitrogen, total protein and albumin levels were decreased (p < 0.05) during P2 with the reduction in dietary lysine levels. The abundance of myostatin mRNA in skeletal muscle and leptin mRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue were lower (p < 0.05) in lysine‐restricted pigs than in pigs fed non‐restricted diets. In conclusion, 80% and 70% lysine restriction of starter diets resulted in inferior growth and compensatory growth effect was noted during realimentation, while 60% lysine restriction had a negative influence on growth performance. Moreover, the changes in myostatin and leptin mRNA abundance caused by nutritional manipulations may be involved in the regulation of protein and fat deposition in young pigs.
Performance and dietary preferences of white‐tailed deer grazing chicory, birdsfoot trefoil or alfalfa in north central Alberta
Authors: Chapman G. A. , Bork E. W. , Donkor N. T. , Hudson R. J.
Published: December 2008

Little information exists on the performance of deer on alternative forage species in northern temperate environments during summer and fall, the period of inherent maximum growth in deer. In performance and choice experiments, we compared live weight gain (g/kg0.75/day), absolute [kg/ha dry matter (DM)] and relative (% DM) herbage utilization, relative preference index (RPI) as well as plant community visitation of white‐tailed deer grazing alfalfa (Medicago sativa), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) or chicory (Cichorium intybus) in north central Alberta, Canada. Herbage phytomass and quality was also measured on the grazed pastures. Alfalfa had higher dry matter yields and crude protein concentrations than chicory and trefoil. Chicory had lower neutral detergent fiber concentrations than the other forages. Tannin concentrations were greatest in birds foot trefoil (nearly 55 g/kg DM), well above those in the other forages (<5 g/kg DM). Live weight gain was similar among deer feeding within the paddocks seeded to birds foot trefoil and chicory, and more than two times higher (p < 0.05) than deer feeding in paddocks seeded to alfalfa. Deer spent more grazing time (about 40%) on chicory pastures than on alfalfa and birds foot trefoil pastures. RPI values were greatest for birds foot trefoil at 2.11, intermediate for chicory at 1.40, and lowest for alfalfa at <0.60. Absolute herbage utilization remained similar (p > 0.05) among the three forage species. In contrast, relative herbage utilization was greater from birds foot trefoil (52% DM) than chicory (40% DM) or alfalfa (25% DM). These results suggest that the use of alfalfa with other alternative forages may prove beneficial to deer production, rather than using alfalfa pasture alone.
Influence of winds and oceanographic conditions on the mucilage aggregation in the Northern Adriatic Sea in 2003–2006
Authors: De Lazzari Amelia , Berto Daniela , Cassin Daniele , Boldrin Alfredo , Giani Michele
Published: December 2008

Meteorological and oceanographic conditions in the Northern Adriatic Sea in a year notable for massive mucilage formation (2004) were compared with those in years where this phenomenon did not occur (2003, 2005 and 2006) to suggest possible links. The months preceding the mucilage event in 2004 were considered the ‘incubation period’ and were characterized by a strong freshet in May which increased the water column stability. Winter cooling and scarcity of freshwater inputs from the Po River triggered the dense water formation and intrusion in the northern basin. Weak southeasterly winds and an increase in surface seawater temperatures contributed to maintain and reinforce the water column stability, and at the same time an intense diatom spring bloom created the conditions for accumulation of organic matter. The interplay of climatological forcings and biological processes caused temporal variations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) in the basin, with POC playing an important role in the aggregation process, as suggested by its increase relative to DOC before massive mucilage formation. We therefore suggest that high POC/total particulate nitrogen ratios in the suspended particulate organic fraction, a steep increase of POC/Chlorphyll a, and the decreased DOC/POC ratios represent ‘early warning’ signals of the main processes that lead to mucilage events in the Northern Adriatic Sea.
Review article: New‐onset diabetes after transplantation
Authors: CHOW KAI MING , LI PHILIP KAM‐TAO
Published: December 2008

SUMMARY:  This article reviews the clinical aspects and epidemiological links between diabetes mellitus and renal transplantation, and emphasizes areas that warrant further clarification. In particular, we summarize the data for various immunosuppression medications on the risk of new‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT). An increased mechanistic understanding of new‐onset diabetes might provide new insights into the pathophysiology of this complication after solid organ transplantation. Claims that selecting immunosuppression regimen to minimize the risk of NODAT, nevertheless, are currently not supported by the scientific published work. Intuitively, strategies that aim to change the underlying biology of the disease process of NODAT are desirable; among them, lifestyle modification is currently the most promising in terms of real benefit with the least risk.
ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY IN SURGERY: CURRENT STATUS IN 2008
Authors: Murphy Declan G. , Hall Rohan , Tong Raymond , Goel Rajiv , Costello Anthony J.
Published: December 2008

There is increasing patient and surgeon interest in robotic‐assisted surgery, particularly with the proliferation of da Vinci surgical systems (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) throughout the world. There is much debate over the usefulness and cost‐effectiveness of these systems. The currently available robotic surgical technology is described. Published data relating to the da Vinci system are reviewed and the current status of surgical robotics within Australia and New Zealand is assessed. The first da Vinci system in Australia and New Zealand was installed in 2003. Four systems had been installed by 2006 and seven systems are currently in use. Most of these are based in private hospitals. Technical advantages of this system include 3‐D vision, enhanced dexterity and improved ergonomics when compared with standard laparoscopic surgery. Most procedures currently carried out are urological, with cardiac, gynaecological and general surgeons also using this system. The number of patients undergoing robotic‐assisted surgery in Australia and New Zealand has increased fivefold in the past 4 years. The most common procedure carried out is robotic‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Published data suggest that robotic‐assisted surgery is feasible and safe although the installation and recurring costs remain high. There is increasing acceptance of robotic‐assisted surgery, especially for urological procedures. The da Vinci surgical system is becoming more widely available in Australia and New Zealand. Other surgical specialties will probably use this technology. Significant costs are associated with robotic technology and it is not yet widely available to public patients.
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES FOR SURGICAL ANATOMY
Authors: Choi Ah‐Rin Anna , Tamblyn Rodney , Stringer Mark D.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Numerous electronic resources are now available to assist students studying anatomy in medicine, dentistry and allied health sciences. Few studies have evaluated these in detail, and there is little guidance as to which are most suitable for the surgical trainee. The aim of this review was to determine which of the currently available electronic resources are most suitable for learning surgically relevant anatomy.

Methods:  A structured review was undertaken, beginning with an initial Internet search. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were developed and applied. The selected sites were analysed in detail using a specifically designed survey matrix focusing on background data, content, interactive self‐evaluation features, and surgical relevance.

Results:  The initial Internet search identified more than 100 anatomical websites of potential relevance. Of these, 19 online and six stand‐alone multimedia resources were evaluated in detail. These varied considerably in content (atlas, text, graphics, etc.), surgical relevance and cost. Resources most appropriate for surgical trainees tended to offer either three‐dimensional images that should promote a better understanding of spatial anatomy or other technological benefits such as Podcast tutorials.

Conclusions:  There are a variety of excellent electronic resources currently available to assist the surgical trainee in acquiring a solid foundation in anatomy. Although many provide useful supplementary material, only a few offer a more comprehensive, surgically relevant framework that could usefully complement practical tuition in anatomy.
IMPLICATIONS OF AN EXPERTISE MODEL FOR SURGICAL SKILLS TRAINING
Authors: Abernethy Bruce , Poolton Jamie M. , Masters Rich S. W. , Patil Niv G.
Published: December 2008

The search for improved, more efficacious means of teaching and training surgical skills is essentially a search for means to accelerate the transition of non‐expert surgeons to expert surgeons and, in so doing, shorten the usual lengthy pathway to the acquisition of surgical expertise. Drawing on evidence from studies of expert and non‐expert surgeons, as well as evidence from studies of expertise in other domains, this paper presents a brief overview of the aspects of skill that appear (likely) to differentiate the expert surgeon from the non‐expert. Expert advantages are apparent in some specific aspects of the perceptual, cognitive, motor, attentional and feedback‐monitoring components of skilled performance and it is contended that it is these elements, rather than elements on which no expert advantage is apparent, that should form the focal points for skills training programmes. Some constraints to current understanding of surgical expertise are also identified and briefly discussed.
SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY HEURISTICS
Authors: Quain John Stephen
Published: December 2008

Technical improvements, equipment to minimize bleeding and standardizing setup positions have allowed shoulder arthroscopy to become more user friendly in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of this joint complex.
POT POURI OF HEURISTICS IN PENETRATING TRAUMA TO THE CHEST
Authors: Degiannis Elias , Smith Martin D.
Published: December 2008

Reading the techniques of an unfamiliar operation from an operative textbook is frequently not sufficient to enable the performance of the actual operation. It is the small points – the tricks of the trade – that make the difference to the ‘uninitiated’; it is the heuristics, the ‘rule of thumb’ that doctors frequently doing these procedures learn through trial and error. We describe some of the heuristics of emergency operative management of penetrating thoracic trauma.
LAPAROSCOPIC BILE DUCT INJURY: UNDERSTANDING THE PSYCHOLOGY AND HEURISTICS OF THE ERROR
Authors: Dekker Sidney W. A. , Hugh Thomas B.
Published: December 2008

Bile duct injury is an important unsolved problem of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, occurring with unacceptable frequency even in the hands of experienced surgeons. This suggests that a systemic predisposition to the injury is intrinsic to cholecystectomy and indicates that an analysis of the psychology and heuristics of surgical decision‐making in relation to duct identification may be a guide to prevention. Review of published reports on laparoscopic bile duct injury from 1997 to 2007 was carried out. An analysis was also carried out of the circumstances of the injuries in 49 patients who had transection of an extrahepatic bile duct and who were referred for reconstruction or were assessed in a medicolegal context. Special emphasis was placed on identifying the possible psychological aspects of duct misidentification. Review of published work showed an emphasis on the technical aspects of correct identification of the cystic duct, with few papers addressing the heuristics and psychology of surgical decision‐making during cholecystectomy. Duct misidentification was the cause of injury in 42 out of the 49 reviewed patients (86%). The injury was not recognized at operation in 70% and delay in recognition persisted into the postoperative period in 57%. Underestimation of risk, cue ambiguity and visual misperception (‘seeing what you believe’) were important factors in misidentification. Delay in recognition of the injury is a feature consistent with cognitive fixation and plan continuation, which help construct and sustain the duct misidentification during the operation and beyond. Changing the ‘culture’ of cholecystectomy is probably the most effective strategy for preventing laparoscopic bile duct injury, especially if combined with new technical approaches and an understanding of the heuristics and psychology of the duct misidentification error. Training of surgeons for laparoscopic cholecystectomy should emphasize the need to be alert for cues that the incorrect duct is being dissected or that a bile duct injury might have occurred. Surgeons may also be trained to accept the need for plan modification, to seek cues that refute a given hypothesis and to apply ‘stopping rules’ for modifying or converting the operation.
Attitudes toward oocyte donation among medical and nursing students and couples who have recently become parents: A Swedish study
Authors: SYDSJÖ GUNILLA , NEVANDER SOFIA , NORMAN SARA , SVANBERG AGNETA SKOOG
Published: December 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate attitudes toward oocyte donation and receiving oocytes in relation to gender, demographic variables and other factors that could influence these attitudes, such as anonymity of the donor and financial compensation.

Methods:  The study population consisted of 595 subjects divided into two groups; one group contained men and women who had recently become parents and the other group consisted of medical and nursing students. All subjects were asked to answer a study‐specific questionnaire.

Results:  The proportions of respondents positive toward oocyte donation were 32% in the student group and 37% in the parental group. Of the respondents in the student group, 87% were positive toward donating organs other than oocytes compared with 78% in the parental group (P < 0.05). In the parental group, the respondents that were positive toward organ donation in general were also more positive toward donating/partner donating and receiving/partner receiving oocytes (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). The majority of the respondents stated that their attitudes were not affected by anonymity of the donation, financial compensation or knowing the outcome of the donation.

Conclusion:  Respondents’ attitudes were unaffected by anonymity of the donation, financial compensation and knowing the outcome of the donation. However, the data suggest that respondents who were positive toward organ donation in general were also more positive toward donating/partner donating and receiving/partner receiving oocytes. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 161–168)
Cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen of gonocytes from neonatal porcine testes stored at 4°C
Authors: FUJIHARA MAYAKO , GOEL SANDEEP , MINAMI NAOJIRO , YAMADA MASAYASU , IMAI HIROSHI
Published: December 2008

Aim: Gonocytes are primitive germ cells in neonatal male testes. Germ cells from the neonatal testes of mice have a self‐renewal activity and have pluripotential characteristics in established stem‐cell lines. Therefore, these germ cells are reliable sources for the preservation of genetic resources of domestic animals and endangered species. The aim of the present study was to examine the cryopreservation of porcine gonocytes in liquid nitrogen (LN2) from neonatal testes that were freshly collected or stored at 4°C for 24 h.

Methods: Gonocytes were isolated as lectinDolichos biflorus agglutinin(DBA) positive cells from porcine testes 2–5 days after birth. The effects of the cryoprotectants used in the cryopreservation of the gonocytes, which were isolated from testes stored at 4°C in various solutions for 24 h, were examined on the results of cell viability after cryopreservation and cell proliferation in culture. Testis tissues from stored testes were transplanted into immunodeficient mice to evaluate the ability of the gonocytes to differentiate 5 weeks after transplantation.

Results: The portion of the gonocytes that was isolated from stored testes at 4°C was approximately 70%. The viability of the gonocytes from stored testes was significantly higher in HEPES‐supplemented Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium/F12 (DMEM/F12) and HEPES‐supplemented phosphate‐buffered saline than from stock solutions without HEPES. The addition of 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and 0.07 mmol/L sucrose to cryopreservation solutions supported high viability of gonocytes after freezing and thawing. The cryopreserved gonocytes formed colonies with DBA activity in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum 3 days after culture and continued to proliferate for at least 12 days in culture. The germ cells in the testis tissues that were xenografted into immunodefficient mice differentiated into primitive spermatogonia.

Conclusion: Gonocytes in the testis stored at 4°C for at least 24 h, isolated and cryopreserved can survive. The cryopreserved gonocytes differentiated in immunodefficient mice and proliferated along with the formation of coloniesin vitro.(Reprod Med Biol 2008;7: 153–160)
A case of mosaic Klinefelter syndrome associated with isodicentric Yp
Authors: TOMOMASA HIROSHI , OGAWA KAZUE , NAGASAWA JOJI , SATOH SATOSHI , MURAMATSU HIROSHI , IIYAMA TETSURO , OKADA HIROSHI
Published: December 2008

We describe a case of mosaic Klinefelter syndrome demonstrating an isodicentric Y chromosome. A 70‐year‐old man visited our outpatient clinic complaining of dysuria resulting from atrophy of the penis. His height was 170 cm and his weight was 60 kg. A serum hormonal analysis revealed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. A chromosomal analysis with fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed four cell lines in which the karyotypes were 47,XXY, 46,XY, 46,XX and 47,XX,idic(Y) (q11.2). To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of mosaic Klinefelter syndrome bearing an isodicentric Y chromosome. The origin of the isodicentric Y is discussed. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 177–180)
Experience of sexual violence among sexually experienced Japanese teenage girls and influencing factors
Authors: NONOYAMA MIKIKO , NAGAI YASUSHI , KATO SUEKO , OGASAWARA KAYOKO , EMORI YOKO
Published: December 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to identify influencing factors for sexual violence in sexually experienced teenage girls.

Methods:  Eighty sexually experienced teenage girls aged between 14 and 19 attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics in suburban Tokyo were selected as subjects. After completing a simple questionnaire on sexual behavior and lifestyle the subjects were interviewed using a semistructured interview technique. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with sexual violence.

Results:  Police and government statistics for rape, sexual and domestic violence in Japan are extremely low. However, the present study showed that 52.5% of subjects had been victims of sexual violence. Furthermore, of these, 69.0% had been forced to have sex with a partner and 64.3% had been raped by someone other than a partner. Factors influencing the risk of sexual violence were sexual behavior and attitudes towards sexuality and lifestyle. Having a sexually transmitted infection was not an influencing factor.

Conclusions:  It is important to identify teenage girls attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics at risk of sexual violence and to teach them about the risks of sexual behavior associated with imbalances of power. Furthermore, it is essential to support victims of sexual violence to protect them from the recurrence of such abuse. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 181–187)
Linking phylogenetic identities of bacteria to starch fermentation in an in vitro model of the large intestine by RNA‐based stable isotope probing
Authors: Kovatcheva‐Datchary Petia , Egert Markus , Maathuis Annet , Rajilić‐Stojanović Mirjana , De Graaf Albert A. , Smidt Hauke , De Vos Willem M. , Venema Koen
Published: December 2008

Carbohydrates, including starches, are an important energy source for humans, and are known for their interactions with the microbiota in the digestive tract. Largely, those interactions are thought to promote human health. Using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)‐based stable isotope probing (SIP), we identified starch‐fermenting bacteria under human colon‐like conditions. To the microbiota of the TIM‐2 in vitro model of the human colon 7.4 g l−1 of [U‐13C]‐starch was added. RNA extracted from lumen samples after 0 (control), 2, 4 and 8 h was subjected to density‐gradient ultracentrifugation. Terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) fingerprinting and phylogenetic analyses of the labelled and unlabelled 16S rRNA suggested populations related to Ruminococcus bromii, Prevotella spp. and Eubacterium rectale to be involved in starch metabolism. Additionally, 16S rRNA related to that of Bifidobacterium adolescentis was abundant in all analysed fractions. While this might be due to the enrichment of high‐GC RNA in high‐density fractions, it could also indicate an active role in starch fermentation. Comparison of the T‐RFLP fingerprints of experiments performed with labelled and unlabelled starch revealed Ruminococcus bromii as the primary degrader in starch fermentation in the studied model, as it was found to solely predominate in the labelled fractions. LC‐MS analyses of the lumen and dialysate samples showed that, for both experiments, starch fermentation primarily yielded acetate, butyrate and propionate. Integration of molecular and metabolite data suggests metabolic cross‐feeding in the system, where populations related to Ruminococcus bromii are the primary starch degrader, while those related to Prevotella spp., Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Eubacterium rectale might be further involved in the trophic chain.
Usefulness of the 2005 International Society of Urologic Pathology Gleason grading system in prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Uemura Hiroji , Hoshino Koji , Sasaki Takeshi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Inayama Yoshiaki , Kubota Yoshinobu
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the 2005 International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) Gleason Grading Consensus is clinically more useful than the conventional Gleason score (CGS), we compared the CGS and ISUP GS (IGS) of prostate needle biopsy (NB) and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, and evaluated the prognostic value of the ISUP GS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 250 patients undergoing RP, 103 with clinical stage T1–2 N0M0 were enrolled. Pathological tumour grades of NB and RP specimens were classified according to CGS by experienced pathologists in the central pathology department of our hospital, and retrospectively according to IGS by one uropathologist at the central pathology department of another hospital. All patients had RP with no neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. We analysed associations of CGS and IGS with biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BRFS) after RP.

RESULTS

The concordance rates between NB and RP specimens by CGS and IGS were 64.1% and 69.9%. Under‐grading and over‐grading rates by CGS and IGS were 28.2% and 7.8% for NB, and 27.2% and 2.9% for RP, respectively. There was a significant difference in the over‐grading rate between CGS and IGS (P = 0.026). When CGS and IGS of NB and RP specimens were compared, the concordance rates were similar, at 67% and 69.9%. The IGS was higher, by 15.6% in NB and by 20.4% in RP specimens, than CGS. Patients were divided into three groups based on IGS of NB specimens (≤6, 7 and ≥8). These groups differed significantly in BRFS after RP (P = 0.022); CGS showed no such association.

CONCLUSIONS

The IGS of NB specimens were significantly associated with BRFS after RP. The ISUP system is thus clinically useful for determining the most appropriate treatments for patients with early‐stage prostate cancer.
Assessing the minimum number of lymph nodes needed at radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Capitanio Umberto , Suardi Nazareno , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Lotan Yair , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Bastian Patrick J. , Gupta Amit , Vazina Amnon , Schoenberg Mark , Lerner Seth P. , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To identify the likelihood of finding one or more positive lymph nodes (LNs) according to the number of LNs removed at radical cystectomy (RC), as the number of LNs removed affects disease progression and survival after RC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1984 and 2003, 731 assessable patients had RC and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy at three different institutions. ROC curve coordinates were used to determine the probability of identifying one or more positive LNs according to the total number of removed LNs.

RESULTS

Of the 731 patients, 174 (23.8%) had LNs metastases. The mean (median, range) number of LNs removed was 18.7 (17, 1–80). The ROC coordinate‐based plots of the number of removed LNs and the probability of finding one or more LNs metastases indicated that removing 45 LNs yielded a 90% probability. Conversely, removing either 15 or 25 LNs indicated, respectively, 50% and 75% probability of detecting one or more LNs metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that removing 25 LNs might represent the lowest threshold for the extent of lymphadenectomy at RC. Our findings confirm the importance of an extended lymph node dissection.
Perinephric and renal sinus fat infiltration in pT3a renal cell carcinoma: possible prognostic differences
Authors: Bedke Jens , Buse Stephan , Pritsch Maria , Macher‐Goeppinger Stephan , Schirmacher Peter , Haferkamp Axel , Hohenfellner Markus
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of perinephric (PN) and renal sinus (RS) fat infiltration on cancer‐specific survival beyond other prognostic factors, as the Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis (TNM) classification system defines stage T3a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as infiltration of perirenal fat and/or direct infiltration of the adrenal gland. Perirenal fat invasion is differentiated into RS and PN fat infiltration, but not further classified for the prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1990 to October 2007 106 patients with advanced RCC (T3a) were followed prospectively at one academic centre; all had a radical nephrectomy. To identify prognostic effects of PN, RS or RS + PN fat infiltration, univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied, including lymph node status, metastases, presence of sarcomatoid features and tumour necrosis, Fuhrman’s grade, Karnofsky performance status, and tumour size.

RESULTS

PN fat invasion alone was present in 58, RS in 21, and PN + RS in 27 patients. The median follow‐up was 2.9 years; 49 patients died from RCC. In univariable and multivariable analyses RS fat infiltration was an unfavourable prognostic factor (adjusted hazard ratio, HR, 2.24, P = 0.019). Univariable analysis of RS + PN fat infiltration showed the worst prognostic effect (HR 3.25, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis this combination was an independent prognostic factor (HR 2.75, P = 0.007), as was the presence of metastasis (HR 5.64, P < 0.001). In this group of RS + PN fat infiltration the 5‐year cancer‐specific survival was 31%.

CONCLUSION

Univariable and multivariable analyses showed that the combination of RS and PN fat infiltration is an independent unfavourable prognostic marker. We recommend that perirenal fat infiltration should be further differentiated into RS fat or PN infiltration in the TNM classification. This will better stratify patient prognosis and might allow those in need of adjuvant therapy to be identified.
Hexylaminolaevulinate ‘blue light’ fluorescence cystoscopy in the investigation of clinically unconfirmed positive urine cytology
Authors: Ray Eleanor R. , Chatterton Kathryn , Khan Mohammed S. , Thomas Kay , Chandra Ashish , O’Brien Tim S.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) using hexylaminolaevulinate (Hexvix®, PhotoCure, Oslo, Norway) in the investigation of patients with positive urine cytology who have no evidence of disease after standard initial investigations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty‐three patients referred with positive urine cytology but no current histological evidence of cancer were investigated between April 2005 and January 2007 with PDD, using Hexvix and the d‐light system (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) to detect fluorescence. The bladder was mapped initially under white light and then under ‘blue‐light’. Biopsies were taken from abnormal urothelium detected by white light, fluorescence, or both. All cytological specimens were reviewed by a reference cytopathologist unaware of the result of the PDD.

RESULTS

Twenty‐five PDD‐assisted cystoscopies were carried out on 23 patients (20 men/3 women; median age 64 years, range 24–80 years). Of the 23 patients, 17 (74%) were previously untreated for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), whilst six were under surveillance for previous TCC. Nineteen of the 23 (83%) cytology specimens were confirmed as suspicious or positive by the reference pathologist. TCC of the bladder or preneoplastic lesions were diagnosed in six patients, i.e. six (26%) of those investigated and six of 19 (32%) with confirmed positive cytology. Four of the six were under surveillance for previous bladder tumour. Additional pathology was detected by fluorescence in five of the six patients, including two carcinoma in situ (CIS), one CIS + G3pT1 tumour, and two dysplasia. Diagnoses in PDD‐negative cases included one upper tract TCC and four patients with stones. In addition, one patient had CIS diagnosed on both white light and PDD 6 months later.

CONCLUSION

Additional pathology was detected by HAL fluorescence cystoscopy in 32% of patients with confirmed positive urinary cytology. PDD is a key step in the management of patients with positive urinary cytology and no evidence of disease on conventional tests.
Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a 15‐year retrospective review of treatment and survival in the Anglian Cancer Network
Authors: Mukesh Mukesh , Cook Natalie , Hollingdale Abigail E. , Ainsworth Nicola L. , Russell Simon G.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical experience and management of patients with small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder, treated in the Anglia Cancer network from 1992 to 2007, and to review published studies, as SCC is a rare condition, accounting for <1% of all bladder tumours, and there is no established treatment strategy for managing these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed retrospectively data from all patients diagnosed with SCC of the urinary bladder between 1992 and 2007, with an emphasis on stage, treatment and overall survival.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were identified with primary bladder SCC (male: female ratio 3:1; mean age 68 years; mean follow‐up 15.8 months). Nine patients (45%) had extensive‐stage disease at diagnosis. Four patients received best supportive care, three had a radical cystectomy, one radical radiotherapy and six sequential chemo‐radiotherapy. In all, 13 patients were treated with chemotherapy, with six receiving cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and vincristine, three receiving carboplatin and etoposide, and the remainder receiving alternative platinum‐based regimens. For 12 patients with assessable disease, six had a complete response, three a partial response and three had progressive disease after chemotherapy. No patient received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). At the time of analysis, 14 (70%) patients had died, with one (5%) developing brain metastasis. The median survival was 33 months for patients receiving chemotherapy, vs 3 months with no chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

SCC of the bladder tends to occur in an older population, more commonly in men. It is an aggressive tumour with a propensity for early metastasis. The response rate to chemotherapy is high but the overall prognosis is poor. Brain secondaries are less common than for SCC of the lung and currently the role of PCI is unclear. As there is no standard of care for these patients, they are treated according to local protocols. Further efforts should be made to develop more effective treatments and the role of PCI should be assessed in the setting of a clinical trial, in conjunction with other extrapulmonary SCCs.
Salvage robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy: initial results and early report of outcomes
Authors: Boris Ronald S. , Bhandari Akshay , Krane L. Spencer , Eun Daniel , Kaul Sanjeev , Peabody James O.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the initial results of salvage robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (SRARP) after recurrence following primary radiotherapy (RT) for localized prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 2002 and January 2008, 11 patients had SRARP with pelvic lymph node dissection by one surgeon from one institution. Six patients had brachytherapy, three had external beam RT (EBRT), one intensity‐modulated RT, and one received brachytherapy with an EBRT boost. All patients had prostate cancer on biopsy after RT, with negative computed tomography and bone scan. The mean (range) follow‐up was 20.5 (1–77) months.

RESULTS

The mean interval from RT to SRARP was 53.2 months; the mean preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level was 5.2 ng/mL, the operative duration 183 min and the estimated blood loss 113 mL. One patient had prolonged lymphatic drainage, one had an anastomotic leak, and one had an anastomotic stricture requiring direct vision internal urethrotomy at 3 months. The mean duration of catheterization was 10.4 days and the hospital stay 1.4 days. Three patients had a biochemical recurrence, at 1, 2 and 43 months. In one of two patients with node‐positive carcinoma of the prostate the PSA level failed to reach a nadir of zero after surgery. In patients with a minimum follow‐up of 2 months, eight of 10 are continent (defined as zero to one pad per day) and two have erections adequate for intercourse with the use of phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

SRARP after RT‐resistant disease recurrence is feasible with minimal perioperative morbidity. Early functional outcomes appear to be at least equivalent with historical salvage RP series. Robotic extended pelvic lymph node dissection is safe and can improve the accuracy of surgical staging. A longer follow‐up is necessary to better assess the functional and oncological outcomes.
Managing erectile dysfunction in hypertension: the effects of a continuous training programme on biomarker of inflammation
Authors: Lamina Sikiru , Okoye Chuba G. , Dagogo Theophilus T.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a continuous training programme on C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, and in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in older men with hypertension.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 22 men with hypertension and ED (mean age 61.8 years, sd 7.79) were involved in continuous training (35–59% of heart rate maximum reserve) for 8 weeks for 45–60 min, while 21 age‐matched control hypertensives (mean age 64 years, sd 8.53) remained sedentary during this period. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess the outcome of ED. The Mann–Whitney U‐test and Spearman correlation were used to analyse the results of the changes in IIEF and CRP.

RESULTS

There was a significant effect of continuous exercise training on erectile function and CRP levels in hypertensive men with ED (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A continuous training programme decreases CRP levels and is an effective means of noninvasive and nonpharmacological management of ED in men with hypertension.
A critical assessment of the prognostic value of clear cell, papillary and chromophobe histological subtypes in renal cell carcinoma: a population‐based study
Authors: Capitanio Umberto , Cloutier Vincent , Zini Laurent , Isbarn Hendrik , Jeldres Claudio , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Perrotte Paul , Antebi Elie , Patard Jean‐Jacques , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess the magnitude of the effect of histological subtype (HS, the three most common being clear cell, papillary and chromophobe) on cause‐specific mortality (CSM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models included data from 11 618 patients treated with nephrectomy between 1988 and 2004 in nine Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registries. We tested whether HS represents an independent predictor of CSM, and whether HS adds to the ability of other variables to predict CSM. The covariates comprised age, year of surgery, T stage, nodal status, M stage and Fuhrman grade.

RESULTS

In a multivariable model predicting CSM, HS was an independent predictor (P = 0.03), but failed to improve the accuracy of the model (+0.1% gain when HS was included in the model).

CONCLUSION

Although we confirmed that HS is an independent predictor for CSM, there was no gain in accuracy when HS was added to standard predictors of CSM. From a practical perspective, this implies that patients with clear cell, papillary and chromophobe HS share similar natural histories after nephrectomy, provided that other cancer characteristics are accounted for. From a statistical perspective, in multivariable models of CSM, the clear cell, papillary and chromophobe HS might be included as a single entity.