bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant phyllodes tumours of the breast display increased stromal p53 protein expression
Authors: Millar E K A , Beretov J , Marr P , Sarris M , Clarke R A , Kearsley J H , Lee C S
Published: October 2006

Aims

To determine the variation in p53 protein expression in phyllodes tumours and fibroadenomas of the breast.

Methods and results

Fifteen phyllodes tumours (six malignant, nine benign) and 20 fibroadenomas were examined for p53 expression by immunohistochemistry. Five of the six malignant phyllodes tumours showed moderate or strong p53 positivity at sites of peri‐epithelial stromal condensation and atypia. All 20 fibroadenomas, nine benign phyllodes tumours and one malignant phyllodes tumour showed either negativity or focal weak nuclear positivity of scattered stromal cells.

Conclusions

Increased p53 immunoreactivity is present in malignant phyllodes tumours in contrast to benign phyllodes tumours and fibroadenomas. Malignant phyllodes tumours display a distinctive pattern of p53 immunostaining which may be of diagnostic value. These findings suggest that p53 protein may be important in the progression of benign to malignant phyllodes tumours.
Origin of hyperplastic epithelial cells in idiopathic collapsing glomerulopathy
Authors: Kihara I , Yaoita E , Kawasaki K , Yamamoto T , Hara M , Yanagihara T
Published: October 2006

Aims

Glomerular epithelial cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia are listed as the primary criteria for the diagnosis of collapsing glomerulopathy (CG), a distinct variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. However, the extent of podocyte phenotypic alterations that occur in CG, and the origin of the hyperplastic epithelial cells remain to be established.

Methods and results

Renal biopsy materials from seven out of three patients with CG were studied by serial section analysis for immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Markers for podocytes (PHM5 and synaptopodin), parietal epithelial cells (PECs: cytokeratin) and macrophages (CD68) were used for the immunohistochemistry. Multiple ultrathin sections from a total of 15 glomeruli, including some from patients with CG, were examined by electron microscopy. Glomerular adhesions occurred in 71% of the serially sectioned glomeruli taken from patients with CG. Hyperplastic epithelial cells were immunonegative for podocyte markers and CD68, but invariably immunopositive for cytokeratin. Electron microscopy revealed that detachment of the podocytes from involved glomerular capillary walls was extensive. Many of the detached podocytes appeared to be necrotic and apoptotic. In contrast, junctional complexes of desmosomes and zonula adherens connected hyperplastic epithelial cells to each other. Cilia were also often observed.

Conclusions

The results of our ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study suggest that the hyperplastic epithelial cells observed in cases of CG are derived from PECs. Our results raise the possibility that PECs play a general role in covering glomerular tufts from which the podocytes have disappeared.
Variations on a theme: sources of heterogeneity in the form of the interspecific relationship between abundance and distribution
Authors: BLACKBURN TIM M. , CASSEY PHILLIP , GASTON KEVIN J.
Published: October 2006

A positive interspecific relationship between abundance and distribution is widely considered to be one of the most general patterns in ecology. However, the relationship appears to vary considerably across assemblages, from significant positive to significant negative correlations and all shades in between.

This variation has led to the suggestion that the abundance–distribution relationship has multiple forms, with the corollary that different patterns may inform about, or have different, causes. However, this variation has never been formally quantified, nor has it been determined whether the observed variation is indicative of sampling error in estimating a single effect or of real heterogeneity in such relationships. Here, we use the meta‐analytical approach to assess variation in abundance–distribution relationships, and to test different hypotheses for it.

Analysis of 279 relationships found a mean effect size of 0·655, which was both highly significantly different from zero and indicative of a strong positive association between abundance and distribution. However, effect sizes were highly heterogeneous, supporting the contention that this relationship does indeed have multiple forms.

Most notably, relationships vary significantly in strength across realms, with the strongest in the marine and intertidal, intermediate relationships for terrestrial and parasitic assemblages, and the weakest relationships in freshwater systems. Effect sizes in all of the aquatic realms are homogeneous, suggesting that realm is an important source of the heterogeneity observed across all studies. We posit that this may be because the different spatial structure of the environment in each realm affects the opportunity for the dispersal of individuals between sites.

Some of the remaining heterogeneity in effect sizes for terrestrial assemblages could be explained by partitioning assemblages by habitat, scale, biogeographical region and taxon, but considerable heterogeneity in effect sizes for terrestrial and parasitic assemblages remained unexplained.
Genetic admixture of burbot (Teleostei: Lota lota) in Lake Constance from two European glacial refugia
Authors: BARLUENGA MARTA , SANETRA MATTHIAS , MEYER AXEL
Published: October 2006

The burbot, Lota lota, is the only freshwater species of the codfish family and has a Holarctic distribution. Pleistocene glaciations caused significant geographical differentiation in the past, but its life history characterized by winter spawning migrations over large distances is likely to homogenize populations by contemporary gene flow. We investigated the population genetic structure of 541 burbots from Lake Constance and adjacent Rhine and Danube tributaries in Europe using the entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and 11 microsatellites. Microsatellites revealed considerable population divergence (FST = 0.26) and evidenced recent bottlenecks in two Central European rivers. In accordance to previous evidence two main phylogeographic lineages (Atlantic and Danubian) were found co‐occurring at similar frequencies in Lake Constance, where they currently undergo random mating as indicated by microsatellites. The Danubian lineage contributed only a small proportion to the lake's mtDNA diversity, and probably expanded within the lake shortly after its formation ∼10 000–15 000 bp. The larger Atlantic haplotype diversity suggested a population expansion older than the lake itself. Levels of admixture at microsatellite loci were less obvious due to their high variability, and coalescence methods were used to estimate past admixture proportions. Our results reinforce a model of a two‐step colonization of Europe by burbot from an ancestral Danubian refuge, and confirm the persistence of a secondary Atlantic refuge, as proposed to exist for other freshwater fish. We conclude that the present‐day burbot population in Lake Constance bears the genetic signature of both contemporary gene flow and historical separation events.
Elevated plasma urokinase receptor predicts low birth weight in maternal malaria
Authors: OSTROWSKI S. R. , SHULMAN C. E. , PESHU N. , STAALSØE T. , HØYER‐HANSEN G. , PEDERSEN B. K. , MARSH K. , ULLUM H.
Published: October 2006

The blood level of soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) is increased and associated with a poor clinical or fatal outcome in children with acute malaria. This study hypothesized that the suPAR level would be associated with foetal outcome in maternal malaria. suPAR was measured by ELISA in maternal and cord plasma samples taken during delivery in 253 pregnant Kenyan women stratified according to placental histology: no malaria infection (non‐infected), active or active‐chronic infection (actively infected) or past‐chronic infection (past‐infected). Maternal‐suPAR was higher in actively infected women (median 3·93 (IQR 2·92–5·29) ng/mL) compared with non‐infected (median 2·78 (IQR 1·86–3·87) ng/mL, P = 0·001) and past‐infected (median 2·67 (IQR 1·94–3·7) ng/mL, P = 0·012) women. Cord‐suPAR was comparable across the groups (median 2·98 (IQR 2·38–3·77) ng/mL). In actively infected women, maternal‐suPAR and gestational age were the only independent predictors of birth weight in multivariate linear regression adjusted for maternal‐suPAR, HIV‐1 infection, age, BMI, haemoglobin, peripheral parasitaemia, parity and gestational age; 1 ng/mL higher maternal‐suPAR predicted −56 g (95% CI −100 to −12, P = 0·016) reduced birth weight. Cord‐suPAR could not predict birth weight after adjusting for gestational age. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether the maternal suPAR level is increased earlier in pregnancy in women with active placental malaria infection and whether early maternal suPAR measurements can predict birth weight. If so, measurements of maternal suPAR early in pregnancy might then potentially identify women with increased needs for antenatal care and intervention.
Preparing professionals from a wide range of disciplines for life and work in rural and small communities
Authors: Medves Jennifer M. , Paterson Margo , Young The Reverend John H. , McAndrews Brian , Bowes Denise , Smith The Reverend Elaine , Hobbs Neil , Seaton Fairleigh
Published: October 2006

A new inter‐professional subject has been offered at a Canadian university, which examines issues related to professionals’ integrating into rural practice; understanding the history and geography of rural communities and important issues affecting life in rural settings.
Acute effects of cigarette smoking on multifocal electroretinogram
Authors: Gundogan Fatih C , Erdurman Cuneyt , Durukan Ali H , Sobaci Gungor , Bayraktar M Zeki
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background:  Cigarette smoking was shown to have stimulant effects on pattern visual‐evoked potentials. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of cigarette smoking on multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).

Methods:  This prospective case–control study was held in a tertiary referral centre in Turkish Armed Forces. mfERGs were investigated in a group of habitual smokers (30 right eyes of 30 subjects) in separate real smoking and sham smoking sessions. mfERG responses of the subjects were recorded after overnight abstinence. The responses were averaged over five retinal regions, the central hexagon (CH; central 6°) and four concentric rings (ring 1 [R1; 7°−12°], ring 2 [R2; 13°−18°], ring 3 [R3; 19°−24°], ring 4 [R4; 25°−30°]). On each session mfERGs were recorded before (BS) and after smoking (AS) conditions.

Results:  Regarding P1 amplitudes (first positive deflection of the mfERG) in the real smoking sessions, the differences were significant in the CH (BS: 66.2 ± 16.3 µV, AS: 73.3 ± 19.6 µV, P < 0.001), in R1 (BS: 44.3 ± 13.0, AS: 48.3 ± 16.0, P = 0.004) and in R2 (BS: 30.1 ± 8.3, AS: 33.7 ± 9.7, P = 0.002). Similar results were found for N1 amplitudes and P1 and N1 (first negative deflection of the mfERG) latencies in the CH, R1 and R2. The differences in outer retinal areas (R3, R4) in the real smoking sessions and in all rings in the sham smoking sessions were not significant.

Conclusion:  Cigarette smoking may stimulate the central retinal areas in the acute phase. This effect may be related with the stimulant effect of nicotine on neurotransmission, deleterious effects on retinal and/or choroidal circulation, carbon monoxide toxicity and nicotine withdrawal.
Likelihood‐based Analysis of a Class of Generalized Long‐Memory Time Series Models
Authors: Brockwell A. E.
Published: October 2006

Abstract.  This article introduces a family of ‘generalized long‐memory time series models’, in which observations have a specified conditional distribution, given a latent Gaussian fractionally integrated autoregressive moving‐average (ARFIMA) process. The observations may have discrete or continuous distributions (or a mixture of both). The family includes existing models such as ARFIMA models themselves, long‐memory stochastic volatility models, long‐memory censored Gaussian models and others. Although the family of models is flexible, the latent long‐memory process poses problems for analysis. Therefore, we introduce a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling algorithm and develop a set of recursions which makes it feasible. This makes it possible, among other things, to carry out exact likelihood‐based analysis of a wide range of non‐Gaussian long‐memory models without resorting to the use of likelihood approximations. The procedure also yields predictive distributions that take into account model parameter uncertainty. The approach is demonstrated in two case studies.
Challenging Misconceptions about Organizing Women into Unions
Authors: Yates Charlotte
Published: October 2006

In many countries, women are the fastest growing group of unionized workers. As unions scramble to restore their flagging membership, women become central to the process of union membership renewal. Yet survey data collected from union organizers in Canada show that unions are only partially meeting women’s demand for union representation, in large part because of gender bias in union organizing practices. To develop this argument, this article offers data analysis that challenges four popular misconceptions about women and unions which contribute to gender bias in union organizing practices. These misconceptions are: women are less likely to support unions than men; high rates of unionization in the public sector rather than women themselves explain the high rates of union growth amongst women; small workplaces are a particular barrier to organizing women and women are more passive and avoid conflict, therefore reducing their likelihood of withstanding a hostile organizing drive. Having challenged these misconceptions, the article concludes with a discussion of the many ways in which union organizing practices are gender biased. Issues discussed range from the limited number of women hired as organizers to the tendency of unions to target small male‐dominated workplaces for organizing, over women‐dominated workplaces, in spite of the latter’s greater likelihood of success.
Routes to Part‐Time Management in UK Service Sector Organizations: Implications for Women’s Skills, Flexibility and Progression
Authors: Tomlinson Jennifer
Published: October 2006

This article examines the implications of part‐time working for mothers, particularly with regards to their occupational mobility and acquisition of skills, in UK service sector organizations following the implementation of the Part‐time Workers’ Directive in 2000. Through qualitative interviews with women and their managers in five hospitality workplaces, this article explores whether part‐time workers are potentially the ‘losers’ in the ‘winner‐takes‐all’ approach to career development. Discussions focus upon the extent to which part‐time workers can access career paths or, alternatively, whether part‐time management positions are the reserve of highly skilled women who are able to negotiate reduced hours after obtaining a management position full time. In conclusion, this article distinguishes between two forms of working‐time flexibility, which are named optimal and restrictive. The implications of these alternative types of flexibility, in terms of access to skill acquisition and occupational mobility, are then addressed.
Calvinist Internationalism and the English Officer Corps, 1562–1642
Authors: Trim David
Published: October 2006

This article uses a crucial but little‐known text to examine two problematic issues in early‐modern history: whether there was, in any meaningful sense, a ‘Calvinist international’; and the extent to which religious commitment influenced career soldiers. The Defence of Militarie Profession (1579), by a Calvinist soldier, Geoffrey Gates, is rich on both issues and an excellent potential source for students. This article outlines how close reading reveals a transnational concept of the Reformed Churches as Israel, derived from a distinctive understanding and application of the Bible. Then, analysis of English military officers indicates that many were Calvinist and shared this internationalist concept of their confession. Thus, this essay argues that a ‘Calvinist international’ did exist as a conscious transnational movement and that its ideology was an important factor in the mental world of English career soldiers; and it introduces a text that students can use to explore these large issues.
Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, peripheral vision and refraction in low birthweight teenagers
Authors: Lindqvist Susanne , Vik Torstein , Indredavik Marit S. , Brubakk Ann‐Mari
Published: October 2006

Purpose:  To assess visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, visual fields, refractive errors and use of correction in adolescents with very low birthweight (VLBW; birthweight < 1500 g) and adolescents born at term but small for gestational age (SGA; birthweight < 10th percentile) in a population‐based study.

Methods:  Ophthalmological examination including VA, Vistech contrast sensitivity and Humphrey two‐zone, 120‐point perimetry was performed in 51 VLBW, 59 SGA and 77 control adolescents.

Results:  The VLBW adolescents had reduced VA, reduced contrast sensitivity, and were more often anisometropic compared with control adolescents. They had started wearing glasses earlier, but were not more likely to use correction as teenagers. However, they were more often undercorrected (for refractive status) than control adolescents. Hypermetropia was more common in the SGA group than in the control group, but otherwise the SGA group did not differ from the control group.

Conclusions:  Being born SGA may be a risk factor for hypermetropia in adolescence. Prematurely born adolescents present lower VA and contrast sensitivity and are more prone to anisometropia than adolescents born at term. It may be noteworthy that a higher proportion of VLBW than control adolescents were undercorrected, despite the well known vulnerability of visual function associated with preterm birth.
Duranta erecta poisoning in nine dogs and a cat
Authors: Scanlan SNA , Eagles DA , Vacher NE , Irvine MA , Ryan CJ , Mckenzie RA
Published: October 2006

Four incidents of Duranta erecta (golden dewdrop, Sheena's Gold, Geisha Girl) poisoning affecting nine dogs and a cat produced drowsiness, hyperaesthesia and tetanic seizures in all affected animals with evidence of alimentary tract irritation (vomiting, gastric and intestinal haemorrhage, diarrhoea, melaena) in five dogs and the cat. Fruits and leaves were seen to be eaten by affected animals. Therapy was successful in three of the dogs. Repeated diazepam doses and, in some cases, additional pentobarbitone or propofol anaesthesia, were successful in controlling seizures.
Gluteal pyomyositis associated with septic proximal femoral physitis in a 12‐day‐old Standardbred filly foal
Authors: Hart JCA , Smith C , Mogg TD
Published: October 2006

A 12‐day‐old Standardbred filly foal was presented with an acute onset hindlimb lameness of 24 hours duration. Initial ultrasonographic evaluation of the right gluteal region revealed oedematous change to the muscle architecture. Conservative therapy consisting of antimicrobials and stall rest was initiated. Forty‐eight hours after admission a localised gluteal pyomyositis had developed. This was drained twice by percutaneous aspiration. Four days after admission the foal was euthanased. Necropsy examination revealed a septic proximal femoral physis with no grossly apparent joint involvement.
Exercise induces interleukin‐8 receptor (CXCR2) expression in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Frydelund‐Larsen Lone , Penkowa Milena , Akerstrom Thorbjorn , Zankari Alaa , Nielsen Søren , Pedersen Bente Klarlund
Published: October 2006

Exercise induces a marked increase in interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) mRNA and protein expression within skeletal muscle fibres. Interleukin‐8 belongs to a subfamily of CXC chemokines containing a Glu‐Leu‐Arg (ELR) motif. CXC chemokines with ELR motifs are potent angiogenic factors in vivo, and IL‐8 has been shown to act as an angiogenic factor in human microvascular endothelial cells by binding to the CXC receptor 2 (CXCR2). In the present study, we examined the expression of the interleukin‐8 receptor CXCR2 in human skeletal muscle biopsies after concentric exercise. Healthy volunteers were randomized to either 3 h of cycle ergometer exercise at 60% of maximum oxygen uptake (n= 8) or rest (n= 7). Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis before exercise (0 h), immediately after exercise (3 h), and at 4.5, 6, 9 and 24 h. Skeletal muscle CXCR2 mRNA increased significantly in response to exercise (3 and 4.5 h) when compared with pre‐exercise samples. Expression of the CXCR2 protein was low in skeletal muscle biopsies before exercise and at the end of the exercise period (3 h). However, at 4.5–9 h, an increase in CXCR2 protein was seen in the vascular endothelium, and also slightly within the muscle fibres, as determined by immunohistochemistry. The present study demonstrates that concentric exercise induces CXCR2 mRNA and protein expression in the vascular endothelial cells of the muscle fibres. These findings suggest that muscle‐derived IL‐8 may act locally to stimulate angiogenesis through CXCR2 receptor signalling.
UNIQUE EQUILIBRIA IN THE RUBINSTEIN BARGAINING MODEL WHEN THE PAYOFF SET IS NON-CONVEX
Authors: KÖHLER WOLFGANG R.
Published: October 2006

I give necessary and sufficient conditions on the payoff set that guarantee uniqueness of the equilibrium in the Rubinstein bargaining model. The conditions encompass a class of non-convex or disconnected payoff sets with discontinuous Pareto frontiers. Roughly speaking, the equilibrium is unique if the objective function of the corresponding Nash-bargaining game has a unique maximum. I extend the analysis to games where the time between offers is not constant.
SOLUTION CONCEPT FOR A NON-COOPERATIVE GAME WITH FUZZY PARAMETERS
Authors: KACHER FATIHA , LARBANI MOUSSA
Published: October 2006

In this paper, we study a non cooperative game with payoff functions involving fuzzy parameters. We introduce a concept of solution for this game that we call α-N-S- equilibrium. Our definition is derived from the concept of N-S equilibrium introduced by Zhukovskii for a non cooperative game with payoffs involving unknown parameters in the case of complete ignorance of their behavior. The α-N-S- equilibrium takes into account both the aspect of conflict and the aspect of decision making under uncertainty related to the presence of fuzzy parameters. For the aspect of conflict we adopted the Nash equilibrium, for the aspect of uncertainty we adopted the maximin approach through weak Pareto optimality. Furthermore, we give sufficient conditions for its existence.
THE COMPLETE VERSION OF THE GORRITI HAT GAME
Authors: MARCHI EZIO
Published: October 2006

In this paper we introduce two simple versions of the hat game for three players and a generalization for n players. We compute the extensive version of the game and all the equilibrium and friendly equilibrium points as a simple example of the structure function.
VISUALIZATION EXPERIMENT OF FLOW STRUCTURES INSIDE TWO-DIMENSIONAL HUMAN BILIARY SYSTEM MODELS
Authors: AL-ATABI M. , CHIN S. B. , LUO X. Y.
Published: October 2006

Although little is known about the transport mechanism of bile in the human biliary system, clinical studies suggest that it may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis. This paper reports an investigation of the steady flow in two-dimensional human biliary system models using flow visualization. The geometries of these two-dimensional models were described based on actual patients' operative cholangiograms. Two models were used: one represented biliary system of a patient suffering from gallstones, while the second represented the biliary system of a healthy person. The streamlines of the flow in the cystic duct of the patient suffering from gallstones were highly winding, compared with those of the healthy person. This is an indication of a higher resistance to the flow in the cystic duct of the gallstone patient, which is a contributing factor of the formation of gallstones. The work presented here is a part of an ongoing project aimed at understanding the functions of human cystic duct and the role of bile flow in the formation of gallstones.
ON THE EQUATION $(x_1^{m_1}+\cdots+x_n^{m_n})^k=ax_1\cdots x_n$ OVER A FINITE FIELD
Authors: BAOULINA IOULIA
Published: October 2006

Let Nq be the number of solutions to the equation [Formula: see text] over the finite field 𝔽q = 𝔽ps. Carlitz found formulas for Nq when m1 = ⋯ = mn = 1, k = 2, n = 3 or 4, p > 2; and when m1 = ⋯ = mn = 2, k = 1, n = 3 or 4, p > 2. In earlier papers, we obtained some generalizations of Carlitz's results. In this paper, we find formulas for Nq when -1 is a power of p modulo dD, where D = lcm [d1,…,dn], [Formula: see text], M = lcm [m1,…,mn], dj = gcd (mj,q - 1), 1 ≤ j ≤ n.
SUR LE BÊTA-DÉVELOPPEMENT DE 1 DANS LE CORPS DES SÉRIES FORMELLES
Authors: HBAIB M. , MKAOUAR M.
Published: October 2006

Let β be a fixed element of 𝔽q((X-1)) with polynomial part of degree ≥ 1, then any formal power series can be represented in base β, using the transformation Tβ : f ↦ {βf} of the unit disk [Formula: see text]. Any formal power series in [Formula: see text] is expanded in this way into dβ(f) = (ai(X))i≥1, where [Formula: see text]. The main aim of this paper is to characterize the formal power series β(|β| > 1), such that dβ(1) is finite, eventually periodic or automatic (such characterizations do not exist in the real case).
How Far Is the Preoperative Kattan Nomogram Applicable for the Prediction of Recurrence after Prostatectomy in Patients Presenting with PSA Levels of More than 20 ng/ml?
Authors: May M. , Gunia S. , Helke C. , Führer S. , Hoschke B. , Fahlenkamp D. , Vogler H. , Siegsmund M.
Published: October 2006

Objective: We present an external validation study investigating the applicability of the preoperative Kattan nomogram for predicting recurrence after prostatectomy in a population of patients with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels exceeding 20 ng/ml. Materials: In the evaluation of clinical parameters pooled from a total of 191 patients presenting with PSA levels ranging between 20.1 and 100 ng/ml, the PSA-free survival rate 60 months after surgery was calculated according to Kattan nomograms. Subsequently, the results were statistically compared with the corresponding actual survival rates obtained from Kaplan-Meier analysis. For this purpose, the patients were assigned to one of four different risk groups according to predictions derived from the Kattan nomograms, enabling a direct comparison of expected (as predicted by Kattan nomogram) versus actual survival of each patient investigated in our study. Results: Predicted PSA-free survival rates were determined to be as follows: 83% (low risk group); 66% (intermediate risk group); 39% (intermediate-high risk group), and 10% (high risk group) in comparison with the actual survival rates determined to be 63, 62, 40 and 21%, respectively. For PSA levels ranging between 20.1 and 30 ng/ml, 30.1 and 50 ng/ml, and 50.1 and 100 ng/dl, PSA-free survival rates were found to be 57, 37, and 27% (p = 0.0017), respectively, during a 5-year post-prostatectomy follow-up. Conclusions: The Kattan nomogram shows good statistical concordance with actual survival rates in the mean risk quadrants, but considerable differences were demonstrated concerning individuals with either a high or with a low risk of cancer progression.
Pumpkin Seed Oil and Phytosterol-F Can Block Testosterone/Prazosin-Induced Prostate Growth in Rats
Authors: Tsai Yuh-Shyan , Tong Yat-Ching , Cheng Juei-Tang , Lee Chung-Ho , Yang Fu-Shan , Lee Hua-Yang
Published: October 2006

Introduction: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of pumpkin seed oil alone or combined with Phytosterol-F on testosterone/prazosin-induced (T-P) prostate growth in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups, including: one control group, rats treated with vehicle only, one group treated with T-P, and two groups of T-P-treated rats, one receiving orally pumpkin seed oil alone and one group receiving orally pumpkin seed oil combined with Phytosterol-F. Two weeks later, the prostatic weight-to-body weight ratio was determined after sacrifice. The total protein concentration was measured by using a protein assay. Some ventral prostatic tissues were histologically examined after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: Histological sections of the ventral prostate showed that the architecture of the prostate glands became hyperplastic in the T-P rats, but not in the control or vehicle-treated animals. As compared with the control or vehicle group, T-P rats had a significantly higher prostatic weight-to-body weight ratio for the ventral prostate (p = 0.05 and p = 0.007, respectively), but not for the dorsolateral prostate (p = 0.53 and p = 0.73, respectively). The T-P rats had significantly higher protein levels within both lobes (ventral lobe, p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively; dorsolateral lobe, p = 0.06 and p = 0.005, respectively). As compared with the T-P-alone rats, the TP rats treated with pumpkin seed oil alone or pumpkin seed oil combined with Phytosterol-F had a significantly lower weight ratio for the ventral prostate (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively) and significantly lower protein levels within both lobes (p = 0.03 and p = 0.003, respectively; p = 0.007 and p = 0.002, respectively). In addition, Phytosterol-F had some additive effect on the total protein synthesis within the ventral prostate (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Pumpkin seed oil alone or combined with Phytosterol-F can block the T-P-induced increases in prostatic weight-to-body weight ratio and protein synthesis.
Long-Term Influence of Prepubertal Testicular Torsion on Spermatogenesis
Authors: Sun Jie , Liu Guo-hua , Zhao Hai-teng , Shi Cheng-ren
Published: October 2006

Purpose: To study the influence of prepubertal unilateral testicular torsion on spermatogenesis postpubertally. Methods: Sixty prepubertal SD male rats were divided into 6 groups. In each group, animal suffered different courses of unilateral testicular torsion including sham operation, 2- and 6-hour-long torsion, and permanent torsion. Salvia miltiorrhiza was injected as a remedy to release the I/R injury in the 2- and 6-hour-long torted groups. Postpubertally, the percentage of DNA content of haploid cells in the testes was determined individually. Results: The percentage of haploid cells in the sham operation group was 76.5 ± 1.9%. The number decreased in every other group (p < 0.01). Comparing with the same course of torsion, Salvia miltiorrhiza injection could improve the percentage of haploid cells (p < 0.01). In the permanent unilateral testicular torted group, the percentage was nearly zero (0.4 ± 0.2%). Conclusions: Prepubertal unilateral testicular torsion induces decreased spermatogenesis postpubertally. The result takes place in the bilateral testes. Salvia miltiorrhiza, as an antioxidant remedy, could relieve the injury which manifests improved spermatogenesis.
The Unbreakable Bladder Stone – Munchhausen’s Tale
Authors: Lau S. , Zammit P. , Bikhchandani J. , Buchholz N.P.N.
Published: October 2006

A wide range of intra-vesical foreign bodies have been described in the literature. Causes include iatrogenic, migration from adjacent organs, penetrating injuries and self-insertion, either due to eroticism, inquisitiveness or as a result of a psychiatric illness. We present an unusual case of fictitious bladder stones that proved unbreakable using all standard endourological techniques.
A Review of Malignancies Observed during Efalizumab (Raptiva®) Clinical Trials for Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Leonardi Craig L. , Toth Darryl , Cather Jennifer C. , Langley Richard G.B. , Werther Winifred , Compton Peter , Kwon Paul , Wetherill Graham , Curtin Francois , Menter Alan
Published: October 2006

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, incurable immune-mediated disease. Most therapies used for moderate to severe psoriasis are immunosuppressive. Agents that depress immune function, including traditional psoriasis therapies, have been associated with an increased incidence of malignancies. Efalizumab is a recombinant monoclonal immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody approved for use in psoriasis patients. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of malignancy in patients receiving efalizumab during clinical trials compared with placebo-treated patients, psoriasis patients from external cohorts and the general US population. Methods: Patient data were pooled from multiple phase III placebo-controlled, open-label efalizumab clinical trials, and the incidence rate of reported malignancies was calculated as a function of patient years of observation. The results for the efalizumab-treated patients were compared with the data on psoriasis patients from insurance claims databases and a registry of events in the general population. Results: The efalizumab- and placebo-treated patients had similar incidence rates of malignancy, including lymphoproliferative disease, solid tumor, malignant melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, in patients receiving efalizumab or placebo was elevated relative to the external databases. Conclusions: These results suggest that efalizumab treatment does not increase a patient’s risk for malignancy. The difference observed with nonmelanoma skin cancer may be due to biases introduced by the clinical trial methodology. Additional patient observation is necessary to ascertain whether a link exists between efalizumab therapy and nonmelanoma skin cancer above that normally observed in psoriasis patients.
Aggressive CD30 Large Cell Lymphoma after Cyclosporine Given for Putative Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Mougel Fanny , Dalle Stéphane , Balme Brigitte , Houot Roch , Thomas Luc
Published: October 2006

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is not regarded as a predisposing condition for cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Cyclosporine (CsA) is an efficient therapy in AD, and its side effects, including lymphocytic proliferation, are rare at the low dose used in such cases. So far 3 cases of patients who developed cutaneous T cell lymphoma under CsA treatment for atopy have been described. An adult patient with a history of AD received CsA therapy because of an atypical flare-up of his eruption. He rapidly developed papular atypical lesions, then followed by the onset of a voluminous cutaneous tumor leading to the diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (MF) transformed in CD30+ large cell lymphoma with nodal and blood involvement. No improvement occurred after withdrawing of CsA, and he required a polychemotherapy and an allograft. This case illustrates the dramatic evolution of an MF under CsA given in the hypothesis of AD. It stresses the fact that skin biopsies should be taken in case of atypical AD to rule out MF and avoid such an aggressive evolution under immunosuppressive therapy.
Pseudonits in Dreadlocked Hair: A Louse-y Case of Nits
Authors: Salih S. , Bowling J.C.
Published: October 2006

We report a case of pseudonits in dreadlocked hair, with prominent hair roots of shed hair closely resembling Pediculosis humanus capitis infestation.
Hearing Loss and the Limits of Amplification
Authors: Turner Christopher W.
Published: October 2006

This review article summarizes the effects of sensorineural hearing loss on the recognition of amplified speech, both for speech presented in quiet and in a noise background. Some hypotheses are presented regarding the underlying damage in the cochlea that leads to the deficits in speech recognition for hearing losses of various configurations. For severe hearing losses in the high frequencies, amplification is often ineffective. While the existing data also suggest that sensorineural hearing loss can lead to poor frequency resolution, which leads to problems understanding speech in noise, the frequency resolution of the cochlear implant is usually even poorer. Therefore a strategy of preserving low-frequency residual hearing combined with electrical stimulation for the higher frequencies is an attractive solution for patients with severe high-frequency hearing loss.
An Overview of Binaural Advantages for Children and Adults Who Use Binaural/Bimodal Hearing Devices
Authors: Ching Teresa Y.C. , Incerti Paula , Hill Mandy , van Wanrooy Emma
Published: October 2006

Aim: The aim of this paper was to summarize the binaural advantages for sentence perception in noise and sound localization obtained by children and adults who wore a cochlear implant (CI) and a hearing aid in opposite ears (bimodal hearing devices). Patients and Methods: We evaluated the speech perception and sound localization ability of 29 children and 21 adults who received a Nucleus CI system in one ear and wore a hearing aid in the other ear. All subjects used hearing aids that were adjusted systematically to complement their CIs. Performance with a CI and a hearing aid was compared with that with a CI alone. Results: On average, both children and adults derived binaural advantages relating to binaural redundancy and head shadow for sentence perception in noise. Neither the degree of hearing loss nor the duration of use of bimodal hearing devices was significantly related to the amount of binaural speech benefits. Both groups also located sounds better with CI and a hearing aid than with CI alone. Conclusions: The evidence supports the implementation of binaural/bimodal fittings as the standard management of children and adults who receive a unilateral CI and who have residual hearing in the nonimplanted ear.
A Frequency-Position Function for the Human Cochlear Spiral Ganglion
Authors: Sridhar Divya , Stakhovskaya Olga , Leake Patricia A.
Published: October 2006

Greenwood’s frequency-position function for the organ of Corti (OC) is commonly used to estimate represented frequencies for cochlear implant (CI) electrodes, both in temporal bone studies and in imaging studies of living CI recipients. However, many contemporary CIs position stimulating electrodes near the modiolus, directly targeting the spiral ganglion (SG) cells within Rosenthal’s canal. At the extreme base and apex, the SG does not extend as far as the OC, and the radial nerve fibers take a tangential course into the modiolus resulting in a potential offset between the frequency maps of the OC and SG. In this investigation, human cadaveric cochleae (n = 7) were studied in surface preparations after osmium staining. The OC and SG lengths were measured and radial fiber trajectories traced to identify frequency-matched points on each structure. These data allowed derivation of a mathematical function correlating represented frequency along the OC to position along the SG. A cubic function fit the data with a very high intersubject correlation. Better knowledge of the human SG ‘neural frequency map’ may help to refine electrode design, and to more accurately map CI channel filter bands to the appropriate cochlear place along the SG, which may be advantageous for more sophisticated CI outcomes, such as music appreciation. These data also could be valuable for electroacoustic stimulation, by defining the insertion distance of a CI electrode required to reach specific frequencies (based upon preoperative imaging) in an individual subject, thus helping to avoid trauma to cochlear regions with residual hearing.
Temporal Bone Results and Hearing Preservation with a New Straight Electrode
Authors: Lenarz Thomas , Stöver Timo , Buechner Andreas , Paasche Gerrit , Briggs Robert , Risi Frank , Pesch Joerg , Battmer Rolf-Dieter
Published: October 2006

Due to improved technology, cochlear implant (CI) candidacy has been widened towards patients with usable residual hearing in the low frequency range. These patients might benefit from additional acoustic amplification provided that residual hearing can be preserved with cochlear implantation. To provide a high probability of hearing preservation, a new electrode array was designed and developed at the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. This ‘Hybrid-L’ electrode array has 22 electrodes spread over 15 mm with an overall insertion depth of 16 mm. The straight electrode with modiolus facing contacts is designed for a round window insertion. It shall provide the full range of the currently most advanced Nucleus CI system. A temporal bone study demonstrated the favorable insertion characteristics and minimized trauma to intracochlear structures. Compared to standard CI electrodes especially no basilar membrane perforation could be found. So far, 4 patients have been implanted and residual hearing could be preserved. One patient was fitted and showed a marked additional benefit from the electroacoustic stimulation compared to either acoustic or electrical stimulation alone. These results are very encouraging towards a concept of reliable hearing preservation with cochlear implantation.
The Serotonin Transporter Gene: Polymorphism and Haplotype Analysis in Russian Suicide Attempters
Authors: Gaysina Daria , Zainullina Aigul , Gabdulhakov Rail , Khusnutdinova Elza
Published: October 2006

The focus on gender-specific genes associated with female suicide is justified by the possible dimorphic nature of the serotonergic system and by the greater number of suicide attempts in females. We performed analysis of the promoter (5-HTTLPR) and intron 2 (STin2 VNTR) polymorphisms and haplotypes of the serotonin transporter gene in Russian suicide attempters, separately in men and women. Our findings indicate the contribution of the SLC6A4 gene to susceptibility for suicidal behavior in women, but not in men. The L/L genotype (p = 0.013, OR = 2.09) and L10 haplotype (p = 0.04, OR = 1.77) were associated with suicide in Russian women only. Further investigations of this gene in different phenotypic groups are necessary.
Deterioration of Visual Acuity Associated with Growth Hormone Therapy in a Child with Extreme Short Stature and High Hypermetropia
Authors: Paterson Wendy F. , Kelly Brian , Newman William , Savage Martin O. , Camacho-Hübner Cecilia , Dutton Gordon N. , Tolmie John , Donaldson Malcolm D.C.
Published: October 2006

Background: Growth hormone (GH) has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, although its precise role remains ill-defined. In 1998, an association between exogenous human GH and retinal pathology in non-diabetic subjects was described. Case Report: A female child with extreme short stature of unknown aetiology (height –7.38 SD at 11.3 years) and severe hypermetropia developed retinopathy with visual deterioration during two separate empiric trials of GH therapy. On the first occasion, a relatively high dose of GH (10.5 mg/m2/week) administered from age 4.4 to age 4.7 years was associated with the development of central serous retinopathy, resulting in marked reduction in visual acuity. On cessation of GH, the macular oedema resolved, and visual acuity improved. At age 5.6 years, GH therapy was re-introduced at a lower dose (3.9 mg/m2/week) and her vision monitored closely. Bilateral retinal oedema recurred after 3 months, and GH therapy was stopped. Once again, the macular oedema regressed, and visual acuity improved following withdrawal of GH. These ophthalmic changes contra-indicated further GH therapy. Conclusion: We suggest that GH may be a risk factor in the development of retinopathy in certain non-diabetic patients, especially in the presence of a severe refractive error.
Hearing in Patients with Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Caye-Thomasen Per , Dethloff Thomas , Hansen Søren , Stangerup Sven-Eric , Thomsen Jens
Published: October 2006

This paper reports data on the spontaneous course of hearing in 156 patients with purely intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas. The mean pure tone average (PTA) was 51 dB HL and the mean speech discrimination score (SDS) 60% at diagnosis. The risk of a significant subsequent hearing loss (≧10 dB PTA or ≧10% SDS) was 54% during 4.6 years of observation. Patients with normal speech discrimination at diagnosis had a significantly smaller risk of loosing hearing. The hearing loss at diagnosis and during observation was not related to age, gender, diagnostic tumor size, tumor- induced expansion of the internal auditory canal or tumor sublocalization (fundus, central or porus). However, the loss of PTA was smaller in shrinking tumors and the PTA deterioration rate correlated with the volumetric tumor growth rate. After 4.6 years observation, the PTA had increased by 14 dB to 65 dB HL, and the SDS reduced by 17% to 43%. The proportion of patients eligible for hearing preservation treatment as determined by word recognition score class I (70–100% SDS) was reduced to 28% (a 44% reduction), and by AAO-HNS class A to 9% (a 53% reduction).
Effect of Age and Cognition on Childhood Speech in Noise Perception Abilities
Authors: Talarico Maria , Abdilla Geraldine , Aliferis Martha , Balazic Irena , Giaprakis Irene , Stefanakis Toni , Foenander Kate , Grayden David B. , Paolini Antonio G.
Published: October 2006

This research on children’s speech in noise and cognitive abilities aimed to determine the age-related trends in speech in noise perception abilities and the relationship between speech in noise perception and cognitive abilities. Monosyllabic distinguishable (consonant-vowel-consonant) words was the most recognisable word category, followed by monosyllabic confusable words (consonant-vowel-consonant), disyllabic non-words (/aCa/) and monosyllabic syllables (/Ca/), demonstrating that phoneme distinctiveness and a reduction in word confusability contribute to their recognition. Older children outperformed younger children on all speech in noise tasks, indicating that there are age-related trends in speech in noise abilities. Children with higher cognitive abilities did not outperform children with lower cognitive abilities on speech in noise tasks, indicating that the ability to hear speech in noise may be an intrinsic feature of the auditory system that matures with age.
Identification of Novel Mutations in the KCNQ4 Gene of Patients with Nonsyndromic Deafness from Taiwan
Authors: Su Ching-Chyuan , Yang Jiann-Jou , Shieh Jia-Ching , Su Mao-Chang , Li Shuan-Yow
Published: October 2006

Ion channels play important roles in signal transduction and in the regulation of the ionic composition of intra- and extracellular fluids. Mutations in ion channels have long been thought to be responsible for some forms of hearing loss. Defects in KCNQ4, a voltage-gated potassium channel, are a cause of nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness type 2, an autosomal dominant form of progressive hearing loss. We present data of mutation analysis of KCNQ4 from 185 unrelated Taiwanese probands with nonsyndromic hearing loss. The analysis revealed three novel KCNQ4 mutations and many polymorphisms. The prevalence of KCNQ4 gene mutations in this study was 1.62% (3/185). The mutations include a missense mutation (F182L) and two silent mutations (R216R and T501T). The F182L missense mutation was located in the S3 domain of KCNQ4. The F182 residue of KCNQ4 is highly conserved in KCNQ4 among various species and is less conserved in all members of the KCNQ family. In addition, although R216R is a silent mutation and does not alter the content of amino acid residue, the neural network prediction system revealed that it can potentially create a novel splice donor site during transcription. This mutation might affect the protein structure of KCNQ4 and consequently the normal function of the K+ channel. Our data provide the first comprehensive analysis of the KCNQ4 gene in Taiwanese patients with nonsyndromic deafness.