bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain relief and quality‐of‐life assessment following intravenous and oral clodronate in hormone‐escaped metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: CRESSWELL S.M. , ENGLISH P.J. , HALL R.R. , ROBERT J.T. , MARSH M.M.
Published: November 2008

Objective To establish the efficacy of intravenous clodronate followed by maintenance oral clodronate in patients with painful bone metastases resulting from hormone‐resistant prostate cancer.

Patients and methods A multicentre open study of 27 patients assessed the efficacy of clodronate treatment by estimating the reduction in World Health Organization (WHO) Pain Score, the increase in WHO Performance Status and by a novel quality‐of‐life/ activity score.

Results Ten of 27 patients achieved significant pain relief after receiving 300 mg/day of intravenous clodronate for 10 days. This was matched by an improvement in the activity score and WHO Performance Status. Three of 27 patients continued to have relief from pain after 3 months of oral clodronate therapy.

Conclusion Intravenous clodronate therapy was effective in relieving the pain resulting from prostate cancer bone metastases in 10 of 27 patients but the benefit was shortlived. The use of a personal quality‐of‐life/ activity questionnaire which assesses aspects of everyday life that are important to the patient may be more appropriate for patients with very advanced prostate cancer than are other quality‐of‐life questionnaires in current use.
Is nephrocalcin related to the urinary derivative (bikunin) of inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor?
Authors: TANG Y. , GROVER P.K. , MORITZ R.L. , SIMPSON R.J. , RYALL R.L.
Published: November 2008

Objective To isolate, purify, sequence and characterize nephrocalcin (NC), a urinary protein that may be an important determinant of calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney‐stone disease.

Materials and methods Proteins were isolated from human urine using cellulose and resin columns and were sequenced using Edman degradation and SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Inhibition of CaOx crystal growth by the isolated proteins was assessed by measuring the deposition of 14C‐labelled CaOx.

Results A protein assumed to be NC on the basis of SDS‐PAGE, inhibitory and gel filtration properties was isolated from healthy human urine. Its molecular weight and the amino acid sequences of two of its peptides suggested it was identical to fragment HI‐14 of the light chain (bikunin) of inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor (ITI).

Conclusions NC represents a portion of the light chain of ITI, although this conclusion must remain tentative until confirmed using authentic NC.
Fetal penile and urethral development subsequent to vascular insult in the last trimester of gestation: an experimental study in goat fetuses*
Authors: KIZILCAN F. , KARNAK I. , TANYEL F.C. , CAKAR N. , BUYUKPAMUKCU N. , HICSONMEZ A.
Published: November 2008

Objective To investigate a possible mechanism (the vascular theory) in the development of congenital anomalies of the penis and urethra in the fetus of the goat.

Materials and methods Fifteen male Angora goat fetuses underwent an operation at 110–114 days of gestation whereby branches of the internal pudendal artery within the superficial compartment of the perineum were ligated. Five male fetuses served as controls in which the perineum was explored with no ligation.

Results Five treated and three control live offspring were delivered spontaneously. Although no genitourinary anomalies were observed on gross examination, histopathological examination of the penises of treated animals revealed smaller penises with increased fibrosis.

Conclusion A defective vascular supply can partly explain the morphogenesis of some aspects of the congenital anomalies of the penis and urethra.
Staging problems in the pre‐operative chemotherapy of Wilms' tumour
Authors: ZOELLER G. , PEKRUN A. , LAKOMEK M. , RINGERT R. H.
Published: November 2008

Objective To determine the effect of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Wilms' tumour protocols (pre‐operative chemotherapy based on clinical and radiological findings, with no prior tumour verification by open or needle biopsy) on subsequent intra‐operative tumour diagnosis and staging.

Patients and methods The diagnosis and staging of possible Wilms' tumour by clinical, ultrasonographic and radiological assessment were compared with the intra‐operative findings in 14 consecutive children (1–12 years of age) treated between 1989 and 1994.

Results A diagnosis of Wilms' tumour was histologically verified in 11 of 14 children. In two children, verification was not possible due to complete necrosis of the tumour following pre‐operative chemotherapy. In a 12‐year‐old boy with an estimated stage IV disease due to a solitary lung metastasis, a renal cell carcinoma was revealed in the nephrectomy specimen while subsequent thoracotomy revealed dysmorphic but not malignant tissue. The estimated tumour stage was correct with regard to localized or metastatic disease in nine of 11 children with histologically confirmed Wilms' tumour, while in two children with an estimated stage II tumour, liver metastases were found intra‐operatively and the tumour was upstaged to IV.

Conclusion Exact tumour diagnosis and staging was difficult in these patients. Although the accuracy of tumour staging depends on the sensitivity of radiological and ultrasonographic examinations, difficulties in tumour diagnosis may be overcome by biopsies of the primary tumour. The justification of upstaging a low‐stage I/II tumour to stage III, provoking a more intense post‐operative treatment, should be proven by prospective randomized studies. The decision to perform a primary tumour biopsy would be facilitated if possible subsequent deterioration of outcome could be excluded.
Concepts in the surgical technique of one‐stage hypospadias correction
Authors: JOSEPH V.T.
Published: November 2008

Objective To report on a single‐stage technique for hypospadias repair based on the combination of several features of established methods and to emphasize the importance of identifying and excising the chordee that is almost always present in the tissues proximal to the urethral opening to ensure the complete correction of this deformity.

Patients and methods Over a 3‐year period, 84 boys (age range from 8 months to 14 years) underwent a single‐stage repair of proximal hypospadias. Chordee was corrected by excising fibrotic tissue representing the atretic corpus spongiosum proximal to the urethral opening. The neourethra was constructed using the epithelium distal to the urethral opening and part of the dorsal prepuce.

Results Satisfactory results were obtained in 79 patients with a single procedure. Only five patients had fistulae and of these, four were closed successfully during the same hospital stay.

Conclusion Proximal hypospadias can be corrected using the single‐stage technique described, with satisfactory results in most cases. Fistulae are uncommon and can be closed by a primary procedure performed in the post‐operative period.
Urodynamic assessment in the laser treatment of benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: TE SLAA E. , DE WILDT M.J.A.M. , ROSIER P.F.W.M. , WIJKSTRA H. , DEBRUYNE F.M.J. , DE LA ROSETTE J.J.M.C.H.
Published: November 2008

Objective To determine if bladder outlet obstruction can be adequately relieved after laser prostatectomy.

Patients and methods Since November 1992, a total of 105 patients underwent laser treatment of the prostate because of complaints related to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). To date, urodynamic data from a study of pressure flow analysis are available for 79 patients both at baseline and at 6 months after treatment. Patients were evaluated using changes in symptoms (IPSS symptom score), peak flow rate (Qmax), post‐voiding residual volume (PVR), detrusor pressure at maximum flow (Pdst at Qmax), and the linear passive urethral resistance relation (LPURR). Moreover, patients with minimal bladder outlet obstruction were compared to patients with severe bladder outlet obstruction.

Results There was a significant improvement in mean IPSS score from 21.3 at baseline to 5.3 at the 6‐month follow‐up. The Qmax improved from 7.9 mL/s to 17.8 mL/s, and the PVR decreased from 91.6 mL to 15.6 mL. At baseline, > 80% of the patients were considered obstructed according to the analysis of pressure flow, whereas 6 months after laser treatment, only 5% of the patients were still considered obstructed. A comparison of the outcome between minimally obstructed patients and severely obstructed patients showed comparable improvements.

Conclusion Laser therapy of the prostate was, according to urodynamic parameters, capable of relieving outlet obstruction and minimally obstructed patients also showed a significant relief of outlet obstruction.
Regression to the mean occurs in measuring peak urinary flow
Authors: PRESCOTT R.J. , GARRAWAY W.M.
Published: November 2008

Objective To investigate the anomalous rises in maximum urinary flow rates seen in a prostate‐diagnostic clinic.

Subjects and methods The study comprised 1994 men aged 40–79 years registered at five health centres in Central Scotland, participating in a study of the natural history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), who completed a urodynamic assessment on up to three occasions: in the community, on referral to a prostate‐diagnostic clinic and at a one‐year follow‐up.

Results Subjects referred to the diagnostic clinic on the basis of maximum flow rate (Qmax < 15 mL/s) and/or urinary symptomatology showed a mean increase in Qmax (P < 0.001) when tested at the clinic and at the one‐year follow‐up. In health centres which referred men to the clinic with no pre‐selection, there were no significant changes in Qmax.

Conclusion Regression to the mean occurs when patients are selected on the basis of a low Qmax. The use of isolated low values of Qmax in the process of diagnosing BPH should be avoided.
Transrectal and transurethral hyperthermia versus sham treatment in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a double‐blind randomized multicentre clinical trial
Authors: ABBOU C. C. , PAYAN C. , VIENS‐BITKER C. , RICHARD F. , BOCCON‐GIBOD L. , JARDIN A. , BEURTON D. , DUC A. LE , FERMANIAN J. , THIBAULT P. ,   THE FRENCH BPH HYPERTHERMIA GROUP
Published: November 2008

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of hyperthermia for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by either the transrectal or transurethral approach, relative to sham treatment.

Patients and methods. Two hundred patients from seven urological departments were randomized and treated in a single centre. Principal inclusion criteria were a peak iow rate (PFR) <15 mL/s and residual urine < 300 mL/s. Comparisons were made between transurethral hyperthermia (TUH) and transurethral sham (TUS) and between transrectal hyperthermia (TRH) and transrectal sham (TRS) 12 months after treatment. Outcome was assessed by improvements in the Madsen score and PFR, and the incidence of side‐effects.

Results After 12 months, 145 patients were evaluated; 12 patients withdrew during treatment, 43 withdrew during follow‐up and two were lost to follow‐up. Withdrawals were mainly due to side‐effects during treatment (17% in the TRH and 1.5% in the TUH group) and to a lack of improvement during follow‐up (14% in the TUH group, 19% in the TUS, 15% in the TRH and 10.5% in the TRS group received other treatments for BPH). Complications during treatment consisted mainly of local pain, urethral bleeding, urethral pain and acute retention, and were five times more frequent in the TRH than the TUH group (34% versus 6%). There was no improvement in PFR after TUH and TRH (response <20%). Only TUH improved the Madsen score (TUH, + 50% and TUS, +17%).

Conclusion. Hyperthermia was not an effective treatment for BPH.
Fracture of polyurethane double pigtail stents: an in vivo retrospective and prospective fluoroscopic study
Authors: EL‐SHERIF A.
Published: November 2008

Objective To study the behaviour of pigtail polyurethane ureteric stents during breathing and change in body habitus and thereby explain some side‐effects of stenting, particularly spontaneous stent fracture.

Patients and methods The study comprised retrospective evaluation of records and radiographs of seven patients (five men and two women, mean age 41; SD 10.9 years) who were admitted with fractured polyurethane pigtail stents, and a prospective fluoroscopic study of the behaviour of 14 stents in 12 patients (11 men and one woman; mean age 40; SD 9.3 years) during breathing, spinal flexion, extension and rotation.

Results Five of the seven pigtail stents fractured where the stent crossed the lateral edge of psoas muscle, 7–10 cm below the renal coil of the stent. The sixth stent was fractured at its lower third and the seventh fractured just proximal to the stent's bladder coil. The prospective study revealed a 20–80° bend in the upper third of 11 of the 14 stents and a 35° bend in the lower third of two stents. A 1–5 cm craniocaudal movement and a 0–2 cm vertical movement of the stents occurred during breathing and spinal flexion and extension. There were no changes in stent configuration during spinal lateral rotation or at the sacral promontary. The bend in the upper third of the ureter was profound in two stents whose vertical movement was restricted by other conditions.

Conclusion As the kidney‐to‐bladder distance shortens during inspiration and spinal flexion, the stent adapts by bending and/or moving. Fracture of the stent may be caused by repeated mechanical stress, particularly across the side‐holes, and by diminution of its tensile strength by depolymerization during long indwelling times. Large polyurethane stents tended to bow, displacing the upper ureter anteriorly, while small, soft stents conformed to the anatomical course of the ureter, suggesting that they should be used after open or endoscopic surgery to the upper two‐thirds of the ureter. Stress on the stent can be minimized by choosing the correct length, particularly where vertical stent movement is limited by other conditions.
Race affects access to nephrectomy but not survival in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zini Laurent , Perrotte Paul , Capitanio Umberto , Jeldres Claudio , Duclos Alain , Arjane Philippe , Villers Arnauld , Montorsi Francesco , Patard Jean‐Jacques , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether, in contemporary patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), access to nephrectomy is the same between the Blacks and Whites, and that there is no difference in mortality after stratification for treatment type.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The effect of race has received little attention in RCC; only two reports have addressed and suggested the presence of racial disparities, including access to nephrectomy and survival after nephrectomy, where Black patients were disadvantaged relative to Whites. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results data from 12 516 patients of all stages diagnosed and treated for RCC between 2000 and 2004. The effect of race (Black vs White) on nephrectomy rate was addressed in logistic regression and binomial regression models, and Cox regression models tested the effect of race on overall survival.

RESULTS

Black patients were 50% less likely to have a nephrectomy than their White counterparts. However, race had no effect on overall survival when the entire cohort was assessed, as well as in subgroups of patients with or without nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although race is a determinant of access to nephrectomy, it should not be interpreted as a barrier to care, as survival was unaffected by race in patients having a nephrectomy or not. Instead, race might represent a proxy of comorbidity and life‐expectancy, which represent surgical selection criteria for nephrectomy.
A critical analysis of the role of gut Oxalobacter formigenes in oxalate stone disease
Authors: Siva Siddharth , Barrack Evelyn R. , Reddy G. Prem Veer , Thamilselvan Vijayalakshmi , Thamilselvan Sivagnanam , Menon Mani , Bhandari Mahendra
Published: November 2008

Hyperoxaluria is a major risk factor for the formation of calcium oxalate stones, but dietary restriction of oxalate intake might not be a reliable approach to prevent recurrence of stones. Hence, other approaches to reduce urinary oxalate to manage stone disease have been explored. The gut‐dwelling obligate anaerobe Oxalobacter formigenes (OF) has attracted attention for its oxalate‐degrading property. In this review we critically evaluate published studies and identify major gaps in knowledge. Recurrent stone‐formers are significantly less likely to be colonized with OF than controls, but this appears to be due to antibiotic use. Studies in animals and human subjects show that colonization of the gut with OF can decrease urinary oxalate levels. However, it remains to be determined whether colonization with OF can affect stone disease. Reliable methods are needed to detect and quantify colonization status and to achieve durable colonization. New information about oxalate transport mechanisms raises hope for pharmacological manipulation to decrease urinary oxalate levels. In addition, probiotic use of lactic acid bacteria that metabolize oxalate might provide a valid alternative to OF.
Adjuvant radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy shows no ability to improve rates of overall and cancer‐specific survival in a matched case‐control study
Authors: Porter Christopher R. , Capitanio Umberto , Perrotte Paul , Walz Jochen , Isbarn Hendrik , Kodama Koichi , Gibbons Robert P. , Correa Jr Roy , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) on the rate of cancer‐specific and overall survival after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a group of patients with a long‐term follow‐up, as there is controversy about the benefit of aRT after RP for prostate cancer when endpoints beyond biochemical and local recurrence are considered.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Within a study cohort of 752 patients treated with RP, 118 (15.7%) received aRT; these patients were matched with controls who did not receive aRT after RP. Exact matches were made for pT stage, RP Gleason sum, surgical margin status, age (±10 years), year of surgery (±10 years) and delivery of hormonal therapy. Kaplan‐Meier and life‐table analyses were used to assess overall and cancer‐specific survival

RESULTS

The median (range) follow‐up was 11.4 (0.1–41) years. The 10‐ and 20‐year overall survival after RP in those with no aRT were, respectively, 81.1% and 44.8%, vs 75.5% and 40.0% in the aRT group (P = 0.1). The corresponding probabilities for cause‐specific survival were, respectively, 97.3% and 89.0% vs 86.3% and 69.3% (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall and cause‐specific survival between the groups after matching (hazard ratio 0.9, log rank P = 0.6; and 2.1, log rank P = 0.1, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis showed that, in a matched case‐control study, aRT has no effect on overall and cancer‐specific survival. Further randomized long‐term studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Temporal differentiation and maturation of regenerated rat urothelium
Authors: Roth Christopher C. , Bell Cardin H. , Woodson Benjamin , Schultz Andrew D. , Palmer Blake W. , Frimberger Dominic , Fung Kar‐Ming , Lin Hsueh‐Kung , Kropp Bradley P.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To determine if porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS)‐regenerated urothelium expresses markers of urothelial differentiation, uroplakin and zona occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), and whether their expression correlates with the histological appearance of the urothelium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 15 rats underwent partial cystectomy and bladder replacement with SIS. Regenerated bladders were harvested at either 2, 7, 14, 28, or 56 days after SIS grafting. Histological examination with haematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to assess tissue regeneration. Immunohistochemistry was performed with uroplakin and ZO‐1 antibodies.

RESULTS

By 14 days after SIS grafting, the urothelial layer was completely confluent over the SIS. Expression of uroplakin and ZO‐1, evident at 2 days after SIS grafting, progressed from a cytoplasmic pattern of expression to a mature pattern of cytoplasmic and membrane expression by 56 days after SIS grafting.

CONCLUSION

In vivo tissue regeneration produces histologically and phenotypically mature urothelium within 2 weeks of SIS implantation. Regeneration of functional urothelium is probably essential for the subsequent development of the remaining bladder.
Serological evidence of infections and Type 2 diabetes: the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lutsey P. L. , Pankow J. S. , Bertoni A. G. , Szklo M. , Folsom A. R.
Published: November 2008

Aims  Prospective studies have identified chronic inflammation as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. However, it is not known whether infection by specific pathogens or having a greater ‘pathogen burden’ is associated with diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the cross‐sectional relation of seropositivity to five pathogens (Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis A virus, herpes simplex virus) and prevalent diabetes.

Methods  Baseline data from a random sample of MultiEthnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants (n = 1000; age 45–84 years) were used. Diabetes was defined by American Diabetes Association 2003 criteria, and ‘pathogen burden’ by the number of pathogens (0–5) for which an individual was seropositive. Logistic regression was used to test differences in diabetes prevalence by seropositivity. Linear regression was used to explore associations between pathogen seropositivity and the inflammation markers C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 and fibrinogen.

Results  Diabetes prevalence was 12.7%, whereas seropositivity for C. pnuemoniae was 76%, cytomegalovirus 77%, H. pylori 45%, hepatitis A 58% and herpes simplex virus 85%. Seventy‐two percent were seropositive for three or more pathogens. In crude analyses, the prevalence of diabetes was higher among those with a pathogen burden of three or more, and with seropositivity to cytomegalovirus, H. pylori, hepatitis A and herpes simplex virus. After adjustment for demographic covariates (particularly race), all associations became non‐significant. Pathogen seropositivity was also not related to inflammation marker levels.

Conclusions  Following demographic adjustments, no associations were observed between infection by several pathogens and diabetes status, suggesting no aetiological role for them in the occurrence of diabetes.
A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of the short‐term effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on insulin sensitivity in apparently healthy, middle‐aged, centrally obese men
Authors: Nagpal J. , Pande J. N. , Bhartia A.
Published: November 2008

Aim  To determine the short‐term effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on insulin sensitivity in apparently healthy, middle‐aged, centrally obese men.

Subjects and methods  A double‐blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care facility in which 100 male volunteers aged ≥ 35 years received three doses of vitamin D3 (120 000 IU each; supplemented group) fortnightly or placebo (control group). Hepatic fasting insulin sensitivity [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index, HOMA‐2], postprandial insulin sensitivity [oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS)], insulin secretion (HOMA%B, HOMA2‐%B), lipid profile and blood pressure were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks’ follow‐up.

Results  Seventy‐one of the recruited subjects completed the study (35 in supplemented group, 36 in control group). There was an increase in OGIS with supplementation by per protocol analysis (P = 0.038; intention‐to‐treat analysis P = 0.055). The age‐ and baseline 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level‐adjusted difference in change in OGIS was highly significant (mean difference 41.1 ± 15.5; P = 0.01). No changes in secondary outcome measures (insulin secretion, basal indices of insulin sensitivity, blood pressure or lipid profile) were found with supplementation.

Conclusion  The trial indicates that vitamin D3 supplementation improves postprandial insulin sensitivity (OGIS) in apparently healthy men likely to have insulin resistance (centrally obese but non‐diabetic).
Antiplatelet therapy, Helicobacter pylori infection and complicated peptic ulcer disease in diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Schimke K. , Chubb S. A. P. , Davis W. A. , Phillips P. , Davis T. M. E.
Published: November 2008

Aims  To assess whether, based on its relationship with complications of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), directed Helicobacter pylori serological screening is justified in diabetic patients prior to commencement of antiplatelet therapy.

Methods  We analysed data from the longitudinal, community‐based Fremantle Diabetes Study (FDS). The present substudy included (i) 1301 patients (91.2% of the total FDS sample; mean age 62.0 ± 13.3 years, 49.5% male) with available sera from baseline assessment between 1993 and 1996, and (ii) a subset of 40 patients admitted to hospital for complicated PUD (bleeding and/or perforation) between baseline and end of June 2006. All hospital admissions for complicated PUD in the population of Western Australia were identified over the same period. Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies were measured in all patients at baseline and in the subset at the FDS visit prior to hospital admission.

Results  Helicobacter pylori seropositivity was present in 60.6% of FDS patients at baseline and was independently associated with increasing age and non‐Anglo‐Celt/non‐Asian ethnicity. There were 2.9 (95% confidence interval 2.1, 3.9) first admissions for complicated PUD per 1000 patient‐years, an incidence more than seven times that in the local general population. Independent baseline predictors of hospital admission were increasing age, serum urea, non‐aspirin anticoagulant therapy, sulphonylurea therapy, peripheral arterial disease and diabetic retinopathy, but not aspirin use, H. pylori seropositivity or their interaction.

Conclusions  There are diabetes‐specific risk factors for complicated PUD, including sulphonylurea use and vascular complications. Knowledge of H. pylori serological status does not predict complicated PUD in diabetes regardless of use of antiplatelet therapy.
Decreased circulating CD34+ cells are associated with progression of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Makino H. , Okada S. , Nagumo A. , Sugisawa T. , Miyamoto Y. , Kishimoto I. , Kikuchi‐Taura A. , Soma T. , Taguchi A. , Yoshimasa Y.
Published: November 2008

Aims  Circulating progenitor cells such as CD34+ cells play a key role in maintenance of vascular endothelial function and neovascularization, and a decrease in the number of CD34+ cells is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, the contribution of circulating progenitor cells to microvascular disease, such as diabetic nephropathy, is unclear. This study was therefore designed to clarify the association between diabetic nephropathy and circulating CD34+ cells.

Methods  We measured circulating CD34+ cell numbers in 85 Type 2 diabetic patients aged 40–70 years with normo‐ and microalbuminuria and determined the association with urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER).

Results  The number of circulating CD34+ cells significantly correlated with log UAER (r = –0.289, P = 0.008). Furthermore, in patients with low numbers of CD34+ cells (0.68 > cells/µl, lowest quartile of CD34+ cell number) UAER increased significantly after 12 months compared with baseline [from 34.3 ± 7.0 to 53.6 ± 10.8 mg/g creatinine (gCr), P < 0.05], whereas in patients with a high number of CD34+ cells (1.0 < cells/µl, highest quartile of CD34+ cell number) UAER did not change (from 16.7 ± 4.8 to 20.1 ± 3.0 mg/gCr).

Conclusions  These results suggest that a decreased number of circulating CD34+ cells is involved in the progression of diabetic nephropathy and may be a predictor of the disease.
Examining the effectiveness of a peer‐led education programme for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a Bangladeshi population
Authors: Choudhury S. M. , Brophy S. , Fareedi M. A. , Zaman B. , Ahmed P. , Williams R.
Published: November 2008

Aims  The aim of this study was to assess an adapted version of the X‐PERT® Programme for Type 2 diabetes within a Bangladeshi population.

Methods  Bangladeshi adults, living in the UK, with Type 2 diabetes participated in a diabetes educational session based on an adapted version of the X‐PERT® Programme. Participants attended a session, led by a trained peer educator and carried out in Sylheti. All participants who registered on the course were telephoned or visited in person the day before the course as a reminder.

Results  Registration to attend the course was excellent. However, actual attendance rates were 58% (42/72) out of those registered. Once participants attended, overall they enjoyed attending the sessions and felt they benefited as they understood more about how to better self‐manage their condition. Those aspects of the sessions that were most enjoyed were group discussions and interactive posters to explain diabetes. Participants requested a home‐based exercise guide, which was developed by the research team. The study was underpowered to show behaviour change, but did demonstrate a trend to improvement in self‐care activities. All participants reported recommending the course to others.

Conclusions  There was an excellent response in terms of registration for the course. However, the time to attend the course appeared to be a barrier to participants. Nevertheless, for those attending the course, responses were very positive. The amended X‐PERT® Programme could be used as a component of a package to improve outcome and self‐management for people with diabetes in the Bangladeshi community.
Performance of Vibration‐Based Damage Detection Methods in Bridges
Authors: Cruz Paulo J. S. , Salgado Rolando
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  The important advances achieved in the modal identification, sensors, and structural monitoring of bridges have motivated the bridge engineering community to develop damage detection methods based on vibration monitoring. Some of these methods have already been demonstrated under certain conditions in bridges with deliberate damage. However, the performance of these methods for damage detection in bridges has not been fully proven so far and more research needs to be done in this direction. In this article, six damage detection methods based on vibration monitoring are evaluated with two case studies. First, the dynamic simulation and modal parameters of a cracked composite bridge are obtained. Here, the damage detection methods are evaluated under different crack depth, extension of the damage, and noise level. Second, damage is identified in a reinforced concrete bridge. This bridge was deliberately damaged in two phases. In this example, damage detection methods, which do not require comparison between different structural conditions, were applied. In the first case study, evaluated damage detection methods could detect damage for all the damage scenarios; however, their performance was notably affected when noise was introduced to the vibration parameters. In the second case study, the evaluated methods could successfully localize the damage induced to the bridge.
Optimization of Large Transport Networks Using the Ant Colony Heuristic
Authors: Vitins Basil J. , Axhausen Kay W.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Long‐term transportation planning for larger regions must assess synergies and interference among sets of projects. The objective is the maximization of the overall benefit within specific budget restrictions by finding the most favorable bundle of projects, that is, solving the network design problem. For large numbers of projects, complete enumeration of all combinations is not feasible for detailed networks. The ant colony heuristic is suitable for this kind of problem. According to our knowledge, this article presents the above‐mentioned heuristic's first application to a realistically sized network. A detailed multimodal network assignment of a substantial Swiss city provides the basis for calculations. First, each infrastructure project is assessed using a cost–benefit analysis. The ant colony heuristic is then successfully executed and the bundles are evaluated. The article provides new insights into applications of the heuristic in large networks and focuses on problematic calibration details as well as the choice of objective function. Suggestions are made for general applications and further research.
A View on Creative Cities Beyond the Hype
Authors: Hospers Gert‐Jan , Pen Cees‐Jan
Published: November 2008

Fuelled by the influential work of urban guru Richard Florida, the European knowledge economy is seeing a rise of cities calling themselves ‘creative cities’. In this paper we have a look at the concept of creative cities and offer a view on them beyond the hype. We understand ‘creative cities’ as competitive urban areas that combine both concentration, diversity, instability as well as a positive image. Examples of creative cities in history and recent best practice of two such urban areas in Europe (Øresund and Manchester) show that local governments cannot plan knowledge, creativity and innovation from scratch. We conclude, however, that local governments can increase the chance that urban creativity emerges by providing the appropriate framework conditions.
A Manipulator Can Aid Prediction Market Accuracy
Authors: HANSON ROBIN , OPREA RYAN
Published: November 2008

Prediction markets are low volume speculative markets whose prices offer informative forecasts on particular policy topics. Observers worry that traders may attempt to mislead decision makers by manipulating prices. We adapt a Kyle‐style market microstructure model to this case, adding a manipulator with an additional quadratic preference regarding the price. In this model, when other traders are uncertain about the manipulator's target price, the mean target price has no effect on prices, and raising the variance of the target price can increase average price accuracy, by boosting the returns to informed trading and thereby incentives for traders to become informed.
Doing Gender in Academic Education: The Paradox of Visibility
Authors: Van Den Brink Marieke , Stobbe Lineke
Published: November 2008

Recent contributions in the field of gender and organization point to the notion of paradox to unveil the persistence of gender inequality in organizations. This article seeks to contribute to this growing body of knowledge. We used the notion of paradox to reveal the processes of doing gender at an earth science department of a Dutch university in order to find out whether gender segregation in academic and professional careers has already started during academic education. We focused on the study choices of female students in earth sciences and discovered the paradox of visibility, which enabled us to show the contradictory and ambiguous nature of how gender is done at this department. In this article we discuss the relationship between doing gender and paradox on a theoretical as well as an empirical level. We argue that paradoxes could be very useful when analysing doing gender in organizations, because paradoxes focus on the social process in which individual agency and social structures come together. We even suggest that paradoxes might help us to disrupt the hierarchical nature of the gender binary, because they allow for a constant reflection on ambiguity and contradictions in theorizing as well as in practice.
Are Cortical Spreading Depression and Headache in Migraine Causally Linked?
Authors: Wolthausen J , Sternberg S , Gerloff C , May A
Published: November 2008

During the past few decades, much controversy has surrounded the pathophysiology of migraine. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is widely accepted as the neuronal process underlying visual auras. It has been proposed that CSD can also cause the headaches, at least in migraine with aura. We describe three patients, each fulfilling the International Headache Society criteria for migraine with aura, who suffered from headaches 6–10 days per month. Two patients were treated with flunarizine and the third patient with topiramate for the duration of 4 months. All patients reported that aura symptoms resolved completely, whereas the migraine headache attacks persisted or even increased. These observations question the theory that CSD (silent or not) is a prerequisite for migraine headaches.
Iron Accumulation in Deep Brain Nuclei in Migraine: A Population-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Kruit MC , Launer LJ , Overbosch J , van Buchem MA , Ferrari MD
Published: November 2008

A small magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study showed increased iron depositions in the periaqueductal grey matter in migraineurs, suggestive of a disturbed central antinociceptive neuronal network. With 1.5–T MRI, we assessed iron concentrations in seven deep brain nuclei in a large population-based cohort. We compared T2 values between migraineurs ( n = 138) and controls ( n = 75), with multivariate regression analysis. Analyses were conducted in age strata (< 50, n = 112; ≥ 50) because iron measures are increasingly influenced by non-iron-related factors in the older group. Overall, migraineurs and controls did not differ, nor did migraineurs with vs. without aura. In the younger migraineurs compared with controls, T2 values were lower in the putamen ( P = 0.02), globus pallidus ( P = 0.03) and red nucleus ( P = 0.03). Similarly, in these younger migraineurs, controlling for age, those with longer migraine history had lower T2 values in the putamen ( P = 0.01), caudate ( P = 0.04) and red nucleus ( P = 0.001). Repeated migraine attacks are associated with increased iron concentration/accumulation in multiple deep nuclei that are involved in central pain processing and migraine pathophysiology. It remains unclear whether iron accumulation in the antinociceptive network has a causative role in the development of (chronic) migraine headache.
A Note on the Digiti Quinti Sign in Hemiplegic Migraine
Authors: Vincent MB
Published: November 2008

The digiti quinti sign (DQS) was described as an indication of mild hemiparesis. It consists of a wider space between the fourth and fifth fingers at the affected side when the patient extends both arms horizontally to the front with the palms down. The three successively examined sporadic hemiplegic migraine patients presented herein disclosed no other neurological abnormality except the interictally present DQS on the same side of the motor deficits. This sign is perhaps clinically useful for the diagnosis of hemiplegic migraine.
Metabolic origin of the δ13C of respired CO2 in roots of Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Bathellier Camille , Tcherkez Guillaume , Bligny Richard , Gout Elizabeth , Cornic Gabriel , Ghashghaie Jaleh
Published: November 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02719.xCommentary p 243
Calcium homeostasis in plant cell nuclei
Authors: Mazars Christian , Bourque Stéphane , Mithöfer Axel , Pugin Alain , Ranjeva Raoul
Published: November 2008

Contents

Summary
261

I.
Introduction
261

II.
Are changes in cytosolic and nuclear calcium (dis)connected?
262

III.
Do isolated nuclei convert stimuli into changes in nucleoplasmic calcium concentrations?
265

IV.
Biochemical and cytological components allowing nuclei to be (partially) autonomous in regulating nuclear calcium homeostasis: facts, hypotheses and speculation
268

V.
Control of nuclear activity by calcium
270

VI.
Concluding remarks
271

Acknowledgements
271

References
271
Production and quality evaluation of instant lassi
Authors: HINGMIRE SANJAY R , LEMBHE ARVIND F , ZANJAD PRABHAKAR N , PAWAR VITHAL D , MACHEWAD GIRISH M
Published: November 2008

Instant lassi was prepared from cows’ milk standardized to 4% fat and 8.5% solids‐nonfat and heated to 85°C for 30 min, followed by cooling at 37°C and adding 50% v/v lactic acid to adjust the pH to 3.4, 3.6 and 3.8. The sugar was added at the rate of 8%, 10% and 12% and mixed thoroughly in a Waring blender. The synthetic flavours vanilla, strawberry and pineapple were also added at the rate of 0.2% and stored at refrigeration temperature. The sensory evaluation of flavoured instant lassi adjusted to pH 3.8 and 12% sugar indicated no influence in colour, appearance or overall acceptability of compared to control. Among the different flavours used, pineapple‐flavoured instant lassi scored highest for colour, appearance and overall acceptability. Both pH and sugar had significant effects, flavoured instant lassi having a higher specific gravity and lower viscosity than the control.
Reactive oxygen species regulate F‐actin dynamics in neuronal growth cones and neurite outgrowth
Authors: Munnamalai Vidhya , Suter Daniel M.
Published: November 2008

Reactive oxygen species are well known for their damaging effects due to oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA that ultimately result in cell death. Accumulating evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species also have important signaling functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, cell motility and apoptosis. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether reactive oxygen species play a physiological role in regulating F‐actin structure and dynamics in neuronal growth cones. Lowering cytoplasmic levels of reactive oxygen species with a free radical scavenger, N‐tert‐butyl‐α‐phenylnitrone, or by inhibiting specific sources of reactive oxygen species, such as NADPH oxidases or lipoxygenases, reduced the F‐actin content in the peripheral domain of growth cones. Fluorescent speckle microscopy revealed that these treatments caused actin assembly inhibition, reduced retrograde actin flow and increased contractility of actin structures in the transition zone referred to as arcs, possibly by activating the Rho pathway. Reduced levels of reactive oxygen species ultimately resulted in disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton. When neurons were cultured overnight in conditions of reduced free radicals, growth cone formation and neurite outgrowth were severely impaired. Therefore, we conclude that physiological levels of reactive oxygen species are critical for maintaining a dynamic F‐actin cytoskeleton and controlling neurite outgrowth.
The Na+‐dependent l‐ascorbic acid transporter SVCT2 expressed in brainstem cells, neurons, and neuroblastoma cells is inhibited by flavonoids
Authors: Caprile Teresa , Salazar Katterine , Astuya Allisson , Cisternas Pedro , Silva‐Alvarez Carmen , Montecinos Hernán , Millán Carola , García María de los Angeles , Nualart Francisco
Published: November 2008

Ascorbic acid (AA) is best known for its role as an essential nutrient in humans and other species. As the brain does not synthesize AA, high levels are achieved in this organ by specific uptake mechanisms, which concentrate AA from the bloodstream to the CSF and from the CSF to the intracellular compartment. Two different isoforms of sodium–vitamin C co‐transporters (SVCT1 and SVCT2) have been cloned. Both SVCT proteins mediate high affinity Na+‐dependent l‐AA transport and are necessary for the uptake of vitamin C in many tissues. In the adult brain the expression of SVCT2 was observed in the hippocampus and cortical neurons by in situ hybridization; however, there is no data regarding the expression and distribution of this transporter in the fetal brain. The expression of SVCT2 in embryonal mesencephalic neurons has been shown by RT‐PCR suggesting an important role for vitamin C in dopaminergic neuronal differentiation. We analyze SVCT2 expression in human and rat developing brain by RT‐PCR. Additionally, we study the normal localization of SVCT2 in rat fetal brain by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization demonstrating that SVCT2 is highly expressed in the ventricular and subventricular area of the rat brain. SVCT2 expression and function was also confirmed in neurons isolated from brain cortex and cerebellum. The kinetic parameters associated with the transport of AA in cultured neurons and neuroblastoma cell lines were also studied. We demonstrate two different affinity transport components for AA in these cells. Finally, we show the ability of different flavonoids to inhibit AA uptake in normal or immortalized neurons. Our data demonstrates that brain cortex and cerebellar stem cells, neurons and neuroblastoma cells express SVCT2. Dose‐dependent inhibition analysis showed that quercetin inhibited AA transport in cortical neurons and Neuro2a cells.
Tau phosphorylation at threonine‐175 leads to fibril formation and enhanced cell death: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with cognitive impairment
Authors: Gohar May , Yang Wencheng , Strong Wendy , Volkening Kathryn , Leystra‐Lantz Cheryl , Strong Michael J.
Published: November 2008

Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can be associated with cognitive impairment (ALSci) as a reflection of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, the basis of this process is unknown. The observation of neuronal and extraneuronal tau deposition in ALSci in addition to a unique tau phosphorylation at Thr175 has suggested that ALSci can be associated with alterations in tau metabolism. We have examined the association between phosphorylation at Thr175 and tau fibril formation. Both soluble and insoluble tau was purified from control, patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), ALS without cognitive impairment, and ALSci and the tendency to fibril formation assayed ex vivo using the thioflavin S fluorescence assay. The extent of fibril formation was significantly greater in tau derived from ALSci, with ALS‐derived tau being intermediate between control and AD‐derived tau. Using both Neuro2A and human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells, we expressed full‐length tau constructs harboring either a pseudophosphorylation at Thr175 (Thr175‐Asp‐tau), inhibition of Thr175 phosphorylation (Thr175‐Ala‐tau) or intact tau (wild‐type tau). Both tau fibril formation and cell death were significantly enhanced in the presence of Thr175‐Asp‐tau, regardless of the tau isoform, suggesting that phosphorylation of Thr175 is associated with tau fibril formation in ALSci.
Doing interdisciplinarity: motivation and collaboration in research for sustainable agriculture in the UK
Authors: Harris Frances , Lyon Fergus , Clarke Sarah
Published: November 2008

This paper studies knowledge production in complex, collaborative research projects that brought together academics from different disciplines, research users and agricultural businesses. It takes a comparative approach, studying the interactions within interdisciplinary research teams from ten case studies, considering the process of collaboration from initial idea through to publication. The research developed a typology of participants in these projects, and identified the motivations and challenges of each. Our results analyse the process of research teams coming together and the relationships that are built up during the research. A particular challenge identified was the building of cooperation and trust. This issue is explored alongside issues of communication, methodology, data analysis and the process of drawing and publicising conclusions.
Re‐constructing the urban landscape through community mapping: an attractive prospect for sustainability?
Authors: Fahy Frances , Cinnéide Micheál Ó
Published: November 2008

Community mapping is a relatively new tool with considerable potential in giving practical effect at the local level to sustainable development rhetoric. As a repository of socially constructed knowledge, it has considerable value in democratizing information both in terms of what is recorded and public access to it, in a manner that facilitates more meaningful participation of non‐experts in planning and advocacy processes. Focusing on a community mapping project in Galway, Ireland, this research paper explores how the city's municipal authority is employing community mapping not just to record and promote the city's social, environmental, economic and cultural assets but also as a practical tool to bolster public participation in policy‐making and to improve local communities’ trust in the municipal authority, thereby shaping sustainability practices through enhanced governance.