bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmakinetic prostate resection in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: Results of 1‐year follow up
Authors: NUHOĞLU BARIŞ , AYYILDIZ ALI , KARAGüZEL ERSAGUN , CEBECI ÖZDEN , GERMIYANOĞLU CANKON
Published: January 2006

Aim:  In our randomized prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the efficiency of plasmakinetic resection of prostate (PKRP) by comparing the preoperative and postoperative results of the transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and PKRP techniques which we administered in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in our clinic.

Methods:  Of 57 patients for whom we thought an operative intervention was necessary, 30 cases in the first group had a TURP and 24 cases in the second group had a PKRP. International prostate symptom scores (I‐PSS), uroflowmetry, measurement of residual urine amount and ultrasonography were performed for each patient both preoperatively and postoperatively (first month and first year). Operation times, urethral catheterization times, preoperative and postoperative Hb, Htc and serum Na values of the patients were compared and the complications of the groups were also compared.

Results:  On first month and first year follow up between the groups, there was no significant statistical difference in I‐PSS, maximum flow rate, average flow, residual urine and size of the prostate. The decrease in serum Na level was found to be significantly higher in the TURP group (P < 0.05). The operation times were not significantly different between the groups. While the postoperative catheterization time was 75.7 h in TURP group, it was found to be 42 h in PKRP group and it was clear that catheterization time was significantly shorter (P < 0001).

Conclusion:  It is obvious that PKRP is as efficient as TURP and it has a similar morbidity. In our opinion, PKRP makes a promising treatment for BPH with its advantages, such as early removal of postoperative urethral catheter, a shorter hospital stay and the absence of TUR syndrome risk.
Clinical efficacy of an α1A/D‐adrenoceptor blocker (naftopidil) on overactive bladder symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: TAKAHASHI SATORU , TAJIMA ATSUSHI , MATSUSHIMA HISASHI , KAWAMURA TAKESHI , TOMINAGA TAKASHI , KITAMURA TADAICHI
Published: January 2006

Aim:  We evaluated the efficacy of an α1a/d blocker, naftopidil, on storage symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), using frequency/volume charts (FVC).

Methods:  A total of 81 patients with BPH (52–91 years, mean age 69.0 years) were studied. The inclusion criteria were: (i) one or more episode(s) of urinary urgency/day; (ii) a score of eight or more points on the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS); and (iii) three or more points in any of the scores for three items (frequency, nocturia, and urgency) of the I‐PSS. The patients received 50–75 mg/day of naftopidil for 6 weeks. All the patients were examined for 2‐day FVC before and after the administration of naftopidil. I‐PSS, quality of life index, and uroflowmetry were also evaluated.

Results:  Total I‐PSS decreased from 19.1 to 10.5 points (P < 0.0001), with significant improvement of both storage and voiding symptom scores (P < 0.0001, both). The score for urgency decreased from 3.1 to 1.4 (P < 0.0001). Daytime and night‐time frequency decreased from 9.3 to 8.0 (P < 0.0001) and from 2.7 to 2.0 (P = 0.0009), respectively. Mean volume/void increased from 174.0 to 188.6 mL (P = 0.0453). Nocturia decreased from 3.2 to 2.3 (P < 0.0001) in 40 patients who suffered from nocturia two times or more. Notably, significant improvement of nocturia was observed in the patients both with and without nocturnal polyuria (P = 0.0006 and 0.0135, respectively).

Conclusion:  The α1a/d blocker naftopidil improves not only voiding symptoms but also storage symptoms, and is effective for nocturia in patients with BPH regardless of the existence of nocturnal polyuria.
Retrograde endoscopic laser therapy and ureteroscopic surveillance for transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract
Authors: MUGIYA SOICHI , OZONO SEIICHIRO , NAGATA MASAO , OTSUKA ATSUSHI , TAKAYAMA TATSUYA , NAGAE HIROSHI
Published: January 2006

Objective:  To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic laser therapy and ureteroscopic surveillance for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the upper urinary tract.

Methods:  Tumors of the upper urinary tract were detected at ureteroscopy. After TCC was diagnosed by biopsy, retrograde endoscopic laser therapy was performed. Recurrent tumors were treated endoscopically and the patients were followed by ureteroscopic surveillance at 3‐ to 6‐month intervals.

Results:  Seven patients underwent ureteroscopic treatment. The tumor was grade 1 in five patients and grade 2 in two patients. The average tumor size was 1.3 cm. One patient with large, multifocal tumors died of metastatic disease, and one died of an unrelated cause. One patient requested nephroureterectomy after endoscopic treatment. The remaining four patients were followed up for a mean of 32 months after initial treatment. Each patient received an average of 5.3 ureteroscopic surveillance procedures while 3.3 recurrences on average were detected. Recurrence occurred in all the patients who showed normal radiographic findings. Urine cytology was also of little value in predicting tumor recurrence, except in one patient with carcinoma in situ. The recurrent tumors detected by ureteroscopy were successfully treated by repeated endoscopic procedures. After the follow up, three patients remained alive with no signs indicative of disease, but one patient with an initial grade 2 tumor died of recurrence after 30 months.

Conclusions:  Given that ureteroscopic evaluation is essential for surveillance after endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract TCC because of residual concern about recurrence, patients treated endoscopically should be recommended to undergo long‐term endoscopic follow up.
Intra‐abdominal desmoid tumor following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular germ cell tumor
Authors: LAWATSCH ERIC J , DATTA MILTON W , VAN TUINEN PETER , SUDAKOFF GARY S , DAVIS NANCY B , LANGENSTROER PETER
Published: January 2006

Abstract  In the testicular cancer post‐treatment setting a rapidly growing retroperitoneal mass leads to a differential diagnosis including recurrent germ cell tumor, residual mature teratoma, or sarcomatoid degeneration. We report the case of a 27‐year‐old man with a large abdominal mass occurring in the setting of a mixed germ cell tumor after radical orchiectomy with primary chemotherapy followed by retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Surgical excision of this mass followed by pathological review revealed an intra‐abdominal desmoid tumor. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for isochromosome 12p failed to demonstrate a germ cell tumor origin. This is the fourth such case of an intra‐abdominal desmoid tumor after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer in the urologic literature. This case highlights the need for careful consideration of a desmoid tumor when a rapidly growing spindle cell tumor is encountered in a post‐treatment testis cancer patient.
Delayed post‐traumatic prostatic‐urethrorectal fistula: Transperineal rectal sparing repair – Point of technique
Authors: SINGH IQBAL , MITTAL GYANENDRA , KUMAR PRAVEEN , GANGAS RAJESH
Published: January 2006

Abstract  We describe the outcome and management of an unusual and interesting case of delayed post‐traumatic prostatorectal fistula in a 40‐year‐old man. The fistula was repaired successfully via transperineal access without rectal or sphincteric transgression. We found the transperineal surgical approach simple, effective and useful in approaching the prostatorectal region for rectourinary fistulas. The transperineal approach is useful and should be considered in such select cases. We describe our technique that may be beneficial to many urologists.
Discovery of a pituitary adenoma following treatment with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist in a patient with prostate cancer
Authors: MASSOUD WALID , PAPAREL PHILIPPE , LOPEZ JEAN‐GABRIEL , PERRIN PAUL , DAUMONT MICHELE , RUFFION ALAIN
Published: January 2006

Abstract  We report the case of a T3 prostate cancer in a 70‐year‐old white man. Hormone therapy represents a prominent branch in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists have been proven to have a double effect on androgen metabolism: an initially stimulating, followed by an inhibitory, effect on the pituitary gland. This phenomenon may be noxious in the case of gonadotroph adenoma, with subsequent symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonists (abarelix), by avoiding the flare‐up reaction, might be used in such instances.
Novel delivery of botulinum toxin for the treatment of anal fissures
Authors: Bhardwaj R. , Drye E. , Vaizey C.
Published: January 2006

Objective  Botulinum toxin A (Botox) has been used as a local treatment for anal fissure since 1994. It effects a reversible chemical sphincterotomy without the need for patient compliance. This study examines the feasibility of injecting the treatment using a needle‐less system.

Patients and methods  The optimal angle for injection was determined in a preclinical study using fresh porcine specimens. Ten patients with chronic anal fissures were then injected with 20 units Botox at the site of the fissure. They underwent assessment with a visual analogue pain scale, incontinence score and anal manometry pre‐injection, at 48 h postinjection and at six and 12 weeks postinjection. They were also examined at the initial and final visits.

Results  The optimal angle for injection was 60°. All 10 patients (5 male; median age 40.5 years (range 26–68 years)) attended the 48 h follow up visit but only seven attended the six and 12 week visits. Six of seven patients healed their fissures. The remaining three were contacted by telephone at six months post injection and two of three remained asymptomatic without further treatment. In seven patients who underwent full follow up the median pain score pre‐injection was 5.5 out of 10 (range 1–10) and this dropped to a median of 1 (range 0–6) at 12 weeks. The median drop in resting pressure was 47 cm H2O or 37% at six weeks.

Conclusion  No needle injection of Botox is feasible with similar healing rates and reduction of resting pressure to conventional injection techniques.
Straight to test: introduction of a city‐wide protocol driven investigation of suspected colorectal cancer
Authors: Hemingway D. M. , Jameson J. , Kelly M. J. ,   Leicester Colorectal Specialist Interest Group Project Steering Committee
Published: January 2006

Objective  To decrease waiting times for colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Methods  Following extensive negotiations on three sites, we replaced the standard referral route of GP to outpatient clinic with city‐wide implementation of a protocol driven sequence based on the patient's declared symptoms, the initial consultation being replaced by the first test taking place within 31 days. No choice in test allocation was granted; difficult cases were adjudicated by named consultants. We used a ‘dry run’ to make sure that our planned changes would not overload our local capacity, leading to a pilot run involving 1/3 clinicians, followed by a full cross‐city implementation over two months.

Results  In 2001, before the pilot only 116/188 (62%) of our colorectal cancers who were referred either under the 2‐week‐wait arrangements or on a ‘soon’ basis were diagnosed within 31 days of referral. Our ‘dry run’ established that we did have the capacity to service our planned sequence of tests. In the pilot, all colorectal cancers were diagnosed within 31 days of referral, and 95% of all diagnoses (no abnormality or benign disease) were reached within 31 days of referral. After full implementation 19/19 (100%) of our cancers coming through our protocol system were diagnosed within 31 days and 95% of patients with benign disease.

Conclusion  Follow‐up audit of our system one and two years later shows that we now diagnose approximately 80% of our colorectal cancers who are referred under the 2 week wait or as ‘soon’ referrals within 31 days. We have successfully redesigned our service, at minimal expense, in a way, which should enable us to meet the government targets in the National Cancer Plan.
Comparing reagents for efficient transfection of human primary myoblasts: FuGENE 6, Effectene and ExGen 500
Authors: Arnold Anne‐Sophie , Laporte Vincent , Dumont Serge , Appert‐Collin Aline , Erbacher Patrick , Coupin Gilliane , Levy Rachel , Poindron Philippe , Gies Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2006

This study compared three different synthetic reagents (FuGENE 6, Effectene and ExGen 500) for the transfection of human primary myoblasts. We examined the efficiency, cytotoxicity and size of the complexes formed in the presence of different amounts of vector and DNA and with variable amounts of serum. Transfection rates were relatively high for primary cells, especially with FuGENE 6 (20%), which appeared to be the best transfection reagent for these cells, even in the presence of 10% serum. Cultured human myoblasts are an interesting tool for studying neuromuscular diseases and are potentially useful for myoblast transfer therapy studies. Moreover, the efficiency of these transfection reagents in a medium containing 10% serum is promising for possible gene therapy protocols for muscle diseases.
Melatonin cytotoxicity in human leukemia cells: relation with its pro‐oxidant effect
Authors: Büyükavcı Mustafa , Özdemir Öner , Buck Steven , Stout Mark , Ravindranath Yaddanapudi , Savaşan Süreyya
Published: January 2006

Melatonin has a variety of functions in human physiology and is involved in a number of pathological events including neoplastic processes. The tissue protective actions of melatonin are attributed to its antioxidant activity though, under certain conditions, melatonin might also exert oxidant effects, particularly in cancer cells. This study evaluated the effects of 10−5 and 10−3 m concentrations of melatonin on human leukemia cells. Moderate cytotoxic effects of melatonin at 10−3 m concentrations were observed in CMK, Jurkat and MOLT‐4 cells which was associated with significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Melatonin treatment was not associated with significant cytotoxicity in HL‐60 cells, although the generation of ROS was significantly increased. K562 and Daudi cells did not appear to be effected by melatonin treatment. Cellular membrane lipid peroxidation was not influenced by melatonin with the exception of CMK cells. Cell cycle kinetics were not affected in melatonin‐treated samples, again with the exception of CMK cells which showed increased apoptosis. Melatonin, therefore, induces the production of ROS that may be associated with cytotoxicity depending on the concentration of melatonin in some leukemia cells and does not appear to stimulate leukemia cell growth. These pro‐oxidant actions of melatonin may assist in limiting leukemic cell growth.
French adaptation and preliminary validation of a questionnaire to evaluate understanding of informed consent documents in phase I biomedical research
Authors: Paris Adeline , Cornu Catherine , Auquier Pascal , Maison Patrick , Radauceanu Anca , Brandt Christian , Salvat‐Melis Muriel , Hommel Marc , Cracowski Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2006

The content of informed consent documents (ICD) is a crucial element in the process of providing information to participants in biomedical research. Clear comprehension of the information, i.e. the ability to understand its meaning and its consequences, is of utmost importance. The objective of this study was to describe the different steps in the French adaptation and preliminary validation of the Qualité de Compréhension des Formulaires d'information et de consentement (QCFic) questionnaire (http://www.lyon.inserm.fr/cic‐grenoble) based on the American Quality of Informed Consent (QuIC) questionnaire. Adaptation and preliminary validation of the QuIC for use in France was composed of five principal steps: translation, scientific validation, lexical validation, edition of gold‐standard answers and a pilot study. Each stage was conducted by independent groups of experts, under the coordination of the study board. Thirteen questions were added and one was suppressed. Two steps were required for the scientific validation and for lexical validation, 21 modifications were proposed. Relative to gold‐standard answers, the three experts gave the same answer for 24 questions and for nine other questions, two of the three gave identical answers, which were validated by the study board. Results of a pilot study showed a global QCFic score of 88.99 (84.13–90.92) and no specific commentary was made about the content of the questions, so no more modification needed to be made. A preliminary validated French questionnaire, the QCFic, is now available to evaluate the quality of an informed consent document in phase I clinical trials. It is quick and easy to use.
METALLURGY OF BRONZE USED IN TOOLS FROM MACHU PICCHU, PERU*
Authors: GORDON R. , KNOPF R.
Published: January 2006

Although the tin‐bronze artisans’ tools found at Machu Picchu appear to have been cast to their final shape, examination of their microstructures shows that they were forged and annealed. As found, the tools were broken or cracked due to poor ductility of the bronze. Rolling and annealing of samples of bronze formulated with sulphur and iron additions to replicate the metal used at Machu Picchu show that the minimum amount of deformation needed to induce the observed recrystallization is a 12% reduction in thickness. The sulphur and iron impurities retard nucleation of new grains during annealing, but do not inhibit subsequent grain growth. Tensile tests show that while up to 10% porosity in cast bronze has no effect on hardness or initial strain‐hardening rate, it reduces the tensile strength and ductility enough to embrittle the metal. Hardness is an inadequate indicator of the strength properties of cast bronze intended for use in tools or weapons. The results show that when the metalsmiths at Machu Picchu started making bronze tools for use by stone and woodworkers, they had not mastered the art of making metal with adequate strength properties for this service. The forging and annealing procedure they used did not enhance the mechanical properties of their tools, and may reflect an inherited metallurgical tradition.
NON‐DESTRUCTIVE INVESTIGATION OF BRONZE ARTEFACTS FROM THE MARCHES NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY USING NEUTRON DIFFRACTION*
Authors: SIANO S. , BARTOLI L. , SANTISTEBAN J. R. , KOCKELMANN W. , DAYMOND M. R. , MICCIO M. , DE MARINIS G.
Published: January 2006

Non‐destructive neutron diffraction techniques were applied to determine composition and microstructure data, and hence to derive information on manufacturing techniques of Picenum bronze artefacts. Furthermore, texture analyses were carried out on standards and suitable ancient artefacts to investigate their potential role in archaeometallurgical studies. This is a first step towards an overall characterization of the bronze collection of the Marches National Museum of Archaeology, Italy, and the analytical demonstration of relations with and differences compared to Etruscan metallurgy. The work is also an example application of the powerful non‐destructive archaeometrical approaches provided by time‐of‐flight neutron diffraction.
DISTINCT, LATE BRONZE AGE (c. 1650 bc) WALL‐PAINTINGS FROM AKROTIRI, THERA, COMPRISING ADVANCED GEOMETRICAL PATTERNS*
Authors: PAPAODYSSEUS C. , PANAGOPOULOS TH. , EXARHOS M. , FRAGOULIS D. , ROUSSOPOULOS G. , ROUSOPOULOS P. , GALANOPOULOS G. , TRIANTAFILLOU C. , VLACHOPOULOS A. , DOUMAS C.
Published: January 2006

This paper studies a set of wall‐paintings of the Late Bronze Age (c. 1650 bc) initially decorating the internal walls of the third floor of the edifice called ‘Xeste 3’, excavated at Akrotiri, Thera, whose restoration is now in progress. It deals with the methods used for the drawing of the geometrical figures appearing in these wall‐paintings. It is demonstrated that most of the depicted configurations correspond with accuracy to geometrical prototypes such as linear spirals and canonical polygons. It is pointed out that the steady lines of the figures, their remarkable repeatability, the precision of the geometrical shapes and their even distribution in the wall‐paintings indicate a very distinctive use of the ‘Xeste 3’ third floor, which is now investigated.
SYNTHESIS AND ACID RESISTANCE OF MAYA BLUE PIGMENT*
Authors: SÁNCHEZ DEL RÍO M. , MARTINETTO P. , REYES‐VALERIO C. , DOORYHÉE E. , SUÁREZ M.
Published: January 2006

Maya blue is an organo‐clay artificial pigment composed of indigo and palygorskite. It was invented and frequently used in Mesoamerica in ancient times (eighth to 16th centuries). We analyse in this paper one of the characteristics of Maya blue that has attracted the attention of scientists since its rediscovery in 1931: its high stability against chemical aggression (acids, alkalis, solvents, etc.) and biodegradation, which has permitted the survival of many works of art for centuries in hostile environments, such as the tropical forest. We have reproduced the different methods proposed to produce a synthetic pigment with the characteristics of the ancient Maya blue. The stability of the pigments produced using either palygorskite or sepiolite has been analysed by performing acid attacks of different intensities. The results are analysed in terms of pigment decolouration and destruction of the clay lattice, revealed by X‐ray diffraction. Palygorskite pigments are much more resistant than sepiolite pigments. It is shown that indigo does not protect the clay lattice against acid aggression. We show that Maya blue is an extremely resistant pigment, but it can be destroyed using very intense acid treatment under reflux.
ANCIENT EXPLOITATION AND USE OF COBALT ALUMS FROM THE WESTERN OASES OF EGYPT*
Authors: SHORTLAND A. J. , TITE M. S. , EWART I.
Published: January 2006

Cobalt alums from the Western Oases of Egypt were used in the second millennium bc as a colorant to produce dark blue glasses and glazes. A collection of these alums was gathered together and analysed by a series of techniques to accurately characterize them. They were then used alongside artificial analogues in experimental work aiming to determine the process that was used to convert the raw alum into a suitable pigment that might be used in a glass. Finally, the broader picture of the use of these alums is considered together with the implications for the trade in these materials across the Near East and into Europe.
STATISTICAL ASPECTS OF POTTERY QUANTIFICATION FOR THE DATING OF SOME ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXTS*
Authors: BELLANGER L. , HUSI PH. , TOMASSONE R.
Published: January 2006

This paper describes some statistical analyses of a particular archaeological material (pottery) originating at some sites in the city of Tours. An important part of the archaeological study of pottery is the comparison of ceramic assemblages to establish the absolute dates of contexts. In this paper, a statistical model is built to assess this comparison. The statistical procedure uses classical tools (correspondence analysis, linear regression and resampling methods) in an iterative scheme. Archaeologists may find in the paper a useful set of known statistical methods, while statisticians can learn a method of ‘arranging’ well‐known techniques. No method is new, but their combination is characteristic of this application.
Effects of fatty liver and related factors on the efficacy of combination antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Jian Wu Yu , Shu Chen Li , Gui Qiang Wang
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Objective: Hepatic steatosis is a histological feature in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and adversely affects the virologic response rates to anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the fatty liver and related factors have impact on the efficacy in CHC treated with peginterferon and ribavirin, and the associations between HCV genotyping and fatty liver.

Methods: Ninety‐eight patients received subcutaneously 180 μg peginterferon α‐2a once a week plus ribavirin. HCV genotypes and the levels of plasma insulin of patients were measured. Fatty liver was detected by B ultrasound. The body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were calculated.

Results: Among 98 CHC patients, 38 (38.8%) were infected with genotype 1; 44 (44.9%) with genotype 2; 13 (13.3%) with genotype 3; 3 (3.0%) with indeterminate genotype. The prevalence of fatty liver was 10.5%, 11.4%, 38.5% in patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, respectively, which suggested that the distribution of fatty liver in different HCV genotypes was imbalanced (χ2=6.758, P=0.034). In univariate analysis, the efficacy of combination therapy was significantly associated with BMI (P=0.011), WHR (P=0.024), the levels of plasma insulin (P=0.001), genotype (P=0.036), presence of fatty liver (P=0.028), treatment dosage and duration (P=0.012) and HOMA‐IR (P=0.002). With binary logistic regression analysis, the plasma insulin levels and HOMA‐IR showed independent predictors to the efficacy of antiviral therapy.

Conclusion: The prevalence of fatty liver in HCV genotype 3 was markedly higher than that of other genotypes. The BMI, WHR, the levels of plasma insulin, genotype, presence of fatty liver, treatment dosage and duration and HOMA‐IR were associated with the sustained virologic response. The level of plasma insulin and HOMA‐IR were independent factors for predicting effect of antiviral therapy.
Splenic artery ligation ameliorates hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Ito Koji , Ozasa Hisashi , Noda Yumi , Horikawa Saburo
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: Hepatic injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a key clinical problem associated with liver transplantation and liver surgery. The spleen is involved in hepatic I/R injury. In this study, we examined the effects of splenic artery ligation on hepatic I/R injury.

Methods: Splenic artery ligation was performed 7 days, 3 days, or just before the hepatic ischemia. Hepatic ischemia was conducted by occluding the blood vessels to the median and left lateral lobes with an atraumatic vascular clamp. Hepatic I/R injury was induced by 45 min of ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion.

Results: When splenic artery ligation was performed at 3 days or just before the ischemia, serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activities, as markers for hepatic injury, decreased as compared with the rats with I/R alone. Splenic artery ligation also reduced the myeloperoxidase activity, an enzyme present in neutrophils, and the expression of interleukin‐6 mRNA, a proinflammatory cytokine, in rat livers with I/R. Efficacy of splenic artery ligation on hepatic I/R injury was also confirmed by histology. On the other hand, when splenic artery ligation was conducted 7 days before the ischemia, efficacy of splenic artery ligation was disappeared.

Conclusions: Splenic artery ligation ameliorates hepatic I/R injury in rats. These results strongly suggest the clinical usefulness of this surgical procedure to protect the liver against I/R injury.
Transient‐Outward K+Channel Inhibition Facilitates L‐Type Ca2+Current in Heart
Authors: WANG YANGGAN , CHENG JUN , TANDAN SAMVIT , JIANG MINJIE , McCLOSKEY DIANA T. , HILL JOSEPH A.
Published: January 2006

Background:Transient outward current (Ito) and L‐type calcium current (ICa) are important repolarization currents in cardiac myocytes. These two currents often undergo disease‐related remodeling while other currents are spared, suggesting a functional coupling between them. Here, we investigated the effects of Itochannel blockers, 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) and heteropodatoxin‐2 (HpTx2), on ICain cardiac ventricular myocytes.

Methods and Results:ICawas recorded in enzymatically dissociated mouse and guinea pig ventricular myocytes using the whole‐cell voltage clamp method. In mouse ventricular myocytes, 4‐AP (2 mM) significantly facilitated ICaby increasing current amplitude and slowing inactivation. These effects were not voltage‐dependent. Similar facilitating effects were seen when equimolar Ba2+was substituted for external Ca2+, indicating that Ca2+influx is not required. Measurements of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) activity revealed significant increases in cells treated with 4‐AP. Pretreatment of cells with 10μM KN93, a specific inhibitor of CaMKII, abolished the effects of 4‐AP on ICa.To test the requirement of Ito, we studied guinea pig ventricular myocytes, which do not express Itochannels. In these cells, 2 mM 4‐AP had no effect on ICaamplitude or kinetics. In both cell types, Ca2+‐induced ICafacilitation, a CaMKII‐dependent process, was observed. However, 4‐AP abolished Ca2+‐induced ICafacilitation exclusively in mouse ventricular myocytes.

Conclusion:4‐AP, an Itoblocker, facilitates L‐type Ca2+current through a mechanism involving the Itochannel and CaMKII activation. These data indicate a functional association of ICaand Itoin cardiac myocytes.
Primordial pollution of globular clusters within their host dwarfs embedded in dark matter haloes at high redshifts
Authors: Bekki Kenji
Published: January 2006

Recent observational studies have revealed star-to-star abundance inhomogeneity among light elements (e.g. C, N, O, Na and Al) of stars on the main sequence in the Galactic globular clusters (GCs). One of the promising interpretations for this result is that the observed abundance inhomogeneity is due to the second generation of stars formed from ejecta of the first generation of evolved stars (e.g. asymptotic giant branch stars) within GCs. However, it remains unclear whether and how this primordial pollution can occur within GCs. We here propose a new scenario in which primordial pollution of GCs is highly likely to occur if GCs are located in the central regions of high-redshift dark matter subhaloes that can host low-mass dwarf galaxies. In this scenario, gas ejected from the first generation of stars of GCs can be effectively trapped in the deep gravitational potential of their host haloes, and consequently can be consumed for the formation of the second generation of stars without losing a significant amount of gas by ram pressure stripping of interstellar and intergalactic medium. During merging of these haloes with the proto-Galaxy, the haloes are completely destroyed owing to the strong tidal field of the Galaxy. The self-polluted GCs located initially in the central regions of the haloes can survive tidal destruction owing to their compactness and finally become the Galactic halo GCs. In this scenario, ejecta of field stars surrounding the central GCs can be also converted into stars within their host dwarfs and finally become the second generation of stars of GCs. We also discuss the origin of the difference in the degree of abundance inhomogeneity between different GCs, such as ω Centauri and NGC 6752, in terms of the difference in physical properties between host haloes from which GCs originate.
Condensation temperature trends among stars with planets
Authors: Gonzalez Guillermo
Published: January 2006

Results from detailed spectroscopic analyses of stars hosting massive planets are employed to search for trends between abundances and condensation temperatures. The elements C, S, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni and Zn are included in the analysis of 64 stars with planets and 33 comparison stars. No significant trends are evident in the data. This null result suggests that accretion of rocky material on to the photospheres of stars with planets is not the primary explanation for their high metallicities. However, the differences between the solar photospheric and meteoritic abundances do display a weak but significant trend with condensation temperature. This suggests that the metallicity of the Sun's envelope has been enriched relative to its interior by about 0.07 dex.
The near-infrared spectrum of Mrk 1239: direct evidence of the dusty torus?
Authors: Rodríguez-Ardila A. , Mazzalay X.
Published: January 2006

We report 0.8–4.5 μm SpeX spectroscopy of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 1239. The spectrum is outstanding because the nuclear continuum emission in the near-infrared (NIR) is dominated by a strong bump of emission peaking at 2.2 μm, with a strength not reported before in an active galactic nucleus. A comparison of the Mrk 1239 spectrum to that of Ark 564 allowed us to conclude that the continuum is strongly reddened by E(B−V) = 0.54. The excess of emission, confirmed by aperture photometry and additional NIR spectroscopy, follows a simple blackbody curve at T∼ 1200 K. This suggests that we may be observing direct evidence of dust heated to near to the sublimation temperature, likely produced by the putative torus of the unification model. Although other alternatives are also plausible, the lack of star formation, the strong polarization and low extinction derived for the emission lines support the scenario where the hot dust is located between the narrow line region and the broad line region.
Interaction between the HIV‐1 Protein Vpr and the Adenine Nucleotide Translocator
Authors: Sabbah Emmanuelle N. , Druillennec S. , Morellet N. , Bouaziz S. , Kroemer G. , Roques B.P.
Published: January 2006

The HIV‐1 protein Vpr circulates in the serum of seropositive individuals and in the cerebrospinal fluid of AIDS patients with neurological disorders. Vpr triggers apoptosis of numerous cell types after extracellular addition, vpr gene transfer or in the context of viral infection. Moreover, in vivo, transgenic mice over‐expressing Vpr have enhanced T lymphocytes apoptosis. In previous studies, we suggested that the Vpr apoptotic activities were because of its binding to the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), a mitochondrial ATP/ADP antiporter. To specify this interaction, fragments of both proteins were synthesized and used in biochemical and biophysical experiments. We demonstrate here that in vitro, the (27–51) and (71–82) Vpr peptides bind to a region encompassing the first ANT intermembrane space loop and part of its second and third transmembrane helices. Computational analysis using a docking program associated to dynamic simulations enabled us to construct a three‐dimensional model of the Vpr–ANT complex. In this model, the N‐terminus of Vpr plunges in the ANT cavity whereas the Vpr C‐terminal extremity is located at the surface of the ANT allowing possible interactions with a third partner. These results could be used to design molecules acting as pro‐apoptotic Vpr analogs or as apoptosis inhibitors preventing the Vpr–ANT interaction.
LEAF HYDRAULICS
Authors: Sack Lawren , Holbrook N. Michele
Published: January 2006

Leaves are extraordinarily variable in form, longevity, venation architecture, and capacity for photosynthetic gas exchange. Much of this diversity is linked with water transport capacity. The pathways through the leaf constitute a substantial (≥30%) part of the resistance to water flow through plants, and thus influence rates of transpiration and photosynthesis. Leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) varies more than 65-fold across species, reflecting differences in the anatomy of the petiole and the venation architecture, as well as pathways beyond the xylem through living tissues to sites of evaporation. Kleafis highly dynamic over a range of time scales, showing circadian and developmental trajectories, and responds rapidly, often reversibly, to changes in temperature, irradiance, and water supply. This review addresses how leaf structure and physiology influence Kleaf, and the mechanisms by which Kleafcontributes to dynamic functional responses at the level of both individual leaves and the whole plant.
THE ROLE OF ROOT EXUDATES IN RHIZOSPHERE INTERACTIONS WITH PLANTS AND OTHER ORGANISMS
Authors: Bais Harsh P. , Weir Tiffany L. , Perry Laura G. , Gilroy Simon , Vivanco Jorge M.
Published: January 2006

The rhizosphere encompasses the millimeters of soil surrounding a plant root where complex biological and ecological processes occur. This review describes recent advances in elucidating the role of root exudates in interactions between plant roots and other plants, microbes, and nematodes present in the rhizosphere. Evidence indicating that root exudates may take part in the signaling events that initiate the execution of these interactions is also presented. Various positive and negative plant-plant and plant-microbe interactions are highlighted and described from the molecular to the ecosystem scale. Furthermore, methodologies to address these interactions under laboratory conditions are presented.

[ Addendum ]
CHLOROPHYLL DEGRADATION DURING SENESCENCE
Authors: Hörtensteiner S.
Published: January 2006

The catabolic pathway of chlorophyll (Chl) during senescence and fruit ripening leads to the accumulation of colorless breakdown products (NCCs). This review updates an earlier review on Chl breakdown published here in 1999 ( 69 ). It summarizes recent advances in the biochemical reactions of the pathway and describes the characterization of new NCCs and their formation inside the vacuole. Furthermore, I focus on the recent molecular identification of three chl catabolic enzymes, chlorophyllase, pheophorbide a oxygenase (PAO), and red Chl catabolite reductase (RCCR). The analysis of Chl catabolic mutants demonstrates the importance of Chl breakdown for plant development and survival. Mutants defective in PAO or RCCR develop a lesion mimic phenotype, due to the accumulation of breakdown intermediates. Thus, Chl breakdown is a prerequisite to detoxify the potentially phototoxic pigment within the vacuoles in order to permit the remobilization of nitrogen from Chl-binding proteins to proceed during senescence.
QUANTITATIVE FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY: From Art to Science
Authors: Fricker Mark , Runions John , Moore Ian
Published: January 2006

A substantial number of elegant experimental approaches have been developed to image the distribution and dynamics of DNA, mRNA, proteins, organelles, metabolites, and ions in living plant cells. Although the human brain can rapidly assimilate visual information, particularly when presented as animations and movies, it is much more challenging to condense the phenomenal amount of data present in three-, four-, or even five-dimensional images into statistically useful measurements. This review explores a range of in vivo fluorescence imaging applications in plants, with particular emphasis on where quantitative techniques are beginning to emerge.
GENETICS OF MEIOTIC PROPHASE I IN PLANTS
Authors: Hamant Olivier , Ma Hong , Cande W. Zacheus
Published: January 2006

During meiotic prophase I, traits are reassorted as a result of a highly organized process involving sister chromatid cohesion, homologous chromosome alignment, pairing, synapsis, and recombination. In the past two years, a number of components involved in this pathway, including Structure Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC), MRE11, the RAD51 homologs, BRCA2, MSH4, MER3, and ZIP1, have been characterized in plants; in addition, several genes that encode components unique to plants, such as POOR HOMOLOGOUS SYNAPSIS 1 and AMEIOTIC 1, have been cloned. Based on these recent data, essentially from maize and Arabidopsis, we discuss the conserved and plant-specific aspects of meiosis commitment and meiotic prophase I features.
Glucose metabolic adaptations in the intrauterine growth-restricted adult female rat offspring
Authors: Garg Meena , Thamotharan Manikkavasagar , Rogers Lisa , Bassilian Sara , Lee W. N. Paul , Devaskar Sherin U.
Published: January 2006

We studied glucose metabolic adaptations in the intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) rat offspring to decipher glucose homeostasis in metabolic programming. Glucose futile cycling (GFC), which is altered when there is imbalance between glucose production and utilization, was studied during a glucose tolerance test (GTT) in 2-day-old ( n = 8), 2-mo-old ( n = 22), and 15-mo-old ( n = 22) female rat offspring. The IUGR rats exposed to either prenatal (CM/SP, n = 5 per age), postnatal (SM/CP, n = 6), or pre- and postnatal (SM/SP, n = 6) nutrient restriction were compared with age-matched controls (CM/CP, n = 5). At 2 days, IUGR pups (SP) were smaller and glucose intolerant and had increased hepatic glucose production and increased glucose disposal ( P < 0.01) compared with controls (CP). At 2 mo, the GTT, glucose clearance, and GFC did not change. However, a decline in hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase ( P < 0.05) and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase ( P < 0.05) enzyme activities in the IUGR offspring was detected. At 15 mo, prenatal nutrient restriction (CM/SP) resulted in greater weight gain ( P < 0.01) and hyperinsulinemia ( P < 0.001) compared with postnatal nutrient restriction (SM/CP). A decline in GFC in the face of a normal GTT occurred in both the prenatal (CM/SP, P < 0.01) and postnatal calorie (SM/CP, P < 0.03) and growth-restricted offspring. The IUGR offspring with pre- and postnatal nutrient restriction (SM/SP) were smaller, hypoinsulinemic ( P < 0.03), and hypoleptinemic ( P < 0.03), with no change in GTT, hepatic glucose production, GFC, or glucose clearance. We conclude that there is pre- and postnatal programming that affects the postnatal compensatory adaptation of GFC and disposal initiated by changes in circulating insulin concentrations, thereby determining hepatic insulin sensitivity in a phenotype-specific manner.
Blood Pressure Reactivity to Psychological Stress and Coronary Calcification in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study
Authors: Matthews Karen A. , Zhu Sha , Tucker Diane C. , Whooley Mary A.
Published: January 2006

A longstanding hypothesis is that individuals who exhibit large increases in blood pressure during psychological stress are at risk for atherosclerosis. We tested whether blood pressure changes during psychological stress predict subsequent coronary calcification (CaC) in young healthy adults. We evaluated 2816 healthy black and white women, 20 to 35 years of age, from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study, who were not using medication for hypertension or diabetes in 1987–1988. Participants completed video game and star tracing tasks while their blood pressure was recorded. Thirteen years later (2000–2001), they completed computed tomography measures of CaC. Overall 9.3% (261 of 2816) had CaC present at follow-up. Each 10 mm Hg change in systolic blood pressure during the video game was associated with a 24% increased odds of having CaC at follow-up (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.46;
P
=0.008). This association persisted after adjustment for age, race, sex, education, smoking, alcohol, family history of myocardial infarction, smoking, daily alcohol consumption, body mass index, and resting or baseline blood pressure (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.58;
P
=0.006). Blood pressure changes during the star tracing task were not associated with subsequent CaC. Blood pressure changes during a video game predicted the presence of CaC 13 years later. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports blood pressure reactivity to a stressor being related to calcification in the coronary arteries. Blood pressure reactivity may provide useful prognostic information about future risk beyond standard risk factors.
Enhanced Vasoreactivity and Its Response to Antihypertensive Therapy in Hypertensive Elderly Women
Authors: Lipsitz Lewis A. , Iloputaife Ikechukwu , Gagnon Margaret , Kiely Dan K. , Serrador Jorge M.
Published: January 2006

Several previous studies have demonstrated sex differences in cardiovascular autonomic control in healthy young women, but little is known about the regulation of blood pressure in hypertensive elderly women, who have the greatest risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, we examined sex differences in physiological responses to upright tilt in 21 healthy (13 men and 8 women), 22 controlled hypertensive (10 men and 12 women), and 18 uncontrolled hypertensive (9 men and 9 women) elderly men and women. Of these, 19 normotensives, 18 controlled hypertensives, and 14 uncontrolled hypertensives completed 6 months of observation or pharmacological therapy for uncontrolled hypertension. All of the subjects underwent continuous monitoring of cardiac (RR) interval (ECG), finger arterial pressure (photoplethysmography), and stroke volume (transthoracic impedance) and periodic measurements of forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography) while resting supine and during a graded head-up tilt. Blood pressure and RR-interval power spectra were computed. Baroreflex gain was estimated by the cross-spectral and sequence methods. In contrast to other groups, elderly hypertensive women increased systemic vascular resistance during tilt. This response was associated with greater low-frequency systolic pressure variability, a presumed marker of sympathetic vascular control. After 6 months of successful antihypertensive therapy, women showed attenuation of the systemic vascular resistance response and a reduction in low-frequency systolic blood pressure variability to levels similar to men and normotensive controls. These results highlight the beneficial effects of antihypertensive therapy on the systemic vasculature, particularly for elderly women in whom enhanced vasoreactivity may contribute to excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Preeclampsia in Lean Normotensive Normotolerant Pregnant Women Can Be Predicted by Simple Insulin Sensitivity Indexes
Authors: Parretti Elena , Lapolla Annunziata , Dalfrà MariaGrazia , Pacini Giovanni , Mari Andrea , Cioni Riccardo , Marzari Chiara , Scarselli Gianfranco , Mello Giorgio
Published: January 2006

Certain similarities between preeclampsia and insulin resistance syndrome suggest a possible link between the 2 diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate 3 insulin sensitivity (IS) indexes (fasting homeostasis model assessment IS [IS
HOMA
], quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [IS
QUICKI
], and oral glucose IS [OGIS]) early and late in pregnancy in a large number of normotensive pregnant women with a normal glucose tolerance and to test the ability of these indexes to predict the risk of subsequent preeclampsia. In all, 829 pregnant women were tested with a 75-g, 2-hour oral glucose load in 2 periods of pregnancy: early (16 to 20 weeks) and late (26 to 30 weeks). In early and late pregnancy, respectively, IS
HOMA
was 1.23±0.05 and 1.44±0.05 (
P
<0.01), IS
QUICKI
was 0.40±0.002 and 0.38±0.002 (
P
<0.01), and OGIS was 457±2.4 mL min
−1
m
−2
and 445±2.2 (
P
<0.001), all confirming the reduction in insulin sensitivity during pregnancy. Preeclampsia developed in 6.4% of the pregnant women and correlated positively with the 75th centile of IS
HOMA
(
P
=0.001), with a sensitivity of 79% in the early and 83% in the late period and a specificity of 97% in both. IS
QUICKI
<25th centile was also related with preeclampsia (
P
=0.001), with a sensitivity of 85% in the early and 88% in the late period and a specificity of 97% in both. Judging from our findings, IS
HOMA
and IS
QUICKI
are simple tests that can pinpoint impaired insulin sensitivity early in the pregnancy. Given their high sensitivity and specificity, these indexes could be useful in predicting the development of preeclampsia in early pregnancy, before the disease become clinically evident.