bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical assessment of postinfection, postcontact and postvaccination immunity manifestation after experimental inoculation of calves with Trichophyton verrucosum culture
Authors: Rybnikář A. , Obořilová E.
Published: October 2007

Immunity against ringworm has been well examined, but the knowledge of its development after repeated infection is limited. Therefore, the immunity developed after a single or double contact with various doses of Trichophyton verrucosum strain was investigated in calves which had or had not shown any signs of ringworm after contact with dermatophyte. In total six individual experiments were performed on 117 calves. Experimental infection with the virulent T. verrucosum strain was used to investigate the animals’ immunity. Calves showing severe trichophytosis after application of high doses of T. verrucosum culture were immune to reinfection by equally high doses of this dermatophyte. A similar protection level was reached after intramuscular revaccination or after recovery from trichophytosis with moderate course induced by two inoculations of low doses. If moderate course of illness had been induced by same single dose, the immunity was lower. Animals displaying no signs of trichophytosis after inoculation with the low doses developed insufficient immunity. There was no immunity against reinfection in animals having previous contact with subinfectious doses through undamaged skin. The results obtained suggest that the level of postinfection immunity depends on the disease extent and the frequency of administration of the infectious agent. The development of postcontact immunity cannot be excluded in calves.
Management and follow‐up survey of Trichophyton tonsurans infection in a university judo club
Authors: Hirose Nobuyoshi , Suganami Morio , Shiraki Yumi , Hiruma Masataro , Ogawa Hideoki
Published: October 2007

The prevalence of Trichophyton tonsurans infection of the scalp in members of a university judo club (combat sport) was investigated over a 3.5‐year period using a questionnaire survey and an assay based on fungal culture by the hairbrush method. In November 2002, 11 (35%) of 31 athletes were found to be positive for T. tonsurans infection by the hairbrush method and provided treatment with oral and topical antifungal agents according to a prescribed protocol. All the infected subjects became culture‐negative following this treatment. We continued to conduct screening examinations every year in the month of April, when new university enrolment occurs. During three‐and‐a‐half years of follow‐up, there have been no outbreaks of the infection among the members of the university judo club. There were some positive culture results among the newly enrolled students, but these cases also became culture‐negative with treatment. No re‐infection has been noted after graduation among the club members who had been educated about and treated for the infection. Our findings indicate that the spread of T. tonsurans infection in sports clubs can be controlled by regular mass screening examination, therapy and measures at regular intervals to prevent the infection.
Nosocomial candidaemia in children: results of a 9‐year study
Authors: Celebi Solmaz , Hacimustafaoglu Mustafa , Ozdemir Ozlem , Ozkaya Guven
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to determine changes in the incidence of nosocomial candidaemia and to evaluate the risk factors, demographic features, treatment and clinical outcome associated with candidaemia in a Turkish tertiary care paediatric unit within a 9‐year period. The data of children who were diagnosed as nosocomial candidaemia, were examined in this study. Between January 1997 and December 2005, a total of 102 nosocomial candidaemia episodes were identified in 102 patients. The rate of nosocomial candidaemia in our clinic increased from 3.2 cases per 1000 admissions in 1997–1999, to 5.5 per 1000 admissions in 2000–2002 and to 6.9 per 1000 admissions in 2003–2005 (P = 0.003). The species most frequently causing candidaemia were Candida albicans (39.2%), Candida parapsilosis (21.6%) and Candida tropicalis (15.7%). The mortality of C. albicans (37.5%), was significantly higher than the mortality of non‐albicans species (17.7%) (P = 0.04). Independent risk factors associated with candidaemia‐related deaths by logistic regression analysis were disseminated candidiasis (odds ratio, 5.7; P = 0.01), paediatric intensive care unit stay (odds ratio, 8.1; P = 0.001), prolonged antibiotics therapy (odds ratio, 5.2; P = 0.014), use of total parenteral nutrition (odds ratio, 4.4; P = 0.038) and mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 4.9; P = 0.01). The rate of nosocomial candidaemia in our clinic increased >2‐fold during the study period.
Experimental trials to determine effective fence designs for feral Cat and Fox exclusion
Authors: Robley Alan , Purdey Dan , Johnston Michael , Lindeman Michael , Busana Frank , Long Kirstin
Published: October 2007

Summary  Exclusion fencing is being increasingly used to protect areas of high conservation value or to create ‘islands’ of protected habitat for native fauna. The objective of this study was to test a range of fence designs to assess the optimum physical and/or electrical barrier required to exclude feral Cats (Felis catus) and Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes). We tested against six fence designs by placing individual animals (18 Cats and 18 Foxes) in 20 × 20 m pens and recording their responses to various fence components. Fence design 1 was 1.8‐m high with one electric wire at 1200 mm and another at 1500 mm offset by 80 mm and a curved overhang 600 mm in diameter. Fence design 2 and 3 had single electric wires placed at 400 mm and 1700 mm, respectively. Fence design 4 had a single electric wire at the end of the overhang. Fence design 5 had no electric wire and fence design 6 was 1.2‐m high with an overhang and no electric wire. Neither feral Cats nor Foxes were able to scale the 1.8‐m fence regardless of the position or absence of electric wires. One Fox and one feral Cat successfully breached the 1.2‐m high fence by jumping onto the overhang and climbing over. Four Foxes excavated holes underneath the fence and one chewed through the mesh. Results from this work indicate that fences designed to exclude feral Cats and Foxes should be 1.8‐m high, have an overhang that is at least 600 mm in circumference that is curved or shaped in such a way that prevents animals climbing over from underneath, and have an apron with a mesh hard enough to prevent Foxes chewing through. Exclusion fences do not require electric wires. The omission of electric wires will provide significant savings in building and maintenance costs for exclusion fencing.
AN APPROACH TO THE NATURAL: THE KENNETH RUSSELL MEMORIAL LECTURE†
Authors: Beasley Wyn
Published: October 2007

This paper reports on the disability resulting from the dislocation, later recurrent, of the right shoulder suffered by Winston Churchill in 1896. It considers the management principles enunciated by Hippocrates and their relevance to his situation and to contemporary practice.
LOCH NESS, SPECIAL OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE AND THE FIRST SURGEON IN PARADISE: ROBERT KENNETH WILSON (26.1.1899–6.6.1969)
Authors: Watters David A. K.
Published: October 2007

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kenneth Wilson (1899–1969) was a surgeon who fought in both world wars and joined the Special Operations Executive parachuting behind enemy lines into Holland, France and Borneo, the last mission being with Australian forces (Semut II). He was an expert on firearms and gave opinion on ballistics at the Old Bailey during the 1930s. He also wrote a definitive text on automatic pistols with editions published in 1943 and 1975. He was an Edinburgh Fellow (1926), who had a practice in general surgery and gynaecology in Queen Anne Street during the 1930s. He took the famous 1934 ‘surgeon’s photo’ of the Loch Ness monster that was not admitted to be a hoax until 1994. After World War II, he became the first surgical specialist to work in the public service of the then Territory of Papua and New Guinea (1950–1956), where he wrote several papers on surgical topics. He married Gwen (1924), the daughter of Henrietta Gulliver, an Australian painter. They had two sons, Richard and Phillip. After practice he retired to Melbourne where he died of carcinoma oesophagus.
PABLO LUIS MIRIZZI: THE MAN BEHIND THE SYNDROME
Authors: Leopardi Lisa N. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: October 2007

Pablo Luis Mirizzi (1893–1964), who was born and died in the city of Cordoba in Argentina, dedicated his life to the service of surgery and the teaching of his students. Although known for the introduction of the intraoperative cholangiogram and for describing the Mirizzi syndrome – a partial obstruction of the common hepatic duct secondary to an impacted gallstone in the cystic duct, very little else is known about this man behind the brilliant surgical pioneer of the twentieth century. This biography looks beyond his important contributions to medicine, to the many facets of the man himself.
Deglycosylated anti‐amyloid beta antibodies reduce microglial phagocytosis and cytokine production while retaining the capacity to induce amyloid beta sequestration
Authors: Takata Kazuyuki , Hirata‐Fukae Chiho , Becker Amanda G. , Chishiro Saori , Gray Audrey J. , Nishitomi Kouhei , Franz Andreas H. , Sakaguchi Gaku , Kato Akira , Mattson Mark P. , LaFerla Frank M. , Aisen Paul S. , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Matsuoka Yasuji
Published: October 2007

Accumulation of amyloid beta (Abeta) is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and lowering Abeta is a promising therapeutic approach. Intact anti‐Abeta antibodies reduce brain Abeta through two pathways: enhanced microglial phagocytosis and Abeta transfer from the brain to the periphery (Abeta sequestration). While activation of microglia, which is essential for microglial phagocytosis, is necessarily accompanied by undesired neuroinflammatory events, the capacity for sequestration does not seem to be linked to such effects. We and other groups have found that simple Abeta binding agents are sufficient to reduce brain Abeta through the sequestration pathway. In this study, we aimed to eliminate potentially deleterious immune activation from antibodies without affecting the ability to induce sequestration. The glycan portion of immunoglobulin is critically involved in interactions with immune effectors including the Fc receptor and complement c1q; deglycosylation eliminates these interactions, while antigen (Abeta)‐binding affinity is maintained. In this study, we investigated whether deglycosylated anti‐Abeta antibodies reduce microglial phagocytosis and neuroinflammation without altering the capacity to induce Abeta sequestration. Deglycosylated antibodies maintained Abeta binding affinity. Deglycosylated antibodies did not enhance Abeta phagocytosis or cytokine release in primary cultured microglia, whereas intact antibodies did so significantly. Intravenous injection of deglycosylated antibodies elevated plasma Abeta levels and induced Abeta sequestration to a similar or greater degree compared with intact antibodies in an Alzheimer's transgenic mouse model without or with Abeta plaque pathology. We conclude that deglycosylated antibodies effectively induced Abeta sequestration without provoking neuroinflammation; thus, these deglycosylated antibodies may be optimal for sequestration therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Continuous white noise exposure during and after auditory critical period differentially alters bidirectional thalamocortical plasticity in rat auditory cortex in vivo
Authors: Speechley William J. , Hogsden Jennifer L. , Dringenberg Hans C.
Published: October 2007

Long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression are thought to mediate activity‐dependent brain plasticity but their role in the development of the thalamocortical auditory system in vivo has not been investigated. In adult urethane‐anaesthetized rats, theta‐burst stimulation of the medial geniculate nucleus produced robust LTP (40% amplitude enhancement) of field post‐synaptic evoked potentials recorded in the superficial layers of the primary auditory cortex. Low‐frequency (1‐Hz) stimulation resulted in transient depression (∼40%) of field post‐synaptic evoked potential amplitude. Both LTP and synaptic depression were found to be dependent on cortical N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors. Thalamocortical plasticity was also assessed after continuous white noise exposure, thought to arrest auditory cortex maturation when applied during the critical period of post‐natal primary auditory cortex development. Rats housed in continuous white noise for the first 50 days of post‐natal life exhibited greater LTP (∼80%) than controls reared in unaltered acoustic environments. The protocol used to elicit depression also resulted in substantial LTP (∼50%) in white noise‐reared animals. Adults housed in white noise for the same length of time exhibited normal LTP but displayed greater and persistent levels of synaptic depression (∼70%). Thus, the absence of patterned auditory stimulation during early post‐natal life appears to retard sensory‐dependent thalamocortical synaptic strengthening, as indicated by the preferential readiness for synaptic potentiation over depression. The fact that the same auditory manipulation in adults results in synapses favouring depression demonstrates the critical role of developmental stage in determining the direction of synaptic modification in the thalamocortical auditory system.
Ontogenetic quinpirole treatment produces long‐lasting decreases in the expression of Rgs9, but increases Rgs17 in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex
Authors: Maple Amanda M. , Perna Marla K. , Parlaman Joshua P. , Stanwood Gregg D. , Brown Russell W.
Published: October 2007

Ontogenetic treatment of rats with the dopamine D2‐like receptor agonist quinpirole produces a significant increase in dopamine D2 receptor sensitivity that persists throughout the animal's lifetime, a phenomenon known as D2 priming. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of priming of the D2 receptor on the expression of three different members of the regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) family: Rgs4, Rgs9 and Rgs17. Male offspring were ontogenetically treated with quinpirole or saline from postnatal days (P)1–21 and raised to adulthood. On ∼ P65, animals were given an acute quinipirole injection (0.1 mg/kg) and the number of yawns was recorded for 1 h after the injection. Yawning has been shown to be a behavioural event mediated by the dopamine D2/D3 receptor. Animals ontogenetically treated with quinpirole demonstrated a significant 2.5‐fold increase in yawning as compared to controls. Rgs transcripts were analysed through in situ hybridization several weeks later. Rats ontogenetically treated with quinpirole demonstrated a significant decrease in Rgs9 expression in the frontal cortex, but a more robust decrease in the striatum and nucleus accumbens as compared to controls. Regarding Rgs17, ontogenetic quinpirole produced a modest but significant increase in expression in the same brain areas. There were no significant differences in Rgs4 expression produced by drug treatment in any of the brain regions analysed. This study demonstrates that ontogenetic quinpirole treatment, which results in priming of the D2 receptor, results in significant decreases in Rgs9, which has been shown to regulate G‐protein coupling to D2 receptors.
Vasopressin modulates lateral septal network activity via two distinct electrophysiological mechanisms
Authors: Allaman‐Exertier G. , Reymond‐Marron I. , Tribollet E. , Raggenbass M.
Published: October 2007

The lateral septal area is rich in vasopressin V1A receptors and is densely innervated by vasopressinergic axons, originating mainly from the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the amygdala. Genetic and behavioral studies provide evidence that activation of vasopressin receptors in this area plays a determinant role in promoting social recognition. What could be the neuronal mechanism underlying this effect? Using rat brain slices and whole‐cell recordings, we found that lateral septal neurons are under the influence of a basal GABAergic inhibitory input. Vasopressin, acting via V1A but not V1B receptors, greatly enhanced this input in nearly all neurons. The peptide had no effect on miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents, indicating that it acted on receptors located in the somatodendritic membrane, rather than on axon terminals, of GABAergic interneurons. Cell‐attached recordings showed that vasopressin can cause a direct excitation of a subpopulation of lateral septal neurons by acting via V1A but not V1B receptors. The presence in the lateral septum of V1A but not of V1B receptors was confirmed by competition binding studies using light microscopic autoradiography. In conclusion, vasopressin appears to act in the lateral septum in a dual mode: (i) by causing a direct excitation of a subpopulation of neurons, and (ii) by causing an indirect inhibition of virtually all lateral septal neurons. This modulation by vasopressin of the lateral septal circuitry may be part of the neuronal mechanism by which the peptide, acting via V1A receptors, promotes social recognition.
Eye drop NGF administration promotes the recovery of chemically injured cholinergic neurons of adult mouse forebrain
Authors: Di Fausto Veronica , Fiore Marco , Tirassa Paola , Lambiase Alessandro , Aloe Luigi
Published: October 2007

We have recently shown that conjunctivally applied nerve growth factor (NGF) in rats can reach the retina, the optic nerve and the CNS. In the present study, we investigated whether NGF application as collyrium can promote the recovery of chemically injured basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. NGF was administered on the eye of adult male mice previously treated i.c.v. with ibotenic acid to impair cholinergic pathways. Mice were tested in the passive avoidance test, and after 2 weeks of NGF administration were killed and the brains used for structural, biochemical and molecular analyses. The results showed that application of NGF on the eye surface protected choline acetyl transferase levels. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that application of NGF on the eye can represent an alternative delivery route to promote the recovery of brain cells during degeneration, including neurons involved in learning and memory activities.
Cells in somatosensory areas show synchrony with beta oscillations in monkey motor cortex
Authors: Witham Claire L. , Wang Minyan , Baker Stuart N.
Published: October 2007

Oscillatory synchronization between somatosensory and motor cortex has previously been reported using field potential recordings, but interpretation of such results can be confounded by volume conduction. We examined coherence between single‐unit discharge in somatosensory/parietal areas and local field potential from the same area as the unit, or from the motor cortex, in two macaque monkeys trained to perform a finger movement task. There were clear coherence peaks at ∼17.5 Hz for cells in the primary somatosensory cortex (both proprioceptive and cutaneous areas) and posterior parietal cortex (area 5). The size of coherence in all areas was comparable to previous reports analysing motor cortical cells and M1 field potentials. Many coherence phases clustered around –π/2 radians, indicating zero lag synchronization of parietal cells with M1 oscillatory activity. These results indicate that cells in somatosensory and parietal areas have information about the presence of oscillations in the motor system. Such oscillatory coupling across the central sulcus may play an important role in sensorimotor integration of both proprioceptive and cutaneous signals.
The contribution of the NMDA receptor glycine site to rhythm generation during fictive swimming in Xenopus laevis tadpoles
Authors: Issberner Jonathan P. , Sillar Keith T.
Published: October 2007

The presence of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor glycine‐binding site and its role in locomotor activity have been examined using fictive swimming in stage 42 Xenopus laevis frog tadpoles as a simple model system. The specific NMDA/glycine site blocker L‐689560 (0.1–20 µm) impaired swimming rhythm generation and abolished NMDA‐induced locomotor‐like ventral root activity. d‐serine (50 µm), an agonist at the NMDA/glycine site, increased the duration of skin stimulus‐induced fictive swimming episodes, and produced slow modulations of burst frequency and amplitude. These effects of d‐serine were reversed by L‐689560. In some animals, d‐serine also induced an alternative intense, non‐locomotory form of rhythmic motor output termed struggling. Glycine (100 µm), another endogenous agonist at this site, triggered similar effects to d‐serine, but only when applied in the presence of strychnine. Manipulations of endogenous glycine levels using sarcosine or ALX 5407 (inhibitors of the glycine re‐uptake protein, GlyT1b), produced similar effects to glycine site agonists, including increased episode durations, and modulations in cycle period and burst amplitude. Sarcosine and ALX 5407 also induced struggling. In summary, these experiments support the hypothesis that NMDA receptors in the swimming network of Xenopus laevis tadpoles possess glycine‐binding sites, not all of which are fully occupied under normal circumstances. Altering the strength of the NMDA receptor‐mediated component of the synaptic drive for swimming by increasing or decreasing occupancy of this site potently influences the locomotor pattern.
Towards unravelling task‐related modulations of neuroplastic changes induced in the human motor cortex
Authors: Antal Andrea , Terney Daniella , Poreisz Csaba , Paulus Walter
Published: October 2007

Stimulation with weak electrical direct currents has been shown to be capable of inducing stimulation‐polarity‐dependent prolonged diminutions or elevations of cortical excitability, most probably elicited by a hyper‐ or depolarization of resting membrane potentials. The aim of the present study was to test if cognitive task and motor exercise practiced during the stimulation are able to modify transcranial direct current stimulation‐induced plasticity in the left primary motor cortex in 12 healthy subjects. Motor evoked potentials were recorded before and after 10 min of anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation. In Experiment 1, subjects were required to sit passively during the stimulation, in Experiment 2 the subject's attention was directed towards a cognitive test and in Experiment 3 subjects were instructed to push a ball in their right hand. Both the cognitive task and motor exercise modified transcranial direct current stimulation‐induced plasticity; when performing the cognitive task during stimulation the motor cortex excitability was lower after anodal stimulation and higher after cathodal stimulation, compared with the passive condition. When performing the motor exercise, the motor cortex excitability was lower after both anodal and cathodal stimulation, compared with the passive condition. Our results show that transcranial direct current stimulation‐induced plasticity is highly dependent on the state of the subject during stimulation.
How Leaders Woo Followers in the Romance of Leadership
Authors: Gray Judy H. , Densten Iain L.
Published: October 2007

This empirical study examines the origins of the romance of leadership from a leader‐centric perspective. The impact of Self‐Deception and Impression Management on leader perceptions of their leadership was examined to gauge whether leaders hold romantic notions about their leadership. A national survey (N = 2,376) of business executives was conducted and data were analysed using a multiple‐method factor approach. The results indicate that leaders distort their self‐attributions to reflect romantic or “idealised” images of leadership. We contend that leaders are motivated to transmit these images through impression management to “woo” followers into constructing romantic images of leadership. Thus, leaders play an active role in the development of the romance of leadership. The study considers the practical and theoretical implications and proposes directions for future research.

Cette étude empirique s’intéresse aux origines de la romance du leadership d’un point de vue centré sur le leader. L’impact des illusions sur soi et du management impressionnant sur la perception qu’ont les leaders de leur propre leadership a été pris en compte pour savoir si les leaders adhéraient à des notions romantiques à propos de leur leadership. Les données d’une enquête nationale (N = 2,376) sur des hommes/femmes d’affaires ont été analysées avec une approche factorielle à méthodes multiples. Les résultats montrent que les leaders distordent leurs auto‐attributions pour renvoyer des images romantiques ou idéalisées du leadership. Nous soutenons que les leaders cherchent à transmettre ces images à travers le management impressionnant pour amener les suiveurs àélaborer des images romantiques du leadership. Les leaders jouent donc un rôle actif dans le développement de la romance du leadership. On réfléchit aux conséquences théoriques et pratiques de cette étude et l’on propose des orientations pour les recherches à venir.
Daring to Dream: Promoting Social and Economic Justice at Work
Authors: Komaki Judith L.
Published: October 2007

The promotion of justice in the workplace has been singled out as “unquestionably the major civil rights battleground of the 21st century” (Roberts, 1998, back cover). This article highlights changes since 1963. Illustrating the formidable challenges that organisations face and the substantial changes that organisations must make to achieve measurable results, two employment discrimination cases and two task force reports are described. To see what constructive steps organisations are taking to foster justice, the scholarly and applied literature is reviewed including stereotyping studies, performance appraisal experiments, analyses of court opinions of employment discrimination cases, and organisations’ diversity efforts. Inspired by psychologist B.F. Skinner (1978), a constructive, balanced, and long‐term Justice Model is proposed putting organisations in the driver's seat. Although the progress to date has not been as far‐reaching and long lasting as many had hoped, the suggested practices, particularly regarding the motivation of managers at all levels, hold the promise of realising Dr King's vision.

La promotion de la justice sur le lieu de travail est incontestablement “le champ de bataille principal des droits civiques du 21ème siècle” (Roberts, 1998, quatrième de couverture). Cet article souligne les changements intervenus depuis 1963 sur cette question. Illustrant les défis redoutables que les organisations doivent relever et les changements substantiels qu’elles doivent réaliser pour obtenir des résultats décisifs, deux cas de discrimination à l’embauche et deux rapports d’un groupe de travail ont été analysés. Pour étudier les étapes que les organisations franchissent pour favoriser la justice, la littérature fondamentale et appliquée a été passée en revue, cet état de la question inclut les études sur les stéréotypes, les expériences sur l’évaluation d’exécution, les analyses des avis de justice concernant des cas de discrimination à l’embauche et des diverses actions mises en place par les organisations. Inspiré par le psychologue B.F. Skinner (1978), un Modèle constructif, équilibré et à long terme de la justice a été proposéà des organisations. Bien que le progrès n’ait pas jusqu’à présent été d’une aussi grande portée que prévu, les actions suggérées notamment celles concernant la motivation des responsables quel que soit leur niveau de responsabilité tendent à montrer que la vision du Dr King peut se réaliser.
International Employment Discrimination and Implicit Social Cognition: New Directions for Theory and Research
Authors: Chao Georgia T. , Willaby Harold W.
Published: October 2007

This article contends that a complete understanding of employment discrimination should consider conscious and unconscious sources of bias. Research on implicit social cognition has described how prejudice and stereotypes operate at an unconscious level. These processes are believed to be fundamental properties of human cognition and universal across cultures; although specific targets of discrimination may vary by culture. Within an employment framework, implicit social cognitions can be measured to determine the extent to which unconscious prejudices influence organisational behavior. Human resource practices designed to minimise unfair employment discrimination may require interventions that operate at conscious and unconscious levels.

Cet article soutient que la compréhension complète de la discrimination à l’embauche devrait prendre en compte les sources conscientes et inconscientes de ce phénomène. La recherche sur la cognition sociale implicite a décrit comment les préjugés et les stéréotype opèrent à un niveau inconscient. Ces processus sont pensés comme étant des propriétés fondamentales de la cognition humaine et universels du point de vue des cultures; bien que les cibles spécifiques de la discrimination puissent varier selon ces dernières. Dans le cadre d’une embauche, les cognitions sociales implicites peuvent être mesurées pour déterminer l’importance avec laquelle les préjugés inconscients influencent le comportement organisationnel. En matière de ressources humaines, les pratiques prévues pour réduire au minimum l’injuste discrimination à l’embauche peuvent exiger des interventions agissant aux niveaux conscient et inconscient.
Renal transplantation or bladder augmentation first? A comparison of complications and outcomes in children
Authors: Taghizadeh Arash K. , Desai Divyesh , Ledermann Sarah E. , Shroff Rukshana , Marks Stephen D. , Koffman Geoff , Duffy Patrick G. , Cuckow Peter M.
Published: October 2007

Paediatric urology can uncover the most complicated cases that require careful attention to management details. Authors from the UK present a retrospective review of their experience of children who had undergone both renal transplantation and bladder augmentation. They recommend that the bladder be reconstructed before renal transplantation, as it might protect the transplanted kidney, and specifically the transplanted ureter.

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether the order of performing transplant and bladder reconstruction operations in children who need both operations affects outcome of either operation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case note review was performed of children identified from our database, who had undergone both renal transplantation and bladder augmentation between 1990 and 2005.

RESULTS

In all, 18 renal transplants (eight live‐related) were performed in 16 children with 10 transplants done after bladder augmentation and eight transplants done before augmentation. The median age at transplantation was 7.5 years and at augmentation was 7.0 years. The median interval between the operations was 33.5 months and the median follow‐up was 58.4 months after transplantation. Outcomes were compared between the two groups of patients: those who received their transplantation before bladder augmentation, and those who were transplanted after bladder augmentation. There was no difference between these groups in: the pre‐ transplant estimated glomerular filtration rate, inpatient stay after transplantation or after augmentation, and incidence of urinary tract infection in the 3 months after renal transplantation or after bladder augmentation. There was no statistical difference in renal allograft loss with one graft failure in the group who were augmented first, and four graft failures in the group who were transplanted first. However, it is of note that the single graft failure in the patient augmented first was due to renal artery thrombosis on the first day related to a double arterial anastomosis, whilst in the other group, three of the graft failures were in transplants that had initially been drained by ureterostomy. Three patients in the group transplanted first developed significant ureteric pathology, of which one developed graft failure.

CONCLUSION

Bladder reconstruction can be performed safely before transplantation; it does not increase complications and might better protect the renal graft and specifically the transplant ureter.
Protective effects of heme oxygenase‐1 against cyclophosphamide‐induced haemorrhagic cystitis in rats
Authors: Matsuoka Yoh , Masuda Hitoshi , Yokoyama Minato , Kihara Kazunori
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression profiles and protective roles of the inducible isoform of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis, as the HO system is involved in heme degradation and plays an important role in cellular homeostasis but its characterization is still unknown in urinary tract diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In female Sprague‐Dawley rats CYP was administed intraperitoneally and the bladders excised at various time points. In separate experiments, hemin, an inducer of HO, was administered before CYP treatment, and bladders were harvested 24 h after CYP injection. The expressions of HO‐1 and HO‐2 were investigated by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The effects of CYP with/without hemin pretreatment were evaluated by microscopic features, bladder wet weight, myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide (NO)‐metabolite production, and expression levels of inflammation‐related genes.

RESULTS

CYP injection resulted in severe cystitis with time‐dependent increases both in bladder wet weight and HO‐1 mRNA expression. Pretreatment with hemin enhanced the CYP‐induced expression of HO‐1 mRNA and protein further, but significantly ameliorated inflammatory changes and reduced the increases in bladder oedema and myeloperoxidase activity. NO‐metabolite production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, induced by CYP, were down‐regulated significantly by hemin pretreatment. By contrast, HO‐2 was constitutively present in the urothelium and its expression was not influenced by CYP or by CYP plus hemin.

CONCLUSION

HO‐1 expression is up‐regulated in bladders with CYP‐induced haemorrhagic cystitis, and this inducible enzyme plays cytoprotective roles in association with down‐regulation of NO production and iNOS expression. Our results suggest that HO‐1 induction might have therapeutic potential against inflammatory insults such as CYP‐induced cystitis.
Clinicians are poor raters of life‐expectancy before radical prostatectomy or definitive radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Walz Jochen , Gallina Andrea , Perrotte Paul , Jeldres Claudio , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Hutterer Georg C. , Traumann Miriam , Ramirez Alvaro , Shariat Shahrokh F. , McCormack Michael , Perreault Jean‐Paul , Bénard Francois , Valiquette Luc , Saad Fred , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To test the accuracy of predicting life‐expectancy (LE) among 19 raters, as the accurate prediction of LE in candidates for definitive therapy for localized prostate cancer is crucial, and little is known of the ability of clinicians to predict LE.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We randomly selected the case‐vignettes of 50 patients treated with either radical prostatectomy (RP, 25) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT, 25) for prostate cancer, and who either survived for > 10 years or died earlier with no evidence of disease relapse. The median age at treatment was 67 years and the median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 2. The raters consisted of urology staff (six), urology residents (10) and medical students (three). The case‐vignettes included patient age, comorbidities and CCI score, and raters were asked to predict the survival at 10 years (yes vs no), assuming no disease relapse.

RESULTS

Of the 50 cases, 20 (40%) did not survive for > 10 years; clinicians estimated a mean (range) of 23 (10–35) deaths before 10 years. The mean (95% confidence interval) overall predictive accuracy (0.5 = chance, 1.0 = perfect prediction) of LE predictions was 0.68 (0.64–0.71). Individual accuracy ranged from 0.52 (staff) to 0.78 (staff). There were no important differences among the rater groups (residents 0.69 vs staff 0.67 vs medical students 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians are relatively poor at predicting LE; tools to predict LE might be able to improve clinicians’ performance in this important part of decision‐making about prostate cancer treatment. It remains to be determined whether this limitation exclusively applies to prostate cancer or also to other malignancies.
Severe bladder trabeculation obviates the need for bladder outlet procedures during augmentation cystoplasty in incontinent patients with neurogenic bladder
Authors: Khoury Antoine E. , Dave Sumit , Peralta‐Del Valle Maria Helena , Braga Luis H.P. , Lorenzo Armando J. , Bägli Darius
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the degree of preoperative bladder trabeculation in neurogenic bladder (NB) patients is a marker of significant outlet resistance. If so, severe trabeculation may obviate the need for concomitant bladder outlet procedure (BOP) during augmentation cystoplasty (AC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 48 incontinent patients with NB who had surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (23 patients) had AC alone; group 2 (10) had AC with BOP. Children who had a BOP alone (15) were excluded from the study. Success was defined as a dry period of ≥4 h. Preoperative bladder trabeculation was classified as mild or severe. Data collected included continence status, imaging and urodynamic findings.

RESULTS

In group 1 patients before surgery, there was severe bladder trabeculation in 14 (61%), hydronephrosis in 13 (57%) and associated vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) in 16 (70%). The mean detrusor leak‐point pressure (DLPP) was 49.7 cmH2O and the bladder neck was open in nine (39%). Dryness with AC alone was achieved in 91% of group 1 patients. In group 2 patients (10 patients), there was severe bladder trabeculation in five, hydronephrosis in three, and VUR in two. The mean DLPP was 42.8 cmH2O and the bladder neck was open in eight. After surgery, eight of 10 patients achieved a dry period of 4 h. There was no significant difference between group 1 and 2 patients for age at surgery, gender, ambulatory status, hydronephrosis, degree of trabeculation, detrusor overactivity, DLPP and eventual outcome. The incidence of VUR was higher in group 1 patients (P = 0.009) and more patients in group 2 had an open bladder neck (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Severe bladder trabeculation in incontinent patients with NB might predict an element of intrinsic outlet resistance. In this subset of patients, dryness was achieved by AC alone without further BOP. The degree of bladder trabeculation should be considered in the surgical decision‐making process for incontinent children with NB.
The morphology of extracted testicular sperm correlates with fertilization but not pregnancy rates
Authors: Schiff Jonathan D. , Luna Martha , Barritt Jason , Duke Marlena , Copperman Alan , Bar‐Chama Natan
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To investigate sperm morphology on the day of fresh testicular sperm extraction (TESE) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and its effect on fertilization and pregnancy rates, as TESE in conjunction with ICSI results in high fertilization and pregnancy rates in most patients, but to our knowledge only one small study has assessed the morphology of retrieved sperm and found no correlation with the success of fertilization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective database analysis in a large academic centre, 68 men had 75 cycles of TESE combined with ICSI from January 2004 until April 2006. Sperm obtained by TESE was morphologically analysed at high (×400–600) magnification and used for ICSI on the day of tissue retrieval. Sperm were classified as being either normal, having an amorphous head, having a mid‐piece defect or having multiple defects. The calculated percentage of abnormal sperm injected was compared with the normal fertilization rate using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and pregnancy rates between groups were compared using chi‐square analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen cycles had all morphologically normal sperm; 21 cycles had 50–99% normal forms and 39 cycles had <50% normal sperm. There was a highly significant correlation between the percentage of normal sperm used for ICSI and fertilization rates (P = 0.007). Overall, 43 clinical pregnancies resulted in this series, i.e. three among the group with all normal sperm injected, 12 in the group with 50–99% normal sperm and 28 in the group with <50% normal forms. There were also 11 pregnancies in cycles that used no normal forms. Pregnancy rates did not differ significantly among the groups (P = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

TESE with ICSI frequently results in successful pregnancy; normal morphology was highly and significantly associated with successful fertilization, but importantly there were still 10 clinical pregnancies in cycles where only abnormal sperm were used. Sperm morphology after TESE should be assessed at the time of the procedure, and whenever possible, morphologically normal sperm chosen for injection. However, it is reassuring that acceptable fertilization and pregnancy rates are still achievable in cases with no morphologically normal sperm available.
Increased postvoid residual volume after measuring the isovolumetric bladder pressure using the noninvasive condom catheter method
Authors: De Zeeuw Sandra , Van Mastrigt Ron
Published: October 2007

The papers in this section cover a variety of topics, from urodynamics using a noninvasive method, the morbidity associated with long‐term urinary catheters and attempts being made to lower this, the use of botulinum toxin in refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity, and finally, a study into the effect of chronic prostatitis‐like symptoms on the quality of life in a relatively large patient sample.

OBJECTIVE

To test, in an ongoing noninvasive longitudinal study in healthy men, whether the condom catheter method (a noninvasive urodynamic test to assess bladder function and bladder outlet obstruction) inhibits bladder function and whether this affects the reliability of the measured isovolumetric bladder pressure (Pves.iso).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects (754, aged 40–79 years) voided three times, i.e. one free void and two condom measurements. The postvoid residual volume (PVR) was measured after each void using transabdominal ultrasonography. The statistical significance of differences was tested using Wilcoxon rank test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

RESULTS

After free voiding the median (interquartile range) PVR was 18 (37) mL, and independent of the amount of fluid intake. In a subgroup of volunteers, when the free void was done last, the PVR was no different (P = 0.25), suggesting that the bladder did not become exhausted during the protocol. The PVR after two subsequent condom measurements was significantly higher than after free voiding, at 45 (78) and 57 (88) (both P < 0.05), independent of the number of interruptions in voiding. After supplementary fluid intake before the condom measurements, the PVR was double that with a normal fluid intake (P = 0.03). The median Pves.iso was 3 cmH2O higher in the second condom measurement than in the first (P < 0.05), although this small difference was not clinically relevant.

CONCLUSIONS

The condom measurement is associated with a significantly higher PVR, partly caused by supplementary fluid intake. This effect was only temporary and did not affect the measured Pves.iso.
The ‘ventral urethral elevation plus’ sling: a novel approach to treating stress urinary incontinence in men
Authors: Comiter Craig V. , Rhee Eugene Y.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the urodynamic changes after placing a novel ‘ventral urethral elevation plus’ (VUE+) sling (LeveraTM, Caldera Medical, Agoura Hills, CA, USA) in a cadaveric study, and in our initial experience in two patients.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

In two male cadavers (A and B) the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and retrograde leak‐point pressure (RLPP) were measured before and after transperineal placement of the Levera sling. A 5.5 × 7 cm sling, with two 1.5 × 22.5 cm inferior extensions and two 1.5 × 25 cm superior extensions, was placed over the bulbar urethra. The inferior extensions were passed using the transobturator approach, and the superior extensions by a prepubic approach. This procedure was offered to two men (C and D) with severe neurogenic intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

RESULTS

The mean baseline MUCP in specimen A was 55 cmH2O and the RLPP 35 cmH2O; after placing the sling the respective values increased to 75 and 70 cmH2O. In specimen B the respective mean values were 56 and 50 cmH2O, and after placing the sling were 82 and 75 cmH2O. In patient C, the RLPP increased from 17 cmH2O before surgery to 65 cmH2O afterward, and in patient D, from 20 to 70 cmH2O. At the 12‐month follow‐up, there was complete resolution of urinary incontinence in both patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The VUE+ Levera sling provides urethral compression against the perineal membrane using a straightforward pre‐pubic approach, and ventral elevation and compression of the bulbous urethra using the transobturator approach, avoiding the risks associated with of bone screws and retropubic needle passage. In our initial two patients stress incontinence was cured at 1 year of follow‐up. A long‐ term follow‐up and a larger prospective study of the VUE+ sling is needed to objectively assess the efficacy of this novel procedure.
Bargaining rationale for cooperative generic advertising*
Authors: Crespi John M. , James Jennifer S.
Published: October 2007

The beggar‐thy‐neighbour aspect of commodity advertising means that benefits to one commodity from advertising come at the expense of other commodities. The effect can be mitigated by cooperation among groups as shown by Alston, Freebairn and James (AFJ). A drawback to AFJ's analysis is that some cooperative outcomes require side payments from one producer group to another. This paper offers a bargaining solution as an alternative to cooperation in the case where cooperative side payments would be needed. We show that while bargaining without side payments is not as effective as cooperation at reducing beggar‐thy‐neighbour effects, it is a welfare improving alternative to non‐cooperation and is likely more practical in many situations.
Bioeconomic analysis of protected area use in fisheries management*
Authors: Greenville Jared , MacAulay Gordon
Published: October 2007

Protected areas in fishery management have been suggested to hedge management failures and variation in harvests. In this paper, a stochastic bioeconomic model of a two‐species fishery in the Manning Bioregion is used to test the performance of protected areas as a management tool in a fishery. The establishment of a protected area is analysed under the assumption of heterogenous environments that are linked via density‐dependent or sink‐source stock dispersal relationships. The sensitivity of the results to different degrees of management is also explored. The model is applied to the Ocean Prawn Trawl, and Ocean Trap and Line fisheries within Manning Bioregion in New South Wales, Australia. The focus of the study is placed on the biological and institutional characteristics that yield benefits to the fishery. It was found that protected area use in the Manning Bioregion is likely to have differing effects on the two fisheries examined, benefiting Ocean Trap and Line fishers but adversely affecting Ocean Prawn Trawl fishers. Overall, it is unlikely that protected area use will lead to an increase resource rent in the fishery.
REVIEW ESSAY
Authors: MENZEL PAUL T.
Published: October 2007

Rationing Health Care in America:Perceptions and Principles of Justice by Larry R. Churchill.

American Health Care:Realities, Rights, and Reforms by Charles J. Dougherty.

Should Medical Care Be Rationed by Age? edited by Timothy M. Smeeding, with Margaret P. Battin, Leslie P. Francis, and Bruce M. Landesman, Totowa, N.J., Rowman and Littlefield.