bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effects of antagonists of growth hormone releasing hormone on experimental prostate cancers are associated with upregulation of wild‐type p53 and decrease in p21 and mutant p53 proteins
Authors: Stangelberger Anton , Schally Andrew V. , Rick Ferenc G. , Varga Jozsef L. , Baker Benjamin , Zarandi Marta , Halmos Gabor
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

The tumor suppressor gene p53 is implicated in cell cycle control and apoptosis. Antagonists of growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH) have been shown to inhibit human experimental prostate cancers.

METHODS

We investigated the involvement of p53 apoptotic pathways in this effect. Nude mice bearing xenografted PC‐3, DU‐145, and MDA‐PCa‐2b human prostate cancer lines were treated with a new potent GHRH antagonist MZ‐J‐7‐138. To determine whether tumor inhibition by MZ‐J‐7‐138 involves apoptotic mechanisms such as p53 and p21, we evaluated by Western Blot the expression of mutant mt‐p53 in PC‐3 and DU‐145 and of wild type (wt‐p53) in MDA‐PCa‐2b prostate cancers as well as p21.

RESULTS

MZ‐J‐7‐138 significantly inhibited the growth of PC‐3, DU‐145, and MDA‐PCa‐2b xenografts in nude mice. Androgen deprivation with the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix enhanced the anti‐proliferative effect of GHRH antagonist MZ‐J‐7‐138 on MDA‐PCa‐2b tumors. The expression of mutant (mt‐p53) and p21 protein in PC‐3 and DU‐145 tumors was significantly decreased by treatment with MZ‐J‐7‐138, whereas wild type wt‐p53 expression in MDA‐PCA‐2b tumors was up regulated by treatment with Cetrorelix. All three models investigated expressed specific, high affinity GHRH receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the anti‐proliferative effects of GHRH antagonist MZ‐J‐7‐138 and LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix on prostate cancers involve p53 and p21 signaling. Prostate 72:555–565, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PDEF in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sood Ashwani K. , Kim Hyung , Geradts Joseph
Published: July 2011

Prostate‐derived Ets factor (PDEF) is a relatively recently described member of the Ets family of transcription factors. It differs from other family members in its restricted and epithelial‐specific expression in normal tissues and its unique DNA‐binding motif that together may impart interesting specificity to its function. This communication reviews our current understanding of the expression characteristics of PDEF in normal prostate and in prostate cancer. Also, the biochemical and genetic evidence relating to the role of this transcription factor in prostate cancer is reviewed. Most evidence is consistent with an oncogenic role for PDEF in prostate cancer. Specific observations about the loss of PDEF expression in prostate tumors and its apparent role as a prostate tumor suppressor are also discussed. PDEF is one of the few transcription factors with potential to have a significant impact on the management of prostate cancer. A better understanding of its biology and its role in prostate cancer is urgently needed. Prostate 72:592–596, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictive Performance of prostate cancer risk in Chinese men using 33 reported prostate cancer risk‐associated SNPs
Authors: Zheng Jie , Liu Fang , Lin Xiaoling , Wang Xiang , Ding Qiang , Jiang Haowen , Chen Hongyan , Lu Daru , Jin Guangfu , Hsing Ann W. , Shao Qiang , Qi Jun , Ye Yu , Wang Zhong , Gao Xin , Wang Guozeng , Chu Lisa W. , OuYang Jun , Huang Yichen , Chen Yanbo , Gao Yutang , Shi Rong , Wu Qijun , Wang Meilin , Zhang Zhengdong , Hu Yanlin , Sun Jielin , Zheng S. Lilly , Gao Xu , Xu Chuanliang , Mo Zengnan , Sun Yinghao , Xu Jianfeng
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were reproducibly associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk in populations of European descent. In aggregate, these variants have shown potential to predict risk for PCa in European men. However, their utility for PCa risk prediction in Chinese men is unknown.

METHODS

We selected 33 PCa risk‐related SNPs that were originally identified in populations of European descent. Genetic scores were estimated for subjects in a Chinese case–control study (1,108 cases and 1,525 controls) based on these SNPs. To assess the performance of the genetic score on its ability to predict risk for PCa, we calculated area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) in combination with 10‐fold cross‐validation.

RESULTS

The genetic score was significantly higher for cases than controls (P = 5.91 × 10−20), and was significantly associated with risk of PCa in a dose‐dependent manner (P for trend: 4.78 × 10−18). The AUC of the genetic score was 0.604 for risk prediction of PCa in Chinese men. When ORs derived from this Chinese study population were used to calculate genetic score, the AUCs were 0.631 for all 33 SNPs and 0.617 when using only the 11 significant SNPs.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that genetic variants related to PCa risk may be useful for risk prediction in Chinese men. Prospective studies are warranted to further evaluate these findings. Prostate 72:577–583, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathway specific gene expression profiling reveals oxidative stress genes potentially regulated by transcription co‐activator LEDGF/p75 in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Basu Anamika , Drame Awa , Muñoz Ruben , Gijsbers Rik , Debyser Zeger , De Leon Marino , Casiano Carlos A.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

Lens epithelium‐derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75) is a stress survival transcription co‐activator and autoantigen that is overexpressed in tumors, including prostate cancer (PCa). This oncoprotein promotes resistance to cell death induced by oxidative stress and chemotherapy by mechanisms that remain unclear. To get insights into these mechanisms we identified candidate target stress genes of LEDGF/p75 using pathway‐specific gene expression profiling in PCa cells.

METHODS

A “Human oxidative stress and antioxidant defense” qPCR array was used to identify genes exhibiting significant expression changes in response to knockdown or overexpression of LEDGF/p75 in PC‐3 cells. Validation of array results was performed by additional qPCR and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Cytoglobin (CYGB), Phosphoinositide‐binding protein PIP3‐E/IPCEF‐1, superoxidase dismutase 3 (SOD3), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and albumin (ALB) exhibited significant transcript down‐ and up‐regulation in response to LEDGF/p75 knockdown and overexpression, respectively. CYGB gene was selected for further validation based on its emerging role as a stress oncoprotein in human malignancies. In light of previous reports indicating that LEDGF/p75 regulates peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), and that PRDXs exhibit differential expression in PCa, we also examined the relationship between these proteins in PCa cells. Our validation data revealed that changes in LEDGF/p75 transcript and protein expression in PCa cells closely paralleled those of CYGB, but not those of the PRDXs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies CYGB and other genes as stress genes potentially regulated by LEDGF/p75 in PCa cells, and provides a rationale for investigating their role in PCa and in promoting resistance to chemotherapy‐ and oxidative stress‐induced cell death. Prostate 72:597–611, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a castrate resistant transplant tumor model of prostate cancer
Authors: Ellis Leigh , Lehet Kristin , Ramakrishnan Swathi , Adelaiye Remi , Pili Roberto
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

Currently, limited mouse models that mimic the clinical course of castrate resistant prostate development currently exist. Such mouse models are urgently required to conduct pre‐clinical studies to assist in the understanding of disease progression and the development of rational therapeutic strategies to treat castrate resistant prostate cancer.

METHODS

Wild type intact FVB male mice were injected by subcutaneous injection with Myc‐CaP cells to establish androgen sensitive Myc‐CaP tumors. Tumor bearing mice were castrated and resulting tumors serially passaged in pre‐castrated FVB male mice to produce a bone fide Myc‐CaP castrate resistant tumor.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that initial androgen sensitive Myc‐CaP tumors had strong nuclear transcriptional active androgen receptor expression, as indicated by marked c‐MYC staining and were highly proliferative. Castration of tumor bearing animals resulted in cytoplasmic relocation of androgen receptor concurrent with loss of transcriptional activity and tumor proliferation. Serial passaging of castrate refractory Myc‐CaP in pre‐castrated male FVB mice resulted in the development of a bona fide castrate resistant Myc‐CaP tumor which pheno‐copied the original androgen sensitive parental Myc‐CaP tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing a murine castrate transplant resistant tumor model that mimics the clinical course of human castrate resistant prostate cancer will create better opportunities to understand the development of castrate resistant prostate cancer and also allow for more rapid pre‐clinical studies to stratify rational novel therapies for this lethal form of prostate cancer. Prostate 72:587–591, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mating disruption for the control of Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) may contribute to increased effectiveness of natural enemies
Authors: Vacas Sandra , Vanaclocha Pilar , Alfaro Cristina , Primo Jaime , Verdú María Jesús , Urbaneja Alberto , Navarro‐Llopis Vicente
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: New directives on sustainable use of pesticides have encouraged research on efficient alternative pest control methods. In the case of the California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), this imperative, along with the many difficulties in controlling this pest, have led to the investigation of new approaches. Previously developed mating disruption (MD) dispensers, together with the augmentative releases of the parasitoid Aphytis melinus DeBach, are here considered as a combined strategy for use against A. aurantii.

RESULTS: Efficacy of MD was demonstrated by a mean reduction of 80% in CRS male catches and a mean fruit damage reduction of 83% compared with the control. A delay in the development of A. aurantii instars was observed in the MD plot. This delay increased the period of exposure of the susceptible instars to natural enemies, which resulted in higher predation and parasitism levels in the MD plot. Under laboratory conditions, A. melinus mating behaviour and effects on A. aurantii were not significantly altered in a CRS‐pheromone‐saturated environment.

CONCLUSION: Mating disruption pheromone did not affect the behaviour or level of parasitism by A. melinus or the incidence of other generalist predators. Therefore, A. aurantii pheromone appears to be compatible with augmentative releases and biological control, making its use a good strategy for CRS management. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of surface treatments and application shanks on nematode, pathogen and weed control with 1,3‐dichloropropene
Authors: Jhala Amit J , Gao Suduan , Gerik James S , Qin Ruijun , Hanson Bradley D
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Preplant fumigation with methyl bromide (MeBr) has been used for control of soilborne pests in high‐value annual, perennial and nursery crops, but is being phased out. In 2007 and 2008, research trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of surface treatments and two application shanks on pest control with 1,3‐dicloropropene (1,3‐D) in perennial crop nurseries.

RESULTS: All 1,3‐D treatments controlled nematodes similarly to MeBr. Application of 1,3‐D with virtually impermeable film (VIF) reduced Fusarium oxysporum compared with unfumigated plots, but was not as effective as MeBr. Applications of 1,3‐D with VIF or 1,3‐D followed by metam sodium reduced Pythium spp., but 1,3‐D followed by intermittent water seals was comparable with the untreated plots. When sealed with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film or VIF, 1,3‐D generally was as effective as MeBr for reducing weed density and total weed biomass, but weed control was reduced by intermittent water seals and in unsealed plots subsequently re‐treated with additional 1,3‐D or metam sodium.

CONCLUSION: Applications of 1,3‐D sealed with HDPE or VIF film or with intermittent water seals can control nematodes similarly to MeBr. However, additional management practices may be needed for effective pathogen and weed control if plastic film is not used. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensitization mechanisms of 1 µm luminescence in Tb3+–Yb3+ co‐doped borate glasses
Authors: Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: July 2011

Tb3+–Yb3+ co‐doped borate glasses were prepared and the ultraviolet/visible sensitization of infrared luminescence of Yb3+ has been evaluated by the photoluminescence (PL), the PL excitation (PLE) spectra, and the lifetime measurement. The Tb3+: 5D4–7FJ luminescence in visible range and the Yb3+: 2F5/2–2F7/2 luminescence at 1000 nm were observed upon the excitation of Tb3+: 4f levels by 378 and 488 nm. On the basis of the difference in behavior of the Yb3+ concentration dependence of the integrated PL intensity and lifetimes of the Yb3+:2F7/2 level by UV and blue excitations, the energy transfer (ET) paths by the UV, and blue excitation are different. The intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band between the Tb3+–Yb3+ pair were observed in the PLE spectra monitoring the Yb3+ emission. We conclude that the ET is caused through the IVCT state by the UV excitation and the ET upon the 5D4 level excitation of Tb3+ by 488 nm is caused by phonon assisted ET or cooperative downconversion.
Effects of Ephedra Water Decoction and Cough Tablets containing Ephedra and Liquorice on CYP1A2 and the Pharmacokinetics of Theophylline in Rats
Authors: Tang Jingling , Zhou Xiaoyan , Ji Hongyu , Zhu Daling , Wu Linhua
Published: July 2011

Ephedra water decoction (EWD) and cough tablets containing ephedra and liquorice (maxing cough tablets, MXCT) have been used widely in the treatment of asthma. In the clinic, EWD and MXCT may be prescribed with theophylline, one of the most popular antiasthmatic drugs and a typical substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2. So in the present study the potential effects of EWD and MXCT on CYP1A2 activity and the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in rats were evaluated.

In the in vivo CYP1A2 activity research, the rats were given oral caffeine (10 mg/kg) after a 14 day pretreatment with EWD (18 g/kg) and MXCT (0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 g/kg). Then the CYP 1A2 activity was expressed by using the caffeine metabolic ratio (CMR). The results showed that the CMR increased markedly compared with the control groups. In the pharmacokinetics experiment, the rats were given oral theophylline (10 mg/kg) after a 14 day pretreatment with EWD (18 g/kg) and MXCT (0.2 g/kg). The results showed that the AUC0‐24 h and Cmax of theophylline were reduced markedly compared with the control groups.

These results demonstrated that EWD or MXCT pretreatment obviously induced CYP1A2 activity, therefore, speeding up the metabolism of theophylline. The concomitant use of EWD or MXCT may decrease the effect of theophylline in rats. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of Olive Leaf Extract‐Ameliorated Rat Arthritis Caused by Kaolin and Carrageenan
Authors: Gong Dezheng , Geng Chengyan , Jiang Liping , Wang Lihui , Yoshimura Hiroyuki , Zhong Laifu
Published: July 2011

Olive leaf extract (OLE) has antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions. However, the role of OLE in mechanical inflammatory arthritis (osteoarthritis, OA) is unclear. This study investigated the effect of OLE on the development of kaolin and carrageenan‐induced arthritis, a murine model of OA. Administration of OLE significantly ameliorated paw swelling, the paw Evans blue content and the histopathological scores. In the human monocyte cell line, THP‐1, the OLE reduced the LPS‐induced TNF‐α production and was dose dependent. Croton oil‐induced ear edema in mice also revealed that treatment with OLE suppressed ear edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) production and was dose dependent. These results indicated that OLE is an effective antiarthritis agent through an antiinflammation mechanism. Also OLE may be beneficial for the treatment of OA in humans. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrections to ‘ filtering for singularly perturbed nonlinear systems’
Authors: Aliyu M. D. S.
Published: July 2011

In a recently published paper, the authors considered the ‐filtering problem for singularly perturbed (two time‐scale) nonlinear systems. Two types of filters were discussed; namely, decomposition and aggregate, and sufficient conditions for the solvability of the problem in terms of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaac's equations were presented. In this note, we provide a modification to the HJIEs that make them more formal and amenable to computations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AFM detection of mitogen‐induced morphological changes in Human B lymphocyte
Authors: Wang Qiulan , Wang Mu , Li Shengpu , Xing Xiaobo , Liu Xiao , Dong Shisong , Cai Jiye
Published: July 2011

B‐lymphocyte activation plays an important role in humoral immune system, and its process has been studied well in vivo and in vitro. However, the ultrastructure and adhesion property changes remain unclear. In this study, changes in the morphology and mechanical properties of human peripheral blood B lymphocytes were first studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). B lymphocytes were treated with the mitogen, pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain I (SAC) for 24 hr. After B lymphocyte is stimulated by the mitogen, the cell height, diameter, and volume are changed in different degree. The ultrastructure of the B lymphocytes membrane obviously displayed proteins gathering, corresponding with larger changes of average roughness and mean height of particles on cell membrane. Meanwhile, we detected the adhesion force of B lymphocytes after being stimulated by PWM and SAC. We found that the treated cells had a higher adhesion force of 304.16 ± 60.30 pN (PWM) and 249.63 ± 58.03 pN (SAC) than that of control group (104.28 ± 21.77 pN). Therefore, our results could provide new information to further understand the B‐lymphocyte activation process and their structure‐function analyses. SCANNING 34: 60–67, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real‐time in vivo imaging collagen in lymphedematous skin using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Wu Xiufeng , Zhuo Shuangmu , Chen Jianxin , Liu Ningfei
Published: July 2011

Changes of dermal collagen are characteristic for chronic lymphedema. To evaluate these changes, a real‐time imaging based on two‐photon excited fluorescence and second‐harmonic generation was developed for investigating collagen of lymphedematous mouse and rat tail skin in vivo. Our findings showed that the technique could image the morphological changes and distribution of collagen in lymphedematous mouse and rat tail skin in vivo. More importantly, it may allow visualization of dynamic collagen alteration during the progression of lymphedema. Our findings demonstrated that multiphoton microscopy may have potential in a clinical setting as an in vivo diagnostic and monitoring system for therapy in lymphology. SCANNING 33:463–467, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Prospects of a Subnanometer Focused Neon Ion Beam
Authors: Rahman F. H. M. , McVey Shawn , Farkas Louis , Notte John A. , Tan Shida , Livengood Richard H.
Published: July 2011

The success of the helium ion microscope has encouraged extensions of this technology to produce beams of other ion species. A review of the various candidate ion beams and their technical prospects suggest that a neon beam might be the most readily achieved. Such a neon beam would provide a sputtering yield that exceeds helium by an order of magnitude while still offering a theoretical probe size less than 1‐nm. This article outlines the motivation for a neon gas field ion source, the expected performance through simulations, and provides an update of our experimental progress. SCANNING 33: 129–134, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lessons learned from transferring software products to India
Authors: Šmite Darja , Wohlin Claes
Published: July 2011

Globalization has influenced the way software is developed today, and many software organizations have started to actively utilize resources from around the world. However, these endeavors are recognized as very challenging, and they have attracted a lot of attention in software research in the past decade. Unlike many other research initiatives, which explore the complexities of distributed software development activities, the focus of this paper is on software transfers. Software transfers refer to activities that are moved from one location to another. The authors draw attention to the lessons learned from an empirical investigation of two transfer projects conducted at Ericsson. Both transfers were performed between a site in Sweden and a site in India. The observations outline a set of generic practices that have been found useful for transferring software development within a company. It also highlights a number of challenges to be addressed and a set of corresponding recommendations. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need to identify software products that are suitable for transfers and the need to monitor the long‐term effects of transfer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resilience implications of policy responses to climate change
Authors: Adger W. Neil , Brown Katrina , Nelson Donald R. , Berkes Fikret , Eakin Hallie , Folke Carl , Galvin Kathleen , Gunderson Lance , Goulden Marisa , O'Brien Karen , Ruitenbeek Jack , Tompkins Emma L.
Published: July 2011

This article examines whether some response strategies to climate variability and change have the potential to undermine long‐term resilience of social–ecological systems. We define the parameters of a resilience approach, suggesting that resilience is characterized by the ability to absorb perturbations without changing overall system function, the ability to adapt within the resources of the system itself, and the ability to learn, innovate, and change. We evaluate nine current regional climate change policy responses and examine governance, sensitivity to feedbacks, and problem framing to evaluate impacts on characteristics of a resilient system. We find that some responses, such as the increase in harvest rates to deal with pine beetle infestations in Canada and expansion of biofuels globally, have the potential to undermine long‐term resilience of resource systems. Other responses, such as decentralized water planning in Brazil and tropical storm disaster management in Caribbean islands, have the potential to increase long‐term resilience. We argue that there are multiple sources of resilience in most systems and hence policy should identify such sources and strengthen capacities to adapt and learn. WIREs Clim Change 2011 2 757–766 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.133

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
The risk of spontaneous rupture of liver hemangiomas: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Donati Marcello , Stavrou Gregor A. , Donati Angelo , Oldhafer Karl J.
Published: July 2011

Background

The risk of spontaneous bleeding or rupture of liver hemangiomas still remains unknown. The aim of this review was to analyze the problem of spontaneous bleeding or rupture in liver hemangiomas and to identify factors leading to bleeding in these cases.

Methods

A MEDLINE search was undertaken to identify articles in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish from 1898 to 2010. Basic data such as age and sex of patients were collected. Additional data such as risk factors or causes of rupture were also analyzed. Cases were divided into spontaneous and non‐spontaneous ruptures.

Results

A total of 97 cases are described. In 51 of the 97 patients (52.6%) a non‐spontaneous rupture was identified. Only in 46 out of the 97 cases (47.4%) was a spontaneous rupture found. Non‐spontaneous rupture was significantly more frequent in patients aged <40 years than in older ones (p = 0.0099).

Mean size of the ruptured lesions was 11.2 cm (range 1–37 cm). Massive bleeding occurred in 88 patients (90.7%). Reported mortality over the past 20 years has been significantly lower than before (p < 0.001).

The overall mortality for the period under study was ~35%.

Conclusions

The spontaneous rupture of a hepatic hemangioma is to be considered an exceptional event. Preventive surgery should be considered only for lesions of at least 11‐cm size in special cohorts of patients.
Unique System of Care Issues and Challenges in Serving Children Under Age 3 and their Families
Authors: Finello Karen Moran , Poulsen Marie Kanne
Published: July 2011

This article addresses the primary modifications necessary for system change to better meet the mental health needs of children under the age of three. The role of risk and resiliency factors in the young child, family and community and the necessity for a comprehensive community infant‐family mental health system with a focus on the whole family are addressed. Barriers to care within early childhood systems of care are examined, including stigma, community referral and collaboration, diagnostic concerns during infancy, issues around family engagement, empowerment and partnership, funding of comprehensive and well coordinated infant‐family services, workforce capacity and evaluation. Recommendations for implementation of system changes at the community and federal levels are proposed.
Safety and dose flexibility clinical evaluation of intravesical liposome in patients with interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Lee Wei‐Ching , Chuang Yao‐Chi , Lee Wei‐Chia , Chiang Po‐Hui
Published: July 2011

To present single institution open‐label experience with intravesical liposomes (LPs), a mucosal protective agent, in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) and to assess the safety and efficacy on IC/PBS symptoms. A total of 17 symptomatic IC/PBS patients were treated with intravesical LPs (80 mg/40 mL distilled water) once a week for 4 weeks (n = 12) or twice a week treatment for 4 weeks (n = 5). The primary outcome was the change in the O'Leary‐Sant Symptom/Problem score and O'Leary‐Sant total Score from baseline to Week 4 and Week 8. Other outcome measurements included the changes in pain scale, urgency scale, voiding log, and patient global assessment. Both weekly and biweekly LP instillation regiments were well tolerated. The incidence of urinary incontinence, retention, or unanticipated adverse changes was not noted at any dose either during the treatment or at the 4‐week follow‐up. The O'Leary‐Sant Symptom/Problem score, O'Leary‐Sant total Score, and pain score were significantly improved from baseline at both dose regimens with added benefit with the biweekly regimen. Intravesical LPs treatment is safe and its efficacy has sustained duration. Furthermore large‐scale, placebo‐controlled studies are warranted to assess the efficacy for this promising new treatment for IC/PBS.
Motor ability and adaptive function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Wang Hui‐Yi , Huang Tzu‐Hsiu , Lo Sing‐Kai
Published: July 2011

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder. Previous studies have reported that children with ADHD exhibit deficits of adaptive function and insufficient motor ability. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between adaptive function and motor ability in children with ADHD compared with a group of normal children. The study group included 25 children with ADHD (19 boys and 6 girls), aged from 4.6 years to 8.6 years (mean ± standard deviation, 6.5 ± 1.2). A group of 24 children without ADHD (normal children) were selected to match the children with ADHD on age and gender. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, which includes three subtests, was used to assess the motor ability of the children of both groups. The Chinese version of Adaptive Behavior Scales, which consists of 12 life domains, was used to assess adaptive function of the children with ADHD. Compared with the normal children, children with ADHD exhibited poorer motor ability on all the three subtests of motor assessment. In the ADHD group, nine (36%) children had significant motor impairments and seven (28%) were borderline cases. A total of 10 (40%) children with ADHD had definite adaptive problems in one or more adaptive domains. With statistically controlling of IQ for the ADHD group, those children with impaired motor ability had significantly poorer behaviors in the adaptive domain of home living (p = 0.035). Moreover, children with ADHD who had severely impaired manual dexterity performed worse than the control group in the adaptive domains of home living (r = −0.47, p = 0.018), socialization (r = −0.49, p = 0.013), and self‐direction (r = −0.41, p = 0.040). In addition, children with poorer ball skills had worse home living behavior (r = −0.56, p = 0.003). Children who had more impaired balance exhibited poorer performance in social behavior (r = −0.41, p = 0.040). This study found significant correlation between motor ability and adaptive function in children with ADHD, especially in their adaptive domains of home living, socialization, and self‐direction. In clinical settings, identification of motor difficulties may have important implications for the understanding of relative factors in effective management of the adaptive dysfunction in children with ADHD.
Preaching at the British Association for the Advancement of Science: sermons, secularization and the rhetoric of conflict in the 1870s
Authors: TOAL CIARAN
Published: July 2011

Much attention has been given to the science–religion controversies attached to the British Association for the Advancement of Science, from the infamous 1860 Huxley–Wilberforce debate at Oxford to John Tyndall's 1874 ‘Belfast Address’. Despite this, almost no attention has been given to the vast homiletic literature preached during the British Association meetings throughout the nineteenth century. During an association meeting the surrounding churches and halls were packed with men of science, as local and visiting preachers sermonized on the relationship between science and religion. These sermons are revealing, particularly in the 1870s when the ‘conflict thesis’ gained momentum. In this context, this paper analyses the rhetoric of conflict in the sermons preached during the meetings of the association, exploring how science–religion conflict was framed and understood through time. Moreover, it is argued that attention to the geography of the Sunday activities of the British Association provides insight into the complex dynamic of nineteenth-century secularization.
Effects of linseed consumption for a short period of time on lipid profile and atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet
Authors: Prim Camila Rodrigues , Baroncini Liz Andréa Villela , Précoma Leonardo Brandão , Caron Pedro Henrique Lamach , Winter Guilherme , Poletti Mônica Olímpia Dall'Oglio , Précoma Dalton Bertolim
Published: July 2011

Linseed contains biologically active substances, such as lignans, fibres and linoleic acid, which are believed to provide cardioprotective effects. The objective of the present study was to assess the potential hypolipaemic, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of linseed consumption using an experimental animal model, with rabbits fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet (1 % cholesterol extracted from lyophilised egg). A total of twenty white male rabbits were selected and divided into two groups: group I (GI), control group, ten rabbits; group II (GII), ten rabbits. The animals were fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet for 56 d. For the GII diet, ground linseed was added from day 29 through to day 56. Animals underwent aortic arch and descending aorta dissection on day 56 for histological, morphometric and immunohistochemical analysis. At the end of the experiment, GII animals presented with lower levels of total cholesterol (TC, 10 068·3 v. 16 767·0 mg/l; P < 0·05) and lower levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C; 10 743·2 v. 15 961·2 mg/l; P < 0·05) when compared with the GI control group. There was no significant difference in serum HDL-cholesterol and TAG between the two groups. Almost all animals exhibited type III atherosclerotic lesions in the descending aorta. There was no statistically significant difference between the intima area and the intima:media layer area ratio in both groups. There was no difference between the positive areas for vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 molecules between the groups. Linseed consumption showed hypolipaemic action by reducing LDL-C and TC levels; however, this cholesterol-lowering effect did not reduce the atherosclerotic lesions induced by a hypercholesterolaemic diet (1 % cholesterol) for a short period of time.
Repeated and long-term treatment with physiological concentrations of resveratrol promotes NO production in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Takahashi Satoru , Nakashima Yukiko
Published: July 2011

In the present study, we examined the effect of repeated and long-term treatment with resveratrol on NO production in endothelial cells as a model of routine wine consumption. Repeated treatment with resveratrol for 5 d resulted in an increase in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein content and NO production in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) in a concentration-dependent manner. A significant increase in functional eNOS protein content was observed with resveratrol, even at 50 nm. In contrast, eNOS phosphorylation was not stimulated and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was not detected after resveratrol treatment. Both eNOS protein and mRNA expression were promoted by 50 nm-resveratrol in a time-dependent manner. Increased eNOS mRNA expression in response to resveratrol was not decreased by an oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182780, a PPARα inhibitor MK886 or a sirtuin inhibitor Salermide. However, a combination of ICI182780 and MK886 significantly inhibited resveratrol-induced eNOS mRNA expression. Salermide had no effect even in the presence of ICI182780 or MK886. These results demonstrate that resveratrol within the physiological range increases eNOS mRNA and protein expression through ER and PPARα activation, thereby promoting NO production in endothelial cells. eNOS induction might result from the accumulative effect of nanomolar concentrations of resveratrol. The present study results can account in part for the observation that cardiovascular benefits of red wine are experienced with routine consumption, but not with acute consumption.
Proteinase and phospholipase activities and development at different temperatures of yeasts isolated from bovine milk
Authors: Melville Priscilla A , Benites Nilson R , Ruz-Peres Monica , Yokoya Eugenio
Published: July 2011

The presence of yeasts in milk may cause physical and chemical changes limiting the durability and compromising the quality of the product. Moreover, milk and dairy products contaminated by yeasts may be a potential means of transmission of these microorganisms to man and animals causing several kinds of infections. This study aimed to determine whether different species of yeasts isolated from bovine raw milk had the ability to develop at 37°C and/or under refrigeration temperature. Proteinase and phospholipase activities resulting from these yeasts were also monitored at different temperatures. Five genera of yeasts (Aureobasidium sp., Candida spp., Geotrichum spp., Trichosporon spp. and Rhodotorula spp.) isolated from bovine raw milk samples were evaluated. All strains showed one or a combination of characteristics: growth at 37°C (99·09% of the strains), psychrotrophic behaviour (50·9%), proteinase production (16·81% of the strains at 37°C and 4·09% under refrigeration) and phospholipase production (36·36% of the isolates at 37°C and 10·9% under refrigeration), and all these factors may compromise the quality of the product. Proteinase production was similar for strains incubated at 37°C (16·81% of the isolates) and room temperature (17·27%) but there was less amount of phospholipase-producing strains at room temperature (15·45% of the isolates were positive) when compared with incubation at 37°C (36·36%). Enzymes production at 37°C by yeasts isolated from milk confirmed their pathogenic potential. The refrigeration temperature was found to be most efficient to inhibit enzymes production and consequently ensure better quality of milk. The viability of yeasts and the activity of their enzymes at different temperatures are worrying because this can compromise the quality of dairy products at all stages of production and/or storage, and represent a risk to the consumer.
Negative predictive value of normal nasal endoscopy for sinus disease as a cause of isolated facial pain
Authors: Kieff D A , BuSaba N Y
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To determine the negative predictive value of normal nasal endoscopy in assessing paranasal sinus disease as the cause of isolated facial pain in the sinus regions.

Subjects and methods:

The study group comprised 42 consecutive adult patients presenting with the isolated symptom of facial pain, and a negative nasal endoscopy. Patients underwent sinus computed tomography to determine whether radiographic findings indicated a sinugenic aetiology.

Results:

Patients comprised 27 women and 15 men, with a median age of 38 years. Twenty patients had unilateral pain, 33 per cent had sinus radiographic findings that might explain their facial pain, and 10 per cent had imaging demonstrating mucosal disease in one or more sinuses correlating with the location of the facial pain. Thirty-one per cent had anatomical radiographic findings that could potentially obstruct the osteomeatal unit.

Conclusion:

Normal nasal endoscopy had a negative predictive value of 67 per cent in excluding a sinugenic cause of isolated facial pain, if radiographically determined anatomical factors and mucosal disease were both included as positive findings; this rose to more than 90 per cent if only those patients with mucosal sinus disease were considered as true positive patients.
An unusual cause of nasal airway obstruction in a neonate: trans-sellar, trans-sphenoidal cephalocoele
Authors: Steven R A , Rothera M P , Tang V , Bruce I A
Published: July 2011

Introduction:

Neonates are obligate nasal breathers, and nasal obstruction may have serious implications. We present an extremely rare cause of neonatal nasal obstruction, and its management.

Case report:

An eight-day-old neonate was referred for upper airway obstruction. Initial investigations had identified no obvious cause. Rigid airway endoscopy revealed a large, cystic lesion appearing to arise from the roof of the posterior nasal space. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a basal cephalocoele projecting inferiorly into the oropharynx, with an intracranial connection to the pituitary fossa. Histology showed fibrovascular tissue lined on one aspect by respiratory type epithelium, with mucous glands present. The tissue contained multiple cystic spaces lined by choroid plexus epithelium, with glial tissue present in the walls of the mass. A transpalatal excision of the nasopharyngeal cephalocoele, with closure of the intracranial connection, palatal repair and lumbar drain placement was undertaken. Post-operative recovery was uneventful, with no evidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage or palatal dysfunction.

Conclusion:

This surgical approach gave excellent access whilst avoiding the obvious morbidity associated with an intracranial approach. Nasal masses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress due to nasal obstruction.
Back from the brink: ageing, exercise and health in a small gym
Authors: TULLE EMMANUELLE , DORRER NIKA
Published: July 2011

This paper discusses findings from a qualitative study which explored older adults' experiences of becoming regular exercisers in a gym triggered by health problems and their interactions with their younger gym instructors. A key question which the study sought to address was whether becoming embedded in the sub-field of exercise challenged traditional discourses of ageing (age habitus). While these older gym users reported significant benefits (greater health capital, expanded social networks and a return to active life after illness), they nevertheless were engaged in a complex and ambiguous negotiation of attitudes to bodily ageing and meanings of fitness and competence. In contrast, the instructors subscribed to a model of physical activity oriented towards physical capital as greater fitness. The paper suggests that these positions manifest competing understandings about what constitutes appropriate and desirable physical capital in later life. Budgetary constraints, beliefs about physical ability, professional expectations and the persistence of the discourse of decline prevent this gap from being easily bridged and allow alternative notions of ageing physicality to colonise the sub-field of exercise. The paper concludes that there is a need to develop ways of breaking down barriers in communication to overcome divergent understandings of what constitutes legitimate physical capital as we get older.
Children's interpretation of disjunction in the scope of ‘before’: a comparison of English and Mandarin
Authors: NOTLEY ANNA , ZHOU PENG , JENSEN BRITTA , CRAIN STEPHEN
Published: July 2011

This study investigates three- to five-year-old children's interpretation of disjunction in sentences like ‘The dog reached the finish line before the turtle or the bunny’. English disjunction has a conjunctive interpretation in such sentences (‘The dog reached the finish line before the turtle and before the bunny’). This interpretation conforms with classical logic. Mandarin disjunction (‘huozhe’) can take scope over ‘before’ (‘zai … zhiqian’), so the same sentence can mean ‘The dog reached the finish line before the turtle or before the bunny (I don't know which)’. If children are guided by adult input in the acquisition of sentence meanings, English- and Mandarin-speaking children should assign different interpretations to such sentences. If children are guided by logical principles, then children acquiring either language should initially assign the conjunctive interpretation of disjunction. A truth-value judgment task was used to test this prediction and English- and Mandarin-speaking children were found to behave similarly.
Mycoplasmas in the urine of HIV-1 infected men
Authors: JIAN-RU W. , BEI W. , HAO C. , JIN-SHUI X. , XI-PING H.
Published: July 2011

The aim of this study was determine the prevalence ofMycoplasma hominis, M. genitalium,M. fermentans,M. pirum,M.penetransandUreaplasma urealyticumin HIV-infected patients. Culture and PCR were used to detect six species ofMycoplasmain first-void urine of HIV-1 infected men. A total of 497 HIV/AIDS patients (age range 5–75 years, mean 37 years) were screened in the study. All presented positive for at least one kind of mycoplasma, especiallyU.urealyticumandM. hominis. Six mycoplasmas were significant in the homosexual contact and heterosexual contact groups. The distribution ofM. hominis,M.penetrans, andM. pirumwere significantly different in this four-transmission category. CD4+cell count levels were lower in the AIDS-associatedMycoplasma-positive group than in theMycoplasma-negative group (P<0·01). This study indicates thatU.urealyticum,M. hominisandM.fermentansare prevalent in HIV-1-infected male patients. This may be an indication of whether mycoplasmas are co-factors in the progression of HIV disease.
Premeiotic transformation of germ plasm-related structures during the sea urchin spermatogenesis
Authors: Reunov Arkadiy A.
Published: July 2011

The germ plasm-related structures (GPRS) and the transformation that occurs to them during the spermatogenesis of the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina were studied by electron microscopy and morphometry. The GPRS were observed in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, but not in spermatids and sperm, which suggests an important role for these structures during the onset of meiosis. It was proposed that the germinal granules are fragmented into the compact electron-dense nuage, and fragments of the latter penetrate into the periphery of the compact electron-lucent nuage. The process of nuage integration is completed with the formation of the combined nuage, which aggregates some mitochondria into clusters. Once formed, the mitochondrial clusters undergo dissemination and assume the appearance of the dispersed nuage with mitochondrial derivatives, which in turn develops into the scattered nuage. The scattered nuage, which presumably presents the composite mixture saturated with mitochondrial matrix, terminates the GPRS transformation.
Cat fertilization by mouse sperm injection
Authors: Jin Yong-Xun , Cui Xiang-Shun , Yu Xian-Feng , Lee Sung-Hyun , Wang Qing-Ling , Gao Wei-Wei , Xu Yong-Nan , Sun Shao-Chen , Kong IL-Keun , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: July 2011

Interspecies intracytoplasmic sperm injection has been carried out to understand species-specific differences in oocyte environments and sperm components during fertilization. While sperm aster organization during cat fertilization requires a paternally derived centriole, mouse and hamster fertilization occur within the maternal centrosomal components. To address the questions of where sperm aster assembly occurs and whether complete fertilization is achieved in cat oocytes by interspecies sperm, we studied the fertilization processes of cat oocytes following the injection of cat, mouse, or hamster sperm. Male and female pronuclear formations were not different in the cat oocytes at 6 h following cat, mouse or hamster sperm injection. Microtubule asters were seen in all oocytes following intracytoplasmic injection of cat, mouse or hamster sperm. Immunocytochemical staining with a histone H3-m2K9 antibody revealed that mouse sperm chromatin is incorporated normally with cat egg chromatin, and that the cat eggs fertilized with mouse sperm enter metaphase and become normal 2-cell stage embryos. These results suggest that sperm aster formation is maternally dependent, and that fertilization processes and cleavage occur in a non-species specific manner in cat oocytes.