bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cautionary tales in the clinical interpretation of studies of diagnostic tests
Authors: Scott I. A. , Greenberg P. B. , Poole P. J.
Published: July 2007

The use of investigational tests in making a diagnosis is a core activity of physicians and one that requires an understanding of the accuracy and usefulness of specific tests in discriminating between several diagnostic possibilities. Studies of diagnostic tests are frequently methodologically flawed and their results are often not well understood or applied in clinical practice. This article defines the performance characteristics of diagnostic tests, describes several commonly encountered deficiencies in study design which may invalidate reports of new diagnostic tests, and explains a Bayesian approach to interpreting test results in terms of disease probability.
Influence of PCPA and MDMA (ecstasy) on physiology, development and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dasari Sameera , Viele Kert , Turner A. Clay , Cooper Robin L.
Published: July 2007

The effects of para‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and 3,4 methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) were investigated in relation to development, behavior and physiology in larval Drosophila. PCPA blocks the synthesis of serotonin (5‐HT) and MDMA is known to deplete 5‐HT in mammalian neurons; thus these studies were conducted primarily to target the serotonergic system. Treatment with PCPA and MDMA delayed time to pupation and eclosion. The developmental rate was investigated with a survival analysis statistical approach that is unique for Drosophila studies. Locomotion and eating were reduced in animals exposed to MDMA or PCPA. Sensitivity to exogenously applied 5‐HT on an evoked sensory–central nervous system (CNS)–motor circuit showed that the CNS is sensitive to 5‐HT but that when depleted of 5‐HT by PCPA a decreased sensitivity occurred. A diet with MDMA produced an enhanced response to exogenous 5‐HT on the central circuit. Larvae eating MDMA from the first to third instar did not show a reduction in 5‐HT within the CNS; however, eating PCPA reduced 5‐HT as well as dopamine content as measured by high performance liquid chromatography from larval brains. As the heart serves as a good bioindex of 5‐HT exposure, it was used in larvae fed PCPA and MDMA but no significant effects occurred with exogenous 5‐HT. In summary, the action of these pharmacological compounds altered larval behaviors and development. PCPA treatment changed the sensitivity in the CNS to 5‐HT, suggesting that 5‐HT receptor regulation is modulated by neural activity of the serotonergic neurons. The actions of acute MDMA exposure suggest a 5‐HT agonist action or possible dumping of 5‐HT from neurons.
Embryonic depletion of serotonin affects cortical development
Authors: Vitalis Tania , Cases Olivier , Passemard Sandrine , Callebert Jacques , Parnavelas John G.
Published: July 2007

Compelling evidence suggests that serotonin (5‐HT) is necessary for the refined organization of the cerebral cortex. Here we sought to analyse the short‐ and long‐term consequences of embryonic 5‐HT depletion on the development of the cerebral neocortex of the rat. We focused on the migration and differentiation of the pyramidal (projection) and nonpyramidal (interneuron) neuronal populations. Our paradigm used daily injection of DL‐P‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), a reversible inhibitor of 5‐HT synthesis, during the E12–17 stage of embryonic development, when major events in corticogenesis take place. We monitored the 5‐HT depletion induced by this treatment and showed that it led to subtle alterations in both the pyramidal and nonpyramidal neuronal populations. We found that E12–17 PCPA treatment altered the maturation of pyramidal neurons of layers III and V of the somatosensory cortex, with these cells displaying reduced dendritic arborization and complexity. These long‐lasting alterations were not associated with modification of cortical BDNF levels at postnatal stages. We also showed that PCPA treatment transiently altered the incorporation in the cortical plate of interneurons derived from the caudal ganglionic eminence, and persistently affected the differentiation of a subpopulation expressing calretinin and/or cholecystokinin.
The anandamide transport inhibitor AM404 reduces ethanol self‐administration
Authors: Cippitelli Andrea , Bilbao Ainhoa , Gorriti Miguel Angel , Navarro Miguel , Massi Maurizio , Piomelli Daniele , Ciccocioppo Roberto , De Fonseca Fernando Rodríguez
Published: July 2007

The endocannabinoid system mediates in the pharmacological actions of ethanol and genetic studies link endocannabinoid signaling to alcoholism. Drugs activating cannabinoid CB1 receptors have been found to promote alcohol consumption but their effects on self‐administration of alcohol are less clear because of the interference with motor performance. To avoid this problem, a novel pharmacological approach to the study of the contribution of the cannabinoid system in alcoholism may be to use drugs that locally amplify the effects of alcohol on endogenous cannabinoids. In the present study we addressed this model by studying the effects of the anandamide transport inhibitor N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) arachidonoyl‐ethanolamide (AM404) on both ethanol self‐administration and reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior in rats. The results show that AM404 significantly reduced ethanol self‐administration in a dose‐dependent manner but failed to modify reinstatement for lever pressing induced by the stimulus associated with alcohol. This effect was not due to a motor depressant effect and was not related to a decrease in general motivational state, as it was not effective in other reward paradigms such as lever pressing for a saccharin solution. The mechanism of action of AM404 does not involve cannabinoid CB1 receptors as the CB1‐selective antagonist SR141716A did not block the reduction of ethanol self‐administration induced by the anandamide uptake blocker. Moreover, 3‐(1,1‐dimethylheptyl)‐(–)‐11‐hydroxy‐delta 8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (HU‐210), a classical cannabinoid receptor agonist, did not affect ethanol self‐administration. The effects of AM404 are not mediated by either vanilloid VR1 receptors or cannabinoid CB2 receptors because it is not antagonized by either the VR1 receptor antagonist capsazepine or the CB2 antagonist AM630. These results indicate that AM404 may be considered as an innovative approach to reduce alcohol consumption.
Neural activation state determines behavioral susceptibility to modified theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Silvanto Juha , Muggleton Neil G. , Cowey Alan , Walsh Vincent
Published: July 2007

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows one to investigate the effects of temporary interference of neural processing in neurologically intact subjects. In a previous study [J. Silvanto et al. (2007) Eur. J. Neurosci., 25, 1874–1881] we found that online TMS perceptually facilitates the attributes encoded by the least active neural populations. The objective of the present experiment was to extend this work to determine whether such state‐dependent effects can be observed when offline high‐frequency TMS is applied to suppress neural activity. The activity levels of direction‐selective neural populations in the V1/V2 region were modulated by asking subjects to passively view either leftward or rightward motion during offline TMS. In a subsequent motion direction‐discrimination task, their ability to discriminate motion direction was dependent on the type of motion they had passively viewed during offline TMS: detection of the congruent direction (i.e. direction viewed during offline TMS) was unaffected, whereas detection of the incongruent direction (i.e. opposite direction to the one viewed during offline TMS) was impaired. As the activity level of neurons tuned to the incongruent direction was presumably lower during the TMS than of those tuned to the congruent direction, this behavioral result demonstrates that the offline TMS preferentially suppressed attributes encoded by the least active neural populations. In contrast to direction discrimination, motion detection was not impaired in a direction‐specific manner. This shows that the requirements of the psychophysical task, in conjunction with the relative activity states of neuronal populations when TMS is applied, can be used to selectively interfere with overlapping neuronal populations.
The chemical component of the mixed GF‐TTMn synapse in Drosophila melanogaster uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter
Authors: Allen Marcus J. , Murphey R. K.
Published: July 2007

The largest central synapse in adult Drosophila is a mixed electro‐chemical synapse whose gap junctions require the product of the shaking‐B (shak‐B) gene. Shak‐B2 mutant flies lack gap junctions at this synapse, which is between the giant fibre (GF) and the tergotrochanteral motor neuron (TTMn), but it still exhibits a long latency response upon GF stimulation. We have targeted the expression of the light chain of tetanus toxin to the GF, to block chemical transmission, in shak‐B2 flies. The long latency response in the tergotrochanteral muscle (TTM) was abolished indicating that the chemical component of the synapse mediates this response. Attenuation of GAL4‐mediated labelling by a cha‐GAL80 transgene, reveals the GF to be cholinergic. We have used a temperature‐sensitive allele of the choline acetyltransferase gene (chats2) to block cholinergic synapses in adult flies and this also abolished the long latency response in shak‐B2 flies. Taken together the data provide evidence that both components of this mixed synapse are functional and that the chemical neurotransmitter between the GF and the TTMn is acetylcholine. Our findings show that the two components of this synapse can be separated to allow further studies into the mechanisms by which mixed synapses are built and function.
Susceptibility of Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera; Gelechiidae) to its granulovirus PoGV with larval age
Authors: Sporleder Marc , Rodriguez Cauti Erica Maritza , Huber Jürg , Kroschel Jürgen
Published: July 2007

1 Granulovirus PoGV is a strong candidate to substitute for chemical insecticides in integrated pest management (IPM) of the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Generally, susceptibility to baculoviruses decreases with increasing larval age. For effective field applications, knowledge of the age‐related change in susceptibility is crucial.

2 The relative susceptibility of various instars of P. operculella larvae to PoGV was studied by leaf‐disc bioassays in the laboratory at 26 °C incubation temperature. The LC50 increased from 4 × 106 granules/mL for neonate larvae to 1.2 × 107, 1.1 × 108, 4.4 × 108, and 4.2 × 109 granules/mL, signifying resistance ratios of 3, 29, 110, and 1051, for 5, 6, 7, and 9‐day‐old larvae, respectively.

3 The relationship between log‐LC50 values and log‐larval weight was significantly linear. A logistic function described significantly the relation between larval weights and physiological age measured in degree‐days (DD  >  13.4 °C). Both functions allowed prediction of the activity ratio of PoGV for different larval ages by using temperature summation to express physiological age.

4 PoGV was found to be highly active against P. operculella larvae up to a physiological age of approximately 50 DD (>13.4 °C) (i.e. the first third of the total larval development time). Thereafter, the virus rapidly lost its activity against older larvae. Prospects for applying this knowledge in the field are discussed.
Occurrence and effects of Nosema fumiferanae infections on adult spruce budworm caught above and within the forest canopy
Authors: Eveleigh Eldon S. , Lucarotti Christopher J. , McCarthy Peter C. , Morin Benoit , Royama Tomo , Thomas Anthony W.
Published: July 2007

1 Nosema fumiferanae infections in populations of both sexes of spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana moths, collected live above the forest canopy (canopy moths), within the tree crown (crown moths) and in drop trays (dead moths), were examined over a 5‐year period in New Brunswick, Canada.

2 The incidence of infection and of moderate–heavy infections in canopy and crown moths of both sexes increased concomitantly with moth eclosion, indicating that N. fumiferanae retards larval/pupal development, with infected moths, particularly those having higher disease loads, emerging later in the season.

3 Infection rates differed among canopy, crown, and dead female, but not male, moths. Canopy (i.e. emigrating) females had a lower incidence of infection, lower incidence of moderate–heavy infections, and had longer forewings and higher dry weights, than crown females. These results suggest that N. fumiferanae infections negatively affect aspects of female, but not male, flight performance. Regardless of infection, forewing length and dry weight of both canopy and crown females declined over the moth flight period, but infected females in both moth types were smaller than their uninfected counterparts. Forewing lengths and dry weights of moderately–heavily infected females were most severely affected.

4 Despite high annual infection rates in parents, only a small percentage of offspring (second‐instar larvae) that established feeding sites each spring were infected, indicating that high rates of horizontal transmission occurred annually throughout the larval period.

5 The present study indicates that whether N. fumiferanae infections are a debilitating sublethal factor in spruce budworm populations depends more on the disease load than on the overall incidence of infection. The potential importance of N. fumiferanae infections on various fitness parameters related to host dispersal is discussed.
Structural changes in the spermatophore of the freshwater ‘red claw’ crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1898) (Decapoda, Parastacidae)
Authors: López Greco Laura Susana , Lo Nostro Fabiana Laura
Published: July 2007

López Greco, L.S. and Lo Nostro, F.L. 2007. Structural changes in the spermatophore of the freshwater ‘red claw’ crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1898) (Decapoda, Parastacidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 88: 000–000

The structure of the spermatophore was studied in Cherax quadricarinatus. Pieces of the distal vas deferens and transferred spermatophore from the females were fixed, cut and stained. Within the distal vas deferens, the primary layer and the secondary layer of the spermatophore were distinguishable. In the latter, two components were detected: cytoplasmic droplets and a homogeneous matrix. During the first 10 minutes post‐extrusion the cytoplasmic droplets drastically changed from looking like ‘empty droplets’; at this time the spermatophore changed from a liquid stage to a sticky one. One hour after extrusion the spermatophore began to harden and within the first 24–48 h post‐mating it was a solid and intense white structure tightly attached to the female; after 72 h it acquired a softer aspect, completely dehiscing between 96 and 120 h post‐mating. Histologically, the primary layer maintained its integrity surrounding the spermatozoa while the secondary layer lost the cytoplasmic droplets. The spermatophore began to hydrate between 24 and 48 h and by 72–96 h many sections of the sperm cord began to coalesce. From 48 h post‐mating some fissures appeared within the matrix that enlarged between 72 and 120 h. We propose that both manipulation by the female and hydration are the mechanisms involved in the release of the spermatozoa from the spermatophore.
The type 1 insulin‐like growth factor receptor is over‐expressed in bladder cancer
Authors: Rochester Mark A. , Patel Nilay , Turney Benjamin W. , Davies David R. , Roberts Ian S. , Crew Jeremy , Protheroe Andrew , Macaulay Valentine M.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE

To analyse bladder cancer biopsies and investigate the pattern of expression of the type 1 insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF1R), a receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates tumour cell proliferation, motility and protection from apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Formalin‐fixed specimens of bladder cancer (40 whole‐mount, 80 cores on a tumour microarray) and normal bladder (15 samples) were stained immunohistochemically for the IGF1R. The IGF1R expression was also measured by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (Q‐RT‐PCR) on RNA extracted from fresh frozen bladder cancers (61) and benign bladder (12).

RESULTS

Of the 15 samples of normal bladder, 14 showed negligible (1+) or light (2+) IGF1R immunostaining. By contrast moderate (3+) or heavy (4+) staining for IGF1R was detected in 89 (74%) of the 120 samples of malignant urothelium. Q‐RT‐PCR showed significantly higher levels of steady‐state IGF1R mRNA in tumours (all cases, Ta–T4) than in normal bladder (P < 0.05), indicating up‐regulation at the transcriptional level. This difference was particularly evident when comparing normal urothelium with superficial (Ta–T1) or invasive (T2–4) tumours; only the latter showed significant IGF1R over‐expression at the RNA level (P < 0.05 vs normal bladder).

CONCLUSION

The IGF1R is up‐regulated in bladder cancer compared with non‐malignant bladder, and might contribute to a propensity for invasion.
Relationship between adult dark spermatogonia and secretory capacity of Leydig cells in cryptorchidism
Authors: Zivkovic Dragana , Bica Domingos T.G. , Hadziselimovic Faruk
Published: July 2007

In a paper from Switzerland, the authors describe the relationship between adult dark spermatogonia and the secretory capacity of Leydig cells in cryptorchidism.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether hormonal therapy before orchidopexy affects the histology of the testis and to assess the responsiveness of the Leydig cells, as it has been shown that although basal plasma testosterone levels are within the ‘normal’ range in cryptorchid boys there is an insufficient increase of testosterone after a human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) stimulation in ≈ 30% of cryptorchid boys.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 55 boys (aged 1–7 years) with a unilateral undescended testis were included in the study and divided into two groups. Group I (32 boys) received hormonal therapy before orchidopexy; 17 boys received a long‐acting LHRH analogue (buserelin) administered as a nasal spray in doses of 20 µg/day for 28 days, followed by 1500 IU hCG intramuscularly (i.m.) once a week for 3 weeks, and the remaining 15 received 1500 IU hCG i.m. once a week for 3 weeks. Group II (33 boys) had orchidopexy alone. During orchidopexy biopsies were taken from the undescended and contralateral descended testes of the boys in both groups for histological analyses. Variations in the number of adult dark (Ad) spermatogonia per tubule (Ad/T) were assessed and testosterone levels were measured during the course of the hormonal therapy (before treatment, 14 days after initiation of buserelin administration, 24 h after each hCG injection, and 3 months after cessation of therapy).

RESULTS

In group I, 17 boys (53%) had a ‘normal’ Ad/T after hormonal treatment vs only six (18%) in group II after orchidopexy alone (P = 0.019). In the hormonally treated boys (group I) we compared the testosterone values 24 h after the second injection of hCG (when the response was most pronounced). Those with a normal Ad/T had a mean (sd) testosterone level of 199.5 (97.6) ng/dL vs 99.6 (85) ng/dL in those with an inadequate Ad/T response to hormonal therapy (P < 0.003).

CONCLUSION

We have confirmed that there are two subgroups of cryptorchid boys. Patients with a sufficient Leydig cell secretory capacity will have normal testicular histology and Ad spermatogonia count after hormonal treatment. While those with a suboptimal Leydig cell capacity will have a low Ad spermatogonia count and consequently poor prognosis for future fertility, despite successful surgery. As to whether different types and durations of the hormonal therapy in patients with impaired Leydig cell response could lead to improved testicular histology and consequently improved prognosis for future fertility, remains to be answered.
Salvage cryotherapy for recurrent prostate cancer after radiation failure: a prospective case series of the first 100 patients
Authors: Ismail Mohamed , Ahmed Shwan , Kastner Christof , Davies John
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE

To report the short‐ to intermediate‐term experience of using salvage targeted cryoablation of the prostate (TCAP) for the recurrence of localized prostate cancer after radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 2000 and November 2005, 100 patients had salvage TCAP for recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy; the mean follow‐up was 33.5 months. All patients had biopsy‐confirmed recurrent prostate cancer. Biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BRFS) was defined using a prostate specific antigen (PSA) level of <0.5 ng/mL and by applying the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) definition for biochemical failure. Patients were stratified into three risk groups, i.e. high‐risk (68 men), intermediate‐risk (20) and low‐risk (12).

RESULTS

There were no operative or cancer‐related deaths; the 5‐year actuarial BRFS was 73%, 45% and 11% for the low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups, respectively. Complications included incontinence (13%), erectile dysfunction (86%), lower urinary tract symptoms (16%), prolonged perineal pain (4%), urinary retention (2%), and recto‐urethral fistula (1%).

CONCLUSION

Salvage TCAP is a safe and effective treatment for localized prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy.
Detrusor glycogen reflects the functional history of bladders with partial outlet obstruction
Authors: De Jong Bas W.D. , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Arentshorst Marlous E. , Lodder Petra , Kok Dirk‐Jan
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between glycogen content in bladder detrusor tissue and historical bladder function in a guinea‐pig model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In male immature guinea pigs PBOO was created with a silver ring around the proximal urethra; a control group had a sham operation for comparison. Longitudinal individual urodynamic data were obtained weekly, so that guinea pigs were killed at different levels of bladder dysfunction. Bladder sections were stained with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) to assess overall morphology and glycogen granule density, scored from 0 (no glycogen) to 3. Glycogen scores were related to both the end‐stage and historical extremes of bladder function values.

RESULTS

Glycogen granules were seen only in the detrusor; as their number increased their location expanded from only close to the serosa (glycogen score 1), through the detrusor (score 2) up to the urothelium (score 3). A glycogen score of 0 correlated with normal values for all urodynamic variables. Compared with a glycogen score of 0 a score of 1 correlated with significant (P < 0.05) changes in end‐stage compliance (decrease) and contractility (increase) and significantly higher historical values for contractility, pressure and number of unstable contractions (NUC). In the group with a glycogen score of 2 there were significant changes in both the end‐stage values and historical extremes for compliance, pressure, contractility and NUC (all P < 0.05). In the group with a glycogen score of 3 all these changes were even more dramatic, except for the end‐stage contractility, for which the increase was not significant. From glycogen score 0 to score 3 all changes increased in magnitude.

CONCLUSION

A high glycogen content reflects a history of abnormal urodynamic function. This finding exemplifies the added value of structural analysis to urodynamic studies. Further studies are needed to relate bladder structure to the potential for functional recovery.
Adjuvant treatment in the management of testis‐confined germ cell tumours after orchidectomy
Authors: Sava Teodoro , Consoli Francesca , Santo Antonio , Cetto Gian Luigi
Published: July 2007

Germ cell tumours are highly curable, especially when still at the localized stage, which is the case for most testicular tumours. Various options are available for organ‐confined disease; depending on the histological review, patients with clinical stage I seminomas can be offered radiotherapy, surveillance or chemotherapy, whereas those with clinical stage I nonseminomas can be offered retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, surveillance or chemotherapy. As it is unlikely that any of these approaches will have a clear survival advantage, the most appropriate variables to be considered are acute and late side‐effects, acceptability and quality of life. In recent years adjuvant chemotherapy has been extensively evaluated in patients with seminoma or nonseminoma. In this review we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different strategies for treating seminomas and nonseminomas, and their associated prognostic factors, and then consider future developments.
Skeletal health after intestinal bladder augmentation: findings in 54 patients
Authors: Taskinen Seppo , Fagerholm Riitta , Mäkitie Outi
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of osteopenia in patients after intestinal bladder augmentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 54 patients with bladder augmentation were evaluated during the regular follow‐up programme. Augmentation was performed because of paediatric neurogenic or non‐neurogenic reasons. Areal bone mineral densities (aBMD) for the lumbar spine (L1–L4), femoral neck and whole body were measured with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. In addition, acid‐base balance and plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D), kidney and gonadal functions as well as body mass index (BMI) were measured. Findings were correlated with clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

BMD was reduced in 34 (63%) of the 54 patients. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of decreased aBMDs between neurogenic and non‐neurogenic groups 31 of 42 patients (74%) and three of 12 patients, respectively (P < 0.01). There were spinal compression fractures in 23% of patients. Risk factors for osteoporosis were inability to walk, renal insufficiency, hypogonadism, vitamin D deficiency, acidosis, and a low BMI. There was moderate or severe vitamin D deficiency in 42% of patients but the vitamin D status did not correlate with BMD. The glomerular filtration rate correlated to the whole‐body aBMD (P = 0.04). In 26% of patients (predominantly males with myelomeningocele) plasma follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were elevated, indicating variable degrees of hypogonadism. Hypogonadism was associated with reduced lumbar spine aBMD (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Patients with paediatric reasons for bladder augmentation are at risk of osteopenia and compression fractures. The risk factors are mostly related to the patient’s underlying illness and not to the augmentation per se.
The role of inflammation and infection in the pathogenesis of prostate carcinoma
Authors: Wagenlehner Florian M.E. , Elkahwaji Johny E. , Algaba Ferran , Bjerklund‐Johansen Truls , Naber Kurt G. , Hartung Rudolf , Weidner Wolfgang
Published: July 2007

Two of the mini reviews are about aspects of prostate cancer that are currently often discussed. The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer is of great interest and has led to many important changes in our approaches to the subject of prostate cancer. Intermittent androgen deprivation has been an alternative therapeutic option for some time, but the absence of a large multicentre randomized controlled trial has delayed its general acceptance; this is discussed in detail in this section.

Prostatitis and prostate carcinoma are both frequent entities of prostatic diseases. Epidemiological studies show significant associations between infection and inflammation and prostatic carcinoma. However, because of various confounding factors the results of these studies are inconclusive. Further findings are therefore needed to confirm the hypothesis that prostatic infection and inflammation might be a cause of prostatic carcinoma. We reviewed selected reports on the role of inflammation and infection in the pathogenesis of prostate carcinoma. Extensive genetic analyses show that several gene products, e.g. 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate (2–5 A)‐dependent Rnase, macrophage scavenger receptor 1 and Toll‐like receptor‐4, influence the susceptibility of prostate cells to infectious agents. Proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) could be a connection between prostatitis and prostatic carcinoma. In the transition from PIA to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, the function of cellular detoxification is gradually lost by silencing of glutathione‐S transferase, a detoxifying enzyme. This cellular feature leads to an increased susceptibility of the prostatic epithelial cells to genomic damage by inflammatory oxidants or nutritional carcinogens. Consecutive somatic genome damage might then arise which modulates the further pathogenesis of prostate carcinoma. Summarising these epidemiological, genetic and cell biological aspects, infectious prostatitis might have a causative role in the complex and multifactorial process of prostate carcinogenesis.
Corruption and Related Socioeconomic Factors: A Time Series Study
Authors: Brown Steven F. , Shackman Joshua
Published: July 2007

This study examines corruption in relation to political, legal, and economic factors to see how these factors impact corruption over time and to test the direction of causality between these variables. To assess causality, cointegration analysis using an error correction model on data from over 100 countries spanning over 20 years was performed. Three antecedent variables are analyzed in relation to corruption. Over the long‐term, increases in these variables result in decreases in corruption. However, there is no evidence that changes in corruption impact any of these same variables. Interestingly, increases in GDP per capita are found to increase corruption over the short‐term while leading to a long‐term reduction in corruption.
Is God Good for Trade?
Authors: Helble Matthias
Published: July 2007

As the world economy is integrating, trade between countries is growing rapidly. The exchange of goods not only has an economic, but also a cultural dimension. In the gravity equation literature common religion is often used as a control variable, without distinguishing between religious groups. This paper investigates the possible ways in which religion influences international trade patterns. Analyzing empirically trade flows between 151 countries, the paper finds that the five world religions, namely Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, have different impacts on trade. For inter‐religious trade the study indicates that several religions have clear preferences with whom to trade or not. Furthermore, the results indicate that religious openness boosts trade performance of countries.
Stimulating Employment Growth with Higher Wages? A New Approach to Addressing an Old Controversy
Authors: Suedekum Jens , Blien Uwe
Published: July 2007

We analyse the impact of wages on employment growth in West German local industries (1993–2002), addressing the tension between cost and potentially offsetting demand side effects. We construct a neutralised regional wage level that is detached from various productivity influences. A positive value implies ‘overly high’ labour costs, but also high local purchasing power. A subsequent employment growth regression yields significantly negative effects associated with this indicator. Cost push effects dominate, but our estimates suggest that demand side repercussions have a mitigating effect. There is considerable variation across industries, but in no case we find a positive employment reaction.
The effects of prohibiting gestures on children's lexical retrieval ability
Authors: Pine Karen J. , Bird Hannah , Kirk Elizabeth
Published: July 2007

Two alternative accounts have been proposed to explain the role of gestures in thinking and speaking. The Information Packaging Hypothesis (Kita, 2000) claims that gestures are important for the conceptual packaging of information before it is coded into a linguistic form for speech. The Lexical Retrieval Hypothesis (Rauscher, Krauss & Chen, 1996) sees gestures as functioning more at the level of speech production in helping the speaker to find the right words. The latter hypothesis has not been fully explored with children. In this study children were given a naming task under conditions that allowed and restricted gestures. Children named more words correctly and resolved more ‘tip‐of‐the‐tongue’ states when allowed to gesture than when not, suggesting that gestures facilitate access to the lexicon in children and are important for speech production as well as conceptualization.
Development of emotional facial recognition in late childhood and adolescence
Authors: Thomas Laura A. , De Bellis Michael D. , Graham Reiko , LaBar Kevin S.
Published: July 2007

The ability to interpret emotions in facial expressions is crucial for social functioning across the lifespan. Facial expression recognition develops rapidly during infancy and improves with age during the preschool years. However, the developmental trajectory from late childhood to adulthood is less clear. We tested older children, adolescents and adults on a two‐alternative forced‐choice discrimination task using morphed faces that varied in emotional content. Actors appeared to pose expressions that changed incrementally along three progressions: neutral‐to‐fear, neutral‐to‐anger, and fear‐to‐anger. Across all three morph types, adults displayed more sensitivity to subtle changes in emotional expression than children and adolescents. Fear morphs and fear‐to‐anger blends showed a linear developmental trajectory, whereas anger morphs showed a quadratic trend, increasing sharply from adolescents to adults. The results provide evidence for late developmental changes in emotional expression recognition with some specificity in the time course for distinct emotions.
Growth‐related neural reorganization and the autism phenotype: a test of the hypothesis that altered brain growth leads to altered connectivity
Authors: Lewis John D. , Elman Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2007

Theoretical considerations, and findings from computational modeling, comparative neuroanatomy and developmental neuroscience, motivate the hypothesis that a deviant brain growth trajectory will lead to deviant patterns of change in cortico‐cortical connectivity. Differences in brain size during development will alter the relative cost and effectiveness of short‐ and long‐distance connections, and should thus impact the growth and retention of connections. Reduced brain size should favor long‐distance connectivity; brain overgrowth should favor short‐distance connectivity; and inconsistent deviations from the normal growth trajectory – as occurs in autism – should result in potentially disruptive changes to established patterns of functional and physical connectivity during development. To explore this hypothesis, neural networks which modeled inter‐hemispheric interaction were grown at the rate of either typically developing children or children with autism. The influence of the length of the inter‐hemispheric connections was analyzed at multiple developmental time‐points. The networks that modeled autistic growth were less affected by removal of the inter‐hemispheric connections than those that modeled normal growth – indicating a reduced reliance on long‐distance connections – for short response times, and this difference increased substantially at approximately 24 simulated months of age. The performance of the networks showed a corresponding decline during development. And direct analysis of the connection weights showed a parallel reduction in connectivity. These modeling results support the hypothesis that the deviant growth trajectory in autism spectrum disorders may lead to a disruption of established patterns of functional connectivity during development, with potentially negative behavioral consequences, and a subsequent reduction in physical connectivity. The results are discussed in relation to the growing body of evidence of reduced functional and structural connectivity in autism, and in relation to the behavioral phenotype, particularly the developmental aspects.
Is There a Viable Market for Area‐Based Crop Insurance?
Authors: Deng Xiaohui , Barnett Barry J. , Vedenov Dmitry V.
Published: July 2007

The performance of area yield insurance and farm‐level multiple peril crop insurance is analyzed for cotton and soybean production in Georgia and South Carolina. The analysis improves on many previous studies by utilizing actual farm‐level yield data and by comparing the two types of insurance products not only for actuarially fair premium rates but also for actual unsubsidized and subsidized premium rates. Results suggest that, even in heterogeneous production regions, area yield insurance may be a viable alternative to farm‐level insurance when premium rates for farm‐level insurance contain large positive wedges.
The Use of Conditional Cost Functions to Generate Estimable Mixed Demand Systems
Authors: Wong K. K. Gary , Park Hoanjae
Published: July 2007

Mixed demand systems have been virtually ignored in empirical work solely because derivation of these systems requires closed forms for both direct and indirect utility functions. This article proposes the alternative of using a conditional cost function to generate empirical mixed demand models. This approach allows the estimation of mixed demand systems, which are explicit in an unobservable variable (utility), but may lack a closed form representation in terms of observable variables such as prices, quantities and expenditure. Results indicate that this approach is operationally feasible, which opens up a wider range of mixed demand specifications in static analyses.
Assessing Global Computable General Equilibrium Model Validity Using Agricultural Price Volatility
Authors: Valenzuela Ernesto , Hertel Thomas W. , Keeney Roman , Reimer Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2007

Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models are commonly used for global agricultural market analysis. Concerns are sometimes raised, however, about the quality of their output since key parameters may not be econometrically estimated and little emphasis is generally given to model assessment. This article addresses the latter issue by developing an approach to validating CGE models based on the ability to reproduce observed price volatility in agricultural markets. We show how patterns in the deviations between model predictions and validation criteria can be used to identify the weak points of a model and guide development of improved specifications with firmer empirical foundations.
On Spanish comparative subdeletion constructions*
Authors: Reglero Lara
Published: July 2007

Abstract. In this paper I explore the two strategies (i.e. Inversion and Obligatory Gapping) allowed in Spanish to form comparative subdeletion constructions (cf.Knowles 1984,Price 1990andRivero 1981). I show that the two strategies are related and derive from the same source. That is, the NP containing the quantity term must undergo overt movement to check a strong focus feature in the Inversion Strategy. If the feature is not checked, the derivation can still be rescued by deleting the strong feature in PF. Once the strong feature is erased from the derivation, the resulting grammatical sentence constitutes an instance of the Obligatory Gapping Strategy.
Modelling Political Popularity: An Analysis of Long-Range Dependence in Opinion Poll Series
Authors: Byers David , Davidson James , Peel David
Published: July 2007

A simple model of political popularity, as recorded by opinion polls of voting intentions, is proposed. We show that, as a consequence of aggregating heterogeneous poll responses under certain assumptions about the evolution of individual opinions, the time series of poll data should exhibit long memory characteristics. In an analysis of the monthly Gallup data on party support in the UK, we confirm that the series have long memory and further show them to be virtually pure ‘fractional noise’ processes. An explanation of the latter result is offered. We study the role of economic indicators in predicting swings in support, perform event analyses and use our estimates to generate post-sample forecasts to April 1997.
Regression Modelling of Disease Risk in Relation to Point Sources
Authors: Diggle Peter , Morris Sara , Elliott Paul , Shaddick Gavin
Published: July 2007

We describe a class of models for the investigation of possible raised risk of disease around putative sources of environmental pollution. An adaptation of the point process method suggested by Diggle and Rowlingson is presented, allowing the use of routinely available aggregated data and incorporating the more general distance–risk model suggested by Elliott and co-workers. An application to data on cancers of the stomach around municipal solid waste incinerators is presented.
TESTING WAGE AND PRICE PHILLIPS CURVES FOR THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Flaschel Peter , Kauermann Göran , Semmler Willi
Published: July 2007

This paper demonstrates how the labour and product markets interact in determining as outcome a generalized reduced‐form price Phillips curve. For the labour market we consider a wage Phillips curve and for the product market a price Phillips curve. We estimate separately the wage and price Phillips curves for the USA, using ordinary least squares, non‐parametric estimation and three‐stage least squares techniques. The finding is that wages are always more flexible than prices with respect to their respective demand pressure and that price inflation responds somewhat more to a medium‐run cost pressure than does wage inflation. The implications for macroeconomic stability are demonstrated. We also show—as a link between product and labour markets—that employment is related to output as Okun's law states. In comparing linear and non‐linear estimates of the wage and price Phillips curves we find furthermore that for some relationships non‐linearities are important while not for others. Although overall the non‐linear estimates tend to confirm our linear estimates, non‐linearities in some relationships of the Phillips curve are important as well.
The 1246 G/A polymorphism of the HCRTR2 gene is not associated with migraine
Authors: Pinessi L , Binello E , Martino P De , Gallone S , Gentile S , Rainero I , Rivoiro C , Rubino E , Savi L , Valfrè W , Vaula G
Published: July 2007

Studies in experimental animals have suggested that the hypocretin/orexin system may be involved in migraine pathophysiology. Using a case-control design study, we genotyped 246 migraine patients and 239 healthy controls for the 1246G→A polymorphism of the hypocretin receptor 2 ( HCRTR2) gene. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of the examined polymorphism were similarly distributed between cases and controls (χ2 = 2.22, P = 0.14 and χ2 = 2.45, P = 0.29, respectively). When different migraine subgroups were compared (migraine with aura vs. migraine without aura and episodic vs. chronic migraine) no significant difference was found. Comparison of the clinical features of the disease with the 1246G→A genotypes showed no significant difference. Our data suggest that the HCRTR2 gene is not a genetic risk factor in migraine.
Primary Stabbing Headache in A Headache Clinic
Authors: Fuh J-L , Kuo K-H , Wang S-J
Published: July 2007

Primary stabbing headache (PSH) is a short-lasting but troublesome headache disorder which has been known for several decades. We surveyed and registered consecutive patients with PSH in a headache clinic in Taiwan. A total of 80 patients (24 M/56 F, 53.2 ± 16.2 years) were enrolled in our study. Migraine was reported in 20 (25%) patients and was less common in those with PSH onset at >50 years than those with onset at <50 years (14% vs. 38%, P = 0.02). The headache was unilateral in 59% of the patients and always in a fixed area in 36%. The head pain frequently involved extratrigeminal regions (70%) and in 30 patients (38%) was accompanied by jolts, i.e. head or body movements. Indomethacin was effective (74%) in patients who received it. Our study showed primary stabbing headache was a common and easily treated headache disorder in headache clinic. However, 70% of our patients could not fulfil criterion A ‘exclusively or predominantly in the distribution of the first division of the trigeminal nerve’ and 15% could not fulfil criterion C ‘no accompanying symptoms’ of the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II criteria proposed for PSH.
Delayed immune‐mediated adverse effects related to hyaluronic acid and acrylic hydrogel dermal fillers: clinical findings, long‐term follow‐up and review of the literature
Authors: Alijotas‐Reig J , Garcia‐Gimenez V
Published: July 2007

Introduction Implantation of dermal filler for cosmetic purposes is becoming increasingly common worldwide. It is thought that hyaluronic acid (HA) alone or combined with acrylic hydrogels (HA‐AH) does not have severe nor persistent side‐effects. However, recent evidence may show that major, local and/or systemic, immediate or delayed adverse effects may appear in relation with its use.

Objective To evaluate the clinical complaints, laboratory data, treatment and follow‐up of patients with delayed adverse effects related to HA and HA‐AH implant fillers.

Design Prospective, case‐series study of patients filled with HA and HA‐AH compounds.

Setting The study has been done in a tertiary, teaching university hospital.

Patients We report on a series of 25 patients, 15 of them in prospective manner, with severe, delayed side‐effects related to HA‐AH. Inclusion criteria have been drawn up. Patients with immediate side‐effects were excluded. Patients were submitted to a clinical follow‐up, battery of blood tests and thorax X‐ray films. Besides, a review of the literature was made. We undertook a computed‐assisted (MEDLINE), National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA, search of the literature from 1996 up to December 2005.

Main outcome Clinical evaluation of granulomas, skin manifestations and other local and systemic immune‐mediated disorders possibly related to HA and HA‐AH fillers or their cumulative interaction with previously administered fillers.

Results Of 25 cases, 16 were filled with HA alone and 9 with a HA‐AH compounds. Of 15 cases analysed and with long‐term follow‐up, 10 were filled with HA alone, and the remaining five were filled with a HA‐AH. Time latency average up to beginning of symptoms was 13.7 months. Three of these 15 cases had been filled before with silicone and another one with Artecoll. Tender nodules were seen in 14 patients. Systemic manifestations appeared in three cases. Laboratory abnormalities were noted in all studied cases. After 16‐month average follow‐up, seven patients seem to be cured, and six have recurrent bouts. Two cases were lost during follow‐up.

Conclusion Although in some cases, these clinical complications might have been associated with previous fillers or with other unknown foreign bodies, we feel that, although infrequently, delayed and recurrent chronic inflammatory and granulomatous reactions may complicate HA and HA‐AH implant fillers.
A set of primers for plastid indels and nuclear microsatellites in the invasive plant Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae) and their transferability to Heracleum sphondylium
Authors: HENRY P. , PROVAN J. , GOUDET J. , GUISAN A. , JAHODOVÁ Š. , BESNARD G.
Published: July 2007

This study reports the isolation and polymorphism characterization of four plastid indels and six nuclear microsatellite loci in the invasive plant Heracleum mantegazzianum. These markers were tested in 27 individuals from two distant H. mantegazzianum populations. Plastid indels revealed the presence of five chlorotypes while five nuclear microsatellite loci rendered polymorphism. Applications of these markers include population genetics and phylogeography of H. mantegazzianum. A very good transferability of markers to Heracleum sphondylium was demonstrated.