bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distension‐induced gastric accommodation in functional dyspepsia: effect of autonomic manipulation
Authors: Lunding J. A. , Gilja O. H. , Hausken T. , Bayati A. , Mattsson H. , Berstad A.
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Functional dyspepsia (FD) is associated with impaired gastric accommodation and autonomic dysregulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of autonomic manipulation on distension‐induced gastric accommodation in subjects with and without FD, using a newly developed gastric barostat paradigm. Twelve healthy subjects (HS) and 18 subjects with FD had four barostat examinations each: no intervention, intravenous atropine (1 mg), vagal stimulation (mental relaxation with deep breathing) and acute stress stimulation (serial subtraction task). Intrabag pressure increased from 1 to 15 mmHg in 5 min (ramp phase), and was maintained at 15 mmHg for 5 min (tonic phase). Volume responses were analysed using predefined parameters. There were no significant group differences in accommodation variables between HS and subjects with FD. The FD group could be subdivided into two distinct subgroups: subgroup 1 (n = 7, 38%) with low maximum volume and accommodation rate, and subgroup 2 with normal accommodation (n = 11). In subgroup 1, but not in subgroup 2 atropine increased maximum volume and accommodation rate substantially. Neither mental stress nor mental relaxation changed any of the accommodation variables. In a subgroup of subjects with FD, impairment of distension‐induced gastric accommodation can be improved by cholinergic blockade, but not by acute physiological autonomic manipulation.
Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Enhances Anti‐tumour Immune Responses in Rats Immunized with IFN‐γ‐Secreting Glioma Cells
Authors: Badn W. , Hegardt P. , Fellert M. A. , Darabi A. , Esbjörnsson M. , Smith K. E. , Janelidze S. , Salford L. G. , Visse E. , Siesjö P.
Published: February 2007

Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) has successfully been used in immunotherapy of different experimental tumours. Mechanistically, IFN‐γ has extensive effects on the immune system including release of nitric oxide (NO) by upregulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). NO has putative immunosuppressive effects but could also play a role in killing of tumour cells. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify whether inhibition of iNOS in rats immunized with glioma cells (N32) producing IFN‐γ (N32‐IFN‐γ), could enhance the anti‐tumour immune response. Initially, both a selective iNOS, l‐N6‐(1‐Iminoethyl)‐l‐lysine (l‐NIL), and non‐selective, N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), inhibitor of NOS were tested in vitro. After polyclonal stimulation with LPS and SEA, both l‐NIL and l‐NAME enhanced proliferation and production of IFN‐γ from activated rat splenocytes and this effect was inversely correlated to the production of NO. However, l‐NIL had a broader window of efficacy and a lower minimal effective dose. When rats were immunized with N32‐IFN‐γ, and administered NOS inhibitors by intraperitoneal (i.p.) mini‐osmotic pumps, only splenocytes of rats treated with l‐NIL, but not l‐NAME, displayed an enhanced proliferation and production of IFN‐γ when re‐stimulated with N32 tumour cells. Based on these findings, l‐NIL was administered concurrently with N32‐IFN‐γ cells to rats with intracerebral (i.c.) tumours resulting in a prolonged survival. These results show that inhibition of iNOS can enhance an IFN‐γ‐based immunotherapy of experimental i.c. tumours implying that NO released after immunization has mainly immunosuppressive net effects.
Identification of 14 novel GLB1 mutations, including five deletions, in 19 patients with GM1 gangliosidosis from South America
Authors: Santamaria R , Blanco M , Chabás A , Grinberg D , Vilageliu L
Published: February 2007

GM1 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the absence or reduction of lysosomal β‐galactosidase activity because of mutations in the GLB1 gene. Three major clinical forms have been established: type I (infantile), type II (late infantile/juvenile) and type III (adult). A mutational analysis was performed in 19 patients with GM1 gangliosidosis from South America, mainly from Argentina. Two of them were of Gypsy origin. Main clinical findings of the patients are presented. All 38 mutant alleles were identified: of the 22 different mutations found, 14 mutations are described here for the first time. Among the novel mutations, five deletions were found. Four of them are relatively small (c.435_440delTCT, c.845_846delC, c.1131_1145del15 and c.1706_1707delC), while the other one is a deletion of 1529 nucleotides that includes exon 5 and is caused by an unequal crossover between intronic Alu sequences. All the described patients with GM1 gangliosidosis were affected by the infantile form, except for four unrelated patients classified as type II, III, and II/III (two cases). The two type II/III patients bore the previously described p.R201H mutation, while the adult patient bore the new p.L155R. The juvenile patient bore two novel mutations: p.S434L and p.G554E. The two Gypsy patients are homozygous for the p.R59H mutation as are all Gypsy patients previously genotyped.
Caries‐related plaque microcosm biofilms developed in microplates
Authors: Filoche S. K. , Soma K. J. , Sissons C. H.
Published: February 2007

In vivo dental plaque biofilms consist of complex communities of oral bacteria that are a challenge to replicate in vitro. The aim of this investigation was to establish human dental plaque microcosms in microplates to reflect conditions that are relevant to dental caries. Microcosm plaque biofilms were initiated from the saliva of two different donors, grown for up to 10 days in 24‐welled microplates on ThermanoxTM coverslips in various types of artificial saliva with and without sucrose, which were replaced daily. Microbiota composition of 40 species associated with oral health and dental caries was monitored in the plaques using Checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization analysis. pH was measured as an indicator of cariogenic potential. The composition of the saliva inocula was different, and yielded plaque microcosms with different composition and growth responses to sucrose. Artificial saliva type and presence of sucrose, and the resulting growth and pH conditions, modified the growth of individual species and hence the ecological profile of the microplate plaques during development. Complex population shifts were observed during development, and older plaques comprised predominantly facultative anaerobic species. Sucrose supplementation limited the decline of Streptococci over time but did not increase the abundance of mutans Streptococci. Sucrose at 0.15% increased levels of caries‐associated species including Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Actinomyces gerensceriae; these were further increased with sucrose at 0.5%, in addition to Actinomyces israelii, Rothia dentocariosa and Capnocytophaga gingivalis. The microplate plaques demonstrated complex community dynamics that appeared to reflect the maturation of natural plaques, and sucrose induced a cariogenic plaque composition and pH.
Phenotypes, serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility of Swedish Porphyromonas gingivalis isolates from periodontitis and periodontal abscesses
Authors: Dahlén G. , Gmür R. , Yoshino T.
Published: February 2007

This study was conducted to reveal phenotypic, serological subtypes and antibiotic susceptibility among fresh isolates of Porphyromonas gingivalis in a Swedish population with periodontitis and periodontal abscess. Fifty‐five subgingival strains were isolated and tentatively designated as P. gingivalis from 55 consecutive paper‐point samples taken from 51 patients with periodontitis (at least one site with >6‐mm pocket depth) in Sweden and were sent in for microbiological evaluation. Eight P. gingivalis strains from periodontal abscesses were also included. Four P. gingivalis strains served as reference and another four type strains were included. The strains were characterized by colony morphology, biochemical tests, enzyme profile, gas–liquid chromatography and antibiotic susceptibility. The strains were further characterized for whole cell protein profiles using sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and were identified to serotype by specific monoclonal antibodies. Among the 55 P. gingivalis strains 35 had smooth (S), 13 rough (R) and seven semi‐rough colony morphologies. All strains were phenotypically homogeneous in biochemical tests, enzyme profile and antibiotic susceptibility. All strains produced phenylacetic acid and α‐fucosidase. Almost all (96%) of the subgingival strains, but relatively fewer (62%) of the abscess strains, belonged to serotype A. Two subgingival and three abscess strains were classified as serotype B. No specific SDS–PAGE protein profiles were recorded for the two serotypes. The P. gingivalis strains from Swedish periodontitis cases showed homogeneity in terms of biochemical phenotypes and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The strains fell into two serotypes, of which serotype A predominated in the periodontitis cases and serotype B was overrepresented in periodontal abscesses.
Early detection of patients with kidney disease
Authors: Thomas Merlin C
Published: February 2007

Date written: September 2005

Final submission: September 2006
Pre‐dialysis education for patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Thomas Merlin C
Published: February 2007

Date written: September 2005

Final submission: September 2006
Prevention of recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis
Authors: Kairaitis Lukas
Published: February 2007

Date written: May 2005

Final submission: July 2006
Kidney stones epidemiology
Authors: Hughes Peter
Published: February 2007

Date written: January 2005

Final submission: June 2006
Choice of calcineurin inhibitors in adult renal transplantation: effects on transplant outcomes
Authors: Pilmore Helen
Published: February 2007

Date written: August 2005

Final submission: August 2006
Uric acid stones
Authors: Becker Gavin
Published: February 2007

Date written: January 2005

Final submission: June 2006
Paediatric pseudophakia: analysis of intraocular lens power and myopic shift
Authors: Astle William F , Ingram April D , Isaza Gloria M , Echeverri Pilar
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background:  At the Alberta Children’s Hospital, the authors have been performing paediatric cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implant for over 10 years. The authors examined the amount of myopic shift that occurs in various age groups and cataract types, in order to evaluate the success of predicting the appropriate power of IOL to implant.

Methods:  This study is a retrospective review children undergoing small incision posterior chamber foldable IOL implantation between age 1 month and 18 years, from 1995 to 2005. 163 eyes of 126 patients underwent surgery. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. The children were divided into four groups at time of surgery: Group A: 1–24 months, Group B: 25–48 months, Group C: 49–84 months, Group D: 85 months−18 years.

Results:  The mean target refraction for the groups were: Group A: +6.37 D, Group B: +4.66 D, Group C: +1.95 D, and Group D: +0.97 D. Children under 4 years experienced the most myopic shift and the largest mean rate of refractive change per year. Mean change Group A: −5.43 D, Group B: −4.16 D, Group C: −1.58 D, Group D: −0.71 D. Eighty‐nine per cent of patients with unilateral cataracts had a postoperative refraction within 3.00 D of the fellow eye at last follow‐up visit (mean = 3.16 years).

Conclusions:  The rate of myopic shift is high in children under age 4 years at time of surgery, shifting as much as −12.00 D. The mean postoperative target refraction should probably be increased from previous literature recommendations. The patient’s age at time of cataract surgery and the refractive power of fellow eye are all factors to consider when deciding what power IOL to surgically implant in a paediatric patient.
PRIORITIZING PATIENTS FOR PROSTATECTOMY: BALANCING CLINICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS
Authors: Curtis Andrea J. , Wolfe Rory , Russell Colin O. H. , Costello Anthony J. , Travis Douglas G. , Snow Ross , McNeil John J.
Published: February 2007

Background:  The aim of this study was to develop a points‐based approach to prioritize patients for elective transurethral resection of the prostate and to determine the relative contributions that clinical and psychosocial characteristics should make to a measurement of urgency for surgery. Another objective was to measure the agreement between urologists, other medical practitioners and laypersons in assessing the major determinants of priority.

Methods:  A focus group of urologists and epidemiologists developed a standard questionnaire identifying relevant clinical and psychosocial factors in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. The questionnaire was used to interview 48 men with benign prostatic hypertrophy being placed on waiting lists for transurethral resection of the prostate at four Victorian public hospitals. Individual patient case vignettes were produced using the answers to the interview questions. Members of an assessor panel comprising six laypeople, six non‐urologist medical practitioners, and five urologists individually reviewed the vignettes and assigned urgency ratings and rankings to each patient. The urgency ratings and rankings were used to derive weightings for the clinical and psychosocial factors that were then incorporated into a prioritization tool framework.

Results:  The assessor panel perceived a broad spread of urgency for surgery among the patients. Agreement on rankings and urgency ratings was moderate among assessors. Linear regression showed that the effect of clinical symptoms and psychosocial disturbance held approximately equal‐strength independent associations with perceived urgency for all groups of assessors.

Conclusion:  Urologists, non‐urologist medical practitioners and laypeople considered the severity of benign prostatic hypertrophy symptoms and any resulting psychosocial disturbance as equally important in establishing priority for transurethral resection of the prostate. New prioritization tools should take both into consideration and weight them equally.
CORONARY ARTERY SPASM AFTER OFF‐PUMP CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING
Authors: Lin Chih‐Yuan , Weng Zen‐Chung , Loh Shih‐Hurng , Hong Gou‐Jieng , Tsai Chien‐Sung
Published: February 2007

Background:  Coronary artery spasm (CAS) in the immediate postoperative period has been recognized as a possible cause for perioperative myocardial ischaemia after off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It varies in severity and can be associated with circulatory collapse and death. The purpose of this study was to present our experiences on CAS after off‐pump CABG and detail its management.

Methods:  The case reports of three patients with similar clinical presentations of ischaemic heart disease who underwent CABG using an off‐pump technique are reviewed. Severe manifestations of CAS in the immediate postoperative period with documented angiographic findings are presented.

Results:  Three patients (two men and one woman) with angina pectoris were diagnosed with coronary artery disease using coronary angiography. The elective off‐pump CABG was uneventful; however, severe manifestation of myocardial ischaemia with abrupt onset developed at the intensive care unit. All three patients underwent immediate coronary angiography to verify the diagnosis of CAS. Apart from intracoronary nitroglycerine infusion and medical support with inotropic agents, extracorporeal membranous oxygenation was carried out because of severe haemodynamic deterioration in one case, while support was required with intraaortic balloon pumping in another. All three patients made a full recovery.

Conclusion:  Coronary artery spasm can severely complicate the postoperative course for patients undergoing off‐pump CABG, leading to myocardial ischaemia or infarction, life‐threatening arrhythmias, persistent hypotension and even cardiac arrest. Early awareness and diagnosis of CAS with the establishment of appropriate management strategies may prevent its potentially lethal consequences.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE MORTALITY RISK IN ELDERLY PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY
Authors: Ozturk Ersin , Yilmazlar Tuncay
Published: February 2007

Background:  Factors affecting the mortality in elderly patients vary among different studies. This study investigates the influence of the patient‐related factors, especially the effect of the diseased organ system on the mortality risk in the elderly.

Methods:  Records of 942 operated patients aged 70 years and over were retrospectively examined. Age, sex, site of the diseased organ system, type of admission, benign/malign nature, American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, main surgical diagnosis, method of surgical therapy and concomitant diseases were examined for their influence on the mortality.

Results:  There were 501 men and 441 women. Mean age was 75.5 years. Most of the patients had colorectal pathologies. Emergency surgery was carried out in 313 patients. Mortality rate was 11.8%. Cardiogenic shock was the leading cause of mortality. There was a strong linear correlation between ASA score and mortality. Logistic regression analysis concluded that higher (≥3) ASA scores, operations under emergent conditions and diseases of the colorectal and upper gastrointestinal systems were significantly associated with higher mortality rates.

Conclusion:  When combined with ASA score and type of admission, site of the diseased organ system may be a good indicator of mortality in the elderly patients undergoing surgery.
CURRENT CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND
Authors: Caddy Grant R. , Chen Robert Y.
Published: February 2007

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been developed since the early 1980s. Its clinical role in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal wall lesions and staging of gastrointestinal and lung cancer has evolved over the last two decades. Initially, it was either used as an imaging tool for gastrointestinal wall lesions or for staging of gastrointestinal tumours. However, in combination with fine‐needle aspiration under real‐time scanning, EUS is now being used in tissue sampling for diagnosis. In addition, EUS may be used therapeutically in coeliac plexus neurolysis or pseudocyst drainage. This review concentrates on the current applications of EUS.
Conducting mental health research: Key steps, practicalities, and issues for the early career researcher
Authors: Horsfall Jan , Cleary Michelle , Walter Garry , Hunt Glenn E.
Published: February 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The publication of this supplement was supported by

image

Preface
S3

Overview and aims
S4

Why mental health clinicians may begin research
S4

Values, research, and evidence‐based practice
S5

Generating and developing the research question
S6

Collaboration
S7

Stakeholders in mental health research
S8

Evaluating the literature
S9

Ethics and mental health research
S10

Planning the project
S11

Preparation for interviewing
S12

Mental health service consumers
S13

Mental health settings
S14

Writing the research proposal
S14

Some research design considerations
S15

Data collection and analysis
S16

Dissemination of research findings
S17

Conclusion
S19

Acknowledgements
S19

References
S19
Cross‐resistance spectra of Culex quinquefasciatus resistant to mosquitocidal toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis towards recombinant Escherichia coli expressing genes from B. thuringiensis ssp. israelensis
Authors: Wirth Margaret C. , Zaritsky Arieh , Ben‐Dov Eitan , Manasherob Robert , Khasdan Vadim , Boussiba Sammy , Walton William E.
Published: February 2007

Sixteen Escherichia coli clones were assayed against susceptible and Bacillus thuringiensis‐resistant Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The clones expressed different combinations of four genes from Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis; three genes encoded mosquitocidal toxins (Cry11Aa, Cry4Aa and Cyt1Aa) and the fourth encoded an accessory protein (P20). The cross‐resistance spectra of the mosquitoes were similar to the profiles for recombinant B. thuringiensis strains expressing B. thuringiensis toxin genes, but with varied toxicity levels. The toxicity of the recombinants towards resistant mosquito larvae was improved when p20 and cyt1Aa were expressed in combination with cry4Aa and/or cry11Aa. Recombinant pVE4‐ADRC, expressing cry4Aa, cry11Aa, p20 and cyt1Aa, was the most active against the resistant Culex, and resistance levels did not exceed fourfold. These results indicate that B. thuringiensis ssp. israelensis genes expressed in a heterologous host such as E. coli can be effective against susceptible and B. thuringiensis‐resistant larvae and suppress resistance.
Outcomes of the rectal remnant following colectomy for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Brady R. R. W. , Collie M. H. S. , Ho G. T. , Bartolo D. C. C. , Wilson R. G. , Dunlop M. G.
Published: February 2007

Objective  Controversy surrounds the optimal surgical management of the distal rectal remnant during colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) and the potential benefit from the placement of a rectal catheter for remnant drainage. This study reviews the clinical outcomes of patients who have undergone colectomy for UC with intra‐peritoneal closure of the rectal remnant.

Method  Analysis of prospective data lodged on Lothian Surgical Audit databases from patients treated in a tertiary coloproctology unit over 11 years.

Results  One hundred and fifty‐nine patients were identified, the mean age was 41.9 years, 63% were men. Failure of maximal medical therapy necessitated surgery for 78.1% patients, while 12.6% had acute perforation and 11.9% had toxic megacolon. Complications included five (3.1%) stump dehiscences, eight (5.0%) intra‐abdominal/pelvic collections, four (2.5%) significant wound infections, three (1.9%) small bowel obstructions and three (1.9%) deaths. Within the follow‐up period, 62.3% patients had an ileo‐pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), 7.5% patients had a completion proctectomy, 10.1% patients within the series had a retained rectal remnant after 1 year follow up, the remaining patients had less than 1 year follow up.

Conclusion  The intra‐peritoneal rectal stump following colectomy for UC is associated with low rates of pelvic sepsis and a high proportion of patients successfully proceeding to IPAA.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion leads to immediate, stable and long‐term changes in metabolic control
Authors: Aberle I. , Zimprich D. , Bach‐Kliegel B. , Fischer C. , Gorny M. , Kliegel A. , Langer K. , Kliegel M.
Published: February 2007

Background:  Evaluations of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) usually focus on one pre‐ and one post‐CSII measurement to assess metabolic therapy outcome.

Aim:  Extending this research, the aim of the present study was to provide a more fine‐grained analysis of achieved glycaemic control.

Methods:  In 52 patients with type 1 diabetes (mean age of 37.85 years at CSII begin; s.d. ± 12.41), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were assessed every 3 months over a period of 5 years (1 year before and 4 years after the introduction of CSII). Mixed models were utilized to describe changes in glycaemic control.

Results:  The pre–post course showed that already in the first quarter, a statistically significant lower HbA1c level was obtained [7.30%, in contrast to 8.21% at the last quarter with intensified conventional therapy (ICT)]. In the following 15 quarters, the mean HbA1c levels remained constantly lower than that with ICT. Overall, the aggregated mean HbA1c level of patients with CSII therapy was 7.19%, in contrast to 8.08% with ICT; thus, an overall decrease by 11% was achieved. In addition, individual differences in blood glucose level and age of diabetes onset as a predictor for therapy success were analysed.

Conclusions:  The data show an immediate, stable and long‐term effect of CSII on HbA1c. In addition, a significant relationship between metabolic control and age of diabetes onset was found, as well as a reduction of variance in HbA1c levels between subjects after change to CSII.
Can a slit‐like meatus be achieved with the V‐incision sutured meatoplasty for onlay island flap hypospadias repair?
Authors: Hayashi Yutaro , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Nakane Akihiro , Maruyama Tetsuji , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: February 2007

In the paediatric urology section this month, the papers describe studies on hypospadias repair and renal function after pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether the V‐incision sutured meatoplasty (VSM) is useful for configuring the constructed meatus after the onlay flap and the Mathieu flip‐flap repair for hypospadias, as the transverse preputial onlay island urethroplasty is excellent for repairing anterior hypospadias with no chordee, and a slit‐like normal meatus cannot be constructed in many patients who had the original onlay island‐flap repair

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The configuration of the meatus which was repaired by the onlay island flap technique with VSM (group 2) was evaluated and compared with that of the original onlay technique (group 1). Group 1 consisted of 30 patients treated with only the classic onlay procedure as primary hypospadias repair (1999–2001). Group 2 consisted of 22 patients treated using the onlay procedure with VSM as primary hypospadias repair (2002–2004).

RESULTS

There were complications after surgery in four (18%) of 22 patients in group 1 and in five (17%) of 30 in group 2, with no significant difference. A slit‐like meatus was achieved in eight (27%) of 30 in group 1 and in 12 (55%) of 22 in group 2. There was a significant difference between the groups in meatal configuration (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The VSM is a useful technique to make a slit‐like meatus for onlay island flap urethroplasty and flip‐flap hypospadias repair, although the technique cannot always achieve the intended result.
Effects of testosterone on erectile function: implications for the therapy of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Saad Farid , Grahl Anca S. , Aversa Antonio , Yassin Aksam A. , Kadioglu Atez , Moncada Ignacio , Eardley Ian
Published: February 2007

Sexual potency declines with age, as does the efficiency of erection. Many studies show that different patterns of erectile dysfunction (ED), varying from occasional inability to obtain a full erection, impairment throughout intercourse and total absence of erectile response, might not be triggered by psychological factors only. Recent research indicates that ED relies on organic causes, and has challenged the development of new therapies. One therapeutic approach in patients who have testosterone deficiency is based on androgen therapy. Thus, we reviewed data on testosterone‐induced effects relative to erectile function, summarizing the results from studies reported in 1991–2006 on testosterone therapy in patients with ED and hypogonadism, with a special focus on men not responding to phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors. We searched several computerized databases parallel with printed bibliographic references. Many studies have established animal models, which confirm that testosterone is important in modulating the central and peripheral regulation of ED. Testosterone deprivation has a strong negative impact on the structure of penile tissues and erectile nerves, which can be prevented by androgen administration. Combined therapy regimens with PDE‐5 inhibitors and testosterone might improve ED in patients with hypogonadism of different causes. Thus, androgen treatment in hypogonadic patients, including those unresponsive to PDE‐5 inhibitors, often results in an improvement of ED. Testosterone therapy is safe and convenient, while rapidly correcting low testosterone levels.
Correlation of ureteric length with anthropometric variables of surface body habitus
Authors: Hruby Gregory W. , Ames Caroline D. , Yan Yan , Monga Manoj , Landman Jaime
Published: February 2007

Authors from the USA describe a method of correlating anthropometric variables of body habitus with ureteric length; they found height to be the variable that correlated most closely with ureteric length, but ureteric length was nevertheless difficult to predict.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of variables of body habitus with direct measurements of ureteric length, as the correct choice of ureteric stent length might help to prevent complications and improve stent tolerance, and to date there are limited data correlating height or other body variables with ureteric length.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively measured pelvi‐ureteric junction to vesico‐ureteric junction length in 100 patients by placing a ruled 5 F ureteric catheter. Ureteric length was then correlated with patient height, weight, body mass index, and distance from the shoulder (acromium process) to the wrist (head of the ulna; S–W), the elbow (olecranon process) to the wrist (head of the ulna), xyphoid process to umbilicus, xyphoid process to pubis (X–P), umbilicus to pubis, and anterior iliac spine to anterior iliac spine. Patients with pathology affecting the ureteric length were excluded. The results were analysed statistically using a multiple linear regression model with stepwise selection of variables, and a paired t‐test.

RESULTS

The mean right and left ureteric lengths were similar (P = 0.61); height (P < 0.01), weight (P = 0.02), X–P (P = 0.01), and S–W (P = 0.02) distances all correlated with ureteric length. On multivariate regression analysis, weight, height and male gender were associated with mean ureteric length. From these data a formula was constructed to predict ureteric length.

CONCLUSIONS

It is a challenge to predict ureteric length from body habitus, but height, X–P distance and S–W distance can be used to predict ureteric length.
Non‐invasive evaluation of tumour hypoxia in the Shionogi tumour model for prostate cancer with 18F‐EF5 and positron emission tomography
Authors: Yapp Donald T.T. , Woo Janet , Kartono Aileen , Sy Jonathan , Oliver Thomas , Skov Kirsten A. , Koch Cameron J. , Adomat Hans , Dragowska Wieslawa H. , Fadzli Ladan , Ruth Thomas , Adam Michael J. , Green David , Gleave Martin
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate hypoxia non‐invasively in androgen‐dependent (AD), regressing (6‐days after castration, RG) and androgen‐independent (AI) Shionogi tumours, using the radiolabelled tracer for hypoxia, 18F‐EF5, and positron emission tomography (PET).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Groups of mice bearing AD, RG and AI Shionogi tumours were co‐injected with 18F‐EF5 and unlabelled EF5. The mice were imaged non‐invasively with PET to examine the accumulation of 18F‐EF5 in hypoxic regions of the tumour. The tumours were subsequently placed in a γ‐counter, or disaggregated for flow cytometry, to determine the levels of 18F‐EF5 and the percentage of hypoxic cells present in the tumour, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean (sd) levels of hypoxia in AD Shionogi tumours decreased significantly 6 days after androgen ablation as measured by flow cytometry, from 17.1 (4.77) to 1.74 (0.46)% (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences in the levels of 18F‐EF5 in the tissue between AD and RG tumours using region‐of‐interest analysis of PET images or γ‐counting, although the differences were significant when measured by flow cytometry. However, mean (sd) levels of hypoxia in AI Shionogi tumours were significantly higher than in AD tumours regardless of the analysis method; PET, 10.5 (4.93) × 10−5) Bq/cm2 (P = 0.017), flow cytometry, 42.98 (3.35)% (P < 0.001), well count, 6.81 (1.17) × 104 and 13.1 (1.99) × 104 cpm/g, for AD and AI tumours, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in hypoxia between AD and AI, but not RG, Shionogi tumours can be detected non‐invasively with 18F‐EF5 and PET. As prostate tumours are hypoxic and the oxygen levels can change with androgen ablation, noninvasive imaging of hypoxia with PET and 18F‐EF5 might ultimately have a prognostic and/or diagnostic role in the clinical management of the disease.
Testicular tumours in children: a single‐institutional experience
Authors: Oottamasathien Siam , Thomas John C. , Adams Mark C. , DeMarco Romano T. , Brock John W. , Pope John C.
Published: February 2007

Authors from the USA present a retrospective review of children in their institution who were treated for testicular cancer. They found that most of the lesions were benign, the commonest being testicular. They also found several malignant and paratesticular lesions, and make recommendations as to the surgical approach.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of testicular and paratesticular tumours in children, as such tumours are rare, and historically yolk sac tumour has been described as the most common lesion in children, but recent reports suggest that benign testicular lesions might be more common.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the records of children treated for testicular tumours from 1998 to 2005. The patients’ age, clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, treatment methods, histopathological findings, and outcome were recorded. Patients aged >144 months and those with non‐primary metastatic lesions were excluded.

RESULTS

In all, 11 patients met our criteria, with a mean age of 37 months (range 9 days to 144 months). Pathological analysis revealed teratoma in four patients, yolk sac tumour in two, epidermoid cysts in two, extrarenal nephroblastomatosis in one, and paratesticular rhabdomyosarcomas in two. The most common clinical presentation was a painless testicular mass. Depending on the clinical presentation and pathology, scrotal ultrasonography, tumour markers (α‐fetoprotein and β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin), and/or staging computed tomography (CT) were obtained in eight patients. All patients had a radical orchidectomy. Three patients had elevated tumour markers that normalized after orchidectomy. CT revealed extensive mediastinal adenopathy in one patient with rhabdomyosarcoma. Chemotherapy was administered to both patients with rhabdomyosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

Although there were few patients, most of the lesions were benign tumours, with the most common histological subtype being teratoma. As both malignant and paratesticular lesions occurred at a significant frequency, we would continue to advocate an initial radical inguinal approach at which time testis‐sparing could be considered if the preoperative evaluation was favourable, and frozen‐section analysis at the time of surgery confirms a benign lesion.
The Professional Success of Higher Education Graduates
Authors: SCHOMBURG HARALD
Published: February 2007

Measures of professional success provided by surveys on higher education graduates can be divided into objective (e.g. income or professional position) and subjective (e.g. job satisfaction, reported use of knowledge and skills, work autonomy) indicators. In this article a broad range of measures of professional success is used to describe aspects of employment and work of graduates from 11 European countries and Japan and to analyse the relevance of structural conditions (e.g. country of the institution, type of study programme and field of study) and personal factors (e.g. gender, parental educational background, competences at the time of graduation, employment conditions e.g. economic sector, size of organisation, and the experiences after graduation). The analysis clearly demonstrates the relevance of both structural and personal factors, but no single variable prevails.
Scale‐related patterns in the spatial and environmental components of stream macroinvertebrate assemblage variation
Authors: Mykrä Heikki , Heino Jani , Muotka Timo
Published: February 2007

Aim  We examined the relative contributions of spatial gradients and local environmental conditions to macroinvertebrate assemblages of boreal headwater streams at three hierarchical extents: bioregion, ecoregion and drainage system. We also aimed to identify the environmental variables most strongly related to assemblage structure at each study scale, and to assess how the importance of these variables is related to regional context and spatial structuring at different scales.

Location  Northern Finland (62–68° N, 25–32° E).

Methods  Variation in macroinvertebrate data was partitioned using partial canonical correspondence analysis into components explained by spatial variables (nine terms from the cubic trend surface regression), local environmental variables (15 variables) and spatially structured environmental variation.

Results  The strength of the relationship between assemblage structure and local environmental variables increased with decreasing spatial extent, whereas assemblage variation related to spatial variables and spatially structured environmental variation showed the opposite pattern. At the largest extents, spatial variation was related to latitudinal gradients, whereas spatial autocorrelation among neighbouring streams was the likely mechanism creating spatial structure within drainage systems. Only stream size and water acidity were consistently important in explaining assemblage structure at all study scales, while the importance of other environmental variables was more context‐dependent.

Main conclusions  The importance of local environmental factors in explaining macroinvertebrate assemblage structure increases with decreasing spatial extent. This scale‐related pattern is not caused solely by changes in study extent, however, but also by variable sample sizes at different regional extents. The importance of environmental gradients is context‐dependent and few factors are likely to be universally important correlates of macroinvertebrate assemblage structure. Finally, our results suggest that bioassessment should give due attention to spatial structuring of stream assemblages, because important assemblage gradients may not only be related to local factors but also to biogeographical constraints and neighbourhood dispersal processes.
The role of transitional areas as avian biodiversity centres
Authors: Kark Salit , Allnutt Thomas F. , Levin Noam , Manne Lisa L. , Williams Paul H.
Published: February 2007

Aim  With the ever‐increasing threats to biodiversity, efforts are being directed towards identifying hotspots of special importance for conservation. In particular, there has been an effort to identify irreplaceable regions that are especially rich in rare species. Areas of transition between ecological systems in which multiple species coincide are expected, almost by definition, to be species‐rich. Here, we examine whether this is simply a result of an overlap between two communities in boundary regions, or whether boundary areas also hold concentrations of rare (e.g. range‐limited) species. We ask whether an analysis that includes areas of transition may be a useful contribution to the identification of biodiversity centres.

Location and methods  To address these questions, we examined the relationship between passeriform richness and range size rarity of approximately 2300 bird species in 4889 1° New World grid cells, and the distance of the cells to boundaries between adjacent plant‐based ecoregions.

Results  Areas nearer to boundary regions between ecoregions not only had more bird species, but also scored more highly in terms of species rarity. The range centres of the rarest 10% of species were distributed significantly closer to boundaries between ecoregions than were species in general. This pattern persisted for rarity when we divided the New World into three latitudinal belts and analysed each separately, and when we excluded the Andes. It also persisted when compared with randomly generated ecoregion polygons.

Main conclusions  The findings of this work suggest that transitional environments harbour many rare species, in addition to high richness. Consequently areas of biotic transition should be highly valued as biodiversity centres and need to be included in future global conservation analyses and decisions.
One‐dimensional analyses of Rapoport's rule reviewed through meta‐analysis
Authors: Ruggiero Adriana , Werenkraut Victoria
Published: February 2007

Aim To analyse quantitatively the extent to which several methodological, geographical and taxonomic variables affect the magnitude of the tendency for the latitudinal ranges of species to increase with latitude (the Rapoport effect).

Location Global.

Methods A meta‐analysis of 49 published studies was used to evaluate the effect of several methodological and biological moderator variables on the magnitude of the pattern.

Results The method used to depict the latitudinal variation in range sizes is a strong moderator variable that accounts for differences in the magnitude of the pattern. In contrast, the extent of the study or the use of areal or linear estimations of range sizes does not affect the magnitude of the pattern. The effect of geography is more consistent than the effect of taxonomy in accounting for differences in the magnitude of the pattern. The Rapoport effect is indeed strong in Eurasia and North America. Weaker or non‐significant latitudinal trends are found at the global scale, and in Australia, South America and the New World. There are no significant differences in the magnitude of the pattern between different habitats, however, the overall pattern is weaker in oceans than in terrestrial regions of the world.

Main conclusions The Rapoport effect is indeed strong in continental landmasses of the Northern Hemisphere. The magnitude of the effect is primarily affected by methodological and biogeographical factors. Ecological and spatial scale effects seem to be less important. We suggest that not all methodological approaches may be equally useful for analysing the pattern.
Discourse and Audience: Organizational Change as Multi‐Story Process
Authors: Buchanan David , Dawson Patrick
Published: February 2007

abstract This article is critical of monological research accounts that fail to accommodate polyvocal narratives of organizational change, calling for more fully informed case studies that combine elements of a narrative approach with processual/contextual analysis. We illustrate how contrasting versions of the same change event by different stakeholders and by the same stakeholder for different audiences, raise theoretical and methodological issues in the analysis and presentation of data on organizational change. Our argument is that research narratives (that seek to develop understanding of change processes) are necessarily selective and sieved through particular discourses that represent different ways of engaging in research. They are authored in a particular genre and written to influence target audiences who become active co‐creators of meaning. Organizational change viewed from this perspective is a multi‐story process, in which theoretical accounts and guides to practice are authored consistent with pre‐selected narrative styles. These, in turn, are purposefully chosen to influence target audiences, but this subjective crafting is often hidden behind a cloak of putative objectivity in the written and oral presentations of academic research findings.
Functional analysis of rice NPR1‐like genes reveals that OsNPR1/NH1 is the rice orthologue conferring disease resistance with enhanced herbivore susceptibility†
Authors: Yuan Yuexing , Zhong Sihui , Li Qun , Zhu Zengrong , Lou Yonggen , Wang Linyou , Wang Jianjun , Wang Muyang , Li Qiaoli , Yang Donglei , He Zuhua
Published: February 2007

The key regulator of salicylic acid (SA)‐mediated resistance, NPR1, is functionally conserved in diverse plant species, including rice (Oryza sativa L.). Investigation in depth is needed to provide an understanding of NPR1‐mediated resistance and a practical strategy for the improvement of disease resistance in the model crop rice. The rice genome contains five NPR1‐like genes. In our study, three rice homologous genes, OsNPR1/NH1, OsNPR2/NH2 and OsNPR3, were found to be induced by rice bacterial blight Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and rice blast Magnaporthe grisea, and the defence molecules benzothiadiazole, methyl jasmonate and ethylene. We confirmed that OsNPR1 is the rice orthologue by complementing the Arabidopsis npr1 mutant. Over‐expression of OsNPR1 conferred disease resistance to bacterial blight, but also enhanced herbivore susceptibility in transgenic plants. The OsNPR1‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was localized in the cytoplasm and moved into the nucleus after redox change. Mutations in its conserved cysteine residues led to the constitutive localization of OsNPR1(2CA)‐GFP in the nucleus and also abolished herbivore hypersensitivity in transgenic rice. Different subcellular localizations of OsNPR1 antagonistically regulated SA‐ and jasmonic acid (JA)‐responsive genes, but not SA and JA levels, indicating that OsNPR1 might mediate antagonistic cross‐talk between the SA‐ and JA‐dependent pathways in rice. This study demonstrates that rice has evolved an SA‐mediated systemic acquired resistance similar to that in Arabidopsis, and also provides a practical approach for the improvement of disease resistance without the penalty of decreased herbivore resistance in rice.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatases (MINPPs) are phytases expressed during grain filling and germination†
Authors: Dionisio Giuseppe , Holm Preben B. , Brinch‐Pedersen Henrik
Published: February 2007

At present, little is known about the phytases of plant seeds in spite of the fact that this group of enzymes is the primary determinant for the utilization of the major phosphate storage compound in seeds, phytic acid. We report the cloning and characterization of complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding one of the groups of enzymes with phytase activity, the multiple inositol phosphate phosphatases (MINPPs). Four wheat cDNAs (TaPhyIIa1, TaPhyIIa2, TaPhyIIb and TaPhyIIc) and three barley cDNAs (HvPhyIIa1, HvPhyIIa2 and HvPhyIIb) were isolated. The open reading frames ranged from 1548 to 1554 bp and the level of homology between the barley and wheat proteins ranged from 90.5% to 91.9%. All cDNAs contained an N‐terminal signal peptide encoding sequence, and a KDEL‐like sequence, KTEL, was present at the C‐terminal, indicating that the enzyme was targeted to and retained within the endoplasmic reticulum. Expression of TaPhyIIa2 and HvPhyIIb in Escherichia coli revealed that the MINPPs possessed a significant phytase activity with narrow substrate specificity for phytate. The pH and temperature optima for both enzymes were pH 4.5 and 65 °C, respectively, and the Km values for phytate were 246 and 334 µm for the wheat and barley recombinant enzymes, respectively. The enzymes were inhibited by several metal ions, in particular copper and zinc. The cDNAs showed significantly different temporal and tissue‐specific expression patterns during seed development and germination. With the exception of TaPhyIIb, the cDNAs were present during late seed development and germination. We conclude that MINPPs constitute a significant part of the endogenous phytase potential of the developing and germinating barley and wheat seeds.