bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cDNA macroarray approach to parasite‐induced gene expression changes in a songbird host: genetic response of house finches to experimental infection by Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Authors: WANG ZHENSHAN , FARMER KRISTY , HILL GEOFFREY E. , EDWARDS SCOTT V.
Published: April 2006

In 1994, the bacterial parasite Mycoplasma gallisepticum expanded its host range and swept through populations of a novel host — eastern US populations of the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). This epizootic caused a dramatic decline in finch population numbers, has been shown to have caused strong selection on house finch morphology, and presumably caused evolutionary change at the molecular level as finches evolved enhanced resistance. As a first step toward identifying finch genes that respond to infection by Mycoplasma and which may have experienced natural selection by this parasite, we used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and cDNA macroarray approaches to identify differentially expressed genes regulated by the Mycoplasma parasite. Two subtractive cDNA libraries consisting of 16 512 clones were developed from spleen using an experimentally uninfected bird as the ‘tester’ and an infected bird as ‘driver’, and vice versa. Two hundred and twenty cDNA clones corresponding 34 genes with known vertebrate homologues and a large number of novel transcripts were found to be qualitatively up‐ or down‐regulated genes by high‐density filter hybridization. These gene expression changes were further confirmed by a high throughout reverse Northern blot approach and in specific cases by targeted Northern analysis. blast searches show that heat shock protein (HSP) 90, MHC II‐associated invariant chain (CD74), T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin 1 (TIM1), as well as numerous novel expressed genes not found in the databases were up‐ or down‐regulated by the host in response to this parasite. Our results and macroarray resources provide a foundation for molecular co‐evolutionary studies of the Mycoplasma parasite and its recently colonized avian host.
Natural genetic variation in whole‐genome expression in Arabidopsis thaliana: the impact of physiological QTL introgression
Authors: JUENGER THOMAS E. , WAYNE TIERNEY , BOLES SANDRA , SYMONDS V. VAUGHAN , MCKAY JOHN , COUGHLAN SEAN J.
Published: April 2006

A long‐standing and fundamental question in biology is how genes influence complex phenotypes. Combining near‐isogenic line mapping with genome expression profiling offers a unique opportunity for exploring the functional relationship between genotype and phenotype and for generating candidate genes for future study. We used a whole‐genome microarray produced with ink‐jet technology to measure the relative expression level of over 21 500 genes from an Arabidopsis thaliana near‐isogenic line (NIL) and its recurrent parent. The NIL material contained two introgressions (bottom of chromosome II and top of chromosome III) of the Cvi‐1 ecotype in a Ler‐2 ecotype genome background. Each introgression ‘captures’ a Cvi allele of a physiological quantitative trait loci (QTL) that our previous studies have shown increases transpiration and reduces water‐use efficiency at the whole‐plant level. We used a mixed model anova framework for assessing sources of expression variability and for evaluating statistical significance in our array experiment. We discovered 25 differentially expressed genes in the introgression at a false‐discovery rate (FDR) cut‐off of 0.20 and identified new candidate genes for both QTL regions. Several differentially expressed genes were confirmed with QRT–PCR (quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) assays. In contrast, we found no statistically significant differentially expressed genes outside of the QTL introgressions after controlling for multiple tests. We discuss these results in the context of candidate genes, cloning QTL, and phenotypic evolution.
Microarray analysis reveals differential gene expression in hybrid sunflower species
Authors: LAI ZHAO , GROSS BRIANA L. , ZOU YI , ANDREWS JUSTEN , RIESEBERG LOREN H.
Published: April 2006

This paper describes the creation of a cDNA microarray for annual sunflowers and its use to elucidate patterns of gene expression inHelianthus annuus,Helianthus petiolaris, and the homoploid hybrid speciesHelianthus deserticola. The array comprises 3743 ESTs (expressed sequence tags) representing approximately 2897 unique genes. It has an average clone/EST identity rate of 91%, is applicable across species boundaries within the annual sunflowers, and shows patterns of gene expression that are highly reproducible according to real‐time RT–PCR (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) results. Overall, 12.8% of genes on the array showed statistically significant differential expression across the three species.Helianthus deserticoladisplayed transgressive, or extreme, expression for 58 genes, with roughly equal numbers exhibiting up‐ or down‐regulation relative to both parental species. Transport‐related proteins were strongly over‐represented among the transgressively expressed genes, which makes functional sense given the extreme desert floor habitat ofH. deserticola. The potential adaptive value of differential gene expression was evaluated for five genes in two populations of early generation (BC2) hybrids between the parental species grown in theH.deserticolahabitat. One gene (a G protein‐coupled receptor) had a significant association with fitness and maps close to a QTL controlling traits that may be adaptive in the desert habitat.
A predicted microsatellite map of the passerine genome based on chicken–passerine sequence similarity
Authors: DAWSON DEBORAH A. , BURKE TERRY , HANSSON BENGT , PANDHAL JAGROOP , HALE MATTHEW C. , HINTEN GAVIN N. , SLATE JON
Published: April 2006

We present a predicted passerine genome map consisting of 196 microsatellite markers distributed across 25 chromosomes. The map was constructed by assigning chromosomal locations based on the sequence similarity between 550 publicly available passerine microsatellites and the draft chicken genome sequence published by the International Chicken Genome Sequencing Consortium. We compared this passerine microsatellite map with a recently published great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) linkage map derived from the segregation of marker alleles in a pedigree of a natural population. Twenty‐four microsatellite markers were shared between the two maps, distributed across ten chromosomes. Synteny was maintained between the predicted passerine microsatellite map and the great reed warbler linkage map, confirming the validity and accuracy of our approach. Possible applications of the predicted passerine microsatellite map include genome mapping; quantitative trait locus (QTL) discovery; understanding heterozygosity–fitness correlations; investigating avian karyotype evolution; understanding microsatellite mutation processes; and for identifying loci conserved in multiple species, unlinked loci for use in genotyping sets and sex‐linked markers.
Genomics of hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa× deltoides) interacting with forest tent caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria): normalized and full‐length cDNA libraries, expressed sequence tags, and a cDNA microarray for the study of insect‐induced defences in poplar
Authors: RALPH STEVEN , ODDY CLAIRE , COOPER DAWN , YUEH HESTHER , JANCSIK SHARON , KOLOSOVA NATALIA , PHILIPPE RYAN N. , AESCHLIMAN DANA , WHITE RICK , HUBER DEZENE , RITLAND CAROL E. , BENOIT FRANÇOIS , RIGBY TRACEY , NANTEL ANDRÉ , BUTTERFIELD YARON S. N. , KIRKPATRICK ROBERT , CHUN ELIZABETH , LIU JERRY , PALMQUIST DIANA , WYNHOVEN BRIAN , STOTT JEFFREY , YANG GEORGE , BARBER SARAH , HOLT ROBERT A. , SIDDIQUI ASIM , JONES STEVEN J. M. , MARRA MARCO A. , ELLIS BRIAN E. , DOUGLAS CARL J. , RITLAND KERMIT , BOHLMANN JÖRG
Published: April 2006

As part of a genomics strategy to characterize inducible defences against insect herbivory in poplar, we developed a comprehensive suite of functional genomics resources including cDNA libraries, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and a cDNA microarray platform. These resources are designed to complement the existing poplar genome sequence and poplar (Populus spp.) ESTs by focusing on herbivore‐ and elicitor‐treated tissues and incorporating normalization methods to capture rare transcripts. From a set of 15 standard, normalized or full‐length cDNA libraries, we generated 139 007 3′‐ or 5′‐end sequenced ESTs, representing more than one‐third of the c. 385 000 publicly available Populus ESTs. Clustering and assembly of 107 519 3′‐end ESTs resulted in 14 451 contigs and 20 560 singletons, altogether representing 35 011 putative unique transcripts, or potentially more than three‐quarters of the predicted c. 45 000 genes in the poplar genome. Using this EST resource, we developed a cDNA microarray containing 15 496 unique genes, which was utilized to monitor gene expression in poplar leaves in response to herbivory by forest tent caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria). After 24 h of feeding, 1191 genes were classified as up‐regulated, compared to only 537 down‐regulated. Functional classification of this induced gene set revealed genes with roles in plant defence (e.g. endochitinases, Kunitz protease inhibitors), octadecanoid and ethylene signalling (e.g. lipoxygenase, allene oxide synthase, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase), transport (e.g. ABC proteins, calreticulin), secondary metabolism [e.g. polyphenol oxidase, isoflavone reductase, (–)‐germacrene D synthase] and transcriptional regulation [e.g. leucine‐rich repeat transmembrane kinase, several transcription factor classes (zinc finger C3H type, AP2/EREBP, WRKY, bHLH)]. This study provides the first genome‐scale approach to characterize insect‐induced defences in a woody perennial providing a solid platform for functional investigation of plant–insect interactions in poplar.
Exposed and concealed antigens as vaccine targets for controlling ticks and tick‐borne diseases
Authors: NUTTALL P. A. , TRIMNELL A. R. , KAZIMIROVA M. , LABUDA M.
Published: April 2006

Tick vaccines derived from Bm86, a midgut membrane‐bound protein of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, are currently the only commercially available ectoparasite vaccines. Despite its introduction to the market in 1994, and the recognized need for alternatives to chemical pesticides, progress in developing effective antitick vaccines (and ectoparasite vaccines in general) is slow. The primary rate‐limiting step is the identification of suitable antigenic targets for vaccine development. Two sources of candidate vaccine antigens have been identified: ‘exposed’ antigens that are secreted in tick saliva during attachment and feeding on a host and ‘concealed’ antigens that are normally hidden from the host. Recently, a third group of antigens has been distinguished that combines the properties of both exposed and concealed antigens. This latter group offers the prospect of a broad‐spectrum vaccine effective against both adults and immature stages of a wide variety of tick species. It also shows transmission‐blocking and protective activity against a tick‐borne pathogen. With the proliferation of molecular techniques and their application to vaccine development, there are high hopes for new and effective antitick vaccines that also control tick‐borne diseases.
Arabidopsis myrosinases TGG1 and TGG2 have redundant function in glucosinolate breakdown and insect defense
Authors: Barth Carina , Jander Georg
Published: April 2006

In Arabidopsis and other Brassicaceae, the enzyme myrosinase (β‐thioglucoside glucohydrolase, TGG) degrades glucosinolates to produce toxins that deter herbivory. A broadly applicable selection for meiotic recombination between tightly linked T‐DNA insertions was developed to generate Arabidopsis tgg1tgg2 double mutants and study myrosinase function. Glucosinolate breakdown in crushed leaves of tgg1 or tgg2 single mutants was comparable to that of wild‐type, indicating redundant enzyme function. In contrast, leaf extracts of tgg1tgg2 double mutants had undetectable myrosinase activity in vitro, and damage‐induced breakdown of endogenous glucosinolates was apparently absent for aliphatic and greatly slowed for indole glucosinolates. Maturing leaves of myrosinase mutants had significantly increased glucosinolate levels. However, developmental decreases in glucosinolate content during senescence and germination were unaffected, showing that these processes occur independently of TGG1 and TGG2. Insect herbivores with different host plant preferences and feeding styles varied in their responses to myrosinase mutations. Weight gain of two Lepidoptera, the generalist Trichoplusia ni and the facultative Solanaceae‐specialist Manduca sexta, was significantly increased on tgg1tgg2 double mutants. Two crucifer‐specialist Lepidoptera had differing responses. Whereas Plutella xylostella was unaffected by myrosinase mutations, Pieris rapae performed better on wild‐type, perhaps due to reduced feeding stimulants in tgg1tgg2 mutants. Reproduction of two Homoptera, Myzus persicae and Brevicoryne brassicae, was unaffected by myrosinase mutations.
Assessment of New Dental Graduates in General Practice Using Seven Key Skills Portfolios
Authors: Grieveson B‐Brigden.D
Published: April 2006

Aims  To demonstrate a formative assessment process for new dental graduates in general practice which includes seven key skills which are the foundation of good clinical practice and teamwork.

Methods and materials  The key skills identified are: clinical record keeping; radiography; infection control; risk management and communication; legislation and good practice guidelines; team training and medical emergencies.

Learning is by compilation of portfolios for each key skill for each individual and their practice.

 Supporting educational material is by a CD Rom for each key skill.

 Assessment is by external validation (Faculty of General Dental Practitioners) and local evaluation.

Results  Each graduate will submit their key skills portfolios for assessment at the end of their vocational training year or agreed period. Support will be from their practices, study groups and tutors with access to the key skills CD Roms. Young graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and insight of general practice and show evidence of their own understanding of the seven key skills

 Satisfactory completion of the key skills portfolios may be used for the MFGDP(UK) coursework module as part of continuing professional development. The seven key skills portfolios CD Roms will contribute to the GDC verifiable CPD requirements.

Conclusions  When students make the transition from dental school to general practice it is essential they understand the key requirements for high quality patient care and also the importance of teamwork in providing that care.

 The seven key skills portfolio learning not only helps new graduates do that but also make them more aware of their own practice and the many requirements of good safe care for patients and their staff.

 The seven key skills portfolios also contribute to further professional development as part of further professional examinations as well as being a good model of assessment of new dental graduates
The Role of Vocational Training in Graduate Education
Authors: Seth‐Smith A
Published: April 2006

New dental graduates are required to undertake vocational training (VT) in many European countries. Arrangements for this training vary and to some extent there are different perceptions of its purpose. In some countries without VT there are established practices for taking the new graduate into an independent working environment. In these countries would VT be a better (perhaps more expensive) system for the new dentist and for patients?

The presentation touched on the different systems of VT and how they complement the knowledge and experience gained earlier at dental school. As the 5‐year undergraduate curriculum develops the content and delivery of VT should be reviewed.

Vocational training provides a stepping‐stone from the supported environment of a dental school to the commercial realities of running a business with high patient expectation. On the completion of the undergraduate dental degree and VT a dentist should be expected to have progressed from theory through competence to proficiency. It is important to look at how this achievement is tested at the end of VT.

Vocational training places a responsibility on trainers to ensure the trainees develop good clinical technique, communicate well with patients and colleagues, and generally become more assured in practising routine dentistry. Ideally VT should prepare the dentists for the rest of their careers, leading naturally to postgraduate education and a commitment to continuing professional development. VT should give new dentists the opportunity to make informed decisions on the future direction of their career.

In certain parts of the UK there are programmes extending the 1 year of VT to a 2‐year structure, which includes periods of hospital and community dentistry. Proposals are now being made to formalise the 2 years into a system, which provides a postgraduate qualification. This may then lead to further pathways of training and qualification.
The Interface Between Undergraduate and Graduate Education
Authors: Divaris K
Published: April 2006

Latest developments in the harmonisation process of dental education in Europe have resulted in a broad consensus of the ‘Profile of the European Dentist’. The ‘Profile’ defines the major competencies that graduating students must have attained, but allows a significant degree of variation in the educational content and methods employed by dental schools in order to achieve them. Consequently, differing ‘supporting competences’ adopted in dental curricula may be influencing the interface between undergraduate and graduate education and their content. This borderline remains mostly unclear among countries/dental schools and yet adhering to the ‘Profile’.

This presentation provided insight into the dental student standpoint on the aims and content of undergraduate education, the role of research in education and their ‘exposure’ to all domains of clinical dentistry. Undergraduate motives and expectations of graduate education were discussed. Finally, practical issues for dental schools operating a broad spectrum of graduate programmes were considered, with regard to undergraduate training.
Burning mouth syndrome: Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Savage Neil W , Boras Vanja V , Barker Kate
Published: April 2006

Burning mouth syndrome is an oral dysaesthesia presenting as a burning sensation of the tongue and less frequently other oral and peri‐oral sites. There may be other coincident symptoms and signs, but the defining feature is the absence of any obvious organic cause. Because of this the condition frequently remains unrecognized for extended periods with a variable progression of symptoms. The current paper describes the complex presentation of burning mouth syndrome with the major aim of increasing recognition.
Hypothesis that embolization is an important mechanism in the laser destruction of cutaneous vascular lesions
Authors: Bekhor Philip
Published: April 2006

It is hypothesized that laser‐induced red blood cell aggregations form emboli that assist in the therapeutic effect of lasers on vascular lesions.
Skin care in occupational contact dermatitis of the hands
Authors: Moyle Mignon , Keegel Tessa , Noonan Amanda , Nixon Rosemary
Published: April 2006

A survey of patients attending an occupational dermatology clinic with suspected occupational contact dermatitis affecting the hands was undertaken to determine if optimal skin care treatment had been instituted prior to referral for patch testing. Appropriate treatment for contact dermatitis of the hands was defined as concurrent use of a soap substitute, use of a lipid‐rich moisturizer, and if appropriate, use of a topical corticosteroid in an ointment vehicle. Patients were asked about the use of a particular soap substitute, the name and type of any moisturizer used and the name and type of topical corticosteroids currently used. The products were examined where possible. Only one‐third of all patients were using the complete package at the time of their clinic appointment. Nearly all of these patients had seen a dermatologist prior to this appointment. Of the group of patients with work‐related diseases who reported having seen a dermatologist prior to the clinic appointment, only 38% were using the complete skin care routine.
Chronic urticaria due to Blastocystis hominis
Authors: Gupta Ritu , Parsi Kurosh
Published: April 2006

A 24‐year‐old woman had a 9‐week history of second to third daily urticaria that began after an episode of contact urticaria to topical bufexamac. She was found to have an underlying gastrointestinal infection with Blastocystis hominis. This was thought to be clinically relevant as she had a history of mild chronic diarrhoea. After treatment of the Blastocystis hominis, her urticaria ceased. This could indicate the importance of performing stool microscopy and culture on all patients with chronic urticaria of unknown aetiology. The relationship of urticaria to intestinal parasites and the possibility that non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medications could act as cofactors that help precipitate an urticarial reaction is discussed.
Successful treatment of type I adult‐onset pityriasis rubra pilaris with infliximab
Authors: Manoharan Shobhan , White Stephen , Gumparthy Krishna
Published: April 2006

A 59‐year‐old woman presented with a painful, pruritic eruption that had commenced as an erythematous, dry patch on the upper back but progressed to erythroderma. Examination revealed orange‐tinged erythroderma, scalp scaling, ectropion, palmoplantar keratoderma and nail changes. A diagnosis of type I adult‐onset pityriasis rubra pilaris was made, and a subsequent skin biopsy was consistent with this. She was treated with a number of topical and systemic agents with minimal improvement or major side‐effects. The patient was then treated with intravenous infliximab 5 mg/kg. She improved dramatically within 2 weeks and was no longer erythrodermic. Five further infusions resulted in additional improvement. Methotrexate was briefly added to the regime, but was ceased owing to nausea. Topical tar and keratolytics were used on the scalp. The patient was left with minimal disease activity and was maintained on emollients.
Multiple periungual pyogenic granulomas following systemic 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Curr Nathan , Saunders Helen , Murugasu Anand , Cooray Prasad , Schwarz Max , Gin Douglas
Published: April 2006

A 65‐year‐old man presented with a 7‐month history of eight bleeding periungual lesions on both feet. The clinical diagnosis of multiple pyogenic granulomas was confirmed by histological examination. Historically, the pyogenic granulomas appeared 3 months after commencing 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy for rectal carcinoma, suggesting a possible causative relationship. Chemotherapy was ceased by the supervising oncologist. Resolution occurred after two lesions had been treated with curettage and diathermy, and the remaining lesions with occlusive dressings over Kenacomb ointment (triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%, neomycin sulphate 0.25%, gramicidin 0.025%, nystatin 100 000 U/g) topically twice daily for a period of 3 months.
Role of uric acid in different types of calcium oxalate renal calculi
Authors: GRASES FÉLIX , SANCHIS PILAR , PERELLÓ JOAN , COSTA‐BAUZÁ ANTONIA
Published: April 2006

Aim:  The presence of uric acid in the beginning zone of different types of ‘pure’ calcium oxalate renal calculi was evaluated with the aim of establishing the degree of participation of uric acid crystals in the formation of such calculi.

Methods:  The core or fragment of different types of ‘pure’ calcium oxalate renal calculi was detached, pulverized and uric acid extracted. Uric acid was determined using a high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method.

Results:  In calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) papillary calculi with a core constituted by COM crystals and organic matter, 0.030 ± 0.007% uric acid was found in the core. In COM papillary calculi with a core constituted by hydroxyapatite, 0.031 ± 0.008% uric acid was found in the core. In COM unattached calculi (formed in renal cavities) with the core mainly formed by COM crystals and organic matter, 0.24 ± 0.09% uric acid was found in the core. In COM unattached calculi with the core formed by uric acid identifiable by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to X‐ray microanalysis, 20.8 ± 7.8% uric acid was found in the core. In calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) unattached calculi containing little amounts of organic matter, 0.012 ± 0.004% uric acid was found. In COD unattached calculi containing little amounts of organic matter and hydroxyapatite, 0.0030 ± 0.0004% of uric acid was found.

Conclusions:  From these results it can be deduced that uric acid can play an important role as inducer (heterogeneous nucleant) of COM unattached calculi with the core formed by uric acid identifiable by SEM coupled to X‐ray microanalysis (these calculi constitute the 1.2% of all calculi) and in COM unattached calculi with the core mainly formed by COM crystals and organic matter (these calculi constitute the 10.8% of all calculi).
Identification of autoantibodies elicited in a patient with prostate cancer presenting as dermatomyositis
Authors: MOONEY COLIN J , DUNPHY EDWARD J , STONE BRAD , MCNEEL DOUGLAS G
Published: April 2006

Objectives:  Dermatomyositis is an uncommon autoimmune disease distinguished by proximal muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash. Dermatomyositis has also frequently been associated with malignancy, typically heralding the diagnosis of ovarian, lung, gastric, or colorectal cancer. We report an unusual case of prostate adenocarcinoma preceded by a diagnosis of dermatomyositis. We hypothesized that in this particular patient, proteins produced by the neoplastic prostatic tissue, which might be normally expressed in muscle tissue, were immunologically recognized as autoantigens.

Methods:  Serum from this patient was used to screen a cDNA lambda phage expression library from normal prostate tissue for prostate protein‐specific IgG.

Results:  We identified several immunoreactive plaques encoding known autoantigens, and several encoding known muscle‐related proteins, including aldolase C, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 α 1, transgelin, and acetyl‐coenzyme A acyltransferase 1. IgG specific for these proteins were not specifically recognized in sera from other patients with prostate cancer compared with male control blood donors, and were not specifically recognized in a small panel of sera from patients with breast or ovarian cancer and dermatomyositis.

Conclusions:  Our results demonstrate that this patient with prostate cancer presenting as dermatomyositis had autoantibodies to specific proteins, possibly associated with his autoimmune myopathy. Moreover, given this patient's history and the multiple treatment options for prostate cancer, the identification of dermatomyositis in men should prompt an evaluation to exclude a concurrent diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma is frequently underexpressed in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: YUAN JINYANG , TAKAHASHI ATSUSHI , MASUMORI NAOYA , ITOH NAOKI , TSUKAMOTO TAIJI
Published: April 2006

Aim:  To examine peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mRNA expression quantitatively in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and RCC tissue, as well as in corresponding normal kidney tissue.

Methods:  We examined PPARγ mRNA expression quantitatively in six human RCC cell lines by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between cell growth inhibition by PPARγ ligands and the level of PPARγ mRNA expression. We compared the expression of PPARγ mRNA in 47 RCC tissues with that in corresponding normal kidney tissue, and investigated the relationship between clinicopathological features and the level of PPARγ mRNA expression.

Results:  Among the six RCC cell lines, five showed decreased PPARγ mRNA expression. There was no relationship between the inhibitory effects of PPARγ ligands and PPARγ mRNA expression levels. Of the tissues from 47 RCC patients, 25 (53%) showed decreased expression of PPARγ mRNA compared to corresponding normal kidney tissue, and one was equivalent to normal tissue. These patients had distant metastasis at diagnosis more frequently than the remaining patients with high expression. There was also a trend for these patients to have a higher stage.

Conclusions:  Most RCC cell lines showed decreased expression of PPARγ mRNA. However, the level of PPARγ mRNA expression did not affect cell growth inhibition by PPARγ ligands. More than half of the tissues from RCC patients had low expression of PPARγ mRNA, and such carcinomas might have more aggressive behavior.
Robotic urological surgery in patients with prior abdominal operations is not associated with increased complications
Authors: NAZEMI TANYA , GALICH ANTON , SMITH LYNETTE , BALAJI KC
Published: April 2006

Background:  The da Vinci Surgical Robotic System is being increasingly used to perform complex urological operations by minimally invasive techniques. Prior abdominal surgery associated with intra‐abdominal adhesions may complicate robotic surgery.

Methods:  We used a cohort of consecutive 49 patients undergoing a variety of robotic urological procedures at our institution to study the impact of prior abdominal operations on early perioperative complications.

Results:  A total of 21/49 (43%) patients (Group A) had no history of prior abdominal surgery and the rest 28/49 (57%; Group B) had undergone prior abdominal surgery. The incidence of peritoneal adhesions was significantly higher in patients with prior abdominal surgery compared to the rest of the cohort, 54% versus 10% (P = 0.002). The median operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative drop in hemoglobin, time to hospital discharge, postoperative narcotic analgesic use and postoperative complication rate between group A and group B were not statistically different. The overall perioperative complication rate for the entire cohort was 14.3%, with 6–8% of complications occurring in each of the two groups (P = 1.0). Comparative subset analysis of 28 patients in Group B, 15 (54%) and 13 (46%) with or without intra‐abdominal adhesions did not reveal a significant difference in perioperative complication rates either. However, operative time was longer in patients with intra‐abdominal adhesions compared to patients without, median of 590 (281‐922) and 434 (153–723) min respectively, although not statistically significant (P = 0.059).

Conclusion:  Our study demonstrates that robotic urological surgery can be performed in patients with prior abdominal surgery without increased perioperative complications.
Comparison of the effects of on‐pump versus off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery on serum prostate‐specific antigen levels
Authors: PARLAKTAS BEKIR S , NASERI ERDINC , ULUOCAK NIHAT , ELALMIS ALTAY O , ERDEMIR FIKRET , ETIKAN ILKER
Published: April 2006

Aim:  To compare the effects of coronary artery bypass operation with or without extracorporeal circulation on serum total prostate‐specific antigen levels.

Methods:  Seventy‐six men with a mean age of 57.04 ± 9.27 years (range 44–77 years), who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled to the study. In 50 patients (Group I), coronary revascularization was performed using extracorporeal circulation, and in 26 patients (Group II) coronary bypass grafting was performed on the beating heart without using extracorporeal circulation. All the patients had serum total prostate‐specific antigen levels measured preoperatively and twice postoperatively in the first and fifth postoperative days. Differences in mean total prostate‐specific antigen levels between the two groups in the postoperative period were analysed.

Results:  The mean preoperative total prostate‐specific antigen levels in Group I and Group II were 1.28 ± 1.13 ng/mL and 1.11 ± 0.93 ng/mL, respectively, and there was no significant difference in the preoperative total prostate‐specific antigen values between the two groups (P = 0.519). In Group I, postoperative means were 4.96 ± 6.29 ng/mL and 5.86 ± 9.09 ng/mL in the first and fifth days, respectively (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001). Total prostate‐specific antigen means in the same postoperative period for Group II were 2.13 ± 2.72 ng/mL and 2.00 ± 2.20 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.014, P = 0.024). The comparison of total postoperative prostate‐specific antigen levels between the groups showed significantly higher elevation in Group I (postoperative day 1: P = 0.013; day 5: P = 0.05).

Conclusions:  Coronary revascularization can cause a statistically significant rise in serum total prostate‐specific antigen levels. This rise is more marked in patients undergoing conventional coronary revascularization.
Serum human glandular kallikrein 2 (hK2) for distinguishing stage and grade of prostate cancer
Authors: STEPHAN CARSTEN , JUNG KLAUS , NAKAMURA TERUKAZU , YOUSEF GEORGE M , KRISTIANSEN GLEN , DIAMANDIS ELEFTHERIOS P
Published: April 2006

Background:  Human glandular kallikrein (hK2) has been shown to add important information regarding the early detection and staging of prostate cancer. Preliminary analysis pointed out that hK2 may discriminate between pT2 and pT3 tumors, and that hK2 may predict Gleason grade 4/5 cancer volume, better than prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) or percent free PSA (% fPSA). We investigated the role of hK2 serum values for predicting pathological stage, grade and Gleason score.

Methods:  Prostate‐specific antigen, free PSA and hK2 were measured on 222 untreated prostate cancer patients who had received radical prostatectomy at the Charité Hospital, Berlin, Germany. Pathological work up revealed pT2‐cancer in 111 patients and pT3‐cancer in 111 patients. Grade 2 was found in 118 patients whereas grade 3 tumors were found in 104 patients.

Results:  For pT2 and pT3 patients, the % fPSA (P = 0.006), the ratios hK2/fPSA (P = 0.08) and hK2 × tPSA/fPSA (P = 0.002) were all significant different whereas hK2 (P = 0.143) and PSA (P = 0.1) did not differ. Between grade 2 and grade 3 tumors, the hK2 alone (P = 0.27), the % fPSA (P = 0.13), the ratios hK2/fPSA (P = 0.94) and hK2 × tPSA/fPSA (P = 0.12) did not separate, whereas PSA (P = 0.039) showed a difference. The same relationships were found between the two groups in Gleason score <7 and ≥7. Neither the hK2 ratio, nor % fPSA was different.

Conclusion:  Human glandular kallikrein was not different between pT2 and pT3, nor between G2 versus G3 or Gleason scores <7 and ≥7 prostate cancer. Together with % fPSA, hK2 may only help to distinguish preoperatively between pT2 and pT3 prostate cancer but cannot add further information.
Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: Its role and some controversial technical considerations
Authors: KIJVIKAI KITTINUT , PATCHARATRAKUL SUTHEP
Published: April 2006

Objective:  To define the role of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the management of urolithiasis and evaluate the controversial techniques of this operation.

Methods:  Between July 1997 and December 2004, retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy was performed as a primary procedure in 30 patients who had either large or impacted stones in the upper ureter. The other indications were stones which could not be fragmented by shock wave lithotripsy or the patients could not afford the cost of shock wave lithotripsy. The mean (range) age of the patients was 44.07 years (17–78) and the mean (range) stone size was 19.03 mm (10 – 40). The ureter was closed with intracorporeal laparoscopic suture without placing a stent.

Results:  The stone was removed in all but one case. The mean (range) operative time was 121.38 min (75–270). No intraoperative complications were recorded. The mean (range) postoperative drain removal was 2.86 days (2–10). Postoperative complications included prolonged urinary leakage in one patient. On the sixth month of follow up, all patients were stone free without any evidence of ureteral stricture.

Conclusion:  Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a minimally invasive treatment and may be considered as the useful first‐line management for large impacted upper ureteric stones. The technical recommendations were retroperitoneal access and suturing the ureterotomy incision. Ureteral stent should be placed in only cases of severe inflammation of the ureter or inappropriate suturing.
Uncommon complication of endoscopic ureterolithotripsy: The stone granuloma
Authors: NARCISI FEDERICO , CASTELLANI DANIELE , DI MARCO GIUSEPPE , FILENI ANTONIO , PARADISO GALATIOTO GIUSEPPE , MANCINOTTI ADELE , VICENTINI CARLO
Published: April 2006

Abstract  Endoscopic management of urolithiasis is one of the commonest urological procedures today. It is usually safe and effective but one of the possible complications is ureteral obstruction. Stone fragmentation after ballistic lithotripsy and ureteral wall perforation could explain the mechanism responsible for this occurrence. We report a case of stone granuloma, occurring after a ballistic ureterolithotripsy.
Penile Kaposi's sarcomas in a circumcised and HIV‐seronegative patient
Authors: GÖNEN MURAT , CENKER ALI , KIYICI HALIL , KALKAN MEHMET
Published: April 2006

Abstract  Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) limited to penis is rare and usually observed in AIDS patients. However, in circumcised and HIV‐seronegative patients, KS confined to the penis is extremely rare. We present the case of an HIV‐seronegative and circumcised 55‐year‐old man, who presented with two reddish papules, one 5 mm in diameter on the coronal sulcus near the frenulum, and the other 2 mm in diameter on the glans penis, which were reported as a Kaposi's sarcoma after excision of the lesion.
Interferon‐related mental deterioration after craniotomy for removal of metastatic renal cancer
Authors: TAKAHASHI SATORU , YOKOYAMA HIROSHI , YANAI YOSHIAKI , KURIMOTO MASASHI , OHTA NOBUTAKA , KITAMURA TADAICHI
Published: April 2006

Abstract  Interferon‐related severe adverse events on the central nervous system are relatively rare, because interferon‐α (INF‐α) can not cross an intact blood–brain barrier. We experienced remarkable mental deterioration caused by INF‐α administration in a 43‐year‐old man with renal cell carcinoma after surgical removal of a metastatic brain tumor. We detected a high concentration of INF‐α in a cerebrospinal fluid sample, which was comparable to that in the serum at 24 h after the administration of INF‐α; 5 × 106 IU i.m., suggesting that the blood–brain barrier was damaged somehow by the craniotomy. The mental deterioration improved shortly after discontinuation of the INF‐α administration.
Concurrent diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder in a patient with a vesicorectal fistula from invasive rectal cancer
Authors: KODAMA KOICHI , MIZUNO TSUYOSHI , IMAHORI TSUTOMU , IDA MASAHIRO , MATSUBARA FUJITSUGU
Published: April 2006

Abstract  A 47‐year‐old man underwent a low anterior resection of the rectosigmoid colon with en bloc cystoprostatectomy for vesicorectal fistula due to a locally advanced rectal cancer. Histopathological examination of the bladder revealed two additional primary malignancies: urothelial carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of two histologically distinct urothelial malignancies that were diagnosed during a work up of vesicorectal fistula due to adenocarcinoma of the rectum.
Laparoscopic management of a transitional cell carcinoma arising in a right ectopic ureter
Authors: VERHOEST GREGORY , RIOUX‐LECLERCQ NATHALIE , GUILLE FRANCOIS , BENSALAH KARIM , LOBEL BERNARD , PATARD JEAN‐JACQUES
Published: April 2006

Abstract  Ectopic ureter is a rare abnormality, so presenting a transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) arising from an ectopic ureter is extremely rare. We report here a case of a man with an invasive transitional cell carcinoma arising from a right ectopic ureter and managed by laparoscopy. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case described in the literature, and the second case of a TCC arising in a right ectopic ureter.
Laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cyst revealed by obstruction urinary symptoms
Authors: MOUDOUNI SAID M , TLIGUI MOHAMED , DOUBLET JEAN D , TCHALA KESSILE , HAAB FRANCOIS , GATTEGNO BERNARD , THIBAULT PHILIPPE
Published: April 2006

Abstract  Primary diseases of the seminal vesicle are rare. Most seminal vesicle cysts are congenital, and two‐thirds are associated with renal dysplasia or agenesis and ectopic ureter opening into the seminal vesicle. Acquired cysts may be due to genitourinary infections, surgical prostate resection or ejaculatory duct lithiasis. We report a case of video laparoscopic ablation of seminal vesicle cysts.
Usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of recurrent renal cell carcinoma in contralateral kidney
Authors: KAWATA NOZOMU , IGARASHI TAKUMI , ICHINOSE TAKETO , HIRAKATA HITOSHI , HACHIYA TAKAHIKO , TAKIMOTO YUKIE , OGAWA MASAHIRO
Published: April 2006

Abstract  We studied contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEU) for recurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at the contralateral kidney during postoperative follow up of localized renal cell carcinoma. CEU successfully detected all recurring cases, despite the fact that 5/6 cases were observed using conventional ultrasound; the remaining one case was not detected using conventional ultrasound. CEU using Levovisto successfully revealed renal tumors as RCC. Lesions were diagnosed as cystic renal tumors by Bosniac classification, and pathological findings demonstrated RCC, in accordance with the prior tumor.
Deterministic and probabilistic modelling of brittle fracture mechanisms in ferritic steels
Authors: KNOTT J. F.
Published: April 2006

The paper shows how an understanding of the micro‐mechanisms of fracture, quantified by deterministic models, can be used to provide a physical basis for probabilistic assessments, particularly when the results of a limited data set have to be extrapolated to low failure probabilities. The variability in results may reflect the effect of random experimental errors in measuring what is essentially a single‐valued parameter; it may reflect spatial heterogeneity in the source material; or it may reflect both factors simultaneously. Results obtained for high‐quality, pedigree steels and model micro‐structures tend to typify homogeneous behaviour, with variability dominated by random experimental errors. More general sampling from structural steels can, however, introduce a further degree of variability, resulting from spatial heterogeneity. This affects the validity of extrapolation of fracture toughness values to low failure probabilities.
Crack opening displacement in plate with bonded repair patch
Authors: RATWANI M. M. , KIEBOOM O. T. , HESLEHURST R. B.
Published: April 2006

Mathematical techniques are extended to compute crack opening displacements in a cracked plate with an adhesively bonded composite patch. The plate and the patch are considered as orthotropic materials. The problem is reduced to the solution of integral equations. A software program is written to compute shear stresses in adhesive, stress intensity factors in the plate and the crack openings at the centreline of the crack. The effects of adhesive thickness, adhesive modulus, patch thickness and plate thickness on crack openings are investigated. A test program is carried out to obtain crack opening displacements in plate with bonded patch. A good agreement with analytical predictions is obtained. The effects of patches bonded on one or both sides of a plate on stress intensity factors are evaluated.
Management of a cadaveric orthotopic liver transplantation in a pediatric patient with complex congenital heart disease
Authors: FEIERMAN DENNIS E. , YUDKOWITZ FRANCINE S. , HOJSAK JOANNE , EMRE SUKRU
Published: April 2006

Pediatric orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) are commonly performed nowadays. Two primary reasons for OLT in children are complications from either extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) or inborn errors of metabolism. However, congenital liver disease may be associated with significant other congenital abnormalities. We present a case of a successful OLT in a pediatric patient with a history of EHBA, situs inversus, and complex congenital heart disease. The cardiac anomalies include dextrocardia, absence of the atrial septum (single atrium), single atrioventricular valve (a‐v canal), and an incomplete ventricular septum. Prior surgery include a Kasai procedure for EHBA, banding of the proximal main pulmonary artery, and Broviac catheter placement. We present the anesthesia concerns and management for this complicated case.
The relationship between insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia in cigarette smokers
Authors: Farin H. M. F. , Abbasi F. , Kim S. H. , Lamendola C. , McLaughlin T. , Reaven G. M.
Published: April 2006

Aim:  Considerable evidence shows that cigarette smokers tend to have the dyslipidemic pattern of high plasma triglyceride (TG) and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations, a highly atherogenic lipoprotein profile also typical of the insulin‐resistant state even in the absence of cigarette smoking. However, because cigarette smokers are frequently insulin resistant, it is unclear if this dyslipidaemia is secondary to smoking, per se, or simply to the fact that smokers tend to be insulin resistant. The present study was initiated to determine whether this dyslipidaemia prevalent in cigarette smokers and characteristic of insulin‐resistant individuals is a function of cigarette smoking or of insulin resistance.

Methods:  As measured using vertical auto profile‐II methodology, the lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were compared in 34 cigarette smokers divided into insulin‐sensitive and insulin‐resistant subgroups. The two groups were similar in age and body mass index, differing only in their insulin‐mediated glucose uptake as quantified by the steady‐state plasma glucose concentration determined during the insulin suppression test.

Results:  While levels of TG and very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) were significantly elevated in insulin‐resistant cigarette smokers, total cholesterol (C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), narrow‐density (ND) LDL‐C, intermediate‐density lipoprotein‐C (IDL‐C), HDL‐C and non‐HDL‐C were not different in the two groups. The insulin‐resistant smokers also had a preponderance of small, dense LDL particles, while the reverse was true of the insulin‐sensitive cigarette smokers.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that the dyslipidaemia previously attributed to smoking occurs primarily in those smokers who are also insulin resistant.
Interleukin‐8 levels in seminal plasma in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and nonspecific urethritis
Authors: KHADRA ABBAS , FLETCHER PATRICIA , LUZZI GRAZ , SHATTOCK ROBIN , HAY PHILLIP
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether a range of cytokines were detectable in the seminal plasma and urine of men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and nonspecific urethritis (NSU), and whether cytokine levels correlated with symptom severity in CP/CPPS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 87 men participated, 33 with CP/CPPS, 31 with NSU, and 23 controls. Interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 were measured in seminal plasma and first pass urine, and the results were correlated with scores for pain, urinary symptoms and quality‐of‐life impact using a validated symptom index, the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI).

RESULTS

Seminal plasma levels of IL‐8 were higher in men with CP/CPPS and NSU than in controls (P < 0.001), and the levels correlated with NIH‐CPSI symptom scores in men with CP/CPPS. There were no significant differences in urinary IL‐8 levels in the three groups, and no significant differences in levels of the other cytokines in either semen or urine.

CONCLUSION

Semen IL‐8 levels correlate with subjective symptoms in men with CP/CPPS. IL‐8 might contribute to the pathophysiology of CP/CPPS and NSU, and elevated levels might be a useful marker of the condition.