bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential role of lactoferrin and derivatives in the management of infectious and inflammatory complications of hematology patients receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Van Der Velden W.J.F.M. , Blijlevens N.M.A. , Donnelly J.P.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Human lactoferrin is a natural defense protein belonging to the innate immune system present in several body fluids and secretions, as well as in the secondary granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Lactoferrin and its derivatives have pleiotropic functions including broad‐spectrum anti‐microbial activity, anti‐tumor activity, regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and modulation of inflammatory as well as humoral and cellular immune responses. This is the reason why much research has addressed the potential therapeutic activity of these molecules in different clinical settings, especially regarding infectious diseases and uncontrolled inflammatory conditions. In patients with hematological malignancies treated with a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), morbidity and mortality due to infections and uncontrolled inflammation remains high, despite many advances in supportive care. These life‐threatening complications are a result of the damage caused by the conditioning regimens to the mucosal barrier, and the innate and adaptive, humoral, and cellular immune defenses. These complications necessitate the continued exploration of new treatment modalities. Systemic and probably local levels of lactoferrin are decreased following HSCT. Therefore, the use of lactoferrin, or short peptide derivatives that retain the cationic N‐terminal moiety that is essential for the anti‐microbial and anti‐inflammatory activity, may prove to be a promising versatile class of agents for managing the complications that arise from HSCT.
Tyrosine phosphorylation following lectin meiated endothelial cell stimulation
Authors: Palmetshofer Alois , Robson Simon C , Bach Fritz H
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Terminal alpha (1,3) galactosyl galactoside epitopes (α‐gal) on membrane glycoproteins expressed by vascular endothelial cells represent the major xenoreactive antigens in pig to primate xenotransplantation. In other discordant xenotransplantation combinations, such as from guinea pig to rat, carbohydrate epitopes other than α‐gal may be targeted by xenoreactive antibodies (XNA). We have shown that agonist binding to α‐gal epitopes induces proinflammatory activation of porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC). Binding of α‐gal epitopes by Bandeiraea simplicifolia isolectin B4 results in both type I and type II PAEC activation. This includes the phosphorylation of tyrosine residue(s) of a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 130 kDa (p130). In order to investigate whether binding of other carbohydrate epitopes could induce a similar phosphorylation event, several lectins with different carbohydrate specificities were used to stimulate PAEC and human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC). In addition to BS‐IB4 binding to α‐gal, lectins binding to sialic acid isolated from Sambucus nigra (SNA), Maackia amurensis (MAA), Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and lectin from jack bean (Concanavalin A, ConA), that binds to mannose residues within the core structure of N‐glycosylated proteins all induced the phosphorylation of the p130 protein(s). Lectins with affinity to alpha bound N‐acetylgalactosamine, Dolichos biflorus (DOB), and Sophora japonoca (SOJ) did not induce this phosphorylation event. A similar negative result was obtained with Ulex europaeus lectin I, which binds to fucose residues. Conclusively, endothelial cell activation can be observed upon binding of various lectins to the glycosylated moiety of surface glycoproteins. These carbohydrate epitopes against which XNA may exist in certain models might represent minor xenoantigens from porcine to primates or may comprise the major xenoepitopes in other discordant xenograft models. Binding of XNA and subsequently the elicited xenoreactive antibodies to carbohydrate epitopes may therefore contribute to xenograft rejection even in the absence of complement inactivation.
Long‐term survival of hamster islet xenografts in mice under short‐course treatment with nondepleting versus depleting anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Lu Xiaoshan , Schulz Manfred , Zihlmann Hans R. , Borel Jean F.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT: Xenogeneic grafts provide a potential alternative to the current shortage of human organs for transplantation. However, the prevention of rejection and tolerance induction of xenografts still remain to be further explored. Islet xenografts appear more promising than vascularized whole organ xenografts and additionally also more resistant to the recurrence of autoimmune disease than allografts. Recently, the nondepleting monoclonal antibody (mAb), which blocks the CD4 molecule on lymphocytes, was reported to be able to induce tolerance in allotransplantation and CD4 positive cells were further confirmed to be a major factor responsible for cellular xenograft rejection. Therefore, we hypothesize that anti‐CD4 nondepleting mAb could also be effective in protecting cellular xenografts and inducing unresponsiveness of recipients. We studied the effect of the nondepleting anti‐CD4 mAb YTS177.9 on islet xenograft survival by using the hamster‐to‐mouse islet transplantation model. Results were compared with that of the depleting anti‐CD4 mAb GK1.5 that was shown to have similar binding sites on the CD4 molecule to mAb YTS 177.9. Our data show that mAb YTS 177.9 did effectively prolong the survival of islet xenografts and, in addition, also successfully did induce long‐term acceptance of 40% grafts after only three penoperative injections of 0.5 mg mAb per mouse. The average survival of the graft was markedly prolonged to >66.8±37.1 days compared with controls (8.3±1.4 days) or with the depleting anti‐CD4 mAb GK1.5 (25.7±5.5 days). However, the latter displayed a more profound inhibition in in vitro and ex vivo mixed lymphocyte xenoreaction than mAb YTS 177.9. Moreover, the activity of this nondepleting mAb was found to be dose‐dependent and 80% of grafts survived permanently when the dose was increased to six injections of 0.5 mg mAb. Like mAb GK1.5, mAb YTS 177.9 also prevented rejection when given after a delay of two days posttransplant. In addition, we found that neither depleting nor nondepleting anti‐CD8 mAb was effective in this model. Our results strongly suggest that an anti‐CD4 nondepleting or blocking mAb alone is able to induce long‐term acceptance of islet xenografts and that blocking the CD4 molecule is significantly superior to depleting CD4 positive cells for the protection of islet xenografts. This may indicate that CD4 cells play a major role in xenograft tolerance induction.
Antibodies to human adhesion molecules and von Willebrand factor: In vitro cross‐species reactivity in the xenotransplantation setting
Authors: Azimzadeh Agnès , Remain Nathalie , Vermot‐Desroches Claudine , Ravanat Catherine , Chenard Marie‐Pierre , Wijdenes John , Hervé Patrick , Jaeck Daniel , Wolf Philippe
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Endothelial cell activation is thought to play an important role in xenograft rejection through cell retraction and expression of pro‐coagulant and pro‐inflammatory factors. Identification of antibodies recognizing porcine endothelial molecules would be useful to study and manipulate the inflammatory response to a xenograft. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross‐reactivity of antibodies directed against human adhesion molecules and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Binding of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against human CD31, CD44, CD49, CD54, CD62E, CD102, and CD106 was evaluated on resting and activated endothelial cells from human and pig by flow cytometry. Among 30 antibodies tested, 4 were shown to react with pig cells. Two of them, directed against human CD62E (E‐selectin) and rabbit CD 106 (VCAM‐1) reacted strongly with activated and/or resting pig cells, whereas two others, directed to human CD31 (PECAM) and CD44 (H‐CAM), bound weakly to pig cells. In addition, we analyzed the cross‐reactivity of five polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to human or pig vWF with human, baboon, rhesus, pig, and rat vWF. Binding of antibodies was tested by ELISA by using platelet lysates as source of vWF from the different species. Four anti‐human or porcine vWF antibodies exhibited a broad reactivity with vWF from all species, whereas one anti‐human vWF antibody was specific for primate vWF. In this study, we identified a small number of cross‐reacting antibodies that may prove useful to study in vitro and in vivo xenogeneic responses. However, the weak antibody cross‐reactivity observed with most porcine molecules points out the necessity of producing species‐specific antibodies to study the immune response to xenografts or for use as specific immunosuppressive therapeutic reagents.
Effects of ultraviolet B irradiation on fetal pig islet‐like cell clusters
Authors: Deol Harjit S. , Tuch Bernard E.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Ultraviolet B (UV‐B) irradiation of donor islets has previously been shown to result in the prolongation of their survival when transplanted into rodents. This study examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of UV‐B irradiation on fetal pig islet‐like cell clusters (ICCs), which like adult islets are being transplanted to reverse diabetes. Under control conditions, fetal pig ICCs were able to stimulate both human and pig peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in mixed islet lymphocyte culture (MILC). Exposure of the ICCs to UV‐B irradiation significantly reduced their ability to stimulate PBMC of both species in MILC when 600 J/m2 but not lower doses (300 and 400 J/m2) of irradiation were applied. In contrast, all doses of UV‐B irradiation were effective in inhibiting the ability of pig and human PBMC to stimulate human PBMC in a mixed lymphocytes culture (MLC). This demonstrates that UV‐B irradiation is effective in reducing xeno immunogenicity of pig antigens. A toxic effect of all doses of UV‐B irradiation on ICCs was demonstrated in vitro with a reduction in 3H‐thymidine incorporation of 57, 71, 64, and 80% at 150, 300, 450, and 600 J/m2, respectively. Toxicity of UV‐B irradiation was also demonstrated when treated ICCs were transplanted beneath the renal capsule of SCID mice. The insulin content of the ICCs, 6 weeks after transplantation, was significantly reduced in the 600 J/m2 group (P<0.05). ICCs treated with UV‐B irradiation (300 J/m2) in vitro and then transplanted beneath the renal capsule of BALB/c mice were rejected within 2 weeks as were untreated ICCs. Injection of cyclosporine (12.5 mg/kg/day) into these mice did not alter the results. It is concluded that UV‐B irradiation is toxic to fetal pig ICCs and, in low dose, unable to prevent their rejection when transplanted into mice.
Observations on the Ultrastructural Appearance of Endocrine Cells of the Small Intestine of the Calf
Authors: Pearson G. R. , Logan E. F.
Published: July 2007

The endocrine cells of the small intestine of neonatal calves are described, with the aid of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It is demonstrated that endocrine cells have long microvilli, and are organized into two populations, similar to those of other species.
The Valva atrioventricularis dextra of the Avian Heart
Authors: Bezuidenhout A. J.
Published: July 2007

In this descriptive acount the author corrects an error in the literature about the structure of the right atroventricular valve in the avian heart.
The Venous Supply of the Cecum, Ileum, and the Proximal Loop of the Ascending Colon in the Ox*
Authors: Maala C. P. , Sack W. O.
Published: July 2007

The present study describes in detail the venous supply to the bovine cecum, ileum, and the proximal loop of the ascending colon. The cecum was supplied by branches from the cecal and accessory cecal veins. The accessory cecal vein was observed in the majority of the specimens examined. The cecal and accessory cecal veins were joined by 7–10 short oblique anastomoses. The ileum was supplied by the ileal branches of the cecal vein, and from the mesenteric ileal and first ileal (cranial mesenteric) veins. The ileal branches of the cecal vein formed a row of antimesenteric ileal arches in the ileal part of the ileocecal fold. The mesenteric ileal vein, in some cases, detached a collateral branch. The first ileal and the mesenteric ileal veins anastomosed on the ventral surface of the ileum. The initial loop of colon was supplied by branches from the ileocolic vein. In the majority of specimens, the common colic, a branch of the cranial mesenteric vein, supplied the first colic branch to the third part of the initial colon. In such cases, the ileocolic vein gave off only the second and third colic branches. However, in one case, the proximal loop of the ascending colon was supplied by three colic branches of the ileocolic vein and by the first colic branch of the common colic vein. In specimens in which the common colic vein was absent, the colic branches to the initial colon were all given off by the ileocolic vein. The third (or fourth) colic branch of the ileocolic vein and the first cecal branch of the cecal vein united on the lateral surface of the ileocecocolic junction to form an ileocecocolic arch. The veins on the medial surface of the ileocecocolic junction did not form an arch.

The colic and ileal lymph nodes were supplied by twigs from the colic branches of the ileocolic vein and first ileal vein of the cranial mesenteric, respectively. The small cecal lymph nodes seen only in the specimen from the calf were supplied by fine branches from the cecal vein.
Licht‐ und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zur Oogenese der Katze (Felis catus)
Authors: Amselgruber Werner
Published: July 2007

For comparative purposes, the structural changes of oogonia and primary oocytes during periods of proliferation and growth were examined in 42 ovaries of fetal, neonatal and postnatal cats.

The results suggest that certain oogenic phases should be viewed in a different light.
Ultrastructure of Spermatozoa of the Asiatic Elephnat (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Heath E. , Jeyendran R. S. , Graham E. F.
Published: July 2007

A scanning and transmission electron microscopic study of semen collected with the aid of an artificial vagina was carried out. The ultrastructural characteristics of Asiatic bull elephants is compared with that of other mammalian species.
Modificaciones ponderales y estructurales de la glándula submaxilar de rata, en respuesta a diversos estímulos incisales
Authors: Sampson Por Graciela Souto de Sims
Published: July 2007

A study of the influence of dietary alterations and extraction or amputation of the incisor teeth in young male rats is interpreted in light of a hypothesis concerning the mechanisms of control of mandibular salivary gland growth
Ultrastructure of the Uterotubal Junction in Preovulatory Pigs
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez H. , Nicander L. , Viring S. , Einarsson S. , Larsson K.
Published: July 2007

The ultrastructure of the surface epithelia from the uterotubal junction (UTJ), and the adjacent tuba1 isthmic and endometrial regions, was studied in preovulatory oestrus gilts, either unmated or inseminated 12 h before with fresh boar semen. The simple columnar epithelium of the UTJ consisted of non‐ciliated (secretory) and ciliated cells. Secretory vesicles occurred in the secretory cells, especially in inseminated gilts. Lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages were found dispersed basally among the epithelial cells. Phagocytosis of epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis was seen throughout the UTJ at oestrus, increasing after insemination. Neutrophilic granulocytes were found in the lamina propia of the uterine component of the UTJ, but only occasionally in the epithelium. After insemination, neutrophils invaded the uterine epithelium, to actively participate in intraepithelial phagocytosis or move into the lumen, engulfing spermatozoa. Neutrophils were absent from the UTJ proper and the isthmic epithelium, irrespective of the presence of spermatozoa in the lumen. Those spermatozoa in the uterine lumen that escaped phagocytosis had severely damaged plasma membranes, whereas those in the UTJ proper — concentrated towards the deep furrows of the diverticulae — mostly showed normal sperm ultrastructure.
Retinal Epithelial Fine Structure in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Braekevelt Charlie R.
Published: July 2007

The morphology of the retinal epithelium (RPE) and closely associated choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been investigated in the eye of the domestic cat (felis catus) by light and electron microscopy. The RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells joined laterally by apically‐locateda junctional complexes. Basally (sclerally) these cells display numerous infoldings while apically (viterally) two distinct types of processes enclose photoreceptor outer segments. Internally the large vesicular nucleus is centrally located. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, polysomes and lysosome‐like bodies are abundant. Rough endoplasmic reticulum while present is not plentiful. Over the tapetum lucidum, melanosomes are absent from the RPE cells while in nontapetal locations melanosomes are large and plentiful. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris is highly fenestrated and these capillaries are deeply indented into the epithelial layer over the tapetum. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) is non‐tapetal regions in the typical pentalaminae structure noted for most mammals. Over the tapetum however it is reduced to a trilaminate structure and when associated with the indented capillary profiles is further reduced to a single thickened basal lamina.
Differences in Fibre Population in Dog Muscles of Different Functional Purpose
Authors: Aguera E. , Diz A. , Vazquez‐Auton J. M. , Vivo J. , Monterde J. G.
Published: July 2007

Samples were taken from particular sites of the tibialis cranialis (extensor), flexor digitalis medialis (flexor) and pectineus (adductor) muscles of 27 dogs of different breeds—German shepherd. Spanish greyhound, Spanish mastiff and Iberian hound. Samples, which were taken from right and left limbs, were subjected to histochemical analysis using ATPase (pH 9.4, 4.6 and 4.2) and NADH‐tr. Fibre population was assessed using an IBAS‐2 Kontron image analyser.
Topographie des Collecteurs Lymphatiques Mammaires de la Chienne
Authors: Ruberte J. , Sautet J. Y. , Gine J. M. , Lopez C. , Rodriguez A.
Published: July 2007

On the topography of the lymph drainage from the mammary glands of the bitch

The topography of the lymph drainage was examined by in vivo injections of india ink into the mammary parenchyma of 73 female dogs. Only one gland was injected at a time on each side. Only the cranial abdominal mammary gland had direct drainage to the axillary as well as to the superficial inguinal nodes. The principal routes of drainage differ for each gland. The glands on each side are completely independent as regards their lymph drainage. The cranial thoracic mammary glands on each side had their own collecting duct which led to the sternal lymph nodes. The results of this study suggest to develop a new model for the surgical extirpation of mammary tumors in the bitch.
Spinal Nerve Root Origin of the Median, Ulnar and Musculocutaneous Nerves and their Muscle Nerve Branches to the Canine Forelimb
Authors: Sharp J.W. , Bailey C.S. , Johson R.D. , Kitchell R.L.
Published: July 2007

The contribution individual ventral spinal nerve roots made to the canine median nerve, ulnar nerve, musculocutaneous nerve, and their muscle nerve branches was determined electrophysiologically. Each spinal nerve root was sequentially stimulated. Utilizing quantitative signal averaging techniques, the evoked potential was measured at each tested peripheral nerve. Evoked potential to the median nerve originated from the seventh cervical sinal root (C7) through the second thoracic spinal root (T2) with most input from C8 and TI. The ulnar nerve received evoked potential from C7‐T2. Although T1 provided the major input to both the median and ulnar nerves, the relative contribution of T1 was greater in the ulnar nerve. The musculocutaneous nerve received input from ventral spinal roots C6‐Tl with C6 and C7 providing most of the evoked potential. The ventral spinal roots which supplied the bulk of the evoked potential to a particular muscle nerve were consistent between individual dogs. Variation of evoked potential input was greatest from spinal roots which supplied less than 10% of the total potential.
Estimates and projections of hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma in Australia among people born in Asia‐Pacific countries
Authors: Nguyen Van Thi Thuy , Razali Karina , Amin Janaki , Law Matthew G , Dore Gregory J
Published: July 2007

Background and Aim:  Australia has increasing immigration from hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemic countries of the Asia‐Pacific region (APR). This study estimates immigration‐related chronic HBV cases, chronic HBV prevalence, and HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from 1960 to 2005 and projects HBV‐related HCC to 2025 in Australia among people born in the APR.

Methods:  The populations of APR origin for the period 1960–2005 were derived from Australian census data. HBV prevalence from population‐based serosurveys in the APR countries was used to estimate new chronic HBV cases (immigrant arrivals per year with chronic HBV). Age‐specific incidence rates of HCC derived from a Taiwanese population‐based study were used to estimate and project HBV‐related HCC.

Results:  Chronic HBV cases among APR‐born population increased rapidly from the late 1970s reaching a peak of 4182 in 1990. Chronic HBV prevalence increased to >53 000 in 2005. Estimates of HBV‐related HCC increased linearly from one in 1960 to 140 in 2005, with a projected increase to 250 in 2025. Universal HBV vaccination programs in countries of origin had limited impact on projected HBV‐related HCC to 2025.

Conclusion:  The burden of chronic HBV including HBV‐related HCC among APR‐born Australians has increased over the past three decades and is projected to increase further during the next two decades.
Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: Molecular pathogenesis and clinicopathological significance
Authors: Inagaki Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a low‐grade tumor closely associated with chronic inflammation such as that of Helicobacter pylori gastritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Tumor regression by H. pylori eradication alone is well known in gastric MALT lymphoma, but some tumors occur in the absence of pre‐existing chronic inflammation. The understanding of MALT lymphoma biology has significantly improved, and recurrent cytogenetic alterations have been detected. These include the trisomies 3 and 18, and the translocations t(11;18)(q21;q21), t(1;14)(p22;q32), t(14;18)(q32;q21), and t(3;14)(p14.1;q32). At least some of these alterations result in the constitutive activation of the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathway, and may exert anti‐apoptotic action. Apoptosis inhibitor 2–MALT lymphoma‐associated translocation 1 (API12‐MALT1) fusion, resulting from t(11;18)(q21;q21), is specific to, and is the most common in, MALT lymphomas, and its clinicopathological significance has been studied extensively. The focus of the present review is on the recent progress made in elucidating MALT lymphomagenesis and its clinicopathological impact, especially in terms of the effect of API2‐MALT1 fusion on this unique tumor.
Increase of scavenger receptor A‐positive monocytes in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Emura Iwao , Usuda Hiroyuki , Fujita Toshio , Ebe Katsuya , Nagai Tsuneo
Published: July 2007

To evaluate the utility of the scavenger receptor A (SRA) index (no. SRA+ monocytes observed in 10 high‐power fields of peripheral blood (PB) smear samples, normal upper limit <30) as the indication of disrupted, fissured, or eroded plaque, 225 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 79 with unstable angina (UA) and 91 with stable angina (SA) were examined. Thrombus was gathered from 95 of 205 sequential AMI patients (46.3%), and classified into platelets, mixed, and two kinds of residual mural thrombus (RMT). RMT was observed in 56 of 169 (33.1%) AMI patients with SRA index ≥30 at hospitalization. The SRA index of 82.4% of AMI, and 75.9% of UA, and 70.3% of SA patients was ≥30 at hospitalization. For 36 AMI patients who initially had an SRA index of <30 at hospitalization, it exceeded 30 within 2 days, and the SRA index rapidly increased in most AMI patients after hospitalization. SRA+ monocytes were considered to differentiate from SRA– monocytes in PB. An abnormally high SRA index is considered to be a useful indication of disrupted or fissured or eroded plaque.
Follow‐up of Children after Fetal Treatment for Obstructive Uropathy
Authors: Shimada Kenji , Hosokawa Shozo , Tohda Akira , Matsumoto Fumi , Suzuki Mari , Morimoto Yasuhiro
Published: July 2007

Background: Improvement in the ability to evaluate fetuses with obstructive uropathy, combined with technologic advances, has allowed successful fetal treatment of these conditions in Japan. We analyzed the prenatal and postnatal clinical courses of patients who underwent shunt placement in utero.

Methods: We treated 6 patients who underwent fetal intervention and were transferred to us for urologic management. Gestational age at detection of abnormalities ranged from 11 weeks to 31 weeks, and fetal intervention was done between 16 weeks and 32 weeks. Excluding 1 infant who was delivered 6 days after the intervention, the mean period between shunt placement and delivery was 17 weeks.

Results: Urologic pathology included prune belly syndrome with urethral hypoplasia in 3 patients, cloacal anomaly in 1, posterior urethral valves in 1, and pelviureteric junction stenosis of a solitary kidney in 1. Four patients required ventilation support in the neonatal period, and 2 of them suffered frequent infections during follow‐up. Five patients who underwent vesico‐amniotic shunt placement continue to require clean intermittent catheterizations via vesicostomy because of hypoactive detrusors and hypoplastic urethras. After urologic treatment, serum creatinine in 5 patients reached a minimum of less than 0.4 mg/dL at some time during the first year of life. Another patient with a minimum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL has moderate renal insufficiency.

Conclusion: From our series, it appears that early (before 20 weeks of gestation) shunt placement in severe lower urinary tract obstruction may benefit renal and pulmonary function. However, its efficacy in regard to bladder function remains questionable: shunt placement does not permit regular storage and evacuation, which may be essential for functional bladder development.
Alternate Occurrence of Allergic Disease and an Unusual Form of Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Yamada Tetsuo , Murayama Tetsuo , Mita Haruhisa , Akiyama Kazuo , Taguchi Hirokazu
Published: July 2007

Background: It has been postulated that interstitial cystitis can be induced by an allergy. This is partly based on the observation that many patients with interstitial cystitis also have allergic diseases. In this study, an allergic evaluation was conducted on patients with interstitial cystitis complicated by bronchial asthma, a typical allergic disease.

Methods: Clinical histories were obtained and biopsy specimens from the vesical walls of the study patients were examined histologically. Cutaneous tests and IgE radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) were performed. Further, intravesical provocation tests were carried out using IgE RAST‐positive antigens, and histamine release assays were performed on the vesical biopsy specimens using anti‐lgE antibodies.

Results: Five of 6 patients alternately exhibited symptoms of allergic disease and bladder symptoms. The eosinophil and mast cell counts in the vesical biopsy specimens of these 5 patients were increased. Furthermore, an intravesical provocation test performed using the IgE RAST‐positive antigen was positive in 4 patients. The mean vesical biopsy specimen histamine release was 1 7.7% for patients with interstitial cystitis with bronchial asthma which was significantly higher than that for interstitial cystitis patients without bronchial asthma (8.9%) or the control group (4.5%). The prognosis of patients with interstitial cystitis with allergic complications was relatively good.

Conclusion: Patients with bronchial asthma exhibited hypersensitivity both generally and locally in the bladder. The alternation phenomenon was observed between the hypersensitive organs.
Non‐synchronous Double Adenoma of the Parathyroid Gland
Authors: Kakimoto Ken‐ichi , Shiba Masahiro , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Hara Tsuneo , Oda Masayoshi , Yoshioka Toshiaki , Koide Takuo
Published: July 2007

A 46‐year‐old female underwent an excision of a parathyroid adenoma diagnosed as recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism 24 years after the initial excision of a parathyroid adenoma. We report a case of non‐synchronous double adenomas of the parathyroid glands documented histopathologically.
Schwannoma of the Urinary Bladder: A Case Report
Authors: Cummings James M. , Wehry Mark A. , Parra Raul O. , Levy Beth K.
Published: July 2007

The urinary bladder is an extremely rare site for primary schwannomas. They are most often associated with von Recklinghausen disease. This patient was found to have a schwannoma of the bladder in the absence of evidence of von Recklinghausen disease and was successfully treated with a partial cystectomy. This represents only the third such case in the literature of this entity.
Abdominal Actinomycosis Misdiagnosed as a Secondary Bladder Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Kawahara Motoshi , Kawahara Kazuya , Goto Toshihiro , Yamamoto Shin‐ichi , Fuchinoue Sumihisa , Matsumoto Tamotsu
Published: July 2007

A 46‐year‐old woman presented with a hypogastric mass. The preoperative diagnosis was a malignant ovarian tumor involving multiple organs, including the urinary bladder. Surgical exploration was performed with wide resection of the right ovary and uterus, including the affected ileum, sigmoid colon, and omentum. An intraoperative histopathological examination of the paravesical tissue revealed abdominal actinomycosis. Consequently, bladder resection was not done. The cause of abdominal actinomycosis in this patient was probably due to implantation of an intrauterine device 3 years previously.
Urologic Morbidity and Its Influence on Global Satisfaction with Treatment Outcome after Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Homma Yukio , Kawabe Kazuki , Hayashi Kunihiko
Published: July 2007

Background: This cross‐sectional observational study examined urologic morbidity and its effects on Japanese patients' global satisfaction with their treatment outcome.

Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 44 men who had undergone radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer at a mean age of 65.5 years and were free from recurrent symptoms at a mean follow‐up of 3.3 years. Most (70%) had pathologic stage C or Dl disease and many (86%) had received adjuvant endocrine therapy. After reporting urinary symptoms, the patients estimated their overall urinary, sexual, physical, psychological, and social functioning, and global satisfaction level with their treatment outcome. Regression analysis was performed to detect significant factors in predicting overall urinary conditions or satisfaction.

Results: Daily urinary leakage and forceless urinary stream was noted in 30% and 23% of patients, respectively. Overall urinary conditions were evaluated as good or very good in 61 % of patients, and were most significantly associated with the patient's satisfaction with their force of urinary flow (P< 0.001). Global satisfaction with treatment outcome was estimated as good or very good in 80% of patients, and it was predicted by physical functions (P = 0.01 3) and psychological distress (P = 0.036), and to a lesser extent by urinary conditions (P = 0.1 95).

Conclusion: A forceless urinary stream was the most significant determinant for overall urinary conditions in patients who had a radical prostatectomy. Global satisfaction with treatment outcome was only marginally affected by urinary conditions. PhysicaUunction and psychological distress were major factors affecting the satisfaction level in this population.
Renal Adenoma Associated with Renal Cyst Formation
Authors: Itoh Yasunori , Okamura Takehiko , Sasaki Shoichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: July 2007

We report a renal adenoma associated with renal cyst formation in a 49‐year‐old male. A small renal mass inside a right renal cyst was discovered incidentally by ultrasonography. A right nephrectomy was performed. A pathologic examination revealed a well‐differentiated, benign papillary tumor which was composed of slightly eosinophilic cells. We therefore diagnosed this patient as having a renal adenoma with hemorrhage.
Synchronous Testicular Seminoma and Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Inoue Takahiro , Terai Akito , Terachi Toshiro , Souma Takahito , Yoshida Osamu
Published: July 2007

We report a rare case of synchronous testicular seminoma and adrenocortical carcinoma. A 57‐year‐old man had a left testicular seminoma (clinical stage 1MB) with metastases to the lung and paraaortic lymph node. A complete response was obtained after 3 courses of chemotherapy with single‐agent carboplatin. However, a left adrenal tumor was detected 1 2 months later and demonstrated a tumor volume doubling time of 2.1 months. Chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin failed to stop the tumor growth. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed and pathology revealed an adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient has been free of recurrence for 42 months postoperatively.
Assessment of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Expression and Prognosis in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma with Pulmonary Metastases
Authors: Gotoh Akinobu , Hanioka Keisuke , Shirakawa Toshiro , Wada Yoshitaka , Gohji Kazuo , Okada Hiroshi , Arakawa Soichi , Kamidono Sadao
Published: July 2007

Background: The presence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has been suggested as a more important prognostic marker than either grade or mitotic in the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma. We assessed the immunoreactivity of PCNA in primary lesions and pulmonary metastases from patietns with renal cell carcinoma and correlated the results with various histopathologic features and prognostic factors.

Methods: We studied the relationship between PCNA expression and clinical prognostic factors from resected primary lesions and pulmonary metastases from 10 patients and primary lesions from 32 patients with renal cell carcinoma without metastases. The cells were immunohistochemically stained with PCNA monoclonal antibody (PC‐10) and 1000 nuclei were counted. The results were expressed as a ratio of stained to total cells (PCNA labeling index, LI |X%).

Results: The PCNA LI of pulmonary metastatic nuclei was significantly higher than the PCNA LI of renal lesions either from patients with (P < 0.05) or without (P < 0.01) metastases. Also, the mean PCNA LI of the pulmonary lesions in patients dying within 3 years of diagnosis was higher than the mean PCNA LI of patients surviving greater than 3 years.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the PCNA LI, which was determined by immunohistochemical analysis, is an important market reflecting the biologic behavior of renal cell carcinomas. The degree of PCNA expression in this study was of prognostic significance.
Regulation of lnvasive Potential of Human Prostate Cancer Cell Lines by Hepatocyte Growth Factor
Authors: Nishimura Kenji , Kitamura Masaya , Takada Shingo , Nonomura Norio , Tsujimura Akira , Matsumiya Kiyomi , Miki Tsuneharu , Matsumoto Kunio , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: July 2007

Background: The growth and progression of prostate cancer depends on the stromal‐epithelial interaction which is under paracrine control. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), produced by mesenchymal cells, is a multifunctional growth factor stimulating the movement and growth of epithelial cells including cancer cells. We therefore assessed the relationship between the invasive potential of prostate cancer and HGF in vitro.

Methods: Three human prostate cancer cell lines were used including PC‐3 and DU145 (androgenindependent), and LNCaP (androgen‐dependent). We studied the expression of the HCF receptor c‐met proto‐oncogene (c‐met) by Western blotanalysis, and alsodetermined theeffectsof HGF on cell scattering, and the mechanisms of invasion and proliferation, by microscopic observation, the matrigel invasion chamber assay, and the MTT assay.

Results: c‐met was detected in PC‐3 and DU145 cells, but not in the LNCaP cells. There was increased cell motility in the scatter assay and an increased cell invasive potential in the matrigel invasion chamber assay by stimulation with HGF only with DU145 cells.

Conclusion: HGF plays an important role in the invasion and metastasis of the DU145 cell line through a paracrine mechanism mediated by the c‐metreceptor. In the PC‐3 cell line, the lack of downstream signal transduction after the c‐met receptor is suggested.
Using a two‐tier test to assess students' understanding and alternative conceptions of cyber copyright laws
Authors: Chou Chien , Chan Pei‐Shan , Wu Huan‐Chueh
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study is to explore students' understanding of cyber copyright laws. This study developed a two‐tier test with 10 two‐level multiple‐choice questions. The first tier presented a real‐case scenario and asked whether the conduct was acceptable whereas the second‐tier provided reasons to justify the conduct. Students in Taiwan (123 college students and 121 high school students) were selected to answer these questions. The results indicated that 66.16% correctly answered the first‐tier questions, but only 36.84% students correctly chose the second‐tier reasons. The researchers found that college students had significantly higher scores on both tiers than did high school students, but gender made no difference between the two groups. Three alternative conceptions that students have regarding cyber copyright laws were concluded from this study: (1) the Internet content is entirely open for the public to use; (2) the Internet is always free; and (3) all educational use is fair use. Implications of these results for college and high school courses and future research directions are discussed.
Extended Multisensory Space in Blind Cane Users
Authors: Serino Andrea , Bassolino Michela , Farnè Alessandro , Làdavas Elisabetta
Published: July 2007

In the present work, we investigated whether an auditory peripersonal space exists around the hand and whether such a space might be extended by a brief tool-use experience or by long-term experience using a tool in everyday life. To this end, we studied audio-tactile integration in the space around the hand and in far space, in blind subjects who regularly used a cane to navigate and in sighted subjects, before and after brief training with the cane. In sighted subjects, auditory peripersonal space was limited to around the hand before tool use, then expanded after tool use, and contracted backward after a resting period. In contrast, in blind subjects, peri-hand space was immediately expanded when they held the cane but was limited to around the hand when they held a short handle. These results suggest that long-term experience with the cane induces a durable extension of the peripersonal space.
Ancient conserved domain protein‐1 binds copper and modifies its retention in cells
Authors: Alderton Alexandra , Davies Paul , Illman Katie , Brown David R.
Published: July 2007

The ancient conserved domain protein (ACDP) family are a recently identified group of homologous mammalian proteins. Some family members have been suggested to have roles in the metabolism of metals. We investigated the capacity of ACDP‐1 to bind metals. Using immobilised metal affinity chromatography and isothermal titration calorimetry we determined that ACDP‐1 is a high affinity copper binding protein able to bind copper at nanomolar concentrations. In addition the promoter of ACDP‐1 contains metal response elements and the cellular expression of ACDP‐1 alters cellular retention of copper. However, cellular expression of ACDP‐1 does not alter cellular resistance to the toxicity of copper or other metals. As our findings place the subcellular localisation of ACDP‐1 in the cytoplasm it is possible that ACDP‐1 represent a novel copper chaperone or storage protein.
Effects on soil and paddy–wheat crops irrigated with waters containing residual alkalinity
Authors: Minhas P. S. , Dubey S. K. , Sharma D. R.
Published: July 2007

Degradation of soils by irrigation with ground waters containing residual alkalinity poses a major threat to agriculture in semi‐arid regions, particularly in South Asia. However, there is a lack of indices to define the soil degradation and crop performance under a monsoon climate. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during 2000–2004 to determine the responses of paddy rice and wheat crops in rotation to irrigation with alkaline waters (AW) having similar salinity (electrolyte concentration 30 me L−1) but varying ionic constituents (sodium adsorption ratio irrigation water, SARiw 10 and 25; adjusted sodium adsorption ratio, adj.RNa 13.6 and 29.2; residual sodium carbonate, RSC 5 and 10 me L−1 and Cl:SO4 4:1 and 1:4, respectively). The concentration factors, ECe/ECiw (ratio of electrical conductivity of soil's saturation paste extract to that of the irrigation water) were between 1.1 and 1.8 for soils deprived of rainfall, whereas it was almost 1 for soils not sheltered from rain. Similarly, saturation paste extract, SARe, was between 1.6 and 2.0 times SARiw and 2.0–2.3 times SARiw with and without rainfall, and the exchangeable sodium per cent (ESP) 1.0–1.8 times SARiw. Yields of paddy relative to yields of crops irrigated with good‐quality water, averaged 56–74% during the period 2000–2004 compared with 81–88% for wheat, indicating the greater sensitivity of rice to irrigation with AW. Elevated levels of sulphate rather than chloride in the irrigation water lessened the impacts of the residual alkalinity. Production functions showed that the sodicity (ESP) did not solely explain the variation in crop yields because the salinity stress simultaneously inhibited growth. None of the sodicity indices (RSC, SAR and adj.RNa) adequately defined the relative impacts of AW, although residual alkalinity (RSC) was a better indicator than either of the other two. The monsoon rains played an important role in alleviating the effects of residual alkalinity. Data presented here should support the development of more reliable criteria for the assessment of sodicity/salinity hazards from AW in semi‐arid regions.
Evaluation of the Nonin 8600V Veterinary Pulse Oximeter in Anesthetized Horses
Authors: Martinez Elizaebeth A. , Carroll Gwendolyn L. , Hartsfield Sandee M.
Published: July 2007

SpO2values from the Nonin 8600V veterinary pulse oximeter, using a lingual clip‐type, transmittance sensor applied to the tongue, were compared to directly‐measured SaO2values from a co‐oximeter, calibrated for equine blood, in 5 halothane‐anesthetized horse. Normocapnia was maintained with controlled ventilartion. The inspired oxygen concentration was varied by mixing nitrogen in oxygen to obtain SpO2readings of approximately 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, and 100%. At the time of each SpO2recording, an arterial blood sample was collected for immediate analysis of SaO2. A total of sixty paired measurements were made. The results showed excellent data correlation with a bias (precision) of 0.55 (2.57) and an R‐value of 0.98 over the entire SaO2range tested. Based on these findings, the Nonin 8600V veterinary pulse oximeter, with the lingual sensor, performed accurately and reliably, and appears to be suitable for clinical use in anesthetized horses. (Vet Emerg & Crit Care, 1999: 13–18)
Hypertensive Patients With Reduced Blood Pressure Still Have Hypertension: The Role of the Hypertension Specialist
Authors: Giles Thomas D.
Published: July 2007

“There is no good theory of disease which does not at once suggest a cure.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Genetics of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Abou-Khalil Bassel W.
Published: July 2007

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and GEFS+ Phenotypes Associated with SCN1B Mutations. Scheffer IE, Harkin LA, Grinton BE, Dibbens LM, Turner SJ, Zielinski MA, Xu R, Jackson G, Adams J, Connellan M, Petrou S, Wellard RM, Briellmann RS, Wallace RH, Mulley JC, Berkovic SF. Brain 2007;130(Pt 1):100–109. SCN1B, the gene encoding the sodium channel β1 subunit, was the first gene identified for generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). Only three families have been published with SCN1B mutations. Here, we present four new families with SCN1B mutations and characterize the associated phenotypes. Analysis of SCN1B was performed on 402 individuals with various epilepsy syndromes. Four probands with missense mutations were identified. Detailed electroclinical phenotyping was performed on all available affected family members including quantitative MR imaging in those with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Two new families with the original C121W SCN1B mutation were identified; novel mutations R85C and R85H were each found in one family. The following phenotypes occurred in the six families with SCN1B missense mutations: 22 febrile seizures, 20 febrile seizures plus, five TLE, three other GEFS+ phenotypes, two unclassified and ten unaffected individuals. All individuals with confirmed TLE had the C121W mutation; two underwent temporal lobectomy (one with hippocampal sclerosis and one without) and both are seizure free. We confirm the role of SCN1B in GEFS+ and show that the GEFS+ spectrum may include TLE alone. TLE with an SCN1B mutation is not a contraindication to epilepsy surgery.
Seizures Beget Seizures: A Lack of Experimental Evidence and Clinical Relevance Fails to Dampen Enthusiasm
Authors: Sills Graeme J.
Published: July 2007

Three Brief Epileptic Seizures Reduce Inhibitory Synaptic Currents, GABAACurrents, and GABAA-Receptor Subunits. Evans MS, Cady CJ, Disney KE, Yang L, LaGuardia JJ. Epilepsia 2006;4710):1655–1664. PURPOSE: Cellular mechanisms activated during seizures may exacerbate epilepsy. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain, and we hypothesized that brief epileptic seizures may reduce GABA function. METHODS: We used audiogenic seizures (AGSs) in genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPRs) to investigate effects of seizures on GABA-mediated inhibition in the presence of epilepsy. GEPRs are uniformly susceptible to AGSs beginning at 21 postnatal days. AGSs are brief convulsions lasting 20 s, and they begin in inferior colliculus (IC). We evoked three seizures in GEPRs and compared the results with those in seizure-naive GEPRs and nonepileptic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, the GEPR parent strain. RESULTS: Whole-cell recording in IC slices showed that GABA-mediated monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were reduced 55% by three brief epileptic seizures. Whole-cell recording in IC neuronal cultures showed that currents elicited by GABA were reduced 67% by three seizures. Western blotting for the alpha1 and alpha4 subunits of the GABAA receptor showed no statistically significant effects. In contrast, three brief epileptic seizures reduced gamma2 subunit levels by 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the very first seizures, in animals known to be epileptic, in an area of brain known to be critical to the seizure network, were studied. The results indicate that even brief epileptic seizures can markedly reduce IPSCs and GABA currents and alter GABAA-receptor subunit protein levels. The cause of the reductions in IPSCs and GABA currents is likely to be altered receptor subunit composition, with reduced gamma2 levels causing reduced GABAA-receptor sensitivity to GABA. Seizure-induced reductions in GABA-mediated inhibition could exacerbate epilepsy.