bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiles of bone marrow cells from mice phenotype‐selected for maximal or minimal acute inflammations: searching for genes in acute inflammation modifier loci
Authors: Carneiro Patrícia dos S. , Peters Luciana C. , Vorraro Francisca , Borrego Andrea , Ribeiro Orlando G. , Starobinas Nancy , Jensen Jose R. , Cabrera Wafa H. K. , Ibañez Olga M. , De Franco Marcelo
Published: December 2008

Two mouse lines were phenotype‐selected for maximum (AIRmax) or minimum (AIRmin) acute inflammation responses to polyacrylamide bead (Biogel) injection. These lines differ in terms of bone marrow granulopoiesis, neutrophil resistance to apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokine production during acute inflammation responses. We compared gene expression profiles in bone marrow cells (BMC) of AIRmax and AIRmin mice during acute inflammatory reactions. The BMC from femurs were recovered 24 hr after subcutaneous injections of Biogel. Global gene expression analysis was performed on CodeLink Bioarrays (36K genes) using RNA pools of BMC from both control and treated AIRmax and AIRmin mice. Differentially expressed genes were statistically established and the over‐represented gene ontology biological process categories were identified. Upregulations of about 136 and 198 genes were observed in the BMC of Biogel‐treated AIRmax and AIRmin mice, respectively, but 740 genes were found to be downregulated in AIRmin mice compared with 94 genes in AIRmax mice. The over‐represented biological themes of the differently expressed genes among AIRmax and AIRmin mice represent inflammatory response, signal transduction, cell proliferation and immune cell chemotaxis. We were able to demonstrate a broad downmodulation of gene transcripts in BMC from AIRmin mice during acute inflammation, and significant differentially expressed genes colocalized with previously mapped regions for inflammation‐related phenotypes in chromosomes 1, 3, 6 and 11.
Light, nutrients and grazing interact to determine diatom species richness via changes to productivity, nutrient state and grazer activity
Authors: Liess Antonia , Lange Katharina , Schulz Friederike , Piggott Jeremy J. , Matthaei Christoph D. , Townsend Colin R.
Published: December 2008

Productivity and grazing pressure interact in determining autotroph diversity, because high productivity increases the capability of a plant community to compensate for grazing losses. However, further factors may play a role in shaping diversity, including primary producer nutrient stoichiometry and grazer activity.

Our study focuses on the interactions between light, nutrients and grazing in determining species richness and evenness of stream diatoms. By measuring primary producer productivity and nutrient content as well as grazer activity, we attempt to disentangle the different pathways by which the three factors affect diatom species richness and evenness.

We hypothesized that high light intensities and nutrient addition would increase species richness by increasing primary productivity and that higher levels of light and nutrients would compensate for negative grazer effects on species richness of primary producers. We also hypothesized that high light intensities would decrease the nutrient content of primary producers, especially when nutrients are limiting, whereas nutrient addition would increase primary producer nutrient content. Last, in addition to changing primary producer nutrient content, light and nutrients would also change grazer activity, thus modifying the interactions between light, nutrients and grazing.

We used periphyton and gastropod grazers in an experiment with circular stream channels with four nutrient, two light and four grazing levels to determine individual and combined effects on benthic diatom richness and evenness. After 3 weeks, we determined algal biomass, periphyton nutrient content, diatom species richness and evenness as well as grazer activity.

Our results showed that light and nutrients increased species richness and primary producer productivity and nutrient content. Grazing decreased species richness but only at low light levels, possibly because high light levels reduced grazer activity. Evenness was not affected by any single factor alone, but was influenced by nutrient–light and grazing–light interactions.

Synthesis.Light, nutrients and grazing interacted in determining primary producer species richness. Their effects were mainly mediated through changes in productivity but primary producer nutrient content and grazer activity also played important roles.
Genotype D amongst injection drug users with acute hepatitis B virus infection in British Columbia
Authors: Panessa C. , Hill W. D. , Giles E. , Yu A. , Harvard S. , Butt G. , Andonov A. , Krajden M. , Osiowy C.
Published: December 2008

Summary.  The eight genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) exhibit distinct geographical distributions. This study identified HBV genotypes and transmission modes associated with acute infection in British Columbia (BC), Canada, from 2001 to 2005. Seventy cases of acute HBV in BC were identified from laboratory reports using a standardized case definition. Interviews for risk factors and hepatitis history were conducted for each case. HBV genotypes were determined by BLAST comparison analysis of the surface (S) or preS gene sequence. To illustrate the distribution of genotypes identified amongst acute cases in BC, an annotated map was produced showing the global occurrence of HBV genotypes. The majority of acute HBV cases occurred in Caucasian, Canadian‐born males, with 30% of cases reporting injection drug use (IDU) and 21% reporting incarceration. The most common genotype observed was genotype D (62.9%), followed by genotypes A (18.6%), C (11.4%), B (4.3%), and E (1.4%). A significant association was observed between Genotype D and IDU (P = 0.0025) and previous incarceration (P = 0.0067). Phylogenetic analysis of the S gene sequence demonstrated identical or high genetic relatedness amongst genotype D viral strains (86% sub‐genotype D3), thus verifying transmission clustering amongst BC injection drug users. The association between acute HBV genotype and reported transmission modes has not been previously described in North America. Tracking of genotypes can help identify disease transmission patterns and target at‐risk populations for preventive immunization.
Gastric dysreflexia after acute experimental spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Tong M. , Holmes G. M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract  Gastric reflexes are mediated mainly by vago‐vagal reflex circuits in the caudal medulla. Despite the fact that brainstem vago‐vagal circuitry remains intact after spinal cord injury (SCI), patients with SCI at the cervical level most often present gastric stasis with an increased risk of reflux and aspiration of gastric contents. Using a miniature strain gauge sutured to the gastric surface; we tested gastric motility and reflexive gastric relaxation following oesophageal distension (oesophageal‐gastric relaxation reflex) in animals 3 days after a severe spinal contusion at either the third or ninth thoracic spinal segment (acute T3‐ or T9 SCI, respectively). Both basal gastric motility and the oesophageal‐gastric relaxation reflex were significantly diminished in animals with T3 SCI. Conversely, both basal gastric motility and the oesophageal‐gastric relaxation reflex were not significantly reduced in T9 SCI animals compared to controls. The reduced gastric motility and oesophageal‐gastric reflex in T3 SCI rats was not ameliorated by celiac sympathectomy. Our results show that gastric stasis following acute SCI is independent of altered spinal sympathetic input to the stomach caudal to the lesion. Our data suggest that SCI may alter the sensitivity of vagal reflex function, perhaps by interrupting ascending spinosolitary input to brainstem vagal nuclei.
Virulence analysis of Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici populations in Ethiopia with special consideration of Ug99
Authors: Admassu B. , Lind V. , Friedt W. , Ordon F.
Published: December 2008

Wheat stem rust samples were collected in 2006 and 2007 in the Arsi, Bale, Shewa and northwest regions of Ethiopia to determine virulence diversity and race distribution in Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici populations. Stem rust incidence was high in Arsi, Bale and east Shewa. In northwest Ethiopia, and north and west Shewa, stem rust was prevalent at low levels. A total of 152 isolates was analysed and 22 races were identified. Races TTKSR (Ug99), TTHSR and RRTTR were predominant, with frequencies of 26·6, 17·7 and 11·1%, respectively. These races were also detected in all regions. The highly virulent race designated Ug99 was present throughout the country and dominated in all regions except northwest Ethiopia. A variant of Ug99 virulent against the stem rust resistance gene Sr24 was not detected in this study. Four stem rust resistance genes (Sr13, Sr30, Sr36 and SrTmp) were found to confer resistance to most of the races prevalent in Ethiopia. With the exception of Sr30, which is not effective against Ug99, these genes could be used in breeding for resistance to stem rust in Ethiopia.
Precambrian–Palaeozoic geology of Smith Sound, Canada and Greenland: key constraint to palaeogeographic reconstructions of northern Laurentia and the North Atlantic region
Authors: Dawes Peter R.
Published: December 2008

Nares Strait separating Greenland and northernmost Canada is floored by continental crust. Most palaeogeographic reconstructions of Laurentia and the North Atlantic region model the seaway as the site of massive sinistral strike–slip and/or compression/transpression, subduction and collision, the supposed manifestations of the hypothetical Wegener Fault. However, these reconstructions fail to take into account the bedrock geology that represents within‐plate evolution. Both sides of Smith Sound, the southernmost part of Nares Strait, expose the same early Proterozoic to early Palaeozoic assemblages that are unaffected by seaway‐related tectonism or thermal activity. Smith Sound is an intact crustal block or `linchpin' demonstrating that there was no independent Greenland plate. North‐west Greenland was not a leading plate margin neither was Nares Strait the site of the plate boundary between Greenland and North America. The Wegener Fault does not exist. The Smith Sound linchpin constitutes a key constraint that must be respected in any palaeogeographic reconstruction of the region.
Accuracy and quality of immunization information systems in forty‐one low income countries
Authors: Bosch‐Capblanch Xavier , Ronveaux Olivier , Doyle Vicki , Remedios Valerie , Bchir Abdallah
Published: December 2008

Objectives  To measure the accuracy and quality of immunization information systems in a range of low‐income countries eligible to receive GAVI support.

Methods  The Data Quality Audit (DQA) uses a WHO validated, standard methodology to compare data collected from health unit (HU) records of immunizations administered with reports of immunizations at central level and to collect quality indicators of the reporting system. The verification factor (VF), as a measure of accuracy, expresses the proportion of immunizations reported at national level that can be tracked down to the HU. A VF of 80% or above entitles countries to receive additional GAVI financial support. Quality indicators are assigned points which were summed to obtain quality scores (QS) at national, district and HU levels. DQAs included here were conducted between 2002 and 2005 in 41 countries, encompassing 1082 primary healthcare units in 188 randomly selected districts.

Results  Almost half of countries obtained a VF below 80% and only nine showed consistently high VF and QS scores. The most frequent weaknesses in the information systems were inconsistency of denominators used to estimate coverage, poor availability of guidelines (e.g. for late reporting), incorrect estimations of vaccine wastage and lack of feedback on immunization performance. In all six countries that failed a first DQA and undertook a second DQA, the VF and all QSs improved, not all of them statistically significantly.

Conclusions  The DQA is a diagnostic tool to reveal a number of crucial problems that affect the quality of immunization data in all tiers of the health system. It identifies good performance at HU and district levels which can be used as examples of best practices. The DQA methodology brings data quality issues to the top of the agenda to improve the monitoring of immunization coverage.
Evidence‐based veterinary dermatology: a systematic review of interventions forMalasseziadermatitis in dogs
Authors: Negre Amélie , Bensignor Emmanuel , Guillot Jacques
Published: December 2008

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of antifungal treatments forMalasseziadermatitis in dogs and, when possible, to propose recommendation for or against their use.

Electronic searches were carried out using PubMed MEDLINE®, CABDirect and CONSULTANT database. The volumes ofAdvances in Veterinary Dermatology, the proceedings of ESVD/ECVD and AAVD/ACVD congresses were hand‐searched for studies relevant to this review. All articles and book chapters discussing treatment ofMalasseziadermatitis were scanned for additional citations. Lastly, a request was sent to the Vetderm Listserv to share recent clinical trials. The analysis evaluated study design, methodology quality, subject enrolment quality, type of interventions and outcome measures.

The searches identified 35 articles, and 14 trials that fulfilled the following selection criteria: (i)in vivoclinical trials, (ii) dogs showing clinical lesions ofMalasseziadermatitis and (iii) enrolment of at least five dogs. Among these, only eight studies fulfilled the following additional criterion: (iv) prospectivein vivoclinical trials reporting clinical and mycological outcome measures. A total number of 14 different treatment protocols included four blinded, randomized and controlled trials (quality of evidence grade A), four controlled studies lacking blinding and/or randomization (grade B), five open uncontrolled trials (grade C) and one descriptive study (grade D).

This systematic review allowed us to recommend, with good evidence, the use of only one topical treatment ofMalasseziadermatitis (2% miconazole nitrate +2% chlorhexidine, twice a week for 3 weeks) and with fair evidence the use of two systemic treatments with azole derivatives (ketoconazole, 10 mg kg−1 day−1and itraconazole, 5 mg kg−1 day−1for 3 weeks).
Investigations on the nature and pathogenicity of circulating antikeratinocyte antibodies in dogs with pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Dunston Stanley M. , Walker Robina H. , Alhaidari Zeineb , Messinger Linda , Liu Zhi
Published: December 2008

In humans with pemphigus foliaceus (PF), pathogenic autoantibodies are principally of IgG4 subclass and they cause superficial vesiculation when injected into neonatal mice. The objectives of this study were to determine the isotypes of circulating antikeratinocyte antibodies in dogs with PF, to assess whether serum antikeratinocyte antibody titres decreased during successful treatment, and to study whether such antibodies were pathogenic in passive transfers. Using indirect immunofluorescence with neonatal mouse skin substrates, circulating antikeratinocyte IgG antibodies were detected in 36 of 44 dogs with PF (82%). Serum autoantibodies belonged predominantly to IgG4 (three of 44; 80%) and IgG1 (30 of 44; 68%) subclasses. Antikeratinocyte IgG antibodies were detected in 16 of 20 normal dogs (80%), and these antibodies were IgG1 (16 of 20, 80%) but rarely IgG4 (two of 20; 10%) isotypes. In four dogs, IgG4 antikeratinocyte antibody titres decreased concomitantly to lesions nearing or reaching complete remission. In contrast, IgG or IgG1 titres remained stable or increased when lesions abated. Antikeratinocyte antibodies targeted mainly intercellular autoantigen(s) in the stratum granulosum, while in fewer dogs, such antibodies bound to cytoplasmic basal antigen(s). Intradermal injections of PF or pemphigus vulgaris (PV) IgG into neonatal mice caused subgranular or suprabasal acantholytic vesiculation without granulocyte infiltration, respectively. Similar transfers of normal dog IgG did not cause vesiculation. These observations suggest that antikeratinocyte IgG4 antibodies could be relevant to disease pathogenesis. Importantly, canine PF or PV IgG appear to be pathogenic when transferred passively into mice, causing vesiculation at epidermal levels similar to those of the natural disease.
Further validation of a pruritus severity scale for use in dogs
Authors: Rybníček J. , Lau‐Gillard P. J. , Harvey R. , Hill P. B.
Published: December 2008

A scale to assess the severity of pruritus in dogs was further validated. Comparison of the scale with one containing visible numerical markings demonstrated that owners were heavily influenced by the presence of numbers, resulting in a loss of the scale's ability to generate continuous data. The presence of a traditional visual analogue scale was therefore essential. The scale was tested on 713 owners who presented their dogs for veterinary attention. Pruritus scores in 408 dogs with skin disease covered the full range of possible values (0 to 10). In 305 dogs with no skin disease, 90 owners gave a score greater than zero. Comparison of the scores seen in pruritic dogs, and dogs with no evidence of skin disease, allowed a ‘normal range’ of 0–1.9 to be established. The scale was able to discriminate between conditions typically regarded as pruritic or non‐pruritic. When the scale was assessed for its ability to detect changes in pruritus score following treatment, a median reduction of 4.4 points was observed. The scale was also used to determine what magnitude of response owners would expect following treatment of their pruritic dogs. Only 12% would have been satisfied with a 50% reduction, a figure that is typically quoted as a satisfactory response in clinical trials of anti‐pruritic drugs. As a result, alternative methods of assessing clinical trials are proposed. This study has shown the scale to be a valuable tool for clinical assessment of patients, and for monitoring treatment responses in clinical trials.
Hymenoptera venom allergy: analysis of double positivity to honey bee and Vespula venom by estimation of IgE antibodies to species‐specific major allergens Api m1 and Ves v5
Authors: Müller U. R. , Johansen N. , Petersen A. B. , Fromberg‐Nielsen J. , Haeberli G.
Published: December 2008

Background:  In patients with hymenoptera venom allergy diagnostic tests are often positive with honey bee and Vespula venom causing problems in selection of venoms for immunotherapy.

Methods:  100 patients each with allergic reactions to Vespula or honey bee stings and positive i.e. skin tests to the respective venom, were analysed for serum IgE to bee venom, Vespula venom and crossreacting carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) by UNICAP (CAP) and ADVIA Centaur (ADVIA). IgE‐antibodies to species specific recombinant major allergens (SSMA) Api m1 for bee venom and Ves v5 for Vespula venom, were determined by ADVIA. 30 history and skin test negative patients served as controls.

Results:  By CAP sensitivity was 1.0 for bee and 0.91 for Vespula venom, by ADVIA 0.99 for bee and 0.91 for Vespula venom. None of the controls were positive with either test. Double positivity was observed in 59% of allergic patients by CAP, in 32% by ADVIA. slgE to Api m1 was detected in 97% of bee and 17% of Vespula venom allergic patients, slgE to Ves v5 in 87% of Vespula and 17% of bee venom allergic patients. slgE to CCDs were present in 37% of all allergic patients and in 56% of those with double positivity and were more frequent in bee than in Vespula venom allergic patients.

Conclusions:  Double positivity of IgE to bee and Vespula venom is often caused by crossreactions, especially to CCDs. IgE to both Api m1 and Ves v5 indicates true double sensitization and immunotherapy with both venoms.
Immunomodulatory properties of Lactobacillus plantarum and its use as a recombinant vaccine against mite allergy
Authors: Rigaux P. , Daniel C. , Hisbergues M. , Muraille E. , Hols P. , Pot B. , Pestel J. , Jacquet A.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Selected lactic acid bacteria were reported to prevent atopic dermatitis and experimental asthma but the mechanisms of their immunomodulatory effects are not fully elucidated. In this study, the signaling pathways triggered by Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB8826 were investigated and the potential use of this strain producing a variant of the mite allergen Der p 1 as live vaccine vehicle was evaluated.

Methods:  Mouse bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells were stimulated with wild‐type or a L. plantarum teichoic acid mutant to evaluate the secretion of cytokines. A recombinant L. plantarum expressing Der p 1 was engineered, its in vitro immunomodulatory properties were characterized and its prophylactic potential was evaluated in a Der p 1‐sensitization murine model.

Results:  Mouse dendritic cells stimulated by L. plantarum triggered the release of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), IL‐12 p40, IL‐12 p70 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). IL‐12 p40 secretion was dependent on nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR9 and on the bacterial teichoic acid composition. Recombinant L. plantarum producing Der p 1 exhibited similar immunostimulatory properties as wild‐type. Prophylactic intranasal pretreatment of mice with this recombinant strain prevented the development of the typical Th2‐biased allergic response by a drastic reduction of specific IgE and the induction of protective allergen‐specific IgG2a antibodies. Moreover, both wild‐type or recombinant L. plantarum reduced airway eosinophilia following aerosolized allergen exposure and IL‐5 secretion upon allergen restimulation.

Conclusion:  By combining both Th1‐type immunostimulatory properties and an efficient allergen delivery capacity, recombinant L. plantarum producing Der p 1 represents a promising vaccine against house dust mite allergy.
Effects of Twice‐Weekly Follicular Punctures of Ovaries With or Without the Corpus Luteum on Follicular and Luteal Dynamics
Authors: Takuma T , Otsubo T , Kurokawa Y , Ichimaru H , Otoi T
Published: December 2008

Contents

We investigated the effects of twice‐weekly follicular punctures of ovaries with or without corpus luteum (CL) on follicular and luteal dynamics. A cross‐over design was used, with each cow (seven Japanese Black beef cows) being assigned to one of the three groups at 2‐month intervals. Follicular punctures were performed twice weekly for three consecutive weeks until day 20 (oestrus = day 0). All visible follicles (diameter >3 mm) in the ovaries bearing CL (ipsilateral group) or those in the contralateral ovaries (contralateral group) were aspirated. As a control, all visible follicles in both ovaries were aspirated (bilateral group). Follicular development, CL formation and progesterone concentrations in each cow were monitored from days 0 to 30. Follicular growth profiles in the punctured ovaries during/after puncture treatment were similar, irrespective of the presence of follicles in the unpunctured ovary and the CL in the punctured or unpunctured ovaries. After puncture, two cows (28.6%) each in the ipsilateral and bilateral groups did not exhibit behavioural oestrus until day 30, whereas all cows in the contralateral group exhibited oestrus. CL growth and increase in progesterone concentrations after the last follicular puncture in the bilateral group were delayed when compared with those in the ipsilateral group. Our results indicate that the presence of follicles in the unpunctured ovary and the CL in the punctured or unpunctured ovaries does not significantly influence follicular growth in punctured ovaries during/after puncture treatment. However, follicular puncture in ovaries bearing CL may disturb or delay oestrus occurrence after treatment.
Testing for misleading effects in the phylogenetic reconstruction of ancient lineages of hexapods: influence of character dependence and character choice in analyses of 28S rRNA sequences
Authors: Dell’Ampio Emiliano , Szucsich Nikolaus U. , Carapelli Antonio , Frati Francesco , Steiner Gerhard , Steinacher Arno , Pass Günther
Published: December 2008

The present analyses employ the almost complete sequence of the 28S rRNA gene to investigate phylogenetic relationships among Pancrustacea, placing special emphasis on the position of basal hexapod lineages. This study utilizes a greater number of characters and taxa of Protura, Collembola and Diplura than previous analyses to focus on conflicts in the reconstruction of the early steps in hexapod evolution. Phylogenetic trees are mainly based on Bayesian approaches, but likewise include analyses with Maximum Likelihood and Maximum Parsimony. Different analyses, including the application of a mixed DNA/RNA substitution model, were performed to narrow possible misleading effects of non‐stationarity of nucleotide frequencies, saturation and character independence down to a minimum. This is the first time that a mixed DNA/RNA model is applied to analyse 28S rRNA sequences of basal hexapods. All methods yielded strong support for the monophyly of Collembola, Diplura, Dicondylia and Insectas.str., as well as for a cluster composed of Diplura and Protura (‘Nonoculata‐hypothesis’). However, the last cluster may be an artifact caused by a shared GC bias of the 28S sequences between these orders, in combination with a long branch effect. The instability of the position of the ‘Nonoculata’ within Pancrustacea further bears out the misleading effect of non‐stationarity of nucleotide frequencies. Protura and Diplura either form the sister‐group to Collembola (Entognatha) or cluster with branchiopod crustaceans. Overall, the phylogenetic signal of the complete sequences of the 28S rRNA gene favours monophyly of Hexapoda over paraphyly. However, further corroboration from independent data is needed to rule out the competing hypothesis of mutually paraphyletic Crustacea and Hexapoda.
Phylogeny of the mud worm genus Marenzelleria (Polychaeta, Spionidae) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: Blank Miriam , Bastrop Ralf
Published: December 2008

The taxonomy of the cryptic morphospecies of the mud worm genus Marenzelleria is particularly difficult and the phylogenetic relationship within the genus is unknown. Herein we reconstructed the phylogeny of all five species of this genus using sequence data of three mitochondrial genes (16SrDNA, cytochrome b, cytochrome oxidase subunit I) from 104 specimens out of 26 populations. For the three invasive species of the genus, Marenzelleria neglecta, M. viridis and M. arctia, individuals from native populations as well as from recently invaded populations were included. Nuclear 18S rDNA sequences were used to evaluate the appropriate outgroup taxon among several spionid polychaete species. The results supported the monophyly of Marenzelleria, and Malacoceros fuliginosus was found to be a suitable outgroup for the analysis of the mitochondrial gene segments. All phylogenetic reconstructions revealed a basal position of M. arctia and M. wireni, which have primarily Arctic distribution, with M. arctia obtaining the most basal position. Together with the present‐day distribution of the species, this indicates an origin of the genus in the Arctic region. The relationship of the species M. neglecta, M. viridis and M. bastropi could not be resolved sufficiently due to genealogical discordance that might reflect relatively young cladogenetic events.
Phylogeny of six oligohymenophoreans (Protozoa, Ciliophora) inferred from small subunit rRNA gene sequences
Authors: Yi Zhenzhen , Song Weibo , Gong Jun , Warren Alan , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Al‐Arifi Saud , Al‐Khedhairy Abdulaziz A.
Published: December 2008

The small subunit rRNA (SSrRNA) genes of six marine oligohymenophoreans, namely Uronemella filificum, Schizocalyptra sp.‐WYG07060701, Schizocalyptra aeschtae, Pleuronema sinica, P. czapikae and Paratetrahymena sp., were sequenced. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with four different methods to assess the inter‐ and intrageneric relationships among the scuticociliates and the phylogenetic assignment of the order Loxocephalida. The SSrRNA phylogeny indicates that: (i) Paratetrahymena is most closely related to Cardiostomatella; (ii) the order Loxocephalida and the family Uronematidae both appear to be polyphyletic; (iii) the order Philasterida is a well‐defined taxon; (iv) Cyclidium porcatum falls outside the order Pleuronematida in all analyses; (v) the validity of the genus Uronemella is confirmed; (vi) Schizocalyptra is a member of the family Pleuronematidae. Furthermore, the predicted secondary structures of the variable region 4 of the SSrRNA gene sequences show that the size of the terminal bulge in Helix E23–7 is probably different for the orders Philasterida and Pleuronematida. Also, compared to Uronema and Homalogastra, Uronemella has distinct patterns in Helices E23–1, E23–7, E23–8 and E23–9.
Baseline renal function, ischaemia time and blood loss predict the rate of renal failure after partial nephrectomy
Authors: Jeldres Claudio , Bensalah Karim , Capitanio Umberto , Zini Laurent , Perrotte Paul , Suardi Nazareno , Tostain Jacques , Valeri Antoine , Descotes Jean‐Luc , Rambeaud Jean‐Jacques , De La Taille Alexandre , Salomon Laurent , Abbou Claude , Patard Jean‐Jacques , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To identify independent predictors of renal failure after partial nephrectomy (PN) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were available for 166 patients with pathological T1‐3 N0M0 RCC treated with PN. Renal failure after PN was defined as a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of >25% (RIFLE criteria). The GFR before and after PN was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study group equation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess a decrease of >25% in GFR from the preoperative level. Candidate predictor variables were age, gender, PN indication (absolute vs relative), preoperative GFR, tumour size, perioperative blood loss, surgery duration and clamping time.

RESULTS

After PN, 22 (13.3%) patients had a decrease in GFR of >25%. The perioperative blood loss (P = 0.02), clamping time (P = 0.04) and preoperative GFR (P = 0.002) were independent predictors of a decrease in GFR of >25%.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified two important potentially modifiable variables that should be considered in the planning of PN, i.e. the clamping time and blood loss. It is possible that selective referral to experienced surgeons who can perform PN within short surgical and clamping times, and with minimal blood loss, could minimize the rate of renal failure, especially in patients with an underlying renal function impairment.
Varicocele surgery: a decade’s experience at a children’s hospital
Authors: Diamond David A. , Xuewu Jiang , Cilento Jr Bartley G. , Bauer Stuart B. , Peters Craig A. , Borer Joseph G. , Mandell James , Cendron Marc , Rosoklija Ilina , Zurakowski David , Retik Alan B.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES

To review our experience at a children’s hospital over a 10‐year period with the Palomo, Ivanissevich, subinguinal and laparoscopic techniques for varicocele, assessing the success and complication rates according to specific procedure, and the added effect that the modifications of microsurgery and artery‐sparing has had on these rates. A second objective was to assess the rate of testicular compensatory growth after surgery for testicular hypotrophy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety‐two patients with >1 year of follow‐up between 1996 and 2006 were assessed retrospectively. The median (range) age at surgery was 15 (8–21) years. Patients were stratified based on the surgical technique used by eight different urology faculty members. Microsurgery and attempted artery‐sparing were applied to some Palomo, Ivannisevich, and subinguinal cases but not to laparoscopic procedures.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic (100%) and Palomo (93%) techniques had significantly higher success rates than the Ivanissevich approach (69%). The success rate with the subinguinal technique (88%) was intermediate between the more successful supra‐inguinal and less successful inguinal approaches. There was a higher hydrocele rate (32%) in the laparoscopic approach. Artery sparing significantly lowered hydrocele rates but had no effect on success rates. Incorporating microsurgery also had no effect on success rates but resulted in no hydrocele formation. One case of testicular atrophy occurred in a patient undergoing microsurgical artery‐sparing subinguinal spermatic vein ligation. There was compensatory growth in 68% of patients operated on for testicular hypotrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

During our 10‐year experience the laparoscopic and Palomo approaches were the most successful. The subinguinal approach (usually incorporating microsurgery and artery sparing) had an intermediate success rate. The Ivanissevich approach was least successful. Hydroceles did not occur when microsurgery was used, and were significantly less common with artery sparing. The only case of testicular atrophy was with a microsurgical artery‐sparing subinguinal approach. When the spermatic vein was ligated for testicular hypotrophy there was compensatory growth in two‐thirds of testes.
The lymphatic system and its specific growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor C in kidney tissue and in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Voss Martin , Steidler Annette , Grobholz Rainer , Weiss Christel , Alken Peter , Michel Maurice S. , Trojan Lutz
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) and the quantitative extent of the lymphatic system in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to analyse a possible correlation with the metastatic spread of cancer cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 44 patients with clear cell RCC and 12 with papillary or chromophobe RCC were included in an immunohistochemical study. The lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was assessed in the tumour body, the tumour capsule and the tumour‐free adherent renal tissue. The expression of VEGF‐C was semiquantitatively assessed by the percentage of positive epithelial and cancer cells. Data were analysed for any correlation with the clinicopathological variables.

RESULTS

The clear and papillary cell RCC contained no lymphatic vessels (0.2, sd 0.8). Chromophobe RCC specimens showed scattered obliterated vessels (0.0–7.7). Several lymphatic vessels were found in the normal renal tissue, mainly associated with blood vessels (2.9, sd 1.9). The highest mean (sd) LVD was in the tumour capsule, of 6.9 (3.4). There was no statistical correlation between the LVD and VEGF‐C. In clear cell RCC the expression of VEGF‐C was correlated with the size of the tumour (P = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

RCC does not promote the growth of its own lymphatic vessels. The role of a high LVD in the tumour capsule needs to be determined. The VEGF‐C staining pattern in normal kidney tissue hints at functions other than lymphangiogenesis.
Modulation of the microenvironment by growth factors regulates the in vivo growth of skeletal myoblasts
Authors: Yanagiuchi Akihiro , Miyake Hideaki , Nomi Masashi , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the optimal microenvironment for efficient myoblast transplantation in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of co‐culture with growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin‐like growth factor‐I) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), on in vitro growth, migration and proteolytic activity of mouse skeletal myoblasts were investigated. Myoblasts were co‐injected with growth factors into the subcutis and bladder wall of nude mice, and its impact on the growth patterns of myoblasts in vivo assessed.

RESULTS

There was dose‐dependent stimulation of in vitro myoblast growth after treatment with each of the four growth factors, but bFGF induced the most marked increase in the growth of myoblasts. Treatment of myoblasts with all types of growth factors also resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in the in vitro migration of myoblasts, and PDGF had the most prominent effect on myoblast migration. Increased secretion of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in myoblasts induced by growth factors was proportional to their increased migration capacity, which was partly inhibited by SB‐3CT, an inhibitor of MMP‐9. The in vivo growth of myoblasts was significantly enhanced by co‐injection with all types of growth factor into both the subcutis and bladder wall, but this effect was most marked 1 and 2 weeks after co‐injection with bFGF and PDGF, respectively. Furthermore, there was synergistic in vivo growth of myoblasts by co‐injection of both bFGF and PDGF compared with that achieved with either agent alone.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that modulation of the microenvironment using growth factors, particularly bFGF and PDGF, could provide the optimum condition for effective myoblast transplantation in vivo.
Improved sensitivity for detecting micrometastases in pelvic lymph nodes by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) compared with conventional RT‐PCR in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Terakawa Tomoaki , Miyake Hideaki , Kurahashi Toshifumi , Furukawa Junya , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To compare the usefulness between real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with that of conventional RT‐PCR for detecting micrometastases in pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) dissected during radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 120 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent RP and pelvic lymphadenectomy were included. Expression of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in 2215 PLNs obtained from these 120 patients were assessed by fully quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and as well as conventional RT‐PCR. Specimens, in which either PSA or PSMA mRNA was positive, were regarded as showing the ‘presence of micrometastasis’.

RESULTS

Pathological examinations detected tumour cells in 29 PLNs from 11 patients, while real‐time RT‐PCR and conventional RT‐PCR further identified micrometastasis in 143 and 81 PLNs from 32 and 19 patients, respectively, with no pathological evidence of nodal involvement; that is, the sensitivity of real‐time RT‐PCR for detecting micrometastases was significantly higher than that of conventional RT‐PCR. In this series, biochemical recurrence occurred in 32 patients, and in both assays, there were significant differences in biochemical recurrence‐free survival between patients with and with no micrometastases. However, despite the significant association of micrometastases detected by both assays with biochemical recurrence on univariate analysis, the presence of micrometastases detected by real‐time RT‐PCR but not that detected by conventional RT‐PCR appeared to be useful as an independent predictor on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although micrometastatic tumour foci in PLNs that were missed by routine pathological examination could be diagnosed by both real‐time RT‐PCR and conventional RT‐PCR assays, it would be strongly recommended to use real‐time RT‐PCR to detect micrometastases considering its high sensitivity and the close association between the outcome of this assay and the probability of biochemical recurrence.
Non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer surveillance for which cystoscopy is partly replaced by microsatellite analysis of urine: a cost‐effective alternative?
Authors: De Bekker‐Grob Esther W. , Van Der Aa Madelon N.M. , Zwarthoff Ellen C. , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Van Rhijn Bas W. , Van Der Kwast Theo H. , Steyerberg Ewout W.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To determine how good microsatellite analysis (MA) markers in voided urine samples should be to make a surveillance procedure cost‐effective in which cystoscopy is partly replaced by MA for patients with non‐muscle‐invasive urothelial carcinoma (NMI‐UC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We constructed a semi‐Markov model with a time horizon of 2 years, and a man aged 65 years as reference case. Data were used from a randomized trial (including 448 patients with NMI‐UC from 10 hospitals), and from other data sources. The costs and effects (probability of being in a specific health state) were compared for two surveillance strategies: (i) cystoscopy of the urinary bladder every 3 months (conventional arm), and (ii) semi‐automated MA of voided urine samples to identify loss of heterozygosity every 3 months, with a control cystoscopy at 3, 12 and 24 months (test arm). Various sensitivity analyses were used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and costs of MA of urine for which the test arm was as cost‐effective as the conventional arm.

RESULTS

The probability of being without recurrence after 2 years of surveillance was similar (86.6% conventional arm vs 86.3% test arm) with currently available MA markers (sensitivity of 58% and specificity of 73%). However, the test arm led to higher costs (€4104 vs €3433 per head). The test arm would be as effective and cost the same as the conventional arm if the sensitivity of the currently available MA markers was increased at ≥61%, had a specificity of 73%, and decreased the costs of the MA test per follow‐up sample from €158 to <€70.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 2 years, surveillance in which cystoscopy is partly replaced by currently available urinary MA to reduce patient burden can only provide a cost‐effective alternative to the conventional surveillance if the MA urine test had a slightly higher sensitivity and its costs could be reduced.
Dietary soy isoflavone replacement improves detrusor overactivity of ovariectomized rats with altered connexin‐43 expression in the urinary bladder
Authors: Okada Shinsuke , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Hamamoto Shuzo , Mizuno Kentaro , Sasaki Shoichi , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of dietary soy isoflavone on detrusor overactivity (DO) in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats and the association between these effects and expression of the gap junction protein, connexin‐43, in the urinary bladder, and to discuss the usefulness of soy isoflavones for overactive bladder (OAB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 24 (8‐week‐old) virgin female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided equally into four groups: sham operation with control diet (with no dietary soy isoflavones; Sham‐CD), bilateral Ovx with CD (Ovx‐CD), sham operation with soy isoflavone diet (Sham‐ID), bilateral Ovx with soy ID (Ovx‐ID). Cystometry was performed after the 4‐week CD or ID in each group while awake. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were also performed to examine the expression of connexin‐43 in each group.

RESULTS

In Ovx‐CD rats, there were some significant changes in cystometry variables, including shortening of the intercontraction interval and an increased number of non‐voiding contractions compared with Sham‐CD rats (P < 0.05). These changes were significantly improved by 4‐week soy isoflavone administration (Ovx‐ID; P < 0.05). Quantitative RT‐PCR, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses showed that the expression level of connexin‐43 mRNA and protein was significantly greater in the urinary bladder of Ovx‐CD rats compared with Sham‐CD rats. Soy isoflavone administration significantly reduced this increased expression (Ovx‐ID).

CONCLUSIONS

Soy isoflavone replacement improved DO with alteration of the connexin‐43 expression pattern in the urinary bladder of Ovx rats. Routine consumption of diet soy isoflavones may be a useful treatment to prevent and improve OAB.
Competition and Competition Policy in the Trans‐Tasman Air Travel Market
Authors: Hazledine Tim
Published: December 2008

New data on air fares offered on 29 trans‐Tasman and domestic New Zealand routes are analysed to test whether competition between traditional or ‘legacy’ airlines still matters for pricing in the new air travel regime characterised by internet booking systems and competition from low cost carriers. It is found that market structure does indeed still matter. Air fares are significantly lower on those domestic New Zealand routes where Air New Zealand faces competition from Qantas. In addition, on the trans‐Tasman routes, the new entrants Virgin (Pacific) Blue and Emirates have put competitive pressure on Air New Zealand and Qantas, but such pressure would not be sufficient to compensate for loss of independent competition between the larger incumbents.
A Note on Perry's Reconsideration of Macroeconomic Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Dalziel Paul , Peetz David
Published: December 2008

Perry in this journal draws on two new sources to challenge claims by Dalziel (2002) and Peetz (2005) about relatively weak labour productivity growth in New Zealand after the introduction of its Employment Contracts Act (ECA) in 1991. While new data raise further research questions, they do not overturn our original conclusions. Whether the ECA contributed to higher labour input growth compared with Australia, it failed to improve labour productivity growth.
The Dynamic Efficiency Gains from Introducing Capacity Payments in the National Electricity Market
Authors: Simshauser Paul
Published: December 2008

Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) has been a beacon for governments around the world considering power industry reform. However, while the energy‐only NEM has served Australia well since 1998, deep structural supply‐side faults exist. Competitive energy‐only markets do not have a stable equilibrium solution unless reliability constraints are violated, market power is exercised, or scarcity pricing operates unabated. But the political economy of electricity means none of this is likely. This research finds that by reducing the NEM price cap and introducing a ‘capacity payments pool’, a tractable and politically acceptable equilibrium can be established to facilitate timely plant entry.
A Consistent Poverty Approach to Assessing the Sensitivity of Income Poverty Measures and Trends
Authors: Saunders Peter , Hill Trish
Published: December 2008

This paper examines the sensitivity of estimates of income poverty rates and trends to variations in the poverty line and to whether or not certain households are included or excluded from the sample used to estimate poverty. The approach draws on the concept of consistent poverty, which has been used to identify those with incomes below the poverty line who also experience deprivation. Our approach involves excluding households with incomes below the poverty line if they report zero or negative income or are self‐employed, have expenditure well in excess of their income, have substantial wealth holdings, or if they do not report having experienced financial stress over the past year. The combined impact of all four exclusions is to reduce the half‐median income poverty rate from 9.9 per cent to 5.4 per cent, but also suggests that poverty increased by more over the decade to 2003–04 than the original estimates indicate.
Intergenerational Transmission of Fertility Patterns*
Authors: Booth Alison L. , Kee Hiau Joo
Published: December 2008

Recent studies by economists have focused on cultural transmission from the origin country rather than the origin family. Our paper extends this research by investigating how family‐specific‘cultural transmission’ can affect fertility rates. Following Machado and Santos Silva [Journal of the American Statistical Association (2005) Vol. 100, p. 1226] and Miranda [Journal of Population Economics (2008) Vol. 21, p. 67], we estimate count data quantile regression models using the British Household Panel Survey. We find that a woman's origin‐family size is positively associated with completed fertility in her destination family. A woman's country of birth also matters for her fertility. For a sub‐sample of continuously partnered men and women, both partners’ origin‐family sizes significantly affect destination‐family fertility.