bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renibacterium salmoninarum bar forms: characterization, occurrence, and evidence of a host response to a R. salmoninarum infection
Authors: Cvitanich J D
Published: March 2004

Unique‐staining Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs) cells, termed bar forms, first observed in a coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), in 1983, could not be cultured, making their characterization difficult and significance obscure. They can be detected only by the fluorescent‐antibody technique (FAT) and their numbers estimated only by a quantitative FAT (QFAT). Data collected over a 10‐year period showed that bar forms were observed only in vivo and appeared associated with a host response. Bar forms were observed in 10 salmonid species from five countries and in fish from <1 g to spawning adults. They were observed in 50.1% of kidney smears prepared from 10 061 Rs positive chinook, O. tshawytscha (Walbaum), coho, and Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Bar forms were shown to be Rs cells based on absorption studies, their reaction with an Rs‐specific FAT and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and a transition from ‘typical’ Rs cells to bar forms in naturally and experimentally infected fish. Bar forms were determined to be non‐virulent, damaged or dead Rs cells, based on fluorescence and electron microscopy observations, the inability to culture them, and mortality data. Bar forms appeared to represent visual markers of recovery from an Rs infection.
A non‐destructive test for detection of IPNV‐carriers in Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)
Authors: Gahlawat S K , Munro E S , Ellis A E
Published: March 2004

Over 18 months after infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) was first detected in fish (80 g–4 kg) on a halibut farm, the stocks were found to be still carrying the virus. This suggests that long‐term persistence of IPNV occurs in farmed Atlantic halibut. A non‐destructive test was applied to blood adherent leucocytes by placing 100 μL of whole blood collected in a heparinized tube into 96‐well plates. After overnight incubation, the non‐adherent cells were washed off, the remaining adherent cells lysed in a lysis buffer and inoculated onto CHSE‐214 cells. The resulting cytopathic effect was confirmed as IPNV positive by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In a sample of 10 fish tested by this method, all were positive for IPNV while only two were positive by the standard method for virus culture from sonicated kidney homogenates and only one fish, which was positive by the standard method, was positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on kidney tissue. The test on blood leucocytes is shown to be simple to perform on samples taken under field conditions.
The coactivator LXXLL nuclear receptor recognition motif
Authors: Savkur R.S. , Burris T.P.
Published: March 2004

Abstract:  Nuclear receptors require coactivator binding in order to activate transcription of their cognate target genes. Ligands regulate nuclear receptor (NR)‐mediated recruitment of coactivators by binding to the ligand‐binding domain of the receptor and inducing a conformational change allowing for recognition of a specific motif contained within the coactivator protein. This motif is known as the NR box or LXXLL (where L is leucine and X is any amino acid) domain. Here, we review the discovery of the domain as well as its characterization.
Facile preparation of disulfide‐bridged peptides using the polymer‐supported oxidant CLEAR‐OXTM*
Authors: Darlak K. , Wiegandt Long D. , Czerwinski A. , Darlak M. , Valenzuela F. , Spatola A. F. , Barany G.
Published: March 2004

Abstract:  Formation of disulfide bonds in synthetic peptides is one of the more challenging transformations to achieve in peptide chemistry, in view of the possible formation of oligomeric by‐products and other side reactions, as well as occasional solubility problems in aqueous oxidizing media. It was shown previously that 5,5′‐dithiobis(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB ≡ Ellman's reagent), when attached to polyethylene glycol‐polystyrene (PEG‐PSTM), controlled‐pore glass (CPG), or modified Sephadex supports, was an effective oxidizing agent that promoted disulfide formation under mild conditions. More recently, this work was extended to Cross‐Linked Ethoxylate Acrylate Resin (CLEAR) supports, because of their compatibility with both organic and aqueous solvent mixtures. The resultant new tool, termed CLEAR‐OXTM, was used to conveniently produce several model cyclic disulfides with improved purities and yields, when compared with solution oxidations. A particularly striking example was the gram‐scale oxidation of a urotensin II antagonist peptide containing a hindered penicillamine unit.
Compensatory photosynthesis as a response to partial debudding in ezo spruce,Picea jezoensisseedlings
Authors: OZAKI Kenichi , SAITO Hideyuki , YAMAMURO Koji
Published: March 2004

The effects of partial debudding on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and nitrogen contents of 1‐year‐old needles and newly grown needles were studied inPicea jezoensis(Sieb. et Zucc.). Seventy‐five percent of the buds ofP. jezoensisseedlings were removed soon after bud break. Gas exchange was measured three times for 1‐year‐old needles and twice for current‐year needles. The photosynthetic rates of 1‐year‐old needles were greater in debudded seedlings than in control seedlings, and the difference increased as the growing season progressed. This greater photosynthetic rate in debudded seedlings was accompanied by greater stomatal conductance. However, neither the photosynthetic rates nor the stomatal conductance of current‐year needles differed between debudded and control seedlings after the needles had fully expanded. Debudding also had no effect on mass‐based nitrogen contents in either the 1‐year‐old or the current‐year needles. Area‐based nitrogen in the 1‐year‐old needles did not differ between debudded and control seedlings, but was greater in debudded seedlings than in control seedlings in current‐year needles. These results suggest that the enhanced photosynthetic rate is more likely a result of an increased root/leaf ratio that reduces the stomatal limitation of photosynthetic rate than a result of altered sink‐source relationships or increased leaf nitrogen content.
Does seed production of spring ephemerals decrease when spring comes early?
Authors: KUDO Gaku , NISHIKAWA Yoko , KASAGI Tetsuya , KOSUGE Shoji
Published: March 2004

To predict the effect of global warming on plant reproductive success, seed‐sets of spring ephemerals were compared between a year of extremely warm spring (2002) and normal years at cool‐temperate deciduous forests in northern Japan. The spring of 2002 was the warmest in the last 40 years and most spring‐ephemeral plants bloomed 7–17 days earlier than usual. The seed‐set of bumblebee‐pollinated Corydalis ambigua drastically decreased in 2002 in every population. The small bee‐pollinated Gagea lutea also significantly decreased in 2002. However, the seed‐sets of two fly pollinated species, Adonis ramosa and Anemone flaccida, were not influenced by early flowering. These results indicat that the effect of global warming on seed production of spring ephemerals differs between species depending on the type of pollinators, and that bee‐pollinated species can have serious impacts on reproductive success as a result of climate change.
Delirium: current trends in prevention and treatment
Authors: Weber J. B. , Coverdale J. H. , Kunik M. E.
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Delirium is a disturbance of consciousness, cognition and perception that occurs frequently in medically ill patients. Although it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, it is often not recognised and treated by physicians. Predisposing factors are believed to have multiplicative effects and include dementia, advanced age and male gender. Recently developed models allow for the estimation of the risk of developing delirium during a hospitalisation, based on predisposing factors and acute additional stressors. Although it has been shown to be efficacious, the prevention of delirium is underutilised. Prevention consists of aggressive management of known risk factors and early detection. Limited data exist to support specific pharmacological interventions for its treatment. In this article, the avail­able published literature regarding the prevention and treatment of delirium is systematically reviewed. (Intern Med J 2004; 34; 115−121)
Oral versus intravenous ganciclovir for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Szer J. , Durrant S. , Schwarer A. P. , Bradstock K. F. , Gibson J. , Arthur C. , To L. B. , Hughes T. , Raunow H.
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background:  Prophylactic low dose i.v. ganciclovir in patients at risk after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is highly effective in the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease and infection.

Aim:  In this study, we sought to assess the tolerability of oral ganciclovir in patients after allogeneic BMT.

Methods:  CMV seropositive patients or those with CMV seropositive donors were randomised to be treated with i.v. ganciclovir 5 mg/kg three times weekly or oral ganci­clovir 3 g daily from engraftment to day 84. The period of accrual was from May 1997 to October 1998. Patients were monitored for CMV infection by weekly serology. Thirty‐one patients received oral ganciclovir and 27 patients received i.v. ganciclovir, the treatment groups being balanced for clinical characteristics and prognostic factors.

Results:  Renal dysfunction, transfusion requirements and significant nausea and vomiting were not different. There were no documented cases of CMV disease during the study period although three patients developed CMV polymerase chain reaction positivity at various times. One patient treated with i.v. ganciclovir developed non‐fatal gastrointestinal CMV disease after the study period on day 108. Eight patients in the oral group failed to complete planned therapy, whereas two patients failed to complete the i.v. course.

Conclusion:  We conclude that oral ganciclovir is a reasonable, well‐tolerated alternative to i.v. ganciclovir for the prophylaxis of CMV disease after allogeneic BMT. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 98−101)
Secondary prevention of fractures in older people: evaluation of a protocol for the investigation and treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Sidwell A. I. , Wilkinson T. J. , Hanger H. C.
Published: March 2004

Abstract

It has been found previously that the investigation and treatment of osteoporosis following a fracture is poor, with only 9% of older people after a fracture being on effective osteoporosis treatment. To improve this aspect of post‐fracture care in older people, a protocol has been instituted on an orthogeriatric rehabilitation ward in Christchurch, New Zealand. An audit was performed to assess the efficacy of this protocol in improving the investigation and treatment of osteoporosis (n = 193). Compliance with the investigation protocol was assessed and the pharmacological therapy initiated was requested from the general practitioner. All recommended blood‐test investigations were requested in 62.8% of cases. Compared to a pre‐protocol population, there was a marked increase in the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD; 93 vs 11%, P < 0.01) and vitamin D (95 vs 12%, P < 0.01). Vitamin D levels were low/­borderline in 95.6% of cases. BMD was performed in 77.7% of cases and showed osteoporosis and osteopenia to be present in 78.6 and 14.0%, respectively. For the 60 patients with BMD‐confirmed osteoporosis whose therapy was obtained, 13.3% had no pharmacological therapy prescribed. Calcium, vitamin D or both were prescribed in 85.0%, bisphosphonates in 50.0% and hormone replacement therapy in 1.7% of patients. Vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis on the basis of the BMD result are very common. The institution of a protocol has shown a significant improvement in the management of osteoporosis following a fracture. Some of the multifactorial barriers to full implementation of the guidelines are described. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 129−132)
Systematic genome‐wide approach to positional candidate cloning for identification of novel human disease genes
Authors: Kiyosawa H. , Kawashima T. , Silva D. , Petrovsky N. , Hasegawa Y. , Sakai K. , Hayashizaki Y.
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background:  Recent large‐scale genome projects afford a unique opportunity to identify many novel disease genes and thereby better understand the genetic basis of human disease. Functional Annotation of Mouse (FANTOM) 2, the largest mouse transcriptome project yet, provides a wealth of data on novel genes, splice variants and non‐coding RNA, and provides a unique opportunity to identify novel human disease genes.

Aims:  To demonstrate the power of combining the FANTOM 2 cDNA dataset with a positional candidate approach and bioinformatics analysis to identify genes underlying human genetic disease.

Results:  By mapping all FANTOM 2 cDNA to the human genome, we were able to identify mouse clones that co‐localised on the human genome with mapped but uncloned human disease loci. By this method we identified mouse and corresponding human genes mapping within the loci of 100 different human genetic diseases (mapped interval of <5 cM). Of particular interest was the elucidation through FANTOM 2 novel mouse gene data of candidate human genes for the following: (i) developmental ­disorders: neural tube defect, Meckel syndrome, Wolf−­Hirschhorn syndrome and keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans cum ophiasi; (ii) neurological disorders: benign familial infantile convulsions 3, early‐onset cerebellar ataxia with retained tendon reflexes, infantile‐onset spinocerebellar ataxia and vacuolar neuro­myopathy and (iii) cancer−related syndromes: tylosis with oesophageal cancer and low‐grade B‐cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia.

Conclusions:  The FANTOM 2 data will dramatically accelerate efforts to identify genes underlying human disease. It will also facilitate the creation of transgenic mouse models to help elucidate the function of potential human disease genes. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 79−90)
Metabolic pathway engineering to enhance aerobic degradation of chlorinated ethenes and to reduce their toxicity by cloning a novel glutathione S‐transferase, an evolved toluene o‐monooxygenase, and γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase
Authors: Rui Lingyun , Kwon Young Man , Reardon Kenneth F. , Wood Thomas K.
Published: March 2004

Aerobic, co‐metabolic bioremediation of trichloroethylene (TCE), cis‐1,2‐dichloroethylene (cis‐DCE) and other chlorinated ethenes with monooxygenase‐expressing microorganisms is limited by the toxic epoxides produced as intermediates. A recombinant Escherichia coli strain less sensitive to the toxic effects of cis‐DCE, TCE and trans‐1,2‐dichloroethylene (trans‐DCE) degradation has been created by engineering a novel pathway consisting of eight genes including a DNA‐shuffled toluene ortho‐monooxygenase from Burkholderia cepacia G4 (TOM‐Green), a newly discovered glutathione S‐transferase (GST) from RhodococcusAD45 (IsoILR1), found to have activity towards epoxypropane and cis‐DCE epoxide, and an overexpressed E. coli mutant γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (GSHI*). Along with IsoILR1, another new RhodococcusAD45 GST, IsoILR2, was cloned that lacks activity towards cis‐DCE epoxide and differs from IsoILR1 by nine amino acids. The recombinant strain in which TOM‐Green and IsoILR1 were co‐expressed on separate plasmids degraded 1.9‐fold more cis‐DCE compared with a strain that lacked IsoILR1. In the presence of IsoILR1 and TOM‐Green, the addition of GSH1* resulted in a sevenfold increase in the intracellular GSH concentration and a 3.5‐fold improvement in the cis‐DCE degradation rate based on chloride released (2.1 ± 0.1 versus 0.6 ± 0.1 nmol min−1 mg−1 protein at 540 µM), a 1.8‐fold improvement in the trans‐DCE degradation rate (1.29 ± 0.03 versus 0.71 ± 0.04 nmol min−1 mg−1 protein at   345 µM)   and   a 1.7‐fold improvement in the TCE degradation rate (6.8 ± 0.24 versus 4.1 ± 0.16 nmol min−1 mg−1 protein at 339 µM). For cis‐DCE degradation with TOM‐Green (based on substrate depletion), Vmax was 27 nmol min−1 mg−1 protein with both IsoILR1 and GSHI* expressed compared with Vmax = 10 nmol min−1 mg−1 protein for the GST–GSHI*– strain. In addition, cells expressing IsoILR1 and GSHI* grew 78% faster in rich medium than a strain lacking these two heterologous genes.
Coliform dynamics and the implications for source tracking
Authors: Barnes Belinda , Gordon David M.
Published: March 2004

In many parts of the world, coliform counts in recreational waters are unacceptably high. In an attempt to rectify this problem, programmes are under way to develop methods that will allow the sources of the faecal contamination thought to be responsible for these elevated counts to be identified. The success of these efforts depends on the validity of several assumptions that underlie many of the proposed methods. One of the critical assumptions is that the clonal composition of the coliform species being monitored in a water body reflects the clonal composition of the species in the host populations responsible for the faecal inputs into that water body. To determine the extent to which among‐strain variation in a coliform species might invalidate this assumption, a series of simple mathematical models was proposed and analysed. The first series of models assumed that all cells of species were identical. The question posed was – is the density of a coliform species in a body of water linearly related to the rate at which cells of the species enter the water body via faecal production? The results of these models suggest that, over a wide range of conditions, cell densities in the water body are linearly related to the rate at which cells enter the water body as a result of faecal contamination. This outcome occurs whether or not cells are capable of division in the external environment. When the rate of cell division depends on the concentration of available nutrients then, when nutrient input rates are ‘high’ and rates of faecal contamination are ‘low’, this linear relationship does not hold. The second series of models assumed that the coliform species consists of different strains and that these strains differ in their performance in the external environment. The results of these multistrain models show that the relative abundance of strains in the external environment is unlikely to reflect their relative abundance in the faecal inputs to the environment. Consequently, statements such as – domestic animals are responsible for 30% and wildlife for 70% of the faecal inputs to a water body – may well be meaningless.
Wide dispersal of aphid‐pathogenic Entomophthorales among aphids relies upon migratory alates
Authors: Feng Ming‐Guang , Chen Chun , Chen Bin
Published: March 2004

Entomophthoralean mycoses are of general importance in the natural control of aphids, but mechanisms involved in their dissemination are poorly understood. Despite several possible means of fungal survival, the dispersal of the mycoses in aphids has never been related to the flight of their migratory alates that are able to locate suitable host plants. In this study, aphid‐pathogenic fungi proved to be widely disseminated among various aphids by their alates through migratory flight based on the following findings. First, up to 36.6% of the 7139 migratory alates (including nine species of vegetable or cereal aphids) trapped from air > 30 m above the ground in three provinces of China were found bearing eight species of fungal pathogens. Of those, six were aphid‐specific Entomophthorales dominated in individual cases by Pandora neoaphidis, which occurs globally but has no resting spores discovered to date. Secondly, infected alates were confirmed to be able to fly for hours, to initiate colonies on plants after flight and to transmit fungal infection to their offspring in a laboratory experiment, in which 238 Sitobion avenae alates were individually flown in a computer‐monitoring flight mill system after exposure to a spore shower of P. neoaphidis and then allowed to colonize host plants.
Perchlorate‐reducing microorganisms isolated from contaminated sites
Authors: Waller Alison S. , Cox Evan E. , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2004

An extensive microcosm survey of perchlorate‐contaminated sites was undertaken to assess the ability of indigenous microorganisms to degrade perchlorate. Samples from 12 contaminated sites and from one pristine location were analysed. Perchlorate was degraded to below detection limit in all electron donor‐amended microcosms. Perchlorate‐reducing microorganisms (PRMs) were numerous at most of these sites. Sixteen distinct PRMs were isolated that were phylogenetically related to either Dechloromonas in the Beta Proteobacteria (9/16 isolates) or to Azospirillum in the Alpha Proteobacteria (7/16 isolates). The majority of previously isolated PRMs are in the Beta Proteobacteria related to Dechloromonas or Dechlorosoma. This study indicates that PRMs of the genus Azospirillum may be more prevalent at contaminated sites than the current record of isolates suggests. Cell yields, electron donor to perchlorate ratios and maximum specific growth rates were similar among the isolates and similar to the few previously published values. However, the Monod half‐saturation constants for perchlorate for the two Azospirillum isolates characterized were lower than those measured for other genera, suggesting that they may be more effective at low concentrations of perchlorate. These results extend the current understanding of PRMs from diverse environments and provide added confidence that microbial perchlorate reduction is ubiquitous, even at highly contaminated sites, and can be harnessed effectively for bioremediation.
The natural history of lower urinary tract dysfunction in men: the influence of detrusor underactivity on the outcome after transurethral resection of the prostate with a minimum 10‐year urodynamic follow‐up
Authors: Thomas A.W. , Cannon A. , Bartlett E. , Ellis‐Jones J. , Abrams P.
Published: March 2004

In the first paper in this section the authors from the Bristol Urological Institute investigated 224 men with detrusor underactivity, and evaluated the effect of this condition on the outcome of TURP. This quite unique study found that TURP is not helpful in this condition. They underscored their view that reliance on symptoms and uroflowmetry is not enough when patients are being considered for TURP, and recommended routine preoperative urodynamic assessment.

There is an updated meta‐analysis of clinical trials of Permixon in the treatment of symptomatic BPH presented in this section. The authors review all clinical trial data from 14 randomized and 3 open‐label trials. Although the trials varied widely in methods the meta‐analysis showed a significant improvement in symptoms and flow rates in patients treated with this compound.

Authors from Leicester assessed the prevalence and incidence rates for urinary incontinence and storage disorder in the UK over a 1‐year period, finding that this constituted a major public health problem, with consequent effects on services and funding.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the long‐term outcome of the efficacy of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in men with detrusor underactivity (DUA), a cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a significant minority of men.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Neurologically intact men with LUTS, who were investigated in our department between 1972 and 1986, diagnosed with DUA and who underwent surgical intervention, were invited for a repeat symptomatic and urodynamic assessment. Identical methods were used, allowing direct comparison of the results.

RESULTS

In all, 224 men were initially diagnosed with DUA; 87 (39%) of these died in the interim and 22 followed had a TURP, with a mean follow‐up since surgery of 11.3 years. There were no significantly sustained reductions in any symptoms. There was a small but significant reduction of questionable clinical significance in the bladder outlet obstruction index, but this did not translate into an improved flow rate. Comparison with 58 age‐matched patients with DUA who remained untreated showed no significant advantage of surgical intervention in the long‐term; on the contrary, there was more chronic retention in those who had had surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

There are no long‐term symptomatic or urodynamic gains from TURP in men shown to have DUA. The results of TURP in men with DUA are important, as urologists who surgically treat patients based on the symptoms and uroflowmetry alone will do so in a significant minority of men with DUA. These results strengthen the argument for a routine preoperative urodynamic assessment.
The outcome of renal denervation for managing loin pain haematuria syndrome
Authors: Greenwell T.J. , Peters J.L. , Neild G.H. , Shah P.J.R.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of renal denervation for the treatment of loin pain‐haematuria syndrome (LPHS), a rare syndrome of unknown cause associated with debilitating and intractable loin pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The case notes of 32 patients having 41 renal denervations were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, possible causes, cure or not after renal denervation, time to recurrence of pain after denervation and further operative intervention for managing LPHS.

RESULTS

Full data were available for 24 patients (13 women; median age 43 years, range 28–74) having 33 denervations (eight bilateral and one repeat) with a median follow‐up of 39.5 months. Most patients had no identifiable underlying cause although many had initially been diagnosed as having stone disease (42%) or pyelonephritis (25%), but with no corroborative evidence. All patients had been extensively investigated and had normal urine samples and cytology, and no abnormality on intravenous urography, renal tract ultrasonography and isotopic renography. Twenty‐four renal denervations (73%) were followed by recurrent ipsilateral pain at a median (range) of 11 (0–120) months after surgery. Nine denervations (25%) in six men and two women were curative (median follow‐up 16.5 months). Of those with recurrent pain, nine (38%) proceeded to nephrectomy, of whom three then developed loin pain on the contralateral side and two developed disabling wound pain. The analgesic requirement was less after eight non‐curative denervations. There were no significant postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal denervation has only a 25% success rate for managing pain associated with LPHS and should be used cautiously for this indication. Men had more benefit from the treatment; a third of patients had less requirement for analgesic after non‐curative denervation.
Dynamic gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance urography for assessing drainage in dilated pelvicalyceal systems with moderate renal function: preliminary results and comparison with diuresis renography
Authors: Chu W.C.W. , Lam W.W.M. , Chan K.W. , Yeung C.K. , Lee K.H. , Sihoe J.D.Y.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of dynamic gadolinium diethylenetriaminepenta‐acetic acid (DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance urography (Gd‐MRU) for assessing kidneys with markedly dilated pelvicalyceal systems and impaired function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight children (mean age 30 months, sd 25) were assessed, diagnosed as having gross unilateral hydronephrosis with a mean (sd) anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter of 36 (7) mm and reduced (30–40%) renal function. Dynamic Gd‐MRU was performed after the patients were pre‐loaded with intravenous fluid and diuretics, and comprised a dynamic T1‐weighted sequence after Gd‐DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg body weight) was administered, with a time‐intensity curve of each kidney produced. Drainage was diagnosed by a clearly declining time‐intensity curve and direct visualization of contrast medium within the ureter in several frames. High‐grade or complete obstruction was diagnosed when drainage of contrast medium could not be detected. Gd‐MRU results were compared with diuresis radionuclide (mercapto‐acetyltriglycine, MAG3) renography within the same week. Unobstructive units detected by Gd‐MRU were treated conservatively with a close follow‐up by ultrasonography and radionuclide studies.

RESULTS

Diuresis MAG3 renography showed drainage in three dilated units and poor washout in five; in contrast, Gd‐MRU showed drainage in seven dilated systems (three showed poor washout by MAG3), and obstruction in the remaining case. The unobstructed units detected by MRU under conservative treatment thus showed no further deterioration of renal function or progressive hydronephrosis in the subsequent follow‐up (mean 18 months, range 15–23).

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results suggest that dynamic Gd‐MRU is a useful noninvasive imaging method in distinguishing obstructive from unobstructive dilated systems, particularly in patients with hydronephrosis and reduced renal function.
Relaxation effects of adrenomedullin in isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle
Authors: Gokce G. , Bagcivan I. , Kilicarslan H. , Yildirim S. , Gultekin Y.E. , Sarioglu Y.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the pharmacological effects of adrenomedullin, a potent vasodilator and hypotensive peptide isolated from human phaeochromocytoma cells, on corpus cavernosal smooth muscle in vitro, as the intracavernosal injection of adrenomedullin induces penile erection in the anaesthetized cat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of adrenomedullin were investigated in isolated muscle strips from New Zealand rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle pre‐contracted with phenylephrine alone, in the presence of indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), Nω‐nitro l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and K+‐channel blockers.

RESULTS

Adrenomedullin caused relaxation of isolated pre‐contracted rabbit corpus cavernosum strips in a concentration‐dependent manner. The response of corpus cavernosum was unaffected L‐NAME, indomethacin and K+‐channel blockers

CONCLUSION

The relaxation exerted by adrenomedullin in rabbit corporal tissue may arise from the effect of the drug on its specific receptors and/or calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐1 receptors. The relaxant effect of adrenomedullin might lead to novel clinical applications for erectile dysfunction.
The levels of glutathione peroxidase, vitamin A, E, C and lipid peroxidation in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Yalçin O. , Karataş F. , Erulaş F.A. , Özdemir E.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To assess the levels of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C), selenium and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 91 people (23 healthy controls and 68 patients with TCC). Erythrocyte GSH‐Px activity was measured by spectrophotometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography to detect serum levels of vitamins and MDA, and fluorometry to detect serum levels of selenium.

RESULTS

The serum levels of vitamin A, E and C, and selenium were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients with TCC than in controls. However, erythrocyte GSH‐Px activities (P < 0.05) and serum MDA levels (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with TCC than in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of free oxygen species were higher, and antioxidant vitamin and selenium levels lower, in patients with bladder TCC than in controls. These findings, with the results of previous animal studies, suggest that giving vitamin A, C, E and selenium may be beneficial in preventing and treating human bladder cancer.
Severe perineal pain after enterocystoplasty in bladder exstrophy
Authors: Phelps S.R. , Malone P.S.J.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To describe a previously unreported complication (severe perineal pain) after bladder reconstruction and enterocystoplasty in patients with bladder exstrophy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The notes were reviewed retrospectively for four patients (two boys and two girls) with classical bladder exstrophy who had severe penile or perineal pain after bladder reconstruction. They were all continent and using intermittent catheterization. A range of conservative management failed and all patients subsequently required excision of their native bladders between 1997 and 2000.

RESULTS

All four patients had perineal or penile pain which began 4 months to 8 years after bladder augmentation. Investigations included plain abdominal X‐ray, renal and bladder ultrasonography, computerized tomography of the pelvis, video‐urodynamics and cysto‐urethroscopy. When therapeutic interventions such as more frequent bladder washouts, analgesic and anticholinergic drugs, and cystolithotomy (two patients) were unsuccessful in alleviating the symptoms, all had their native bladder excised. Histological examination of the excised tissue showed neither normal urothelium nor enteric mucosa at the margins of the excision; two patients already had squamous metaplasia within what represented the bladder, and in the others squamous epithelium was present amongst the enteric mucosa. All four children were pain‐free with a follow‐up of 2–6 years.

CONCLUSION

All four patients developed severe referred bladder pain that was probably secondary to the abnormal retained bladder remnants. Cystectomy cured the pain and may also have removed a potential site of future malignant tumour.
A multi‐institutional studyof orthotopic neobladders: functional results in men and women
Authors: Carrion R. , Arap S. , Corcione G. , Ferreyra U. , Neyraargote G. , Cantor A. , Seigne J. , Lockhart J.
Published: March 2004

Multi‐institutional studies are extremely valuable whena new surgical technique is being introduced. The Confederationof American Urology conducted such a study into the functional results inmales and females of the orthotopic bladder. In a series of 138patients they found many interesting outcomes, which they presenthere.

Authors from Sheffield describe their experience in developing tissue‐engineeredbuccal mucosa for use in urethral reconstruction. They describetheir technique and report the successful culture of full‐thicknessbuccal mucosa, which they found to be robust and safe for clinicaluse.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the incidence of diurnal incontinence (DI) and nocturnalincontinence (NI), the need for intermittent catheterization (IC),and the rate of ureteric obstruction (UO) among a group of men andwomen with ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders in four countries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 138 patients (113 men and 25 women) had an orthotopicneobladder constructed after radical cystectomy for carcinoma. The mean(range) age was 61.3 (28–76) years and thefollow‐up 41 (6–144) months. All patients underwentsurgery by experienced surgeons associated with the Confederationof American Urology. A retrospective evaluation was designed toreview the functional results and the incidence of UO. The techniqueof orthotopic neobladder construction was at each surgeon's discretion. Various detubularized bowelsegments were used, including ileum, colon or sigmoid. Patients werefollowed by chart reviews and personal interviews at 1, 3 and 6 monthsafter surgery and then every 6 months, and were evaluated bya physical examination, urine analysis, cytology and renal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

An ileal or colonic neobladder was constructed in 74 and 64 patients, respectively.Five (7%), 23 (31%), 10 (14%) and 14(9.6%) with an ileal neobladder developed DI, NI, IC andUO, respectively; the respective values for patients with a colonicneobladder were eight (12%), 19 (30%), seven (11%)and 15 (12%). Statistical analysis by Fisher’sexact test showed no significant differences between the ileal andcolonic neobladder groups or with gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Using this specific protocol for evaluating many men and womenwith ileal and colonic orthotopic neobladders showed no significant differencesin the incidence of DI, NI, IC or UO. Neobladders constructed fromdetubularized bowel, irrespective of bowel segment(s) used, canprovide satisfactory diurnal results. A moderate incidence of NIand UO continue to be a problem.
Experience with a bone anchor sling for treating female stress urinary incontinence: outcome at 30 months
Authors: Carbone A. , Palleschi G. , Ciavarella S. , Morello P. , Tomiselli G. , Parascani R. , Tubaro A.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical and video‐urodynamic outcome in women with by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated with a bone‐anchored pubovaginal sling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 70 women with SUI (as evaluated by a clinical examination, a voiding questionnaire, a short pad‐test and video‐urodynamics) who had a bone‐anchor sling procedure, with or without cystocele repair, from January 1999 to December 2001; they were re‐evaluated after a long‐term follow‐up (mean 30 months).

RESULTS

The long‐term outcome showed a success rate of > 95%; the clinical and video‐urodynamic findings showed good functional and anatomical results, and an improvement in voiding performance in most patients. There was a low incidence of complications during and after surgery (2.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

This approach gives, in highly selected patients, a high success rate and low incidence of complications. The technique is easy to learn and the costs to the financing bodies and public healthcare are low, making it a candidate for an alternative procedure to the standard techniques for SUI.
Psychological impact of childhood islet autoantibody testing in families participating in the BABYDIAB study
Authors: Hummel M. , Ziegler A. G. , Roth R.
Published: March 2004

Aim To determine anxiety in parents of children undergoing testing for islet autoantibodies.

Subjects and methods Children of parents with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) were tested at birth, age 9 months, 2 years and 5 years for islet autoantibodies. Families were informed about islet autoantibody status in the child after each visit. The psychological impact of islet autoantibody testing was assessed in parents before and after the 5 years visit. Anxiety was measured using a subscale of the State‐Trait‐Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and structured single‐item questions. Four hundred and sixty‐three parents were evaluated before blood drawing and 317 parents at notification of islet autoantibody status.

Results Before blood withdrawal, anxiety was increased in mothers and in particular in mothers of islet autoantibody‐positive offspring compared with a normative control group. At notification of islet antibody status, anxiety significantly decreased in parents of islet autoantibody‐negative offspring, and increased in parents of islet autoantibody‐positive offspring. Blood withdrawal was considered a burden for parents and offspring (15% and 48%, respectively). Most parents from islet autoantibody‐negative and ‐positive offspring wished to know the diabetes risk of their child (95% and 100%, respectively) and were glad to be informed about their child's islet antibody status (97% and 87%).

Conclusions Overall, islet autoantibody testing in early childhood reduces anxiety in T1DM families. The increased anxiety associated with islet autoantibody‐positive status suggests, however, that testing should be performed in centres which can provide accurate risk information and counselling if required.
A novel per‐oral insulin formulation: proof of concept study in non‐diabetic subjects
Authors: Kidron M. , Dinh S. , Menachem Y. , Abbas R. , Variano B. , Goldberg M. , Arbit E. , Bar‐On H.
Published: March 2004

Aims  The aim of our study was to examine the absorption of insulin from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, using a novel oral formulation—adding a delivery agent SNAC (sodium N‐[8‐(2‐hydroxybenzoyl)amino] caprylate) in combination with insulin.

Methods  Capsules containing insulin and SNAC, in various combinations, were administered orally, as a single dose, to 12 non‐diabetic subjects and four control subjects (receiving SNAC or insulin only) in order to assess its biological effect and safety. Plasma glucose levels, insulin and C‐peptide concentrations, as well as SNAC levels, were determined, at timed intervals up to 4 h.

Results  In all cases, a glucose‐lowering effect was demonstrated, preceded by an increase in plasma insulin levels. The nadir of plasma glucose levels appeared after 30–50 min, following the ingestion of the mixture. The plasma insulin levels were found to parallel the blood SNAC levels. Plasma C‐peptide levels were suppressed by the lowered glucose levels achieved concurrent with the increasing amount of exogenous insulin absorbed, indicating that the secretion of endogenous hormone was partially abolished. There were no biological effects regarding blood glucose levels upon administration of SNAC or insulin when given alone. No adverse effects were detected during the trial or several weeks after the trial.

Conclusions  Insulin in combination with a novel delivery agent, SNAC, given orally, is absorbed through the GI tract in a biologically active form. This was demonstrated by a glucose lowering effect of the mixture as well as a suppression of an endogenous insulin secretion.
Telomerase and cell senescence: modulation by telomerase of cellular responses to damage in normal human primary skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts
Authors: Botchkina I. , Xu L. , Blackburn E. H.
Published: March 2004

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes, which contain the DNA that comprises the genetic information. Without telomeres and their special way of replicating, chromosome ends dwindle away and also are easily damaged. Loss of telomere function promotes cancer and may occur in human aging. Most enzymes – the catalysts that carry out life's chemical reactions – are made of protein. In contrast, the enzyme telomerase, which replenishes the DNA at telomeres and protects them, is a ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of core components – a protein reverse transcriptase and the telomerase RNA moiety – as well as additional protein factors that regulate the action of telomerase on telomeres.

A major known function of telomerase is to elongate telomeric DNA. This function is achieved by the enzyme copying a short template sequence within the inbuilt telomerase RNA, into telomeric DNA repeat sequences. The mechanism of telomerase has been analyzed and telomerase has been shown to be a dimeric enzyme. Functional dimerization of human telomerase requires a novel RNA–RNA interaction between two telomerase RNA molecules in the same enzyme complex. Telomeric repeats are added to the end of the chromosomal DNA by telomerase, elongating the chromosome and thus compensating for losses of terminal DNA that occur upon nuclease action and incomplete DNA replication of the ends of the chromosomal DNA.

However, telomerase is largely repressed in proliferating cultured human fibroblasts or after a few passages of culturing of primary human keratinocytes. The normal senescence of such fibroblasts and other human cell types in culture can be overcome by forced expression of telomerase in these cells. The lifespan of the cells is extended and they grow healthily, generally without evidence of impairment to DNA checkpoint pathways.

We analyzed the effects of forced expression of telomerase on the growth characteristics and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of primary human cells in culture. Normal primary human foreskin epithelial keratinocytes and fibroblasts were stably infected with retroviral vector expressing various versions of hTERT (the reverse transcriptase protein component of telomerase), or the control empty retroviral vector pBABEpuro. Cells selected for the puromycin drug resistance marker were continuously passaged in puromycin‐containing media, and their telomeres, cell growth and cell viability analyzed. The responses of such cells expressing telomerase to different challenges, including UV exposure were analyzed and found to differ from those of control cells.
Towards ecosystem‐based fisheries management
Authors: Hall Stephen J , Mainprize B
Published: March 2004

Performance measures and reference points for the management of target species are now widely used in the fisheries of the developed world. To move us closer to an ecosystem‐based fisheries management framework, we look at the prospects for expanding current single‐species approaches for target species, by considering nontarget species. We also examine the development of performance measures and reference points for emergent ecosystem‐level properties. We conclude that the expansion of single‐species reference points to take account of the nontarget species of a fishery is tractable and desirable. In contrast, the use of performance measures for a single or a small selection of ecosystem metrics is not possible at present, owing to the absence of a clear understanding of their dynamics and a lack of underlying theory to explain their behaviour. However, recent methods that aggregate a wide range of metrics to provide an overall picture of the ecosystem status show promise and have a particular attraction because they have the potential to provide a framework for establishing a dialogue on management issues between all interested parties.
Keep it simple: three indicators to deal with overfishing
Authors: Froese Rainer
Published: March 2004

Three simple fisheries indicators are presented: (i) percentage of mature fish in catch, with 100% as target; (ii) percent of specimens with optimum length in catch, with 100% as target; and (iii) percentage of ‘mega‐spawners‘ in catch, with 0% as target, and 30–40% as representative of reasonable stock structure if no upper size limit exists. Application of these indicators to stocks of Gadus morhua, Sardinella aurita and Epinephelus aeneus demonstrate their usefulness. It is argued that such simple indicators have the potential to allow more stakeholders such as fishers, fish dealers, supermarket managers, consumers and politicians to participate in fisheries management and eventually hold and reverse the global pattern of convenience overfishing, which is defined here as deliberate overfishing sanctioned by official bodies who find it more convenient to risk eventual collapse of fish stocks than to risk social and political conflicts.
A Legal Perspective on Sexuality and Organization: A Lesbian and Gay Case Study
Authors: Skidmore Paul
Published: March 2004

This article argues the case for incorporating legal discourse into social theories relating to sexuality and organization. The central theme around which this argument is constructed is that of the heteronormativity of the workplace which is critically interrogated by adopting perspectives of lesbian and gay workers. The processes through which this heteronormativity is maintained are examined with particular emphasis on how notions of public and private are strategically deployed to this end. The legal case study evaluates judicial discourse in court judgments noting how it contributes to and reinforces heteronormative practices. Examples are drawn from litigation in the UK and in Germany, illustrating the broad range of discursive techniques in use which in part vary according to the qualities of the legal norm at issue.
Gender Differences in Perceived Disciplinary Fairness
Authors: Cole Nina D.
Published: March 2004

This exploratory study coded and analysed 120 behaviours on videotaped data of 111 male and 30 female managers engaged in disciplinary discussions with one of their unionized employees. Four categories of behaviour were coded: non‐verbal communication, speech characteristics, leadership and interactional justice. A factor analysis of the results generated 14 factors, ten of which were correlated with experts’ ratings of disciplinary fairness. Female managers exhibited significantly higher levels of seven of the ten behavioural factors. Female managers also made more supportive interruptions than male managers and took more time for the disciplinary discussion, both of which were positively correlated with disciplinary fairness. The results suggest that leadership and communication styles commonly found in females may lead them to be better equipped than male managers to manage employee discipline situations.