bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulin superfamily is conserved but evolved rapidly and is active in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Huang L. , Cheng T. , Xu P. , Duan J. , Fang T. , Xia Q.
Published: July 2009

Immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) proteins are known for their abilities to specifically recognize and adhere to cells. In this paper, we predicted the presence of 133 IgSF proteins in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) genome. Comparison with similar proteins in other model organisms (Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Anopheles gambiae, Apis mellifera and Homo sapiens) indicated that IgSF proteins are conserved but have rapidly evolved from worms to human beings. However, these proteins are well conserved amongst insects. Silkworm microarray‐based expression data showed tissue expression of 57 IgSF genes and microbe‐induced differential expression of 37 genes. Based on the expression data, we can conclude that the silkworm IgSF is active.
Importance of climatic and environmental change in the demography of a multi‐brooded passerine, the woodlark Lullula arborea
Authors: Wright Lucy J. , Hoblyn Ron A. , Green Rhys E. , Bowden Christopher G. R. , Mallord John W. , Sutherland William J. , Dolman Paul M.
Published: July 2009

1.
 We examined the influence of local weather conditions on reproductive success, timing of breeding and survival in a population of a multi‐brooded ground nesting passerine (woodlark Lullula arborea) over 35 years.

2.  Woodlarks laid larger clutches when rainfall was low and temperature high during the egg‐laying and pre‐laying period. Nest success increased with higher temperatures during the nesting period. In successful nests, the number of chicks fledged per egg laid was greater when weather was drier during the brood stage.

3.  Although woodlarks bred earlier in years with warmer early spring temperatures, with the onset of breeding varying by 25 days, there was no significant advance in the onset of breeding over the 35 years of study, due to considerable inter‐annual variability, and no overall trend, in weather.

4.  Simulation modelling of annual reproductive output demonstrated that earlier breeding could increase productivity by 23·5% in the warmest compared to the coldest year, due to birds having more nesting attempts. Other effects of weather on productivity affected breeding output to a lesser extent.

5.  Effects of weather on productivity were minor compared to an increased rate of nest predation through the period of study, which reduced productivity by 49·8% by 2004 compared to 1971.

6.  Turning points analysis identified three distinct demographic periods: from1971 to 1988 the population grew slowly, during 1988–1999 the population grew rapidly, but after 1999 the population declined. Increased population growth after 1988 was associated with higher first‐year survival rates (estimated using a population model). Population decline after 1999 was caused by a combination of reduced productivity (resulting from increased nest failure rates attributed to predation) and lower first‐year survival rates, that appear unrelated to winter temperature.

7.  Climate change (long‐term changes in weather) did not explain the marked changes observed in the population trajectory over 35 years. We suggest that understanding effects of both climate and habitat change on populations is essential in predictive population modelling.
Spatial scale and opportunities for choice influence browsing and associational refuges of focal plants
Authors: Miller Alison M. , McArthur Clare , Smethurst Philip J.
Published: July 2009

1. Foraging decisions by herbivores depend on variation in food types, the scale(s) at which this variation occurs and the opportunity and capacity for herbivores to respond to such variation. These decisions affect not only the herbivores themselves, but also the vulnerability of individual plants to being eaten. Associational plant refuges, in which neighbouring plants alter focal plant vulnerability, are an emergent property of foraging decisions.

2. Using the red‐bellied pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) as a model generalist mammalian herbivore, we investigated the spatial scale(s) at which animals made foraging decisions and the resultant effect on focal plant vulnerability. In a replicated design, we varied vegetation at the individual plant scale, generating intraspecific differences in Eucalyptus nitens seedlings by altering their nutrient status (high, low). We varied vegetation at the patch scale, in which seedlings were planted, using high‐ (grass) and low‐ (herbicided) quality patches. Animals were allowed to choose where they fed and what they ate. Animal behaviour was recorded and intake of seedlings measured.

3. We found that animals made foraging decisions first at the patch scale then at the scale of individual plants; both patch and focal seedling characteristics influenced browsing. Pademelons spent most of their time in high‐quality patches, and seedlings were consequently more vulnerable there than in low‐quality patches. Pademelons also ate more foliage from high‐ than from low‐nutrient status seedlings. This behaviour concentrated resources, increasing foraging efficiency and making focal plants more vulnerable to browsing.

4. The opportunity and capacity to choose at both plant and patch scales resulted in a pattern of focal plant vulnerability consistent with the repellent‐plant hypothesis. This contrasts with our previous study, in which animals were only provided with choice at the plant level and plant vulnerability followed the attractant‐decoy hypothesis. These combined results demonstrate that the influence of neighbouring vegetation on consumption of a focal plant depends on the spatial scale of selection and on opportunities (and capacity) for herbivores to choose.
The biogeography of avian extinctions on oceanic islands revisited
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Cassey Phillip , Evans Karl L. , Gaston Kevin J. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: July 2009

A recent paper by Karels et al., ‘The biogeography of avian extinctions on oceanic islands’ (Journal of Biogeography, 2008, 35, 1106–1111), uses structural equation modelling to assess the causes of the number of island bird species driven extinct in the historical period. Here, we critically assess the conclusions of the paper and argue that it does not provide the new insights into the causes of extinction in island birds that its authors claim.
Effects of Meridian acupressure for stroke patients in Korea
Authors: Kang Hyun Sook , Sok Sohyune R , Kang Ji Soon
Published: July 2009

Aim.  To examine the effects of Meridian acupressure on the functions of affected upper extremities, activity of daily living and depression for stroke patients.

Background.  The handicaps of stroke patients necessitate multidisciplinary rehabilitation, which is aimed at decreasing the consequences of the illness in daily functions. In traditional Chinese medicine, Meridian acupressure has been used for rehabilitation of affected upper extremities of hemiplegia stroke patients in clinical practice.

Design.  Randomised clinical trial.

Method.  Sample was 56 consecutive stroke patients in K Oriental hospital. Meridian acupressure was applied every day for 10 min per time in the experimental group (28 subjects) for two weeks. Routine care only was applied in the control group (28 subjects). Measures were a hand dynamometer for grip power, a 15‐point graphic rating scale for pain, the distance round the index finger for oedema, electrogoniometry for the passive ROM of the upper extremities, the activity of daily living scale for activity of daily living and the six‐face rating scale for depression. Data were collected from March 2003–September 2004.

Results.  There were significant differences in functions of affected upper extremities, activity of daily living and depression between experimental and control group.

Conclusions.  Meridian acupressure was an effective intervention for improving the movement of the affected upper extremities, increasing activity of daily living and decreasing depression of hemiplegia stroke patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals need to consider an array of methods including Meridian acupressure for the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Meridian acupressure has the potential as an alternative nursing intervention for multidisciplinary rehabilitation of stroke patients in practice.
Experiences of counselling in the emergency department during the waiting period: importance of family participation
Authors: Paavilainen Eija , Salminen‐Tuomaala Mari , Kurikka Sirpa , Paussu Paula
Published: July 2009

Aim.  To describe patients’ experiences of counselling, defined as information giving and advice by nursing staff, in the emergency department. A particular focus was on the waiting period and on the importance of family participation in counselling.

Background.  Counselling is a widely studied topic in nursing. Too little is known about counselling in emergency departments and especially about participation of family members and suitability of counselling for the patient’s life situation.

Design.  Descriptive quantitative study.

Methods.  Data were collected by questionnaires from patients (n = 107) visiting a hospital emergency department. The data were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results.  Forty‐two per cent of patients arrived at the emergency department with a family member: spouse or cohabiting partner, mother, father or daughter. Patients were fairly satisfied with the counselling. The presence of a family member was important to the majority of patients (75%). About half of the patients wanted information concerning their illness, condition and treatment to be given to their family members. Those visiting the department with a family member were more satisfied with counselling and felt that it promoted their participation in care.

Conclusion.  It is to encourage patients’ family members to participate in counselling situations in emergency departments. However, the type of information passed on to family members should be carefully discussed and prepared.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients’ family members seem to be important partners in counselling situations. The presence of family members supports patients in the emergency department during the waiting period and helps them orientate in their situation. When family members are present, issues which patients wish to discuss should be carefully planned. Family presence should be encouraged in emergency departments.
Efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation training in reducing anxiety in patients with acute schizophrenia
Authors: Chen Wen‐Chun , Chu Hsin , Lu Ru‐Band , Chou Yuan‐Hwa , Chen Chung‐Hua , Chang Yue‐Cune , O’Brien Anthony Paul , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: July 2009

Aim and objectives.  The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation training on anxiety in patients with acute schizophrenia.

Background.  Many empirical studies have found progressive muscle relaxation training beneficial in reducing the psychological effects of anxiety. Progressive muscle relaxation training is also effective in reducing the distress symptoms associated with the symptomatology of schizophrenia.

Design.  An experimental randomised controlled trial using repeated measures.

Method.  The study was designed to examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Study participants were acute psychiatric inpatients in Taiwan. Eighteen patients were block randomised and then assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group received progressive muscle relaxation training and the control group received a placebo intervention. Results from the Beck anxiety inventory were compared between groups as a pretest before intervention, on day 11 of intervention and one week post‐test after the intervention was completed. Changes in finger temperature were measured throughout the experiment.

Results.  The degree of anxiety improvement was significantly higher in the progressive muscle relaxation training group than in the control group after progressive muscle relaxation training intervention (p < 0·0001) and at follow‐up (p = 0·0446; the mean BAI score fell from 16·4 pretest to −5·8 post‐test. After adjusting for the change in patient finger temperature, the mean change in temperature was significantly different between the two patient groups. The average body temperature increased significantly after applying the progressive muscle relaxation training to patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusion.  This study demonstrated that progressive muscle relaxation training can effectively alleviate anxiety in patients with schizophrenia.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Progressive muscle relaxation training is potentially an effective nursing intervention in the reduction of anxiety in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, depending on the quality of their mental status at the time of intervention. Progressive muscle relaxation training is a useful intervention as it is proven to reduce anxiety levels across a spectrum of psychiatric disorders.
Effectiveness of applying progressive muscle relaxation technique on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ghafari Somayeh , Ahmadi Fazlolah , Nabavi Masoud , Anoshirvan Kazemnejad , Memarian Robabe , Rafatbakhsh Mohamad
Published: July 2009

Aims and objectives.  To identify the effects of applying Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on Quality of Life of patients with multiple Sclerosis.

Background.  In view of the growing caring options in Multiple Sclerosis, improvement of quality of life has become increasingly relevant as a caring intervention. Complementary therapies are widely used by multiple sclerosis patients and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique is a form of complementary therapies.

Design.  Quasi‐experimental study.

Method.  Multiple Sclerosis patients (n = 66) were selected with no probability sampling then assigned to experimental and control groups (33 patients in each group). Means of data collection included: Individual Information Questionnaire, SF‐8 Health Survey, Self‐reported checklist. PMRT performed for 63 sessions by experimental group during two months but no intervention was done for control group. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software.

Results.  Student t‐test showed that there was no significant difference between two groups in mean scores of health‐related quality of life before the study but this test showed a significant difference between two groups, one and two months after intervention (p < 0·05). anova test with repeated measurements showed that there is a significant difference in mean score of whole and dimensions of health‐related quality of life between two groups in three times (p < 0·05).

Conclusions.  Although this study provides modest support for the effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients, further research is required to determine better methods to promote quality of life of patients suffer multiple sclerosis and other chronic disease.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique is practically feasible and is associated with increase of life quality of multiple sclerosis patients; so that health professionals need to update their knowledge about complementary therapies.
Living with hepatitis C and treatment: the personal experiences of patients
Authors: Sgorbini Myra , O’Brien Louise , Jackson Debra
Published: July 2009

Aim.  The purpose of the study was to explore the issues surrounding chronic hepatitis C, combination therapy and its impact on personal relationships to enhance understanding of the experiences of patients living with hepatitis C. This paper focuses on the experiences of the patients and their partners’ experiences will be published separately.

Background.  Patients with chronic hepatitis C who have active inflammatory changes on liver biopsy may undergo combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin. For some patients, the adverse effects of combination therapy are so severe that it can potentially place an enormous stress on personal relationships.

Design.  The study was informed by Heideggerian phenomenology.

Methods.  Purposive sampling and semi‐structured interviews of five patients and their partners were conducted between 2004–2006 in Sydney Australia, to obtain a rich description of their experiences.

Results.  The findings from this study revealed that chronic hepatitis C and combination therapy had an enormous impact on the lives of the patients, their partners and families. The illness and treatment had significant physiological effects that had an impact on quality of life; however, the social and psychological consequences of living with a highly stigmatised disease with an unknown course and outcome cannot be underestimated.

Conclusion.  The results of this study lend support to the effectiveness of providing equitable services to persons diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C. However, additional research is needed to explore gender, socioeconomic, sexual‐orientation, transmission, cultural, religious and genotype differences in this group to address their needs better.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses play a significant role in educating patients with chronic hepatitis C, advocating for them and helping them to achieve a reasonable state of well being. Through deeper understanding of their experiences of illness and treatment, nurses can move beyond the medical oriented approach to care.
Dental health state utility values associated with tooth loss in two contrasting cultures
Authors: NASSANI M. Z. , LOCKER D. , ELMESALLATI A. A. , DEVLIN H. , MOHAMMADI T. M. , HAJIZAMANI A. , KAY E. J.
Published: July 2009

Summary  The study aimed to assess the value placed on oral health states by measuring the utility of mouths in which teeth had been lost and to explore variations in utility values within and between two contrasting cultures, UK and Iran. One hundred and fifty eight patients, 84 from UK and 74 from Iran, were recruited from clinics at University‐based faculties of dentistry. All had experienced tooth loss and had restored or unrestored dental spaces. They were presented with 19 different scenarios of mouths with missing teeth. Fourteen involved the loss of one tooth and five involved shortened dental arches (SDAs) with varying numbers of missing posterior teeth. Each written description was accompanied by a verbal explanation and digital pictures of mouth models. Participants were asked to indicate on a standardized Visual Analogue Scale how they would value the health of their mouth if they had lost the tooth/teeth described and the resulting space was left unrestored. With a utility value of 0·0 representing the worst possible health state for a mouth and 1·0 representing the best, the mouth with the upper central incisor missing attracted the lowest utility value in both samples (UK = 0·16; Iran = 0·06), while the one with a missing upper second molar the highest utility values (0·42, 0·39 respectively). In both countries the utility value increased as the tooth in the scenario moved from the anterior towards the posterior aspect of the mouth. There were significant differences in utility values between UK and Iranian samples for four scenarios all involving the loss of anterior teeth. These differences remained after controlling for gender, age and the state of the dentition. With respect to the SDA scenarios, a mouth with a SDA with only the second molar teeth missing in all quadrants attracted the highest utility values, while a mouth with an extreme SDA with both missing molar and premolar teeth in all quadrants attracted the lowest utility values. The study provided further evidence of the validity of the scaling approach to utility measurement in mouths with missing teeth. Some cross‐cultural variations in values were observed but these should be viewed with due caution because the magnitude of the differences was small.
Use of sonographic elastography of the masseter muscles for optimizing massage pressure: a preliminary study
Authors: ARIJI Y. , KATSUMATA A. , HIRAIWA Y. , IZUMI M. , IIDA Y. , GOTO M. , SAKUMA S. , OGI N. , KURITA K. , ARIJI E.
Published: July 2009

Summary  To examine the stiffness of the masseter muscle using sonographic elastography and to investigate its relationship with the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy volunteers. In 16 healthy volunteers (10 men and 6 women), the Masseter Stiffness Index (MSI) was measured using EUB‐7000 real‐time tissue elastography. They underwent massages at three kinds of pressures using the Oral Rehabilitation Robot (WAO‐1). A subjective evaluation regarding the comfort of each massage was recorded on the visual analogue scale. Elastography was also performed in two patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction with the myofascial pain. The mean MSI of the right and left muscles in the healthy volunteers were 0·85 ± 0·44 and 0·74 ± 0·35 respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left MSI in the healthy volunteers. The MSI was related to massage pressure at which the healthy men felt most comfortable. The two temporomandibular disorder patients had a large laterality in the MSI. The MSI was related to the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy men. The MSI can be one index for determining the massage pressure.
Calibration of T‐Scan® sensors for recording bite forces in denture patients
Authors: THROCKMORTON G. S. , RASMUSSEN J. , CALOSS R.
Published: July 2009

Summary  Although measurement of maximum voluntary biting force is an important indicator of health of the masticatory system, few commercially available transducers have been validated for routine clinical use. The T‐Scan III® system records distribution of relative forces around the tooth row during clenching, but not absolute forces. This study assesses the reliability of T‐Scan® sensors with and without protection materials and develops calibration curves that allow measurement of absolute forces with the T‐Scan III®.
Regulatory T Cells in children with intestinal parasite infection
Authors: GARCÍA‐HERNÁNDEZ M. H. , ALVARADO‐SÁNCHEZ B. , CALVO‐TURRUBIARTES M. Z. , SALGADO‐BUSTAMANTE M. , RODRÍGUEZ‐PINAL C. Y. , GÁMEZ‐LÓPEZ L. R. , GONZÁLEZ‐AMARO R. , PORTALES‐PÉREZ D. P.
Published: July 2009

Chronic intestinal parasite infection can induce both persistent immune activation and defective responsiveness of T cells. This study aimed to assess the number and function of T regulatory (Treg) cells in children with intestinal parasite infection. We have studied the peripheral blood from 93 children, 53 of them parasitized with protozoa, helminths, or both; the remainder were non parasitized, healthy controls. The number and function of CD4+ CD25high and CD4+ Foxp3+ cells were similar in parasitized and control children. In contrast, there was a significant increase in the levels of CD3+ CD69+, CD4+ CTLA‐4+, and CD8+ CD28− T cells in helminth infected children. Moreover, some of these patients showed a diminished response to CD3/CD28 stimulation in comparison with the control children. Our data strongly suggest that whilst Treg cells are not affected by intestinal parasite infection, CD3+ CD69+, CD4+ CTLA‐4+ and CD8+ CD28− lymphocytes may play an important, but as yet undetermined role in the diminished immune competence observed in parasitized children.
IL‐4−/− mice with lethal Mesocestoides corti infections – reduced Th2 cytokines and alternatively activated macrophages
Authors: O’CONNELL A. E. , KEREPESI L. A. , VANDERGRIFT G. L. , HERBERT D. R. , VAN WINKLE T. J. , HOOPER D. C. , PEARCE E. J. , ABRAHAM D.
Published: July 2009

Protection against Mesocestoides corti, a cestode that invades vital organs, is dependent on the production of IL‐4, as IL‐4−/− mice were found to have higher parasite burdens when compared with wild‐type mice. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of IL‐4 in immunity to M. corti, focusing on the immunological profile and on potential mediators of pathology. IL‐4−/− mice infected with M. corti showed 100% mortality by 32 days, whereas wild‐type mice survived for approximately 1 year. Parasite burdens were significantly increased in the liver, peritoneal, and thoracic cavities of IL‐4−/− mice, associated with impaired recruitment of inflammatory cells and a reduction in monocytes and macrophages. IL‐5 production by splenocytes and expression in liver tissue was decreased in infected IL‐4−/− mice compared with wild‐type mice. In contrast, IL‐4−/− mice produced increased amounts of IFNγ and TNFα. Alternatively activated macrophages were a major feature of liver granulomas in wild‐type mice evidenced by Arginase I expression, while livers from infected IL‐4−/− mice showed impaired alternative macrophage activation without increased classical macrophage activation. Thus, lethality during M. corti infection of IL‐4−/− mice is associated with decreased Th2 cytokines, increased Th1 cytokines and impairment of alternatively activated macrophages.
The Prevalence of food hypersensitivity in young adults
Authors: Osterballe M. , Mortz C. G. , Hansen T. K. , Andersen K. E. , Bindslev‐Jensen C.
Published: July 2009

A rising prevalence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and severe allergic reactions to foods have been reported in the last decade. However, little is known on the prevalence in young adults. This study estimated the prevalence of FHS to the most common allergenic foods in an unselected population of young adults. We investigated a cohort of 1272 young adults 22 years of age by questionnaire, skin prick test (SPT) and histamin release (HR) followed by oral challenge to the most common allergenic foods. FHS was divided into primary and secondary FHS. Primary FHS was defined as being independent of pollen sensitization, whereas secondary FHS was defined as reactions to pollen related fruits and vegetables in pollen allergic patients. The questionnaire was returned by 77.1%. Primary FHS was reported by 19.6% and secondary FHS by 16.7% of the participants. Confirmed primary FHS by oral challenge was 1.7% [1.1% ‐ 2.95%]. In primary FHS, the most common allergenic food was peanut (0.6%) followed by additives (0.5%), shrimp (0.2%), codfish (0.1%), cow’s milk (0.1%), octopus (0.1%) and soy (0.1%). In secondary FHS, kiwi allergy was reported by 7.8% of the participants followed by hazelnut (6.6%), pineapple (4.4%), apple (4.3%), orange (4.2%), tomato (3.8%), peach (3.0%) and brazil nut (2.7%). This study found a 1.7% [1.1% ‐ 2.95%] prevalence of primary FHS confirmed by oral challenge to the most common allergenic foods in an unselected population of young adults.
Perineural invasion is a prognostic factor for biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Jeon Hwang Gyun , Bae Jungbum , Yi Jun‐Seok , Hwang In Sik , Lee Sang Eun , Lee Eunsik
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  To identify the prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and perineural invasion (PNI) in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Methods:  Overall, 237 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer between 1995 and 2004 were analyzed for all clinical and pathological factors. The influence of these two pathological features on biochemical failure‐free survival was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results:  Lymphovascular and perineural invasion were identified in 41 (17.2%) and 100 (42.0%) patients, respectively. LVI and PNI were significantly associated with the preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, a higher PSA density, a higher pathological stage, a higher Gleason score, a higher frequency of extracapsular extension, a higher frequency of seminal vesicle invasion, and a higher frequency of a positive resection margin. Positive resection margins (P = 0.001) and perineural invasion (P = 0.011) were identified as independent factors associated with biochemical failure‐free survival by the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:  In this series, PNI was associated with established parameters of biologically aggressive disease, and was an important prognostic factor for biochemical failure‐free survival in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. This finding supports routine evaluation of the PNI status in radical prostatectomy specimens and suggests that patients with PNI should be more closely followed after surgery.
Ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea in the Arctic Ocean and Antarctic coastal waters
Authors: Kalanetra Karen M. , Bano Nasreen , Hollibaugh James T.
Published: July 2009

We compared abundance, distributions and phylogenetic composition of Crenarchaeota and ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea (AOA) in samples collected from coastal waters west of the Antarctic Peninsula during the summers of 2005 and 2006, with samples from the central Arctic Ocean collected during the summer of 1997. Ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea and Crenarchaeota abundances were estimated from quantitative PCR measurements of amoA and 16S rRNA gene abundances. Crenarchaeota and AOA were approximately fivefold more abundant at comparable depths in the Antarctic versus the Arctic Ocean. Crenarchaeota and AOA were essentially absent from the Antarctic Summer Surface Water (SSW) water mass (0–45 m depth). The ratio of Crenarchaeota 16S rRNA to archaeal amoA gene abundance in the Winter Water (WW) water mass (45–105 m depth) of the Southern Ocean was much lower (0.15) than expected and in sharp contrast to the ratio (2.0) in the Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) water mass (105–3500 m depth) immediately below it. We did not observe comparable segregation of this ratio by depth or water mass in Arctic Ocean samples. A ubiquitous, abundant and polar‐specific crenarchaeote was the dominant ribotype in the WW and important in the upper halocline of the Arctic Ocean. Our data suggest that this organism does not contain an ammonia monooxygenase gene. In contrast to other studies where Crenarchaeota populations apparently lacking amoA genes are found in bathypelagic waters, this organism appears to dominate in well‐defined, ammonium‐rich, near‐surface water masses in polar oceans.
Metastatic intraocular chondrosarcoma in a dog
Authors: Rodrigues Jr Emilio F. , Ribeiro Alexandre P. , Perlmann Eduardo , Brooks Dennis E. , Laus José Luiz
Published: July 2009

Chondrosarcoma accounts for about 10% of all canine bone tumors and is the second most common primary bone tumor in dogs. In veterinary medicine, chondrosarcomas are classified as skeletal and extraskeletal. Extraskeletal chondrosarcomas are mesenchymal neoplasms of soft tissues and visceral organs that produce neoplastic chondrocytes in a fibrillary matrix. There is no involvement of bone or periosteal tissues in extraskeletal chondrosarcomas. The aim of this report is to describe the first case of a metastatic intraocular extraskeletal chondrosarcoma in a dog.
Extra‐adrenal paraganglioma of the equine orbit: six cases
Authors: Miesner Tracy , Wilkie David , Gemensky‐Metzler Anne , Weisbrode Steven , Colitz Carmen
Published: July 2009

At The Ohio State University from 1994–2006 six of seven horses evaluated for primary orbital disease were diagnosed with extra‐adrenal paraganglioma (EAPG). The horses ranged in age from 14 to 24 years, with a mean of 16.8 years. Duration of clinical signs was 1.5 years to 5 years, with a mean of 2.8 years. Clinical signs varied, but all six had non‐painful exophthalmus of the right eye. Five horses had complete ocular exams reported; three of five had decreased to absent vision, two of five had pale optic nerves, and in three of five, difficulty of retropulsion of the globe was noted. Diagnostic tests performed included complete blood count, serum profile, radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, true‐cut biopsy, ocular examination, guttural pouch endoscopy, oral examination, and physical examination. Expulsive hemorrhage during orbital exenteration occurred in all horses. In five of six cases, tumor extension through the orbital foramen was apparent intra‐operatively. Histopathologic appearance of all surgically removed tissues consisted of sheets of polygonal cells with abundant lightly granular cytoplasm, round nuclei with vesicular chromatin, and rare mitoses. Neoplastic cells were arranged into small groups separated by a fine fibrovascular stroma. All six cases were chromagranin positive on immunohistochemical staining. Follow‐up ranged from six months to six years, with a mean of two years. Four of the five horses that recovered from surgery had no apparent tumor recurrence in 6–48 months.
Low‐hemorrhage‐risk surgical approach to expose the optic nerve in rabbits without bony removal and rectus resection
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Cai Changsi , Li Liming , Chai Xinyu , Ren Qiushi
Published: July 2009

Objective A low‐hemorrhage‐risk surgical approach to expose the optic nerve (ON) in rabbits through the orbital process of the frontal bone without removal of the bony orbit and resection of the rectus muscle was explored and assessed in this study. This approach will be used to investigate a new visual prosthesis that requires intraorbital ON stimulation with penetrating electrodes.

Animals Chinese Albino rabbits (n = 10).

Methods Rabbits were classified into a surgery and a control group (five in each). In the surgery group, the ON exposure was explored by the newly proposed surgical approach. Surgical time, blood loss, visually evoked potentials (VEP) at four different scheduled time points, and H&E‐stained histology of the ON at one month after surgery were recorded and analyzed to assess the ease and safety of the approach.

Results The average surgical time for the ON exposure was 16.40 ± 1.14 min with average blood loss of 0.52 ± 0.08 mL. Within the one‐month follow‐up, the ON exhibited a naturally reversible conduction change in terms of VEP amplitude. Histological examination of the ON was unremarkable. A postoperative mild ptosis of the surgical eye resolved within one month after surgery.

Conclusion The ease and safety of this new surgical approach allowed it to be easily used by non‐expert operators and widely applied in rabbit experiments for various research purposes requiring exposure of the ON.
The cornea of Guinea pig: structural and functional studies
Authors: Cafaro Thamara A. , Ortiz Susana G. , Maldonado Cristina , Espósito Fernando A. , Croxatto Juan O. , Berra Alejandro , Ale Omar L. , Torrealday Juan I. , Urrets‐Zavalía Enrique A. , Urrets‐Zavalía Julio A. , Serra Horacio M.
Published: July 2009

Objective  To describe the functional and structural characteristics of the cornea in healthy Guinea pigs.

Animals studied  Healthy male and female pigmented and albino Guinea pigs (Caviaporcellus) aged 3–5 months old were used.

Procedures  The animals’ corneas underwent different in vivo studies including: slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein staining (FS), break‐up time test (BUT), confocal microscopy and pachymetry. The corneas were also studied histopathologically with light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy.

Results  No significant differences were found between pigmented and albino animals, male and female, OD and OS in any study performed. The differences on corneal thickness values were not significant among central (227.85 ± 14.09 µm) and upper and temporal peripheral regions (226.60 ± 12.50 and 225.70 ± 14.40 µm, respectively). All histological studies performed permitted identification and precise description of the different corneal structures in Guinea pigs: the stratified epithelium (45.52 ± 5.26 µm), Bowman's layer (2.23 ± 0.38 µm), stroma (163.69 ± 4.90 µm), Descemet's membrane (3.96 ± 0.46 µm) and the endothelium (5.09 ± 0.71 µm). Combining results from all eyes mean and SD from corneal BUT values was 4.98 ± 1.67 s. Corneas often showed discrete superficial erosions being the FS positive in both eyes from all the animals.

Conclusion  This study provides a detailed in vivo and postfixed histological description of the Guinea pig's cornea and information about the physiological tests.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietins in human corpus cavernosum
Authors: Tomada Nuno , Tomada Inês , Vendeira Pedro , Neves Delminda
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Ang) 1 and 2, in normal human penile erectile tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Penile fragments were removed from four young healthy organ donors (aged 17–28 years), and processed for immunohistochemical studies for VEGF, Ang1 and Ang2, and their specific receptors (VEGFR1 and 2, and Tie2, respectively). Molecular analysis was used to confirm the expression of VEGF and Angs in erectile tissue.

RESULTS

VEGF and VEGFR1 expression was restricted to smooth muscle cells (SMCs). VEGFR2 was detected mainly in the endothelium lining and to a lesser extent in the SMC. Ang1 had a scattered distribution mostly in the perivascular SM layer, showing co‐localization with VEGF. Tie2 was faintly detected in the endothelial cells. Ang2 was not detected by immunohistochemical studies, but the use of the same antibody in molecular analysis confirmed Ang2 expression in human corpus cavernosum.

CONCLUSIONS

We show for the first time the co‐localization of VEGF and Ang1 in the SMC, suggesting an interaction for vessel stabilization. Ang2 seems to be available for neoangiogenesis, if challenged. Studies of endothelial markers, growth factors and specific receptors are useful for understanding vascular organization and angiogenesis in normal human erectile tissue. This knowledge will be fundamental for developing newer therapeutic approaches to prevent or even cure erectile dysfunction.
Obesity is associated with a higher risk of clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma than with other histologies
Authors: Lowrance William T. , Thompson R. Houston , Yee David S. , Kaag Matthew , Donat S. Machele , Russo Paul
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)  Level of Evidence 2a

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and histology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a contemporary cohort, as obesity is increasingly prevalent in the USA and might be contributing to the increasing incidence of RCC, but little is known about the relationship of obesity with the different histological subtypes of RCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to December 2007 we identified 1640 patients with renal cortical tumours undergoing surgical extirpation at our institution, and who had their BMI recorded. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the association of BMI with RCC histology.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) BMI was 28 (25–32) kg/m2 and 38% of patients were classified as obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). After adjusting for tumour size, age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking, the BMI was significantly associated with clear‐cell histology; the odds ratios were 1.04 for each unit of BMI (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.02–1.06; P < 0.001) and 1.48 when comparing obese vs non‐obese patients (95% CI 1.19–1.84; P < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients with RCC (excluding benign renal cortical tumours), BMI was still an independent predictor of clear‐cell histology (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BMI is an independent predictor of clear‐cell histology in patients with a renal cortical tumour. While the aetiology of this phenomenon requires further study, these findings might have implications in determining a patient’s risk of harbouring a clear‐cell RCC and in subsequent treatment recommendations.
Acquisition of flexible cystoscopy skills on a virtual reality simulator by experts and novices
Authors: Schout Barbara M.A. , Muijtjens Arno M.M. , Hendrikx Ad J.M. , Ananias Hildo J.K. , Dolmans Valérie E.M.G. , Scherpbier Albert J.J.A. , Bemelmans Bart L.H.
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case control) Level of Evidence 3b

OBJECTIVE

To assess the construct validity of the URO MentorTM (Simbionix Corp., Cleveland, OH, USA) virtual reality training model for several variables of skills training in cysto‐urethroscopy, addressing two research questions: (i) Does training on the URO Mentor significantly improve novices’ performance in terms of time, trauma, areas inspected and Global Rating Scale (GRS) score?; (ii) is discrimination between different levels of expertise possible using the URO Mentor?

METHODS

Thirty experts and 50 novices performed seven tasks on the URO Mentor during one training session. The first, fourth and seventh tasks were ‘test tasks’ to evaluate participants’ performance. The simulator recorded procedure time and trauma; a supervisor scored which areas were inspected and gave scores on the GRS. A two‐way analysis of variance with repeated‐measures test was used to analyse experts’ and novices’ performances, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate statistical significance. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated to quantify the practical significance of the results; ES of 0.10, 0.30, and 0.50 were considered small, medium and large, respectively.

RESULTS

Novices’ performances showed a significant improvement with large ES in time (linear trend of learning curve P < 0.001, ES 0.66) and mean GRS score (linear trend P < 0.001, ES 0.84, quadratic trend P = 0.018, ES 0.24). There was a medium improvement for trauma (linear trend P < 0.001, ES 0.40) and a small improvement in areas inspected (linear trend P = 0.032, ES 0.21). That the 95% confidence intervals of the measures on the first task of experts and novices did not coincide indicates that differentiation between experts and novices on the four variables measured can be achieved using the URO Mentor.

CONCLUSIONS

Training on the URO Mentor appears to result in a medium to large improvement of novices’ performances for time, trauma, areas inspected and GRS scores. Moreover, discrimination between different levels of expertise is possible using this simulator.
Ultrasonographic bladder measurements can replace urodynamic study for the diagnosis of non‐monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Tafuro Lucia , Montaldo Paolo , Iervolino Luigia Rita , Cioce Fabrizio , Del Gado Roberto
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)  Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To compare urodynamic (UD) and ultrasonography (US)‐based measurements for the diagnosis and follow‐up of patients with non‐monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis (NMPNE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 455 enuretic children (282 boys and 173 girls, mean age 9.58 years) with daytime voiding symptoms and with more than one void per night. In healthy children the upper limits for US‐measured bladder wall thickness are 3 and 5 mm for a full or empty bladder, respectively. In 419 children the results showed urodynamic signs of an overactive bladder (OAB) and the US‐measured bladder wall was thickened. After 6 months of antimuscarinic treatment, we re‐assessed the children with US and UD; the relation between UD and US measurements was confirmed. After analysing these data, we considered the use of a new diagnostic assessment for patients with NMPNE. In children with a significant US measurement, i.e. a bladder wall with a thickness of >3 mm (full bladder) and >5 mm (empty bladder), the diagnostic assessment was concluded and therapy was started. We restricted the UD examination exclusively to those patients who either had severe intractable symptoms or did not respond to treatment. This new management was applied to 453 patients with NMPNE. After the first 6 months of therapy all the patients were assessed with a new US study.

RESULTS

In all, 343 patients (75.7%) were full‐responders, with a normal bladder wall thickness; 82 (18.1%) were partial responders but with no normalization of bladder wall thickness; only 28 (6.2%) were classified as nonresponders with a persistent thickened bladder wall.

CONCLUSIONS

We favour a more conservative management: the UD study should be limited to the very few patients who either have severe intractable symptoms or do not respond to treatment. In our experience, the US study, which is not invasive, is useful for the diagnosis and follow‐up of NMPNE and it is preferable to the UD study, which is invasive and often traumatic for children.
Fragmentation of prostatic needle biopsy cores containing adenocarcinoma: the role of specimen submission
Authors: Fajardo Daniel A. , Epstein Jonathan I.
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors contributing to the fragmentation of prostatic core biopsies containing prostatic carcinoma, which might complicate the quantification of the number cores with cancer and/or the amount of tumour in a core.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prostate biopsy cases containing fragmented cores with cancer and cancer cases present only in unfragmented cores were sought in records from the consultant service of one of the authors. A ‘part’ corresponded to the site‐specific jar submitted by the urologist (i.e. left or right; left apex, left mid, etc.). Cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma with fragmented cores containing cancer (463) and cases with cancer lacking fragmented cores (200) were compared.

RESULTS

The mean number of parts per case was 8.1 and 7.5 in the unfragmented and fragmented cases, respectively (not significant). The mean number of cores per part was significantly higher in the fragmented group than the unfragmented group (2.6 vs 2.1, P = 0.004). The number of parts containing cancer was higher in cases with fragmented cores than in cases with unfragmented cores (2.8 vs 1.6, P < 0.001). A higher mean Gleason score was associated with the cancer in fragmented cores than in unfragmented cores (6.6 vs 6.2, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that fragmentation was associated with the number of parts with cancer (P < 0.001), cores per part (P < 0.001) and Gleason score (P < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of parts per case with cancer, number of cores submitted per part, and Gleason score contribute to the likelihood of fragmentation of cores containing prostatic adenocarcinoma.
Lingual mucosal grafts for anterior urethroplasty: a review
Authors: Song Lu‐Jie , Xu Yue‐Min , Lazzeri Massimo , Barbagli Guido
Published: July 2009

We critically reviewed recent reports of lingual mucosal grafts (LMGs) for substitution urethroplasty, to determine the efficacy and complications of this approach. Only a few centres have published the short or interim outcome of LMG urethroplasty. These studies dealt mainly with surgical techniques and harvesting LMGs, emphasizing the comparison of different intra‐oral donor sites. The preliminary results seem to be encouraging for the safety and efficacy of LMG urethroplasty. When compared with other substitute materials, LMG give equally good results with much easier harvesting and minimal donor site morbidity. Thus, lingual mucosa is most likely to become an alternative to oral mucosa for substitution urethroplasty and longer term results of its use are awaited with interest.