bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
sodA is essential for virulence of Borrelia burgdorferi in the murine model of Lyme disease
Authors: Esteve‐Gassent Maria D. , Elliott Nathaniel L. , Seshu J.
Published: November 2008

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has a limited set of genes to combat oxidative/nitrosative stress encountered in its tick vector or mammalian hosts. We inactivated the gene encoding for superoxide dismutase A (sodA, bb0153), an enzyme mediating the dismutation of superoxide anions and examined the in vitro and in vivo phenotype of the mutant. There were no significant differences in the in vitro growth characteristics of the sodA mutant compared with the control strains. Microscopic analysis of viability of spirochaetes revealed greater percentage of cell death upon treatment of sodA mutant with superoxide generators compared with its controls. Infectivity analysis in C3H/HeN mice following intradermal needle inoculation of 103 or 105 spirochaetes per mouse revealed complete attenuation of infectivity for the sodA mutant compared with control strains at 21 days post infection. The sodA mutant was more susceptible to the effects of activated macrophages and neutrophils, suggesting that its in vivo phenotype is partly due to the killing effects of activated immune cells. These studies indicate that SodA plays an important role in combating oxidative stress and is essential for the colonization and dissemination of B. burgdorferi in the murine model of Lyme disease.
The thioredoxin reductase‐glutaredoxins‐ferredoxin crossroad pathway for selenate tolerance in Synechocystis PCC6803
Authors: Marteyn Benoit , Domain Francis , Legrain Pierre , Chauvat Franck , Cassier‐Chauvat Corinne
Published: November 2008

Most organisms use two systems to maintain the redox homeostasis of cellular thiols. In the thioredoxin (Trx) system, NADPH sequentially reduces thioredoxin reductases (NTR), Trxs and protein disulfides. In the glutaredoxin (Grx) system, NADPH reduces the glutathione reductase enzyme occurring in most organisms, glutathione, Grxs, and protein disulfides or glutathione‐protein mixed disulfides. As little is known concerning these enzymes in cyanobacteria, we have undertaken their analysis in the model strain Synechocystis PCC6803. We found that Grx1 and Grx2 are active, and that Grx2 but not Grx1 is crucial to tolerance to hydrogen peroxide and selenate. We also found that Synechocystis has no genuine glutathione reductase and uses NTR as a Grx electron donor, in a novel integrative pathway NADPH‐NTR‐Grx1‐Grx2‐Fed7 (ferredoxin 7), which operates in protection against selenate, the predominant form of selenium in the environment. This is the first report on the occurrence of a physical interaction between a Grx and a Fed, and of an electron transfer between two Grxs. These findings are discussed in terms of the (i) selectivity of Grxs and Feds (Synechocystis possesses nine Feds), (ii) crucial importance of NTR for cell fitness and (iii) resistance to selenate, in absence of a Thauera selenatis‐like selenate reductase.
Female genital schistosomiasis – a differential diagnosis to sexually transmitted disease: genital itch and vaginal discharge as indicators of genital Schistosoma haematobium morbidity in a cross‐sectional study in endemic rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Kjetland Eyrun Floerecke , Kurewa Edith Nyaradzai , Ndhlovu Patricia D. , Midzi Nicholas , Gwanzura Lovemore , Mason Peter R. , Gomo Exnevia , Sandvik Leiv , Mduluza Takafira , Friis Henrik , Gundersen Svein Gunnar
Published: November 2008

Objective  To examine the association between schistosomiasis and reproductive tract symptoms.

Method  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a Schistosoma haematobium‐endemic area of rural Zimbabwe. A total of 483 permanently resident adult women of Mupfure Ward aged 20–49 were interviewed and examined clinically, each providing three consecutive urine samples. Logistic regression analysis was used to control for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Results  Women with genital sandy patches had significantly more genital itch (P = 0.009) and perceived their discharge as abnormal (P = 0.003). Eighty percent of the women who had genital itch, yellow discharge, and childhood or current waterbody contact had sandy patches. Fifty‐two percent of the women with genital sandy patches did not have detectable S. haematobium ova in urine. Genital schistosomiasis was associated with stress incontinence and pollakisuria, but not with menstrual irregularities, current or previous ulcers, or tumours.

Conclusion  Genital schistosomiasis may be a differential diagnosis to the STDs in women who have been exposed to fresh water in endemic areas. Because of the chronic nature of the disease in adults, we suggest to pay special attention to the prevention of morbidity.
Inconclusive results in conventional serological screening for Chagas’ disease in blood banks: evaluation of cellular and humoral response
Authors: Furuchó Celia Regina , Umezawa Eufrozina S. , Almeida Igor , Freitas Vera L. , Bezerra Rita , Nunes Elisabete V. , Sanches Maria C. , Guastini Cristina M. , Teixeira Antonio R. , Shikanai‐Yasuda Maria A.
Published: November 2008

Objective  To find the most reliable screening method for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood banks.

Material and methods  Epidemiological data, lymphoproliferation assay, parasitological, conventional serological tests: immunofluorescence, haemagglutination, ELISA with epimastigote and trypomastigote antigens and reference serological tests: trypomastigote excreted‐secreted antigens (TESA) blot and chemiluminescent ELISA assay with mucine from trypomastigote forms were applied to individuals with inconclusive serology, non‐chagasic individuals and chronic chagasic patients.

Results  TESA blot had the best performance when used as a single test in all the groups. In the inconclusive group 20.5% of individuals were positive for TESA blot, 23.3% for either lymphoproliferation or TESA blot, and 17.8% for lymphoproliferation only. Positive lymphoproliferation without detectable antibodies was observed in 5.47% of all inconclusive serology cases. Analysis of six parameters (three serological assays, at least one parasitological test, one lymphoproliferation assay and epidemiological data) in the inconclusive group showed that diagnosis of Chagas’ disease was probable in 15 patients who were positive by two or more serological tests or for whom three of those six parameters were positive.

Conclusion  TESA blot is a good confirmatory test for Chagas’ disease in the inconclusive group. Although lymphoproliferation suggests the diagnosis of Chagas’ disease in the absence of antibodies when associated with a high epidemiological risk of acquiring Chagas’ disease, the data from this study and the characteristics of the lymphoproliferation assay (which is both laborious and time‐consuming) do not support its use as a confirmatory test in blood‐bank screening. However, our findings underscore the need to develop alternative methods that are not based on antibody detection to improve the diagnosis when serological tests are inconclusive.
Making a working clinical diagnosis of HIV infection in infants in Zimbabwe
Authors: Iliff Peter , Ntozini Robert , Nathoo Kusum , Piwoz Ellen , Moulton Lawrence ,   The ZVITAMBO Study Group, Humphrey Jean
Published: November 2008

Objectives  Clinical algorithms can be helpful in decisions about treatment and feeding options in infancy, but have had limited exposure to real data. This analysis uses data from a large clinical trial to test such algorithms, and thereby develop a successor which performs usefully in poor countries with high HIV‐prevalence.

Methods  The ZVITAMBO trial followed 14 110 mother‐baby pairs through infancy. 32% of mothers were HIV‐positive. Infants were HIV tested regularly using DNA PCR. Clinical signs were evaluated in terms of identifying HIV‐infection at 6 weeks, 6 and 12 months, using Zimbabwean, South African, and WHO generic adaptations of the WHO integrated management of childhood illness HIV algorithm. A modification, in which HIV‐exposed infants are first divided into being at least or less than median weight‐for‐age, was derived and evaluated.

Results  At 6 weeks 65% of all infected babies are less than median weight‐for‐age. Adding at least two clinical signs reduces sensitivity to 20% but those identified are 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.1) times more likely to die by 6 months than other infected infants. At 6 months, 86% of uninfected babies of HIV‐infected mothers can be identified by selecting those whose weight is greater than median or, if less than median, who exhibit <2 clinical signs.

Conclusions  In poor settings a simple clinical algorithm can identify children with probable HIV infection, especially those at risk of early death, who can then be referred for further testing and care, including highly active antiretroviral therapy. Most infants who are HIV‐uninfected can be identified at 6 months and provided with support to maintain infection‐free survival, including focussed infant‐feeding counselling.
Comparative analysis of anoxic coleoptile elongation in rice varieties: relationship between coleoptile length and carbohydrate levels, fermentative metabolism and anaerobic gene expression
Authors: Magneschi L. , Kudahettige R. L. , Alpi A. , Perata P.
Published: November 2008

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds can germinate under anoxia and can show coleoptile elongation. The anoxic coleoptile is usually longer than aerobic coleoptiles. Although several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the ability of rice to elongate coleoptiles under anoxia, conclusive experimental evidence explaining this physiological trait is lacking. In order to investigate whether metabolic and molecular markers correlate with anoxic coleoptile length, we screened 141 Italian and 23 Sri Lankan rice cultivars for their ability to elongate coleoptiles under anoxia. Differences in anoxic coleoptile length were used to evaluate whether a correlation exists between coleoptile length and biochemical and molecular parameters. The expression of genes coding for glycolytic and fermentative enzymes showed a very low correlation with anoxic coleoptile length. Although differences were found in carbohydrate content between the varieties tested, this parameter also does not appear to be critical in terms of coleoptile elongation. Efficient ethanol fermentation does, however, correlate well with the elongation of coleoptiles under anoxic conditions.
Infection of Blackcurrant Leaves by Drepanopeziza ribis in Relation to Weather Conditions and Leaf Position
Authors: Xu Xiang Ming , Robinson Joyce D. , Berrie Angela M.
Published: November 2008

Drepanopeziza ribis causes the leaf spot disease of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) and may lead to severe premature leaf‐fall. Artificial inoculation studies were carried out to investigate infection of leaves by D. ribis conidia in relation to environmental conditions and leaf position (age) on cvs. Baldwin and Ben Hope in April and July 2007. All leaves on a number of selected extension shoots on potted three‐year old plants were inoculated with conidia and then incubated under different conditions: 10, 17.5 and 25°C each with five wet periods (4, 8, 12, 24 and 30 h). Number of infected leaves was determined. The two cultivars differed significantly in their susceptibility to conidial infection: cv. Baldwin was much more susceptible than cv. Ben Hope. Older leaves on extension shoots were more susceptible to conidial infection than younger leaves. Increasing length of wetness duration led to increasing incidence of leaves infected, particularly when inoculated in July. However, the effects of temperature were inconclusive and generally very small in comparison with other factors. Field epidemics were monitored over three years (2005–07). Field data confirmed the main findings from controlled inoculation studies: severe disease was associated with very wet conditions and older leaves. Furthermore, they also suggested that significant disease increase only occurred from late July onwards.
Sorghum protein digestibility is affected by dosage of mutant alleles in endosperm cells
Authors: Tesso T. , Hamaker B. R. , Ejeta G.
Published: November 2008

Protein digestibility in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is affected by the structure of endosperm protein bodies that limits access of digestive enzymes to storage protein. In this experiment, we studied the effect of endosperm dosage of high digestible alleles (hd+) on protein digestibility in sorghum hybrids carefully constituted for such a study. We also examined the effect that these alleles may have on endosperm protein body structure and agronomic performance of the hybrids. The results showed that protein digestibility, endosperm texture and protein body morphology were highly influenced by dosage of mutant alleles. Genotypes carrying two or more hd+ alleles had significantly higher protein digestibility than those with one or no mutant allele. Similarly, higher doses of these alleles resulted in opaque endosperm phenotype while the wild type alleles produced normal vitreous texture. Moreover, hybrids carrying variable proportions of mutant alleles had uniquely irregular but variable protein body structure that was distinct from spherical protein bodies found in normal genotypes. Agronomic performance was not affected by dosage of digestibility alleles.
Characterization of gene expression profiles in developing kernels of maize (Zea mays) inbred Tex6
Authors: Luo M. , Liu J. , Lee R. D. , Guo B. Z.
Published: November 2008

Maize inbred Tex6 is resistant to several pests. The objectives of this study were to characterize gene expression profiles in Tex6 kernels and identify unique genes that expressed up‐ or down‐ward in developing kernels in the later stages. Because of the resistance of Tex6 kernels, we reasoned that it would be an interesting candidate for microarray study. By using maize microarray, we analysed gene expression profiles in developing kernels from 25 DAP (days after pollination) to 45 DAP. A total of 8497 positive array spots were detected with unique IDs, in which 4247 genes were detected in all samples. The trends of total expressed genes were decreasing when kernels were maturing. Expression patterns of some genes in several metabolic pathways, including starch, lipid and storage proteins, were analysed. In comparison with 25 DAP, expressions of 211 gene features were significantly different at 45 DAP (P < 0.05), which will be used to produce a macroarray for germplasm assessment and evaluation. The real‐time qRT‐PCR was used to validate microarray study.
New perspectives on techniques for the clinical psychiatrist: Brain stimulation, chronobiology and psychiatric brain imaging
Authors: Zanardi Raffaella , Barbini Barbara , Rossini David , Bernasconi Alessandro , Fregni Felipe , Padberg Frank , Rossi Simone , Wirz‐Justice Anna , Terman Michael , Martiny Klaus , Bersani Giuseppe , Hariri Ahmad R. , Pezawas Lukas , Roiser Jonathan P. , Bertolino Alessandro , Calabrese Giovanna , Magri Lorenzo , Benedetti Francesco , Pontiggia Adriana , Malaguti Alessia , Smeraldi Enrico , Colombo Cristina
Published: November 2008

This review summarizes a scientific dialogue between representatives in non‐pharmacological treatment options of affective disorders. Among the recently introduced somatic treatments for depression those with most evidenced efficacy will be discussed. The first part of this article presents current opinions about the clinical applications of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression. The second part explains the most relevant uses of chronobiology in mood disorders, while the last part deals with the main perspectives on brain imaging techniques in psychiatry. The aim was to bridge gaps between the research evidence and clinical decisions, and reach an agreement on several key points of chronobiological and brain stimulation techniques, as well as on relevant objectives for future research.
Prevalence, correlates, and disease patterns of antipsychotic use in Taiwan
Authors: Chien I‐Chia , Hsu Jer‐Hwa , Bih Shin‐Huey , Lin Ching‐Heng , Chou Yiing‐Jenq , Lee Cheng‐Hua , Chou Pesus
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The population‐based National Health Insurance database was used to investigate the prevalence, correlates, and disease patterns of antipsychotic use in Taiwan.

Methods:  The National Health Research Institutes provided a database of 200 000 random subjects for study. A random sample of 145 304 subjects was obtained, aged ≥18 years in 2004. Study subjects who had been given at least two antipsychotic drug prescriptions during this year were identified. The factors associated with any antipsychotic use were identified. The proportion of antipsychotic use for psychiatric and non‐psychiatric disorders was also examined.

Results:  The 1‐year prevalence of antipsychotic use was 3.5%. Antipsychotic use was found to be more prevalent by age; for women; for individuals with a lower insurance amount; for individuals with disability; and among those subjects who lived in the central or southern area. Among subjects with antipsychotic use, higher proportions of psychiatric disorders were found for schizophrenia, anxiety state, major depressive disorder, neurotic depression, dementia, and bipolar disorder. With respect to medical disorder, higher proportions of antipsychotic use were found for diseases of the digestive system; symptoms, signs, and ill‐defined conditions; diseases of the respiratory system, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, circulatory system, nervous system and sense organs, and genitourinary system.

Conclusions:  Higher proportions of antipsychotic use were found for schizophrenia, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, dementia, and bipolar disorder. More than 60% of subjects used antipsychotics for non‐psychiatric disorders in Taiwan, which deserves further study for the sake of patient safety.
Cognitive profile difference between normally intelligent children with Asperger's disorder and those with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
Authors: Koyama Tomonori , Kurita Hiroshi
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Asperger's disorder (Asperger syndrome, AS) and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD‐NOS) are different subtypes of mild pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).

Methods:  Using the Japanese version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Third Edition (WISC‐III), 28 AS children (mean age, 9.3 years, 24 male) were compared with 78 PDD‐NOS children (mean age, 7.6 years, 64 male) with normal intelligence (IQ ≥ 85), using analysis of covariance (ancova) with the chronological age of a child as a covariate.

Results:  Verbal IQ tended to be higher in the AS children than in the PDD‐NOS children (mean raw scores, AS vs PDD‐NOS: 103.9 vs 99.6; P < 0.10), although full‐scale and performance IQ did not differ significantly. Compared with the PDD‐NOS children, the AS children scored significantly higher on Freedom from Distractibility index (110.1 vs 104.5; P < 0.05) consisting of Arithmetic (11.0 vs 9.9, P = 0.04) and Digit Span (12.4 vs 11.6, P = 0.051), but tended to score lower on Coding (8.5 vs 9.8, P = 0.08).

Conclusion:  The typical cognitive profile of PDD (i.e. low score on Comprehension and high score on Block Design) was shared by both groups, which may support the validity of the current diagnostic classification of PDD. Relatively better verbal ability in AS children seems to reflect their normal language acquisition in infancy, and strong numeric interest may produce the AS children's mathematical excellence over PDD‐NOS children. A low score on Coding in AS children might reflect their extreme slowness, circumstantiality and/or drive for perfection.
Schizo‐nomenclature: A new condition?
Authors: Maruta Toshimasa , Iimori Makio
Published: November 2008

Some psychiatric diagnoses are stigmatic. In August of 2002, at the annual congress of the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology, the Society decided to change the name of schizophrenia in Japanese from seishinbunretsu‐byo (‘split mind disease’) to togoshitcho‐sho (‘loss of coordination disorder’). In 2006 a survey was carried out among the 80 members of the Section on Classification, Diagnostic Assessment and Nomenclature of the World Psychiatric Association. Of the 21 responding, nine (45%) did not think that ‘schizophrenia’ was an appropriate term for the disease and half thought that the term ‘schizophrenia’ had a stigmatic meaning.
Relationship between post‐traumatic stress disorder‐like behavior and reduction of hippocampal 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine‐positive cells after inescapable shock in rats
Authors: Kikuchi Akihito , Shimizu Kunio , Nibuya Masashi , Hiramoto Takeshi , Kanda Yasunari , Tanaka Teppei , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Takahashi Yoshitomo , Nomura Soichiro
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Inescapable shocks (IS) have been reported to reduce the number of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells in hippocampus. Antidepressants prevent this reduction, and the role of neurogenesis in depression is now suggested. It has been reported, however, that the number of BrdU‐positive cells was not different between the rats that developed learned helplessness and those that did not. This suggests that reduction of neurogenesis does not constitute a primary etiology of depression. It has been previously shown that IS can cause various post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)‐like behavioral changes in rats. The aim of the present was therefore to examined whether the reduction of BrdU‐positive cells relates to any PTSD‐like behavioral changes in this paradigm.

Methods:  Rats were given either inescapable foot‐shocks (IS) or not shocked (non‐S) treatment in a shuttle box on day 1 and received BrdU injections once daily during the first week after IS/non‐S treatment. On day 14, rats treated with IS and non‐S were given an avoidance/escape test in the shuttle box and dorsal hippocampal SGZ were analyzed by BrdU immunohistochemistry.

Results:  In accordance with previously reported results, IS loading resulted in fewer BrdU‐positive cells in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ). Furthermore, in the IS‐treated group, the number of BrdU‐positive cells in the hippocampal SGZ was negatively correlated at a significant level with several hyperactive behavioral parameters but not with hypoactive behavioral parameters. Earlier findings had indicated that chronic selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor administration, which is known to increase hippocampal neurogenesis, restored the increase in hypervigilant/hyperarousal behavior but did not attenuate the increase in numbing/avoidance behavior.

Conclusion:  The regulatory mechanism responsible for the decreased proliferation and survival of cells in the hippocampus may be related to the pathogenic processes of hypervigilance/hyperarousal behaviors.
Electronic media use and suicidal ideation in Japanese adolescents
Authors: Katsumata Yotaro , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Kitani Masahiko , Takeshima Tadashi
Published: November 2008

The present study found that a lifetime history of suicidal ideation may be significantly associated with a history of searching the Internet for information about suicide or self‐injury, experiences of anxiety or emotional pain related to the use of electronic media, and adolescents' distrust of the people around them. The impact of experiences using electronic media on suicidal ideation among Japanese adolescents is discussed.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) triggers Ca2+ responses in cultured astrocytes and in Bergmann glial cells from cerebellar slices
Authors: Morara Stefano , Wang Li‐Ping , Filippov Vitaly , Dickerson Ian M. , Grohovaz Fabio , Provini Luciano , Kettenmann Helmut
Published: November 2008

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is transiently expressed in cerebellar climbing fibers during development while its receptor is mainly expressed in astrocytes, in particular Bergmann glial cells. Here, we analyzed the effects of CGRP on astrocytic calcium signaling. Mouse cultured astrocytes from cerebellar or cerebral cortex as well as Bergmann glial cells from acutely isolated cerebellar slices were loaded with the Ca2+ sensor Fura‐2. CGRP triggered transient increases in intracellular Ca2+ in astrocytes in culture as well as in acute slices. Responses were observed in the concentration range of 1 nm to 1 mm, in both the cell body and its processes. The calcium transients were dependent on release from intracellular stores as they were blocked by thapsigargin but not by the absence of extracellular calcium. In addition, after CGRP application a further delayed transient increase in calcium activity could be observed. Finally, cerebellar astrocytes from neonatal mice expressed receptor component protein, a component of the CGRP receptor, as revealed by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. It is thus proposed that the CGRP‐containing afferent fibers in the cerebellum (the climbing fibers) modulate calcium in astrocytes by releasing the neuropeptide during development and hence possibly influence the differentiation of Purkinje cells.
Neural basis of music imagery and the effect of musical expertise
Authors: Herholz Sibylle C. , Lappe Claudia , Knief Arne , Pantev Christo
Published: November 2008

Although the influence of long‐term musical training on the processing of heard music has been the subject of many studies, the neural basis of music imagery and the effect of musical expertise remain insufficiently understood. By means of magnetoencephalography (MEG) we compared musicians and nonmusicians in a musical imagery task with familiar melodies. Subjects listened to the beginnings of the melodies, continued them in their imagination and then heard a tone which was either a correct or an incorrect further continuation of the melody. Only in musicians was the imagery of these melodies strong enough to elicit an early preattentive brain response to unexpected incorrect continuations of the imagined melodies; this response, the imagery mismatch negativity (iMMN), peaked ∼175 ms after tone onset and was right‐lateralized. In contrast to previous studies the iMMN was not based on a heard but on a purely imagined memory trace. Our results suggest that in trained musicians imagery and perception rely on similar neuronal correlates, and that the musicians’ intense musical training has modified this network to achieve a superior ability for imagery and preattentive processing of music.
Neural correlates of spontaneous percept switches in ambiguous stimuli: an event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Ilg Rüdiger , Wohlschläger Afra M. , Burazanis Stefan , Wöller Andreas , Nunnemann Sabine , Mühlau Mark
Published: November 2008

When ambiguous visual stimuli are being looked at, perception alternates spontaneously between two competing interpretations of the same sensory input. One major issue in understanding the underlying neural process is whether spontaneous percept switches result from fluctuations at the level of sensory processes or whether they are initiated by higher‐order areas. To further study this question, we developed an ambiguous apparent motion paradigm that specifically focused on the generation of percept switches. The percept switches occurred either spontaneously or were experimentally triggered. The differential analysis of spontaneous and triggered percept switches was aimed at disentangling the causes and effects of percept switches. Spontaneous percept switches were associated with stronger activations at the right occipitotemporal junction, whereas prefrontal, superior temporal and inferior parietal regions showed greater activations during experimentally triggered percept switches. We propose that complex networks including both sensory and higher‐order areas are involved in percept switches, whereas stimulus‐specific sensory processes are crucial for the initiation of spontaneous percept switches.
The timing of the conscious intention to move
Authors: Matsuhashi Masao , Hallett Mark
Published: November 2008

The foundation of modern neuroscience and psychology about intention for action was laid by B. Libet et al. [(1983) Brain106, 623–642]. They reported the time of awareness of wanting to move to be about 0.2 s before voluntary movement onset. However, despite repeated confirmation of the result, their method has been criticised for its dependence on self‐reported timing and subjective memory, and the interpretation has been widely debated without general consensus. Here, we show that the mean time of the conscious intention to move was 1.42 s before movement, estimated based on the subject’s real‐time decision of whether or not there was a thought to move when a tone occurred. This event is after the onset of the bereitschaftspotential, an electroencephalographic activity preceding voluntary movement, but about 1 s earlier than the timing of intention reported previously based on the subject’s recall. Our result solves some problems of the conventional method, thus giving a clearer answer to the controversies. The difference between the conventional result and our result suggests that the perception of intention rises through multiple levels of awareness, starting just after the brain initiates movement.
Genetic identification of morphologically cryptic agricultural pests
Authors: Ellis J. S. , Blackshaw R. , Parker W. , Hicks H. , Knight M. E.
Published: November 2008

1 Wireworms are the polyphagous larvae of click beetles and are well known as agricultural pests. Larvae of the genus Agriotes are internationally recognized as economically important pests of potato. Historically associated with crop damage after conversion of grassland, they are an increasing problem even in all‐arable rotations.

2 Current studies of Agriotes ecology and behaviour, and consequently control and management, are seriously hampered by the lack of a means of reliably identifying larvae owing to morphological crypsis during this life‐stage.

3 Here, sequence data at the mitochondrial 16SrRNA gene are presented for three species of wireworm: Agriotes obscurus, A. lineatus, and A. sputator. A novel terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) technique is described that identifies larvae of these species. This technique is shown to be both efficient and reliable. Interestingly, thus far the samples tested have yielded no A. lineatus. Implications for future study of wireworm ecology and control are discussed.
TOTAL PERINEAL PROSTATECTOMY
Authors: Smith GeorgeGilbert
Published: November 2008

1. A case of osteitis pubis is described in which sequestra escaped through the urethra.

2. Suprapubic cystostomy as a cause of osteitis pubis is briefly discussed.

3. The desirability of exploring the retropubic space is emphasised.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF DISTURBANCES IN THE STRIATED MUSCLE OF THE URETHRAL SPHINCTER
Authors: Franksson C. , Petersén I.
Published: November 2008

An electromyography study is presented of the external urethral sphincter in sixteen cases with varying types of incontinence and disturbances of maturation.

1. Anatomical defects in the muscles could be demonstrated and charted in seven cases.

2. Neurogenic sphincteral disturbances were present in five cases. Characteristic electromyography changes are described.

3. Five cases with nocturnal enuresis were investigated. The electromyography findings are reported and discussed.
A COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF UROGRAFIN AND Diagonal: TWO NEW MEDIA FOR INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAPHY
Authors: Lea P. A. W.
Published: November 2008

A clinical trial comparing the properties of urografin and SO per cent. Diagonal is described.

From the results it would appear that urografin produces slightly more satisfactory pyelograms and is free from side reactions if injected slowly but that the difference between the two media is not striking.
TESTICULAR ARTERY ARCHING OVER RENAL VEIN: CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VARICOCELE
Authors: Notkovich Hilel
Published: November 2008

1. In a series of dissections performed on fifty bodies it was found that the testicular artery on one or other side (16 per cent. on the left, 4 per cent. on the right) takes a recurrent course and describes an arch over the renal vein. The testicular artery having such a course is referred to in this work as the “arched testicular artery.”

2. The arched testicular artery frequently gives branches to the suprarenal gland.

3. In two left‐sided cases a localised constriction of the renal vein was found where it was crossed by the arched testicular artery. In one of these cases a pronounced varicocele was present on the same side.

4. The possible role of the arched testicular artery in the pathogenesis of varicocele and orthostatic albuminuria is discussed.

5. The possible danger of injury to the arched testicular artery and to its suprarenal branches in the course of nephrectomy is considered.
EMBRYONAL CARCINOMA OF THE TESTIS IN AN INFANT
Authors: Doyle GeraldB.
Published: November 2008

1. A case has been reported of embryonal carcinoma of the testis with fatal metastases in an infant.

2. Twenty‐five cases of similar pathology in young children have been gathered from the literature of the past thirty years and tabulated.

3. The incidence and classification of the tuniours has been discussed and a few comments added about prognosis and treatment.
THE DYNAMICS OF THE RENAL PELVIS AND URETER WITH REFERENCE TO CONGENITAL HYDRONEPHROSIS1
Authors: F.R.C.S.E. G. F. Murnaghan
Published: November 2008

1. The movement patterns of the normal pelvi‐ureteric segment as seen on cinepyelography, at operation or during perfusion, suggest that co‐ordinated contractions of the renal pelvis and upper ureter are associated with a uniform distribution of mixed muscle spirals at the pelviureteric junction.

2. In congenital hydronephrosis pelvi‐ureteric inco‐ordination can be demonstrated at operation or during perfusion by raising the intrapelvic pressure, and may be associated with a predominance of longitudinal muscle fibres at the pelvi‐ureteric junction in place of the normal spirals.

3. The part played by this defect in the genesis of the various clinical types of hydronephrosis is outlined and a possible mechanism for the production of the pelvic dilatation is suggested.
VESICAL REGENERATION IN THE HUMAN AFTER TOTAL CYSTECTOMY AND IMPLANTATION OF A PLASTIC MOULD
Authors: Sanchez R. Portilla , Blanco F. L. , Santamarina A. , Roa J. Casals , Mata J. , Kaufman A.
Published: November 2008

1. Regeneration of the bladder after extensive partial cystectomy or accidental necrosis has been reported in the medical literature of our time.

2. We report a case of total cystectomy with implantation of a plastic mould in the place previously occupied by the bladder.

3. When the plastic mould was removed twelve weeks later, we found that the cavity was similar to a normal bladder, with transitional epithelium of vesical type.

4. This cavity was larger than the plastic mould.

5. A descending pyelogram made after the mould was removed showed that kidney function was normal; that the ureters drained normally to the newly formed cavity; and that the mild hydronephrosis produced during the time the mould had remained in place had practically disappeared.

6. Histological study of biopsies taken in different areas of the newly formed cavity showed that it was lined by a transitional epithelium of vesical type over a membrane formed of connective tissue infiltrated with round cells. We did not find plain muscular fibres isolated or grouped in bundles.

7. We are not aware of this operation having been performed previously in human beings.
Observations on the Musculature of the Urinary Bladder and the Urethra in the Human Foetus
Authors: DRÖES J.TH.P.M.
Published: November 2008

The development of the vesico‐urethral musculature was studied in human foetuses between 6 and 20 cm CRL.

Three smooth muscular systems can be discerned: the detrusor muscle, the trigonal muscle system and the smooth urethral musculature. In the male the prostatic musculature develops independent of these smooth muscle tissues. The development of the striated urethral musculature is described.

Comparing different stages of development in male and female it was found that the detrusor as well as the ventral urethral wall are essentially identical in both sexes and change little during development.

The differences between the male and female urethra in the adult are caused mainly by developmental changes in the dorsal urethral wall.
Local Excision of a Virilising Leydig‐cell Tumour of the Testis
Authors: YUVAL E. , EIDELMAN A. , BEER S. I. , VURE E.
Published: November 2008

A boy with interstitial cell tumour of the testis producing precocious virilisation was treated by local excision with subsequent arrest of the pathological process.
Simple Renal Hypothermia
Authors: MARSHALL VILLIS , BLANDY JOHN
Published: November 2008

A blood‐warming coil immersed in ice‐slush rapidly lowers the temperature of normal saline and allows it to be used to cool a kidney to the range of hypothermia which protects it from the effects of ischaemia. This simple method of hypothermia has been shown to be effective in operations on 9 kidneys.
The Urethral Pressure Profile: Theoretical Considerations and Clinical Application
Authors: EDWARDS LYNN , MALVERN JOHN
Published: November 2008

A simple technique for the urethral pressure profile estimation has been studied and evaluated. The estimation would appear to be relatively free of sources of error.

The diagnostic importance of the test in distinguishing between the normal patient and the patient with sphincter weakness has been discussed.

We should like to thank the consultants at the Shaftsbury Hospital, London Hospital and Chelsea Hospital for Women for referring patients to us, and in particular Professor C. J. Dewhurst of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Professor J. P. Blandy of the London Hospital.

One of us (L. E.) carried out this work as part of the requirement for the M. Chir. degree of the University of Cambridge.
Ultrasound in the Staging of Bladder Tumours
Authors: MCLAUGHLIN I. S. , MORLEY P. , DEANE R. F. , BARNETT E. , GRAHAM A. G. , KYLE K. F.
Published: November 2008

The ultrasonic features of 162 bladder tumours are described.

Comparing clinical staging by the TNM system and the ultrasonic appearances, there is a high degree of accuracy in staging by ultrasound.

The use of this painless non‐invasive technique is assessed and should be used in staging bladder tumours only in conjunction with other established methods, and not in isolation.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Delayed Hypersensitivity Skin Testing in Patients with Urological Cancer
Authors: WILLIAMS GORDON , CASTRO J. E.
Published: November 2008

The responses to several skin test antigens of patients with bladder or prostatic cancer has been compared with responses of normal controls.

All of the controls and all of the patients with prostatic cancer (irrespective of the stage of the tumour or the method of treatment) showed responses to dinitrochlorbenzene. 80% of all patients with bladder cancer responded to DNCB, but a highly significant number of patients with advanced disease showed no response. This test appears especially useful in predicting the prognosis in patients with bladder tumours and its routine use is recommended.

Response to candida extract, streptokinase/streptodornase (SKSD) and purified protein derivative (PPD) were also studied. No conclusion could be drawn as to their value as a prognostic index.
Urinary Lithiasis in Childhood in the Bristol Clinical Area
Authors: GACHES C. G. C. , GORDON I. R. S. , SHORE D. F. , ROBERTS J. B. M.
Published: November 2008

A series of 59 consecutive cases of urinary calculi in childhood is presented, being acquired from one local area (Bristol). These children were treated from 1950 to 1973. The peak presentation was in the 2nd and 3rd year of life, with a secondary peak in the 10th year. Anatomical (39%), metabolic (8‐5%) or primary infective abnormalities (29%) were demonstrable, but 22% had to be left in an unsatisfactory “idiopathic classification”. The overall recurrence rate of 7% was reduced to 3·5 % when those patients with cystinuria were excluded. The local water supply areas have been studied and a tentative association is suggested between patients and their environment when they live in an area where the water is not only hard but also alkaline (pH > 8).
Atraumatic Rupture of the Kidney A Case Report with Autopsy
Authors: TØNJUM S. , AARDAL N. P. , HARTVEIT F.
Published: November 2008

A case of atraumatic rupture of the parenchyma of the right kidney with gross retroperitoneal haemorrhage is reported in an old woman.

The underlying vascular lesion was probably arteriosclerotic and associated with hypertension.
The Radiological Diagnosis of “Avascular” Renal Tumours
Authors: WRIGHT F. W. , WALKER M. M.
Published: November 2008

In the past 9 years we have encountered 3 renal space‐occupying lesions, which were “avascular” at arteriography but which appeared to be tumours, as shown by renal puncture or “antegrade” pyelography. All had an irregular inner border demonstrated.

The investigation and radiological diagnosis of such masses is discussed and compared with that of renal cysts.
Kaposi's Sarcoma of the Penis
Authors: HOUSTON WILLIAM , PONTIN ALAN , KUHN TRUDI , MAMBO NOBE
Published: November 2008

The 11th case of Kaposi's sarcoma of the glans penis is reported. Aetiology and treatment are discussed and evidence adduced to support a conservative surgical approach by local excision, supplemented if necessary by low dosage irradiation and possibly methotrexate infusion.
Paradigm shifts in marine fisheries genetics: ugly hypotheses slain by beautiful facts
Authors: Hauser Lorenz , Carvalho Gary R
Published: November 2008

By providing new approaches to the investigation of demographic and evolutionary dynamics of wild populations, molecular genetics has led to fundamental changes in our understanding of marine ecology. In particular, genetic approaches have revolutionized our understanding in three areas: (i) most importantly, they have contributed to the discovery of extensive genetic population structure in many marine species, overturning the notion of large, essentially homogenous marine populations limiting local adaptation and speciation. (ii) Concomitant differences in ecologically important traits now indicate extensive adaptive differentiation and biocomplexity, potentially increasing the resilience to exploitation and disturbance. Evidence for rapid adaptive change in many populations underlies recent concerns about fisheries‐induced evolution affecting life‐history traits. (iii) A compilation of recent published research shows estimated effective population sizes that are 2–6 orders of magnitude smaller than census sizes, suggesting more complex recruitment dynamics in marine species than previously assumed. Studies on Atlantic cod are used to illustrate these paradigm shifts. In our synthesis, we emphasize the implications of these discoveries for marine ecology and evolution as well as the management and conservation of exploited marine fish populations. An important implication of genetic structuring and the potential for adaptive divergence is that locally adapted populations are unlikely to be replaced through immigration, with potentially detrimental consequences for the resilience to environmental change – a key consideration for sustainable fisheries management.
Functional genomics with microarrays in fish biology and fisheries
Authors: Goetz Frederick William , MacKenzie Simon
Published: November 2008

Over the past 10 years, DNA microarrays have been used for the analysis of gene expression during various physiological, developmental or cellular processes in fish. However, in the last few years, investigators have begun to use microarrays on fish to address ecological, evolutionary and environmental questions including the variability of gene expression in natural populations, speciation, ecotypic diversity, environmental remediation and host–pathogen interactions. Given their commercial importance and the availability of several microarray platforms, most of the research in these areas has focused on salmonids. However, the same issues could be studied in a number of fish species of interest to world fisheries. The application of array technology to analyse gene expression in exploited species may require the development of new array platforms containing genes derived specifically from these fish. The gene discovery required for developing these platforms will certainly be facilitated by the new sequencing technologies that have recently been developed. Further, given the quantum leap that has occurred in sequencing, and the likely improvements in these technologies in the immediate future, it may be possible in certain situations to use sequencing in place of arrays to measure global changes in gene expression. Given the current technological development, sequencing has an advantage over arrays in that it can be used as a tool for gene discovery as well as for quantifying gene expression.
Integrating genetic data into management of marine resources: how can we do it better?
Authors: Waples Robin S , Punt André E , Cope Jason M
Published: November 2008

Molecular genetic data have found widespread application in the identification of population and conservation units for aquatic species. However, integration of genetic information into actual management has been slow, and explicit and quantitative inclusion of genetic data into fisheries models is rare. In part, this reflects the inherent difficulty in using genetic markers to draw inferences about demographic independence, which is generally the information of the greatest short‐term interest to fishery managers. However, practical management constraints, institutional structures and communication issues have also contributed to the lack of integration. This paper identifies some of the organizational, conceptual and technical barriers that have hampered full use of genetics data in stock assessment and hence fishery management and outlines how such use could be enhanced.
Advances in molecular technology and their impact on fisheries genetics
Authors: Hauser Lorenz , Seeb James E
Published: November 2008

Although genetic approaches to questions in fisheries management have been very useful in the past, they have encountered consistent hurdles despite the development of new marker systems. However, recent technological advances in molecular genetics will help to overcome many of these hurdles and are likely to revolutionize fish and fisheries biology. DNA‐sequencing costs have been decreasing exponentially, and recent breakthroughs have led to rapid increase in throughput that allows sequencing the entire expressed genome of a non‐model organism with standard project budgets. Increase in screening throughput and number of available markers, reduction in costs and improved insights into gene function and control of gene expression will allow applications that were impossible until recently. Here, we briefly recount the recent history of fisheries genetics, provide an outlook on near‐term and long‐term developments in genetic technology and consider their applications and implications for fisheries science and education.