bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐scale analysis of plant species richness in Serengeti grasslands
Authors: Michael Anderson T. , Metzger Kristine L. , McNaughton Samuel J.
Published: September 2006

Aim To assess scale dependence between environmental factors and plant species richness. Additionally, we aimed to identify the scales at which niche relations and habitat heterogeneity, as hypothesized byA. Shmida & M.V. Wilson (1985)Journal of Biogeography,12, 1–20, operate in the savanna grasslands that were the focus of this study.

Location Savanna grassland plant communities of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Methods Plant species richness was sampled in 102 modified Whittaker plots and tested for associations with two climate factors, mean annual rainfall (MAP) and potential evapotranspiration (PET), and two landscape variables, plot aspect (ASP) and topographic variation (TOPO), using multiple regressions. Scale dependence was assessed by conducting regressions after altering three aspects of spatial scale: grain, extent and focus. Grain was altered by analysing plant richness at 1, 10, 102and 103 m2; extent was investigated by restricting the maximum distance between samples to 75, 100, 125 and 150 km; and focus was manipulated by averaging samples spatially according to geographical land regions. Within the context of our data, we assumed that niche relations were represented by climate factors and habitat heterogeneity by landscape factors.

Results Across all 102 plots, plant species richness between 1 and 102 m2had a negative relation to PET and a weak positive relation to MAP. Plant species richness at 103 m2had a positive association with TOPO and weaker associations with climate factors. ASP stayed in the model between grains of 10 and 103 m2, but had a very weak positive association with richness. When the focus was changed to land regions, associations between plant species richness and explanatory variables strengthened, but were not qualitatively different. At spatial extents of 75 and 100 km, PET was the strongest correlate of plant species richness across all spatial grains. At spatial extents ≥ 125 km, PET explained the majority of the model variance at spatial grains ≤ 102 m2, whereas TOPO explained equal amounts or more of the model variance at spatial grains of 103 m2.

Main conclusions Both climate and topographic variation explained plant species richness in Serengeti grasslands, but specific patterns depended on grain, extent and, to a lesser degree, focus. Consistent with the ideas ofShmida & Wilson (1985), determinants of plant species richness shifted from niche relations to habitat heterogeneity between spatial grains of 1 and 103 m2, although this occurred only at relatively large spatial extents (≥ 150 km). Finally, the signs, strength and shape of plant species richness relationships in Serengeti closely match those that describe macro‐scale patterns of woody plant species richness across the entire African continent.
Factors explaining increased body size in common shrews (Sorex araneus) on Scottish islands
Authors: White Thomas A. , Searle Jeremy B.
Published: September 2006

Aim Island populations of small mammals are often characterized by a larger body size compared with neighbouring mainland or continental populations of the same species. A number of reasons have been put forward to explain this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to test which of these hypotheses can best explain the increase of body size in common shrews (Sorex araneus) on islands.

Location The fieldwork for this study was carried out on the islands of the Inner Hebrides, Clyde Islands and the west coast of Scotland.

Methods This study compared body sizes of common shrews from mainland and island sites on the west coast of Scotland, based on measurements of hind foot lengths. On 10 of the 13 islands sampled, common shrews were significantly larger than on the mainland. Body size did not vary significantly among mainland populations. We used the directional contrasts method to test the relative contributions of possible factors explaining the large body size observed in the island populations.

Results We found that body size of common shrews on islands was positively related to distance from mainland, negatively related to average annual temperature, negatively related to island size, and may also be influenced by the presence or absence of pygmy shrews (Sorex minutus) on the island.

Main conclusions Our results suggest a role for founder events, Bergmann's rule andK‐selection in determining body size of common shrews on islands.
Tissue remodelling in upper airways: where is the link with lower airway remodelling?
Authors: Watelet J.‐B. , Van Zele T. , Gjomarkaj M. , Canonica G. W. , Dahlen S.‐E. , Fokkens W. , Lund V. J. , Scadding G. K. , Mullol J. , Papadopoulos N. , Bonini S. , Kowalski M. L. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Bousquet J. ,   GALEN workpackage members 2.7
Published: September 2006

Tissue remodelling reported in upper airways include epithelial hyperplasia, increased matrix deposition in the nasal or paranasal lining, matrix degradation and accumulation of plasma proteins. Genetic influences, foetal exposures and early life events may contribute to structural changes such as subepithelial fibrosis from an early age. Other structural alterations are related to duration of the disease and long‐term uncontrolled inflammation. Structural changes may increase alteration of the protective functions of the upper airways namely by affecting mucociliary clearance and conditioning of inspired air. The sequences of tissue changes during wound repair of upper airway mucosa after surgery are illustrative of the complexicity of tissue modelling and remodelling and could be considered as an important source of information for a better understanding of the complex relationship between inflammatory reaction, of the subsequent tissue damages and fibroblast metabolism of upper airways.
Oxidative stress in nonallergic nasal polyps associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness1
Authors: Cheng Y.‐K. , Tsai M.‐H. , Lin C.‐D. , Hwang G.‐Y. , Hang L.‐W. , Tseng G.‐C. , Shen P.‐S. , Chang W.‐C.
Published: September 2006

Background:  Nasal polyposis (NP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of upper airway with unknown etiology. NP is frequently associated with asthma; the interaction between these comorbidities remains interesting. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of NP and asthma. The aim of this study is to investigate the significance of oxidative stress in sinonasal microenvironments by evaluating its association with clinopathological parameters and its impacts on the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in NP.

Methods:  Polyp biopsy specimens were obtained from 20 nonallergic patients; control mucosas were obtained from 20 volunteers. The levels of free radicals in the tissues and in blood were determined by a sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method. NP patients were substratified into three subgroups, NP without BHR, NP with asymptomatic BHR, and NP with BHR and asthma by the results of provocative testing. Four histological characteristics of NP, inflammatory cells, eosinophil infiltration, edema and fibrosis were estimated and applied to correlate with the tissue‐CL.

Results:  The mean CL level in polyp‐tissues, but not in blood, was higher than in the control specimens. In NP patients, tissue‐CL was associated with endoscopy score; high tissue‐CL levels were positively correlated with the abundance of inflammatory cells and eosinophils. Tissue‐CL and endoscopy score were associated with BHR/asthma phenotype.

Conclusion:  These results suggest an important role for oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of NP and a causal relation between oxidative stress and inflammatory cells, especially the eosinophils. Free radical levels in polyp‐tissues associated with NP severity and with BHR/asthma phenotype in nonallergic NP patients.
Isolation of cDNA clones corresponding to genes differentially expressed in pericarp of mume (Prunus mume) in response to ripening, ethylene and wounding signals
Authors: Mita Satoru , Nagai Yoko , Asai Tatsuo
Published: September 2006

Ripening of climacteric fruit is a complex developmental process that includes many changes in gene expression. Some ripening‐regulated genes are responsive to ethylene and/or wounding signals. Wounding increased Pm‐ACS1 expression in Prunus mume (Japanese apricot), but was negatively regulated by ethylene. However, exposure of freshly harvested mature green mume fruit to ethylene induced PmACS1. Fifteen complementary DNA clones corresponding to messenger RNAs differentially expressed in the pericarp of P. mume fruit in response to ripening, ethylene and wounding signals were isolated by differential display. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis distinctly showed that these genes are differentially regulated. Genes that were upregulated during fruit ripening include Pm15 (cinnamyl‐alcohol dehydrogenase), Pm21 (2‐oxoacid‐dependent dioxygenase), Pm22 (1‐acyl‐sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase), Pm27 (unknown function), Pm38 (alcohol dehydrogenase), Pm41 (no homology), Pm52 (no homology), Pm65 (pectate lyase), Pm68 (expansin), Pm69 (serine carboxypeptidase) and Pm94 (alcohol acyltransferase). Expression of most of these genes was also inducible by ethylene and some of them were inducible by wounding. Pm3 (water channel protein, MIP) and Pm8 (unknown function) were downregulated during ripening. Expression of Pm71 (no homology) and Pm74 (NAC family protein) did not increase during ripening or in response to ethylene, but was upregulated in response to wounding. The possible physiological roles of these genes during ripening and in response to ethylene and wounding are discussed.
Biochemistry and molecular biology of tauopathies
Authors: Hasegawa Masato
Published: September 2006

Filamentous tau deposits in neurons or glial cells are the hallmark lesions of neurodegenerative tauopathies, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease, corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy. Biochemical analyses of Sarkosyl‐insoluble tau from brains with tauopathies have revealed that tau deposits in different diseases consisted of different tau isoforms (i.e., all six tau isoforms occur in Alzheimer’s disease, four repeat tau isoforms occur in corticobasal degeneration or progressive supranuclear palsy, and three repeat tau isoforms occur in Pick’s disease). The discovery of mutations in the tau gene in FTDP‐17 has established that abnormalities in tau function or expression are sufficient to cause filamentous aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau and neurodegeneration similar to that seen in sporadic tauopathies. Because the number of tau inclusions and their regional distribution correlate with clinical symptoms, inhibition of tau aggregation or filament formation in neurons or glial cells may prevent neurodegeneration. We have investigated the effects of 42 compounds belonging to nine different chemical classes on tau filament formation, and found that several phenothiazine and polyphenol compounds, and one porphyrin compound inhibit tau filament formation.
Neuropathology of familial tauopathy
Authors: Tsuboi Yoshio
Published: September 2006

Frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17) is a hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder. FTDP‐17 was originally defined in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1996. Since then, more than 100 families with FTDP‐17 have been described throughout the world, including 18 families identified in Japan. Genetic studies have identified 40 different mutations in the microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT) gene. The clinical features of FTDP‐17 are characterized by behavioral, cognitive and motor disturbances that may occur in various combinations and degrees. Neuropathologic examination shows that various degrees of atrophy may be present in the frontal and temporal lobes, basal ganglia, amygdala and hippocampus. All the brains from patients with FTDP‐17 have also shown the presence of tau deposits in neurons and glial cells. Mutations in MAPT may result in the increased splicing of exon 10, leading to 4‐repeat tau depositions in both neurons and glial cells. MAPT mutations outside of exon 10 show 3‐ and 4‐repeat tau deposits, predominantly in neurons with less glial pathology. Neuronal pathology may resemble that of Alzheimer’s disease or Pick’s disease because of the presence of neurofibrillary tangles or Pick‐like bodies, whereas glial pathology may resemble that of progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal degeneration because of the presence of coiled bodies, tufted astrocytes or astrocytic plaques. Correlations between genetic mutations and the heterogeneity of clinical and neuropathologic features remain unclear.
Olfactory neuroepithelioma: An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Sugita Yasuo , Kusano Kenichiro , Tokunaga Osamu , Mineta Toshihiro , Abe Masamitsu , Harada Hiroshi , Shigemori Minoru
Published: September 2006

Three cases of olfactory neuroepithelioma are presented in this report. Histologically, these tumors were composed of small cells with round to oval, relatively hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm. The tumor cells were occasionally observed in tubular formations or rosette‐like arrangements. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed a positive reaction for cytokeratin AE1, cytokeratin CAM5.2, Ber‐EP4, antisynaptophysin and anti‐S100 protein in all cases. In two cases, LH‐RH was detected in the tumor cells. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells had the differentiation features of olfactory epithelium. Olfactory neuroepithelioma is a rare occurrence and it can be very difficult to distinguish olfactory neuroepithelioma from small cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma and so‐called “olfactory neuroblastoma” on the basis of hematoxylin and eosin stained sections alone. In controversial cases, a diagnosis of olfactory neuroepithelioma must be substantiated by ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings, particularly regarding the detection of Ber‐EP4 and LH‐RH immunoreactivity.
Report on the first Chinese family with Gerstmann‐Sträussler‐Scheinker disease manifesting the codon 102 mutation in the prion protein gene
Authors: Wang Yin , Qiao Xiang‐Yang , Zhao Chong‐Bo , Gao Xiang , Yao Zhen‐Wei , Qi Ling , Lu Chuan‐Zhen
Published: September 2006

The authors found a female patient aged 33‐years with dementia and cerebellar ataxia rapidly progressing for a year. EEG tracings were abnormal but without features of typical CJD. The patient died 13 months after the onset of illness. Biopsy of her cerebral cortex showed moderate spongiform changes, neuronal loss and gliosis. Numerous deposits of eosinophilic substance amorphous or in the shape of Kuru plaques were disclosed in the cerebral cortex. All deposits stained strongly with monoclonal 3F4 antibody to human prion protein. Genetic studies disclosed the Pro to Leu point mutation at codon 102 with a 102 Leu‐129 Met in the PrP gene. Codon 129 was heterozygous for Met/Val, and codon 219 was homozygous for Glu/Glu. It was established; moreover, that the patient’s grandfather had a similar disease and died at age 48 and the patient’s brother died after a 10‐year long neurological disease diagnosed as hereditary cerebellar ataxia. On the basis of clinical, neuropathological and genetic findings, the authors diagnosed the Gerstmann‐Sträussler‐Scheinker disease, a familial prion disease with an autosomal dominant character. This is the first report on this disease in China.
Severe cortical involvement in MV2 Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: An autopsy case report
Authors: Ishihara Kenji , Sugie Masayuki , Shiota Jun‐ichi , Kawamura Mitsuru , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Nakano Imaharu
Published: September 2006

MV2 type sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) is reported to have a long duration and marked involvement of the cerebral deep gray matter. We describe an autopsied long‐surviving sCJD case of MV2. In the early stages, the patient exhibited memory impairment, attention deficit and semantic memory disorder. Diffusion‐weighted MRI showed abnormal hyperintensity signals along the cerebral cortex, sparing the thalami and basal ganglia. Pathological observations included: severe spongiosis throughout the cerebral cortex, several kuru plaques and plaque‐like PrP deposits in the cerebellum, with only minimal degeneration in the thalami and basal ganglia. Our case suggests that MV2 has a wide clinicopathological spectrum, which ranges from “VV2” to “MM2” type.
Oligonucleotide DNA chips are useful adjuncts in epigenetic studies of glioblastomas
Authors: Kim Bomi , Kim Hanseoung , Song Byung Joo , Cha Sun Ho , Lee Mi Ok , Park Sung‐Hye
Published: September 2006

Several studies have suggested that hypermethylation and hypomethylation of CpG islands within the promoters and 5′ exons of tumor‐related genes are closely associated with carcinogenesis. However, large‐scale analysis of candidate genes has been hampered by the lack of a high throughput approach for analyzing methylation patterns. Using methylation‐specific oligonucleotide (MSO) chips, we evaluated the methylation patterns of eight samples of fresh frozen glioblastoma tissue. The MSO chip used contained DNA probes with the CpG sites of p16 (p16INK4A, CDKN2A), MGMT (O6‐Methylguanine‐DNA‐methyltransferase), APC (adenomatous polyposis coil), RASSF1A (human RAS effect homolog), which are usually hypermethylated in cancer cells and MAGE (melanoma antigen), which is usually hypomethylated in cancer cells. We selected CpG sites for analysis; 28 CpG sites (263 bp) for p16, 26 CpG sites (249 bp) for MGMT, 16 CpG sites (195 bp) for APC, 22 CpG sites (262 bp) for RASSF1A and 18 CpG sites (235 bp) for MAGE. We then constructed primer sets not including CpG sites. Bisulfite modification of genomic DNA, methylation specific PCR, hybridization and image scan with data analysis and sequencing of the bisulfite modified DNA were carried out. Of the eight glioblastomas, hypermethylation of the 5′‐CpG sites of the MGMT were found in two, RASSF1A were found in five, and p16 and APC genes were not found in any cases and hypomethylation of that of the MAGE was found in eight cases. These results obtained from the oligo DNA chip study were correlated well with the sequencing data of bisulfite modified genomic DNA except in regard to the RASSF1A and MAGE genes. The devised MSO DNA chip is a useful tool for studies on methylation.
BCR gene disruption in a pilomyxoid astrocytoma
Authors: Meléndez Bárbara , Fiaño Concepción , Ruano Yolanda , Hernández‐Moneo Jose L. , Mollejo Manuela , Martinez Pedro
Published: September 2006

We report here a 4‐month‐old child with a large, solid enhancing mass involving predominantly the suprasellar and diencephalic regions, with extension of both hemispheres. The patient underwent partial resection of the mass by right temporal craniotomy. Histological diagnosis was of a low‐grade glioma consistent with pilomyxoid astrocytoma. Cytogenetic analyses revealed an insertion on chromosome 17 that involved disruption of the BCR gene. This finding suggests a possible rearrangement of this gene that could act in a similar way to chronic myeloid leukemia with formation of a chimeric tyrosine kinase protein. This study may suggest the use of inhibitors of tyrosine kinase proteins as an alternative treatment approach in cases of refractory or disseminated pilocytic astrocytomas.
Expression of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 in ependymal tumors
Authors: Roma Andres A. , Prayson Richard A.
Published: September 2006

Up‐regulation of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), a cytokine‐induced enzyme that metabolizes arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, has been described in some brain tumors, including astrocytomas. Little is known about its expression in ependymal neoplasms. The objective of the present study was to assess COX‐2 immunostaining of ependymal tumors. Retrospective COX‐2 immunohistochemical analysis was conducted on 117 ependymal tumors. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t‐test. The study group (56 men and 44 women, mean age, 30.8 years) was comprised of 48 low‐grade ependymomas (WHO grade II), 12 anaplastic ependymomas (WHO grade III), 27 myxopapillary ependymomas (WHO grade I) and 13 subependymomas (WHO grade I). At last known follow‐up (range, 12–226 months; mean, 74 months), 52 patients were alive with no evidence of tumor, 16 patients were alive with residual tumor, nine patients died with tumor, one patient died with no tumor and three died with tumor status unknown. Nineteen patients had less than 12 months of follow‐up. Thirty‐six (36%) patients had tumors, which demonstrated positive COX‐2 staining, including 16/27 (59%) myxopapillary ependymomas, 3/13 (23%) subependymomas, 14/48 (29%) ependymomas and 3/12 (25%) anaplastic ependymomas. Statistically significant COX‐2 positive immunostaining was observed in myxopapillary ependymomas versus WHO grade II (P = 0.03) and grade III (P = 0.02) tumors. Increased COX‐2 expression in myxopapillary ependymoma as compared to the WHO grade II and II ependymoma was observed. The reason for this apparent increased immunoexpression in these low‐grade tumors is uncertain. COX‐2 inhibitors may play a role in treatment of the subset of ependymal tumors that demonstrate increased expression. COX‐2 staining did not reliably predict tumor behavior.
Chaperone and anti‐chaperone: Two‐faced synuclein as stimulator of synaptic evolution
Authors: Fujita Masayo , Wei Jianshe , Nakai Masaaki , Masliah Eliezer , Hashimoto Makoto
Published: September 2006

Previous studies have shown that β‐synuclein (β‐syn), the homologue of α‐syn, inhibited α‐syn aggregation and stabilized Akt cell survival signaling molecule, suggesting that β‐syn was protective against α‐syn‐related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and diffuse Lewy body disease. However, emerging evidence argues that the situation may be not so simple. Two missense mutations of β‐syn were identified in familial and sporadic diffuse Lewy body disease, and wild type β‐syn was induced to form fibril structures in vitro, while, α‐syn was shown to be protective against neurodegeneration caused by deletion of cysteine‐string protein‐α, the presynaptic cochaperone to Hsc70 in mice. Collectively, α‐ and β‐syn are both, but in varying degrees, featured with two opposite properties, namely normal chaperone and anti‐chaperone. By reviewing recent progress in syn biology with a particular focus on β‐syn, this manuscript refers to the intriguing possibility that the dual syn proteins might have acquired a driving force for synaptic evolution. Hypothetically, the anti‐chaperone syn may provoke stress‐induced diverse responses, whereas, the chaperone syn may provide buffering for them, allowing accumulation of nonlethal phenotypic variations in synapses. Consequently, dual syn proteins may cope with forth‐coming stresses in the brain by stimulating adaptive evolution. In this context, failure to regulate this process due to various causes, such as gene mutations and environmental risk factors, may result in imperfect adaptability against stresses, leading to neurodegenerative disorders.
Cellular tau pathology and immunohistochemical study of tau isoforms in sporadic tauopathies
Authors: Yoshida Mari
Published: September 2006

Pathological inclusions in neurons and glial cells containing fibrillary aggregates of abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau protein are characteristic features in sporadic tauopathies. In the first part of this paper we outline the morphological features of some major sporadic tauopathies. In the second part, to better define the tau isoform composition, we report on the immunohistochemistry of tau isoforms in autopsied brains, including two cases with AD, two with diffuse neurofibrillary tangles with calcification, four with Pick’s disease with Pick bodies (PiD), seven with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), six with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and seven cases with argyrophilic grain disease. We used two monoclonal antibodies, RD3 and RD4, and a polyclonal antibody for exon 10 that effectively distinguish between three‐repeat (3R) tau and four‐repeat (4R) tau. Neuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in AD and diffuse neurofibrillary tangles with calcification contained both 3R‐tau and 4R‐tau. The Pick bodies were immunopositive for 3R‐tau in two cases; however, in two other cases they were mainly immunopositive for 4R‐tau. Thus, Pick bodies demonstrated heterogeneity. 3R‐tau PiD contained 3R‐tau glial inclusions, and 4R‐tau PiD contained mainly 4R‐tau glial inclusions. Glial inclusions were more abundant in 4R‐tau PiD cases. In progressive supranuclear palsy and CBD, both neuronal and glial tau accumulation forming NFT, pretangles, tuft‐shaped astrocytes, astrocytic plaques, coiled bodies and threads demonstrated 4R‐tau in the cerebral cortices, although in the basal ganglia and brainstem neuronal and glial inclusions were occasionally immunopositive for 3R‐tau in addition to 4R‐tau. Argyrophilic grains (AG) were immunopositive for 4R‐tau, although pretangles were weakly stained for 4R‐tau. Thus the immunoreactivity for 4R‐tau was different between AG and pretangles. Therefore, the isoform composition on immunohistochemical study showed heterogeneity in PiD, and was not uniform in the basal ganglia and brain stem in PSP and CBD. It is suggested that the isoform composition of sporadic tauopathies may have a spectrum in individual cases, and cellular isoform composition may differ in various brain regions.
Prevalence of prostatitis‐like symptoms in Japanese men: Population‐based study in a town in Hokkaido
Authors: KUNISHIMA YASUHARU , MORI MITSURU , KITAMURA HIROSHI , SATOH HIROSHI , TSUKAMOTO TAIJI
Published: September 2006

Aim: To determine the prevalence of prostatitis‐like symptoms in Japanese men living in one town.

Methods: A cross‐sectional and population‐based study was performed in a town that had 6385 men aged from 20 to 79 years. We sent two questionnaires, the validated Japanese version of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS) with questions about individual medical information, to 1424 randomly selected community‐indwelling men. Subjects were defined as having prostatitis‐like symptoms if they complained of perineal and/or ejaculatory pain or discomfort and their total pain score was four or greater.

Results: A total of 512 men (36%) responded completely to the questionnaires. Of the 512 responders, 25 men (4.9%) were identified as having prostatitis‐like symptoms. Prevalence of symptoms was the same in men aged younger than 50 years (5.0%) as those 50 years and older (4.8%). The I‐PSS score was 10.8 in men with prostatitis‐like symptoms, which was higher than in those without symptoms.

Conclusions: Prevalence of prostatitis‐like symptoms was 4.9% in randomly selected men. International comparison of prevalence of the symptoms may contribute to further understanding of chronic prostatitis.
Ejaculatory disorder caused by alpha‐1 adrenoceptor antagonists is not retrograde ejaculation but a loss of seminal emission
Authors: HISASUE SHIN‐ICHI , FURUYA RYOJI , ITOH NAOKI , KOBAYASHI KO , FURUYA SEIJI , TSUKAMOTO TAIJI
Published: September 2006

Aim: The etiology of the ejaculatory disorder induced by alpha‐1 blockers is still controversial, although it has been suggested to be retrograde ejaculation. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of alpha‐1 adrenoceptor subtype mRNA in human seminal vesicles, and to analyze the prevalence and etiology of the disorder in healthy men.

Methods: Experimental Study. Seminal vesicles from 10 surgical specimens (eight radical prostatectomy, two radical cystectomy) were dissected. Real‐time PCR was conducted for quantification of mRNA expression of each alpha‐1 adrenoceptor subtype. Clinical Study. Ejaculatory disorder was investigated using 17 healthy male volunteers. Tamsulosin (0.2 mg and 0.4 mg) and naftopidil (50 mg and 100 mg) were administered in a crossover manner for 3 days. The ejaculatory volume, sperm count in midstream urine after ejaculation, and fructose concentration in seminal plasma were investigated.

Results: Real‐time PCR revealed that alpha‐1a mRNA was significantly predominant in seminal vesicles (P < 0.001; 1a, 75.0%; 1b, 11.7%; 1d, 13.3%). Ejaculatory volume (baseline 2.72 ± 0.28 mL) significantly decreased in the tamsulosin group (0.2 mg, 1.75 ± 0.31 mL; 0.4 mg, 1.51 ± 0.39 mL; P < 0.05), but not in the naftopidil group (50 mg, 2.70 ± 0.24 mL; 100 mg, 2.48 ± 0.26 mL; P = NS). There was no sperm in midstream urine after any ejaculation.

Conclusions: The current study demonstrates that alpha‐1a mRNA is predominant among the adrenoceptor subtypes in human seminal vesicles. Decreased capacity of contraction of the seminal vesicles is proposed as the cause of the ejaculatory disorder induced by alpha‐1 blockers.
Up‐regulation of interleukin‐6 gene expression in cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis in mice: An in situ hybridization histochemical study
Authors: NISHII HISAE , NOMURA MASAYOSHI , FUJIMOTO NAOHIRO , MATSUMOTO TETSURO
Published: September 2006

Aim: To determine the time course and the cellular sources of interleukin (IL)‐6 in the bladder during experimental cystitis, the expression of the IL‐6 gene and IL‐6 protein was examined in the bladder during cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced cystitis.

Methods: Mice were killed at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12 and 48 h after the intraperitoneal administration of 0.9% saline containing either CP (200 mg/kg) or saline. The expression of IL‐6 gene and IL‐6 protein were detected using in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunocytochemistry, respectively.

Results: In situ hybridization histochemistry showed that IL‐6 gene expression was significantly up‐regulated in the bladder at 1 h in comparison to that at 0 h after CP administration. The levels of IL‐6 gene expression peaked at 6 h after CP administration and then declined thereafter. In contrast, only a few IL‐6 transcripts were expressed in the bladder but they remained unchanged following the administration of saline at all time points examined. The IL‐6 transcripts were predominantly distributed in the perivascular area of the submucosal layers during CP‐induced cystitis. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated IL‐6 immunoreactivity in the spindle‐shaped cells located in the vicinity of the dilated vessels of the submucosal layers during CP‐induced cystitis.

Conclusion: IL‐6 gene expression was up‐regulated in the submucosal layer of the bladder and peaked at 6 h after CP administration, suggesting that the primary source of IL‐6 may be fibroblasts in the bladder during CP‐induced cystitis.
Safety of supracostal punctures for percutaneous renal surgery
Authors: YADAV RAJIV , ARON MONISH , GUPTA NARMADA P , HEMAL ASHOK K , SETH AMLESH , KOLLA SURENDRA B
Published: September 2006

Aim: Supracostal superior calyceal access has been shown to be the most suitable approach for staghorn calculi, calculi in the upper ureter and complex inferior calyceal calculi, as well as for antegrade endopyelotomy. However, many urologists hesitate in using this approach because of the potential for chest complications. The aim of this study was to analyze one institution’s data regarding the safety and efficacy of this approach for percutaneous renal surgery.

Methods: A total of 890 renal units (762 patients) were treated with percutaneous renal surgery (849 percutaneous nephrolithotomy, 41 antegrade endopyelotomy) from July 1998 to July 2004. Supracostal access was obtained in 332 (37.3%) patients. The indications for a supracostal approach were ureteropelvic junction obstruction, staghorn and complex inferior calyceal calculi, and stones in the upper calyx or the upper ureter. All punctures were made by the urologist under C‐arm fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position.

Results: The interspace between 11th and 12th rib was used in all except four patients in whom the puncture was made above the 11th rib. Eleven patients (3.31%) had a pleural breach presenting with fluid in the chest. Insertion of a chest tube was required in seven patients, while other four were managed conservatively. No patient had injury to the lung or other viscera. Hospital stay was not significantly prolonged as a result of the pleural breach in any patient. Except for staghorn calculi where multiple tracts were a necessity for maximal clearance, a single supracostal superior or middle posterior calyceal access served the purpose in 86% (177/205) of patients who underwent percutaneous surgery for renal or upper ureteric calculi.

Conclusions: The supracostal superior calyceal approach was found to be effective as well as safe, with an acceptably low risk of chest complications.
Urological complications in 980 consecutive patients with renal transplantation
Authors: DAVARI HAMID R , YARMOHAMMADI HOOMAN , MALEKHOSSEINI SEYED A , SALAHI HESHMATOLLAH , BAHADOR ALI , SALEHIPOUR MEHDI
Published: September 2006

Aim: To present the urological complications of renal transplantations performed in the last 14 years at one center and to briefly explain a modified method of Lich–Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy.

Methods: The data of 980 patients receiving kidney transplants at the authors' institution from April 1991 to February 2004 were reviewed in a retrospective prospective study. In particular, surgical techniques and urological complications were noted.

Results: A total of 980 patients had received kidney transplantation. Extravesical ureteroneocystostomy (Lich–Gregoir method) was used in the first 480 patients (group A). In the subsequent 500 patients, the authors' modified method of extravesical ureteroneocystostomy, using single layer anastomosis and small feeding tubes as stent, was used (group B). Overall urological complication rate was 2.8% (28 patients), including leakage (13 patients, 1.3%), stenosis (seven, 0.7%), obstruction (one, 0.1%), distal ureter necrosis (four, 0.4%), pelvocalyceal fistula (two, 0.2%) and implantation of ureter into the peritoneum (one, 0.1%). Urological complications were significantly more common in group A compared to group B (16, 3.3% and 9, 1.8%, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Preserving the adventitia, fat and blood supply of the ureter by delicate dissection of the ureter during donor nephrectomy, short ureters, and fixation of the adventitia, fat and blood supply of the ureter to the bladder wall, to prevent kinking or twisting, are important factors in decreasing urological complications. Additionally, the authors' method of ureteroneocystostomy is also effective in decreasing the incidence of ureteric complications.
Renal damage in rats induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion: Role of nitric oxide
Authors: PARLAKPINAR HAKAN , OZER MEHMET KAYA , CICEK EKRERM , CIGREMIS YILMAZ , VARDI NIGAR , ACET AHMET
Published: September 2006

Background: It has been demonstrated that myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) causes renal damage. However, the mechanism underlying this damage in kidneys during revascularization of myocardium is unclear. Direct renal ischemia/reperfusion has been implicated in the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) that leads to increase production of nitric oxide (NO). Recently, excessive production of NO has been found to be involved in causing renal injury by formatting peroxinitrite (ONOO–). The aim of this study was to investigate whether NO has a role in this damage, using aminoguanidine (AMG), a known iNOS inhibitor and an antioxidant, in rats undergoing MI/R.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were used for the experiments (n = 7 each group). In the MI/R group, the left coronary artery was occluded for 30 min and then reperfused for 120 min; the same procedure was used for the AMG group, with the additional step of AMG (200 mg/kg) administered 10 min prior to ischemia. A control group underwent sham operation. At the end of the reperfusion period, all rats were killed and their kidneys removed for biochemical determination and histopathological analysis.

Results: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in the rat kidney was accompanied by a significant increase in malondialdehyde and NO production, and a decrease in glutathione content. Administration of AMG reduced malondialdehyde and NO production and prevented depletion of glutathione content. These beneficial changes in the biochemical parameters were also associated with parallel changes in histopathological appearance.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that MI/R plays a causal role in kidney injury and AMG exerts renal‐protective effects, probably by inhibiting NO production and antioxidant activities.
EDTA‐induced urothelial cell shedding for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer in the mouse
Authors: NATIV OFER , DALAL EILATA , HIDAS GUY , ARONSON MOSHE
Published: September 2006

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intravesical EDTA instillation on the development of intravesically implanted tumor cells in normal mice.

Methods: The mouse bladder tumor (MBT‐2) model was used in female C3H/eb mice to evaluate the amount of normal urothelial cell shedding, and the degree of tumor growth inhibition following intravesical EDTA instillation in comparison with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) instillation.

Results: At 1 h after instillation, the number of urothelial cells aspirated was 500–1000 per PBS‐treated mouse and 10 000–20 000 per EDTA‐treated mouse (P < 0.00001). The bladder weight, which reflected the effect of the agent on the tumor, was similar in the untreated and PBS‐treated mice (105.46 ± 46 mg and 106.2 ± 50 mg, respectively). It was significantly lower in the EDTA‐treated mice (80.4 ± 42 mg) (P = 0.0045).

Conclusions: Intravesical administration of EDTA results in significant normal and neoplastic urothelial cell shedding. Intravesical irrigation with EDTA may prevent adherence of the malignant cells to the bladder wall following tumor resection.
Genital self‐mutilation
Authors: STUNELL HELEN , POWER RICHARD E , FLOYD MICHAEL , QUINLAN DAVID M
Published: September 2006

Abstract  A 53‐year‐old man was brought to the emergency department having removed both testicles and amputated his penis using a bread knife. Examination of the amputated penis showed it to be unsuitable for an attempted replant procedure. The patient was taken to theatre where the perineal wound was debrided and the remaining urethra brought down as a perineal urethrostomy, with a local cutaneous flap rotated to provide coverage for the urethra. Discussed herein are the incidence, predisposing factors, management and complications of genital self‐mutilation in the adult male, and the existing literature is reviewed on the subject.
Adenocarcinomas arising from primary retroperitoneal teratoma in an adult female patient
Authors: CHU PEI‐YI , TENG TSUNG‐HAN , LEE CHIN‐CHENG , CHOU YUH‐YU
Published: September 2006

Abstract  Presented herein is a case of primary retroperitoneal teratoma with adenocarcinomatous transformation predominantly composed of signet ring cell carcinoma and intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma in a 36‐year‐old woman. Retroperitoneum is an infrequent location for teratoma in adults and malignant transformation is exceptionally rare. Clinical manifestations, radiological studies, laboratory investigation, and pathological findings of this case are described. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, 16 adult cases of primary retroperitoneal teratoma with malignant change have been reported in the literature. Herein is reported the first case of malignant teratoma with prominent component of signet ring cell carcinoma.
Analysis of a 1‐year‐old cystinuric patient with recurrent renal stones
Authors: TANZER FATOS , OZGUR ARZU , BARDAKCI FEVZI , CANKORKMAZ LEVENT , AYAN SEMIH
Published: September 2006

Abstract  Cystinuria is a hereditary disorder of cystine and dibasic amino acids (lysine, arginine, ornithine) transport across the luminal membrane of renal tubules and intestine, resulting in recurrent nephrolithiasis. Cystine stones frequently occur in the second or third decade of life with an occasional occurrence in infancy and in old age. Herein is presented the case of a 1‐year‐old girl with cystinuria and recurrent urolithiasis; the genetic basis of the disease was investigated by mutational analysis of the SLC3A1 gene. The data show that the present patient has an increased cystine (923.08 µg/mL) level and was heterozygote for M467T mutation.
Granulomatous balanoposthitis after intravesical Bacillus‐Calmette‐Guerin instillation therapy
Authors: YUSUKE HATTORI , YOSHINORI HARA , KENICHI MATSUURA , AKIO HASEGAWA
Published: September 2006

Abstract  We report a rare case of granulomatous balanoposthitis after intravesical Bacillus‐Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) instillation therapy in a 58‐year‐old man, which followed transurethral resection (TUR) for recurrent bladder cancer, when his anterior urethra was slightly narrow and his foreskin was with phimosis. Intravesical BCG instillation therapy was started for prophylaxis of recurrent bladder cancer after TUR. Multiple painless firm papules on glans penis, edema in the foreskin and low‐grade fever appeared after the seventh instillation, for which the single antituberculous agent isoniazid (300 mg/day) was administered. Biopsy of the papules on glans penis and foreskin revealed granulomatous balanoposthitis. Low‐grade fever normalized and the papules disappeared within 1 week. The patient continued chemotherapy with isoniazid for the next 12 months. There was no recurrence of bladder cancer or balanoposthitis for 15 months and to date.
Posterior urethral valve: Outcome of antenatal intervention
Authors: SALAM MAMDOUH A
Published: September 2006

Introduction and Aim: Antenatal treatment of obstructive uropathy, although widely performed, remains controversial. This study evaluated the long‐term outcome of managing patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV), highlighting the effect of antenatal vesicoamniotic shunt placement for patients who underwent fetal surgery.

Methods: The medical records of 58 patients with PUV were retrospectively reviewed from June 1998 to June 2004. On the basis of prenatal assessment of sonographic findings and serial urinary electrolytes and protein measurements, patients were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised patients who had antenatal vesicoamniotic shunt placement whereas group 2 comprised patients who underwent postnatal surgical correction of PUV. Their outcomes and long‐term results were evaluated.

Results: Patients were followed up from 6 months to 6½ years (mean 3.9 years). Group 1 included 12 patients who had vesicoamniotic shunt placement and were confirmed postnatally to have PUV. Four patients out of 12 died (33.3%); three out of the eight living patients had perinatal complications. Of the eight living patients, three (37.5%) underwent valve ablation and five (62.5%) underwent urinary diversion (three vesicostomies and two cutaneous ureterostomies). Renal function returned to normal in only four patients (50%). Radiological abnormalities (hydronephrosis and/or reflux) resolved in three (37.5%) patients, was downgraded in one (12.5%) patient and persisted in four patients (50%). Group 2 included 46 patients who were treated postnatally. Thirty‐five patients (76%) underwent primary valve ablation, while 11 (24%) underwent urinary diversion (seven vesicostomies, four cutaneous ureterostomy and one pyelostomy). Renal function returned to normal in all patients who underwent valve ablation, except in three, while renal function returned to normal in only three of 11 patients who underwent urinary diversion. Radiological hydronephrosis and/or reflux resolved in 28 patients (60.9%), was downgraded in six patients (13%) and persisted in 12 patients (26.1%).

Conclusions: Antenatal vesicoamniotic shunt placement makes no difference to the outcome and long‐term results of patients with PUV and debate about its efficacy on renal outcome remains. Primary valve ablation is the keystone of treatment for patients with PUV that might achieve the primary goal of nephron preservation. The lowest creatinine concentration in the first year of life is the most appropriate predictor of future renal function.
Depression and lower urinary tract symptoms: Two important correlates of erectile dysfunction in middle‐aged men in Hong Kong, China
Authors: WONG SAMUEL YEUNG SHAN , CHAN DICKEN , HONG ATHENA , LEUNG PING CHUNG , WOO JEAN
Published: September 2006

Aim: To evaluate the correlates of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Hong Kong middle‐aged Chinese men aged 45–64 years.

Methods: A community‐based cross‐sectional household survey was performed in Hong Kong. The Chinese abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) was used to measure erectile function. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was used to measure lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and depressive symptoms were mesured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). Demographic and lifestyle data were also collected. The association between ED and its correlates was analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: Of the 545 subjects who agreed to participate in the survey, 75 refused to answer questions about their sexual activities and function. Out of those who responded, 118 (22%) subjects were not sexually active (not sexually active over the past 4 weeks). Out of 352 subjects, 60.3% suffered from some degree of ED. Age, presence of depression defined by CES‐D and moderate LUTS were associated with increased odds of having ED. In multivariate analysis, depressive symptoms identified by CES‐D (OR = 2.3, CI: 1.2–4.6) and moderate LUTS (OR = 3.7, CI: 1.6–8.3) were independently associated with increased odds of having ED.

Conclusion: ED is an important public health problem in Chinese middle‐aged men, with more than half suffering from some degree of ED. Depression and LUTS were significant and important risk factors associated with ED.
Stoichiometry of consumer‐driven nutrient recycling across nutrient regimes in streams
Authors: Evans‐White Michelle A. , Lamberti Gary A.
Published: September 2006

Stoichiometric constraints within ecological interactions and their ecosystem consequences may depend on characteristics of the abiotic environment such as background nutrient levels. We assessed whether consumer identity, via differing body stoichiometry, could regulate periphyton stoichiometry across nutrient regimes in open systems. In 60 flow‐through artificial streams, we factorially crossed dissolved inorganic nitrogen levels (elevated = 294 μg L−1, ambient = 26 μg L−1) with dissolved inorganic phosphorus levels (DIP: elevated = 15 μg L−1, ambient = 3 μg L−1) and consumer type [crayfish (body N : P = 18), snails (body N : P = 28) or a control]. At ambient DIP, periphyton in the crayfish treatment had a lower %P and a lower C : P than periphyton in the snail treatment suggesting that consumer identity, probably mediated by differing P‐excretion, regulated periphyton P content. At high DIP, consumer identity no longer affected periphyton elemental composition. Therefore, the stoichiometry of consumer‐driven nutrient recycling and consumer identity may be less important to ecosystem functioning in environments with elevated nutrient levels.