bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STREET CRIME AND STREET CULTURE*
Authors: Silverman Dan
Published: July 2004

A model shows how reputation concerns can support widespread street crime, a street culture, where the direct incentives for such behavior are weak. There are social benefits to street reputations, but those benefits are dominated when reputation concerns draw into crime those who obtain no direct gain from it. The model matches facts about violent crime that a standard model cannot easily explain including low monetary returns, disproportionate victimization of the young and poor, and high variance in rates across small distances. The model generates novel implications for policy and social science, including a negative effect of social capital.
WHY DO GOOD COPS DEFEND BAD COPS?*
Authors: Benoît Jean‐Pierre , Dubra Juan
Published: July 2004

Policemen are known to support colleagues who are the subject of criminal investigations. Although we might expect guilty officers to defend each other, why do (otherwise) law‐abiding policemen defend those who have broken the law? We investigate under what conditions it is in the interest of a group to defend its “bad” members.
EDUCATION, WORK, AND CRIME: A HUMAN CAPITAL APPROACH*
Authors: Lochner Lance
Published: July 2004

This article develops a model of crime in which human capital increases the opportunity cost of crime from foregone work and expected costs associated with incarceration. Older, more intelligent, and more educated adults should commit fewer street (unskilled) crimes. White collar crimes decline less (or increase) with age and education. Predictions for age–crime and education–crime relationships receive broad empirical support in self‐report data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and arrest data from the Uniform Crime Reports. The effects of education, training, and wage subsidies, as well as enforcement policies on criminal behavior are discussed.
A MODEL OF BUREAUCRACY AND CORRUPTION*
Authors: Shi Shouyong , Temzelides Ted
Published: July 2004

We analyze bureaucracy and corruption in a market with decentralized exchange and “lemons.” Exchange is modeled as a sequence of bilateral, random matches. Agents have private information about the quality of goods they produce and can supplement trade with socially inefficient bribes. Bureaucracy is modeled as a group of agents who enjoy centralized production and consumption. Transaction patterns between the bureaucracy and the private sector are fully endogenous. Centralized production and consumption in the bureaucracy give rise to low power incentives for the individual bureaucrats. As a result, private agents might bribe bureaucrats, whereas they do not bribe each other. An equilibrium with corruption and an equilibrium without corruption can coexist. We discuss some welfare implications of the model.
RACIAL PROFILING OR RACIST POLICING? BOUNDS TESTS IN AGGREGATE DATA*
Authors: Hernández‐Murillo Rubén , Knowles John
Published: July 2004

State‐wide reports on police traffic stops and searches summarize very large populations, making them potentially powerful tools for identifying racial bias, particularly when statistics on search outcomes are included. But when the reported statistics conflate searches involving different levels of police discretion, standard tests for racial bias are not applicable. This article develops a model of police search decisions that allows for nondiscretionary searches and derives tests for racial bias in data that mix different search types. Our tests reject unbiased policing as an explanation of the disparate impact of motor‐vehicle searches on minorities in Missouri.
Plica Neuropathica: A Mystery
Authors: Dogra Sunil , Kanwar Amrinder Jit
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  Plica neuropathica is a rare, acquired condition of sudden onset characterized by irreversible matting of hair. The exact mechanism is not understood, but multiple factors such as physical conditions, chemical agents, and behavioral factors play main roles. Cutting of the affected hair and avoiding all possible triggering factors are the only effective treatments. We report a 14‐year‐old boy with this condition.
Milia‐Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis
Authors: Bécuwe C. , Roth B. , Villedieu M. H. , Chouvet B. , Kanitakis J. , Claudy A.
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  Milia‐like idiopathic calcinosis cutis is a rare entity. Only 17 cases have been reported so far. Two‐thirds of these have been associated with Down syndrome. We report the fifth case occurring in a child without Down syndrome. Milia‐like idiopathic calcinosis cutis has long been regarded as a peculiar subtype of idiopathic calcinosis cutis. The pathogenesis of the disorder remains unclear.
Aplasia Cutis Congenita After Methimazole Exposure in Utero
Authors: Karg Eszter , Bereg Edit , Gaspar Laszlo , Katona Marta , Turi Sandor
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  We describe a patient who was exposed to the antithyroid drug methimazole during the first 6 weeks of gestation and was born prematurely with scalp and skull defects associated with facial asymmetry. A review of the literature seems to support the hypothesis that methimazole is a potential teratogen. Although the risk of birth defects is low with clinically applied doses of the drug, it cannot be regarded as safe and should therefore be avoided in the treatment of pregnant women.
Effect of IL‐12 and soluble IL‐4 receptor on the herpesvirus infection in human SCID chimeras whose Th2 cells predominate
Authors: Katakura Tatsushi , Kobayashi Makiko , Herndon David N , Suzuki Fujio
Published: July 2004

Th2 cytokines, commonly detected in burn patients, have been shown as inhibitors for the generation of Th1 cells that are essential for the host's resistance against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) infection. In this study, the possibility of immunological treatment through the regulation of Th1/Th2 responses was examined in two kinds of human severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) chimera models reflecting human immune functions. SCID mice injected with a mixture of PBMC from a healthy donor and Th2 cells experimentally generated from the same healthy PBMC (Th2 SCID chimeras) were more susceptible to HSV‐1 infection when compared with SCID mice injected with healthy donor PBMC (healthy SCID chimeras). When Th2 SCID chimeras were individually treated with human IL‐12 (hIL‐12) or human soluble IL‐4 receptor (hsIL‐4R), hIFN‐γ was not produced in their sera after antihuman CD3 mAb stimulation. However, hIFN‐γ production in sera of Th2 SCID chimeras treated with the combination therapy of hIL‐12 and hsIL‐4R was recovered at levels observed in healthy SCID chimeras. When Th2 SCID chimeras infected with HSV‐1 were treated with saline, hIL‐12, hsIL‐4R or a combination of hIL‐12 and hsIL‐4R, 13%, 13%, 25% or 100% of them survived, respectively. Also, Th1 responses (hIFN‐γ production) were demonstrated in Th2 SCID chimeras that became resistant against HSV‐1 infection after the combination treatment. These results suggest that individuals whose Th2 cells predominated may be immunologically controlled by the combination treatment between a Th1 response inducer and a Th2 response inhibitor.
The first probable case of platelet transfusion‐transmitted visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Mathur P , Samantaray J. C.
Published: July 2004

Summary.  Visceral leishmaniasis (VL; kala‐azar), a life‐threatening infection of the mononuclear phagocytic system, is transmitted by the bite of infected sand flies. Though peripheral parasitaemia is documented for Leishmania spp. causing VL, reports of transfusion‐transmitted infections are rare. A case of probable platelet transfusion‐acquired VL is reported from India and issues related to transfusion safety in endemic areas are discussed.
Membrane potential and cation channels in rat juxtaglomerular cells
Authors: Friis U. G. , Jørgensen F. , Andreasen D. , Jensen B. L. , Skøtt O.
Published: July 2004

The relationship between membrane potential and cation channels in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells is not well understood. Here we review electrophysiological and molecular studies of JG cells demonstrating the presence of large voltage‐sensitive, calcium‐activated potassium channels (BKCa) of the ZERO splice variant, which is also activated by cAMP. These channels explain the hyperpolarization, which has been observed after stimulation of renin release with cAMP. In addition, there is now evidence that JG cells express functional L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels (Cav 1.2), which in situations with strong depolarization lead to calcium influx and inhibition of renin release. In most in vivo situations the membrane potential is probably protected against depolarization by the BKCa channels.
Systolic pressure and the myogenic response of the renal afferent arteriole
Authors: Loutzenhiser R. , Bidani A. K. , Wang X.
Published: July 2004

The transmission of elevated blood pressure to the glomerulus and pressure‐induced glomerular injury play central roles in the pathogenesis of kidney disease and its progression to end‐stage renal failure. The renal afferent arteriole sets the pre‐glomerular resistance and pressure‐induced or ‘myogenic’ afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction is a primary mechanism protecting the glomerulus from the damaging effects of hypertension. The systolic pressure, being the highest level of pressure attained and most frequent pressure oscillation impacting on the renal vasculature, potentially represents the most damaging component of the blood pressure. Indeed, recent studies indicate that elevations in systolic blood pressure are more closely linked to kidney disease than are elevations in diastolic pressure. However, the current view, derived from dynamic studies of autoregulation, is that the renal vasculature responds passively to pressure signals presented at rates exceeding the myogenic operating frequency (0.2–0.3 Hz in the rat). Thus existing concepts do not explain the mechanisms that normally protect the kidney from elevations in the systolic pressure which are presented at the heart rate (6 Hz in the rat). A recent study from our laboratory addressed this issue. Using a modelling approach and direct measurements of myogenic responses, we found that the afferent arteriole is able to sense and appropriately adjust tone in response to changes in systolic pressure, presented at the heart rate. Key kinetic attributes allowing this vessel to respond in this manner appear to be a very short delay in activation, an unusually rapid rate of vasoconstriction and a longer delay in vasodilation. The present review summarizes this work and presents recent findings addressing the determinants of the myogenic vasoconstriction in the afferent arteriole.
Insights into angiotensin II receptor function through AT2 receptor knockout mice
Authors: Gross V. , Obst M. , Luft F. C.
Published: July 2004

Angiotensin II signals via at least two receptors termed AT1 and AT2. The function of the AT1 receptor is well defined, while that of the AT2 receptor is still shrouded in uncertainty. AT2 gene‐deficient (−/−) mice have been helpful in unravelling the function of the AT2 receptor. We have studied AT2−/− and AT2+/+ mice with classical physiological techniques developed for the rat. We found that although AT2−/− mice have normal glomerular filtration rate, the pressure–natriuresis relationship in these mice, compared with AT2+/+ mice, is shifted rightward. Moreover, medullary blood flow fails to increase with increased perfusion pressure while the AT1 receptor expression in the kidneys is increased. We used telemetry and found that AT2−/− mice have about 10 mmHg higher blood pressures than AT2+/+ mice and that their circadian rhythm is disturbed. Moreover, their baroreflexes, as measured by spectral analyses, differs from AT2+/+ controls. The cardiac function of AT2−/− mice is remarkably preserved and the differences are subtle. However, if the mice are given l‐NAME hypertension, they exhibit an end‐systolic pressure–volume relationship that reveals decreased contractility and probable increased vascular stiffness. Furthermore, the hearts of AT2−/− mice hypertrophy more in response to l‐NAME than those of AT2+/+ mice and perivascular fibrosis is increased. DOCA‐salt treatment also shows a more rightward pressure–natriuresis relationship in AT2−/− compared with AT2+/+ mice. The renal iNOS expression is increased with DOCA‐salt treatment. Our findings support the notion that the AT2 receptor signals antiproliferative and antifibrotic effects and that its presence results in lower blood pressures and lesser responses to secondary forms of hypertension. Technical advances that have allowed us to adapt methods for the rat to the much smaller mouse have facilitated our studies.
Sodium coupled bicarbonate transporters in the kidney, an update
Authors: Aalkjær C. , Frische S. , Leipziger J. , Nielsen S. , Praetorius J.
Published: July 2004

Recently five genes have been cloned, which code for sodium dependent bicarbonate transport proteins. These genes belong to the SLC4A gene family. This short review summarizes our knowledge of these gene products with respect to their renal distribution and function. The best characterized members are the SLC4A4 and SLC4A7. SLC4A4 codes for an electrogenic Na+, HCO3−‐cotransporter (NBCe1), which is present in the basolateral membranes of proximal tubules and is responsible for the bicarbonate efflux here, and thus about 80% of the renal bicarbonate reabsorption. SLC4A7 codes for an electroneutral NBC (called NBC3 and NBCn1), which is present basolaterally in the thick ascending limb and the distal part of the collecting ducts and in intercalated cells (either apically or basolaterally) in the connecting and collecting tubules. In the thick ascending limb NBCn1 may be important for NH4+ reabsorption. SLCA5 codes for an electrogenic NBC (called NBC4 and NBCe2), which based on RT‐PCR is located to the kidney but the exact localization awaits a good antibody. This is also the case for the SLC4A8 and SLC4A10 gene products, which are sodium dependent Cl−, HCO3− exchangers. The recent development in this field substantially increases our understanding of the complex renal regulation of acid base status.
Improved haematopoietic recovery following transplantation with ex vivo‐expanded mobilized blood cells*
Authors: Miles Prince H. , Simmons Paul J. , Whitty Genevieve , Wall Dominic P. , Barber Lesley , Toner Guy C. , Seymour John F. , Richardson Gary , Mrongovius Robert , Haylock David N.
Published: July 2004

Infusions of ex vivo‐expanded (EXE) mobilized blood cells have been explored to enhance haematopoietic recovery following high dose chemotherapy (HDT). However, prior studies have not consistently demonstrated improvements in trilineage haematopoietic recovery. Three cohorts of three patients with breast cancer received three cycles of repetitive HDT supported by either unmanipulated (UM) and/or EXE cells. Efficacy was assessed by an internal comparison of each patient's consecutive HDT cycles, and to 106 historical UM infusions. Twenty‐one cycles were supported by EXE cells and six by UM cells alone. Infusions of EXE cells resulted in fewer days with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0·1 × 109/l (median 2 vs. 4 d, P = 0·002) and 3 d faster ANC recovery to >0·1 × 109/l (median 5 vs. 8 d, P = 0·0002). This resulted in a major reduction in the incidence of febrile neutropenia compared with UM cycles (0% vs. 83%; P = 0·008) and in 66% of historical UM cycles (P = 0·01) and a marked reduction in hospital re‐admission. There were also fewer platelet transfusions required (43% vs. 100%; P = 0·009). We conclude that EXE cells enhance both neutrophil and platelet recovery and reduce febrile neutropenia, platelet transfusion and hospital re‐admission.
Identification of low‐molecular weight glutenin subunits of wheat associated with bread‐making quality
Authors: Maruyama‐Funatsuki W. , Takata K. , Nishio Z. , Tabiki T. , Yahata E. , Kato A. , Saito K. , Funatsuki H. , Saruyama H. , Yamauchi H.
Published: July 2004

Although it is known that the compositions of low‐molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GSs) are important factors for bread‐making quality of wheat, it is still not clear which LMW‐GSs confer improved bread‐making quality and how those LMW‐GSs interact with high‐molecular weight (HMW) GSs. Using a hard red winter wheat line with good bread‐making quality and a Japanese wheat cultivar with poor quality as well as their progeny we identified LMW‐GSs associated with the bread‐making quality. One such LMW‐GS, KS2, which had a molecular weight of 42 kDa and was allelic to HS1, was associated with bread‐making quality. Furthermore, by using four recombinant inbred lines with different HMW‐GS and LMW‐GS combinations, KS2 and HMW‐GS 5+10 showed interaction effects on the bread‐making quality. Two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Page) analysis showed that KS2 consists of two protein components and that HS1 is composed of three components. The N‐terminal amino acid sequences of the five components were identical to the most frequently analysed sequence of LMW glutenin components.
Late blight resistance in a diploid full‐sib potato family
Authors: Costanzo S. , Christ B. J. , Haynes K. G.
Published: July 2004

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, is the most destructive disease of potato worldwide. As this pathogen can rapidly overcome major race‐specific resistance genes, identifying the basis for enhanced quantitative resistance has become a crucial element for implementing advanced breeding strategies. A population of 230 full‐sib progeny derived from a cross between two diploid hybrid Solanum phureja × S. stenotomum clones was evaluated for foliage resistance against late blight in replicated trials at multiple locations in Pennsylvania between 1999 and 2002. In field experiments, plants were evaluated visually for per cent defoliation, and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was determined. The two parents and three control cultivars (‘Atlantic’, ‘Kennebec’ and ‘Katahdin’) were included in all trials. In all three experiments, the presence of a significant number of clones exhibiting transgressive segregation were observed. There were significant differences among environments as well as among clones, and the clone × environment interaction was also significant. Stability analysis revealed that 37 clones made a significant contribution to the overall environment × clone interaction. Broad‐sense heritability for resistance, measured as AUDPC, was estimated as 0.67. The overall results indicate the presence in this potato family of a high level of field resistance against late blight. This segregating diploid family appears to be a good candidate for quantitative trait loci mapping to identify and characterize the genetic components of partial late blight resistance.
Dragonfly species richness on man‐made ponds: effects of pond size and pond age on newly established assemblages
Authors: KADOYA Taku , SUDA Shin‐ichi , WASHITANI Izumi
Published: July 2004

We studied the abundance and species richness of adult dragonflies in 11 artificial ponds which were recently established (within 2 years). We found that the adult dragonfly assemblage patterns were influenced by pond size as well as pond age. The species richness was positively correlated with the pond size, which was because the distributional patterns of species were significantly nested according to pond area. The species richness was highly correlated with pond age in association with the vegetation cover within ponds. It was suggested that the species richness was enhanced by the increasing immigration rate of species which favor well‐vegetated ponds.
Factors affecting Sarcocystis infection of rats on small tropical islands
Authors: PAPERNA Ilan , PEH Kelvin S.‐H. , MARTELLI Paolo , KOH Lian Pin , SODHI Navjot S.
Published: July 2004

The purpose of our research was to explore the limits of rat‐python‐Sarcocystis distribution among rats on the offshore tropical islands of Singapore, and to examine the effect of island size, insular isolation, landscape peculiarities and anthropogenic disturbance. Commensal rats (Rattus rattus) inhabited all of these islands, regardless of the island's size, proximity to the mainland, biogeographic features, and/or degree of anthropogenic interference. Rats caught on Sakijang Pelepah Island had well deliminated white bellies that are similar to those of sylvatic or feral rats. The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. on individual islands ranged from 57 to 100%. This is consistent with the range found in forested habitats on Singapore Island. It also exhibited a similar diversity to Sarcocystis spp. and the predominance of Sarcocystis singaporensis. On Sakijang Pelepah Island, one rat (white bellied) was exceptionally heavily infected with both Sarcocystis villivilosi and Sarcocystis sulawesiensis. The muscles of the rats from nearly all of the islands contained immature sarcocysts, which implies that active transmission is taking place on these islands. This suggests that reticulated pythons (Python reticulatus), which are the definitive hosts of rat Sarcocystis, might have been established or frequented in all the islands of Singapore. Our study shows that the Sarcocystis infection load of the rats was negatively correlated with human disturbance, hinting that human disturbance restricts the pythons’ mobility and thus, reduces infection of Sarcocytis in the islands rats.
Effects of macaque ingestion on seed destruction and germination of a fleshy‐fruited tree, Eurya emarginata
Authors: OTANI Tatsuya
Published: July 2004

Effects of macaque ingestion were examined on both seed destruction during passage through the gut and germination enhancement after defecation, using typically endozoochorous fruits of Eurya emarginata. Mechanical and chemical actions associated with the ingestion were also examined. A fruit‐feeding experiment found that 4.4% of ingested seeds could pass intact through the gut of Japanese macaques. No significant difference was detected between the seed passage percentages of six Eurya emarginata trees despite individual variation in seed weight and hardness, implying that mastication is a major factor in the severe seed mortality during the gut passage. Seeds in intact fruits showed lower germination percentage and longer germination delay than seeds with the flesh removed artificially. In contrast, no enhancement in germination was observed after passage through the gut. A series of seed treatment experiments indicated that seed abrasion did not affect germination percentage, though acid and heat‐exposure enhanced the germination. The two factors, severe seed destruction and germination enhancement by flesh removal, opposed each other. With the survival proportion of uningested seeds taken as 1.0, the survival proportion of ingested seeds was estimated as 0.49 with the 95% confidence interval of 0.14–1.46, which indicated no significant difference between the proportions of ingested‐ and uningested‐seeds.
Predispersal predation by rodents to beechnuts (Fagus crenata Blume)
Authors: IDA Hideyuki , HOTTA Masanobu , EZAKI Yasuo
Published: July 2004

The rodents’ predation intensity and discrimination ability toward the predispersal beechnuts (Fagus crenata) were investigated using a tree tower in a beech forest, central Japan in 1999 and 2000. In this stand, using seed traps, the densities of fallen viable nuts were 35.1 m−2 in 1999 and 8.4 m−2 in 2000. The vertebrate‐damaged nuts had fallen 5.6 and 2.2 m−2 in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Yet, the crop of viable nuts in 1999 was not so rich as that in a mast year. In 1999, predispersal predation by rodents was recognized at 16–19 m above ground through the bagging experiment. In 2000, there were no predispersal predation and yet we captured Apodemus argenteus three times and Glirulus japonicus frequently on the tree. Judging from the facts of their feeding behaviors and the tooth scars left on the cupules and nuts, Apodemus argenteus might have been more responsible for predation to the predispersal beechnuts rather than Glirulus japonicus. Apodemus argenteus population seemed to be abundant on the ground in both years. If the main agent of predispersal predator were Apodemus argenteus, their number shifted to the canopy would be much larger in 1999 than in 2000 according as the crop of viable nuts. In an additional experiment, rodents preferred intact cupules to insect‐damaged cupules on the tree, suggesting that they discriminated the quality of the predispersal nuts, even in the cupule stage, through olfactory and/or visual senses. Thus, predispersal nut predation by rodents was prevalent during the limited period in autumn.
Seedling emergence patterns and dormancy/germination physiology ofPrimula modestain a subalpine region
Authors: SHIMONO Ayako , WASHITANI Izumi
Published: July 2004

On the basis of the germination/dormancy responses of seeds to temperature and light, and local seed rain, we attempted to interpret the seedling emergence patterns ofPrimula modestaBisset et Moore (Primulaceae) in two different types of habitats in a subalpine zone of Mt. Asama: an oligotrophic flat moor and a grassland with relatively dense herbaceous vegetation cover. The seasonal pattern of seedling emergence was well explained by the dormancy/germination physiology revealed in laboratory germination tests. The seeds were demonstrated to have a strict light requirement even after experiencing moist chilling, which might facilitate the incorporation of the seeds into the soil seed bank. Despite sufficient seed production, the seedlings emerging were far less at the grassy site than the moor site, but the number of seedlings was significantly dependent on the seed rain within previous season and on the litter cover of the microsite in both sites. Therefore, the spatiotemporal patterns of seedling emergence in the habitats could be well explained by the spatiotemporal patterns of seed rain and safe‐sites for germination.
Germination responses of Caragana korshinskii Kom. to light, temperature and water stress
Authors: ZHENG Yuanrun , XIE Zhixiao , GAO Yong , JIANG Lianhe , SHIMIZU Hideyuki , TOBE Kazuo
Published: July 2004

Caragana korshinskii Kom. is a very important shrub species for vegetation rehabilitation in northern China for its high ecological and economic values. Experiments were conducted to determine its germination responses to (i) different temperature regimes under light and/or dark conditions, (ii) different light intensities, and (iii) different water potentials combined with varied constant temperatures. Under alternating temperatures (from 5:15 to 25:35°C), final percent germinations of Caragana korshinskii were quite similar. In dark conditions, constant temperatures resulted in lower final percent germinations than alternating temperatures. At a controlled temperature regime of 10:20°C, neither final percent germinations nor germination rates showed significant differences among varied light intensities. As water potentials were reduced from 0 (distilled water) to −0.6 MPa, final percent germinations increased slightly and reached the peak at approximately −0.6 MPa, however, the increment was not significant. Beyond −0.6 MPa, further water potential reduction led to decreased final percent germinations and few seeds could germinate at −1.4 MPa. Water stress also strongly inhibited germination at very high or low temperatures. The experimental results suggested that middle May might be a suitable time for aerial seeding for this species.
Tourette's syndrome: Psychopathology in adolescents
Authors: CHANG HSUEH‐LING , TU MING‐JE , WANG HUEI‐SHYONG
Published: July 2004

Abstract  The aim of this study is to foster an understanding of the clinical characteristics, in terms of general psychopathology, of Tourette syndrome (TS), as it manifests in adolescent patients, and to compare these results with those of previous studies conducted in Western countries. In total, 38 male and 5 female adolescent patients who visited a pediatric neurological specialty clinic for TS between 1 January and 1 March 2003, and who met the World Health Organisation criteria for TS, were studied. These patients were clinically interviewed and assessed with the Symptom‐Checklist‐90‐R, Family APGAR and Tic Symptoms questionnaire, a self‐report questionnaire based on DSM‐IV TS diagnostic criteria. Among this population, the mean age of onset of motor tics was 9.65 ± 3.7 years, and motor tics of the head and eyes were usually the first symptoms to manifest; coprolalia occurred in 44.1% (n = 19) of our patients. Many of our findings were similar to those reported in trials conducted in other regions of the world. TS symptoms showed stronger correlation with emotional distress in older patients.
Lack of association between sigma1 receptor gene variants and schizophrenia
Authors: SATOH FUMIAKI , MIYATAKE RYOSUKE , FURUKAWA AIZO. , SUWAKI HIROSHI
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Several pharmacological studies suggest the possible involvement of sigma1 receptors in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. An association has been reported between schizophrenia and two variants (GC‐241–240TT and Gln2Pro) in the sigma1 receptor gene (SIGMAR1). We also previously reported that, along with T‐485 A, these two variants alter SIGMAR1 function. To investigate the role of SIGMAR1 in conveying susceptibility to schizophrenia, we performed a case‐control study. We initially screened for polymorphisms in the SIGMAR1 coding region using PCR‐single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. The distribution of SIGMAR1 polymorphisms was analyzed in 100 schizophrenic and 104 control subjects. A novel G620A variant was detected in exon4. G620A was predicted to alter the amino acid represented by codon 211 from arginine to glutamine. Our case‐control study showed no significant association between the T‐485 A, GC‐241–240TT, Gln2Pro, and G620A (Arg211Gln) variants and schizophrenia and clinical characteristics. These findings suggest that these SIGMAR1 variants may not affect susceptibility to schizophrenia.
Prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder in incarcerated juvenile delinquents in Japan
Authors: YOSHINAGA CHIEKO , KADOMOTO IZUMI , OTANI TOSHIYUKI , SASAKI TSUKASA , KATO NOBUMASA
Published: July 2004

Abstract  The present study investigated frequency of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in incarcerated juvenile delinquents in Japan. The presence of overwhelming traumatic experiences, which fulfilled the DSM‐IV criterion A for PTSD, was evaluated using a self‐report questionnaire in 251 delinquents (206 males and 45 females). The structured interview using the Clinician‐administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐IV (CAPS) was administered to those with the experiences. A substantial portion (36%) of the delinquents reported experiences of exposure to such overwhelming traumatic events, which fulfilled the criterion A. Among those who met the criterion A, 48 subjects (40 males and eight females) received the CAPS interview. Ten (21%) out of 48 were diagnosed with current or past history of full PTSD. Three subjects out of the 10 were currently diagnosed with full PTSD. Another 10 subjects out of 48 (21%) had fulfilled the criteria for current or past history of partial PTSD. Among the 10, one was diagnosed as currently suffering from partial PTSD. In females, frequencies of the past history were quite high (50% for full PTSD and 25% for partial PTSD in the eight subjects), while none was currently diagnosed with PTSD.
Obesity in schizophrenic outpatients receiving antipsychotics in Taiwan
Authors: HSIAO CHENG‐CHENG , REE SHAO‐CHUN , CHIANG YUAN‐LIN , YEH SONG‐SO , CHEN CHIH‐KEN
Published: July 2004

Abstract  This investigation estimates and compares, for the first time, the distribution of body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) and the prevalence of obesity among Chinese outpatients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics. The BMI of 201 outpatients with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders was studied via a cross‐sectional naturalistic study. This investigation also compared the BMI of the subjects with a Taiwanese reference population. This investigation found no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between male and female subjects. The prevalence of obesity among male and female patients in this investigation was, respectively, 2.74‐ and 2.51‐fold greater than the Taiwanese reference population, and the prevalence of severe obesity among male and female patients was 4.66‐ and 3.53‐fold greater than that in the Taiwanese reference population, respectively. The rate of severe obesity was especially high in patients treated with olanzapine. Atypical antipsychotics other than olanzapine did not seem to be more closely associated with obesity or severe obesity compared to typical antipsychotics.
Cigarette smoking among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders
Authors: ÜÇOK ALP , POLAT ASLIHAN , BOZKURT OYA , METERIS HANDAN
Published: July 2004

Abstract  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the ratio of smokers and the relationship of cigarette smoking to clinical features in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. One hundred and forty‐four patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder along with 114 healthy controls were evaluated. A total of 57.5% of the patients with schizophrenia, 55.1% of the bipolar patients and 47.3% of the control group were smokers. Daily cigarette consumption among the patients with schizophrenia was higher than that for the bipolar patients, and control group. Among the patients with schizophrenia who were in acute psychotic episode, Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms scores of the smokers were significantly higher.
Antitumor effect of simultaneous transfer of interleukin‐12 and interleukin‐18 genes and its mechanism in a mouse bladder cancer model
Authors: HIKOSAKA SATOKO , HARA ISAO , MIYAKE HIDEAKI , HARA SHOJI , KAMIDONO SADAO
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antitumor effects of the simultaneous introduction of interleukin 12 (IL‐12) and IL‐18 genes into a mouse bladder cancer cell line (MBT2). We intended to compare these with those of either gene alone and to investigate the mechanism of the effects induced by the transfer of IL‐12 and/or IL‐18 genes in this model system.

Methods:  We transfected the IL‐12 and/or IL‐18 genes into MBT2 cells by the liposome‐mediated gene transfer method. We confirmed the secretion of IL‐12 and/or IL‐18 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Parental (MBT2/P), IL‐12‐transfected (MBT2/IL‐12), IL‐18‐transfected (MBT2/IL‐18) or both IL‐12‐ and IL‐18‐transfected (MBT2/Both) cells were subcutaneously or intravenously injected into syngeneic C3H mice. To analyze the mechanism of tumor rejection, these clones were subcutaneously injected into naive nude mice and those depleted with natural killer (NK) cells by antibody.

Results:  MBT2/IL‐12, MBT2/IL‐18 and MBT2/Both were completely rejected when they were injected subcutaneously or intravenously into syngeneic mice. However, MBT2/IL‐12, but not MBT2/IL‐18, could grow in nude mice. Moreover, the antitumor effect of MBT2/IL‐18 was partially abrogated when injected into nude mice of which NK cells were depleted by antibody treatment. MBT2/Both was completely rejected in both nude mice with and without NK cells.

Conclusion:  The results of the present study indicate that T cells and NK cells seem to play important roles in the antitumor effects by the secretion of IL‐12 and IL‐18, respectively, and MBT2/Both possesses both mechanisms.
Massive bilateral perirenal hematoma following urinary catheterization for urinary obstruction
Authors: HAYDAR ALI A , HUJAIRI NABIL M , QUATEEN AIMAN , HATOUM TAREK , GOLDSMITH DAVID J A
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Urinary tract obstruction is a common problem associated with many complications. Decompression of an enlarged bladder has been associated with several complications, mainly vesicular bleeding. We report a case of a 42‐year‐old male patient who developed bilateral renal subcapsular hematomas secondary to relief of an extremely enlarged bladder.
Health related quality of life in Japanese men after radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: NAMIKI SHUNICHI , TOCHIGI TATSUO , KUWAHARA MASAAKI , IORITANI NAOMASA , TERAI AKITO , NUMATA ISAO , SATOH MAKOTO , SAITO SEIICHI , KOINUMA NOBUO , ARAI YOICHI
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  We performed a retrospective survey of general and disease specific health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and external beam radiotherapy (XRT) in Japanese men.

Methods:  A total of 186 patients underwent RP and 78 underwent XRT for clinically localized prostate cancer between 2000 and 2002. We measured the general and disease specific HRQOL with the MOS 36‐Item Health Survey and the University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index, respectively. Each treatment group was further divided into four subgroups according to the time scale.

Results:  Patients from the RP group were significantly younger than those from the XRT group. The tumor characteristics differed significantly in their distributions among the treatment groups. Patients undergoing XRT had low scores in most of the general measures of HRQOL just after treatment, but after 6 months there were no differences between the treatment groups, except for the physical domains. The RP group was associated with worse urinary function, whereas the XRT group had worse bowel function and bother during the first 6 months after treatment. Thereafter, however, urinary and bowel domain did not differ between the groups. Both groups reported poor sexual function, although the RP group scored lower sexual bother.

Conclusion:  The patients who underwent RP had significantly worse urinary and better bowel function than those treated with XRT. Both treatment groups had decrements in sexual function throughout the post‐treatment period; careful attention should be paid to this side‐effect in preoperative counselling, especially in younger patients, regardless of the primary treatments.
Relapse of brucellosis simulating testis tumor
Authors: KOÇAK İZZET , DÜNDAR MEHMET , CULHACI NIL , ÜNSAL ALPARSLAN
Published: July 2004

Abstract  We report on a case of a 32‐year‐old man referred for evaluation of a painless left testicular mass suggesting a testicular tumor. Previous history was uneventful except for a 3‐year history of systemic brucellosis without epididymo‐orchitis. Radical inguinal orchidectomy was performed. Clinical and histopathological findings indicated a brucellar abscess of the left testis. Even in the absence of systemic symptoms, the possible relapse of brucellosis as an abscess formation in the testis should be considered as a rare cause of testicular mass in patients who live in endemic regions.
Transrectal ultrasound‐guided transperineal 14‐core systematic biopsy detects apico‐anterior cancer foci of T1c prostate cancer
Authors: KAWAKAMI SATORU , KIHARA KAZUNORI , FUJII YASUHISA , MASUDA HITOSHI , KOBAYASHI TSUYOSHI , KAGEYAMA YUKIO
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Aim:  The optimal biopsy strategy for prostate cancer detection, especially in men with isolated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) elevation, remains to be defined. We evaluated diagnostic yield and safety of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided transperineal systematic 14‐core biopsy and compared the spatial distribution of cancer foci detected with this technique in men with and without abnormality on digital rectal examination (DRE).

Methods:  In a prospective study, 289 men aged between 50 and 87 years (median age, 70 years) underwent TRUS‐guided transperineal systematic 14‐core prostate biopsy because of elevated PSA and/or abnormal DRE findings. Using the fan technique, 12 cores from the peripheral zone and two cores from the transition zone were obtained systematically. To characterize the spatial distribution of cancer positive cores, site‐specific overall and unique cancer detection rates were compared between stage T1c and T2 cancers.

Results:  Prostate cancer was detected in 105 of the 289 patients (36%). Major complications requiring prolonged hospital stay or re‐hospitalization during a 4‐week postbiopsy period were rare (1.4%). Sixty‐seven stage T1c cancers were identified. These cancers were associated with significantly lower PSA and a smaller number of cancer positive cores when compared with stage T2 cancers (n= 38). The overall cancer detection rate was highest at the anterior peripheral zone and the posterior peripheral zone in stage T1c and stage T2 cancers, respectively. The unique cancer detection rate at the anterior peripheral zone was significantly higher in stage T1c cancers than in stage T2 cancers. Therefore, when the prostate is extensively biopsied using the transperineal approach, cancer positive cores are characteristically distributed anteriorly in stage T1c cancers and posteriorly in stage T2 cancers.

Conclusions:  TRUS‐guided transperineal systematic 14‐core biopsy showed an apico‐anterior distribution of cancer foci in stage T1c prostate cancers.
Cystic hamartoma of the renal pelvis
Authors: YOSHIDA SOICHIRO , NAKAGOMI KAZUAKI , GOTO SHUICHI , OZAWA TAKACHIKA
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Cystic hamartoma of the renal pelvis is a rare benign tumor in the same category as mixed epithelial and stromal tumors. We present a 33‐year‐old woman with a solid and cystic intrarenal tumor extending into the renal pelvis. She underwent radical nephrectomy and ureterectomy under the diagnosis of renal tumor or renal pelvic tumor. Histopathologically, the tumor was composed of a biphasic proliferation of epithelial and mesenchymal elements. We believe the present case is best classified as a cystic hamartoma of the renal pelvis in the category of mixed epithelial and stromal tumors because of the coexistence of hamartomatous lesions, such as the proliferation of adipose cells and well to poorly differentiated fibromuscular lesions.
Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva subclinically extending to the bladder neck: Correct staging obtained with endoscopic urethral biopsy
Authors: CHIN TAKAFUMI , MURAKAMI MASAHIRO , HYAKUSOKU HIKO
Published: July 2004

Abstract  We report a 65‐year‐old woman with extramammary Paget's disease which recurred on the skin flap. We performed a mapping‐biopsy of the urethra by ureteroscopy to select the appropriate treatment. This method is presumed to be useful for determining the margin, deciding the correct staging for extramammary Paget's disease and for making a judgement on appropriate therapy.
Accuracy of the Tonosafe disposable tonometer head compared to the Goldmann tonometer alone
Authors: Kim Peter , Lertsumitkul Somsak , Clark Meaghan , Gardner Leeanne , Macken Peter
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of the Tonosafe dispos­able prism tonometer head via a randomised controlled prospective trial.

Methods: The intraocular pressure (IOP) of 69 patients (31 men, 38 women) involving 137 eyes was measured using both the Tonosafe disposable and the Goldmann tono­meter head. The average age of patients was 66.5 years (range 23−93 years). The two examiners (PM and SL) who performed tonometry were masked while a separate observer read the IOP measurements. The order was randomised between Tonosafe and Goldmann devices. The minimum interval between the two measurements was 15 min. Patients with corneal and external diseases were excluded from the study.

Results: The mean IOP using the Goldmann tonometer head was 17.44 ± 4.97 mmHg. The mean IOP using the Tonosafe disposable head was 17.58 ± 5.03 mmHg. The mean difference was 0.14 ± 1.73 mmHg (95% CI −0.44, 0.16, P= 0.36). Subgroup analysis on eyes with IOP > 21 mmHg showed the Tonosafe disposable head was on average 0.15 ± 2.40 mmHg higher than the Goldmann tonometer head. There was a high level of correlation between the IOPs obtained with the Goldmann and Tonosafe heads. Pearson's coefficient of correlation was 0.94 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The Tonosafe disposable prism head was found to be accurate in IOP measurement, even in the higher range.
Operative revision of non‐functioning filtering blebs with 5‐fluorouracil to regain intraocular pressure control
Authors: Paris Gianmarco , Zhao Ming , Sponsel William E
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of extensive microsurgical needling revision of failed filtering blebs followed by serial 5‐fluorouracil subconjunctival injections.

Methods: Thirty‐six eyes of 34 consecutive patients with progressive open‐angle glaucoma refractory to topical therapy submitted to needling revision as a major procedure. All patients required multiple antiglaucoma medications preoperatively, and had completely flat or densely encapsulated filtering blebs. All patients underwent elaborate needling revision (limbus to superior rectus >8 mm diameter, >3 mm elevation, entry‐site sutured with 8−0 vicryl and bleb reformed via paracentesis with viscoelastic) in the operating room, followed by serial 5‐fluorouracil. The patients were followed for up to 6 months postoperatively. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of antiglaucoma medications used.

Results: Thirty‐one eyes (86%) maintained mean IOP below 15 mmHg postneedling without medication. Overall the mean IOP postneedling was >9 mmHg lower than medicated preoperative levels (P < 0.0001). IOP reduction in encapsulated blebs was marginally superior to that in flat blebs.

Conclusions: Extensive needling revision in the operating room is safe, straightforward, and produces reproducible restoration of filtering function.
External ophthalmic findings in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B
Authors: Parker Douglas G , Robinson Bruce G , O'Donnell Brett A
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To identify external ophthalmic abnormalities in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B), which may facilitate early detection and prophylactic thyroidectomy to prevent medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods: Three patients with MEN2B were examined by an oculoplastic surgeon and external ophthalmic findings were recorded.

Results: All patients had prominent corneal nerves, thickened eyelids, mild ptosis and eversion of the upper eyelids. Two patients displayed eyelid nodules and one exhibited lower lid margin eversion.

Conclusion: Ptosis and lower lid margin eversion are previously unreported findings in patients with MEN2B. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is the most serious consequence of MEN2B and has a high mortality if untreated. Early diagnosis and prophylactic thyroidectomy may be lifesaving. Gene mutations can be identified but the sporadic tendency of the syndrome emphasizes the importance of early clinical detection. MEN2B is one of a number of systemic malignancies with ophthalmic manifestations. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the external features of this rare but lethal malignancy.
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Foroozan Rod
Published: July 2004

Progressive, painful blurred vision and proptosis developed in the left eye of a 32‐year‐old man over an 8‐day period. On initial neuro‐ophthalmic evaluation the visual acuity in the left eye was no light perception. Erythema of the periorbital skin, 5 mm of proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia were noted on the left side. Funduscopy revealed occlusion of the central retinal artery and central retinal vein. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed marked distension of the left optic nerve and enhancement of the contents within the left orbit, with clear paranasal sinuses. The diagnosis of orbital inflammatory pseudotumour was made and the orbital signs improved rapidly with 80 mg of prednisone per day. Combined occlusion of the central retinal artery and vein is a rare complication of orbital inflammatory pseudotumour. It is postulated that marked distension of the optic nerve caused mechanical compression of the central retinal vessels leading to the vascular occlusions.