bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Vietnamese written and verbal medicine information on Vietnamese‐speaking Australians' knowledge and satisfaction
Authors: Mai Anh , Aslani Parisa
Published: July 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Written consumer medicine information has been associated with increased medicine knowledge, satisfaction and adherence to therapy, especially in combination with verbal counselling.

• Increasing internationally standardized and compulsory consumer medicine information leaflets are being prepared, primarily by pharmaceutical manufacturers.

• However, no studies have investigated the impact of Vietnamese standardized written information leaflets on consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with information received.

What this study adds

• Vietnamese written medicine information was developed for three drug classes.

• There was an increase in consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with the information received, after receiving written and verbal medicine information in Vietnamese (the consumers' native language).

• The increases in satisfaction and knowledge were maintained 2 months after receiving the information.

Aims

To develop three Vietnamese medicine information leaflets and to evaluate their impact in combination with verbal counselling (in Vietnamese) on consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with the written information received.

Methods

Leaflets in Vietnamese were developed for three drug classes: biguanides, calcium channel blockers and HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors. A two‐group (comparison and intervention), randomized, repeated measures design was used. The comparison group (n = 51) received routine verbal counselling in English. The intervention group (n = 44) received verbal and written information in Vietnamese. Australian Vietnamese‐speaking consumers were recruited. Data on consumer knowledge and satisfaction were collected from both groups at three time points: baseline (prior to receiving leaflets and verbal counselling), at 1–2 weeks (first postintervention) and 8 weeks after receiving the information.

Results

All intervention group respondents were satisfied with the information. Mean medicine knowledge and satisfaction scores increased with time in the intervention group, and were significantly higher than in the comparison group (knowledge, F = 18.5, d.f. = 2, P < 0.0001; satisfaction, F = 19.8, d.f. = 2, P < 0.0001). The increases observed in the intervention group's mean knowledge and satisfaction scores at first postintervention were significantly higher compared with baseline for all drug classes.

Conclusions

Delivery of written and verbal medicine information in Vietnamese resulted in an increase in consumers' medicine knowledge and satisfaction with written information. This study highlights the importance of providing information in languages other than English and in consumers' native tongue to aid in the quality use of medicines.
Psychosocial impairment in patients treated for pituitary disease: a controlled study
Authors: Sonino Nicoletta , Ruini Chiara , Navarrini Cecilia , Ottolini Fedra , Sirri Laura , Paoletta Agostino , Fallo Francesco , Boscaro Marco , Fava Giovanni A.
Published: July 2007

Objective  To verify whether patients with pituitary disorders in remission and on appropriate treatment display significant differences in psychological distress compared to healthy controls and other patients treated for nonpituitary endocrine disorders.

Design  A single‐centred, controlled study.

Patients  Eighty‐six outpatients cured or in remission for at least 9 months following appropriate treatment by surgery, irradiation and/or pharmacological interventions for pituitary disease were compared with 86 healthy subjects. A sample comprising 60 outpatients cured or in remission from nonpituitary endocrine disorders was also compared.

Measurements  (1) A modified version of the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV; (2) a shortened version of the structured interview for the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR); (3) the Psychosocial Index (PSI); and (4) the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) short form General Health Survey (SF‐20) were employed.

Results  Patients with pituitary disease displayed a higher prevalence of psychiatric disease (P < 0·001) compared to controls, but not when compared to nonpituitary endocrine patients. They also showed a higher prevalence of DCPR clusters compared to controls (P < 0·001), but not when compared to nonpituitary endocrine patients. At PSI and MOS (SF‐20), patients with endocrine disease, whether pituitary or not, reported more psychological distress, and less well‐being (P < 0·001) compared to controls.

Conclusions  At follow‐up after appropriate treatment, we documented a high prevalence of psychopathology in patients with pituitary disease, which was however, similar to that found in nonpituitary endocrine patients. This is consistent with an increasing body of literature that reports difficulties in obtaining full recovery in patients treated for endocrine disorders.
Familial amyloidosis in a large Spanish kindred resulting from a D38V mutation in the transthyretin gene
Authors: Augustin S. , Llige D. , Andreu A. , González A. , Genescà J.
Published: July 2007

Background  Transthyretin amyloidosis, also known as familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from a mutation in the gene encoding plasma transthyretin (TTR). Distinct clinical presentations of the disease have been related so far to different point mutations, polyneuropathy being the predominant clinical feature in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, misdiagnosis of familial forms of amyloidosis is still common.

Materials and methods  A 71‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital for heart failure. He had been previously diagnosed of AL amyloidosis with predominant polyneuropathic, cardiac and laryngeal involvement on the basis of clinical data and amyloid deposition in tissue specimens. During admission, suspicion of transthyretin amyloidosis was raised due to the absence of renal involvement, monoclonal protein and plasma cell dyscrasia. Complete clinical evaluation and sequence analysis of the TTR gene of the patient and his family were performed.

Results  Gene sequence analysis revealed a rare A‐to‐T transition in exon 2 resulting in the substitution of aspartic acid by valine at position 38 (D38V) in the index case and in two other members of the family. Clinical study of the kindred showed a predominant late‐onset heart involvement with variable polyneuropathy.

Conclusions  Here we report a large pedigree from Spain with three members affected by a severe late‐onset form of amyloidosis due to a rare D38V TTR mutation. The variations on the natural history of this form of amyloidosis may have important consequences on genetic counselling, follow‐up, and therapeutic approaches for these patients.
Insulin does not regulate glucose transport and metabolism in human endothelium
Authors: Artwohl M. , Brunmair B. , Fürnsinn C. , Hölzenbein T. , Rainer G. , Freudenthaler A. , Porod E. M. , Huttary N. , Baumgartner‐Parzer S. M.
Published: July 2007

Background  Although endothelial cells express insulin receptors, it is controversially discussed whether the endothelium represents an insulin‐responsive tissue. Since available data are primarily restricted to animal endothelial cells, this study tested (i) whether insulin affects glucose metabolism in human endothelium; (ii) whether insulin sensitivity is different in micro‐ versus macrovascular endothelial cells; and (iii) whether glucose concentration in the incubation medium affects the cells’ response to insulin.

Materials and methods  Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human adult saphenous vein endothelial cells (HAVECs), human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), and human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) as well as human smooth muscle cells were incubated with/without insulin (0·3 nmol L−1 or 1 µmol L−1). Glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, glycogen content, lactate release, and expression of phospho‐Akt, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were determined.

Results  In HUVECs and HRECs, insulin (1 µmol L−1) increased (P < 0·05) eNOS expression by ~70% and doubled Akt phosphorylation, but the latter was by far more pronounced in human smooth muscle cells (+1093 ± 500%, P < 0·05). In human smooth muscle cells, insulin (1 µmol L−1) stimulated glycogen synthesis by 67 ± 11% (P < 0·01). In human micro‐ (HRECs) and macrovascular endothelial cells (HUVECs, HAVECs and HAECs), insulin, however, failed to stimulate glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, glycogen content, or lactate release under various conditions, i.e. after glucose deprivation or in medium with normal (5·5 mmol L−1) or high glucose (30 mmol L−1).

Conclusions  Insulin stimulated glycogen synthesis and Akt phosphorylation in human smooth muscle cells. In human micro‐ and macrovascular endothelial cells, insulin, however, failed to affect glucose uptake and metabolism under all experimental conditions applied, whereas it increased Akt phosphorylation and eNOS expression.
Addition of TAT protein transduction domain and GrpE to human p53 provides soluble fusion proteins that can be transduced into dendritic cells and elicit p53‐specific T‐cell responses in HLA‐A*0201 transgenic mice
Authors: Justesen S. , Buus S. , Claesson M. H. , Pedersen A. E.
Published: July 2007

The protein p53 has been shown to be an efficient tumour antigen in both murine and human cancer vaccine studies and cancer vaccines targeting p53 based on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I binding p53‐derived peptides that induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) without p53‐specific CD4+ T‐cell help have been tested by several research groups including ours. To obtain such CD4+ T‐cell help and cover a broader repertoire of MHC haplotypes we have previously attempted to produce recombinant human p53 for vaccination purposes. However, attempts to refold a hexahis‐tagged p53 protein in our laboratory were unsuccessful. Here, we show that fusion of an 11‐amino‐acid region of the human immunodeficiency virus TAT protein transduction domain (PTD) to human p53 increases the solubility of the otherwise insoluble p53 protein and this rTAT‐p53 protein can be transduced into human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs). The induction of a p53‐specific HLA‐A*0201 immune response was tested in HLA‐A*0201/Kb transgenic mice after immunization with rTAT‐p53‐transduced bone‐marrow‐derived DCs. In these mice, p53‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferation was observed and immunization resulted in the induction of HLA‐A*0201‐restricted CTLs specific for two human p53‐derived HLA‐A*0201‐binding peptides, p5365−73 and p53149−157. Addition of GrpE to generate rTAT‐GrpE‐p53 led to a further increase in protein solubility and to a small increase in DC maturation but did not increase the observed p53‐specific T‐cell responses. The use of rTAT‐p53 in ongoing clinical protocols should be applicable and offers advantages to current strategies omitting the use of HLA‐typed patients.
The effect of temperature on C4‐type leaf photosynthesis parameters
Authors: MASSAD RAIA‐SILVIA , TUZET ANDRÉE , BETHENOD OLIVIER
Published: July 2007

C4‐type photosynthesis is known to vary with growth and measurement temperatures. In an attempt to quantify its variability with measurement temperature, the photosynthetic parameters – the maximum catalytic rate of the enzyme ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) (Vcmax), the maximum catalytic rate of the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) (Vpmax) and the maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) – were examined. Maize plants were grown in climatic‐controlled phytotrons, and the curves of net photosynthesis (An) versus intercellular air space CO2 concentrations (Ci), and An versus photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were determined over a temperature range of 15–40 °C. Values of Vcmax, Vpmax and Jmax were computed by inversion of the von Caemmerer & Furbank photosynthesis model. Values of Vpmax and Jmax obtained at 25 °C conform to values found in the literature. Parameters for an Arrhenius equation that best fits the calculated values of Vcmax, Vpmax and Jmax are then proposed. These parameters should be further tested with C4 plants for validation. Other model key parameters such as the mesophyll cell conductance to CO2 (gi), the bundle sheath cells conductance to CO2 (gbs) and Michaelis–Menten constants for CO2 and O2 (Kc, Kp and Ko) also vary with temperature and should be better parameterized.
Rapid variations of mesophyll conductance in response to changes in CO2 concentration around leaves
Authors: FLEXAS JAUME , DIAZ‐ESPEJO ANTONIO , GALMÉS JERONI , KALDENHOFF RALF , MEDRANO HIPÓLITO , RIBAS‐CARBO MIQUEL
Published: July 2007

The effects of short‐term (minutes) variations of CO2 concentration on mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm) were evaluated in six different C3 species by simultaneous measurements of gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, online carbon isotope discrimination and a novel curve‐fitting method. Depending on the species, gm varied from five‐ to ninefold, along the range of sub‐stomatal CO2 concentrations typically used in photosynthesis CO2‐response curves (AN–Ci curves; where AN is the net photosynthetic flux and Ci is the CO2 concentrations in the sub‐stomatal cavity), that is, 50 to 1500 µmol CO2 mol−1 air. Although the pattern was species‐dependent, gm strongly declined at high Ci, where photosynthesis was not limited by CO2, but by regeneration of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate or triose phosphate utilization. Moreover, these changes on gm were found to be totally independent of the velocity and direction of the Ci changes. The response of gm to Ci resembled that of stomatal conductance (gs), but kinetic experiments suggested that the response of gm was actually faster than that of gs. Transgenic tobacco plants differing in the amounts of aquaporin NtAQP1 showed different slopes of the gm–Ci response, suggesting a possible role for aquaporins in mediating CO2 responsiveness of gm. The importance of these findings is discussed in terms of their effects on parameterization of AN–Ci curves.
Structural trends and palaeogeography of the central and western Sicily belt: new insights
Authors: Catalano Raimondo , Di Stefano Piero , Vitale Francesco Paolo
Published: July 2007

The geology of the Sicilian mainland is summarized by N–S geological sections. A continuous late Cenozoic orogenic belt through central and western Sicily resulted from a complex deformative history, recorded by several tectonic events. The deformation mainly involved the sedimentary cover of the old African continental margin, formed in a large basinal area, bordered at its southern margin by a shallow‐water carbonate environment attached to Gondwana. The orogenic belt involves a complex architecture of thrust systems, of different size, geometry and palaeogeographical origin. Deformation, which mainly developed in the earlier stages of thrusting in the basinal rock assemblages, mainly gave rise to a stack of three different duplex structures, respectively, composed of Palaeozoic, Mesozoic–Palaeogene and Neogene strata. Large‐scale clockwise rotation of the thrusts predated transpressional movements in the hinterland during the latest Miocene to Pliocene. High‐ angle reverse faults, with lateral components, modified earlier tectonic contacts within the allochthons. Contemporaneous southwards‐ directed imbrications affected the external southern areas, progressively incorporating foreland and piggyback basirts. The stratigraphic relationships of basin‐fills to the tectonic structures reveals that reactivation processes have been active during the last Plio‐Pleistocene.
Frequency of Von Hippel‐Lindau germline mutations in classic and non‐classic Von Hippel‐Lindau disease identified by DNA sequencing, Southern blot analysis and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification
Authors: Hes FJ , van der Luijt RB , Janssen ALW , Zewald RA , de Jong GJ , Lenders JW , Links TP , Luyten GPM , Sijmons RH , Eussen HJ , Halley DJJ , Lips CJM , Pearson PL , van den Ouweland AMW , Majoor‐Krakauer DF
Published: July 2007

The current clinical diagnosis of Von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) disease demands at least one specific a sporadic VHL manifestation in a patient with familial VHL disease, or, in asporadic patient, at least two or more hemangioblastomas or a single hemangioblastoma in combination with a typical visceral lesion. To evaluate this definition, we studied the frequency of germline VHL mutation in three patients groups: (i) multi‐organ involvement (classic VHL), (ii) limited VHL manifestations meeting criteria (non‐classic VHL) and (iii) patients with VHL‐associated tumors not meeting current diagnostic VHL criteria. In addition, we validated multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) as a rapid and reliable quantitative method for the identification of germline VHL deletions. The frequency of germline VHL mutations was very high in classic VHL cases with multi‐organ involvement (95%), lower in non‐classic cases that meet current diagnostic criteria but have limited VHL manifestations or single‐organ involvement (24%) and low (3.3%), but tangible in cases not meeting current diagnostic VHL criteria. The detection of germline VHL mutations in patients or families with limited VHL manifestations, or single‐organ involvement is relevant for follow‐up of probands and early identification of at‐risk relatives.
Identification of a novel pseudodeficiency allele in the GLB1 gene in a carrier of GM1 gangliosidosis
Authors: Gort L , Santamaria R , Grinberg D , Vilageliu L , Chabás A
Published: July 2007

The term ‘pseudodeficiency’ is used in lysosomal storage diseases to denote the situation in which individuals show greatly reduced enzyme activity but remain clinically healthy. Pseudodeficiencies have been reported for several lysosomal hydrolases. GM1 gangliosidosis is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by β‐galactosidase hydrolase deficiency as a result of mutations in the GLB1 gene. Until now, two variants altering the β‐galactosidase activity have been described, p.Arg521Cys and p.Ser532Gly. Here we report the new variant p.Arg595Trp in the GLB1 gene, which markedly reduces β‐galactosidase activity when expressed in COS‐1 cells. The variant was identified in the healthy father of a girl with GM1 gangliosidosis. He was a heterozygous compound with p.Arg595Trp in trans with one of the disease‐causing mutations identified in his daughter; in leukocytes and plasma he showed lower β‐galactosidase activity than that observed in GM1 gangliosidosis carriers. As this family originated from the Basque Country in the north of Spain, we decided to analyse individuals of Basque and non‐Basque origin, finding the p.Arg595Trp allele in 3.2% of Basque and in 0.8% of non‐Basque alleles. The detection of the presence of alterations resulting in pseudodeficient activity in leukocytes and plasma is important for the correct diagnosis of GM1 gangliosidosis.
Regional Analysis of the Ependyma of the Third Ventricle of Rat by Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Mathew T. C.
Published: July 2007

Ependymal lining of cerebral ventricles lies at the interface between the ventricular cavities and the brain parenchyma. Ependymal cells are involved in various functions within the brain and play a major role in the production of the chemical principals of the cerebrospinal fluid. Histological studies on the regional variation of the third ventricular ependyma and the subependyma of adult rats were carried out by light and electron microscopic methods. For light microscopic analysis, methacrylate sections were used. In addition to the routine haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining for histological studies, the sections were stained with toluidine blue, cresyl violet and periodic acid Schiff’s reagent (PAS). A regional analysis of the ependyma of the third ventricle showed that in most regions the ependyma was monolayered. The sidewalls and floor of the ventral portion of the third ventricle showed a multilayered ependyma. For descriptive purposes at the light microscopic level, the ependymal cells were classified, based on the cell shape (flat, cuboidal or columnar), presence or absence of cilia and the number of cytoplasmic granules present in the cells. Studies of transmission electron microscope have shown that these granules represent the cell organelles of the ependyma. The subependyma also showed a regional morphological variation, and, in most instances, contained glial and neuronal elements. In regions of specific brain nuclei, neurons were the major cell type of the subependyma. PAS staining did not show any positive granules in the ependymal cytosol. Characteristic supraependymal elements were present at the ependymal surface of the third ventricle.
Selection of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
Authors: Pilz C. , Wegensteiner R. , Keller S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte (Col., Chrysomelidae), a serious pest of maize, has been recently introduced into Europe. Several approaches for its control are presently under investigation including microbial agents. During a field survey in Hungary in 2005, naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi were found to attack this pest. These novel isolates together with standard isolates were tested for virulence against D. v. virgifera larvae and adults. Twenty strains of Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Beauveria brongniartii were used in bioassays in the laboratory. Larvae and adults were dipped into a spore suspension with a concentration of 1 × 107 conidia (con.)/ml. They were kept for 14 days at 22°C (±2°C) and 70% relative humidity. The number of infected larvae and adults were counted and infection rates were calculated. Adults were significantly more susceptible to entomopathogenic fungi than larvae. The most virulent isolate infected about 47% of larvae (M. anisopliae Ma2277), whereas the infection rate in adults was up to 97% (M. anisopliae Ma2275). Isolates of M. anisopliae caused significantly higher mortalities than isolates of B. brongniartii and B. bassiana. Most of the adult beetles were killed within 12 days. Isolates from D. v. virgifera were more virulent than those from other hosts.
Field screening maize germplasm for resistance and tolerance to western corn rootworms (Col.: Chrysomelidae)†
Authors: Prischmann D. A. , Dashiell K. E. , Schneider D. J. , Hibbard B. E.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  In the hopes of lessening the current reliance on soil insecticides, developing a viable alternative for transgenic maize hybrids, and providing sustainable options for Europe, researchers recently have been developing novel maize lines that exhibit resistance and/or tolerance to corn rootworm larvae. Here we report the results of a 2‐year field experiment in a northern growing region assessing the resistance and tolerance of 10 experimental synthetic maize populations selected for varying levels of damage from western corn rootworm larvae, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Col.: Chrysomelidae) and four maize hybrids. Maize non‐preference, antibiosis and tolerance to rootworms was evaluated using previously established methods, including: the Iowa 1–6 root damage rating scale, root fresh weight, compensatory root growth ratings and adult rootworm emergence. Among the experimental synthetic maize populations, BS29‐11‐01 was the most susceptible, and had a mean root damage rating that was greater than the highly susceptible maize hybrid B37 × H84. This line also had the lowest mean root fresh weight and one of the lowest mean compensatory root growth ratings. In contrast, CRW8‐3 appeared to be tolerant to western corn rootworms, and had the lowest mean root damage rating, which was comparable with that of the non‐transgenic hybrid DeKalb® 46‐26.
Western corn rootworm adult movement and possible egg laying in fields bordering maize
Authors: Igrc Barčić J. , Bažok R. , Edwards C. R. , Kos T.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, larval damage in maize following soybean was observed in Croatia in 2003 along the edges and within soybean fields which bordered continuous maize fields in previous year. The explanation was that WCR adults moved from the continuous maize to the neighbouring soybean fields to lay eggs. This study was designed to measure how far WCR adults will enter into neighbouring fields to lay eggs. The WCR adult population was monitored in continuous maize fields in 2003 and 2005 by using Pherocon® AM non‐baited yellow sticky traps in the middle and on the borders of the maize field and at different distances and directions into neighbouring fields planted by wheat and soybean. Larval presence and root damage ratings (Iowa State University 1–6 ) were recorded at different locations within the maize field in following years. Approximately, the same concentration of WCR adults was recorded along the edges of the maize fields as recorded in the centres of those fields. A significant number of WCR adults was recorded up to a distance of 50 m into neighbouring fields. Regression analysis showed medium negative correlation between distance from previous maize field and root damage in the following year. Findings indicate that WCR egg lying can reach approximately 20 m into fields neighbouring maize fields and that significant root damage caused by WCR larvae in first‐year maize following soybean and wheat can happen up to a distance of 20 m into those fields. Most farmers's fields in Croatia are up to approximately 50 m wide. As an edge effect for WCR egg laying can reach approximately 20 m into fields neighbouring maize fields, our research results indicate that it is possible to see WCR larval damage in rotated fields without those WCR's being the variant form.
Tissue levels of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase activity in human and rodent bladder cancer and normal bladder tissue
Authors: Fujimoto Kiyohide , Matsumura Yoshiaki , Tani Yoshihiro , Ozono Seiichiro , Hirao Yoshihiko , Okajima Eigoro
Published: July 2007

Objectives:  To assess the relationship between the tissue levels of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNpase) and clinicopathological parameters in human bladder cancer and to investigate the PyNpase levels in rat and mouse urinary bladder initiated by N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN).

Methods:  The PyNpase levels in tumor tissue, normal tissue adjacent to the tumor, and normal tissue apart from the tumor were measured in 102 patients. Additionally, the PyNpase levels were measured in rat and mouse urinary bladders treated with BBN.

Result:  The PyNpase levels of tumor tissue significantly correlated to the tumor grade and growth pattern (papillary/non‐papillary), while stage, multiplicity, and tumor shape (peduncle/sessile) were not independent factors. The low‐risk tumor of primary, single, G1‐Ta showed significantly low levels of PyNpase. The PyNpase levels in the tumor tissue were significantly higher than those in the normal tissue. The PyNpase levels in the adjacent normal tissue were significantly higher than those in the distant normal tissue. The PyNpase levels in rat bladder tissue were significantly higher in the BBN‐treatment groups than in those in the control group, only during the early carcinogenic stage. The PyNpase levels in mouse bladder tissue were significantly higher in BBN‐treatment groups than in those in the control group during the whole experiment period.

Conclusion:  Our results indicated that not only tumor tissue but also normal tissue adjacent to the tumor had a potential of angiogenesis for tumor development, and transurethral resection of the bladder tumor with a wide normal margin seems to be a reasonable strategy for decreasing the risk of recurrence.
Morphological subtyping of papillary renal cell carcinoma: Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis
Authors: Yamashita Shinichi , Ioritani Naomasa , Oikawa Katsuhiko , Aizawa Masataka , Endoh Mareyuki , Arai Yoichi
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of morphological subtyping of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC).

Methods:  The patients treated for renal cell carcinoma in our department from January 1985 to March 2006 were evaluated retrospectively. Thirty‐two of the 591 patients (5.4%) were diagnosed with PRCC. To determine the prognostic factors, we re‐evaluated the pathological stage according to the 2002 TNM classification of malignant tumors, and the tumor type of renal cell carcinoma according to the 2004 World Health Organization histological classification. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test.

Results:  The age at diagnosis ranged from 33 to 81 years (median: 63 years old) and the follow‐up time after the surgical treatment ranged from 4 to 191 months (median: 54 months). The cancer‐specific 5‐year survival rate of the 32 PRCC patients was 74%. Pathologically, 17 patients (53%) and 15 patients (47%) were diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 PRCC, respectively. The type 2 PRCC patients had a significantly higher tumor grade (P < 0.001), a more advanced stage (P < 0.001), more frequent vascular invasion (P < 0.001), and a higher sarcomatoid component (P = 0.038) compared to the type 1 PRCC patients. The type 1 patients had a better cancer‐specific 5‐year survival rate than the type 2 patients (94% vs 50%) (P = 0.008).

Conclusion:  The morphological subtyping of PRCC is significantly associated with clinicopathological features and the prognosis. Our results provide evidence of the clinical utility of dividing PRCC into two subtypes.
Examination of alpha 1 adrenoceptor subtypes in the human ureter
Authors: Itoh Yasunori , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Yasui Takahiro , Tozawa Keiichi , Sasaki Shoichi , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: July 2007

Aim:  Urinary stone disease is a common condition affecting up to 12% of the population. Speedy elimination of ureterolithiasis in the lower part of ureters is reported with the alpha 1‐blocker. This study was carried out to characterize the alpha 1 adrenoceptors (AR) subtype gene and protein expression in the proximal, medial, and distal regions of the human ureter with the aim of facilitating stone expulsion.

Methods:  The study was carried out on 20 volunteers. Proximal, medial and distal ureter specimens were obtained as discarded tissues after nephroureterectomy for renal pelvic or ureteral carcinoma. Proximal ureter specimens were obtained as discarded tissues after nephrectomy for renal carcinoma. Using ureter samples, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemical staining were performed.

Results:  The alpha 1d subtype mRNA was highly expressed in each ureteral region, accounting for about 54% of the total AR Messenger Ribonucleic Acid. In the proximal and medial ureter, the distribution of ARs was alpha 1d ≥ €alpha 1a > alpha 1b as well as that of the total ureter. The distal ureter expressed the highest amount of alpha 1d ARs. The alpha 1d subtype expression tended to be high compared with the alpha 1a subtype expression. In the distal ureter, the distribution of ARs was alpha 1d > alpha 1a > alpha 1b. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that expressions of alpha 1a‐AR and alpha 1d‐AR were higher than that of alpha 1b‐AR.

Conclusions:  According to our results, we should try the alpha 1d AR antagonist for the conservative expulsive therapy of distal ureteral stones in the highest region of alpha 1d subtype distribution.
Incidence of lysogeny within temperate and extreme soil environments
Authors: Williamson Kurt E. , Radosevich Mark , Smith David W. , Wommack K. Eric
Published: July 2007

A companion study indicated that ∼30% of cultivable soil bacteria may contain inducible prophage; however, the degree to which this cultivation‐based estimate applies to autochthonous communities of soil bacteria is unknown. To estimate the prevalence of lysogeny within soil bacterial communities, induction assays were carried out by extracting bacteria from soil and subsequently exposing extracts to mitomycin C (MC; 0.5 μg ml−1), or by exposing bacteria to MC (1.0 μg ml−1) through direct addition to soil slurries. Induction was assessed as an increase in viral direct counts relative to those obtained in controls, as detected by epifluorescence microscopy. Extracting bacteria from soils followed by 18 h MC exposure generated significantly higher prophage induction than all other treatments (P < 0.05). For three Antarctic soil samples, estimates of inducible fraction (IF) were statistically indistinguishable across two independent assays (P = 0.82), indicating that this approach is highly reproducible. Although IF was lower in Antarctic soils (4–20%) and higher in temperate Delaware soils (22–68%), no clear correlations were found between lysogeny and soil physical properties. For Delaware soils, IF estimates were similar between whole soil assays (44%) and cultivation‐based approaches (30%). While these data suggest that lysogeny is common among soil bacteria, the specific factors which promote temperate interactions remain unclear.
Therapeutic value of orally administered silibinin in renal cell carcinoma: manipulation of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 levels
Authors: Cheung Catherine W. , Taylor Paul J. , Kirkpatrick Carl M.J. , Vesey David A. , Gobe Glenda C. , Winterford Clay , Nicol David L. , Johnson David W.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if the feeding of silibinin (an anticancer flavonoid) to mice inhibitsin vivorenal cell carcinoma (RCC) growth via changes in insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice (7 weeks old), with left kidneys injected with 1 million SN12K1 cells, were fed a silibinin‐containing diet (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% w/w) or control AIN‐93G diet for 39 days from 1 day after tumour engraftment.

RESULTS

There was a reduction in tumour deposits and tumour kidney weight in SCID mice fed with a 0.4% silibinin‐containing diet compared to those fed the control diet. Mice with tumour injection (silibinin or control‐diet group) had constant total body weight and food consumption. The mean plasma and tumourous kidney silibinin concentrations, as measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, increased with escalating doses of silibinin. Using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the mean tissue IGFBP‐3 mRNA (in SN12K1‐implanted kidney) and plasma IGFBP‐3 levels increased in mice fed with 0.1% silibinin (tumour IGFBP‐3 mRNA levels, 156% higher vs control‐diet group,P = 0.007; and plasma IGFBP‐3 levels, 61% higher vs control‐diet group,P = 0.002) but not in mice fed with the higher silibinin pellet strengths.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of silibinin suppressed local and metastatic tumour growthin vivoin an orthotopic xenograft model of RCC. This anti‐neoplastic action of silibinin might involve IGFBP‐3. The exact mechanism through which IGFBP‐3 promotes silibinin’s anticancer effects warrants further investigation.
Effect of low dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy on the sexual health of men with optimal sexual function before treatment: analysis at ≥ 7 years of follow‐up
Authors: Cesaretti Jamie A. , Kao Johnny , Stone Nelson N. , Stock Richard G.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of low‐dose rate prostate brachytherapy on the sexual health of men with ≥ 7 years of prospective evaluation and optimum sexual function before treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 223 patients with T1b to T3a prostate cancer and a median (range) age of 66  (50–82) years were treated with permanent seed implantation from November 1990 to March 1998. They were followed for a median (range) of 8.2 (7–14.1) years using prospective quality‐of‐life measures. Erectile function (EF) was assessed using a physician‐assigned score and beginning in June 2000; the validated International Index of EF (IIEF‐5) was used as a complementary method to quantify late EF. No adjustment was made to differentiate sexual function with or with no pharmacological intervention for EF. Pearson’s chi‐square test and Student’s t‐test were used to compare the groups.

RESULTS

Of the 223 men, 131 (59%) had optimal EF before their brachytherapy; of these, 51 (40%) at the last follow‐up evaluation were using either a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (44, 86%), yohimbine (two, 4%) or alprostadil (five, 10%). The age at implantation was highly predictive of current EF; 23 of 25 (92%) men aged 50–59 years had a current EF of ≥ 2; those aged 60–69 and 70–78 years had an EF of ≥2 in 48/75 (64%) and 18/31 (58%) (P = 0.01). A current IIEF‐5 score of ≥ 16 also correlated highly with age at implant, i.e. 50–59, 16/25 (64%); 60–69, 20/75 (27%) and 70–78 years, 6/31 (19%) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients aged <60 years and with optimal EF before low‐dose rate prostate brachytherapy have a very high probability of long‐term EF.
Managing the progression of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia: therapeutic options for the man at risk
Authors: Emberton Mark , Zinner Norman , Michel Martin C. , Gittelman Marc , Chung Moon‐Kee , Madersbacher Stephan
Published: July 2007

There are two fairly divergent reviews in this month’s issue. The first is a paper which concentrates on the progression of LUTS and BPH. Previous papers on LUTS and BPH were focused on changes in urinary flow rates and symptom scores, a rather static view of things. The first author in this review introduced the concept of dynamic variables in LUTS and BPH, and this, along with the idea of progression of the disease which the MTOPS study brought to our notice, has lead to a major change to our approach to trials of therapy in LUTS and BPH.

The second review is really statement of a theory, an expression of a concept being proposed by the author, which hopefully will be of interest to the reader.

In benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), increased prostate volume has been shown to be associated with future symptom deterioration and progression to acute urinary retention (AUR) or BPH‐related surgery. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the primary androgen responsible for prostate growth. Inhibition by 5α‐reductase inhibitors (5‐ARIs) of the enzyme responsible for the production of DHT decreases prostate volume. This translates to an overall improvement in symptoms and a reduction in the risk of AUR and/or BPH‐related surgery. Selective blockage of α1‐adrenoceptors, principally in the region of the prostate, results in rapid symptom relief for the patient but this does not translate into a long‐term reduction in the risk of AUR or BPH‐related surgery. Given their different modes of action the rationale has always existed for using 5ARIs and α‐blockers together in men deemed to be both symptomatic and at risk of progression. The factors that predict this progression and the methods available to reduce the risk of it occurring are the subjects of this review.
Volume and Isosurface Rendering with GPU‐Accelerated Cell Projection*
Authors: Marroquim R. , Maximo A. , Farias R. , Esperança C.
Published: July 2007

We present an efficient Graphics Processing Unit GPU‐based implementation of the Projected Tetrahedra (PT) algorithm. By reducing most of the CPU–GPU data transfer, the algorithm achieves interactive frame rates (up to 2.0 M Tets/s) on current graphics hardware. Since no topology information is stored, it requires substantially less memory than recent interactive ray casting approaches. The method uses a two‐pass GPU approach with two fragment shaders. This work includes extended volume inspection capabilities by supporting interactive transfer function editing and isosurface highlighting using a Phong illumination model.
Testing for Misspecification in Binary Response Models with Competing Distributions*
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting
Published: July 2007

In empirical studies, the probit and logit models are often used without checks for their competing distributional specifications. It is also rare for econometric tests to be focused on this issue.Santos Silva [Journal of Applied Econometrics(2001), Vol. 16, pp. 577–597] is an important recent exception. By using the conditional moment test principle, we discuss a wide class of non‐nested tests that can easily be applied to detect the competing distributions for the binary response models. This class of tests includes the test ofSantos Silva (2001) for the same task as a particular example and provides other useful alternatives. We also compare the performance of these tests by a Monte Carlo simulation.
Perceived Benefits and Negative Impact of Challenges Encountered in Caring for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Rapanaro Cher , Bartu Anne , Lee Andy H.
Published: July 2007

Background This study investigated the perceived benefits and negative impact associated with stressful events and chronic caregiving demands encountered by parents caring for young adults with an intellectual disability in the period of transition to adulthood.

Methods A sample of 119 parents of young adults described these outcomes in a questionnaire, which were then analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results Although parents identified a range of negative outcomes, they also reported positive outcomes (perceived benefits) in relation to stressful events and chronic demands encountered in this period, including personal growth and enhanced personal resources.

Conclusions The language of stress and burden often used to describe parents’ experiences during the period of their son or daughter's transition to adulthood, needs to coexist with a language of fulfilment, growth and gain, as used by parents themselves. The implications of these findings, in relation to professional interaction with and support of parents in this period, are discussed.
Colonial and post‐colonial aspects of Australian identity1
Authors: Tranter Bruce , Donoghue Jed
Published: July 2007

Since the 1988 Bicentennial and the 2001 centenary of federation celebrations colonial images have flourished in Australia, highlighting the roles of convicts and free settlers during early colonization. Old sites, such as Port Arthur have been re‐invigorated, and in 2004 Tasmanians celebrated the bicentenary of ‘white’ settlement. However, social scientists have given little attention to the role of colonial and post‐colonial figures and myths as aspects of Australian national identity. We seek to address this issue by examining how convicts, free settlers, bushrangers and ANZACs are associated with contemporary identity in Australia.2

We examine evidence from the 2003 Australian Survey of Social Attitudes and find that historical figures such as the ANZACs and post‐World War II immigrants comprise important aspects of national identity. A substantial majority of Australians judged ANZACs to be important, countering recent claims of the ‘demise of the digger’. Sporting heroes are also at the core of Australian identity. Colonial figures appear to be far less important, although views on national identity vary according to social location. In particular, left‐wing, university educated, younger, postmaterialist Australians view convicts and bushrangers as relatively important, indicating the salience of the larrikin in Australian identity.
Phenotypical characterization of indigenous freshwater crayfish populations
Authors: Sint D. , Dalla Via J. , Füreder L.
Published: July 2007

The morphology of an animal is known to reflect both genetic variation and adaptation to the environment. Thus, phenotypic criteria have been used to characterize indigenous crayfish populations. Twenty‐one morphometric parameters were measured on crayfish from 25 waterbodies in the Austrian and Italian parts of Tyrol. They were analysed with hierarchical cluster analysis to obtain the population structure based on morphological similarity between and within the freshwater crayfish species Astacus astacus (noble crayfish), Austropotamobius torrentium (stone crayfish) and Austropotamobius pallipes (white‐clawed crayfish). Furthermore, a stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to the morphometric data to test their differentiating power between populations. Both analyses resulted in a clear differentiation of species and populations, and reflected geographic separations. Thus, the developed morphometric methods were shown to be applicable to characterize the phenotype in freshwater crayfish and seem appropriate to be used for stock identification and the effective characterization of management units in decapod crustaceans.
Embryonic development clarifies polyphyly in ostracod crustaceans
Authors: Wakayama N.
Published: July 2007

The present study describes the embryonic developmental process of the bioluminescent ostracod crustacean Vargula hilgendorfii. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, DAPI staining and video recording were used for observations. This study is the first detailed report of the embryonic development of a myodocopid ostracod. Contrary to previous studies, cleavage occurred in the yolk sphere and no evident cleavage furrow was found. No nauplius stage was found, and five pairs of appendages developed simultaneously. A bivalved carapace developed from two independent buds of the carapace valves. The buds of the left and right valves are enlarged, and become combined. The combined ‘one‐piece’ carapace was divided by the formation of a hinge, and the usual bivalved carapace was formed. On the 16th day, embryos hatched as juveniles with six pairs of appendages, a pair of immature appendages, a pair of compound eyes, a median eye and a bivalved carapace. An important suggestion for the classification of Ostracoda is derived from the observed development of appendages and carapace, because the subclass Ostracoda is defined mainly by the similarities of appendages and the bivalved carapace. The present observations clearly show that the developmental process of Myodocopa differs from that of Podocopa, and supports polyphyly of the Ostracoda.