bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superselective embolization of bladder arteries in the treatment of intractable bladder haemorrhage
Authors: DE BERARDINIS ETTORE , VICINI PATRIZIO , SALVATORI FILIPPO , SCIARRA ALESSANDORO , GENTILE VINCENZO , DI SILVERIO FRANCO
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Bladder hemorrhage following radiation therapy is a serious complication in patients undergoing this treatment. Several methods have been proposed to control this particular situation; however, results have been far from satisfactory, with the exception of drastic measures such as hypogastric artery ligation and radical cystectomy. We recently used a method of superselective embolization of the bladder arteries which enabled us to control severe intractable bleeding in a patient submitted to bladder irradiation for a transitional cell infiltrating carcinoma. Compared to selective embolization and other methods, the advantages of superselective embolization are a lower recurrence rate concerning bleeding, fewer side‐effects and the possibility of using adaptable embospheres (150–1000 micron) which, on account of their marked plasticity, offer better occlusion of the vessels. For these reasons, superselective embolization of the bladder arteries should be considered as the treatment of choice in intractable bladder hemorrhage.
Micropapillary bladder cancer
Authors: NISHIZAWA KOJI , KOBAYASHI TAKASHI , MITSUMORI KENJI , IDE YOSHIHIRO , WATANABE JUN , OGURA KEIJI
Published: June 2005

Abstract  A characteristic clinical course of a patient with micropapillary bladder cancer, a rare histological variant with high metastatic potential, is presented. An 80‐year‐old woman had locally advanced high‐grade bladder cancer with a focal micropapillary variant identified which was treated with intra‐arterial chemotherapy with radiation therapy. Standard follow‐ups involving cystoscopy with cold‐cup biopsies and computed tomography could not detail the bladder carcinoma; however, the patient died of carcinomatosis 20 months after treatment. At autopsy, carcinomas proliferated under benign mucosa and infiltrated diffusely in the retro peritoneum. This behavior differs from the normal pattern of invasive transitional cell carcinoma, which usually proliferates forming a mass lesion. Thus, it may be difficult to detect micropapillary bladder cancer by computed tomography which demonstrates only increased tissue density in retroperitoneal fascia; therefore, care should be taken in the follow‐up of micropapillary bladder cancer.
Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) with perirenal manifestation
Authors: GUNIA SVEN , AWWADEH LESLIE , MAY MATTHIAS , ROEDEL STEFAN , KAUFMANN OLAF
Published: June 2005

Abstract  We present the first case report documenting an 8‐month post‐surgical follow‐up of an exceedingly rare perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) with a perirenal location. Furthermore, prognostic parameters discussed in the literature are summarized and concise information regarding imaging characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging is provided. In conclusion, our report points toward PEComa as a family of very rare mesenchymal neoplasms that should be included into deliberations concerning the differential diagnosis of perirenal mass lesions.
Mucinous cystadenoma mimicking simple renal parenchymal cyst in a horseshoe kidney
Authors: AKAN HAKAN , DALVA IZAK , YILDIZ ÖZDAL , KUTLUAY LALE , GÜNDOĞDU SADI , GÜNGEN YÜCEL
Published: June 2005

Abstract  We report a case of mucinous cystadenoma in a horseshoe kidney which radiologically resembled a simple renal cyst. In the published literature, three cases of mucinous cystadenoma of renal origin have been reported. Although these tumors are believed to originate from the renal pelvis, the cyst in the present case originated from renal parenchyma. The significance of this particular case is the radiological features, which mimick a simple renal parenchymal cyst and contribute to the histopathological definition of an extremely rare disease.
Color Doppler sonography examination of partially obstructed kidneys associated with ureteropelvic junction stone before and after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy: Preliminary report
Authors: KILIÇ SÜLEYMAN , ALTINOK MUSTAFA TAYFUN , İPEK DENIZ , BEYTUR ALI , BAYDINÇ YASAR CAN , GÜNEŞ GÜLSEN
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Aim: To evaluate resistive index (RI) changes before and after unilateral percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in chronic partially obstructed kidneys due to ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) stones.

Methods: Intrarenal RI of obstructed and contralateral normal kidneys of 18 patients were recorded immediately before the operations and at postoperative days 1, 7 and 30. Postoperative RI measurements were compared with baseline values for all patients without grouping and separately for different groups according to the preoperative RI value of the obstructed kidney.

Results: Mean age and symptom duration were 27.5 years and 43.8 weeks, respectively. Preoperatively and at all postoperative controls, kidney diameters and renal parenchyma thicknesses were normal in all patients. Mean RI of obstructed kidneys decreased from 0.68 to 0.63 for all patients (P = 0.032), from 0.64 to 0.63 for those with preoperative RI < 0.70 (P = 0.850) and from 0.73 to 0.62 for those with preoperative RI ≥ 0.70 (P = 0.001). In patients with preoperative RI ≥ 0.70 in obstructed kidney, significant RI decreases were recorded at postoperative day 7 and RI differences between obstructed and contralateral kidneys disappeared after then. No difference was present pre‐ and postoperatively between the mean RI of obstructed and contralateral kidneys of the patients with RI < 0.70. Mean RI of contralateral kidneys were normal preoperatively and showed no significant change postoperatively.

Conclusions: Preoperative RI levels may indirectly reflect the presence of functionally significant obstruction in chronic obstructed kidneys related to UPJ stones. Patients with RI ≥ 0.70 may have a good indication for a surgical approach. Normalization of high RI occurs rapidly after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.
Diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a patient with myotonic dystrophy and cerebral palsy
Authors: TAKAYASU HAJIME , ISHIMARU YUKI , KISAKI YOSHIYUKI , NAKAI HIDEO , UEDA YOSHIHIKO , IKEDA HITOSHI
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP), a morphological and clinical variant of chronic pyelonephritis, is an uncommon disease in children. It is characterized by the destruction of the renal parenchyma and replacement by granulomatous tissue containing foamy lipid‐laden macrophages and is classified into diffuse and focal XGP. We present a case of diffuse XGP in a child with myotonic dystrophy complicated by cerebral palsy and discuss the importance of correct diagnosis and preoperative management to reduce inflammation and improve malnutrition associated with the disease.
A simple new technique to prevent bleeding in transplant nephrectomy
Authors: GHINOLFI DAVIDE , ARCURI VALENTINO , FONTANA IRIS , BEATINI MARCO , BERTOCCHI MASSIMO , VALENTE UMBERTO
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Renal transplantectomy is still a frequent procedure for a transplant surgeon. Nevertheless, it is constantly marred by complications, first of all bleeding. In fact, the local circumstances after the operation and the general health state of the uremic patients lead to a high incidence of this complication. To avoid this, we adopt a particular technique for renal extracapsular transplantectomy, performing three running sutures between the two faces of the renal capsule. This prevents the formation of the hematoma which is the basis of the continuous bleeding and following infection. We collected a series of nine patients who underwent transplantectomy in which we used this technique. No complications were noted.
Fluctuation of night time frequency in patients with symptomatic nocturia
Authors: YOSHIMURA KOJI , TERAI AKITO
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Background: We examined the fluctuation and causes of voiding frequency during the night in patients with symptomatic nocturia.

Materials and methods: Actual night time frequency was recorded by 72 patients for a total of 769 nights (mean 10.7 nights per patient) and was compared with the ‘nocturia score’ of the International Prostate Symptom Scores (I‐PSS). If a patient experienced nocturnal frequency higher or lower than usual, he or she checked the items on a questionnaire considered reasons for the changes.

Results: For 471 nights of 769 (61%), actual voiding frequency did not correspond with nocturia score. Patient‐by‐patient fluctuation in actual voiding frequency during the night was marked. The most prevalent patient‐reported reason for fluctuation was amount of fluid intake, followed by duration of time in bed, feeling colder or warmer during time in bed and increased difficulty going to sleep. Fatigue, difficulty going to sleep and salt intake could affect night time frequency positively or negatively. When nocturia score and total score of the I‐PSS were high, the differences between actual nocturnal frequency and nocturia score were significantly larger (3 or less, 0.71; 3–4 or more, 1.05, P < 0.0001 and 13 or less, 0.78; 14 or more, 0.97; P = 0.0030, respectively). Female patients tended to have nocturia scores differing from actual frequency of urination (1.03 versus male patients 0.84, P = 0.0673).

Conclusions: There is considerable discrepancy between the nocturia score of the I‐PSS and actual voiding frequency, in addition to marked fluctuation of actual voiding frequency in symptomatic patients. Patient perception of fluctuation of night time frequency can provide clues to useful clinical education of patients regarding nocturia.
Hand‐assisted laparoscopic and open living donor nephrectomy in Korea
Authors: KU JA HYEON , YEO WOON GEOL , HAN DEOK HYEON , LEE SUNG WON , KIM HYEON HOE
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Background: We compared the results of hand‐assisted laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN) and conventional open living donor nephrectomy (OLDN).

Methods: The clinical data on 49 hand‐assisted LLDN and 21 OLDN on the left side performed at two institutions in Korea from January 2001 to February 2003 were reviewed. Demographic data of donors and recipients were similar in the two groups.

Results: There was one conversion to an open procedure due to bleeding in the LLDN group. The median operation times (180 min in LLDN versus 170 min in OLDN) and warm ischemic times (2.5 min in LLDN versus 2.0 min in OLDN) in the two groups were similar. The estimated mean blood loss, duration of hospital stay and complication rate was also similar in the two groups. The LLDN group reported less pain (visual analog scale) postoperatively (4.1 versus 5.3), but this was not significant (P = 0.058). The time to oral intake in the LLDN group was significantly longer by an average of 1 day (P = 0.001). Return to work was sooner in the LLDN group (4.0 weeks versus 6.0 weeks; P = 0.026). The recipient graft function was equivalent between the two groups. Hand‐assisted LLDN appears to be a safe and effective alternative to OLDN.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that this technique may give the ability provide grafts of similar quality to OLDN, while extending to the donors the advantages of a traditional LLDN procedure.
Differently regulated androgen receptor transcriptional complex in prostate cancer compared with normal prostate
Authors: KINOSHITA MASASHIGE , NAKAGAWA TOSHIMASA , SHIMIZU AKIRA , KATSUOKA YOJI
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Background:  The coregulators of androgen receptors (AR) influence the transcriptional activity of AR. In order to better understand the mechanism of carcinogenesis in the prostate, we investigated the relationship between AR and AR coregulators in the early stage of prostate cancer.

Methods:  mRNA was purified from 15 samples of prostate cancer and normal tissue and transcribed into cDNA. We screened eight AR coregulators for different gene expressions in prostate cancer, comparing these with normal tissue by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction Syber green method, then quantified each component of the AR transcriptional complex by a real‐time PCR hybri‐probe method. The extent of gene expression similarity was compared by simple Pearson correlation coefficient analysis between prostate cancer and normal tissue. We applied a z‐test to calculate significant differences between r‐values.

Results:  We found that the gene expression level of FHL2 decreased in prostate cancer compared with that of normal tissue and the gene expressions of PSA, AR and SMRT were not significant. The correlation coefficient analysis revealed that strong associations were found in the pairs of AR versus SMRT, AR versus FHL2 and SMRT versus FHL2 in prostate cancer, whereas similarity was found only in the pair of AR versus FHL2 in normal tissue. No association was observed between prostate‐specific antigen and other genes.

Conclusion:  These results demonstrate that the AR‐AR coregulator relationship is different between prostate cancer and normal tissue, leading to the hypothesis that the AR transcriptional complex is regulated differently between prostate cancer and normal tissue.
Pelvic recurrence in stage I seminoma: A new phenomenon that questions modern protocols for radiotherapy and follow‐up
Authors: POWER RICHARD E , KENNEDY JOHN , CROWN JOHN , FRASER IAN , THORNHILL JOHN A
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Objective:  To highlight the increased risk for pelvic relapse in patients with stage 1 seminoma treated with adjuvant radiotherapy limited to para‐aortic template alone.

Patients and methods:  Over a four‐year period, three patients presented with early pelvic recurrence after radical orchidectomy and adjuvant irradiation for stage 1 seminoma. In each case, radiotherapy had been limited to the para‐aortic region with omission of the ipsilateral hemi pelvis.

Results:  Pelvic recurrences occurred on the ipsilateral tumor side. Durable complete remission was achieved in each case; however, treatment was complex and there was associated morbidity.

Conclusion:  This significant incidence of pelvic recurrence questions the validity of modern radiotherapy protocol which excludes the ipsilateral pelvis from the radiation field.
AN AXIOMATIC APPROACH TO CAPITAL ALLOCATION
Authors: Kalkbrener Michael
Published: June 2005

Capital allocation techniques are of central importance in portfolio management and risk‐based performance measurement. In this paper we propose an axiom system for capital allocation and analyze its satisfiability and completeness: it is shown that for a given risk measure ρ there exists a capital allocation Λρ that satisfies the main axioms if and only if ρ is subadditive and positively homogeneous. Furthermore, it is proved that the axiom system uniquely specifies Λρ. We apply the axiomatization to the most popular risk measures in the finance industry in order to derive explicit capital allocation formulae for these measures.
MINIMAL ENTROPY–HELLINGER MARTINGALE MEASURE IN INCOMPLETE MARKETS
Authors: Choulli Tahir , Stricker Christophe
Published: June 2005

This paper defines an optimization criterion for the set of all martingale measures for an incomplete market model when the discounted price process is bounded and quasi‐left continuous. This criterion is based on the entropy–Hellinger process for a nonnegative Doléans–Dade exponential local martingale. We develop properties of this process and establish its relationship to the relative entropy “distance.” We prove that the martingale measure, minimizing this entropy–Hellinger process, is unique. Furthermore, it exists and is explicitly determined under some mild conditions of integrability and no arbitrage. Different characterizations for this extremal risk‐neutral measure as well as immediate application to the exponential hedging are given. If the discounted price process is continuous, the minimal entropy–Hellinger martingale measure simply is the minimal martingale measure of Föllmer and Schweizer. Finally, the relationship between the minimal entropy–Hellinger martingale measure (MHM) and the minimal entropy martingale measure (MEM) is provided. We also give an example showing that in contrast to the MHM measure, the MEM measure is not robust with respect to stopping.
MEAN–VARIANCE PORTFOLIO CHOICE: QUADRATIC PARTIAL HEDGING
Authors: Xia Jianming
Published: June 2005

In this paper we investigate the problem of mean–variance portfolio choice with bankruptcy prohibition. For incomplete markets with continuous assets' price processes and for complete markets, it is shown that the mean–variance efficient portfolios can be expressed as the optimal strategies of partial hedging for quadratic loss function. Thus, mean–variance portfolio choice, in these cases, can be viewed as expected utility maximization with non‐negative marginal utility.
Parathyroid hormone‐related peptide and hypercalcaemia in a dog with functional keratinizing ameloblastoma
Authors: Dhaliwal R. S. , Tang K. N.
Published: June 2005

This case report describes a 6‐year‐old dog with oral ameloblastoma and hypercalcaemia. Serum parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTH‐rp) levels were high. No other cause for hypercalcaemia was found. The hypercalcaemia resolved after hemimandibulectomy. We are not aware of the previous description of canine oral ameloblastoma and hypercalcaemia mediated by PTH‐rp. This case report suggests that PTH‐rp stimulation of the PTH receptor may result in hypercalcaemia in dogs with oral ameloblastoma or other odontogenic neoplasms.
Different biological behaviour of Waldenström macroglobulinemia in two dogs
Authors: Gentilini F. , Calzolari C. , Buonacucina A. , Di Tommaso M. , Militerno G. , Bergamini P. Famigli
Published: June 2005

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia is a low‐grade immunosecretory disorder associated with lymphoid tumours, which is rarely reported in veterinary medicine. In this study, we describe two clinical cases of this rare syndrome in dogs, each characterized by a different onset and clinical course. In one case, a hyperacute onset and aggressive behaviour of the neoplasm was observed. Absolute serum viscosity (SV) was retrospectively evaluated in order to explain clinical findings. Rotational viscosimetry showed good precision in measuring SV. Both dogs had SV values higher than a control groups of healthy dogs although only one subject developed hyperviscosity symptoms and complications. At high paraprotein concentrations, a slight reduction of the M‐component was associated with a marked decrease in SV. Thus, this work suggests that SV assessment is a relevant tool for managing monoclonal gammopathies, whose usefulness should be further confirmed in larger cohorts of dogs.
Probiotics: do they have a role in oral medicine and dentistry?
Authors: Meurman Jukka H.
Published: June 2005

This review describes current knowledge on probiotic bacteriotherapy from the oral health perspective. Recent experimental studies and results from randomized controlled trials have shown that certain gut bacteria, in particular species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may exert beneficial effects in the oral cavity by inhibiting cariogenic streptococci and Candida sp. Probiotics have been successfully used to control gastro‐intestinal diseases. They also appear to alleviate symptoms of allergy and diseases with immunological pathology. The mechanisms of probiotic action appear to link with colonization resistance and immune modulation. Lactic acid bacteria can produce different antimicrobial components such as organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, carbon peroxide, diacetyl, low molecular weight antimicrobial substances, bacteriocins, and adhesion inhibitors, which also affect oral microflora. However, data is still sparse on the probiotic action in the oral cavity. More information is needed on the colonization of probiotics in the mouth and their possible effect on and within oral biofilms. There is every reason to believe that the putative probiotic mechanisms of action are the same in the mouth as they are in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Because of the increasing global problem with antimicrobial drug resistance, the concept of probiotic therapy is interesting and pertinent, and merits further research in the fields of oral medicine and dentistry.
How do children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder interact in a clinical dental examination? A video analysis
Authors: Blomqvist My , Augustsson Mikael , Bertlin Christine , Holmberg Kirsten , Fernell Elisabeth , Dahllöf Göran , Ek Ulla
Published: June 2005

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently the most common behavioural disorder in school‐age children. The aim of this study was to perform a detailed analysis of behavioural interactions between the dentist and the child patient with ADHD. All children born in 1991 (n = 555) in one Swedish municipality were screened for attention and learning problems, and assessed for ADHD. Twenty‐two children with ADHD, and a control group of 47 children without attention and learning problems, were included in the study. The dental recall visit was recorded on video. The interaction between the dentist and the child was analysed in detail and scored as verbal and non‐verbal initiatives and responses. Compared to the children in the control group, the children with ADHD made significantly more initiatives, especially initiatives that did not focus on the examination or the dentist. The children with ADHD had fewer verbal responses and more missing responses. In conclusion, the problems in communication resulted in less two‐way communication between the dentist and the children with ADHD than the interaction between the dentist and the children in the control group. The children with ADHD had particular difficulties staying focused on the examination.
Caries inhibition around composite restorations by pulsed carbon dioxide laser application
Authors: Klein André L. L. , Rodrigues Lidiany K. A. , Eduardo Carlos P. , Nobre dos Santos Marinês , Cury Jaime A.
Published: June 2005

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate whether laser irradiation of cavity margins reduces enamel demineralization around composite restoration. Enamel cavities were prepared in 33 human enamel slabs, which were randomly divided into three groups. One group was kept as a control, and the cavosurface margin of the cavities of the other groups were irradiated, using a CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 µm), at 8 J·cm−2 or 16 J·cm−2. The cavities were restored with a resin‐based composite, according to the manufacturer's specifications. Before restoration, scanning electron microscopy was performed on one specimen of each group. The remaining slabs were submitted to thermal and pH‐cycling models. Enamel mineral loss, at 50 and 100 µm from the restoration margin, was assessed by cross‐sectional microhardness analyses. Fusion and melting were observed in the irradiated groups. Mineral loss at 50 µm from the restoration margin was significantly inhibited in the irradiated groups compared to the control group, but at 100 µm from the restoration margin, mineral loss at only the highest laser energy density differed statistically from the control group. The difference between the irradiated groups was not statistically significant at either 50 or 100 µm from the restoration margin. In conclusion, irradiatiation of the cavosurface margin of cavities, using a pulsed CO2 laser, is able to inhibit enamel demineralization around composite restorations, and an energy density of 16 J·cm−2 is efficient, even at 100 µm from the cavity margin.
Seven‐year dentin bond strengths of a total‐ and self‐etch system
Authors: Burrow Michael F. , Harada Naoko , Kitasako Yuichi , Nikaido Toru , Tagami Junji
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study was to determine the durability of tensile bond strengths of a conventional 3‐step bonding system (Superbond D‐liner Plus) and a self‐etching priming bonding system (Clearfil Liner Bond II) to bovine dentin over a 7 yr period. Superficial bovine dentin finished with 600‐grit SiC paper was bonded with one of the two adhesive materials. A 4 mm diameter area was bonded, covered with resin composite and stored in 37°C deionized water containing gypsum chips and 0.4% sodium azide as an antibacterial. Bonds were stressed in tension at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min−1. Mean bond strengths were observed at 1 d, at 1, 3, and 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 yr. Ten specimens were tested for the first 3 yr and 15 specimens were tested for 6 and 7 yr. The bond strength of Superbond D‐liner Plus significantly decreased over the 7 yr period, whereas Liner Bond II showed a slight but, insignificant, decrease. The fracture mode changed with time for Superbond D‐liner Plus, but not for Liner Bond II. It was concluded that systems which use a strong acid for demineralizing the dentin may show greater deterioration of the bond to dentin compared with a self‐etching priming system.
A three‐dimensional in vitro model system to study the adaptation of craniofacial skeletal muscle following mechanostimulation
Authors: Auluck Angela , Mudera Vivek , Hunt Nigel P. , Lewis Mark P.
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro response of human craniofacial muscle‐derived myotubes (primitive/nascent muscle fibres), in three‐dimensional constructs, to strain in vitro to mimic clinical scenarios, using expression of the mechanoresponsive gene gelatinase‐A/matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) as a marker of remodelling of muscle extracellular matrix. Three‐dimensional (3D) constructs of cells derived from explants of human masseter muscle (human craniofacial muscle‐derived cells; hCMDC) in collagen sponges were subjected to mechanical, uniaxial strain using the Bio‐Stretch system. 3D myotube constructs were exposed to the strain regimes of rapid ramp stretch (RRS) or cyclical ramp strain (CRS) with 7.5% and 15% strain. The activity of MMP‐2 was assessed by zymography of construct‐conditioned medium, whilst lysates of the constructs were used to measure creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity to confirm the presence of myotubes in the strained constructs. Scanning electron microscopy of the collagen sponges and the CPK assays confirmed the presence of myotubes. MMP‐2 was expressed by all the samples and controls, but expression was found to be significantly higher in those cultures strained continuously (RRS), compared to cyclical strain (CRS), and in those strained at 15% compared to 7.5%. Thus, MMP‐2 expression, and hence extracellular matrix remodelling, is up‐regulated in response to strain and is dependent upon the amount and type of strain to which the muscle is subjected.
Effects of the tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitors pentoxifylline and thalidomide in short‐term experimental oral mucositis in hamsters
Authors: Lima V. , Brito G. A. C. , Cunha F. Q. , Rebouças C. G. , Falcão B. A. A. , Augusto R. F. , Souza M. L. P. , Leitão B. T. , Ribeiro R. A.
Published: June 2005

Oral mucositis is a frequent side‐effect of cancer therapy. A definitive method of prophylaxis or treatment is not yet available. As pentoxifylline (PTX) and thalidomide (TLD) have been shown to inhibit cytokine synthesis, we studied the effects of these cytokine inhibitors in an experimental oral mucositis model. Oral mucositis was induced in Golden hamsters by the administration of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) followed by mechanical trauma of the cheek pouch. On days 4, 5, 10, 12, 14 and 16, lesions induced by 5‐FU were examined macroscopically and microscopically, and the presence and intensity of hyperemia, erythema, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhagic areas, ulcers and abscesses were recorded. Saline (control), PTX (5, 15, 45 mg kg−1) or TLD (10, 30, 90 mg kg−1) were administered daily and animals were killed on day 10 for macroscopic and histological analysis and assay of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Animals were weighed daily, and total and differential leukocyte counts were performed on peripheral blood. PTX and TLD were found to reduce the macroscopic and histological parameters of oral mucositis and MPO activity. PTX and TLD also reversed peripheral neutrophilia, but only PTX prevented weight loss. The results indicate a protective effect of PTX and TLD, suggesting an important role for tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in the pathophysiology of 5‐FU induced‐oral mucositis in hamsters.
The immunoreactivity of systemic antibodies to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in adult periodontitis
Authors: Johansson Anders , Buhlin Kåre , Koski Riikka , Gustafsson Anders
Published: June 2005

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis secrete several potent virulence factors and are known to be two of the major periodontal pathogens. In the present case‐control study, the systemic immunoreactivity to A. actinomycetemcomitans exotoxins, cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) and leukotoxin was analyzed in adult subjects with periodontitis and in periodontally healthy controls. Furthermore, systemic immunoreactivity to P. gingivalis was analyzed in these subjects. Reactivity to the A. actinomycetemcomitans toxins was determined in bioassays that quantified neutralizing antibodies, and P. gingivalis antibodies were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed a significantly enhanced immunoreactivity to P. gingivalis in the subjects with periodontitis, while the reactivity to A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin showed no significant difference between patients and controls. However, combined immunoreactivity to leukotoxin and Cdt was more prevalent in the subjects with periodontitis than in the controls. In addition, immunoreactivity to leukotoxin correlated to periodontitis in men but not in women. In conclusion, data from the present study indicate that immunoreactivity to P. gingivalis is frequent in adult periodontitis, while the role of A. actinomycetemcomitans seems to be more complex and depends on gender of the infected subject as well as the virulence of the bacteria.
Impaired modulation of sympathetic α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction in contracting forearm muscle of ageing men
Authors: Dinenno Frank A. , Masuki Shizue , Joyner Michael J.
Published: June 2005

Recent evidence indicates that older healthy humans demonstrate greater vasoconstrictor tone in their active muscles during exercise compared with young adults. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the normal ability of muscle contractions to blunt sympathetic α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction (functional sympatholysis) is impaired with age in healthy humans. We measured forearm blood flow (FBF; Doppler ultrasound) and calculated the forearm vascular conductance (FVC) responses to α‐adrenergic receptor stimulation during rhythmic handgrip exercise (15% maximum voluntary contraction) and during a control non‐exercise vasodilator condition (intra‐arterial adenosine infusion) in seven young (25 ± 2 years) and eight healthy older men (65 ± 2 year). FVC responses to intra‐arterial tyramine (evokes endogenous noradrenaline release), phenylephrine (α1‐agonist) and clonidine (α2‐agonist) were assessed. In young men, the vasoconstrictor responses to tyramine (−25 ± 1 versus−56 ± 6%), phenylephrine (−11 ± 4 versus−39 ± 4%) and clonidine (−12 ± 4 versus−38 ± 5%; all P < 0.005) were blunted during exercise compared with adenosine. In contrast, exercise did not significantly blunt the response to tyramine (−30 ± 2 versus−36 ± 7%; P= 0.4) or phenylephrine (−16 ± 2 versus−19 ± 3%; P= 0.3) in older men, but did attenuate the response to clonidine (−22 ± 3 versus−37 ± 6%; P < 0.05). The magnitude of functional sympatholysis, calculated as the difference in the vasoconstrictor responses during adenosine infusion and exercise, was significantly lower in older compared with young men in the presence of tyramine (−6 ± 7 versus−31 ± 6%), phenylephrine (−3 ± 3 versus−28 ± 4%) and clonidine (−15 ± 4 versus−26 ± 3%; all P < 0.05). We conclude that ageing is associated with impaired functional sympatholysis in the vascular beds of contracting forearm muscle in healthy men. These findings might help explain the greater skeletal muscle vasoconstrictor tone and reduced blood flow during large muscle dynamic exercise in older adults.
Migration of human melanoma cells depends on extracellular pH and Na+/H+ exchange
Authors: Stock Christian , Gassner Birgit , Hauck Christof R. , Arnold Hannelore , Mally Sabine , Eble Johannes A. , Dieterich Peter , Schwab Albrecht
Published: June 2005

Their glycolytic metabolism imposes an increased acid load upon tumour cells. The surplus protons are extruded by the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) which causes an extracellular acidification. It is not yet known by what mechanism extracellular pH (pHe) and NHE activity affect tumour cell migration and thus metastasis. We studied the impact of pHe and NHE activity on the motility of human melanoma (MV3) cells. Cells were seeded on/in collagen I matrices. Migration was monitored employing time lapse video microscopy and then quantified as the movement of the cell centre. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured fluorometrically. Cell–matrix interactions were tested in cell adhesion assays and by the displacement of microbeads inside a collagen matrix. Migration depended on the integrin α2β1. Cells reached their maximum motility at pHe∼7.0. They hardly migrated at pHe 6.6 or 7.5, when NHE was inhibited, or when NHE activity was stimulated by loading cells with propionic acid. These procedures also caused characteristic changes in cell morphology and pHi. The changes in pHi, however, did not account for the changes in morphology and migratory behaviour. Migration and morphology more likely correlate with the strength of cell–matrix interactions. Adhesion was the strongest at pHe 6.6. It weakened at basic pHe, upon NHE inhibition, or upon blockage of the integrin α2β1. We propose that pHe and NHE activity affect migration of human melanoma cells by modulating cell–matrix interactions. Migration is hindered when the interaction is too strong (acidic pHe) or too weak (alkaline pHe or NHE inhibition).
Proton modulation of recombinant GABAA receptors: influence of GABA concentration and the β subunit TM2–TM3 domain
Authors: Wilkins Megan E. , Hosie Alastair M. , Smart Trevor G.
Published: June 2005

Regulation of GABAA receptors by extracellular pH exhibits a dependence on the receptor subunit composition. To date, the molecular mechanism responsible for the modulation of GABAA receptors at alkaline pH has remained elusive. We report here that the GABA‐activated current can be potentiated at pH 8.4 for both αβ and αβγ subunit‐containing receptors, but only at GABA concentrations below the EC40. Site‐specific mutagenesis revealed that a single lysine residue, K279 in the β subunit TM2–TM3 linker, was critically important for alkaline pH to modulate the function of both α1β2 and α1β2γ2 receptors. The ability of low concentrations of GABA to reveal different pH titration profiles for GABAA receptors was also examined at acidic pH. At pH 6.4, GABA activation of αβγ receptors was enhanced at low GABA concentrations. This effect was ablated by the mutation H267A in the β subunit. Decreasing the pH further to 5.4 inhibited GABA responses via αβγ receptors, whereas those responses recorded from αβ receptors were potentiated. Inserting homologous β subunit residues into the γ2 subunit to recreate, in αβγ receptors, the proton modulatory profile of αβ receptors, established that in the presence of β2H267, the mutation γ2T294K was necessary to potentiate the GABA response at pH 5.4. This residue, T294, is homologous to K279 in the β subunit and suggests that a lysine at this position is an important residue for mediating the allosteric effects of both acidic and alkaline pH changes, rather than forming a direct site for protonation within the GABAA receptor.
Neuropeptide and calcium‐binding protein gene expression profiles predict neuronal anatomical type in the juvenile rat
Authors: Toledo‐Rodriguez Maria , Goodman Philip , Illic Milena , Wu Caizhi , Markram Henry
Published: June 2005

Neocortical neurones can be classified according to several independent criteria: morphological, physiological, and molecular expression (neuropeptides (NPs) and/or calcium‐binding proteins (CaBPs)). While it has been suggested that particular NPs and CaBPs characterize certain anatomical subtypes of neurones, there is also considerable overlap in their expression, and little is known about simultaneous expression of multiple NPs and CaBPs in morphologically characterized neocortical neurones. Here we determined the gene expression profiles of calbindin (CB), parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM) and cholecystokinin (CCK) in 268 morphologically identified neurones located in layers 2–6 in the juvenile rat somatosensory neocortex. We used patch‐clamp electrodes to label neurones with biocytin and harvest the cytoplasm to perform single‐cell RT‐multiplex PCR. Quality threshold clustering, an unsupervised algorithm that clustered neurones according to their entire profile of expressed genes, revealed seven distinct clusters. Surprisingly, each cluster preferentially contained one anatomical class. Artificial neural networks using softmax regression predicted anatomical types at nearly optimal statistical levels. Classification tree‐splitting (CART), a simple binary neuropeptide decision tree algorithm, revealed the manner in which expression of the multiple mRNAs relates to different anatomical classes. Pruning the CART tree revealed the key predictors of anatomical class (in order of importance: SOM, PV, VIP, and NPY). We reveal here, for the first time, a strong relationship between specific combinations of NP and CaBP gene expressions and the anatomical class of neocortical neurones.
Differential chemosensory function and receptor expression of splanchnic and pelvic colonic afferents in mice
Authors: Brierley Stuart M. , Carter R. , Jones W. , Xu Linjing , Robinson David R. , Hicks Gareth A. , Gebhart G. F. , Blackshaw L. Ashley
Published: June 2005

Lumbar splanchnic (LSN) and sacral pelvic (PN) nerves convey different mechanosensory information from the colon to the spinal cord. Here we determined whether these pathways also differ in their chemosensitivity and receptor expression. Using an in vitro mouse colon preparation, individual primary afferents were tested with selective P2X and transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) receptor ligands. Afferent cell bodies in thoracolumbar and lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were retrogradely labelled from the colon and analysed for P2X3‐ and TRPV1‐like immunoreactivity (LI). Forty per cent of LSN afferents responded to α,β‐methylene adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (α,β‐meATP; 1 mm), an effect that was concentration dependent and reversed by the P2X antagonist pyridoxyl5‐phosphate 6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS) (100 μm). Significantly fewer PN afferents (7%) responded to α,β‐meATP. Correspondingly, 36% of colonic thoracolumbar DRG neurones exhibited P2X3‐LI compared with only 19% of colonic lumbosacral neurones. Capsaicin (3 μm) excited 61% of LSN afferents and 47% of PN afferents; 82% of thoracolumbar and 50% of lumbosacral colonic DRG neurones displayed TRPV1‐LI. Mechanically insensitive afferents were recruited by α,β‐meATP or capsaicin, and were almost exclusive to the LSN. Capsaicin‐responsive LSN afferents displayed marked mechanical desensitization after responding to capsaicin, which did not occur in capsaicin‐responsive PN afferents. Therefore, colonic LSN and PN pathways differ in their chemosensitivity to known noxious stimuli and their corresponding receptor expression. As these pathways relay information that may relate to symptoms in functional gastrointestinal disease, these results may have implications for the efficacy of therapies targeting receptor modulation.
Modulation of potassium currents by angiotensin and oxidative stress in cardiac cells from the diabetic rat
Authors: Shimoni Y. , Hunt D. , Chuang M. , Chen K. Y. , Kargacin G. , Severson D. L.
Published: June 2005

Diabetes induces oxidative stress and leads to attenuation of cardiac K+ currents. We investigated the role of superoxide ions and angiotensin II (ANG II) in generating and linking oxidative stress to the modulation of K+ currents under diabetic conditions. K+ currents were measured using patch‐clamp methods in ventricular myocytes from streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. Superoxide ion levels, indicating oxidative stress, were measured by fluorescent labelling with dihydroethidium (DHE). ANG II content was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent asssay (ELISA). The results showed DHE fluorescence to be significantly higher in cells from diabetic males, compared to controls. Relief of stress by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin or by superoxide dismutase (SOD) but not by catalase reversed the attenuation of K+ currents and reduced DHE fluorescence. In cells from diabetic females, neither apocynin nor SOD augmented K+ currents, ANG II was not elevated and DHE fluorescence was significantly weaker than in cells from males. Reduced glutathione (GSH) also augmented K+ currents in cells from diabetic males but not females. In ovariectomized diabetic females K+ currents were augmented by GSH and apocynin. Current augmentation and the attenuation of DHE fluorescence by apocynin were significantly blunted by excess ANG II (300 nm). Diabetic male rats pretreated with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor quinapril were hyperglycaemic, but their cellular ANG II levels and DHE fluorescence were significantly decreased. In cells from these rats, K+ currents were insensitive to apocynin. In conclusion, diabetes‐related oxidative stress attenuates K+ currents through ANG II‐generated increased superoxide ion levels. When ANG II levels are lower, as in diabetic females or following ACE inhibition in males, oxidative stress is reduced, with blunted alterations in K+ currents.
RNA Polymerase II Is Required for RNAi-Dependent Heterochromatin Assembly
Authors: Kato Hiroaki , Goto Derek B. , Martienssen Robert A. , Urano Takeshi , Furukawa Koichi , Murakami Yota
Published: June 2005

In
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
, the RNA interference (RNAi) machinery converts pericentromeric transcripts into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and is required for the assembly of pericentromeric heterochromatin. Here we describe a mutation in the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Both wild-type and mutant RNAPII localized to the pericentromere. However, the mutation resulted in the loss of heterochromatic histone modifications and in the accumulation of pericentromeric transcripts, accompanied by the loss of siRNAs. This phenotype resembles mutants in RNAi and suggests that RNAPII couples pericentromeric transcription with siRNA processing and heterochromatin assembly.
DIRAC QUANTIZATION OF A NONMINIMAL GAUGED O(3) SIGMA MODEL
Authors: MENDES K. C. , LANDIM R. R. , ALMEIDA C. A. S.
Published: June 2005

The (2+1)-dimensional gauged O(3) nonlinear sigma model with Chern–Simons term is canonically quantized. Furthermore, we study a nonminimal coupling in this model implemented by means of a Pauli-type term. It is shown that the set of constraints of the model is modified by the introduction of the Pauli coupling. Moreover, we found that the quantum commutator relations in the nominimal case is independent of the Chern–Simons coefficient, in contrast to the minimal one.
SCATTERING IN NONCOMMUTATIVE QUANTUM MECHANICS
Authors: ALAVI S. A.
Published: June 2005

We derive the correction due to noncommutativity of space on Born approximation, then the correction for the case of Yukawa potential is explicitly calculated. The correction depends on the angle of scattering. Using partial wave method, it is shown that the conservation of the number of particles in elastic scattering is also valid in noncommutative spaces which means that the unitarity relation is held in noncommutative spaces. We also show that the noncommutativity of space has no effect on the optical theorem. Finally we study Gaussian function potential in noncommutative spaces which generates delta function potential as θ → 0.
GENERALIZED COMPLEX GEOMETRY AND THE POISSON SIGMA MODEL
Authors: BERGAMIN L.
Published: June 2005

The supersymmetric Poisson Sigma model is studied as a possible worldsheet realization of generalized complex geometry. Generalized complex structures alone do not guarantee non-manifest N = (2, 1) or N = (2, 2) supersymmetry, but a certain relation among the different Poisson structures is needed. Moreover, important relations of an additional almost complex structure are found, which have no immediate interpretation in terms of generalized complex structures.
CRITICAL BEHAVIOR OF THE COMPACTIFIED GINZBURG–LANDAU MODEL
Authors: MALBOUISSON A. P. C. , MALBOUISSON J. M. C. , SANTANA A. E. , KHANNA F. C.
Published: June 2005

In a field theoretical framework, we study the N-component Ginzburg–Landau model compactified in one of the spatial dimensions. Taking the large-N limit, including one-loop corrections to the coupling constant, we calculate the transition temperature (T c ) for a system bounded between two parallel planes as a function of the separation distance (L) between then. We show that T c (L) decreases as the separation is diminished in a slightly nonlinear way. The minimal separation for the suppression of the second-order transition is lower than the one obtained without considering coupling-constant corrections.
PHANTOM COSMOLOGY WITH A NONLINEAR BORN–INFELD TYPE SCALAR FIELD
Authors: LU H. Q.
Published: June 2005

Recent many physicists suggest that the dark energy in the universe might result from the Born–Infeld (B–I) type scalar field of string theory. The universe of B–I type scalar field with potential can undergo a phase of accelerating expansion. The corresponding equation of state parameter lies in the range of -1<ω<-⅓. The equation of state parameter of B–I type scalar field without potential lies in the range of 0≤ω≤1. We find that weak energy condition and strong energy condition are violated for phantom B–I type scalar field. The equation of state parameter lies in the range of ω<-1.
DOES QUANTUM COSMOLOGY PREDICT A CONSTANT DILATONIC FIELD?
Authors: ALVARENGA F. G. , BATISTA A. B. , FABRIS J. C.
Published: June 2005

Quantum cosmology may permit to determine the initial conditions of the Universe. In particular, it may select a specific model between many possible classical models. In this work, we study a quantum cosmological model based on the string effective action coupled to matter. The Schutz's formalism is employed in the description of the fluid. A radiation fluid is considered. In this way, a time coordinate may be identified and the Wheeler–DeWitt equation reduces in the minisuperspace to a Schrödinger-like equation. It is shown that, under some quite natural assumptions, the expectation values indicate a null axionic field and a constant dilatonic field. At the same time the scale factor exhibits a bounce revealing a singularity-free cosmological model. In some cases, the mininum value of the scale factor can be related to the value of gravitational coupling.
SPIN LIGHT OF NEUTRINO IN GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS
Authors: DVORNIKOV MAXIM , GRIGORIEV ALEXANDER , STUDENIKIN ALEXANDER
Published: June 2005

We develop the quasiclassical theory of a massive neutrino spin evolution in the presence of gravitational fields, and the corresponding probability of the neutrino spin oscillations in gravitational fields is derived for the first time. On this basis we also predict a new mechanism for electromagnetic radiation by a neutrino moving in the vicinity of gravitating objects (the "spin light of neutrino," SLν, in gravitational fields). It is shown that the total power of this radiation is proportional to the neutrino gamma factor to the fourth power, and the emitted photon energy, for the case of an ultra relativistic neutrino, spans up to gamma-rays. We investigate the SLν caused by both gravitational and electromagnetic fields, also accounting for effects of arbitrary moving and polarized matter, in various astrophysical environments. In particular, we discuss the SLν emitted by a neutrino moving in the vicinity of a rotating neutron star, black hole surrounded by dense matter, as well as by a neutrino propagating in the relativistic jet from a quasar.