bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endochitinase activity in the apoplastic fluid of Phellinus weirii‐infected Douglas‐fir and its association with over wintering and antifreeze activity
Authors: Zamani A. , Sturrock R. , Ekramoddoullah A. K. M. , Wiseman S. B. , Griffith M.
Published: October 2003

Extracellular proteins were extracted from Phellinus weirii infected Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) roots and needles to examine endochitinase activity. Chitinases have been associated with the plant's defence response against fungal attack because they hydrolyse chitin, a structural component of fungal cell walls. Protein separation using sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) followed by Western immunoblot analysis using a polyclonal antibody specific to an endochitinase‐like protein (ECP) resulted in the detection of up to three polypeptides between 27 and 30 kDa in size. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐D PAGE) followed by Western immunoblot analysis revealed that the apoplastic fluid contained multiple ECP isoforms with isoelectric points (pIs) ranging from 5.3 to 5.8 and molecular masses of 27–30 kDa. Chitinase activity in needle and root tissues was measured spectrophotometrically using a colorimetric assay. A gel overlay technique using glycol chitin as a substrate for endochitinase was applied to confirm that the ECP antibody detected an enzymatically active protein. The apoplastic fluid collected from P. weirii‐infected winter Douglas‐fir needles showed anti‐freeze activity and seasonal analysis of needle tissue showed some evidence of ECP accumulation in winter months. ECP was distributed systemically throughout the tree. Increased levels of endochitinase activity in the region of P. weirii infection supports a physiological role for ECP in the plant defence response.
Host responses to natural infection by Cytonaema sp. in the aerial bark of Eucalyptus globulus
Authors: Eyles A. , Davies N. W. , Yuan Z. Q. , Mohammed C.
Published: October 2003

The chemical and anatomical host responses to natural fungal infection by Cytonaema sp. in the aerial bark of 3‐year‐old Eucalyptus globulus plantation trees were examined. The lesion margin (LM) of the canker‐infected bark was characterized by the formation of a layer of dark extractives visible to the naked eye. Chemical analysis of the LM by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection and HPLC‐MS using negative ion electrospray ionisation indicated the presence of a range of compounds including hydrolysable tannins, polymeric proanthocyanidins, flavonoid glycosides, formlyated phloroglucinol compounds and volatile terpenes. These compounds were either undetectable in healthy tissue or present at significantly lower concentrations than in the LM. The LM of the canker‐infected bark was morphologically distinct from healthy phloem, its characteristics varying depending on severity of canker infection. In superficial infections in which only the phloem was affected, the following LMs were observed: (i) a continuous wound periderm of multiple layers, or (ii) an incompletely differentiated and discontinuous wound periderm. In cases of severe canker infections in which the vascular cambium had been killed, the new phloem formed subsequently contained traumatic oil glands in addition to the responses observed for superficial canker infections. All LMs were characterized by the formation of new parenchyma cells that stained positive for the presence of polyphenols. The significance of the chemical and structural responses as defence mechanisms against fungi causing stem canker is discussed.
Phlebosclerotic colitis coincident with carcinoma in adenoma
Authors: Kimura Yasuhiko , Kashima Kenji , Daa Tsutomu , Tou Yuji , Hanzawa Kazukuni , Nakayama Iwao , Yokoyama Shigeo
Published: October 2003

Phlebosclerosis of the colon is a rare disease characterized by a thickening of the wall of the colon with fibrosis, hy‐alinization and calcification to the affected veins. These symptoms result in a type of ischemic colitis known as phlebosclerotic colitis. A case of phlebosclerotic colitis coincident with carcinoma in adenoma is reported. A 74‐year‐old Japanese woman was admitted to hospital because of a mass in her right lower abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography examination revealed linear calcifications in the wall of the cecum and the ascending colon. Colonoscopy revealed dark purple mucosa with multiple ulcers in the cecum and the ascending colon. Biopsy specimens showed a marked hyalinous thickening of the wall of small blood vessels in the mucosa. Phlebosclerotic colitis was suspected because of negative results with amyloid stain. Alternative ileocolic angiography showed the serpentine of the peripheral nature blood vessels and pooling at the late venous phase. Microscopic examination of the surgically resected colon revealed mucosal and submucosal fibrosis, and a thickening of the venous wall with fibrosis, hyalinization and calcification from the mucosa to the serosa, which caused a marked luminal narrowing. A small polypoid lesion was also found in the affected region and was diagnosed histologically as carcinoma in adenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of phlebosclerotic colitis complicated by carcinoma.
Role of PTEN and MMP‐7 expression in growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Hua‐Chuan , Sun Jin‐Min , Li Xiao‐Han , Yang Xue‐Fei , Zhang Yin‐Chang , Xin Yan
Published: October 2003

To investigate the role of PTEN and matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) expression in tumorigenesis and progression of gastric carcinoma, their expression in 113 gastric carcinomas was studied by immunohistochemistry. Microvessel density (MVD) was counted using the anti‐CD34 antibody. The expressions of PTEN and MMP‐7, and MVD were compared with the clinicopathological parameters of tumors, and the relationship between PTEN and MMP‐7 expression and MVD was analyzed. It was found that PTEN was expressed less frequently in primary gastric carcinoma cells than in adjacent epithelial cells (P < 0.05), whereas this was reversed for MMP‐7 (P < 0.05). PTEN expression was negatively correlated with invasion, metastasis, growth pattern, Lauren's classification and histological classification (P < 0.05). Matrix metalloproteinase‐7 expression was positively associated with tumor size, Borrmann's classification, invasive depth, metastasis and TNM staging (P < 0.05), but negative with PTEN expression (P < 0.05). A positive correlation of MVD with tumor size, invasive depth, metastasis and TNM staging was found (P < 0.05). Microvessel density depended on decreased PTEN expression and increased MMP‐7 expression (P < 0.05). The results of the present study suggested that down‐regulated PTEN expression and up‐regulated MMP‐7 expression were greatly implicated in tumorigenesis and progression of gastric carcinoma. Close correlation between PTEN on MMP‐7 expression provided a novel insight into the regulatory effects of PTEN on MMP‐7 expression in gastric carcinoma.
Major urologic surgery and rhabdomyolysis in two obese patients
Authors: İŞER İ CÜNEYT , ŞENKUL TEMUÇİN , REDDY PRATAP K
Published: October 2003

Abstract Urologic surgery performed in the lithotomy position sometimes results in the serious complications of rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. Patients in which this occurs are almost always found to have compartmental syndromes. The two patients we present herein did not show any sign of a compartmental syndrome, but both were obese and underwent surgery for more than 6 h. The possible mechanism of rhabdomyolysis without compartmental syndrome (without local signs and symptoms of muscle damage) is discussed, and rhabdomyolysis and urologic surgery are reviewed.
Clinicopathological factors predicting recurrence of N0M0 renal cell carcinoma: A case series analysis of one facility
Authors: MASUDA AIICHIRO , AOKI MANA , TOKUNAGA MASATOSHI , USUI YUKIO , ABE TAKAYUKI , MIYAKITA HIDESHI , KINOSHITA HIDECHIKA , KAWAMURA NOBUO , TERACHI TOSHIRO
Published: October 2003

Background: Although many factors have been reported as predictors of the recurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), none of the factors are consistent among different studies. In the study presented here, the potential clinicopathological predictors of the recurrence of N0M0 RCC were examined.

Methods: A total of 201 patients who underwent nephrectomy for N0M0 RCC were examined to determine the pathological tumor stage (pT stage), pathological tumor grade of malignancy (tumor grade), symptoms, and tumor size.

Results RCC recurred in 29 patients (14.4%), 50% of whom developed new tumors within 24 months after nephrectomy. The disease‐free 3‐ and 10‐year survival rates declined as the pT stage and tumor grade increased: these rates were, respectively, 98.6% and 86.5% for pT1a; 93.7% and 87.9% for pT1b; 100% and 100% for pT2; 78.6% and 58.0% for pT3a; and 88.9% and 16.7% for pT3b. Significant differences in the recurrence rate were noted between pT3 and pT1 or pT2, as well as between grade 3 disease and grade 1 or grade 2 tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that a combination of the pT stage, grade, and presence of symptoms was useful for predicting the recurrence of RCC.

Conclusion: The present study showed that patients undergoing nephrectomy for N0M0 RCC should be followed‐up carefully for 2 years postoperatively with special attention to high pT stage, high grade, and the development of symptoms.
Hands‐free hook for endourological procedures
Authors: ONO YOSHIHIRO , SUZUKI KAZUHIRO
Published: October 2003

Abstract We present here a hook that can be used to free both hands from holding the endoscope during endourological procedures. We made the hook from a wire hanger, and thus, it is a convenient, cheap and easy tool to make using this everyday item. As this hook makes the insertion of the endoscope into the urethra easier, it allows urologists to perform endourological procedures, which require the handling of biopsy forceps, a basket wire and lithotripsy probes, unassisted.
Epigenetics are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle and expression of tumor suppressor genes in human colon cancer cells
Authors: CHEN Ying Xuan , FANG Jing Yuan , LU Juan , YANG Li , QIU De Kai
Published: October 2003

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the effects of DNA methylation and histone acetylation on the cell cycle progression and expression of tumor suppressor genes in human colon cancer (HCC) cell lines.

METHODS:  Three HCC cell lines (HT‐29, SW1116 and Colo‐320) were treated with the DNA methyl­ation inhibitor, 5‐aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dC) or/and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, tricho­statin A (TSA) or sodium butyrate. The methylation status of the promoter of the p16INK4A gene was assayed by methylation‐specific PCR (MSP). The expression of p16INK4A and p21WAF1 was analyzed by RT‐PCR. The cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS:  Before treatment, p16INK4A expression was slightly detected in the three cell lines (HT‐29, SW1116 and Colo‐320) and p21WAF1 expression was not detected in SW1116 and Colo‐320 cells. The methylation level of the p16INK4A gene promoter significantly decreased and mRNA expression markedly increased in HT‐29 cells after treatment with 1 µmol/L, but not 10 µmol/L, of 5‐aza‐dC for 24 h. In the SW1116 and Colo‐320 cells, the expression of p16INK4A was markedly enhanced at 10 µmol/L or 5 µmol/L of 5‐aza‐dC for 24 h. However, p21WAF1 gene expression was not detected. Interestingly, after treatment with TSA or sodium butyrate, the transcription of p21WAF1 was significantly upregulated in these two cell lines. Furthermore, 5‐aza‐dC did not affect cell cycle distribution, but TSA or sodium butyrate blocked the cell cycle, mainly in the G1 phase.

CONCLUSIONS:  The expression of the p16INK4A gene is regulated by DNA methylation in three HCC cell lines. The expression of p21WAF1 gene is regulated by histone acetylation in SW1116 and Colo‐320. In these two cell lines, histone hyperacetylation causes a G1 cell cycle arrest.
Evaluation of a rapid stoolantigen test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese patients
Authors: WONG WM , LAM SK , TONG TSM , CHEUNG KL , TANG VSY , XIA HHX , LAI KC , HU WHC , CHAN CK , YUEN MF , CHAN AOO , WONG BCY
Published: October 2003

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate the accuracy of a rapid assay that wasdeveloped to detect Helicobacter pylori antigen in the stool,using the principle of immunochromatography, in the Chinese population.

METHODS:  Eligible patients without prior treatment of H.pylori were recruited. An in‐house rapid urease test (RUT) andhistology were used as the gold standard. The results of the rapidstool antigen test were compared with the gold standard.

RESULTS:  Valid rapid stool antigen test results for interpretationwere obtained from 94 consecutive patients (mean age: 52.5, range:22−82 years). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictivevalue, negative predictive value and accuracy were, respectively, 77.5%,87.0%, 81.6%, 83.9% and 83.0%.The test was easy to perform and results were available within 15 min.

CONCLUSION:  The rapid stool antigen test using immunochromatography accuratelydiagnoses H. pylori infection in Chinese patients.
Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: REMOROZA Roderick , WU George Y
Published: October 2003

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with several extrahepatic disorders. Although the exact pathogenesis of these conditions is not fully understood, several studies have provided insight into the role of HCV in their development. This review discusses the different conditions that have been associated with HCV infection. Among the most commonly reported are cryoglobulinemia, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, Sjogren's syndrome, lichen planus and porphyria cutanea tarda. In some patients, these disorders are the first sign of HCV infection.
Matched case–control study to evaluate risk factors for hyperlactataemia in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Datta D , Moyle G , Mandalia S , Gazzard B
Published: October 2003

Background

Lactic acidosis is a life‐threatening event during antiretroviral therapy (ART). Hyperlactataemia may be a prelude to acidosis. Our database study suggested that female gender, intercurrent illness and didanosine (ddI)‐based regimens may increase risk of lactic acidosis. The aim of this matched case–control study was to identify risk factors for hyperlactataemia requiring screening.

Methods

Cases were defined as patients with two consecutive lactate samples ≥3.5 mmol/L taken more than 1 week apart. Cases were matched to two controls on gender, use of ddI and total duration of therapy using a 6‐month window on either side. Controls never had raised lactate >2.5 mmol/L. A conditional logistic regression analysis using the PHREG procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC) was performed with a discreet logistic model stratified by matching variables.

Results

Twenty‐one cases were matched to 42 controls. In the univariate model, current use of stavudine (d4T), total cholesterol >5.3 mmol/L and glucose levels ≥5.2 mmol/L gave increased likelihood of persistent hyperlactataemia. The multivariate model showed current use of d4T to be a significant independent predictor of persistent hyperlactataemia.

Conclusions
The results of this case–control study indicate that, when controlling for ddI use, d4T use is an additional risk factor for hyperlactataemia.
Interleukin‐7 levels may predict virological response in advanced HIV‐1‐infected patients receiving lopinavir/ritonavir‐based therapy
Authors: Boulassel MR , Smith GHR , Gilmore N , Klein M , Murphy T , MacLeod J , LeBlanc R , Allan J , René P , Lalonde RG , Routy JP
Published: October 2003

Objectives

To examine the relationship between levels of the T‐cell regulatory cytokine interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) and CD4 cell counts during immune reconstitution and to assess its prognostic value in advanced HIV‐1‐infected patients receiving lopinavir/ritonavir‐based therapy.

Methods

Thirty‐six HIV‐1‐infected adults who completed 48 weeks of follow‐up visits were included in this prospective study. Patients having failed two or more antiretroviral therapy regimens were treated with lopinavir/ritonavir‐based therapy. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine IL‐7 plasma levels, flow cytometry was used to analyse cell surface antigens, and polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify plasma HIV‐1.

Results

Pretreatment IL‐7 levels were elevated in all patients (mean 11.0 pg/mL) and were negatively correlated with CD4 cell counts and age (r=−0.59, P<0.001 and r=−0.57, P<0.001, respectively). During the course of treatment, IL‐7 levels decreased by 34% while CD4 cell numbers progressively increased by 88%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that only pretreatment IL‐7 levels predicted viral load at 48 weeks when controlling for baseline CD4 cell counts, viral load and patient demographics.

Conclusions

These findings are consistent with regulation of T‐cell recovery by IL‐7, and suggest that IL‐7 measurements might be used to predict virological response.
Development of garnet porphyroblasts by multiple nucleation, coalescence and boundary misorientation‐driven rotations
Authors: Spiess R. , Peruzzo L. , Prior D. J. , Wheeler J.
Published: October 2003

Two types of garnet porphyroblast occur in the Schneeberg Complex of the Italian Alps. Type 1 porphyroblasts form ellipsoidal pods with a centre consisting of unstrained quartz, decussate mica and small garnet grains, and a margin containing large garnet grains. Orientation contrast imaging using the scanning electron microscope shows that the larger marginal garnet grains comprise a number of orientation subdomains. Individual garnet grains without subdomains are small (< 50 µm), faceted and idioblastic, and have simple zoning profiles with Ca‐rich cores and Ca‐poor rims. Subdomains of larger garnet grains are similar in size to the individual, small garnet grains. Type 2 porphyroblasts comprise only ellipsoidal garnet, with small subdomains in the centre and larger subdomains at the margin. Each subdomain has its own Ca high, Ca dropping towards subdomain boundaries. Garnet grains, with or without subdomains, all have the same Ca‐poor composition at rims in contact with other minerals. The compositional zonation patterns are best explained by simultaneous, multiple nucleation, followed by growth and amalgamation of individual garnet grains. The range of individual garnet and garnet subdomain sizes can be explained by a faster growth rate at the porphyroblast margin than in the centre. The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 porphyroblasts is probably related to the growth rate differential across the porphyroblast.

Electron backscatter diffraction shows that small, individual garnet grains are randomly oriented. Large marginal garnet grains and subdomain‐bearing garnet grains have a strong preferred orientation, clustering around a single garnet orientation. Misorientations across subdomain boundaries are small and misorientation axes are randomly oriented with respect to crystallographic orientations. The only explanation that fits the observational data is that individual garnet grains rotated towards coincident orientations once they came into contact with each other. This process was driven by the reduction of subdomain boundary energy associated with misorientation loss. Rotation of garnet grains was accommodated by diffusion in the subdomain boundary and diffusional creep and rigid body rotation of other minerals (quartz and mica) around the garnet. An analytical model, in which the kinetics of garnet rotation are controlled by the rheology of surrounding quartz, suggests that, at the conditions of metamorphism, the rotation required to give a strong preferred orientation can occur on a similar time‐scale to that of porphyroblast growth.
Experimental Study of Small Arterial Anastomosis with Gelatin‐Resorcin‐Formaldehyde Glue and Collagen Sheet
Authors: Oiwa Hiroshi , Takamoto Shinichi , Murakami Arata , Tanaka Osamu , Furuse Akira
Published: October 2003

Abstract: In cardiovascular surgery, the manual continuous suture has often been used for microvascular anastomosis, but the luminal irregularity often causes thrombotic stenosis in the anastomosis sites. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of the combined use of gelatin‐resorcin‐formaldehyde (GRF) glue and a collagen sheet for the anastomosis of small arteries 3 to 4 mm in diameter in experimental animals. End‐to‐end anastomoses of the carotid and femoral arteries of mongrel dogs were carried out with the combined use of GRF glue and collagen sheet. The physical strength of the anastomosis, the histopathologic condition of the vassels, and the absorptivity and the inflammatory response of the glue were evaluated. The physical strength of the anastomosis sites was good and their flexibility optimal, the smooth luminal surface appeared excellent for preventing thrombotic stenosis in all follow‐up periods, and the glue was absorbed almost completely within 12 weeks postoperatively. The combined use of GRF glue and collagen sheet would be feasible for the anastomosis of small arteries 3 to 4 mm in diameter and could substitute for the conventional suture method.
Immediate and Long‐Term Results of Coronary Artery Bypass Operation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Osaka Shin‐ichi , Osawa Hajime , Miyazawa Masaaki , Honda Jiro
Published: October 2003

Abstract: This study evaluated the early and late results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients on long‐term maintenance hemodialysis (chronic HD) at Teikyo University Ichihara Hospital between January 1996 and June 2000. Thirty‐six patients on chronic HD underwent CABG. There were 26 males (72%) and 10 females (28%) ranging from 41 to 81 years (mean ± SD, 61.8 ± 9.2 years) of age. Twenty‐one patients (58%) had unstable angina, 14 (39%) stable angina, and 1 acute myocardial infarction. Eleven patients (31%) had urgent or emergency CABG. The average graft number was 2.5 ± 0.8 (arterial graft 1.3 ± 0.7/patient). Six patients had concomitant cardiac operations. Three patients underwent re‐ or a second re‐CABG. Five patients underwent off‐pump CABG. Principally, HD was performed during cardiopulmonary bypass and was followed by continuous hemodiafiltration in the early postoperative period. The early mortality was 11%; 25% in emergency and urgent CABG and 4% in elective CABG. In the follow‐up period between 1 and 53 months (mean ± SD 21.9 ± 15.1 months), 4 patients died, and 9 patients developed recurrence of angina pectoris (6, occlusion of saphenous vein graft and 3, native coronary progression). Six patients had coronary intervention. The postoperative angiogram showed that all arterial grafts were patent, but the patency of the vein grafts was only 61.5%. The early results of CABG in patients on chronic HD was satisfactory. The late recurrence of angina pectoris mostly was caused by occlusion of the saphenous vein graft. In conclusion, the aggressive use of arterial grafts is crucial in CABG for patients on chronic HD.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in 105 Patients with Hemodialysis‐Dependent Renal Failure
Authors: Nishida H. , Uchikawa S. , Chikazawa G. , Kurihara H. , Kihara S. , Uwabe K. , Tomizawa Y. , Endo M. , Koyanagi H.
Published: October 2003

Abstract: This study was proposed to define early and long‐term results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in dialysis‐dependent renal failure (RF) patients, and preoperative patient characteristics. This study included 105 patients (87 males and 18 females; mean age 60.0 ± 9.0 years, range 39–79) with RF on maintenance dialysis (hemodialysis 100, peritoneal dialysis 5) who underwent isolated CABG between August 1985 and April 2000. Postoperative follow‐up was completed in 100% and averaged 3.1 years. There were 22 emergency and 2 re‐CABG cases. Previous myocardial infarction (MI) was found in 55 patients (52%), and unstable angina was noted in 53 patients (50%). Diabetes mellitus was the cause of RF in 50 patients (48%; 24 patients required insulin). There was 1 case of single vessel disease, 31 cases of double vessel disease, 54 cases of triple vessel disease, and 19 cases of left main disease. Preoperative left ventriculography was performed in 92 patients (88%). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48.3 ± 15.8% (range 11–74%) and was 40% or less in 25 patients (27%). The mean number of distal anastomoses was 2.5 (range 1–5). Three patients received only vein grafts, but all were cases of emergency CABG. The remaining 102 patients (97%) received at least 1 arterial conduit. Among them, 64 patients received only arterial conduits, and 72 patients received 2 or more distal anastomoses with arterial conduits. Five patients (4.8%) died within 30 days after CABG (2 cardiac deaths and 3 noncardiac deaths), and 8 patients (7.6%) died beyond 30 days after CABG before discharge (all noncardiac deaths). The cause of 2 cardiac deaths was abrupt circulatory collapse during or after hemodialysis in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF; 11% and 28%) in the early postoperative period. The causes of 8 noncardiac deaths included infection in 4 and rupture of aortic aneurysm, stroke, sleep apnea syndrome, and mesenteric infarction. During the follow‐up period, there were 29 late deaths (8 cardiac, 13 noncardiac, and 8 sudden death), 6 MIs, 13 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and 1 re‐CABG. The 5‐year actuarial survival rate was 59.8%, the cardiac death‐free rate was 83.0%, and the cardiac event‐free rate was 62.4%. Although CABG in patients on hemodialysis is associated with high early and long‐term mortality in terms of both cardiac and noncardiac deaths in proportion to the severity of the preoperative condition, long‐term survival was still better than that of general dialysis patients. Meticulous perioperative management may be the key factor in the improvement of early results.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Dialysis‐Dependent Renal Failure
Authors: Naruse Yoshihiro , Makuuchi Haruo , Kobayashi Toshiya , Hayashi Ichiro , Tanaka Keita , Takayama Takehiko , Namifusa Yusuke
Published: October 2003

Abstract: This study identified preoperative characteristics of dialysis patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and determined the early and long‐term results. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 60 patients (mean age 60.8 ± 7.6 years) with end‐stage renal disease who underwent CABG between 1982 and 1999. Seventeen (28%) patients underwent CABG for unstable angina, and 9 (15%) patients required preoperative intraaortic balloon pumping. The incidence of congestive heart failure (18%) and diseased aorta (42%) was higher in the dialysis group. In‐hospital mortality in the dialysis group was 13% (8/60). The estimated survival rate at 5 and 10 years in the dialysis patients was 55.6 ± 8.8% and 31.8 ± 11.6%, respectively. The cardiac event‐free rate, excluding the in‐hospital mortality, was 62.5 ± 9.9% at 5 years. Although the early and long‐term results of CABG in dialysis patients were inferior to those of nondialysis patients, CABG in dialysis‐dependent patients allows the patients to continue their dialysis therapy and to improve their functional status.
Ascites from Patients with Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis Augments NIH/3T3 Fibroblast Proliferation
Authors: Masunaga Yoshinori , Muto Shigeaki , Asakura Shinji , Akimoto Tetsu , Homma Sumiko , Kusano Eiji , Asano Yasushi
Published: October 2003

Abstract:  Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) remains one of the major causes of dropout in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis by reducing ultrafiltration capacity. To demonstrate whether ascites from patients with EPS (EPS ascites) has fibroblast proliferation activity, we used NIH/3T3 fibroblasts to examine the effects of EPS ascites on fibroblast proliferation activity by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis ascites dose‐dependently augmented NIH/3T3 fibroblast proliferation. The protein kinase C inhibitors and the tyrosine kinase inhibitors partially inhibited the stimulatory effects of EPS ascites on fibroblast proliferation activity. In EPS ascites, levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐AB were elevated. The treatment with IL‐1β, HGF, TGF‐β1, and PDGF‐AB alone or in combination at similar concentrations to those in EPS ascites exhibited small but significant fibroblast proliferation activities. We conclude that EPS ascites stimulate NIH/3T3 fibroblast proliferation via protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase. The elevated cytokine and growth factors partly contribute to the EPS ascites‐induced fibroblast proliferation.
Global Right Atrial Mapping Delineates Double Posterior Lines of Block in Patients with Typical Atrial Flutter:
Authors: CHEN JIAN , HOFF PER IVAR , ERGA KNUT STÅLE , ROSSVOLL OLE , OHM OLE‐JØRGEN
Published: October 2003

Introduction: The crista terminalis (CT) has been shown to be a barrier to transverse conduction during typical atrial flutter (AFL). However, some studies have demonstrated the presence of functional block in the sinus venosa region but not at the CT. The aim of this study was to define these regions of block in the right atrium using a three‐dimensional noncontact mapping system.

Methods and Results: In 39 AFL patients (33 men and six women, mean age 56 ± 13 years), a noncontact multielectrode array was used to reconstruct electrograms in the right atrium. Isochronal and isopotential propagation mapping was performed during AFL and during pacing from the coronary sinus ostium and the low lateral wall (cycle length from 600 to 240 msec) in sinus rhythm after creation of isthmus block. A single line of block along the CT area was found in 18 patients (46%). Two lines of block were found in 21 patients (54%), with the first line located along the CT area. The second was located in the sinus venosa region in 20 patients (51%) and in the lateral wall in 1 patient (3%). In all patients, the block in the lower part of the CT was observed during AFL (60%) and during pacing at all cycle lengths (48%–62%). The length and proportion of block were inversely proportional to pacing cycle length.

Conclusion: Double lines of block were frequently observed in patients with AFL, and both lines may form the posterior boundaries of the AFL circuit. Block was fixed in the lower part of the CT and was functional in the upper part of the CT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. ***‐***, October 2003)
Prolonged Atrial Action Potential Durations and Polymorphic Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with Long QT Syndrome
Authors: KIRCHHOF PAULUS , ECKARDT LARS , FRANZ MICHAEL R. , MÖNNIG GEROLD , LOH PETER , WEDEKIND HORST , SCHULZE‐BAHR ERIC , BREITHARDT GÜNTER , HAVERKAMP WILHELM
Published: October 2003

Introduction: Prolongation of the QT interval and torsades de pointes tachycardias due to altered expression or function of repolarizing ion channels are the hallmark of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). The same ion channels also contribute to atrial repolarization, and familial atrial fibrillation may be associated with a mutated KVLQT1 gene. We therefore assessed atrial action potential characteristics and atrial arrhythmias in LQTS patients.

Methods and Results: Monophasic action potentials (MAPs) were simultaneously recorded from the right atrial appendage and the inferolateral right atrium in 10 patients with LQTS (8 with identifiable genotype) and compared to 7 control patients. Atrial arrhythmias also were compared to MAPs recorded in patients with persistent (n = 10) and induced (n = 4) atrial fibrillation. Atrial action potential durations (APD) and effective refractory periods (ERP) were prolonged in LQTS patients at cycle lengths of 300 to 500 msec (APD prolongation 30–41 msec; ERP prolongation 26–52 msec; all P < 0.05). Short episodes of polymorphic atrial tachyarrhythmias (polyAT, duration 4–175 sec) occurred spontaneously or during pauses after pacing in 5 of 10 LQTS patients, but not in controls (P < 0.05). P waves showed undulating axis during polyAT. Cycle lengths of polyAT were longer than during persistent and induced atrial fibrillation. Afterdepolarizations preceded polyAT in 2 patients. The electrical restitution curve was shifted to longer APD in LQTS patients and to even longer APD in LQTS patients with polyAT.

Conclusion: This group of LQTS patients has altered atrial electrophysiology: action potentials are prolonged, and polyAT occurs. PolyAT appears to be a specific arrhythmia of LQTS reminiscent of an atrial form of “torsades de pointes.”(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp ***‐***, October 2003)
Risk Stratification and Management of Sudden Cardiac Death:
Authors: EL‐SHERIF NABIL , TURITTO GIOIA
Published: October 2003

Management of SCD is undergoing radical change in direction. It is becoming increasingly appreciated that besides depressed left ventricular systolic function and the conventional risk stratification tools, new markers for plaque vulnerability, enhanced thrombogenesis, specific genetic alterations of the autonomic nervous system, cardiac sarcolemmal and contractile proteins, and familial clustering may better segregate patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease who are at high risk for SCD from those who may suffer from nonfatal ischemic events. Better understanding of pathophysiologic processes, such as postmyocardial infarction remodeling, the transition from compensated hypertrophy to heart failure, and the increased cardiovascular risk of coronary artery disease in the presence of diabetes or even a prediabetic state will help to improve both risk stratification and management. The rapidly developing fields of microchips technology and proteomics may allow rapid and cost‐effective mass screening of multiple risk factors for SCD. The ultimate goal is to identify novel methods for risk stratification, risk modification, and prevention of SCD that could be applied to the general public at large. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 1113‐1119, October 2003)
Spatiotemporal Correlation Between Phase Singularities and Wavebreaks During Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: LIU YEN‐BIN , PETER ANISH , LAMP SCOTT T. , WEISS JAMES N. , CHEN PENG‐SHENG , LIN SHIEN‐FONG
Published: October 2003

Introduction:Phase maps and the detection of phase singularities (PSs) have become a well‐developed method for characterizing the organization of ventricular fibrillation (VF). How precisely PS colocalizes with wavebreak (WB) during VF, however, is unknown.

Methods and Results:We performed optical mapping of 27 episodes of VF in nine Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts. A WB is a point where the activation wavefront and the repolarization waveback meet. A PS is a site where its phase is ambiguous and its neighboring pixels exhibit a continuous phase progression from−πto+π. The correlation coefficient between the number of WBs and PSs was0.78 ± 0.09for each heart and 0.81 for all VF episodes(P < 0.001), indicating a significant temporal correlation. We then superimposed the WBs and PSs for every 100 frames of each episode. These maps showed a high degree of spatial colocalization. To quantify spatial colocalization, the spatial shifts between the cumulative maps of WBs and PSs in corresponding frames were calculated by automatic alignment to obtain maximum overlap between these two maps. The spatial shifts were0.04 ± 0.31 mmon the x‐axis and0.06 ± 0.27 mmon the y‐axis over a20 × 20 mm2mapped field, indicating highly significant spatial correlation.

Conclusion:Phase mapping provides a convenient and robust approach to quantitatively describe wave propagation and organization during VF. The close spatiotemporal correlation between PSs and WBs establishes that PSs are a valid alternate representation of WB during VF and further validated the use of phase mapping in the study of VF dynamics.(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 1103‐1109, October 2003)
A novel test system for detection of tick repellents
Authors: Dautel H. , Kahl O. , Siems K. , Oppenrieder M. , Müller‐Kuhrt L. , Hilker M.
Published: October 2003

A bioassay was developed to examine the response of ticks towards potential repellents that may protect vertebrates against tick bites. Such tick repellents must be effective despite the unavoidable presence of various attractive host‐derived stimuli. Therefore, a moving‐object‐bioassay (MO‐bioassay) was developed that mimicks body warmth and movement of vertebrates by a rotating and heated drum. Compounds which were tested for their effects on ticks were applied onto a small elevated area of the drum. Ticks were allowed to approach the drum by walking on a glass rod which ended ≈1 mm away from the local elevation. Ticks could cling to this elevation that intermittently passed by, whereas the remaining drum surface was too far away from the tip of the rod to be contacted by the ticks.

Without the presence of any repellents, 85.5% of 600 hungry, field‐collected Ixodes ricinus nymphs moved to the heated, rotating drum within 2 min. Further experiments with unfed I. ricinus nymphs were performed to test whether one established and two potential tick repellents elicit an avoidance reaction in the ticks despite the proven attractiveness of the drum. Freshly applied DEET (N,N‐diethyl‐m‐toluamide) at a concentration of 0.11 mg cm−2 proved active as a repellent in the MO‐bioassay over a distance of a few mm as well as by direct contact. A similar repellent effect was observed with (−)‐myrtenal at 1 mg cm−2, but not at 0.1 mg cm−2, indicating that this terpenaldehyde is a weaker repellent for I. ricinus nymphs than DEET. No repellent effect was observed with camphor (0.1 mg cm−2).

The MO‐bioassay thus is a rapid, simple and low‐cost test method allowing the investigation of tick host‐contact behaviour as well as the screening of candidate repellents which are either perceived as volatiles or via contact chemoreception.
Reproductive status and flight activity of the overwintered Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Ferro David N. , Alyokhin Andrei V. , Tobin Daniella B.
Published: October 2003

Mating behavior of post‐diapause Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), was observed within an overwintering site, a rotated potato field, newly colonized potato plants, and under laboratory conditions. The influence of spring mating on beetle flight in the presence and in the absence of host plants was investigated using a computer‐linked flight mill system. Diapause was terminated simultaneously in male and female beetles, and the first matings were observed as early as within the first 24 h after the beetles emerged from the soil (60–90 DD accumulated). The beetles mated within the overwintering site, the potato field, and the fields rotated out of potatoes. Mating status did not affect flight behavior of overwintered beetles; however, unfed beetles displayed higher flight activity than fed beetles. Most flight activity took place soon after flight muscle regeneration, and then declined sharply by the 5th day after flight initiation. Mating in or near overwintering sites soon after diapause termination might be an important factor in providing gene flow between insecticide‐resistant and insecticide‐susceptible Colorado potato beetle populations, and should be considered in designing resistance management plans.
A new Y‐tube olfactometer for mosquitoes to measure the attractiveness of host odours
Authors: Geier Martin , Boeckh Jürgen
Published: October 2003

In a new bioassay a small Y‐shaped wind tunnel is used to quantitatively investigate the responses of mosquitoes to host odours. Female yellow fever mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) were tested to (1) a human hand, (2) an extract with human skin residues, (3) L‐(+)‐lactic acid, and (4) carbon dioxide. The responses to the skin extract followed a sigmoid dose response curve. The most effective dose attracted 80–90% of the mosquitoes within 30 s and was as effective as the human hand. L‐(+)‐lactic acid was identified in this extract and found attractive for mosquitoes also when presented alone. Carbon dioxide stimulated taking flight and was attractive, an effect which was synergistically enhanced in combination with L‐(+)‐lactic acid. The presented bioassay is especially suited to test the behavioural effects of synthetic odours as well as of natural odour sources. Due to the fast response of the mosquitoes, the sensitivity, and the simplicity of the testing procedure it is a potent tool in the search for new attractive components.
Interpopulation variation of hibernal‐aestival‐diapause in the egg parasitoid wasp Anagrus takeyanus: adaptation to seasonal host‐plant alternation of the tingid host, Stephanitis takeyai
Authors: Tsukada Morio
Published: October 2003

The egg parasitoid wasp, Anagrus takeyanus Gordh & Dunbar (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), is one of the few natural enemies of the andromeda lace bug, Stephanitis takeyai Drake & Maa (Heteroptera: Tingidae). Studying this wasp in two habitats, I found that at Kyoto, where the bug alternates its host plants seasonally, most wasp individuals in the overwintering eggs of the bug entered summer diapause immediately after winter diapause. However, at Nara, where the bug does not alternate its host plant, the wasp proved to have no summer diapause. Changes in the parasitization rate between generations differed at the two study sites. In Kyoto, the overwintered generation suffered the highest parasitism among the three generations of the year. In contrast, the first and second generations suffered higher parasitization rates in Nara. This difference in level of parasitization between the two study sites corresponded to the different diapause regime of the wasp and the seasonal population trends of the lace bug. Laboratory experiments showed that short photoperiod in combination with low temperature could terminate the long diapause at the time the non‐aestivating individuals terminate winter diapause. As a life cycle without host plant alternation is likely to be an ancestral character of the bug, the aestivation of the wasp is thought to have been appended to overwintering as an adaptation to the evolution of seasonal host plant alternation in the lace bug.
Absence of odour‐mediated avoidance of heterospecific competitors by the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
Authors: Janssen Arne , Pallini Angelo , Venzon Madelaine , Sabelis Maurice W.
Published: October 2003

Arthropods use odours associated with the presence of their food, enemies and competitors when searching for patches. Responses to these odours therefore determine the spatial distribution of animals, and are decisive for the occurrence and strength of interactions among species. Therefore, a logical first step in studying food web interactions is the analysis of behaviour of individuals that are searching for patches of food. We followed this approach when studying interactions in an artificial food web occurring on greenhouse cucumber in the Netherlands. In an earlier paper we found that one of the predators of the food web, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot, used to control spider mites, discriminates between odours from plants with spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and plants with spider mites plus conspecific predators. The odours used for discrimination are produced by adult prey in response to the presence of predators, and probably serve as an alarm pheromone to warn related spider mites. Other predator species may also trigger production of this alarm pheromone, which P. persimilis could use in turn to avoid plants with heterospecific predators. We therefore studied the response of the latter to odours from plants with spider mites and 3 other predator species, i.e. the generalist predatory bug Orius laevigatus (Fieber), the polyphagous thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and the spider‐mite predator Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor). Both olfactometer and greenhouse release experiments yielded no evidence that P. persimilis avoids plants with any of the 3 heterospecific predators. This suggests that these predators do not elicit production of alarm pheromones in spider mites, and we argue that this is caused by a lack of coevolutionary history. The consequences of the lack of avoidance of heterospecific predators for interactions in food webs and biological control are discussed.
Odour‐mediated host preference of Culex quinquefasciatus in Tanzania
Authors: Mboera L.E.G. , Takken W.
Published: October 2003

Field experiments to determine the host preference of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) between man, calf and goat, were conducted in Muheza, north‐east Tanzania. The responses of the mosquito to the three hosts were also compared to their responses to carbon dioxide. A total of 2565 unfed female mosquitoes were collected, of which Cx quinquefasciatus accounted for 96.6% of the catch. A human‐baited tent caught a larger number of host‐seeking Cx quinquefasciatus than a calf‐baited or goat‐baited tent (P<0.05). The man:calf ratio was 7.8:1 while the man:goat ratio was 10:1. The difference in response to either a calf‐ or goat‐baited tent was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The number of mosquitoes attracted to a human‐baited tent was significantly larger than that attracted to carbon dioxide released at 300 ml min−1. Only 25.3% of the human host attractancy was attributed to carbon dioxide. The number of Cx quinquefasciatus responding to a tent baited with a calf or goat was not significantly different from the number responding to a tent baited with carbon dioxide. It can be concluded that with equal availability of the three vertebrate hosts, Cx quinquefasciatus would respond more to volatile cues from a human host than from either a calf or goat, thereby supporting earlier data about its high degree of anthropophily. The major olfactory cue from a goat or a calf to which this mosquito responds is probably carbon dioxide.
Evaluation of damage to physic nut (Jatropha curcas) by true bugs
Authors: Grimm C.
Published: October 2003

The type of injury and amount of damage to the fruits and seeds of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae) caused by two species of fruit feeding true bugs, Pachycoris klugii Burmeister (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae) and Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Coreidae), and the flower feeding true bug, Hypselonotus intermedius Distant (Heteroptera: Coreidae), were assessed using field cages. The parameters analysed were infructescence, fruit, seed and seed kernel weight, seed length, fruit and seed abortion, seed malformation and oil and protein content of the seed kernels. All three species reduced overall yield. The two members of the fruit feeding guild led to premature fruit abortion and malformed seeds. Reduction of fruit, seed and seed kernel weight as well as seed length could be expressed as linear regressions of adult population densities. The oil content of the seeds was slightly reduced by the bugs, but protein content remained unchanged. Damage increased with the developmental stage of the larvae. Whereas adult L. zonatus of both sexes produced more damage than the nymphs, female P. klugii caused less damage than nymphs, and male P. klugii no significant damage at all. H. intermedius is a pollinator of this entomogamous plant. At high densities, however, it reduced the number of fruits maturing.