bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of immunological parameters in farmed gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L., before and during outbreaks of ‘winter syndrome’
Authors: Contessi B , Volpatti D , Gusmani L , Galeotti M
Published: November 2006

In recent years, ‘winter syndrome’ has caused severe economic losses in many marine farms in southern Europe. This study compared the activity of the immune system in healthy, asymptomatic and diseased gilthead sea bream. Serum protein and immunoglobulin content were evaluated as well as serum complement activity from these groups of fish. Differential leucocyte counts were also determined. Immunological assays were performed to determine intra‐ and extracellular ‘respiratory burst’ activity as non‐specific immune response parameters. Diseased fish showed a significant reduction in haemolytic activity (90%), and in serum proteins and immunoglobulins in comparison with the other groups. A significant increase in the lymphocyte percentage (50%) and a decrease in the granulocyte percentage (over 70%) was found in asymptomatic fish. Respiratory burst activity was reduced in both the clinical and preclinical stages of the disease, compared with the controls. These observations confirm a severe immunodeficiency in diseased fish but also the presence of a cellular immune dysfunction in fish without clinical signs, before the onset of the disease.
Candidate sex pheromones of the New World screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax
Authors: CARLSON D. A. , BERKEBILE D. R. , SKODA S. R. , MORI K. , MIHOK S.
Published: November 2006

Abstract Five novel homologous acetate derivatives of long‐chain secondary alcohols and a related ketone were tested for their efficacy as contact mating stimulants for Cochliomyia hominivorax Coquerel (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Full copulatory behaviour at a high percentage was found in tests with racemic 6‐acetoxy‐19‐methylnonacosane at 2.5–20 μg using fertile males from three strains. Males of two strains responded nearly as well to 7‐acetoxy‐15‐methylnonacosane, but an older strain first colonized in 1992 did not respond to this compound. Few or no copulatory responses were obtained to the other secondary alcohol acetates and a related ketone. These two acetate derivatives are the first sex pheromones identified in a calliphorid fly. The threshold of response was also tested, but could not be pinpointed.
Priming by airborne signals boosts direct and indirect resistance in maize
Authors: Ton Jurriaan , D'Alessandro Marco , Jourdie Violaine , Jakab Gabor , Karlen Danielle , Held Matthias , Mauch‐Mani Brigitte , Turlings Ted C.J.
Published: November 2006

Plants counteract attack by herbivorous insects using a variety of inducible defence mechanisms. The production of toxic proteins and metabolites that instantly affect the herbivore's development are examples of direct induced defence. In addition, plants may release mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that indirectly protect the plant by attracting natural enemies of the herbivore. Recent studies suggest that these VOCs can also prime nearby plants for enhanced induction of defence upon future insect attack. However, evidence that this defence priming causes reduced vulnerability to insects is sparse. Here we present molecular, chemical and behavioural evidence that VOC‐induced priming leads to improved direct and indirect resistance in maize. A differential hybridization screen for inducible genes upon attack by Spodoptera littoralis caterpillars identified 10 defence‐related genes that are responsive to wounding, jasmonic acid (JA), or caterpillar regurgitant. Exposure to VOCs from caterpillar‐infested plants did not activate these genes directly, but primed a subset of them for earlier and/or stronger induction upon subsequent defence elicitation. This priming for defence‐related gene expression correlated with reduced caterpillar feeding and development. Furthermore, exposure to caterpillar‐induced VOCs primed for enhanced emissions of aromatic and terpenoid compounds. At the peak of this VOC emission, primed plants were significantly more attractive to parasitic Cotesia marginiventris waSPS. This study shows that VOC‐induced priming targets a specific subset of JA‐inducible genes, and links these responses at the molecular level to enhanced levels of direct and indirect resistance against insect attack.
Childhood asthma and human leukocyte antigen type
Authors: Juhn Y. J. , Kita H. , Lee L. A. , Smith R. W. , Bagniewski S. M. , Weaver A. L. , Pankratz V. S. , Jacobson R. M. , Poland G. A.
Published: November 2006

Little is known about the relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes and family history of asthma or atopy in relation to the incidence of childhood asthma. The objective of the study was to determine whether specific HLA class II genes (e.g., DRB1*03) are associated with asthma and whether such association explains the influences of family history of asthma or atopy on asthma incidence. A stratified random sample of 340 children who had HLA data available from the Rochester Family Measles Study cohort (n= 876) and a convenience sample of healthy children aged 5–12 years were the participants. We conducted comprehensive medical record reviews to determine asthma status of these children. The associations between the presence of specific HLA alleles and development of asthma and the role of family history of asthma or atopy in the association were evaluated by fitting Cox models. The cumulative incidence of asthma by 12 years of age among children who carry HLA DRB1*03 was 33%, compared to 24.2% among those who did not carry this allele. Adjusting for family history of asthma or atopy, gender, low birth weight, season of birth, HLA DRB1*04, and HLA DQB1*0302, the hazards ratio for HLA DRB1*03 carriers was 1.8 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.9, P= 0.020). We concluded that the HLA DRB1*03 allele is associated with asthma. However, the HLA class II gene does not explain the influences of family history of asthma or atopy on development of asthma. The mechanism underlying the association between asthma and HLA genes needs to be elucidated.
Bos indicus type of growth hormone receptor gene is retained in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Ohkubo T. , Yano H. , Takahashi S. , Takahashi K. , Kimura N. , Tanaka M.
Published: November 2006

The growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene is responsible for growth and carcass traits, and polymorphisms associated with the variation of meat production are thought to occur in the liver‐specific promoter of the GHR gene in cattle. The aim of this study was to analyse the structure of the liver‐specific promoter of GHR in Japanese Black cattle, as the relationship between GHR polymorphism and meat production is poorly understood in this breed. Typically in European cattle, the LINE‐1 element, a family of retrotransposons, is inserted in the liver‐specific promoter. However, a short GHR promoter without the LINE‐1 sequence was found in the Japanese Black breed as in Bos indicus cattle. The frequency of the short allele was approximately 60%. In addition, 24 of 29 Holstein/Japanese Black crosses carried the short allele from their sire. The present result suggests that the short allele for GHR may be a candidate marker for improving meat production of Japanese Black cattle.
Species distribution and antifungal susceptibilities of dermatophytes during a one year period at a university hospital in Turkey
Authors: Ozkutuk Aydan , Ergon Cem , Yulug Nuran
Published: November 2006

Dermatophyte infections have been considered to be a major public health problem in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the causative agents of dermatophytoses and their antifungal susceptibilities in a Turkish University Hospital, west of Turkey. A total of 926 patients suspected to have dermatophytic lesions were examined over a period of 1 year (2001–2002). Samples collected from skin, hair and nails were submitted to direct microscopical examination using KOH and Calcofluor white stain, cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and Mycosel agar. The prevalence of dermatophytoses was 7.34% (68/926). Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequent dermatophyte isolated (56%) followed by T. mentagrophytes (38%), T. violaceum (1.5%), T. verrucosum (1.5%), Microsporum canis (1.5%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (1.5%). Tinea pedis (47%) was the most common type of infection, followed by tinea unguium (29%), tinea inguinalis (15%), tinea corporis (7.4%) and tinea capitis (1.6%). Secondary, we have tested 68 strains of dermatophytes against four antifungal agents following mainly the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards M38‐P standard for filamentous fungi. In general, all antifungals were shown to be highly effective and itraconazole and naftifine appeared more active than ketoconazole and oxiconazole.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with Billroth II gastroenterostomy
Authors: Çiçek Bahattin , Parlak Erkan , Dişibeyaz Selçuk , Koksal Aydın Seref , Şahin Burhan
Published: November 2006

Background and Aim:  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is more complicated in patients with Billroth II gastroenterostomy (B II GE) especially in those associated with Braun anastomosis (BA). The aim of the present study was to review experience of ERCP in patients with B II GE.

Methods:  The records of patients with B II GE who had undergone an ERCP within the last 2.5 years were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:  Fifty‐two patients with simple B II GE and seven with additional BA underwent ERCP within this period. The probability of common bile duct cannulation and success of endoscopic treatment was 43/52 (83%) and 2/7 (29%) in the respective groups. The reasons for failure were long afferent loop in patients with BA; for the nine patients with B II GE the reasons for failure were tumoral infiltration at the orifice of afferent loop in one patient, peripapillary tumoral invasion in two patients, failure of entrance to the afferent loop due to angulation in two patients, and long afferent loop in the remaining four patients. Overall, perforation developed in 10.2% (6/59 of the patients. Two of these patients died (2/59, 3.4%) and one (1/59, 1.7%) had concomitant pancreatitis.

Conclusions:  Although ERCP is successful in a large proportion of patients with B II GE, it carries significant risks such as perforation. ERCP must be performed by experienced endoscopists at institutions that have suitable facilities to manage endoscopy‐related complications.
Endoscopic management of traumatic hepatobiliary injuries
Authors: Singh Virendra , Narasimhan Kannan Laksmi , Verma Ganga Ram , Singh Gurpreet
Published: November 2006

Background:  Non‐surgical treatment has become the therapeutic method of choice in hemodynamically stable patients with liver trauma. There are a few reports of endoscopic management of traumatic hepatobiliary injuries in such patients; however, the optimal intervention is not known.

Methods:  Twenty patients with traumatic hepatobiliary injuries from May 1997 to November 2005 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results:  There were 18 male and two female patients with a mean age of 21.45 ± 10.17 years (range 7–42 years). Seven patients were children. Patients presented 19.4 ± 17.04 days following trauma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed hepatic laceration in right lobe in 14 (70%) and in left lobe in six (30%) patients. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed biliary leak in right duct in 14 (70%) and in left duct in six (30%) patients. Five patients also had bilhemia and one had hemobilia. Thirteen patients (65%) were treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy with nasobiliary drainage and seven (35%) were treated by nasobiliary drainage alone, which enabled fistula closure in 15.76 ± 4.22 days and 12.14 ± 3.93 days, respectively (P > 0.05). One patient in sphincterotomy group died due to multiple bony injuries and fat embolism. Two patients developed fever following ERCP, which responded to antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions:  Endoscopic treatment with nasobiliary drainage without sphincterotomy is the optimal method of management of traumatic hepatobiliary injuries in hemodynamically stable patients.
Subjective well‐being as a predictor of all‐cause mortality among middle‐aged and elderly people living in an urban Japanese community: A seven‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Iwasa Hajime , Kawaai Chieko , Gondo Yasuyuki , Inagaki Hiroki , Suzuki Takao
Published: November 2006

Background:  Research has reported a close relationship between subjective well‐being and maintenance of physical and psychological health in later life. We explored an intergender difference in subjective well‐being, correlates of subjective well‐being, and a subjective well‐being–mortality association among middle‐aged and elderly people, using a prospective population‐based study.

Methods:  The participants were 1034 men and 1413 women aged 52–77 years at the baseline, living in an urban Japanese community. The baseline data on age, number of years of education, hospitalization, chronic conditions, living alone and subjective well‐being (measured by the 17‐item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale) collected in 1993.

Results:  Analysis of covariance controlling for potential confounders, revealed no intergender difference in subjective well‐being. Multiple regression analysis to explore factors related to subjective well‐being showed that age in men, and the number of years of education in both genders were significantly, independently and positively associated with subjective well‐being, and that hospitalization, chronic conditions and living alone in both genders were significantly, independently and negatively related to subjective well‐being. In the Cox’s multivariate hazard model adjusted for the confounders, there was a significant and independent association between a low level of subjective well‐being and the risk for all‐cause mortality in men (1‐standard‐deviation decrement; risk ratio [RR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.46) and women (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15–1.83).

Conclusion:  Subjective well‐being is a reliable predictor for all‐cause mortality among middle‐aged and elderly people in both genders.
Comparison of health services use by Chinese urban and rural older adults in Yunnan province
Authors: Li Yawen , Chi Iris , Zhang Kaiti , Guo Ping
Published: November 2006

Background:  This article examines and compares the pattern of determinants of health services use between Chinese older adults residing in urban and rural areas of Yunnan province, China.

Methods:  Data from the Sample Survey on Aged Population in Urban/Rural China (SSAPUR) are used to compare the patterns of determinants for both physician visit and hospitalization between the urban and rural respondents. Andersen’s health service utilization model was adopted as a conceptual framework.

Results:  Findings revealed that different patterns of determinants in physician visits and hospitalization existed among the two groups, implying that different barriers in health access are faced. The financial barrier was a prominent factor faced by urban elders in access to both physician visits and hospitalization, while rural elders encountered physical barriers in addition to financial difficulty when accessing health care.

Conclusion:  Study of the elderly population in Yunnan province helps to contrast the differences in health service use between urban and rural elders, which would shed light on possible focus in health policy‐making and resource allocation to tackle the different health access barriers.
Elderly patient presenting with severe thyrotoxic hypercalcemia
Authors: Kikuchi Reiko , Mochizuki Satoru , Shimizu Masahiko , Sudoh Noriko , Kozaki Koichi , Akishita Masahiro , Toba Kenji
Published: November 2006

An 81‐year‐old woman with Graves’ disease and osteoporosis was referred to the hospital because of anorexia over one month and impaired consciousness. She also presented with low‐grade fever and emaciation. Laboratory tests revealed marked hypercalcemia (corrected serum calcium level of 12.4 mg/dL), which was initially suspected to result from vitamin D toxicity, because she had been taking vitamin D3 (alphacalcidol of 0.5 µg/day) for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, discontinuation of vitamin D3 and fluid infusion did not ameliorate hypercalcemia one week later. After excluding hyperparathyroidism and malignancy‐related hypercalcemia, hypercalcemia was considered to be attributable to the exacerbation of hyperthyroidism (free T4 of 6.69 ng/dL, free T3 of 13.27 pg/mL and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) <0.015 µIU/mL) with increased bone resorption. Finally, the increased dose of thiamazole (30 mg/day) normalized serum calcium level and thyroid function three months later. Laboratory tests suggested that normal bone formation in spite of increased bone resorption contributed to hypercalcemia in hyperthyroid state.
Identification of cellulolytic bacteria in soil by stable isotope probing
Authors: El Zahar Haichar Feth , Achouak Wafa , Christen Richard , Heulin Thierry , Marol Christine , Marais Marie‐France , Mougel Christophe , Ranjard Lionel , Balesdent Jérôme , Berge Odile
Published: November 2006

Plant residues, mainly made up of cellulose, are the largest fraction of organic carbon material in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil microorganisms are mainly responsible for the transfer of this carbon to the atmosphere, but their contribution is not accurately known. The aim of the present study was to identify bacterial populations that are actively involved in cellulose degradation, using the DNA‐stable isotope probing (DNA‐SIP) technique. 13C‐cellulose was produced by Acetobacter xylinus and incubated in soil for 7, 14, 30 and 90 days. Total DNA was extracted from the soil, the 13C‐labelled (heavy) and unlabelled (light) DNA fractions were separated by ultracentrifugation, and the structure of active bacterial communities was analysed by bacterial‐automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (B‐ARISA) and characterized with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Cellulose degradation was associated with significant changes in bacterial community structure issued from heavy DNA, leading to the appearance of new bands and increase in relative intensities of other bands until day 30. The majority of bands decreased in relative intensity at day 90. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 10 of these bands in DGGE profiles indicated that most sequences were closely related to sequences from organisms known for their ability to degrade cellulose or to uncultured soil bacteria.
Anammox bacteria disguised as denitrifiers: nitrate reduction to dinitrogen gas via nitrite and ammonium
Authors: Kartal Boran , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Lavik Gaute , Schalk Jos , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Strous Marc
Published: November 2006

Anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria oxidize ammonium with nitrite and produce N2. They reside in many natural ecosystems and contribute significantly to the cycling of marine nitrogen. Anammox bacteria generally live under ammonium limitation, and it was assumed that in nature anammox bacteria depend on other biochemical processes for ammonium. In this study we investigated the possibility of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium by anammox bacteria. Physically purified Kuenenia stuttgartiensis cells reduced 15NO3– to 15NH4+ via 15NO2– as the intermediate. This was followed by the anaerobic oxidation of the produced ammonium and nitrite. The overall end‐product of this metabolism of anammox bacteria was 15N15N dinitrogen gas. The nitrate reduction to nitrite proceeds at a rate of 0.3 ± 0.02 fmol cell−1 day−1 (10% of the ‘normal’ anammox rate). A calcium‐dependent cytochrome c protein with a high (305 μmol min−1 mg protein−1) rate of nitrite reduction to ammonium was partially purified. We present evidence that dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium occurs in Benguela upwelling system at the same site where anammox bacteria were previously detected. This indicates that anammox bacteria could be mediating dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in natural ecosystems.
Staged anterior resection and TEM to preserve rectal function in synchronous malignant and benign rectal lesions
Authors: Betambeau N. , Simson J. N. L.
Published: November 2006

Background  Traditionally patients with a high rectosigmoid carcinoma and a synchronous large distal rectal adenoma would be treated by low anterior resection with associated loss of rectal function.

Method  Four patients with a carcinoma of the upper rectum or distal sigmoid colon and a synchronous distal rectal adenoma were treated by high anterior resection followed by staged Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) thus conserving the distal rectum. Preoperative and postoperative rectal function was assessed using the St. Mark's incontinence score.

Results  The proximal carcinomas and distal adenomas were 12–18 cms and 0.5–9 cms respectively from the dentate line. The mean surface area of the distal adenomas was 9.7 cms2. There were no deaths or major complications. There were no recurrences after a mean follow‐up of 31.5 months. Rectal function was unchanged in three patients with a minor increase in the score in one.

Conclusion  Staged high anterior resection and ‘rEM offers effective treatment of synchronous rectosigmoid carcinoma and distal rectal adenoma with preservation of rectal function.
Significance of micrometastases in pelvic lymph nodes detected by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy
Authors: Miyake Hideaki , Kurahashi Toshifumi , Hara Isao , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the significance of micrometastases in pelvic lymph nodes in patients treated by radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 52 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who received NHT followed by RP. The expression of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in 989 lymph nodes isolated from the 52 patients were assessed by a fully quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). We regarded specimens in which either PSA or PSMA mRNA were positive as showing the ‘presence of micrometastasis’. Lymph node specimens were also stained immunohistochemically with an antibody against PSA.

RESULTS

Pathological examinations detected tumour cells in 11 lymph nodes from four patients, and real‐time RT‐PCR further identified micrometastasis in 40 lymph nodes from 19 patients with no pathological evidence of nodal involvement. The presence of micrometastatic cancer cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining in 19 lymph nodes from 11 patients with pathologically negative nodes. The presence of micrometastases was significantly associated with other conventional prognostic variables, including the pretreatment serum PSA level, biopsy Gleason score and surgical margin status. The biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate in patients with no micrometastasis was significantly higher than that in those with micrometastasis. Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified the presence of micrometastasis as an independent factor predicting biochemical recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Although residual foci of atrophic prostate cancer cells in resected lymph nodes after NHT can be difficult to diagnose by routine pathological examination, the present results show the usefulness of quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR targeting PSA and PSMA genes for detecting micrometastatic tumour foci in pelvic lymph nodes from patients with localized prostate cancer treated by NHT followed by RP. Furthermore, the present findings suggest that micrometastases in pelvic lymph nodes might be, at least partly, important in the development of biochemical recurrence in some patients undergoing RP after NHT.
Prospective evaluation of p53 as a prognostic marker in T1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Dalbagni Guido , Parekh Dipen J. , Ben‐Porat Leah , Potenzoni Michele , Herr Harry W. , Reuter Victor E.
Published: November 2006

There have been several published reports that p53 is a useful prognostic marker for progression and survival in bladder cancer. Authors from the USA used p53 tissue typing by immunohistochemistry in a prospective cohort of patients with T1 bladder cancer, and did not find it to be a clinically useful prognostic marker. In a study from the same institution, investigators found that the concept that a minimal surgical margin in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for renal cortical tumours should not be allowed in patients with a high malignant potential.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate p53 overexpression as a predictor of survival in patients with a first diagnosis of T1 transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, as several reports implicate p53 as an important prognostic marker for progression and survival, but all previous studies were retrospective, giving conflicting and irreproducible results, rendering inappropriate any attempt at integrating p53 into clinical decision‐making.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with a first diagnosis of T1 TCC of the bladder were enrolled; p53 overexpression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using both monoclonal antibody 1801 and DO7. The pathological stage and IHC score were assigned by one pathologist, and the markers were scored categorically.

RESULTS

Of the 89 patients who were evaluable, 53 had p53‐positive tumours. The median follow‐up for the survivors was 52 months. Eighty‐two patients had high‐grade tumours, using the World Health Organisation/International Society of Urological Pathology 1998 grading system. Fifty‐eight patients had unifocal tumours and 34 had associated carcinoma in situ. During the follow‐up, 34 additional patients had a radical cystectomy and nine died from bladder cancer. The association of p53 overexpression with progression or survival was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

p53 tissue typing by IHC in a prospective cohort of patients with T1 bladder cancer was not clinically useful as a prognostic marker in a contemporary series of T1 tumours.
Malignancies after renal transplantation in southern Taiwan: experience in one centre
Authors: Feng Wen‐Wei , Wang Tsu‐Nai , Chen Hsiu‐Chao , Ho Ji‐Chen , Ko Ying‐Chin
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To present data on cancer distribution in renal‐transplant recipients in Chinese people, as in Western studies renal‐transplant recipients are reportedly at greater risk of malignancies, especially skin cancer, but there is limited information in Chinese people.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the data of a cancer registry, we compared a hospital‐based cohort of 283 renal‐transplant recipients between 1981 and 2002 with the general population in Taiwan, to identify the incidence and risk factors of cancer.

RESULTS

The cumulative period of observation was 22 582.93 person‐months. Twenty‐five patients (8.83%) developed malignancies after renal transplantation; the standardized incidence ratio was 4.6 (95% confidence interval 2.84–6.48). Bladder and renal cancers were commonest, and the cumulative incidence rate (CIR) was 4.59%. The second most frequent type was hepatoma, where the CIR was 1.77%. The third was malignant tumour of the skin, with a CIR of 1.41%; these comprised three Kaposi’s sarcoma and one malignant lymphoma, with no incidence of squamous or basocellular skin cancer.

CONCLUSION

Compared with Western countries, the distribution pattern of cancer after kidney transplantation was different, with no squamous or basocellular skin cancers, and a very high incidence of kidney and urinary tract cancer.
Prognostic impact of lymphovascular invasion in radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: May Matthias , Kaufmann Olaf , Hammermann Fränze , Loy Volker , Siegsmund Michael
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prognostic value of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in patients with node‐negative prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 412 patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma who had RP and pN0 status were analysed for all established standard pathological factors and LVI. The influence of these pathological findings on biochemical failure was evaluated by multivariate analysis with the Cox model. The mean (range) follow‐up was 52.5 (10–116) months.

RESULTS

LVI was identified in 42 patients (10.2%) and significantly associated with a high preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, a high PSA density, high percentage of positive biopsy cores, high Gleason score, and seminal vesicle invasion. Of the 42 patients with LVI, 33 (79%) had a Gleason score of ≥ 7 and 27 (64%) had pathological stage pT3. The 5‐year biochemical‐free survival was 87.3% for patients with no LVI and 38.3% with LVI on the RP specimen (P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, LVI and Gleason score were independent predictors of biochemical failure.

CONCLUSION

These results show that in addition to the Gleason score, only LVI is strongly correlated with biochemical failure after RP. These findings support the routine evaluation of LVI status in RP specimens and provide the option for its incorporation into nomograms predictive of oncological outcome.
Routine interval computed tomography to detect new soft‐tissue disease might be unnecessary in patients with androgen‐independent prostate cancer and metastasis only to bone
Authors: Wu Shenhong L. , Jones Elizabeth , Gulley James L. , Arlen Philip M. , Chen Clara C. , Figg William D. , Dahut William L.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To identify patients with androgen‐independent prostate cancer (AIPC) with bone metastasis and no soft‐tissue metastases at the time of protocol enrolment, and analyse their disease progression by computed tomography (CT), bone scan, and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level to determine the utility of routine interval CT in such patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Bone is the most common metastatic site in patients with AIPC and the only site of metastatic disease for many; because some with initial bone metastasis eventually develop soft‐tissue disease, many clinical trials use routine CT to monitor for the latter as a sign of disease progression, but the actual incidence of new soft‐tissue metastases is unknown and the role of routine interval CT in monitoring for disease progression, especially for asymptomatic patients, is unclear. Thus we reviewed 175 cases of metastatic AIPC from three randomized phase II clinical trials (docetaxel/thalidomide, docetaxel/vaccine, and ketoconazole/alendronate) at the National Cancer Institute between 1995 and 2004. The patients’ PSA levels were assessed every 4 weeks, and CT and bone scans were done every 2–3 months. We retrospectively identified patients with bone metastasis only and examined subsequent CT for the occurrence of soft‐tissue disease. For patients with progressive disease, we also examined bone scan and PSA progression.

RESULTS

Of 175 patients with metastatic prostate cancer, 105 (60%) had bone metastasis only, 12 (6.9%) had soft‐tissue metastases only, and 58 (33.1%) had both bone and soft‐tissue metastases. The median (range) follow‐up was 8 (1–44) months for the 105 patients with bone metastasis only. During that time, two patients (1.9%) developed new soft‐tissue disease; one developed right iliac fossa lymphadenopathy after 8 months and the other developed a perirectal mass after 12 months. The patient with new lymphadenopathy also had multiple new bone lesions identified by bone scan and PSA progression. The patient with the perirectal mass had PSA progression and a palpable abnormality.

CONCLUSION

This review of patients with AIPC and bone metastasis only, followed for a median of 8 months on clinical trials, shows that the incidence of asymptomatic new soft‐tissue disease as the only sign of disease progression is quite low. Therefore, routine CT to exclude new soft‐tissue disease in this population appears to be unwarranted. We recommend that for these patients CT is done only at the time of disease progression, as shown by bone scan, PSA level, or clinical presentation. We do not exclude the possibility that patients who remain on trial for significantly longer periods might benefit from routine interval CT.
Introducing Science to the Psychology of the Soul
Authors: Koole Sander L. , Greenberg Jeff , Pyszczynski Tom
Published: November 2006

Humans live out their lives knowing that their own death is inevitable; that their most cherished beliefs and values, and even their own identities, are uncertain; that they face a bewildering array of choices; and that their private subjective experiences can never be shared with another human being. This knowledge creates five major existential concerns: death, isolation, identity, freedom, and meaning. The role of these concerns in human affairs has traditionally been the purview of philosophy. However, recent methodological and conceptual advances have led to the emergence of an experimental existential psychology directed toward empirically investigating the roles that these concerns play in psychological functioning. This new domain of psychological science has revealed the pervasive influence of deep existential concerns on diverse aspects of human thought and behavior.
What Causes Specific Language Impairment in Children?
Authors: Bishop Dorothy V.M.
Published: November 2006

Specific language impairment (SLI) is diagnosed when a child's language development is deficient for no obvious reason. For many years, there was a tendency to assume that SLI was caused by factors such as poor parenting, subtle brain damage around the time of birth, or transient hearing loss. Subsequently it became clear that these factors were far less important than genes in determining risk for SLI. A quest to find “the gene for SLI” was undertaken, but it soon became apparent that no single cause could account for all cases. Furthermore, although fascinating cases of SLI caused by a single mutation have been discovered, in most children the disorder has a more complex basis, with several genetic and environmental risk factors interacting. The clearest evidence for genetic effects has come from studies that diagnosed SLI using theoretically motivated measures of underlying cognitive deficits rather than conventional clinical criteria.
Children of Lesbian and Gay Parents
Authors: Patterson Charlotte J.
Published: November 2006

Does parental sexual orientation affect child development, and if so, how? Studies using convenience samples, studies using samples drawn from known populations, and studies based on samples that are representative of larger populations all converge on similar conclusions. More than two decades of research has failed to reveal important differences in the adjustment or development of children or adolescents reared by same-sex couples compared to those reared by other-sex couples. Results of the research suggest that qualities of family relationships are more tightly linked with child outcomes than is parental sexual orientation.
Understanding Motor Awareness Through Normal and Pathological Behavior
Authors: Berti Anna , Pia Lorenzo
Published: November 2006

Data on patients with localized brain damage and on neurologically intact subjects show that normal motor control depends on the functionality of a chain of neurobiological events. These events, through the activation of internal representations of the desired, predicted, and actual condition of one's body with respect to the external world, contribute to the construction of conscious knowledge of voluntary actions and to self-awareness.
The Unrecognized Stereotyping and Discrimination Against Singles
Authors: DePaulo Bella M. , Morris Wendy L.
Published: November 2006

A widespread form of bias has slipped under our cultural and academic radar. People who are single are targets of singlism: negative stereotypes and discrimination. Compared to married or coupled people, who are often described in very positive terms, singles are assumed to be immature, maladjusted, and self-centered. Although the perceived differences between people who have and have not married are large, the actual differences are not. Moreover, there is currently scant recognition that singlism exists, and when singlism is acknowledged, it is often accepted as legitimate.
Identifying and Remedying Failures of Selective Attention in Younger Drivers
Authors: Pollatsek Alexander , Fisher Donald L. , Pradhan Anuj
Published: November 2006

Newly licensed drivers are disproportionally involved in fatal crashes, and there is evidence that failure to attend to potentially relevant information is a major contributor to this problem. Corroborating this, in controlled scenarios on a driving simulator, we have found that younger drivers attend to (i.e., fixate) target regions in the virtual world that contain information about potential risks much less frequently than do more experienced drivers. We have developed a PC-based training program that substantially improves younger drivers' attention to these regions in the driving simulator and have recently replicated these training results on the road in a real driving situation.
The Gagauz, a Linguistic Enclave, are not a Genetic Isolate
Authors: Nasidze Ivan , Quinque Dominique , Udina Irina , Kunizheva Svetlana , Stoneking Mark
Published: November 2006

The Gagauz are a Turkic‐speaking group that migrated from Turkey to their present location in the southern part of the Republic of Moldova about 150 years ago. Surrounded by Indo‐European‐speaking populations, they thus form a linguistic enclave, which raises the following question: to what extent have they remained in genetic isolation from their geographic neighbours? Analyses of mtDNA and Y chromosome variation indicate that despite their linguistic differences, the Gagauz have admixed extensively with neighbouring groups. Our data suggest that there has been more mtDNA than Y chromosome admixture, in keeping with the patrilocal nature of these groups. Moreover, when compared with another linguistic enclave, the Kalmyks there appears to be a correlation between the amount of genetic admixture and the amount of linguistic influence that these two linguistic enclaves have experienced from neighbouring groups.
Fifty‐three polymorphic microsatellite loci in the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica
Authors: KUBISIAK T. L. , DUTECH C. , MILGROOM M. G.
Published: November 2006

We report on 53 microsatellite loci for use in population genetic or linkage mapping studies in Cryphonectria parasitica. In 40 isolates collected from throughout the Northern Hemisphere, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 14 (mean 5.17) with gene diversity values ranging from 0.049 to 0.859 (mean 0.437). Samples from Asia were more diverse than those from Europe and North America. Most of the markers (48 of 53) were developed from an expressed sequence tag library, and hence, offer the opportunity to examine population structure or provide genome location information for specific expressed genes vs. anonymous genomic regions.
Ictal Hyperperfusion Patterns in Relation to Ictal Scalp EEG Patterns in Patients with Unilateral Hippocampal Sclerosis: A SPECT Study
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Im Ki Chun , Kim Jae Seung , Lee Sang‐Ahm , Lee Jung Kyo , Khang Shin Kwang , Kang Joong Koo
Published: November 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The aims of the present study were to explore the relation between ictal scalp EEG patterns and ictal hyperperfusion patterns in patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis–associated mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (HS‐MTLE) by using semiquantitative single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) analysis and to assess clinical significance of ictal hyperperfusion patterns.

Methods: We studied retrospectively 39 consecutive patients with surgically proven HS‐MTLE. All had both interictal and ictal SPECTs with the tracer injection during a complex partial seizure (CPS) typical of MTLE semiology. According to initial ictal discharge (IID) frequency on scalp EEG, two lateralizing patterns were identified: (a) a sustained regular 5‐ to 9‐Hz rhythm with a restricted temporal or subtemporal distribution (group 1); and (b) an irregular 2‐ to 5‐Hz rhythm with a widespread distribution (group 2). We performed group analysis by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) of paired ictal–interictal SPECTs to identify regions of significant ictal hyperperfusion and compared clinical characteristics, tracer‐injection time, semiology, pathologic HS grade, and surgical outcome between two groups.

Results: Of the 39 patients, 19 patients (10 males, nine right HS) were designated as group 1, and the remaining 20 patients (eight males, seven right HS), group 2. Group 1 showed hyperperfusion mainly confined to the ipsilateral temporal lobe, whereas group 2 showed widespread hyperperfusion in the extratemporal structures such as ipsilateral basal ganglia, brainstem, and bilateral thalamus, in addition to the ipsilateral temporal lobe. No significant difference was found between two groups in clinical characteristics, injection time, pathologic HS grade, and surgical outcome. Among semiologic features, dystonic limb posturing was more frequently observed in group 2 (p = 0.006).

Conclusions: Scalp EEG IID frequency in HS‐MTLE can be an important determining factor of ictal hyperperfusion patterns. The lack of difference in surgical outcome between two groups implies that different hyperperfusion patterns, according to their IID frequencies, reflect only preferential pathways of ictal propagation rather than intrinsic epileptogenic region.
Lithium‐induced Confusional States: Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus or Triphasic Encephalopathy?
Authors: Kaplan Peter W. , Birbeck Gretchen
Published: November 2006

Summary:  Lithium therapy can cause a confusional state by direct toxicity, precipitation of nonconvulsive status epilepticus, or by interplay with other neuroleptic medications to produce neuroleptic malignant syndrome or serotonin syndrome. These conditions resemble each other clinically, but EEG may help differentiate among them. We reviewed the EEG patterns with triphasic waves or rhythmic delta activity in lithium toxic patients and discuss clinical and EEG differentiation among syndromes. Lithium toxicity poses significant diagnostic challenges from EEG and clinical perspectives.
Use of Levetiracetam in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Falip Mercè , Carreño Mar , Amaro Sergio , Donaire Antonio , Delgado Raquel , Toledo Manuel , Maestro Iratxe
Published: November 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The objective of the study was to analyze the short‐term efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (LEV) to treat repetitive seizures in hospitalized patients.

Methods: During admission to a tertiary hospital, we retrospectively identified patients with repetitive seizures who were treated for the first time with LEV during a hospital stay. LEV was considered effective if seizure cessation or >75% seizure reduction occurred in the 24 h after starting LEV (compared with the previous 48 h), requiring no further antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment.

Results: Thirty patients (12 men, 18 women) were included. Mean age was 59.7 years. Most frequent seizure type was focal motor in 12 (40%) of 30 patients. Most frequent etiology was stroke: nine (30%) of 30 patients. Relevant medical conditions included atrial fibrillation (three) and hepatic disease (three). Concomitant medications included oral anticoagulants (seven), corticosteroids (two), and chemotherapy (two). Four patients received LEV as the only AED. Six patients with focal SE and 20 (66.6%) patients with clusters of seizures but not in SE received LEV as add‐on treatment after lack of response to first‐line AEDs. Mean LEV dose during first day was 1,119 mg. Mean daily maintenance dose was 1,724 mg. LEV was effective in 24 (80%) patients, all four patients who received it as the only AED, four of six patients with focal SE, and 16 of 20 patients with clusters of seizures. Three (10%) elderly patients with seizures secondary to stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reported moderate/severe somnolence and dizziness, leading to treatment discontinuation in one. On discharge, 20 (66.7%) patients continued on LEV, nine (30%) as the only AED.

Conclusions: LEV is effective and safe to treat repetitive seizures in hospitalized patients, including patients in focal SE.
Postictal But Not Interictal Hemispatial Neglect in Patients with Seizures of Lateralized Onset
Authors: Prilipko Olga , Seeck Margitta , Mermillod Bernadette , Landis Theodor , Pegna Alan J.
Published: November 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Unilateral spatial neglect, defined as a failure to report, respond, or orient to stimuli that are presented contralaterally, has been widely documented after brain damage to right, and to a lesser degree, left frontotemporoparietal networks. Group studies involving patients with seizures with a lateralized focus have demonstrated transient dysfunctions in memory and language; however, so far, only two case reports have described transient neglect after an epileptic seizure.

Methods: To assess the existence and consistency of this phenomenon, we evaluated 33 epilepsy patients on a line‐bisection task in interictal and postictal states as compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched control group.

Results: Spatial neglect, as determined by this test, was found in the postictal but not interictal examination in patients with right parietal epileptic foci and was maximal for the left‐positioned lines, whereas no neglect was found in other groups.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that patients with right parietal foci can present a transient neglect phenomenon on the line‐bisection task in the postictal period, even in the absence of overt clinical neglect signs. These findings might be useful in establishing the laterality and even localization of epileptic foci based on the postictal neuropsychological evaluation.
Epilepsy and the Impact of an Epileptology Clinic for Patients with Mental Retardation and Associated Disabilities in an Institutional Setting
Authors: Arain Amir , Shihabuddin Bashir , Niaz Faiz , Modur Pradeep , Taylor Henry , Fakhoury Toufic , Abou‐Khalil Bassel
Published: November 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Epilepsy is a common problem in institutionalized patients with multiple handicaps. Limited data exist on the characteristics of epilepsy in this patient population and the impact of systematic evaluation by an epilepsy service.

Methods: We evaluated 138 patients with epilepsy, institutionalized at a facility that cares for 324 patients with multiple handicaps. Evaluation included EEG, MRI, and video‐EEG monitoring. The medication regimen was changed according to seizure diagnosis and the status of seizure control. Follow‐up was available for ≥6 months in 110 patients, 1 year for 89, and 1.5 years for 49 patients. We analyzed the seizure and epilepsy diagnosis in this population, as well as the seizure frequency after evaluation and treatment

Results: The 76 male and 62 female patients' ages ranged from 14 to 73 years. Seventy‐three patients had fewer than one seizure per month, whereas 29 patients had at least one seizure per month. Of 131 patients taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), 62 were receiving monotherapy, and 69 were receiving two or more AEDs. At the last follow‐up, overall 55% of patients had reduced seizure frequency, including 23% who became seizure free. Two of 36 patients had spontaneous seizure recurrence after being seizure free with no AEDs for 4 months in one patient and 3 years for the other. Attempts were made to discontinue phenobarbital, primidone, and clonazepam in 21 patients. However, these were discontinued in only five patients.

Conclusions: Epilepsy is heterogeneous in institutionalized patients with multiple handicaps. It is often responsive to medical therapy. Evaluation and treatment by epilepsy specialists had an overall favorable impact on seizure control.