bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposing Effects of Inhibiting Cap Addition and Cap Methylation on Polyadenylation during Vesicular Stomatitis Virus mRNA Synthesis
Authors: Li Jianrong , Rahmeh Amal , Brusic Vesna , Whelan Sean P. J.
Published: December 2008

The multifunctional large (L) polymerase protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) contains enzymatic activities essential for RNA synthesis, including mRNA cap addition and polyadenylation. We previously mapped amino acid residues G1154, T1157, H1227, and R1228, present within conserved region V (CRV) of L, as essential for mRNA cap addition. Here we show that alanine substitutions to these residues also affect 3′-end formation. Specifically, the cap-defective polymerases produced truncated transcripts that contained A-rich sequences at their 3′ termini and predominantly terminated within the first 500 nucleotides (nt) of the
N
gene. To examine how the cap-defective polymerases respond to an authentic VSV termination and reinitiation signal present at each gene junction, we reconstituted RNA synthesis using templates that contained genes inserted (
I
) at the leader-
N
gene junction. The
I
genes ranged in size from 382 to 1,098 nt and were typically transcribed into full-length uncapped transcripts. In addition to lacking a cap structure, the full-length I transcripts synthesized by the cap-defective polymerases lacked an authentic polyadenylate tail and instead contained 0 to 24 A residues. Moreover, the cap-defective polymerases were also unable to copy efficiently the downstream gene. Thus, single amino acid substitutions in CRV of L protein that inhibit cap addition also inhibit polyadenylation and sequential transcription of the genome. In contrast, an amino acid substitution, K1651A, in CRVI of L protein that completely inhibits cap methylation results in the hyperpolyadenylation of mRNA. This work reveals that inhibiting cap addition and cap methylation have opposing effects on polyadenylation during VSV mRNA synthesis and provides evidence in support of a link between correct 5′ cap formation and 3′ polyadenylation.
Parental poison prevention practices and their relationship with perceived toxicity: cross-sectional study
Authors: Patel B , Groom L , Prasad V , Kendrick D
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To describe poison prevention practices for a range of substances and explore the relationship between prevention practices and perceptions of toxicity.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using a validated postal questionnaire.

Participants:

Parents with children aged 12–35 months on 23 health visitors’ caseloads.

Setting:

Areas of various levels of deprivation in Nottingham, UK.

Main outcome measures:

Possession and storage of substances, putting substances away immediately after use, and perceptions of toxicity.

Results:

Dishwasher tablets (68%), toilet cleaner (71%), bleach (74%), oven cleaner (78%), oral contraceptives (80%), and essential oils (81%) were least likely to be stored safely. Children’s painkillers (69%), cough medicine (72%), and essential oils (77%) were least likely to be put away immediately after use. More than 50% of parents perceived antibiotics and oral contraceptives as harmful in small quantities and cough medicines as harmful only in large quantities. Six substances perceived by parents to be more harmful were more likely to be put away immediately after use. Parents perceiving dishwasher tablets (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.66), essential oils (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.35 to 5.81), turpentine (OR 14.54, 95% CI 2.75 to 76.95), and rat/ant killer (OR 15.33, 95% CI 2.01 to 116.82) as more harmful were more likely to store these substances safely.

Conclusions:

Parents’ perceptions of toxicity of substances were sometimes inaccurate. Perceived toxicity was associated with putting substances away immediately after use for six substances and with safe storage for four substances. The effect of addressing perceptions of toxicity on poison prevention practices requires evaluation.
Incidence and burden of road traffic injuries in urban India
Authors: Dandona R , Kumar G A , Ameer M A , Ahmed G M , Dandona L
Published: December 2008

Background:

The scale of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in India is uncertain because of limitations in the availability and reliability of incidence data.

Objective:

To report these data for Hyderabad city in southern India.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional population-based survey, 10 459 participants aged 5–49 years (94.3% participation), selected using three-stage systematic cluster sampling, were interviewed. Participants recalled RTIs in the preceding 3 months and RTI-related death and disability in the household in the preceding 3 years. RTI was defined as an injury resulting from a road traffic crash irrespective of the severity.

Results:

The age/sex-adjusted annual incidence of non-fatal RTI requiring a recovery period of ⩽7, 8–29, and ⩾30 days was 13% (95% CI 12.6% to 13.4%), 5.8% (95% CI 5.5% to 6.0%), and 1.2% (95% CI 1.1% to 1.4%), respectively. The overall adjusted rate for non-fatal RTI was 20.7% (95% CI 20.0% to 21.3%). The relative risk of RTI requiring a recovery period of >7 days was significantly higher in the third per capita monthly income quartile (1.24 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.37); p<0.05). The incidence of non-fatal RTI was highest in pedestrians, motorized two-wheeled vehicle users, and cyclists: 6.4, 6.3, and 5.1/100 persons/year, respectively. Annual RTI mortality and disability rates were 38.2 (95% CI 17.5 to 58.8) and 35.1 (95% CI 12.4 to 57.7) per 100 000 population, respectively.

Conclusions:

There is a high burden of RTI in this urban population. With the recent attention focused on RTI by the Government of India, these findings may assist in planning appropriate initiatives to reduce the RTI burden.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich V.
Published: December 2008

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to: V. Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Differential expression of GLUT2 in pancreatic islets and kidneys of New and Old World nonhuman primates
Authors: Kramer Joshua , Moeller Elisabeth Ludlage , Hachey Audra , Mansfield Keith G. , Wachtman Lynn M.
Published: December 2008

Diabetes is a growing public health concern, and animal models of this disease are necessary for a full understanding of disease pathogenesis, progression, clinical sequelae, and treatment options. In particular, nonhuman primate models of diabetes are important because of their close genetic relationship to humans. Although numerous Old World primate models have been described, few studies have examined the possibility of using New World monkeys as an animal model for this disease. Streptozotocin (STZ) is a common diabetogenic drug that selectively destroys beta cells after uptake via the GLUT2 glucose transporter. Induction of diabetes using STZ was attempted in common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus). These animals showed increases in blood glucose consistent with diabetes only at STZ doses markedly greater than those used in other primate species. Additionally, all animals showed pathological evidence of acute renal and liver toxicity secondary to the treatment. In a subsequent comparative study of various nonhuman primates, GLUT2 immunostaining in pancreatic islets was used as a marker for sensitivity to STZ. Immunostaining of islets from a variety of nonhuman primate species indicated a reduced expression of pancreatic GLUT2 in New compared with Old World monkeys; this finding explains their resistance to diabetic induction with STZ. Furthermore, there were age-dependent differences in GLUT2 expression, with aged and infant macaques showing reduced expression. We conclude that New World monkeys are an inappropriate model for diabetes induction with STZ and that, with all primate species, it is important to consider the animals’ age before diabetic induction with STZ is attempted.
Adiponectin resistance precedes the accumulation of skeletal muscle lipids and insulin resistance in high-fat-fed rats
Authors: Mullen Kerry L. , Pritchard Janet , Ritchie Ian , Snook Laelie A. , Chabowski Adrian , Bonen Arend , Wright David , Dyck David J.
Published: December 2008

High-fat (HF) diets can induce insulin resistance (IR) by altering skeletal muscle lipid metabolism. An imbalance between fatty acid (FA) uptake and oxidation results in intramuscular lipid accumulation, which can impair the insulin-signaling cascade. Adiponectin (Ad) is an insulin-sensitizing adipokine known to stimulate skeletal muscle FA oxidation and reduce lipid accumulation. Evidence of Ad resistance has been shown in obesity and following chronic HF feeding and may contribute to lipid accumulation observed in these conditions. Whether Ad resistance precedes and is associated with the development of IR is unknown. We conducted a time course HF feeding trial for 3 days, 2 wk, or 4 wk to determine the onset of Ad resistance and identify the ensuing changes in lipid metabolism and insulin signaling leading to IR in skeletal muscle. Ad stimulated FA oxidation (+28%, P ≤ 0.05) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation (+34%, P ≤ 0.05) in control animals but failed to do so in any HF-fed group (i.e., as early as 3 days). By 2 wk, plasma membrane FA transporters and intramuscular diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramide were increased, and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of both protein kinase B and protein kinase B substrate 160 was blunted compared with control animals. After 4 wk of HF feeding, maximal insulin-stimulated glucose transport was impaired compared with control. Taken together, our results demonstrate that an early loss of Ad's stimulatory effect on FA oxidation precedes an increase in plasmalemmal FA transporters and the accumulation of intramuscular DAG and ceramide, blunted insulin signaling, and ultimately impaired maximal insulin-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle induced by HF diets.
Learning of a Sequential Motor Skill Comprises Explicit and Implicit Components That Consolidate Differently
Authors: Ghilardi M. Felice , Moisello Clara , Silvestri Giulia , Ghez Claude , Krakauer John W.
Published: December 2008

The ability to perform accurate sequential movements is essential to normal motor function. Learning a sequential motor behavior is comprised of two basic components: explicit identification of the order in which the sequence elements should be performed and implicit acquisition of spatial accuracy for each element. Here we investigated the time course of learning of these components for a first sequence (SEQA) and their susceptibility to interference from learning a second sequence (SEQB). We assessed explicit learning with a discrete index, the number of correct anticipatory movements, and implicit learning with a continuous variable, spatial error, which decreased during learning without subject awareness. Spatial accuracy to individual sequence elements reached asymptotic levels only when the whole sequence order was known. Interference with recall of the order of SEQA persisted even when SEQB was learned 24 h after SEQA. However, there was resistance to interference by SEQB with increased initial training with SEQA. For implicit learning of spatial accuracy, SEQB interfered at 5 min but not 24 h after SEQA. As in the case of sequence order, prolonged initial training with SEQA induced resistance to interference by SEQB. We conclude that explicit sequence learning is more susceptible to anterograde interference and implicit sequence learning is more susceptible to retrograde interference. However, both become resistant to interference with saturation training. We propose that an essential feature of motor skill learning is the process by which discrete explicit task elements are combined with continuous implicit features of movement to form flawless sequential actions.
Calcium-Permeable Presynaptic Kainate Receptors Involved in Excitatory Short-Term Facilitation Onto Somatostatin Interneurons During Natural Stimulus Patterns
Authors: Sun H. Y. , Bartley A. F. , Dobrunz L. E.
Published: December 2008

Schaffer collateral synapses in hippocampus show target-cell specific short-term plasticity. Using GFP-expressing Inhibitory Neuron (GIN) transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in a subset of somatostatin-containing interneurons (SOM interneurons), we previously showed that Schaffer collateral synapses onto SOM interneurons in stratum (S.) radiatum have unusually large (up to 6-fold) paired-pulse facilitation. This results from a low initial release probability and the enhancement of facilitation by synaptic activation of presynaptic kainate receptors. Here we further investigate the properties of these kainate receptors and examine their effects on short-term facilitation during physiologically derived stimulation patterns, using excitatory postsynaptic currents recorded in S. radiatum interneurons during Schaffer collateral stimulation in acute slices from juvenile GIN mice. We find that GluR5 and GluR6 antagonists decrease short-term facilitation at Schaffer collateral synapses onto SOM interneurons with no additive effects, suggesting that the presynaptic kainate receptors are heteromers containing both GluR5 and GluR6 subunits. The calcium-permeable receptor antagonist 1-napthyl acetyl spermine (NASPM) both mimics and occludes the effect of the kainate receptor antagonists, indicating that the presynaptic kainate receptors are calcium permeable. Furthermore, Schaffer collateral synapses onto SOM interneurons show up to 11-fold short-term facilitation during physiologically derived stimulus patterns, in contrast to other interneurons that have less than 1.5-fold facilitation. Blocking the kainate receptors reduces facilitation in SOM interneurons by ∼50% during the physiologically derived patterns and reduces the dynamic range. Activation of calcium-permeable kainate receptors containing GluR5/GluR6 causes a dramatic increase in short-term facilitation during physiologically derived stimulus patterns, a mechanism likely to be important in regulating the strength of Schaffer collateral synapses onto SOM interneurons in vivo.
Axonal Na+Channels Ensure Fast Spike Activation and Back-Propagation in Cerebellar Granule Cells
Authors: Diwakar Shyam , Magistretti Jacopo , Goldfarb Mitchell , Naldi Giovanni , D'Angelo Egidio
Published: December 2008

In most neurons, Na+channels in the axon are complemented by others localized in the soma and dendrites to ensure spike back-propagation. However, cerebellar granule cells are neurons with simplified architecture in which the dendrites are short and unbranched and a single thin ascending axon travels toward the molecular layer before bifurcating into parallel fibers. Here we show that in cerebellar granule cells, Na+channels are enriched in the axon, especially in the hillock, but almost absent from soma and dendrites. The impact of this channel distribution on neuronal electroresponsiveness was investigated by multi-compartmental modeling. Numerical simulations indicated that granule cells have a compact electrotonic structure allowing excitatory postsynaptic potentials to diffuse with little attenuation from dendrites to axon. The spike arose almost simultaneously along the whole axonal ascending branch and invaded the hillock the activation of which promoted spike back-propagation with marginal delay (<200 μs) and attenuation (<20 mV) into the somato-dendritic compartment. These properties allow granule cells to perform sub-millisecond coincidence detection of pre- and postsynaptic activity and to rapidly activate Purkinje cells contacted by the axonal ascending branch.
Close Similarity Between Spatiotemporal Frequency Tunings of Human Cortical Responses and Involuntary Manual Following Responses to Visual Motion
Authors: Amano Kaoru , Kimura Toshitaka , Nishida Shin'ya , Takeda Tsunehiro , Gomi Hiroaki
Published: December 2008

Human brain uses visual motion inputs not only for generating subjective sensation of motion but also for directly guiding involuntary actions. For instance, during arm reaching, a large-field visual motion is quickly and involuntarily transformed into a manual response in the direction of visual motion (manual following response, MFR). Previous attempts to correlate motion-evoked cortical activities, revealed by brain imaging techniques, with conscious motion perception have resulted only in partial success. In contrast, here we show a surprising degree of similarity between the MFR and the population neural activity measured by magnetoencephalography (MEG). We measured the MFR and MEG induced by the same motion onset of a large-field sinusoidal drifting grating with changing the spatiotemporal frequency of the grating. The initial transient phase of these two responses had very similar spatiotemporal tunings. Specifically, both the MEG and MFR amplitudes increased as the spatial frequency was decreased to, at most, 0.05 c/deg, or as the temporal frequency was increased to, at least, 10 Hz. We also found in peak latency a quantitative agreement (∼100–150 ms) and correlated changes against spatiotemporal frequency changes between MEG and MFR. In comparison with these two responses, conscious visual motion detection is known to be most sensitive (i.e., have the lowest detection threshold) at higher spatial frequencies and have longer and more variable response latencies. Our results suggest a close relationship between the properties of involuntary motor responses and motion-evoked cortical activity as reflected by the MEG.
Enhanced Hypoxia Susceptibility in Hippocampal Slices From a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome
Authors: Fischer Marc , Reuter Julia , Gerich Florian J. , Hildebrandt Belinda , Hägele Sonja , Katschinski Dörthe , Müller Michael
Published: December 2008

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-chromosomal MECP2 gene encoding for the transcriptional regulator methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Rett patients suffer from episodic respiratory irregularities and reduced arterial oxygen levels. To elucidate whether such intermittent hypoxic episodes induce adaptation/preconditioning of the hypoxia-vulnerable hippocampal network, we analyzed its responses to severe hypoxia in adult Rett mice. The occurrence of hypoxia-induced spreading depression (HSD)—an experimental model for ischemic stroke—was hastened in Mecp2− /y males. The extracellular K+ rise during HSD was attenuated in Mecp2− /y males and the input resistance of CA1 pyramidal neurons decreased less before HSD onset. CA1 pyramidal neurons were smaller and more densely packed, but the cell swelling during HSD was unaffected. The intrinsic optical signal and the propagation of HSD were similar among the different genotypes. Basal synaptic function was intact, but Mecp2− /y males showed reduced paired-pulse facilitation and higher field potential/fiber volley ratios, but no increased seizure susceptibility. Synaptic failure during hypoxia was complete in all genotypes and the final degree of posthypoxic synaptic recovery indistinguishable. Cellular ATP content was normal in Mecp2− /y males, but their hematocrit was increased as was HIF-1α expression throughout the brain. This is the first study showing that in Rett syndrome, the susceptibility of telencephalic neuronal networks to hypoxia is increased; the underlying molecular mechanisms apparently involve disturbed K+ channel function. Such an increase in hypoxia susceptibility may potentially contribute to the vulnerability of male Rett patients who are either not viable or severely disabled.
Changes in Locomotor Muscle Activity After Treadmill Training in Subjects With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Gorassini Monica A. , Norton Jonathan A. , Nevett-Duchcherer Jennifer , Roy Francois D. , Yang Jaynie F.
Published: December 2008

Intensive treadmill training after incomplete spinal cord injury can improve functional walking abilities. To determine the changes in muscle activation patterns that are associated with improvements in walking, we measured the electromyography (EMG) of leg muscles in 17 individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury during similar walking conditions both before and after training. Specific differences were observed between subjects that eventually gained functional improvements in overground walking (responders), compared with subjects where treadmill training was ineffective (nonresponders). Although both groups developed a more regular and less clonic EMG pattern on the treadmill, it was only the tibialis anterior and hamstring muscles in the responders that displayed increases in EMG activation. Likewise, only the responders demonstrated decreases in burst duration and cocontraction of proximal (hamstrings and quadriceps) muscle activity. Surprisingly, the proximal muscle activity in the responders, unlike nonresponders, was three- to fourfold greater than that in uninjured control subjects walking at similar speeds and level of body weight support, suggesting that the ability to modify muscle activation patterns after injury may predict the ability of subjects to further compensate in response to motor training. In summary, increases in the amount and decreases in the duration of EMG activity of specific muscles are associated with functional recovery of walking skills after treadmill training in subjects that are able to modify muscle activity patterns following incomplete spinal cord injury.
Maximum Power Control of Hybrid Wind‐Diesel‐Storage System
Authors: Kamal Elkhatib , Koutb Magdy , Sobaih Abdul Azim , Kaddah Sahar
Published: December 2008

Extraction of maximum wind power of variable speed wind turbines in hybrid wind‐diesel‐storage system (HWDSS) is considered due to economical purposes. The proposed control algorithm utilizes extended fuzzy‐linear matrix equalities (FLMEs) systems design of stabilizing fuzzy controllers for nonlinear systems described by Takagi‐Sugeno (TS) fuzzy models. The algorithm maximizes the power coefficient for a fixed pitch. Moreover, it reduces the voltage ripple and stabilizes the system over a wide range of wind speed variations. The control scheme is tested for different profiles of wind speed pattern and provides satisfactory results.
Regulation of CD151 by Hypoxia Controls Cell Adhesion and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chien Chun-Wei , Lin Shih-Chieh , Lai Yen-Yu , Lin Bo-Wen , Lin Shao-Chieh , Lee Jenq-Chang , Tsai Shaw-Jenq
Published: December 2008

Purpose: The first step of metastasis is the detachment of cancer cells from the surrounding matrix and neighboring cells; however, how cancer cells accomplish this process remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism that controls the early event of metastasis.

Experimental Design: One hundred and thirty-seven paired colorectal carcinoma and normal colon tissues were examined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot for the expression of CD151, a member of the tetraspanin family that plays important roles in cell adhesion and motility. The effect of CD151 on cancer cell adhesion was investigated under normoxia and hypoxia conditions.

Results: The level of CD151 was down-regulated in colon cancer compared with the paired normal counterparts. Expression of CD151 was negatively regulated by hypoxia inducible factor-1–dependent hypoxic stress. Suppression of CD151 by hypoxia caused the detachment of cancer cells from the surrounding matrix and neighboring cells whereas restoration of CD151 expression during reoxygenation facilitated the adhesion capacity. Clinical examination further showed that metastasized cancer cells expressed a greater level of CD151 compared with that of primary tumor.

Conclusion: Regulation of CD151 by oxygen tension may play an important role in cancer metastasis by regulating the detachment from the primary site and homing in the secondary site.
Applications of Neurostimulation for Urinary Storage and Voiding Dysfunction in Neurological Patients
Authors: Van Rey F.S. , Heesakkers J.P.F.A.
Published: December 2008

The application of various forms of electrical stimulation is considered a therapeutic option to manage different types of lower urinary tract dysfunction. However, even though lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in patients with neurological disease, apart from patients with spinal cord injury, electrostimulation is still not widely applied in a neurological patient population. Urologists frequently encounter patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in their daily practice. Often, the conservative treatment modalities do not offer adequate relief of symptoms in these patients. In most cases, surgical options including transurethral stents, augmentation cystoplasty stoma or derivation surgery are considered a last resort. With this in mind, it is essential that healthcare professionals are informed about the possibilities of nerve stimulation in neurogenic patients. We review the utilization and the results of electrical stimulation by means of pudendal nerve stimulation, stimulation of the sacral nerve roots and lower limb stimulation in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.
Do Clinically Insignificant Tumors of the Prostate Exist?
Authors: Stamatiou K. , Alevizos A. , Mariolis A. , Spiliopoulou C. , Alevizou A. , Bovis K. , Sofras F.
Published: December 2008

Background: The discrepancy between minimal disease on biopsy and disease found in the subsequent prostatectomy specimen, in terms of the size and grade of tumor, extracapsular extension or positive margins, led several authors to dispute the existence of clinically insignificant impalpable tumors of the prostate. However, considering that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an indicator of prostate malignancy and since many impalpable prostatic carcinomas (PCs) are detected by a combination of PSA, transurethral ultrasound and needle biopsy (T1c), in the era of PSA screening, it is expected that most of the impalpable tumors found incidentally at transurethral resection of the prostate (stage T1a/b), could be clinically insignificant. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of latent, impalpable PCs and to analyze the incidence of clinically insignificant PCs among hypothetical stage T1 prostate cancers in tumors found incidentally at postmortem examination. Methods: We examined 40 cases of impalpable PCs found in 212 prostate autopsy specimens of men between 30 and 98 years of age who died of diseases other than carcinoma of the prostate and related conditions. Results: Most of T1 histological PCs (57.5%) had a Gleason score between 2 and 4, while 30% had Gleason score between 5 and 6. Only 5 (12.5%) had a Gleason score above 7. Twenty-nine of 40 stage T1 histological cancers (67.5%) had volume of <1 cm3. The highest volume tumors were those of intermediate and high grade (Gleason sums 5–8). Among tumors with volumes of <1 cm3, 96.55% were confined within the prostatic capsule. Conclusions: The majority of impalpable PCs were low-volume, well-differentiated tumors corresponding to clinically insignificant neoplasms. Similar characteristics could be attributed to most of the impalpable carcinomas detected after prostatectomy in clinical practice.
Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Right Adrenalectomy for ‘Large’ Tumors
Authors: Papalia R. , Simone G. , Leonardo C. , Loreto A. , Coppola R. , Guaglianone S. , Sacco R. , Gallucci M.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: We compared two different approaches to right laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy for large tumors (>5 cm): the anterior transperitoneal (AT) and lateral transperitoneal (LT) approaches. Methods: 40 patients with a right large adrenal mass >5 cm underwent right adrenalectomy: 20 patients underwent the AT procedure and 20 patients the LT procedure. Preoperative characteristics were similar for both groups: mean tumor size for the AT and LT groups was 6.52 cm (range 5.2–8.5) and 6.59 cm (range 5.4–8.1), respectively. Mean patient’s age was 53 years (23–75 in the AT group and 20–77 in the LT group). AT and LT approaches were compared in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, time to first oral intake and postoperative convalescence. Results: No difference was found between two groups in terms of estimated blood (100 ml for the AT group and 105.3 ml for the LT group), time to first oral intake (2.0 days for both groups) and convalescence (3.5 and 3 days, respectively). The mean operative times of the AT and LT procedures were 75.25 and 84.75 min, respectively: this difference was statistically significant at the Student’s t test (p = 0.0423). Conclusions: Both approaches proved to be safe and minimally invasive. We believe that the shorter operative time of AT procedures was related to the better visibility of familiar anatomic landmarks, easier access to the vessels and a larger operative field. For these reasons, we prefer the AT approach in the management of large adrenal masses.
Histologic Influence of Doxazosin and Finasteride in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Accompanying Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Park Dong Soo , Shim Jeong Yun
Published: December 2008

Aim: To evaluate the influence of doxazosin and finasteride on histologic findings in benign prostatic hyperplasia accompanied by prostatitis, and to examine the factors related with prostate carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: Prostate tissue from 17 cases of prostatic hyperplasia were divided into three groups; group 1: no medication history, group 2: both doxazosin and finasteride for at least 6 months before surgery; group 3: doxazosin for a minimum of 6 months before transurethral resection. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry for COX-2, CD3, CD68, VEGF, and GSTP (glutathione S-transferase pi). Results: CD3 showed a tendency toward decreased staining intensity and extent in group 3 (p = 0.026, p = 0.004, respectively). CD68 showed a different staining extent among the three groups (p = 0.020). For VEGF, the staining extent showed different results between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.044). There was no correlation between COX-2 and VEGF in group 1. However, a positive correlation between COX-2 and GSTP1 was demonstrated in group 2 (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Doxazosin-treated prostate tissue showed decreased inflammatory reaction. GSTP1 expression was decreased in combined treatment with doxazosin and finasteride. These findings suggest that finasteride may interfere with the anti-inflammatory reaction. Finasteride also decreases angiogenesis. However, the meaning of our observations is limited by small sample size.
Increased Expression of CD44s in Conventional Renal Cell Carcinomas with Renal Vein or Vena Cava Thrombosis
Authors: Altinel Mert , Arpali Emre , Turhan Nesrin , Gonenc Faruk , Yazicioglu Ahmet
Published: December 2008

Objectives: CD44 is thought to play an important role in the tumorigenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We retrospectively evaluated the expression of CD44s by immunohistochemical analysis in conventional RCC patients and in conventional RCC patients with renal vein or vena cava thrombus and investigated the differences in the pattern of expression of CD44s between the two groups. Methods: Thirty RCC specimens and four RCC specimens with renal vein and five RCC specimens with vena cava thrombus were analyzed immunohistochemically using a CD44s-specific antibody. The expression of CD44s in RCC with renal vein or vena cava thrombus was compared with the expression of CD44s in RCC without renal vein or vena cava extention. Results: Of the 30 tumor specimens without thrombus, 16 (53%) expressed CD44s. Staining was also positive in all of the nine specimens with thrombus. CD44s expression was weak in the tumour specimens without thrombus. RCC specimens with renal vein or vena cava thrombus exhibited strong positive staining for CD44s. Conclusions: The increased expression of CD44s seems to be correlated with tumor thrombus formation in renal vein or vena cava. CD44s may play a role in the formation of renal vein or vena cava extention.
Urethral Diverticulum: A New Complication Associated with Tension-Free Vaginal Tape
Authors: Athanasopoulos A. , McGuire E.J.
Published: December 2008

A case of a urethral diverticulum following the insertion of a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is presented. The patient was a woman with stress urinary incontinence who underwent surgery to correct intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Three cases of urethral diverticula have been published thus far as complications of TVT insertions, but this is the first complication associated with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. The high pressures in the proximal urethra that result from positioning the TVT in the middle urethra, especially when obstruction co-exists with an open bladder neck, can be a predisposing factor for this complication. The possibility of a urethral diverticulum when postvoid incontinence occurs after the insertion of a TVT should be carefully evaluated.
Obturator and Thigh Abscess after Transobturator Tape Implantation for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Zumbé Jürgen , Porres Daniel , Degiorgis Pier-Luigi , Wyler Stephen
Published: December 2008

We report a case of obturator and thigh abscess 2 years after transobturator tape implantation (TVT-O) for stress urinary incontinence. Fifteen months after sling implantation repeated incisions and drainages of multiple recurrent thigh abscesses were performed. The source of infection, an eroded TVT-O, was only identified on readmission 9 months later when vaginal discharge was reported by the patient. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed because of tenderness and pain in the leg which revealed a large obturator and thigh abscess. The TVT-O was completely excised and the abscesses drained. Further follow-up was uneventful. This new technique of sling placement via the obturator route may be associated with novel infectious complications. Symptoms and signs as well as imaging modalities and conservative versus surgical management are discussed and the literature reviewed.
Expression of the Osmotically Responsive Cationic Channel TRPV4 in the Endolymphatic Sac
Authors: Kumagami H. , Terakado M. , Sainoo Y. , Baba A. , Fujiyama D. , Fukuda T. , Takasaki K. , Takahashi H.
Published: December 2008

The immunohistochemical expression pattern and the physiological role of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 4 in the endolymphatic sac were investigated. TRPV4 was expressed predominantly in the apical membrane of mitochondria-rich cells, and cell volume regulation by TRPV4 was observed in a tissue culture of the rat endolymphatic sac. TRPV4 was also present in the endolymphatic sacs of patients with vestibular schwannoma and with Ménière’s disease. TRPV4 is assumed to play a role as an osmoreceptor in cell and fluid volume regulation in the human endolymphatic sac.
Caries Trends in Brazilian Non-Privileged Preschool Children in 1996 and 2006
Authors: Carvalho J.C. , Figueiredo M.J. , Vieira E.O. , Mestrinho H.D.
Published: December 2008

The aims were to analyse caries trends in Brazilian non- privileged preschool children from 1996 to 2006 and to test the hypothesis that a decline in caries prevalence would manifest itself as a reduction in the rate of caries progression. Subjects were 1- to 5-year-old children born in and life time residents of the Federal District of Brazil (cohort 1996 = 1,465) and (cohort 2006 = 2,511). The clinical examination determined whether the tooth surfaces were sound, presented active lesions (non cavitated and cavitated), inactive lesions (non-cavitated and cavitated), fillings, were indicated for extraction or had been extracted. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability of caries scores showed κ values ranging from 0.71–0.93. A significant increase in the percentage of children who were free from any form of untreated or treated caries was observed (p < 0.05; χ2 test). Caries prevalence decreased by almost a half from 1996 to 2006. Differences in the mean caries scores at surface level, which included non-cavitated lesions, were observed for all age groups (p < 0.002; Mann-Whitney test) indicating a reduction in the rate of caries progression. In conclusion, since this population has access to fluoride and presents moderate caries prevalence, other measures to reduce the rate of caries progression are required to further improve oral health in non-privileged children.
Multi-Organ Iron Overload in an African-American Man with ALAS2 R452S and SLC40A1 R561G
Authors: Sussman Norman L. , Lee Pauline L. , Dries Andrew M. , Schwartz Mary R. , Barton James C.
Published: December 2008

Background: X-linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA) is associated with iron overload and mutations in ALAS2, which encodes 5-aminolevulinate synthase. There are few reports of XLSA in persons of sub-Saharan African descent. Methods: A 47-year-old African-American man had microcytic anemia, elevated iron measures, cardiomyopathy, hepatic cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, a history of cocaine use and hepatitis C. We amplified and directly sequenced his genomic DNA to detect mutations of SLC40A1, HFE, TFR2, HAMP, HJV and ALAS2. Results: The subject’s transferrin saturation was 100% and his serum ferritin was 2,960 ng/ml. An MRI scan revealed diffusely decreased T2 signals of the heart, liver and pancreas. Transjugular right endomyocardial and liver biopsy specimens revealed marked iron deposition in cardiac myocytes and hepatocytes, and cirrhosis. He died of progressive cardiomyopathy. He was hemizygous for ALAS2 R452S (exon 9; c.1354C→A) and heterozygous for SLC40A1 R561G (exon 8; c.1681A→G). He did not have coding region mutations in HFE, TFR2, HAMP or HJV. Conclusions:ALAS2 R452S largely explains this patient’s microcytic anemia and multi-organ iron overload and dysfunction. SLC40A1 R561G may have increased his iron absorption and overload further. Acquired factors, especially cocaine use and hepatitis C, may have contributed to his clinical phenotype.
Changing Attitudes and Behavior of Stakeholders During an Information Systems-Led Organizational Change
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Hafeez Khalid
Published: December 2008

In this article the authors use G. Morgan's (1986, 1997) metaphors to look at the changes to stakeholder attitudes and behavior during an information systems—led organizational change. They discuss the introduction of an organization-wide intranet system in a U.K. National Health Service organization and elicit metaphorical attitudes and infer behavior by using multiple research methods within a longitudinal case study. The findings show that various contextual factors shift the organization's overall stance from psychic prison (repression) to organism (flexible) metaphor. Furthermore, many stakeholders aspire to more than one metaphor at a given time, although a predominant metaphor can still be identified for most stakeholders. The authors present the metaphorical journey map as a tool for capturing attitude and behavioral changes of individuals during the change period. The authors advocate that use of metaphors in such a way can help management better understand the overall social orientation of their organizations and devise appropriate interventions to expedite the change process and increase its legitimacy.
A wayfinding pilot study: the use of the Intelligent Public Vehicle by people with visual impairment
Authors: Neuville Emmanuelle , Izaute Marie , Trassoudaine Laurent
Published: December 2008

This pilot study on wayfinding for people with visual impairments concerns the viability of the Individual Public Vehicle (IPV). The results showed that the participants positively evaluated this new wayfinding aid because it requires little attention and little physical effort, and gives satisfaction. Moreover, as far as identifying the location of the IPV is concerned, an auditory message activated by users is judged less stressful. The IPV seems to be adapted to safe travel.
Self-, peer-, and teacher-assessments in Japanese university EFL writing classrooms
Authors: Matsuno Sumie
Published: December 2008

Multifaceted Rasch measurement was used in the present study with 91 student and 4 teacher raters to investigate how self- and peer-assessments work in comparison with teacher assessments in actual university writing classes.

The results indicated that many self-raters assessed their own writing lower than predicted. This was particularly true for high-achieving students. Peer-raters were the most lenient raters; however, they rated high-achieving writers lower and low-achieving writers higher. This tendency was independent of their own writing abilities and therefore offered no support for the hypothesis that high-achieving writers rated severely and low-achieving writers rated leniently. On the other hand, most peer-raters were internally consistent and produced fewer bias interactions than self- and teacher-raters. Each of the four teachers was internally consistent; however, each displayed a unique bias pattern. Self-, peer-, and teacher-raters assessed Grammar severely and Spelling leniently. The analysis also revealed that teacher-raters assessed Spelling, Format, and Punctuation differently from the other criteria.

It was concluded that self-assessment was somewhat idiosyncratic and therefore of limited utility as a part of formal assessment. Peer-assessors on the other hand were shown to be internally consistent and their rating patterns were not dependent on their own writing performance. They also produced relatively few bias interactions. These results suggest that in at least some contexts, peer-assessments can play a useful role in writing classes. By using multifaceted Rasch measurement, teachers can inform peer-raters of their bias patterns and help them develop better quality assessment criteria, two steps that might lead to better quality peer-assessment.
Singling Out Victims: Denunciation and Collusion in the Post-Civil War Francoist Repression in Spain, 1939—1945
Authors: Anderson Peter
Published: December 2008

The article explores the role of denunciation and collusion in driving the post Civil War judicial repression in Spain between 1939 and 1945. It argues that in recent years historians have done much valuable work to unearth the long hidden Francoist repression, but that much remains to be learnt about the complicity that lay behind the mass killing and incarceration. Accordingly, to help further our understanding of collaboration in the repression, the article offers a case study of the launching of prosecutions in military tribunals. It shows that regime officials and their supporters in the community often conspired to herd their mutual political enemies through farcical summary prosecutions. It also demonstrates that in a significant number of cases the authorities followed the lead of their civilian collaborators who singled out potential victims for them. Thus it concludes that the Franco regime did not simply impose itself on society but that its supporters at the grassroots played an important role in consolidating it from below.
'They died for Germany': Jewish Soldiers, the German Army and Conservative Debates about the Nazi Past in the 1960s
Authors: Grady Tim
Published: December 2008

There has been an increasing recognition in recent historical writing that the late 1950s and early 1960s marked a significant shift in West German society's relationship to the Nazi past. Yet the older more conservative generation that dominated West Germany's politics of confronting the past in the immediate post-war years are largely absent from these narratives. Focusing on the actions of the Federal Republic's staunchly conservative Defence Minister, Franz Josef Strauß, this article argues that even the conservative establishment played a significant role in West Germany's evolving memory culture. In the early 1960s, Strauß promoted the republication of a book of German-Jewish soldiers' war letters from the First World War. The collection enabled him to portray a different side of West Germany at a time when attention had focused back onto the crimes of the Nazi era. Despite this opportunism, the article contends that Strauß's support for the new book encouraged other conservative institutions to engage more fully with the recent past.
Illness awareness in terminal cancer patients: an Italian study
Authors: Corli O , Apolone G , Pizzuto M , Cesaris L , Cozzolino A , Orsi L , Enterri L
Published: December 2008

The amount and quality of information and awareness in cancer patients’ is a topic frequently debated, but few studies have focussed on terminal patients. This is the objective of the present study that involved two different palliative home-care units in Italy, which recruited 550 terminal cancer patients. Data from patients and their caregivers was prospectively collected with special attention to information patients were provided with when their cancer was diagnosed and patients’ awareness of their current health condition. In the case of the information, 67.0% of patients reported they were previously informed about their diagnosis, but only 58.0% seemed to be aware of their terminal condition. The comparison between the caregivers opinions about the level of information provided to the patients and their present awareness and what the patients really know about their own disease shows a high degree of correspondence. Some variables such as age and education level of patients were associated with patient’s awareness.
Early Stopping Rules in Clinical Trials Based on Sequential Monitoring of Serious Adverse Events
Authors: Kramar A. , Bascoul-Mollevi C.
Published: December 2008

Several multistage or group sequential statistical methods have been developed for defining stopping rules in terms of efficacy in phase II and III clinical trials, but they rely on interim analyses after the inclusion of a fixed number of patients. These methods, however, need to be adapted for the evaluation of serious adverse events (SAEs), which can occur relatively early in the trial. A high frequency of their occurrence may require the trial to close early. The methods developed here define stopping rules after the occurrence of each SAE by comparing the number of patients included to the number of patients satisfying maximum SAE criteria. The nominal type I error, power, and average sample number (ASN) under specific hypotheses are obtained through simulations. Data from a clinical trial are presented as an example.
Staying Late
Authors: Feeney Mary K. , Bozeman Barry
Published: December 2008

Economic theories suggest that work behavior of public and nonprofit employees should resemble one another closely, owing to the lack of profit incentives and owner oversight of work. However, empirical descriptions of public and nonprofit workers imply that these work-forces differ in many ways. One easily conceptualized but nonetheless crucial test of possible differences is the level of work activity in the respective organizational settings. This research compares work hours reported in public and nonprofit organizations by asking, “Do managers working in, respectively, public and nonprofit organizations differ in their number of work hours and what are the determinants of managers' work hours?” The study is based on questionnaire data from the National Administrative Studies Project—III. Results indicate that managers in the nonprofit sector work longer hours compared to state managers and that work hours are mitigated by external organizational ties, perceptions, and work histories.