bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of post‐vasectomy chronic testicular pain and the role of nerve stripping (denervation) of the spermatic cord in its management
Authors: Ahmed I. , Rasheed S. , White C. , Shaikh N.A.
Published: November 2003

Objective To assess the incidence of chronic post‐vasectomy testicular pain (CPTP) and evaluate the use of denervation of the spermatic cord in its management.

Patients and methods A retrospective postal survey of 560 patients (mean age 36 years, range 25–55; mean time since vasectomy 19 months, range 8–39) who underwent vasectomy between July 1992 and December 1994 was carried out to determine the incidence of CPTP. A prospective study was conducted in a further group of 17 patients (mean age 43 years, range 34–60), who had had CPTP for at least one year, to evaluate the effectiveness of nerve stripping of the spermatic cord in relieving pain.

Results Of 396 replies, 108 (27.2%) patients complained of some testicular pain following their vasectomy operation. In 88 (82%) of these 108 patients the pain was brief and was not defined as CPTP, while 20 (19%) patients had pain for >3 months; 33 (31%) patients required analgesics to control the pain. Of the 17 patients who underwent spermatic cord denervation, 13 reported complete relief of pain at their first follow‐up visit and were discharged. Four patients had a significant improvement in the symptom score and were satisfied with the results.

Conclusions There is a small but significant incidence of CPTP and patients should be warned of this possibility when counselled before operation. Denervation of the spermatic cord seems to be a viable surgical option for patients with CPTP who fail to respond to conservative measures.
Tumour control according to pathological variables in patients treated by radical prostatectomy for clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: van den Ouden D. , Hop W.C.J. , Kranse R. , Schröder F.H.
Published: November 2003

Objective To evaluate the diagnosis, outcome and final pathology of radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer performed by urologists in a clinic where six urologists perform a total of 50 radical prostatectomies a year, using radical prostatectomy specimens processed routinely.

Patients and methods Radical prostatectomy was performed in 273 patients who were followed prospectively. The radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated for pathological stage, histological grade, capsular perforation, positive lateral and apical margins of resection, seminal vesicle invasion, perineural invasion and vascular invasion; the lymph node status was also determined. The relationship between these variables and clinical progression, local recurrence, distant metastases, biochemical progression, overall survival and cancer‐specific survival was assessed.

Results All evaluated variables were significantly predictive for clinical and biochemical progression in the univariate analyses, and all but perineural invasion and lymph node status for cancer‐specific survival. Multivariate analysis showed vascular invasion to be the most important prognostic variable, followed by capsular perforation, positive margins of resection and poorly differentiated carcinoma. The overall results for the evaluated variables were comparable to the results from centres with greater experience.

Conclusions The outcome of treatment in this small clinic was similar to that from larger clinics with more experience. The routine evaluation of the radical prostatectomy specimens identified pathological variables which were important prognostic factors, with vascular invasion, capsular perforation, positive margins of resection and poorly differentiated carcinoma being the most significant. The extent of vascular invasion should be part of the routine evaluation of radical prostatectomy specimens.
Results of the Mitrofanoff procedure in urinary tract reconstruction in children
Authors: Süzer O. , Vates T.S. , Freedman A.L. , Smith C.A. , Gonzalez R.
Published: November 2003

Objectives To evaluate the success and long‐term complications associated with the use of continent catheterizable conduits based on the Mitrofanoff principle in children.

Patients and methods The records of 43 patients (21 female and 22 male) who underwent the construction of a continent catheterizable stoma based on the Mitrofanoff principle between 1987 and 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age at surgery was 10 years (range 3–21) and the mean follow‐up was 3 years (range 0.5–6.5). Twenty‐eight of the 43 children underwent augmentation cystoplasty in conjunction with the Mitrofanoff procedure, using ileum in 17, sigmoid in seven, caecum in two and stomach in one; detrusormyectomy was performed in one child. Fifteen patients had only a continent catheterizable stoma formed. The most common type of conduit was appendicovesicostomy (36 of 43 children); other conduits were constructed with ureter (four), tapered ileum (two) and fallopian tube (one).

Results Stomal continence was achieved in 42 of 43 patients (98%). The most common late complication was difficulty in catheterization, which occurred in 14 patients (32%). Stomal prolapse requiring revision occurred in one patient (2%). Conduit dilatation was initially attempted in all patients with difficult catheterization, although it failed in 11 who then required surgical revision. Therefore, the overall revision rate was 28% (12 of 43). The site of stomal placement (umbilical or abdominal) did not significantly influence the risk of difficulty with catheterization.

Conclusion The Mitrofanoff procedure can simplify catheterization in children who are dependent upon intermittent catheterization. The vermiform appendix appears to be the best source for constructing the conduit. While stomal continence is excellent, conduit stenosis remains a frequent complication regardless of stomal location.
A prospective, randomized trial comparing continuous bladder drainage with catheterization at abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: DOBBS S.P. , JACKSON S.R. , WILSON A.M. , MAPLETHORPE R.P. , HAMMOND R.H.
Published: November 2003

Objective

 To compare the infection rate and post‐operative morbidity between in‐dwelling urinary catheterization and ‘in‐out’ catheterization at the time of routine total abdominal hysterectomy.

Patients and methods

 The study comprised 100 patients who were blindly randomized to have either an indwelling Foley catheter or an ‘in‐out’ catheterization at the time of surgery. Follow‐up data on the retention of urine, urinary symptoms and infection were obtained.

Results

 Of the 95 patients with complete data, 36% of those undergoing in‐out catheterization had urinary retention after operation, requiring bladder emptying, compared with 4% of those receiving an indwelling catheter (P<0.001). In addition, 29% of the catheterized group had urinary tract bacteriuria compared with 13% of the uncatheterized group (P<0.025).

Conclusion

 This randomized controlled trial showed that in‐out urinary catheterization at the time of routine abdominal hysterectomy was associated with a significantly higher incidence of post‐operative urinary retention compared with in‐dwelling catheterization, and may have implications for long‐term bladder function.
The highly specialized vocal tract of the male Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa Pallas, 1777 – Mammalia, Bovidae)
Authors: Frey R. , Gebler A.
Published: November 2003

The entire head and neck of a wild adult male Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) was dissected with special reference to its enlarged larynx. Two additional adult male specimens taken from the wild were analysed by computer tomography. The sternomandibularis, omohyoideus, thyrohyoideus and hyoepiglotticus muscles are particularly enlarged and improve laryngeal suspension and stabilization. The epiglottis is exceptionally large. A permanent laryngeal descent is associated with the evolution of an unpaired palatinal pharyngeal pouch. A certain momentary descent seems to occur during vocalization. The high lateral walls of the thyroid cartilage are ventrally connected by a broad keel. The large thyroarytenoid muscle is divided into two portions: a rostral ventricularis and a caudal vocalis muscle. A paired lateral laryngeal ventricle projects between these two muscles. The massive vocal fold is large and lacks any rostrally directed flexible structures. It is supported by a large cymbal‐like fibroelastic pad. Vocal tract length was measured in the course of dissection and in computer tomographic images. Two representative spectrograms, one of an adult male and one of a juvenile, recorded in the natural habitat of the Mongolian gazelle are presented. In the spectrograms, the centre frequency of the lowest band is about 500 Hz in the adult male and about 790 Hz in the juvenile. The low pitch of the adult male's call is ascribed to the evolutionary mass increase and elongation of the vocal folds. In the habitat of P. gutturosa a call with a low pitch and, thus, with an almost homogeneous directivity around the head of the vocalizing animal may be optimally suited for multidirectional advertisement calls during the rut. The signal range of an adult male's call in its natural habitat can therefore be expected to be larger than the high‐pitched call of a juvenile.
Seasonal changes in the lower jaw skeleton in male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): remodelling and regression of the kype after spawning
Authors: Witten P. Eckhard , Hall Brian K.
Published: November 2003

The return of Atlantic salmon (Salmon salar) to their home river for spawning coincides with drastic skeletal alterations in both sexes. Most prominent is the development of a kype (hook) at the tip of the lower jaw in males. Salmon that survive spawning have to cope with the kype throughout their life, unless it disappears after spawning, as was suggested in the early literature. To understand the fate of the kype skeleton, we compared morphological and histological features of kypes from pre‐spawned mature anadromous males (grilse) with post‐spawned males (kelts). The kype of male grilse is supported by fast‐growing skeletal needles that differ from regular dentary bone. In kelts, growth of the kype skeleton has stopped and skeletal needles are resorbed apically by osteoclasts. Simultaneously, and despite the critical physiological condition of the animals, proximal parts of the kype skeleton are remodelled and converted into regular dentary bone. Apical resorption of the skeleton explains reports of a decrease of the kype in kelts. The conversion of basal kype skeleton into regular dentary bone contributes to the elongation of the dentary and probably also to the development of a larger kype in repetitive spawning males.
Serotonin (5‐HT) transporter (SERT) function after graded destruction of serotonergic neurons
Authors: Montañez Sylvia , Daws Lynette C. , Gould Georgianna G. , Frazer Alan
Published: November 2003

The degree of occupancy of the serotonin transporter (SERT) by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) appears to be critical in determining therapeutic response. To gain insight into the extent of occupancy required to alter serotonergic neurotransmission we used high‐speed chronoamperometry to determine the extent of serotonergic destruction required to reduce the clearance of exogenously administered serotonin from extracellular fluid in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Rats were pretreated with various doses of 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine to produce either a low, intermediate or high loss of SERTs. Clearance of 5‐HT was reduced only in rats with > 90% loss of SERT. In these rats, there was also a trend for peak signal amplitudes to be greater. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the sham group and those with low or intermediate loss of SERTs. The SSRI, fluvoxamine, prolonged clearance of 5‐HT in sham, low and intermediate groups, whereas there was no effect of fluvoxamine in those rats with > 90% loss of SERT. Functional loss of SERT activity occurs when destruction of serotonergic innervation is greater than 90% but serotonin clearance and efficacy of fluvoxamine is maintained with as few as one fifth of a full complement of SERTs.
P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) but not multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (ABCC1) is induced by doxorubicin in primary cultures of rat astrocytes
Authors: Mercier Claire , Declèves Xavier , Masseguin Christophe , Fragner Pascal , Tardy Marcienne , Roux Françoise , Gabrion Jacqueline , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel
Published: November 2003

At least two drug efflux pumps involved in multidrug resistance, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (Mrp1), are expressed in rat astrocyte primary cultures. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of P‐gp and Mrp1 in primary cultures exposed to 50 or 500 ng/mL doxorubicin (DOX). Among the two P‐gp genes expressed in rodents,mdr1aandmdr1b, a time‐ and dose‐dependent increase in mdr1b mRNA levels was revealed by northern blot analysis. This up‐regulation was inhibited by actinomycin D and occurred as early as 2 h after exposure to 50 or 500 ng/mL DOX, whereas mdr1a and mrp1 transcripts were not modified by the DOX exposure. In addition, DOX also strongly enhanced, in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, P‐gp but not Mrp1 expression. Moreover, DOX raised the cellular efflux of vincristine, a substrate for both P‐gp and Mrp1. This efflux was inhibited by the P‐gp modulators PSC833 and GW918, but not by the Mrp1 modulator MK571. On the other hand, a 24‐h exposure to 500 ng/mL DOX, but not 50 ng/mL DOX, induced apoptosis in primary cultures of rat astrocytes. Fumonisin B1, a ceramide synthase inhibitor, reduced DOX‐induced apoptosis, suggesting thatde novosynthesis of the ceramide regulatory pathway might be involved in DOX‐induced apoptosis. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that fumonisin B1 was not able to decrease the overexpression of P‐gp induced by DOX. Our results provide evidence that DOX up‐regulates a functional P‐gp in primary cultures of rat astrocytes and might cause astrocyte apoptosis via the ceramide pathway.
Semaphorin 3C preserves survival and induces neuritogenesis of cerebellar granule neurons in culture
Authors: Moreno‐Flores M. T. , Martín‐Aparicio E. , Martín‐Bermejo M. J. , Agudo M. , McMahon S. , Ávila J. , Díaz‐Nido J. , Wandosell F.
Published: November 2003

Semaphorins (sema) constitute a family of molecules sharing a common extracellular domain (semaphorin domain). This family includes several types of secreted and membrane‐associated molecules that are grouped into eight subclasses (subclasses 1–7 and viral semaphorins). Subclass 3 semaphorins are secreted molecules involved in axonal guidance, mainly through repulsive gradients and induction of growth cone collapse. More recently sema 3 molecules have been identified as positive factors in dependence of the type of neurons. Besides their axonal guidance function, some semaphorins have been implicated in apoptosis and survival. We investigated the effect of sema3C on survival and neurite outgrowth of rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) in culture. 3T3 cells were stably transfected with sema3C. Several clonal lines were established and tested for their neuritogenic activity and one, S3C‐8, was selected for the bulk of experiments. S3C‐8 was co‐cultured with CGNs. Sema3C enhanced CGN viability as assessed in co‐cultures of CGNs with monolayers of S3C‐8 in comparison with co‐cultures of CGNs with control mock‐transfected 3T3 cells. Moreover sema3C induced neuritogenesis of cultured CGNs, which express neuropilin‐1 and ‐2. S3C‐8 cells, overexpressing sema3C, were significantly more neuritogenic for CGN than poly l‐lysine (PLL), a positive substrate for CGNs, as assessed by the measurement of the length of neurites and confirmed by Tau expression along the time of culture. CGNs co‐cultured with S3C‐8, showed up‐regulation of the expression of axonal microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) such as Tau, phosphorylated MAP2C and mode I‐phosphorylated MAP1B compared with neurons cultured on control 3T3 cells. We also found increased expression of a specific marker of neuronal cell bodies and dendrites, high molecular weight MAP2 (HMW‐MAP2). Interestingly, there was no accompanying up‐regulation of a marker enriched within the neuronal somatodendritic domain, mode II‐phosphorylated MAP1B. These data support the idea that secreted sema3C favors survival and neuritogenesis of cultured CGNs.
Signalling pathways influencing basal and H2O2‐induced P‐glycoprotein expression in endothelial cells derived from the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Nwaozuzu Osi M. , Sellers Lynda A. , Barrand Margery A.
Published: November 2003

The drug transporter, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) on brain microvessel endothelium, influences movement of lipophilic substances in and out of the brain. Pathways regulating P‐gp expression, both basal and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced, are here examined in primary cultured rat brain endothelial cells. Activation of extracellular‐signal regulated kinases (ERK1/2), protein kinase C (PKC), the p46 isoform of stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK) and its downstream transcription factor, c‐Jun, occurred in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner following exposure of cells to H2O2 with concomitant increases in P‐gp expression. Blockade of ERK activation with U0126, of PKC with Gö6976 and of SAPK with SP600125 decreased basal P‐gp but did not abolish the H2O2‐induced increase. Blockade of Akt with PI3‐kinase inhibitor, LY294002, lowered basal P‐gp and prevented the H2O2‐induced increase. Inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), either by blocking dissociation from its inhibitory factor, IκB, with MG132 or its nuclear translocation with SN50 enhanced basal P‐gp, obscuring the H2O2‐induced increase. H2O2 itself produced no detectable activation of IκB, but inhibited that induced by 5 ng/mL tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). P‐gp expression may involve positive inputs from ERK1/2, SAPK, Akt and PKC and inhibitory influences of NF‐κB. By depressing NF‐κB signalling, H2O2 may still augment P‐gp expression when ERK1/2, PKC or SAPK are inhibited.
Use limitations of alcoholic instant hand sanitizer as part of a food service hand hygiene program
Authors: Michaels Barry , Gangar Vidhya , Lin Chia‐Min , Doyle Michael
Published: November 2003

The efficiency of either handwashing or use of alcoholic instant hand sanitizers (AIHS) has been reported against normal microflora (NF) or transient microflora (TF) using marker bacteria or viruses. Most studies were performed to support use in health care employing techniques that poorly mimic food service. When AIHS is used alone, application quantity, exposure period, alcoholic concentrations and type influence effectiveness. Relevant to the food industry, little work has been done in order to understand the variables affecting efficacy when handwashing and AIHS are combined. Although AIHS has been suggested as a replacement for fingernail brushes in health care, little is known about either application when heavy soil is present. The experiments described examine the effects of sanitizer quantity on efficacy when used after a standard handwash and use of AIHS to disinfect the nail region when contaminated with high levels of organic soil. In these studies, subjects contaminated hands or nail region with TF marker, either Serratia marcescens in Tryptone soya broth or Escherichia coli JM109 in ground beef, respectively. One hand or selected fingers are sampled to establish TF and/or NF baseline counts. For handwashing and AIHS use, hands were washed with a mild antimicrobial soap (AS) (0.5% triclosan), followed by paper towel drying and application of various quantities of AIHS. With fingernail studies, hands and nail regions were washed with tap water, bland soap (BS), AS, AIHS, BS and AIHS or fingernail brush with BS. Using the combined handwash and AIHS to enhance the hygiene process, there were significant (P ≤ 0.05) increases in efficacy as quantity of AIHS increased, a significant difference in efficacy over handwashing alone is seen only when larger quantities (3 mL and 6 mL) of AIHS are employed. In fingernail studies, overall lower levels of E. coli were removed from artificial vs. natural nails and a statistically significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improvement was seen when a fingernail brush was used over all other methods, including BS wash followed by AIHS.
Effects of vacuum packaging on the physical quality of minimally processed potatoes
Authors: Rocha Ada M. C. N. , Coulon Emilie C. , Morais Alcina M. M. B.
Published: November 2003

In recent years, consumers have become more health conscious in their food choices but they also have less time to prepare healthy meals. As a result, minimally processed (MP) products have become an important sector of the food industry because of their ‘fresh‐like’ qualities, convenience and speed of meal preparation. In this study, the physical qualities of MP potatoes (‘Désirée’ variety) stored for 7 days in vacuum packaging were evaluated. The shelf life of MP potatoes was effectively extended to nearly 1 week under refrigerated storage by using vacuum packaging systems. The main quality parameters were constant during storage.
Food culture as a political tool – meal construction during the Swedish EU‐chairmanship 2001‡
Authors: Tellström Richard , Gustafsson Inga‐Britt , Fjellström Christina
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to analyse how the European Union (EU) ministerial meals during Sweden's EU‐chairmanship 2001 were devised, and how the official representatives of Sweden chose to interpret and present a national image based on local and regional food identities. The manufacture of the Swedish culinary profile was compared with the same process during Finland's EU‐chairmanship 1999 and Denmark's EU‐chairmanship 2002. Sixteen professionals involved in the decision‐making process in the three countries were interviewed in 2001 and 2002. The regional food profile chosen in Sweden supported different political goals such as the idea of the production of local food and local economic development. Local and regional food culture had a broad and open definition, but the decisions as to what constituted local and regional food culture as served at the ministerial meals were made at the top political level. The central decision‐making process transformed the concept of a typical local and regional food culture into a political tool serving political goals, with the end product presented at different EU‐ministerial meals.
Outcome at Adulthood of the Continuous Spike–waves During Slow Sleep and Landau–Kleffner Syndromes
Authors: Praline Julien , Hommet Caroline , Barthez Marie‐Anne , Brault Florence , Perrier Danièle , Passage Grégoire Du , Lucas Brigitte , Bonnard Julie , Billard Catherine , Toffol Bertrand De , Autret Alain
Published: November 2003

Summary: Purpose:The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, social, and/or professional and cognitive outcomes in adulthood of the continuous spike–waves during slow sleep (CSWS) and Landau–Kleffner syndromes, which are two rare epileptic syndromes occurring in children.

Methods:We enrolled seven young adults, five who had a CSWS syndrome, and two, a Landau–Kleffner syndrome in childhood. We evaluated their intellectual level as well as their oral and written language and executive functions.

Results:This study confirmed that the epilepsy associated with these syndromes has a good prognosis. Only one patient still had active epilepsy. However, the neuropsychological disorders particular to each syndrome persisted. Only two patients had followed a normal pathway in school. Three of the five patients with a CSWS syndrome during childhood remained globally and nonselectively mentally deficient. We found no evidence of the persistence of a dysexecutive syndrome in this study group. The intellectual functions of the two patients with Landau–Kleffner syndrome were normal; however, their everyday lives were disrupted by severe, disabling language disturbances. We discuss the role of some prognostic factors such as the location of the interictal electric focus and the age at onset of CSWS.

Conclusions:These two epileptic syndromes of childhood are very similar in many respects, but their clinical outcomes in adulthood are different.
Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis in Sicily: A Population‐based Study
Authors: Nicoletti Alessandra , Sofia Vito , Biondi Roberto , Fermo Salvatore Lo , Reggio Ester , Patti Francesco , Reggio Arturo
Published: November 2003

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate the association between epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS), we analyzed the incidence of epilepsy in a population‐based incidence cohort of MS in Catania, Sicily.

Methods: According to Poser's diagnostic criteria, 170 incident cases of MS have been identified from 1975 to 1994 in the city of Catania. All these subjects underwent a complete neurological examination to confirm the diagnosis of MS and to identify those patients with a history of seizures. Diagnosis of epilepsy was based on the criteria proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in 1993, and seizures were classified according to the classification of the ILAE, 1981.

Results: From 1975 to 1994, 170 subjects with MS had the clinical onset of the disease. The mean annual incidence of MS was 2.3/100,000 (95% CI, 2.0–2.6). Of the 170 defined MS patients, four developed epilepsy after the onset and also diagnosis of MS, giving an incidence rate of epilepsy of 285/100,000 person years at risk (95% CI, 119–684) and 147.8/100,000 when age adjusted to the world standard population. The cumulative risk of developing epilepsy after the onset of MS, evaluated by using the life‐table methods, was zero at 1 year and 1.76% at 5 years. Of these four patients, three were classified as having partial seizures with secondary generalization and one with tonic–clonic seizures.

Conclusions: Our data are consistent with those reported in literature suggesting that the risk of developing epilepsy is threefold higher among MS patients than in the general population.
EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION, ENERGY & MATERIALS IN SYMBIOSES
Authors: Raven J.A.
Published: November 2003

Symbiosis is important in the cell and environmental biology of algae. Some examples involving the author and numerous collaborators include: 1) chloroplasts of eukaryotic algae arose from endosymbioses. Plastids are incapable of independent existence; most of the genes of the cyanobacterial photobiont have been lost, and the majority of the rest have been transferred to the nuclear genome. Some of the genes retained by the plastid are those whose transcription is controlled by environmental cues transduced by the organelle. The general trend is for organelle genes to be transferred to the nucleus, escaping plastid redox activities generating mutagenic free radicals; 2) symbioses involving potentially free‐living photobionts include marine lichens and sponges with cyanobacterial symbionts. For the lichen, Lichina, inorganic carbon acquisition appears to involve inorganic carbon transport by the mycobiont, and for the sponge, Cymbastella, the flagellar activity of the sponge is probably important for inorganic carbon supply to the photobiont; 3) the Australasian fucalean, Notheia, is an obligate epiphyte on the fucaleans, Hormosira and Xiphophora; the four species involved all contain the hexitol, altritol. Notheia anomala is known to be phyletically‐distant from the other five altritol‐containing species. Can Notheia synthesize altritol, or is it obtained from the phorophyte?; 4) Sacoglossan gastropods retain kleptoplastids (not strictly symbionts) from ulvophycean (or rhodophycean) marine algae. Analyses of the natural abundance of stable carbon isotopes suggest significant contribution of kleptoplastid photosynthesis to the carbon and energy budget of the mollusks.
INTRAGENOMIC NRDNA ITS POLYMORPHISM IN THE STEPHANODISCUS NIAGARAE COMPLEX (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)
Authors: Hartung L. L. , Goertzen L.R. , Theriot E.C.
Published: November 2003

Intragenomic nrDNA ITS variability was examined in representative species of the Stephanodiscus niagarae complex. PCR was performed on DNA extracted from monoclonal cultures, and sequence variability determined using standard cloning techniques. Preliminary data from all species reveal intragenomic polymorphism. ITS sequence data is being used to delineate closely related species of algae and polymorphisms are potentially problematic for phylogenetic reconstruction and identity. We are exploring the extent of polymorphism in other freshwater Thalassiorsiraceae, including Stephanodiscus hantzschii fo. tenuis and Cyclostephanos invisitatus.
SYSTEMATICS OF ULVACEAE (ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) USING NUCLEAR AND CHLOROPLAST DNA SEQUENCES
Authors: Hayden H.S. , Waaland J.R.
Published: November 2003

Ulvaceae are morphologically simple, cosmopolitan green macroalgae. Family members, particularly species of Ulva and Enteromorpha, are prevalent in coastal ecosystems and responsible for “green tide” events around the world. Little is known about the evolutionary history of Ulvaceae. A lack of reliable, non‐molecular systematic characters has thwarted attempts to diagnose natural groupings within Ulva and Enteromorpha and among these and other putative Ulvaceae genera. Our study addresses several questions: 1) What are the phylogenetic relationships among genera commonly placed in Ulvaceae (Chloropelta, Enteromorpha, Ulva, Ulvaria); 2) Where do problematic genera such as Blidingia, Capsosiphon, Kornmannia, and Percursaria belong; and 3) What are the natural groupings of taxa within these genera? We address these questions using nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses support a monophyletic Ulvaceae consisting of Chloropelta, Enteromorpha, Percursaria, Ulva and Ulvaria. The systematic position of Blidingia, Capsosiphon and Kornmannia, and evolutionary relationships within selected genera will be discussed.
Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stents: Are They All Equal?
Authors: SILBER SIGMUND
Published: November 2003

In Germany, four different drug eluting stents (DES) systems are currently commercially available. Whereas sirolimus has been clinically tested in only a single type of stent with a single type of coating in only a single dose, paclitaxel has been tested on various stent designs, in various dose densities, and in various relase formulations with or without a polymer carrier. Therefore, the question arises: are all paclitaxel stents equally safe and effective? Six clinical randomized trials investigated the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel‐eluting stents in patients with de‐novo lesions: TAXUS‐I (61 pats), TAXUS‐II (536 pats), ASPECT (177 pats), ELUTES (190 pats), DELIVER‐I (1041 pats) and TAXUS‐IV (1314 pats). In the TAXUS‐series, paclitaxel released from the stent was controlled by the Translute™ polymer. In the other studies, however, no polymer carrier was used. In TAXUS‐I, II & IV, the dose density of 1 μg/mm2 significantly reduced angiographic parameters of restenosis and improved clinical outcomes. In ASPECT and ELUTES there was a dose‐dependent effect on angiographic parameters of restenosis with the best results for a paclitaxel dose density of apprimately 3.0 μg/mm2. Clinical outcomes at 6 and 12 months, however, were not improved in these studies without coating. The studies unanimously show that the paclitaxel‐eluting stents are safe, if clopidogrel is added to ASA for 3 to 6 months. The safety of paclitaxel‐eluting stents is independent of the stent design, the dose density and the presence or absence of a polymer carrier system. For paclitaxel‐eluting stents using a polymer carrier, the dose density of 1 μg/mm2 is highly effective, whereas for paclitaxel‐eluting stents without a polymer carrier, the minimal effective dose density is much higher (3 μg/mm2). Despite their improvement of angiographic parameters, paclitaxel‐eluting stents without a polymer carrier did not demonstrate a positive effect on clinical outcome. In contrast, polymer‐based paclitaxel elution produced significant clinical benefit. (J Interven Cardiol 2003;16:485–490)
Effect of high-fat feeding on metabolic efficiency and mitochondrial oxidative capacity in adult rats
Authors: Iossa Susanna , Lionetti Lillà , Mollica Maria P. , Crescenzo Raffaella , Botta Monica , Barletta Antonio , Liverini Giovanna
Published: November 2003

The changes in metabolic efficiency, body composition, and nutrient partitioning induced by high-fat feeding were evaluated in adult rats (90d of age). The alterations in serum free triiodothyronine, insulin, and leptin levels, as well as in hepatic and skeletal muscle metabolism, were also assessed. Rats were fed either a low- or a high-fat diet for 2 weeks. Relative to the low-fat feeding, energy intake and expenditure, as well as body-energy gain, lipid gain, and energetic efficiency, were increased by the high-fat feeding. Increased serum leptin levels accompanied these variations. A positive correlation between serum leptin levels and percentage of body fat was found in the rats fed the low- or high-fat diet, with a significant divergence between the slope of the regression lines. Furthermore, a negative correlation between serum leptin level and energy intake was found in the rats fed the low-fat diet, while a positive correlation was found in the rats fed the high-fat diet. Finally, the high-fat feeding decreased the hepatic and skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity. It is concluded that, in adult rats, a nutritional factor such as a high level of fat in the diet induces obesity, leptin resistance, and impairment of mitochondrial capacity, all phenomena typical of unrestrained aged rats.
The optimum dietary indispensable amino acid pattern for growing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) fry
Authors: Rollin Xavier , Mambrini Muriel , Abboudi Tarik , Larondelle Yvan , Kaushik Sadasivam J.
Published: November 2003

To determine the optimum indispensable (I) amino acid (AA) balance in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) fry, a single protocol established for the pig was adapted. The balance was calculated from the reduction in N gain after replacing about 45% of a single IAA by a mixture of dispensable AA in isonitrogenous diets. We confirmed that the mixture of AA simulating the AA pattern of cod-meal protein and gelatine (46:3, w/w) was used with the same efficiency as cod-meal protein and gelatine. From the deletion experiment an optimum balance between the IAA was derived. Expressed relative to lysine=100, the optimal balance was: arginine 76 (se 0·2), histidine 28 (se 2·2), methionine+cystine 64 (se 1·7), phenylalanine + tyrosine 105 (se 1·6), threonine 51 (se 2·4), tryptophan 14 (se 0·7), valine 59 (se 1·7). No estimates were made for isoleucine and leucine. Expressed as g/16g N, the optimal balance was: arginine 4·0 (se 0·0), histidine 1·5 (se 0·1), lysine 5·3 (se 0·2), methionine+cystine 3·4 (se 0·1), phenylaline+tyrosine 5·6 (se 0·1), threonine 2·7 (se 0·1), tryptophan 0·7 (se 0·0), valine 3·1 (se 0·1). This AA composition is close to that of the Atlantic salmon whole-body, but using it as an estimation of the IAA requirements may lead to an overestimation of the branched-chain AA requirements and an underestimation of aromatic and S-containing AA requirements. The results are discussed in accordance with the key assumptions associated with the model used (broken-line model, IAA efficiencies and maintenance requirements).
A barium perchlorate complex with a lateral macrobicycle derived from 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 containing a pyridine Schiff base spacer
Authors: Avecilla Fernando , Esteban David , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Fernández-Martínez Susana , De Blas Andres , Rodríguez-Blas Teresa
Published: November 2003

In the crystal structure of (perchlorato-κ2
O,O′))(28,31,36,39tetraoxa-1,9,17,25,42-pentaazapentacyclo[23.8.5.111,15.03,8.018,23]nonatriaconta-3,5,7,9,11,13,15,16,18,20,22-undecaene-κ8
N
1,N
9, N
17,N
42,O
28,O
31,O
36,O
39)barium(II) perchlorate, [Ba(ClO4)(C33H41N5O4)](ClO4), the BaII cation is situated in the macrobicyclic cavity, bound to only eight of the nine available donor atoms of the Schiff base macrobicyclic receptor. The pivotal N5 atom does not belong to the coordination sphere of the BaII ion, in spite of its endo conformation with the lone pair directed towards the inside of the cavity. The BaII ion completes its coordination core with two O atoms of one bidentate perchlorate group.
A dimeric heteroleptic five-coordinate zinc(II) complex containing a non-motionally restricted N,N′-heterocyclic ligand
Authors: Hatch Dana M. , Wacholtz William F. , Mague Joel T.
Published: November 2003

The title compound, bis(μ-1,2-benzenethiolato)-1:2κ3
S,S′:S′;2:1κ3
S,S′:S′-bis[(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)zinc(II)], [Zn2(μ-C6H4S2)2(C10H8N2)2], crystallizes with the dinuclear molecule located on a center of symmetry. The coordination geometry about the Zn atom is a modestly distorted trigonal bipyramid, with the axial ligating atoms at an angle of 170.81 (4)° and the angles in the equatorial plane in the range 112.94 (4)–129.95 (4)°. Weak π-stacking interactions between bipyridine ligands on adjacent molecules [interplanar spacing = 3.315 (3) Å] and a possible weak intermolecular C—H...S hydrogen bond (H...S = 2.84 Å) are seen in the crystal.
Herring-bone π–π interactions in trans-2,6-diphenyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydrothiapyran-4-one
Authors: Narasimhamurthy T. , Benny J. C. N. , Pandiarajan K. , Rathore Ravindranath S.
Published: November 2003

The structure of the title compound, C17H16OS, is primarily stabilized by T-shaped and parallel-displaced aromatic clusters. The distances between the centroids of the aromatic pairs are in the range 4.34–5.30 Å. In the crystal packing, the molecules dimerize by means of π–π interactions of both face-to-face and edge-to-face types, and the aromatic rings associate in a cyclic edge-to-face tetrameric arrangement of the herring-bone type. These herring-bone interactions appear to insulate hydrogen-bond interactions in the crystal structure.
Hexafluorophosphates of chlorotris(dimethyl sulfide)platinum(II) and bromotris(dimethyl sulfide)platinum(II)
Authors: Hansson Christian , Kukushkin Vadim Yu. , Lövqvist Karin , Yong Shen , Oskarsson Åke
Published: November 2003

The title compounds, chlorotris(dimethyl sulfide-κS)platinum(II) hexafluorophosphate, [PtCl(C2H6S)3]PF6, and bromotris(dimethyl sulfide-κS)platinum(II) hexafluorophosphate, [PtBr(C2H6S)3]PF6, are isomorphous and are composed of [PtX(dms)3]+ complex cations (X = Cl and Br, and dms is dimethyl sulfide) and PF6
− anions. The Pt atom is coordinated by three S atoms and one X atom in a pseudo-square-planar coordination, with Pt—S distances in the range 2.293 (1)–2.319 (2) Å. Two dms ligands have a staggered conformation with respect to the coordination plane, while the third is rotated by ∼90° compared with the orientation of the other two. The packing can be described as consisting of [PtX(dms)3]2(PF6)2 units with a centre of symmetry. In this description, the PtII atom has a pseudo-octahedral coordination, with four normal bonds and two long weak interactions. Density-functional theory calculations show that a conformation in which one dms ligand is not staggered is less favourable than having all three dms ligands staggered.
3,5-Bis[4-(diethylamino)benzylidene]-1-methyl-4-piperidone and 3,5-bis[4-(diethylamino)cinnamylidene]-1-methyl-4-piperidone: prospective biophotonic materials
Authors: Nesterov Vladimir N. , Timofeeva Tatiana V. , Sarkisov Sergey S. , Leyderman Alexander , Lee Charles Y.-C. , Antipin Mikhail Yu.
Published: November 2003

The structures of 3,5-bis[4-(diethylamino)benzylidene]-1-methyl-4-piperidone, C28H37N3O, (I), and 3,5-bis[4-(diethylamino)cinnamylidene]-1-methyl-4-piperidone, C32H41N3O, (II), have been characterized. Because of conjugation between donor and acceptor parts, the central heterocycles (including the carbonyl group) in (I) and (II) are flattened and exhibit a `sofa' conformation, with a deviation of the N atom from the planar fragment. The dihedral angles between the planar part of the heterocycle and the two almost flat fragments that include a phenyl ring and bridging atoms are 23.2 (1) and 11.2 (1)° in (I), and 11.8 (1) and 8.7 (2)° in (II). One- and two-photon absorption of light and the fluorescence of (I) and (II) have also been characterized.
7-Methoxyanthra[1,9-de]-1,3,2-dioxathiine-8,11-dione 2,2-dioxide
Authors: Skelton Brian W. , White Allan H.
Published: November 2003

The title compound, C15H8O7S, contains the first structurally characterized example of a cyclic sulfate grouping fused to an aromatic ring system.
4,4′-(Azinodimethylene)dipyridinium chloranilate dichloromethane disolvate
Authors: Kennedy Alan R. , Waterson Fraser R. N.
Published: November 2003

The dichloromethane disolvate of 4,4′-(azinodimethylene)dipyridinium chloranilate, C12H12N4
2+·C6Cl2O4
2−·2CH2Cl2, consists of one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded molecular tapes that propagate along the [1\overline 20] direction. Both cations and anions lie across centres of inversion. The molecular tapes are planar but do not stack in the expected segregated manner, instead having chloranilate anions sandwiched between azine groups.
2,3-Bis(2-methylphenylimino)-1,4-dithiacyclohexane
Authors: Li Yi-Zhi , Liu Wei-Wei , Li Yan-Jie , Pan Guo-Jun , Hu Hong-Wen
Published: November 2003

An N,N′-disubstituted dithiooxamide derivative reacts with 1,2-dibromoethane to produce the title compound, C18H18N2S2, a heterocycle with a double Schiff base. In the crystal structure, the molecule of the title compound lies on a twofold axis. Weak C—H...π interactions are the principal intermolecular forces, mediating the formation of layers parallel to the ab plane. Each molecule participates as donor and acceptor in two such contacts.
Bilayers in 4-iodo-N-(2-iodo-4-nitrophenyl)benzamide generated by a combination of an N—H...O=C hydrogen bond and two independent iodo–nitro interactions
Authors: Glidewell Christopher , Low John N. , Skakle Janet M. S. , Wardell James L.
Published: November 2003

Molecules of the title compound, C13H8I2N2O3, are linked into C(4) chains by a single N—H...O=C hydrogen bond [H...O = 2.10 Å, N...O = 2.832 (5) Å and N—H...O = 140°]. Two independent two-centre iodo–nitro interactions, both involving the same O atom but different I atoms [I...O = 3.205 (3) and 3.400 (3) Å, and C—I...O = 160.4 (2) and 155.7 (2)°], link the hydrogen-bonded chains into bilayers.
Hemi(piperazinediium) hexaaquaaluminium(III) bis(sulfate) tetrahydrate: a new double aluminium sulfate salt
Authors: Bataille Thierry
Published: November 2003

Piperazinium aluminium sulfate decahydrate, (C4H12N2)0.5[Al(H2O)6](SO4)2·4H2O, exhibits a crystal structure built from isolated [Al(H2O)6]3+, SO4
2−, C4H12N2
2+ and H2O units connected by a complex hydrogen-bond network. The title compound shows strong similarities to many double aluminium sulfates, such as alums and Tutton's salts. However, since its structure is not derived directly from that of these compounds, it is assumed to be a new structure type.
Polymeric dihydroxydiphthalatotricobalt(II)
Authors: Yang Shi-Yao , Long La-Sheng , Huang Rong-Bin , Zheng Lan-Sun , Ng Seik Weng
Published: November 2003

In the crystal structure of dihydroxydiphthalatotricobalt(II), [Co3(C8H4O4)2(OH)2]
n
, two of the four independent Co atoms lie at special positions of site symmetry 2. The hydroxy groups link three Co atoms to form a pyramidal Co3O unit, and adjacent Co3O units are linked through the Co base atoms into a honeycomb layer motif. Each of the phthalate dianions uses the O atoms of one carboxyl group to bind to three Co atoms, the bonding mode giving rise to six-coordinate Co atoms.
{Bis[(S)-2-(4-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)phenyl]phenylphoshine-κ2
N,P}(1,3-dimethyl-π-allyl-κ3
C)palladium(II) hexafluorophosphate and (S)P-{bis[(S)-2-(4-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)phenyl]phenylphosphine-κ2
N,P}dichloropalladium(II)
Authors: Masui Dai , Ohnuki Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Motowo , Yamagishi Takamichi
Published: November 2003

In the structures of the title compounds, [Pd(C5H9)(C32H37N2O2P)]PF6 and [PdCl2(C32H37N2O2P)], the bis(dihydrooxazolyl)phosphine ligand is N,P-bidentate, with S chirality on the P atom. In the allyl complex, the π-allyl ligand ligates in a syn–syn-κ3
C manner.
(C4N2H12)[(GeO2)3(BO1.5F)2], a layered borogermanate containing three- and nine-membered rings
Authors: Li Yang-Feng , Zou Xiao-Dong
Published: November 2003

A new borogermanate, viz. piperazine-1,4-diium difluorononaoxotrigermaniumdiboron, (C4H12N2)[(GeO2)3(BO1.5F)2], was solvo/hydrothermally synthesized. The crystal structure consists of layers composed of three-membered-ring Ge3O9 subunits and nine-membered-ring channels formed by six GeO4 tetrahedra and three BO3F tetrahedral pairs. The diprotonated piperazine cations, which lie about inversion centres, are located between adjacent layers and connect the layers via hydrogen bonds.
Bis(tetraphenylphosphonium) (μ-tetrathiotungstenio-κ4
S,S′:S′′:S′′′)bis[(cyano-κC)cuprate](2–) acetonitrile solvate monohydrate
Authors: Qiao Shan-Bao , Jiao Chang-Mei , Xu Qing-Feng , Zhang Yong , Li Bao-Long , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: November 2003

The reaction of CuCN and KCN with (NH4)2[WS4] followed by cation exchange with PPh4Br produced the title compound, (C24H20P)2[Cu2WS4(CN)2]·CH3CN·H2O or (PPh4)2[(NC)Cu(μ-S)2W(μ-S)2Cu(CN)]·MeCN·H2O. In the structure of the dianion, [(NC)Cu(μ-S)2W(μ-S)2Cu(CN)]2−, the WS4 moiety acts as a bidentate ligand that binds two CuCN groups, thus forming a slightly bent WCu2 core with approximate D
2d
symmetry. The W—Cu distances are in the range 2.6463 (6)–2.6545 (6) Å.
(Z)-2-(3-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-one
Authors: Sonar Vijayakumar N. , Parkin Sean , Crooks Peter A.
Published: November 2003

Crystals of the title compound, C15H17NO3, were obtained from a condensation reaction of 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde with 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-one and subsequent crystallization of the product from methanol. The title compound, containing a double bond that connects the azabicyclic ring system to the 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene group, was obtained with Z geometry.
Cephalexin: a channel hydrate
Authors: Kennedy Alan R. , Okoth Maurice O. , Sheen David B. , Sherwood John N. , Teat Simon J. , Vrcelj Ranko M.
Published: November 2003

The antibiotic cephalexin [systematic name: D-7-(2-amino-2-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid] forms a range of isomorphic solvates, with the maximum hydration state of two water molecules formed only at high relative humidities. The water content of the structure reported here (C16H17N3O4S·1.9H2O) falls just short of this configuration, having three independent cephalexin molecules, one of which is disordered, and 5.72 observed water molecules in the asymmetric unit. The facile nature of the cephalexin solvation/desolvation process is found to be facilitated by a complex channel structure, which allows free movement of solvent in the crystallographic a and b directions.
Tetraphenylarsonium iodide, a new determination
Authors: Dean Philip A. W. , Craig Donald C. , Scudder Marcia L. , Dance Ian G.
Published: November 2003

The reported crystal structures of Ph4P+·I− and Ph4As+·I− have been re-examined. An apparent instance of substitutional dimorphism could not be reproduced and, contrary to an earlier report, tetraphenylarsonium iodide, [As(C6H5)4]I or Ph4As+·I−, was found to be isostructural with the phosphorus compound. The cation and anion are both located on \overline 4 symmetry sites. The crystal packing involves linear chains of cations in fourfold phenyl embraces.