bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and functional analysis of AtMUS81 in Arabidopsis meiosis reveals a role in the second pathway of crossing‐over
Authors: Higgins James D. , Buckling Ewen F. , Franklin F. Chris H. , Jones Gareth H.
Published: February 2008

Meiotic crossovers/chiasmata, that are required to ensure chromosome disjunction, arise via the class I interference‐dependent pathway or via the class II interference‐free pathway. The proportions of these two classes vary considerably between different organisms. In Arabidopsis, about 85% of chiasmata are eliminated in Atmsh4 mutants, denoting that these are class I events. In budding and fission yeasts Msh4‐independent crossovers arise largely or entirely via a Mus81‐dependent pathway. To investigate the origins of the 15% residual (AtMSH4‐independent) chiasmata in Arabidopsis we conducted a cytological and molecular analysis of AtMUS81 meiotic expression and function. Although AtMUS81 functions in somatic DNA repair and recombination, it is more highly expressed in reproductive tissues. The protein is abundantly present in early prophase I meiocytes, where it co‐localizes, in a double‐strand break‐dependent manner, with the recombination protein AtRAD51. Despite this, an Atmus81 mutant shows normal growth and has no obvious defects in reproductive development that would indicate meiotic impairment. A cytological analysis confirmed that meiosis was apparently normal in this mutant and its mean chiasma frequency was similar to that of wild‐type plants. However, an Atmsh4/Atmus81 double mutant revealed a significantly reduced mean chiasma frequency (0.85 per cell), compared with an Atmsh4 single mutant (1.25 per cell), from which we conclude that AtMUS81 accounts for some, but not all, of the 15% AtMSH4‐independent residual crossovers. It is possible that other genes are responsible for these residual chiasmata. Alternatively the AtMUS81 pathway coexists with an alternative parallel pathway that can perform the same functions.
Natural variation and functional analyses provide evidence for co‐evolution between plant eIF4E and potyviral VPg
Authors: Charron Carine , Nicolaï Maryse , Gallois Jean‐Luc , Robaglia Christophe , Moury Benoît , Palloix Alain , Caranta Carole
Published: February 2008

Amino acid substitutions in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) result in recessive resistance to potyviruses in a range of plant species, including Capsicum spp. Correspondingly, amino acid changes in the central part of the viral genome‐linked protein (VPg) are responsible for the potyvirus’s ability to overcome eIF4E‐mediated resistance. A key observation was that physical interaction between eIF4E and the VPg is required for viral infection, and eIF4E mutations that cause resistance prevent VPg binding and inhibit the viral cycle. In this study, polymorphism analysis of the pvr2‐eIF4E coding sequence in a worldwide sample of 25 C. annuum accessions identified 10 allelic variants with exclusively non‐synonymous variations clustered in two surface loops of eIF4E. Resistance and genetic complementation assays demonstrated that pvr2 variants, each with signature amino acid changes, corresponded to potyvirus resistance alleles. Systematic analysis of the interactions between eIF4E proteins encoded by the 10 pvr2 alleles and VPgs of virulent and avirulent potato virus Y (PVY) and tobacco etch virus (TEV) strains demonstrated that resistance phenotypes arose from disruption of the interaction between eIF4E and VPg, and that viral adaptation to eIF4E‐mediated resistance resulted from restored interaction with the resistance protein. Complementation of an eIF4E knockout yeast strain by C. annuum eIF4E proteins further shows that amino acid changes did not impede essential eIF4E functions. Altogether, these results argue in favour of a co‐evolutionary ‘arms race’ between Capsicum eIF4E and potyviral VPg.
A cyclin‐dependent protein kinase, CDKC2, colocalizes with and modulates the distribution of spliceosomal components in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kitsios Georgios , Alexiou Konstantinos G. , Bush Max , Shaw Peter , Doonan John H.
Published: February 2008

Cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) play key regulatory roles in diverse cellular functions, including cell‐cycle progression, transcription and translation. In plants, CDKs have been classified into several groups, named A through to G, but the functions of most are poorly characterized. CDKCs are known to phosphorylate the C‐terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II), and therefore the CDKC‐cyclinT (CycT) complex may have a role similar to the animal CDK9‐CycT complex of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P‐TEFb). However, we found that the predicted structure of the Arabidopsis CDKC2 protein is more similar to the mammalian cdc2‐related kinase, CRK7, than to CDK9. CRK7 is proposed to link transcription with splicing, and CDKC2 contains all the structural features of CRK7 that make the latter distinct from CDK9. Consistent with this, we show that GFP‐CDKC2 fusion proteins co‐localize with spliceosomal components, that the expression of CDKC2 modifies the location of these components, and that co‐localization was dependent on the transcriptional status of the cells and on CDKC2‐kinase activity. We propose, therefore, that the Arabidopsis CDKC2 combines the functions of both CRK7 and CDK9, and could also couple splicing with transcription.
Loss‐of‐function mutations and inducible RNAi suppression of Arabidopsis LCB2 genes reveal the critical role of sphingolipids in gametophytic and sporophytic cell viability
Authors: Dietrich Charles R. , Han Gongshe , Chen Ming , Berg R. Howard , Dunn Teresa M. , Cahoon Edgar B.
Published: February 2008

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) catalyzes the first step in sphingolipid biosynthesis, and downregulation of this enzyme provides a means for exploring sphingolipid function in cells. We have previously demonstrated that Arabidopsis SPT requires LCB1 and LCB2 subunits for activity, as is the case in other eukaryotes. In this study, we show that Arabidopsis has two genes (AtLCB2a and AtLCB2b) that encode functional isoforms of the LCB2 subunit. No alterations in sphingolipid content or growth were observed in T‐DNA mutants for either gene, but homozygous double mutants were not recoverable, suggesting that these genes are functionally redundant. Reciprocal crosses conducted with Atlcb2a and Atlcb2b mutants indicated that lethality is associated primarily with the inability to transmit the lcb2 null genotype through the haploid pollen. Consistent with this, approximately 50% of the pollen obtained from plants homozygous for a mutation in one gene and heterozygous for a mutation in the second gene arrested during transition from uni‐nucleate microspore to bicellular pollen. Ultrastructural analyses revealed that these pollen grains contained aberrant endomembranes and lacked an intine layer. To examine sphingolipid function in sporophytic cells, Arabidopsis lines were generated that allowed inducible RNAi silencing of AtLCB2b in an Atlcb2a mutant background. Studies conducted with these lines demonstrated that sphingolipids are essential throughout plant development, and that lethality resulting from LCB2 silencing in seedlings could be partially rescued by supplying exogenous long‐chain bases. Overall, these studies provide insights into the genetic and biochemical properties of SPT and sphingolipid function in Arabidopsis.
Osmotic stress‐ and indole‐3‐butyric acid‐induced NO generation are partially distinct processes in root growth and development in Pisum sativum
Authors: Kolbert Zsuzsanna , Bartha Bernadett , Erdei László
Published: February 2008

In this work, the effects of osmotic stress and exogenous auxin (indole‐3‐butyric acid, IBA) on root morphology and nitric oxide (NO) generation in roots were compared in pea plants. Five‐day‐old plants were treated with 0, 10−3, 10−4, 10−5, 10−6, 10−7, 10−8 or 10−9 M IBA or with PEG 6000 at concentrations that determined 0, 50, 100, 200 or 400 mOsm in the medium, during 5 days. NO generation was examined by in situ and in vivo fluorescence method. Increasing concentrations of PEG as well as IBA resulted in shortening of primary root (PR), enhancement of lateral root (LR) number and significant increase of NO generation. Time‐dependent investigations revealed that in the case of IBA treatments, the LR number increased in parallel with an intensified NO generation, while elongation of PR was not followed by changes in NO levels. Under osmotic stress, the time curve of NO development was distinct compared with that of IBA‐treated roots, because significantly, the appearance of lateral initials was preceded by a transient burst of NO. This early phase of NO generation under osmotic stress was clearly distinguishable from that which accompanied LR initiation. It is concluded that osmotic stress and the presence of exogenous auxin resulted in partly similar root architecture but different time courses of NO synthesis. We suppose that the early phase of NO generation may fulfill a role in the osmotic stress‐induced signalization process leading to the modification of root morphology.
Phytoene desaturase is present in a large protein complex in the plastid membrane
Authors: Lopez Alex B. , Yang Yong , Thannhauser Theodore W. , Li Li
Published: February 2008

Phytoene desaturase (PDS; EC 1.14.99.‐) represents one of the key enzymes in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and is present in nearly all types of plastids in plants. To further characterize PDS, we isolated the PDS cDNA from cauliflower (BoPDS) and confirmed its function by heterologous expression in a strain of Escherichia coli containing a carotenoid‐producing plasmid. The BoPDS cDNA encodes a predicted mature protein of approximately 55 kDa. In comparison with PDS from a few other plant species, BoPDS exhibited a high enzyme activity in E. coli, and its expression in plastids was independent of carotenoid levels. Plastids were purified from tissues of different plant species including cauliflower curds, tomato fruits, carrot roots and Arabidopsis leaves. By employing both Blue Native PAGE and SDS‐PAGE approaches in conjunction with Western blot analysis, it was found that PDS in these plants existed in two forms. The plastid membrane form was present in a large protein complex of approximately 350 kDa, whereas the stroma version was in an approximately 660 kDa complex.
The HAL1 function on Na+ homeostasis is maintained over time in salt‐treated transgenic tomato plants, but the high reduction of Na+ in leaf is not associated with salt tolerance
Authors: Muñoz‐Mayor Alicia , Pineda Benito , Garcia‐Abellán Jose O. , Garcia‐Sogo Begoña , Moyano Elena , Atares Alejandro , Vicente‐Agulló Francisco , Serrano Ramon , Moreno Vicente , Bolarin Maria C.
Published: February 2008

To achieve a deeper knowledge on the function of HAL1 gene in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants submitted to salt stress, in this study, we studied the growth and physiological responses to high salt stress of T3 transgenic plants (an azygous line without transgene and both homozygous and hemizygous lines for HAL1) proceeding from a primary transformant with a very high expression level of HAL1 gene. The homozygous plants for HAL1 gene did not increase their salt tolerance in spite of an earlier and higher reduction of the Na+ accumulation in leaves, being moreover the Na+ homeostasis maintained throughout the growth cycle. The greater ability of the homozygous line to regulate the Na+ transport to the shoot to long term was even shown in low accumulation of Na+ in fruits. By comparing the homozygous and hemizygous lines, a higher salt tolerance in the hemizygous line, with respect to the homozygous line, was observed on the basis of fruit yield. The Na+ homeostasis and osmotic homeostasis were also different in homozygous and hemizygous lines. Indeed, the Na+ accumulation rate in leaves was greater in hemizygous than in homozygous line after 35 days of 100 mM NaCl treatment and only at the end of growth cycle did the hemizygous line show leaf Na+ levels similar to those found in the homozygous line. With respect to the osmotic homeostasis, the main difference between lines was the different contribution of inorganic and organic solutes to the leaf osmotic balance. Taken together, these results suggest that the greater Na+ exclusion ability of the homozygous line overexpressing HAL1 induces a greater use of organic solutes for osmotic balance, which seems to have an energy cost and hence a growth penalty that reverts negatively on fruit yield.
What physiological acclimation supports increased growth at high CO2 conditions?
Authors: Spijkerman Elly
Published: February 2008

Chlamydomonas acidophila Negoro is a green algal species abundant in acidic waters (pH 2–3.5), in which inorganic carbon is present only as CO2. Previous studies have shown that aeration with CO2 increased its maximum growth rate, suggesting CO2 limitation under natural conditions. To unravel the underlying physiological mechanisms at high CO2 conditions that enables increased growth, several physiological characteristics from high‐ and low‐CO2‐acclimated cells were studied: maximum quantum yield, photosynthetic O2 evolution (Pmax), affinity constant for CO2 by photosynthesis (K0.5,p), a CO2‐concentrating mechanism (CCM), cellular Rubisco content and the affinity constant of Rubisco for CO2 (K0.5,r). The results show that at high CO2 concentrations, C. acidophila had a higher K0.5,p, Pmax, maximum quantum yield, switched off its CCM and had a lower Rubisco content than at low CO2 conditions. In contrast, the K0.5,r was comparable under high and low CO2 conditions. It is calculated that the higher Pmax can already explain the increased growth rate in a high CO2 environment. From an ecophysiological point of view, the increased maximum growth rate at high CO2 will likely not be realised in the field because of other population regulating factors and should be seen as an acclimation to CO2 and not as proof for a CO2 limitation.
Carbohydrate availability affects growth and metabolism in peach fruit
Authors: Morandi Brunella , Corelli Grappadelli Luca , Rieger Mark , Lo Bianco Riccardo
Published: February 2008

Along with sucrose, sorbitol represents the main photosynthetic product and form of translocated carbon in peach. This study aimed at determining whether peach fruit carbohydrate metabolism is affected by changes in source–sink balance, and specifically whether sorbitol or sucrose availability regulates fruit enzyme activities and growth. In various trials, different levels of assimilate availability to growing fruits were induced in vivo by varying crop load of entire trees, leaf : fruit ratio (L:F) of fruiting shoots, or by interrupting the phloem stream (girdling) to individual fruits. In vitro, fruit tissue was incubated in presence/absence of sorbitol and sucrose. Relative growth rate (RGR), enzyme activities and carbohydrates were measured at different fruit growth stages of various peach cultivars in different years. At stage III, high crop load induced higher acid invertase (AI, EC 3.2.1.26) activities and hexose : sucrose ratios. Both sorbitol and sucrose contents were proportional to L:F, while sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH, EC 1.1.1.14) activity was the only enzyme activity directly related to L:F in both fruit growth stages. Girdling reduced fruit RGR and all major carbohydrates after 4 days and SDH activity already after 48 h, but it did not affect sucrose synthase (SS, EC 2.4.1.13), AI and neutral invertase (NI, EC 3.2.1.27). Fruit incubation in sorbitol for 24 h induced higher SDH activities than in buffer alone. In general, assimilate availability affected both sorbitol and sucrose metabolism in peach fruit, and sorbitol may function as a signal for modulating SDH activity. Under highly competitive conditions, AI activity may be enhanced by assimilate depletion, providing a mechanism to increase fruit sink strength by increasing hexose concentrations.
Origin of Adenohypophysial Lobes and Cells from Rathke’s Pouch in Swiss Albino Mice. Proliferation and Expression of Pitx 2 and Calbindin D28K in Corticotropic and Somatotropic cell Differentiation
Authors: Reyes R. , Martínez S. , González M. , Tramu G. , Bello A. R.
Published: February 2008

A developmental study of the adenohypophysis of the mouse was carried out in response to several as yet unanswered questions about its organogenesis and differentiation. The main objectives were to establish the origin of adenohypophysial lobes and cells from the Rathke’s pouch (RP) and elucidate the mechanisms of development and functional differentiation of the gland. Using diverse techniques, the morphological development, proliferation and differentiation were studied in order to delimit different proliferative regions in the RP, and provide a satisfactory explanation for the distribution of each cell type in the adult gland. Combining the proliferation and differentiation studies, corticotropic and somatotropic cells appear to mainly originate from undifferentiated precursors located within each of these proliferative regions. The involvement of transcription factor Pitx 2 and calcium‐binding protein Calbindin D 28K in the differentiation of corticotropic and somatotropic cells is further clarified.
Origin of Adenohypophysial Lobes and Cells from Rathke’s Pouch in Chicken (Gallus gallus) and Japanese Quail (Coturniz coturniz japonica). Expression of Calcium‐Binding Proteins
Authors: Reyes R. , González M. , Bello A. R.
Published: February 2008

A histological and immunochemical study of adenohypophysis development in two bird species: chicken (Gallus gallus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was carried out, focussing firstly morphologically on the origin of its different lobes, then secondly on the differentiation of hormone‐producing cells from the adenohypophysial anlage and their involvement in the differentiation of three calcium‐binding proteins. The results of the morphological development study show how the origin of the adenohypophysis in chicken is totally ectodermic, whilst in Japanese quail the endoderm, in the form of Sessel’s pouch, participates in forming the rostral zone of the anterior lobe. After studying the organogenesis and spatio/temporal differentiation of the hormone‐producing cells proceeding from the adenohypophysial anlage, a regionalization model is proposed for the origin of the different lobes and cell types as well as time sequence, fundamentally the origin of cell regionalization in the adult adenohypophysis. In this process, at least in the two bird species studied, the results obtained from expressing the calcium‐binding proteins, calbindin D 28K, calretinin and parvalbumin show a characteristic distribution pattern for each, suggesting distinct functions.
First Report of a Strain of Alternanthera yellow vein virus Infecting Eclipta prostrate (L.) L. (Compositae) in China
Authors: He Z. F. , Mao M. J. , Yu H. , Wang X. M. , Li H. P.
Published: February 2008

In 2005, Eclipta prostrata plants exhibiting yellow vein symptoms were observed in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China. A virus isolate G8 was cloned from a symptomatic plant. The complete nucleotide sequence of G8 DNA‐A was determined to be 2745 nucleotides, which had typical characteristics of Begomovirus genome organization. The comparison of complete nucleotide sequence of DNA‐A showed that isolate G8 shared the highest sequence identity with Alternanthera yellow vein virus (AlYVV) isolates G38 and Hn51 at 95.9% and 94.3%, respectively. These results show that G8 infecting E. prostrata in Guangdong is a strain of AlYVV.
Nurse‐led 24‐h hotline for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reduces hospital use and is safe
Authors: Roberts M. M. , Leeder S. R. , Robinson T. D.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Despite recent advances in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interventions to reduce hospitalization have had only modest success. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of a novel, nurse‐led 24‐h telephone support line (hotline) for patients with COPD.

Methods:  Observational study of patients’ use of hotline between September 2002 and November 2004. All patients with COPD referred to a Respiratory Ambulatory Care programme over this period (n = 458) were given access to the hotline. The number and time of calls to the hotline, outcomes of hotline calls and safety of hotline, were assessed. The characteristics of hotline callers and non‐callers were compared using an unpaired Student’s t‐test for normally distributed variables, a χ2 test for categorical variables and a Mann–Whitney test for non‐normally distributed variables.

Results:  Over the period studied, 675 calls were made to the hotline by 118 patients and 56% of calls were made after hours. For 78 calls (12%), advice and interventions given by hotline staff averted potential 000 calls by patients/carers. Specific advice about interventions for acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) was given in a further 117 calls (17%). Callers had more severe COPD than non‐callers (worse lung function, lower exercise capacity and higher prescription of home oxygen, all P < 0.05). No adverse events related to use of the hotline were documented.

Conclusion:  A nurse‐led 24‐h hotline for patients with COPD is safe, is used by patients and carers and, when used, reduces hospital presentations with AECOPD.
Single‐institution experience of adjuvant 5‐fluorouracil‐based chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer
Authors: Gibbs P. , Handolias D. , McLaughlin S. , Chapman M. , Johns J. , Faragher I.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Adjuvant 5‐flourouracil‐based chemotherapy is standard care for patients with stage III colon cancer. Limited data are available regarding use of adjuvant treatment in routine clinical practice, where patients are often frail and/or elderly.

Methods:  A review of patients with stage III colon cancer over a 7‐year period at Western Hospital using a prospective, comprehensive colorectal database was carried out. Results were compared to recent clinical trial data.

Results:  We identified 554 patients with colon cancer, including 165 patients (30%) with stage III disease. Median patient age was 69 years, with a median follow up of 38 months. There were nine early postoperative deaths. Thirty other patients (19%) were not offered adjuvant chemotherapy, mainly because of advanced patient age and/or comorbidity. Of 124 patients offered adjuvant therapy 12 (10%) elected not to pursue treatment. Thirty‐four of the 112 patients that commenced treatment had a dose reduction, with 30 not completing treatment because of toxicity (14) or other reasons (16). The 5‐year progression‐free survival was 50% and 5‐year overall survival 59%.

Conclusion:  In routine practice many patients with stage III colon cancer do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. For those receiving treatment the experience is not significantly different from that reported in the carefully selected clinical trial group.
Overcoming preconceptions and perceived barriers to medical communication using a ‘dual role‐play’ training course
Authors: Lim E. C. H. , Oh V. M. S. , Seet R. C. S.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Communication is a core component of clinical competence. We introduced a dual role‐play (DRP) course, in which participants role‐played both the doctor‐candidate and the standardized patient. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of a DRP communication course for physicians and to identify factors that inhibit effective medical communication.

Methods:  We conducted four medical communication skills courses from 2004 to 2006. A questionnaire was administered before and after completion of each course. We assessed respondents’ confidence levels before and after the course and sought to identify perceived barriers to effective communication among medical trainees in Singapore. Finally, we asked if they found participation in the course and its DRP nature to be useful.

Results:  Twenty‐six participants, 20 men, 6 women, of mean age 30.2 years (standard deviation (SD) 2.01) completed the survey. The pre‐course confidence levels (rated on a scale of 1–10) of 6.23 (SD 1.18) rose significantly to 7.58 (SD 0.95) on completion of the course (P = 0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). All respondents felt that they had benefited from participation in the medical communication skills course. 24 (92.3%) respondents deemed it useful to have role‐played both the doctor and standardized patient in the exercise. We identified respondents with language difficulties to have benefited the most from the course (P = 0.031, odds ratio 2.906 (95%CI 0.292–5.519), linear regression analysis).

Conclusion:  DRP is an effective way to train doctors in medical communication.
Chronic disease management: a primer for physicians
Authors: Scott I. A.
Published: February 2008

Approximately one in three Australians or 6.8 million individuals suffer from one or more chronic diseases, the most prevalent being ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes and renal disease. Potentially avoidable hospitalizations related to chronic disease comprise 5.5% of all admissions nationally and cluster in older age groups and socioeconomically disadvantaged regions. In an effort to reduce mortality and morbidity, programmes of chronic disease management have evolved with the aim of achieving formalized, population‐wide implementation of elements of the chronic care model developed by Wagner et al. Results of rigorous evaluations of such programmes suggest improved survival and/or disease control with reductions in hospitalizations and adverse clinical events. This paper aims to provide an overview of available evidence for chronic disease management programmes for practising physicians who will be increasingly invited to take an active leadership role in designing and operationalizing such programmes.
Patterns of sexual and erectile dysfunction and response to treatment in patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: DiBlasio Christopher J. , Malcolm John B. , Derweesh Ithaar H. , Womack Jamie H. , Kincade Matthew C. , Mancini John G. , Ogles Mitchell L. , Lamar Kimberly D. , Patterson Anthony L. , Wake Robert W.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of patient‐reported erectile (ED) and sexual dysfunction and response to treatment in men after the induction of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, as ADT‐induced changes in serum testosterone can result in changes in libido and sexual function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer at our institution between January 1989 and July 2005; those receiving only neoadjuvant ADT were excluded. Variables included age, race, body mass index, prostate‐specific antigen level before ADT, Gleason sum, clinical stage, ADT type (medical vs surgical) and schedule (continuous vs intermittent), previous treatment for prostate cancer, presence of pre‐existing or new‐onset diabetes mellitus (DM), and presence of ED before ADT. After ADT induction, charts were reviewed for reporting of ED, changes in libido, and initiation of ED therapy (medical or surgical).

RESULTS

In all, 395 patients (mean age of 71.7 years; 59.0% African‐American, 41.0% Caucasian/other, at initiation ADT) were analysed. At mean follow‐up of 87.4 months, 57 (14.4%) patients reported ED; 40 of these (70%) reported new‐onset ED, while 17 (30%) reported ED before ADT. Response rates were 33–80% with medical therapy, including 44% receiving phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor monotherapy. On multivariate analysis, age <70 years (P < 0.001) and the absence of DM (P = 0.024) were associated with reporting ED after ADT.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer have variable degrees of ED. Successful outcomes are possible, particularly when implementing multimodal therapy. Younger patients and those with no DM are more likely to report ED after ADT induction.
Co‐assessment of cytoplasmic and nuclear androgen receptor location in prostate specimens: potential implications for prostate cancer development and prognosis
Authors: Diallo Jean‐Simon , Aldejmah Abdulhadi , Mouhim Abdelali Filali , Fahmy Mona Alam , Koumakpayi Ismaël Hervé , Sircar Kanishka , Bégin Louis R. , Mes‐Masson Anne‐Marie , Saad Fred
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To address, by co‐assessing cytoplasmic and nuclear androgen receptor (AR) expression in prostate tissues, the contribution of the AR throughout the stages of prostate cancer (PC) and its value as a marker for predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Archival prostate specimens from patients who were cancer‐free (43), with hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC, 62), and with androgen‐independent prostate cancer (AIPC, 30) were used to construct tissue microarrays (total 135). Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and non‐neoplastic tissues (NA) found adjacent to HSPC were also included. Nuclear and cytoplasmic AR expression was scored by two observers using a composite scale, after immunohistochemical detection of the AR. The nuclear/cytoplasmic AR expression ratio was also calculated. Univariate Kaplan‐Meier plots, and multivariate Cox and survival‐tree analyses, were then used to assess the ability of the AR to predict BCR in the patients with HSPC.

RESULTS

There was markedly greater nuclear AR staining intensity in NA than in normal prostate tissues from cancer‐free patients. Cytoplasmic AR expression was highest in AIPC and markedly more than in HSPC. The nuclear/cytoplasmic AR expression ratio was highest in NA and PIN. In univariate analyses, a low nuclear AR, low cytoplasmic AR, and a high nuclear/cytoplasmic AR expression ratio were associated with BCR. Although cytoplasmic AR was an independent predictor of BCR in a Cox multivariate model (hazard ratio 2.736, 95% confidence interval 1.228–6.091, P = 0.014), survival‐tree analyses suggested a complex relationship between AR expression and clinicopathological features.

CONCLUSION

We propose that increased nuclear AR expression might be a precursor to PC and that cytoplasmic AR could contribute to the AIPC phenotype. The predictive ability of the AR might be closely linked to clinicopathological features.
Altered expression of calcium‐activated K and Cl channels in detrusor overactivity of rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Li Longkun , Jiang Chonghe , Song Bo , Yan Junan , Pan Jinhong
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the activity of large‐ and small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (BKCa, SKCa) and calcium‐activated chloride channels (ClCa) in detrusor overactivity (DO) cells after partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen female Wistar rats with DO caused by PBOO were studied simultaneously with eight sham‐operated rats. The expression of KCa and ClCa channels was assessed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and the function of the two groups compared.

RESULTS

In the DO cells the expression of BKCa, SKCa2 and SKCa3 was lower, and that of ClCa channels higher, than in the control group cells. Using confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis, the function of BKCa and SKCa channels was suppressed, and that of ClCa channels was enhanced in DO group cells. KCa and ClCa effectors altered the cell membrane potentials more significantly in the DO cells than in the control cells, indicating a decrease in KCa and an increase in ClCa in DO group in either iso‐ or hypo‐osmolar medium. Moreover, the change in BKCa, SKCa and ClCa channel activators in DO cells showed a more excitable state in hypo‐osmolar medium than in iso‐osmolar medium.

CONCLUSION

In DO myocytes after PBOO, the expression and function of KCa channels were decreased, and those of ClCa channels increased. These changes all provoke greater cell excitability, and could partly account for the DO.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy in patients with elevated tumour markers: indications, histopathology and outcome
Authors: Ong Teng A. , Winkler Mathias H. , Savage Philip M. , Seckl Michael J. , Christmas Timothy J.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the factors affecting outcome and the pathological findings in patients who had retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND) after chemotherapy with elevated tumour markers, as such patients have an unfavourable prognosis, with further salvage chemotherapy being the usual treatment of choice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Information on the preoperative treatment, tumour markers, histopathology and outcome data of the patients who had pcRPLND were extracted from the hospital databases. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and multivariate analysis with Cox regression model.

RESULTS

In all, 358 patients had pcRPLND between September 1992 and April 2006, by one surgeon. In 48 patients the tumour markers were elevated at the time of surgery, they were on a ‘rising trend’ in 26 (54%) and ‘downward or stable’ trend in 22 (46%). The overall incidence of active germ cell tumour, differentiated teratoma and necrosis in the resected specimens was 58%, 25% and 17%, respectively. The median follow‐up was 51.5 months and the overall 5‐year survival was 69%. The favourable prognostic factors assessed by univariate analysis were elevation of α‐fetoprotein alone, complete resection of residual disease, histological finding of differentiated teratoma in the resected tissues and normalization of tumour markers after pcRPLND. By multivariate analysis the only statistically significant independent survival factor was the normalization of the tumour markers after pcRPLND.

CONCLUSION

For selected patients with elevated tumour markers after chemotherapy, RPLND can offer a significant chance of cure with no need for further chemotherapy. The patients most likely to benefit are those with elevations of α‐fetoprotein alone. In this group, pcRPLND can offer the prospect of long‐term survival and should be considered in the management of selected patients.
Effect of aldosterone on isolated human penile corpus cavernosum tissue
Authors: Muguruma Hiroshi , Kawanishi Yasuo , Sugiyama Hiroaki , Kagawa Jun‐ichiro , Tanimoto Syuuji , Yamanaka Masahito , Kojima Keiji , Anzai Hideaki , Numata Akira , Kishimoto Tomoteru , Kanayama Hiro‐omi
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the physiological effects of aldosterone on human penile corpus cavernosum (hPCC) tissue, as aldosterone has a wider physiological action than just the maintenance of electrolyte balance, and there are mineralocorticoid receptors, i.e. aldosterone receptors, in hPCC tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens of hPCC were obtained from 10 patients (mean age 38 years, range 21–75), with informed consent and approval by the local ethics committee. One patient had a penectomy because of penile cancer, and nine had a penile biopsy because of erectile dysfunction. Patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension or ischaemic heart disease were excluded. In a pharmacological study we evaluated the effect of aldosterone on the isolated hPCC tissues.

RESULTS

Aldosterone caused no significant change in resting tension and did not affect the nitric oxide‐dependent relaxation reaction. However, the dose–response curve of noradrenaline was shifted to the left when the strip preparation was treated with aldosterone (1 × 10−5m) for 20 min before administering noradrenaline. Moreover, the shift to the left was completely blocked when spironolactone (anti‐aldosterone agent) was added as a pre‐treatment. Pre‐treatment with aldosterone also significantly extended the mean (sem) time required to reach 50% relaxation of a noradrenaline‐induced contraction, of 9.3 (1.5) min, vs the control, of 5.2 (1.0) min (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Aldosterone has no direct contractile action or a relaxant action on human penile cavernous tissue, but acts to significantly enhance the noradrenaline‐induced contraction. The effect on the noradrenaline‐induced contraction is probably caused by aldosterone enhancing the affinity of the α‐receptors for noradrenaline in hPCC. We suggest that aldosterone acts to enhance contraction of hPCC tissue, and is one of the restraining factors for human penile erection.
Financial Liberalisation in Emerging Markets: How Does Bank Lending Change?
Authors: Hübler Olaf , Menkhoff Lukas , Suwanaporn Chodechai
Published: February 2008

Financial liberalisation has often failed in the past due to underestimated problems of structural change. We analyse such changes in lending behaviour of Thai commercial banks during a liberalisation phase by way of unique micro data. Liberalisation has expected positive effects, such as lowering the interest rate spread and collateral requirements. Liberalisation causes structural change, such as a decline in collateral‐based and relationship banking. However, the liberal‐isation evidence is consistent with more risk taking, such as lending to more risky projects and less protection against default. The Thai experience suggests obvious policy lessons.
On Income Convergence among China, Hong Kong and Macau
Authors: Lei Chun Kwok , Yao Shujie
Published: February 2008

Hong Kong and Macau were reunited with China in the late 1990s as two special administrative regions (SARs). Over the last half century, they were China's good examples of economic development, windows of openness and investors. Owing to historical reasons, China lagged far behind Hong Kong and Macau in terms of per capita incomes. However, rapid economic growth in China over the last three decades must have brought about a significant convergence of the three economies. China's economic success has benefited from the integration of its two SARs and the coastal provinces, especially Guangdong, in terms of technological spillover, massive investment and trade. The economic trickledown, direct investment and trade must have been important drivers of economic integration and income convergence. This paper aims to analyse the trend and studies the determinants of income convergence between China and its two SARs. Both parametric and non‐parametric techniques are employed to quantify the pace of convergence on per capita incomes in Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese provinces over a period of more than 40 years. We find no evidence of convergence in the pre‐reform period, but strong evidence of both absolute and conditional β‐convergence in the post‐reform period. Over the reform period, the pace of convergence is less than 1 per cent per annum without controlling for trade and more than 2 per cent conditional on trade.
A Door of Hope Re‐opened: The Fifth Monarchy, King Charles and King Jesus
Authors: CAPP BERNARD
Published: February 2008

A Door of Hope was the manifesto of the Fifth Monarchists’ desperate uprising in London in January 1661, a few months after the Restoration of Charles II. While the rising itself is well known, its manifesto has never been examined in detail. Probably based on a sermon to Venner's congregation, it displays a defiant conviction that the Restoration could be understood as part of God's providential plan, the next step towards the imminent kingdom of Christ on earth. But it also reaches out to a much wider constituency, all the supporters of the “Good Old Cause,” offering a programme that might appeal to many radicals. And the author draws on secular, republican discourse to buttress his apocalyptic claims, revealing close links between even the most extreme Fifth Monarchists and wider currents of interregnum radicalism.
Post‐Colonialism, Orientalism, and Understanding: Religious Studies and the Christian Missionary Imperative
Authors: HEDGES PAUL
Published: February 2008

This article explores issues related to the worldviews of Friedrich Max Müller and Monier Monier‐Williams, and contemporary critique of their work. Their indebtedness to their own age is explored, especially fulfilment theology and the missionary imperative, noting similarities and differences in their agendas. The conclusion considers how post‐colonial critique can be applied. While accepting the validity of such critique, it is suggested that it makes vast and sweeping judgments, engaging in a totalising narrative. It is argued that, applied too harshly, such critiques can ignore the positive contributions to understanding other faiths and cultures made by such figures. It ends with some reflections upon both their and our place within the evolving tradition of the study of religion, and the need for both understanding and critical judgment.
THE ROLE AND INTERNALIZATION OF HOMOGENEOUS AND NON‐HOMOGENEOUS DESIGN EFFECTS IN RECYCLING SYSTEMS
Authors: Nishimura Kazuhiko
Published: February 2008

This paper considers recycling systems in which producers and a monopolistic recycler are independent agents, while the design of products determined by the producer affects the recycler's productivity. It is found that such design effects could be internalized within the economy, if the monopolistic recycler pays the normative values of the wasted products according to their designs, while the producers formulate design so as to minimize the product's net price. However, if unfortunate, the equilibrium may fall into a local optimum and may not be stable. We also investigate how such property of the equilibrium could be changed if the recycler's productivity is influenced by the diversity in recycle design.
Long‐term changes in neurotrophic factor expression in distal nerve stump following denervation and reinnervation with motor or sensory nerve
Authors: Michalski B. , Bain J. R. , Fahnestock M.
Published: February 2008

Several factors have been proposed to account for poor motor recovery after prolonged denervation, including motor neuron cell death and incomplete or poor regeneration of motor fibers into the muscle. Both may result from failure of the muscle and the distal motor nerve stump to continue expression of neurotrophic factors following delayed muscle reinnervation. This study investigated whether regenerating motor or sensory axons modulate distal nerve neurotrophic factor expression. We found that transected distal tibial nerve up‐regulated brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) mRNA, down‐regulated neurotrophin‐3 and ciliary neurotrophic factor mRNA, and that although these levels returned to normal with regeneration, the chronically denervated distal nerve stump continued to express these neurotrophic factors for at least 6 months following injury. A sensory nerve (the cutaneous saphenous nerve) sutured to distal tibial nerve lowered injury‐induced BDNF and GDNF mRNA levels in distal stump, but repair with a mixed nerve (peroneal, containing muscle and cutaneous axons) was more effective. Repair with sensory or mixed nerves did not affect nerve growth factor or neurotrophin‐3 expression. Thus, distal nerve contributed to a neurotrophic environment for nerve regeneration for at least 6 months, and sensory nerve repair helped normalize distal nerve neurotrophic factor mRNA expression following denervation. Furthermore, as BDNF and GDNF levels in distal stump increased following denervation and returned to control levels following reinnervation, their levels serve as markers for the status of regeneration by either motor or sensory nerve.
Empowerment in diabetes care: towards measuring empowerment
Authors: Sigurdardottir Arun K. , Jonsdottir Helga
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to measure validity and reliability of the Icelandic version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES) among people with diabetes and to develop knowledge about Icelandic people with diabetes. For this purpose, DES was distributed along with the Diabetes Knowledge Test and the Problem Area in Diabetes scale in four diabetes clinics in Iceland after the study received ethical approval from the National Bioethical Committee. Of the 101 allocated questionnaires, 92 were returned and 90 questionnaires were useable, resulting in 89% response rate. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for DES was 0.84, and for the three subscales: Managing the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes (α = 0.76), Assessing Dissatisfaction and Readiness to Change (α = 0.63) and Setting and Achieving Diabetes Goals (α = 0.79). There was a criterion validity between level of education and DES. Mean value for DES was 3.68 ± 0.52 on a scale of 1–5 where a higher score indicates increased empowerment. Range was from 2.43 to 4.68, indicating that the instrument demonstrates neither floor nor ceiling effects. This study indicates that the DES, the only available instrument to measure the concept of empowerment in diabetes care, is a sufficiently reliable and valid instrument in the Icelandic culture. However, it needs further testing. Empowerment is highly valued within the clinical arena, as well as when health professionals study patients’ capacity to deal with health problems.
Dissolved organic carbon in soil solutions: a comparison of collection methods
Authors: Buckingham S. , Tipping E. , Hamilton‐Taylor J.
Published: February 2008

A field study was undertaken to compare dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in soil solutions obtained with three different sampling methods over a range of soil types. The sampling devices used were a tension‐free collector, a tension Prenart collector and a tension Rhizon collector. Samples were collected fortnightly for a year at seven sites in northern England, each collection being replicated three times. The soil solution DOC ranged from 1.3 g m−3 in an acid ranker to 34.7 g m−3 in a peat. The DOC concentrations obtained with the three methods correlated reasonably well (r2 = 0.6–0.8) but with an indication of bias, as the best fit line differed from the 1:1 line. The tension‐free collector gave generally higher DOC concentrations except at very low concentrations (in the acid ranker soil). The DOC concentrations measured with the tension‐free collectors were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those obtained with Prenart and Rhizon collectors at four and six sites, out of seven, respectively. Subsequent laboratory tests on tension‐free collected samples showed no DOC loss on filtration through 0.1 and 0.22‐μm membranes, whereas a significant loss of DOC occurred when tension‐free collected samples were subsequently passed through Prenart and Rhizon collectors, indicating a probable sampling artefact with the tension devices. The difficulties of acquiring representative soil solution samples are discussed, together with the advantages and disadvantages of tension and tension‐free methods.
The influence of afforestation and tree species on soil methane fluxes from shallow organic soils at the UK Gisburn Forest Experiment
Authors: McNamara N. P. , Black H. I. J. , Piearce T. G. , Reay D. S. , Ineson P.
Published: February 2008

There is growing evidence that land use is an important factor in influencing soil methane (CH4) fluxes, and afforestation is viewed as a potential tool for mitigating CH4 releases from soils. However, the influence of different tree species on soil CH4 fluxes is not well understood. We measured soil CH4 fluxes under four tree species and grassland on similar soils at the Gisburn Experimental Forest (NW England) at 2 weekly intervals over 12 months using a static chamber technique. The treatments were Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), oak (Quercus petraea), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and grassland. Positive soil CH4 fluxes were observed from grassland plots (average 4.6 kg/ha/year) and negative fluxes from all four tree species (average of all tree species −0.5 kg/ha/year). There were, however, no statistically significant differences between individual treatments. Soil water table depth and moisture content had the greatest influence on soil CH4 fluxes. It is possible that the afforestation of shallow organic and/or poorly drained soils such as these may have a relatively low capacity for mitigating CH4 fluxes. Although methanotrophic bacteria may exist (i.e. there is the potential for oxidation), they may not be able to dominate due to their requirements for specific environmental conditions.