bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cation–π interactions studied in a model coiled‐coil peptide
Authors: Slutsky Morris M. , Marsh E. Neil G.
Published: July 2004

Cation–π interactions between aromatic amino acids and the positively charged residues lysine and arginine have been proposed to play an important role in stabilizing protein structure. We have used a peptide that adopts a coiled coil structure as a model system to evaluate the energetic contribution of cation–π interactions to protein folding. Peptides were designed in which phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan were placed at a solvent‐exposed position of the helix, one turn removed from an arginine residue that could provide a favorable cation–π interaction. Only the arginine–phenylalanine pairing provided significant stabilization of the peptide structure and it appears that hydrophobic packing, rather than the cation–π effect, is more likely to be responsible for the stability of this peptide. We conclude that any stabilizing effect of cation–π interactions in these peptides is much smaller than that predicted from computational studies.
Biophysical characterization of ZSPA‐1—A phage‐display selected binder to protein A
Authors: Lendel Christofer , Dincbas‐Renqvist Vildan , Flores Alexander , Wahlberg Elisabet , Dogan Jakob , Nygren Per‐Åke , Härd Torleif
Published: July 2004

Affibodies are a novel class of binding proteins selected from phagemid libraries of the Z domain from staphylococcal protein A. The ZSPA‐1 affibody was selected as a binder to protein A, and it binds the parental Z domain with micromolar affinity. In earlier work we determined the structure of the Z:ZSPA‐1 complex and noted that ZSPA‐1 in the free state exhibits several properties characteristic of a molten globule. Here we present a more detailed biophysical investigation of ZSPA‐1 and four ZSPA‐1 mutants with the objective to understand these properties. The characterization includes thermal and chemical denaturation profiles, ANS binding assays, size exclusion chromatography, isothermal titration calorimetry, and an investigation of structure and dynamics by NMR. The NMR characterization of ZSPA‐1 was facilitated by the finding that trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) stabilizes the molten globule conformation in favor of the fully unfolded state. All data taken together lead us to conclude the following: (1) The topology of the molten globule conformation of free ZSPA‐1 is similar to that of the fully folded structure in the Z‐bound state; (2) the extensive mutations in helices 1 and 2 destabilize these without affecting the intrinsic stability of helix 3; (3) stabilization and reduced aggregation can be achieved by replacing mutated residues in ZSPA‐1 with the corresponding wild‐type Z residues. This stabilization is better correlated to changes in helix propensity than to an expected increase in polar versus nonpolar surface area of the fully folded state.
In vivo folding of recombinant metallo‐β‐lactamase L1 requires the presence of Zn(II)
Authors: Periyannan Gopalraj , Shaw Patrick J. , Sigdel Tara , Crowder Michael W.
Published: July 2004

Metallo‐β‐lactamase L1, secreted by pathogenic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, is a dinuclear Zn(II)‐containing enzyme that hydrolyzes almost all known penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. The presence of Zn(II) ions in both metal binding sites is essential for full enzymatic activity; however, the mechanism of physiological metal incorporation is unknown. To probe metal incorporation, L1 was over‐expressed in minimal media with (mmL1+Zn) and without (mmL1−Zn) Zn(II) added to the media, and the resulting proteins were purified and characterized. The mmL1+Zn sample was bound by a Q‐Sepharose column, exhibited steady‐state kinetic properties, bound Zn(II), existed as a tetramer, and yielded fluorescence emission and CD spectra similar to L1 overexpressed in rich media. On the other hand, the mmL1−Zn sample did not bind to a Q‐Sepharose column, and gel filtration studies demonstrated that this protein was monomeric. The mmL1−Zn sample exhibited a lower kcat value, bound less Zn(II), and yielded fluorescence emission and CD spectra consistent with this enzyme being folded improperly. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the proper folding of L1 requires the presence of Zn(II) and suggest that in vitro, thermodynamic metal binding studies do not accurately reflect physiological metal incorporation into L1.
H‐bonding in protein hydration revisited
Authors: Petukhov Michael , Rychkov Georgy , Firsov Leonid , Serrano Luis
Published: July 2004

H‐bonding between protein surface polar/charged groups and water is one of the key factors of protein hydration. Here, we introduce an Accessible Surface Area (ASA) model for computationally efficient estimation of a free energy of water–protein H‐bonding at any given protein conformation. The free energy of water–protein H‐bonds is estimated using empirical formulas describing probabilities of hydrogen bond formation that were derived from molecular dynamics simulations of water molecules at the surface of a small protein, Crambin, from the Abyssinian cabbage (Crambe abyssinica) seed. The results suggest that atomic solvation parameters (ASP) widely used in continuum hydration models might be dependent on ASA for polar/charged atoms under consideration. The predictions of the model are found to be in qualitative agreement with the available experimental data on model compounds. This model combines the computational speed of ASA potential, with the high resolution of more sophisticated solvation methods.
Solution NMR structure of the C‐terminal domain of the human protein DEK
Authors: Devany Matthew , Kotharu N. Prasad , Matsuo Hiroshi
Published: July 2004

The chromatin‐associated protein DEK was first identified as a fusion protein in patients with a subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia. It has since become associated with diverse human ailments ranging from cancers to autoimmune diseases. Despite much research effort, the biochemical basis for these clinical connections has yet to be explained. We have identified a structural domain in the C‐terminal region of DEK [DEK(309–375)]. DEK(309–375) implies clinical importance because it can reverse the characteristic abnormal DNA‐mutagen sensitivity in fibroblasts from ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) patients. We determined the solution structure of DEK(309–375) by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and found it to be structurally homologous to the E2F/DP transcription factor family. On the basis of this homology, we tested whether DEK(309–375) could bind DNA and identified the DNA‐interacting surface. DEK presents a hydrophobic surface on the side opposite the DNA‐interacting surface. The structure of the C‐terminal region of DEK provides insights into the protein function of DEK.
Evolutionary trace analysis of the α‐D‐phosphohexomutase superfamily
Authors: Shackelford Grant S. , Regni Catherine A. , Beamer Lesa J.
Published: July 2004

The α‐D‐phosphohexomutase superfamily is composed of four related enzymes that catalyze a reversible, intramolecular phosphoryl transfer on their sugar substrates. The enzymes in this superfamily play important and diverse roles in carbohydrate metabolism in organisms from bacteria to humans. Recent structural and mechanistic studies of one member of this superfamily, phosphomannomutase/phosphoglucomutase (PMM/PGM) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have provided new insights into enzyme mechanism and substrate recognition. Here we use sequence–sequence and sequence–structure comparisons via evolutionary trace analysis to examine 71 members of the α‐D‐phosphohexomutase superfamily. These analyses show that key residues in the active site, including many of those involved in substrate contacts in the P. aeruginosa PMM/PGM complexes, are conserved throughout the enzyme family. Several important regions show class‐specific differences in sequence that appear to be correlated with differences in substrate specificity exhibited by subgroups of the family. In addition, we describe the translocation of a 20‐residue segment containing the catalytic phosphoserine of phosphoacetylglucosamine mutase, which uniquely identifies members of this subgroup.
Effect of hypoxia on the auditory system of goat fetuses during extrauterine incubation
Authors: Nishioka Nobuko , Nishina Hidenori , Yoshida Koyo , Kinoshita Katsuyuki , Ehara Yoshiro
Published: July 2004

J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2002; 2: 109–114

Aim:  To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the auditory system in fetuses, we attempted to analyze the auditory brainstem response, the middle latency response, and changes of several physiological parameters of goat fetuses during extrauterine incubation.

Methods:  We conducted extrauterine incubation of five goat fetuses at around 127 days of gestation (term = 148 days). Their physiological parameters, such as fetal heart rate, mean blood pressure, flow rate of carotid artery, as well as the auditory brainstem response and middle latency response, were recorded prior to and during hypoxia, and the two sets of data were compared with each other.

Results:  In all five cases, the fetal heart rate decreased from 178 ± 12.2 b.p.m. to 144 ± 15.2 b.p.m. during hypoxia, while mean blood pressure and flow rate of carotid artery increased from 37.3 ± 3.7 mmHg to 43.2 ± 5.1 mmHg, and from 38.5 ± 5.5 mL/min to 47.0 ± 5.1 mL/min, respectively. The latency of the auditory brainstem response's wave V and of the middle latency response's Pa wave elongated from 5.24 ± 0.24 ms to 5.69 ± 0.20 ms, and from 19.2 ± 1.6 ms to 20.9 ± 1.4 ms, respectively.

Conclusion:  Although fetal compensatory reactions, such as increases in mean blood pressure and flow rate of carotid artery during hypoxia were recognized, elongation of latency, and decrement of amplitude were observed in the auditory brainstem response and middle latency response. These results suggest that hypoxia itself influences the auditory system of the fetus.
Urinary schistosomiasis in a Japanese man
Authors: TAMBO MITSUHIRO , FUJIMOTO KIYOHIDE , INOUE TAKESHI , TOMIOKA ATSUSHI , TANAKA YOZO , HIRAO YOSHIHIKO , YOSHIKAWA MASAHIDE
Published: July 2004

Abstract  A 29‐year‐old Japanese man with a history of travel to Africa visited the Department of Urology, Nara Medical University complaining of intermittent asymptomatic gross hematuria over a period of 30 months. As he was suspected of being infested with schistosomal parasites based on his past history of swimming in Malawi Lake during his stay in Egypt two years previously, we examined his urine microscopically for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs and diagnosed him as having urinary schistosomiasis. Endoscopic examination revealed multiple small erythematous torose lesions on the right posterior wall of the urinary bladder. Since he was treated by oral administration of praziquantel every 6 h for 2 days (total daily dose of 2400 mg), a specific anthelmintic drug for schistosomiasis, the disease has been successfully kept under control without significant lesions in the bladder mucosa after the immediate disappearance of the eggs in his urine.
Urethral leiomyoma expressing estrogen receptors
Authors: KATO TOMONORI , KOBAYASHI TAKASHI , IKEDA RYOICHI , NAKAMURA TAKESHI , AKAKURA KOICHIRO , HIKAGE TAKASHI , INOUE TOHRU
Published: July 2004

Abstract  A case of urethral leiomyoma is presented. The patient was a 48‐year‐old female who was hospitalized with a 4‐year history of a progressively enlarging urethral mass. Based on clinical diagnosis of benign urethral tumor, local excision was performed. Histological diagnosis was urethral leiomyoma and the tumor cells demonstrated immunoreactivity for estrogen receptors. We report our experience of a leiomyoma of the urethra expressing estrogen receptors.
Resection of local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma in a hemodialysis patient 6 years after radical nephrectomy
Authors: IRIE KYOKO , ISHIZUKA OSAMU , YOKOYAMA HITOSHI , KINEBUCHI YOSHIAKI , SATOH TOMOYA , NISHIZAWA OSAMU
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Left radical nephrectomy was performed on a 39‐year‐old‐man because of renal cell carcinoma (grade 1, clear cell and granular cell carcinoma: pT3b pN0 pM0), 6 years after the beginning of hemodialysis. The second surgical intervention for local recurrence was performed 6 years after the first operation (grade 2 > 3, clear cell and granular cell carcinoma).

This is the second published case report of the resection of a local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy in a hemodialysis patient. Even after the curative operation, follow up for local recurrence should be continued in hemodialysis patients, especially for high stage renal cell carcinoma.
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Outcome of initial 12 procedures
Authors: IWAMURA MASATSUGU , SOH SHIGEHIRO , IRIE AKIRA , KADOWAKI KAZUOMI , MATSUSITA YASUSHI , FUJIOKA TOMOAKI , BABA SHIRO
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  Open pyeloplasty has been the gold standard for surgical treatment of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, enjoying a long‐term success rate exceeding 90%. Unfortunately, this procedure requires a muscle incision that entails some degree of morbidity. We have, therefore, investigated the feasibility of laparoscopic pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction and report here the outcomes of our early cases. The median follow up is 25 months (range, 12–42 months).

Methods:  Between March 1999 and September 2001 we performed laparoscopic pyeloplasty on 12 ureters in 11 patients presenting with symptomatic hydronephrosis, secondary to a short stenosis of the UPJ or to ventrally crossing vessels; bilateral pyeloplasty was performed as a single procedure in one patient. We performed dismembered Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty, Fenger plasty and Y‐V plasty in eight, two and two ureters, respectively. All procedures were carried out transperitoneally.

Results:  The procedure was completed successfully in all cases. Crossing vessels were noted in six of 12 ureters (50.0%). Mean operative time and blood loss in 11 patients (including one bilateral case) were 272.8 min (range, 175–480 min) and 96.4 mL (range, 20–340 mL), respectively. Postoperative complications were noted in two patients (18.2%): one instance of prolonged urine leakage and one anastomotic re‐stricture. Eleven of 12 ureters (91.6%) demonstrated a patent UPJ on excretory urography and/or improvement of renal function on diuretic renography at a minimum follow up of 12 months.

Conclusion:  Although the procedure requires advanced laparoscopic skills, it can be safely and successfully completed as frequently as the conventional open procedure. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty seems to be a valuable alternative to open pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction.
Dexamethasone and interleukin‐2 combination therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma in a patient with paraneoplastic inflammatory syndrome
Authors: SHINOJIMA TOSHIAKI , OYA MOTOTSUGU , KOHNO HIDAKA , MARUMO KEN , MURAI MASARU
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) in combination with dexamethasone was administered to a 48‐year‐old man with renal cell carcinoma accompanied by paraneoplastic inflammatory syndrome, including progressive multiple lung metastases and inferior vena caval tumor thrombus. Although non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs had no apparent antipyretic effect on the systemic inflammatory syndrome, oral administration of dexamethasone achieved complete antipyresis and improved his quality of life. After a 4‐week period of IL‐2 treatment, regression of metastasized lesions was demonstrated despite concurrent oral administration of dexamethasone. Steroids might reduce the action of immunotherapeutic drugs, but in some cases, combination therapy can achieve both alleviation of the paraneoplastic syndrome and tumor shrinkage.
Safety and efficacy of vardenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction: Result of a bridging study in Japan
Authors: NAGAO KOICHI , ISHII NOBUHISA , KAMIDONO SADAO , OSADA TAKAO ,   THE VARDENAFIL (LEVITRA) CLINICAL TRIAL GROUP
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Aim:  Vardenafil is a selective and highly potent phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), with improved selectivity for PDE5 and demonstrated efficacy for improving sexual function in men with ED. The current study investigated the safety and efficacy of this new PDE5 inhibitor in Japanese men with ED.

Methods:  This was a prospective, double blind, randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vardenafil. Following a 4‐week treatment‐free observation period, 283 eligible patients were randomized to 12 weeks treatment with vardenafil 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, or placebo. Primary efficacy responses were assessed using the scores of Q3 and Q4 of the international index of erectile function (IIEF).

Results:  All three vardenafil doses showed significantly better improvement than the placebo group in Q3 and Q4 scores of the IIEF questionnaire, either at 12 weeks or at the ‘last observation carried forward’ (LOCF, P < 0.0001). Q3 scores were improved to 4.06 with vardenafil 5 mg, 4.53 with vardenafil 10 mg, and 4.64 with vardenafil 20 mg, versus 3.17 with placebo. Comparable scores for Q4 were 3.47, 4.15 and 4.31 versus 2.31 for placebo. Up to 86% of patients achieved improved erections as assessed by the global assessment question (GAQ). Reported adverse event rates were 35.3%, 45.3% and 54.5% with vardenafil 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg, respectively, versus 21.1% in the placebo group. No serious adverse drug reactions were reported. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were transient headache, flushing and rhinitis, which were mostly mild.

Conclusion:  Vardenafil is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for ED and provides improvement in key indices of erectile function among Japanese men with ED. The results of our trial show that up to nearly 90% of patients achieve improved erections with the administration of vardenafil.
Acute scrotum caused by Henoch‐Schönlein purpura
Authors: HARA YOSHINORI , TAJIRI TAKEHIRO , MATSUURA KENICHI , HASEGAWA AKIO
Published: July 2004

Abstract  A boy aged 3 years and 11 months with arthralgia and purpuric skin rash was diagnosed with Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) following an acute occurrence of his scrotal pain and swelling 17 days after the appearance of arthralgia. Immediate scrotal exploration was performed to confirm vasculitis of the left epididymis compatible with a scrotal manifestation of HSP. Postoperative course was uneventful. Twenty‐five cases of HSP with acute scrotum reported in Japan, including this case, are calculated and discussed.
The trend of managing prostate cancer in Taiwan
Authors: WONG WAI‐YAN , CHEN SHYH‐CHYAN , CHUEH SHIH‐CHIEH , CHEN JUN
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  The purpose of this study is to investigate the current trends of Taiwanese urologists in managing prostate cancer (CaP). This will help us to establish our own consensus and recommend appropriate treatment options to the related patients.

Methods:  From November 2000 to April 2001, a questionnaire concerning the alertness of detecting CaP, diagnostic tools used for establishing the staging of CaP before radical surgery, the tolerated age for surgery and the use of hormone therapy for advanced CaP was mailed to the 465 urologists in active practice in the Taiwan area.

Results:  A total of 240 (51.6%) physicians responded to our questionnaire. 89.1% of the respondents would add serum prostatic‐specific antigen (PSA) to detect suspected malignancy during the work‐up for benign prostatic hyperplasia in their daily practice. About three quarters of the respondents adopted free/total PSA in assisting the decision for prostate biopsy. 78% require a bone scan before radical surgery even when PSA is less than 10 ng/mL and the age tolerated for radical surgery is 75 years. 60.8% still believed that maximal androgen blockade is effective for advanced CaP.

Conclusions:  The trend of treating CaP provides a useful insight into the variations in clinical practice of Taiwanese urologists and may help to develop a more widely accepted guideline by our urological community.
The etiology of erectile dysfunction and contributing factors in different age groups in Turkey
Authors: CASKURLU TURHAN , TASCI ALI IHSAN , RESIM SEFA , SAHINKANAT TAYFUN , ERGENEKON ERBIL
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  The aim of the present study was to determine the pathophysiological factors which cause erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as the risk factors in different age groups in Turkey.

Methods:  A total of 948 patients with ED who were admitted to three andrology clinics were evaluated in terms of etiological factors. They underwent a multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation. Erectile dysfunction was classified as primarily organic, primarily psychogenic, mixed or unknown in etiology.

Results:  Psychogenic ED was diagnosed in 65.4% of the patients and organic ED was diagnosed in 34.6% of patients overall. In patients under 40 years, the rate of psychogenic ED was 83% and the rate of organic ED was 17%, but in the patients over 40 years, the rate of psychogenic ED was 40.7% and the rate of organic ED was 59.3%. The causes of organic ED were identified as arteriogenic ED, 40.5%; cavernosal factor (venogenic) ED, 10%; neurogenic ED, 12.5%; endocrinologic ED, 1.8%; mixed type ED, 11.8%; and drug induced ED, 4.5%.

Conclusion:  Our data represent a higher ratio of ED in patients under 40, which are mostly psychogenic, This finding potentially results from local social and cultural differences.
Erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus: Association with age and hemoglobin A1c levels
Authors: MIYATA YASUYOSHI , SHINDO KAZUHIKO , MATSUYA FUKUZO , NOGUCHI MITSURU , NISHIKIDO MASAHARU , KOGA SHIGEHIKO , KANETAKE HIROSHI
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Aim:  Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) as well as those undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency and severity of ED in HD patients with DM and those without DM. In addition, we examined the relationship between erectile function and several risk factors, including presence of DM and hemoglobin A1c levels in HD patients.

Methods:  This study involved 180 patients on HD, including 66 HD patients with DM (DM‐HD) and 114 patients without DM (non‐DM‐HD). We evaluated erectile function using an abridged five‐item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF‐5). Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between presence of ED and several risk factors.

Results:  The total score of IIEF‐5 in DM‐HD patients (9.5 ± 4.2) was significantly lower than in non‐DM‐HD patients (13.5 ± 5.7). The prevalence of severe ED was 42.4% and 18.4% in DM‐HD patients and non‐DM‐HD patients, respectively. Age, cardiovascular disease history, and DM were identified as independent risk factors for the presence of ED. Furthermore, age and elevated hemoglobin A1c levels were identified as independent risk factors for the presence of severe ED.

Conclusion:  DM‐HD patients are more likely to have ED, and particularly severe forms of ED, than non‐DM‐HD patients. DM and elevated hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with the presence of ED or severe ED, respectively. Aging was identified as an independent factor in both ED and severe ED.
Simplified treatment of massive rectal bleeding following prostate needle biopsy
Authors: GONEN MURAT , RESIM SEFA
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Rectal bleeding is frequently seen in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy, but it usually stops spontaneously. We report a case of life‐threatening rectal bleeding following this procedure. Bleeding was controlled using an ordinary condom, which was successfully inflated in the rectum over the bleeding site.
Influence of pain and urinary symptoms on quality of life in young men with chronic prostatitis‐like symptoms
Authors: KU JA HYEON , KWAK CHEOL , OH SEUNG‐JUNE , LEE EUNSIK , LEE SANG EUN , PAICK JAE‐SEUNG
Published: July 2004

Abstract  Background:  Our aims in the present study were to estimate the influences of pain and urinary symptoms on quality of life, and to determine which of these two variables has the most predictive power with respect to quality of life in young men with chronic prostatitis‐like symptoms.

Methods:  Chronic prostatitis‐like symptoms were measured by the National Institutes of Health‐Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. Of the 28 841 men aged 20 years who lived in the study community, 18 495 men (a response rate 64.1%) agreed to participate in the study. A total of 1057 men who complained of symptoms indicative of chronic prostatitis were included in the study. The influences of pain and urinary symptoms on quality of life were determined using logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to estimate the predictive ability of each of these variables with respect to quality of life.

Results:  Results from multivariate analysis showed that both pain and urinary symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of impaired quality of life, although pain contributed more to a reduced quality of life than urinary symptoms. Relative to men who experienced mild pain, men who experienced moderate pain had a 3.9‐fold risk of poor quality of life (odds ratio [OR], 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.86–5.23; P < 0.001) and those who experienced severe pain had a 15.7‐fold risk of reduced quality of life (OR, 15.68; 95% CI, 6.59–37.35; P < 0.001). Moderate urinary symptoms were associated with a 1.4‐fold risk of bother (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01–1.99; P < 0.001) and severe urinary symptoms were associated with 2.4‐fold risk (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.37–4.12; P < 0.001), relative to mild urinary symptoms. Comparison of the effects of pain and urinary symptoms showed that pain severity had the most predictive power for bother, quality of life, and quality‐of‐life impact. The areas under the ROC curves for bother, quality of life, and quality‐of‐life impact were 71.3%, 69.3% and 72.5%, respectively.

Conclusion:  Urinary symptoms and pain might be associated with an increased likelihood of impaired quality of life in young men with chronic prostatitis‐like symptoms. In addition, our findings suggest that pain severity is the most influential variable for determining quality of life in this population.
Two Japanese kindreds occurring endometrial cancer meeting new clinical criteria for hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), Amsterdam Criteria II
Authors: Banno Kouji , Susumu Nobuyuki , Hirao Takeshi , Yanokura Megumi , Hirasawa Akira , Aoki Daisuke , Udagawa Yasuhiro , Sugano Kokichi , Nozawa Shiro
Published: July 2004

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch syndrome, is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder of cancer susceptibility. Patients with HNPCC exhibit an increased risk for HNPCC‐associated extracolonic tumors such as cancer of the endometrium. HNPCC is associated with germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes: hMLH1, hMSH2 and hMSH6.

Here, we describe two Japanese kindreds (0.5%) who met the new clinical criteria for HNPCC, Amsterdam criteria II, from among 375 endometrial cancer patients treated at Keio University Hospital from 1990 to 2002. From these results, it was found that female HNPCC patients comprised approximately 0.5% of all endometrial cancer patients. Decreased expression of two MMR gene protein products (hMLH1 and hMSH6) was confirmed immunohistochemically in these two endometrial tumors in HNPCC kindreds. This case report provides important information on Japanese HNPCC patients occurring endometrial cancer.
Germ cell tumors of the ovary: A clinicopathologic study of 121 cases from Nepal
Authors: Sah Shatrughan Prasad , Uprety Dhruba , Rani Sudha
Published: July 2004

Background:  Although many reports have been published about germ cell tumors of the ovary in developed countries, there has been no such documentation from Nepal. The retrospective study presented here reports the clinicopathologic profile of germ cell tumors of the ovary studied at B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 121 histopathologically proven cases of germ cell tumor of the ovary operated on at either our institute or somewhere else (but processed in our institute) from November 1995 to April 2001 (5.5 years) was done. Clinical data, histopathologic findings and complications were recorded.

Results:  The prevalence of germ cell tumors was 43.36% (121/279) of all ovarian neoplasms. Patient age varied from 8 to 65 years (median 31 years). Tumor occurrence was most frequent in patients aged 21–40 years. Only eight of 121 cases (6.61%) were malignant; the rest (93.39%) were mature teratomas. Of great interest was the unexpectedly high number of cases (47.93%) found in patients who were hill natives such as Rai and Gurung. Pain and abdominal fullness were common symptoms noted in 85.95% and 79.31% of patients, respectively. Seventeen (14%) asymptomatic cases were found either on routine physical examination (12 cases) or during pregnancy (five cases). The left ovary was involved in 39.7% cases and the right in 35.5%. Bilateral involvement was seen in 24.8% of cases. Torsion was noted in 20.66% and was the most common complication. Of all the germ cell tumors 93.39% were cystic and only 6.61% were solid on gross appearance. There were three cases of monodermal benign teratoma, four cases of immature teratoma and one case of malignant transformation.

Conclusion:  Mature teratoma is the most common germ cell tumor and accounts for 40.50% of all ovarian neoplasms. The high prevalence of germ cell tumors of the ovary found among patients who were hill natives needs to be explored further.
Prospective study of glove perforation in obstetrical and gynecological operations: Are we safe enough?
Authors: Malhotra Monika , Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Wadhwa Leena , Arora Raksha
Published: July 2004

Objectives:  To assess the glove perforation rate, efficacy of double gloving, effect of duration of surgery, expertise of surgeon and operative urgency on the glove perforation rate in obstetrical and gynecologic operations.

Methods:  From February to September 2002, double glove protocol was made necessary for all major obstetrical and gynecologic procedures. The operating surgeon, first and second assistant were included in the study. Gloves damage was noted (overt by inspection, occult by hydroinsufflation technique).

Results:  Of the 156 procedures included in study, 32 procedures were performed (all emergency operations) single‐gloved because surgeons found double gloving clumsy (56%), made it difficult to tie knots due to lack of dexterity (24%), or were too tight (20%). One thousand one hundred and twenty single gloves were examined after each procedure by hydroinsufflation. The overall perforation rate was 13.6% (single versus double outer gloves, 13.8%versus l3.2%, P > 0.05). Matching perforations were found in six cases (4.6%). Thus, the protection offered by double gloves was 95.4% even if the outer gloves were perforated. Four inner gloves had preexisting perforations. Sixty unused gloves checked similarly revealed a perforation rate of 1.6%. Emergency cases had higher perforation rate compared to elective surgeries (16.6%versus 10.8%, P < 0.00 1). Surgeries lasting for more than 40 min had a higher perforation rate compared to those finished in less than or equal to 40 min (18.6%versus 7.6%, P < 0.001). The middle finger of the left hand was the most commonly involved. The surgeon, first assistant and second assistant were involved in 73.6, 23.3 and 3.2% cases, respectively.

Conclusion:  Double gloving offers considerable protection against exposure to contaminants in the blood and body fluids of the patient and should be made routine, especially in developing countries where HIV, hepatitis B and C are widely prevalent. Double gloving should be made mandatory in emergency procedures, which have a higher perforation rate due to operative urgency, and gloves should be changed in operations lasting for more than 40 min to ensure integrity of barrier.
Cervical varix accompanied by placenta previa in twin pregnancy
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuaki , Hirsch Emmet , Kitano Rei , Kashimura Masamichi
Published: July 2004

Background:  Uterine cervical varix is a rare complication in pregnant women and can be the cause of obstetric hemorrhage in the vagina resulting in adverse events for both the mother and fetus.

Case:  A 34‐year‐old Japanese woman was hospitalized at 18 weeks gestation because of cervical varix and placenta previa. Prophylactic tocolysis successfully controlled the obstetric hemorrhage. At 27 weeks gestation, emergent cesarean section was performed because of intractable hemorrhage from the marginal placenta previa. Intraabdominal findings revealed no vascular malformation of the uterus, and the operation was performed uneventfully. A speculum examination of the vagina and cervix at 1 month postpartum were unremarkable.

Conclusion:  It is important to recognize the clinical features and available treatments for cervical varix.
Antiphosphatidylethanolamine antibodies in recurrent early pregnancy loss and mid‐to‐late pregnancy loss*
Authors: Sugi Toshitaka , Matsubayashi Hidehiko , Inomo Akifumi , Dan Lu , Makino Tsunehisa
Published: July 2004

Aim:  Associations have been reported between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), mainly anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and/or the lupus anticoagulant, and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). However, relatively few studies describing antiphosphatidylethanolamine antibodies (aPE) have been reported. We describe the prevalence of aPL to both cardiolipin and phosphatidylethanolamine in patients with RPL.

Methods:  Patients with recurrent early pregnancy losses (n = 145) and mid‐to‐late pregnancy loss(es) (n = 26) were screened for aPE and aCL.

Results:  In patients with recurrent early pregnancy losses, prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) aPE (17.9%, P = 0.001) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) aPE (12.4%, P = 0.01) was significantly higher than in the control group. In patients with mid‐to‐late pregnancy loss(es), prevalence of IgM aPE (19.2%, P = 0.008) and IgG aCL (23.1%, P = 0.02) was significantly higher than in the control group.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that aPE may be a risk factor in patients with mid‐to‐late pregnancy loss(es) as well as recurrent early pregnancy losses.
Space‐Time Hierarchical Radiosity with Clustering and Higher‐Order Wavelets
Authors: Damez Cyrille , Holzschuch Nicolas , Sillion François X.
Published: July 2004

We address in this paper the issue of computing diffuse global illumination solutions for animation sequences. The principal difficulties lie in the computational complexity of global illumination, emphasized by the movement of objects and the large number of frames to compute, as well as the potential for creating temporal discontinuities in the illumination, a particularly noticeable artifact. We demonstrate how space‐time hierarchical radiosity, i.e. the application to the time dimension of a hierarchical decomposition algorithm, can be effectively used to obtain smooth animations: first by proposing the integration of spatial clustering in a space‐time hierarchy; second, by using a higher‐order wavelet basis adapted for the temporal dimension. The resulting algorithm is capable of creating time‐dependent radiosity solutions efficiently.
An Integer One‐Pass Algorithm for Voxel Traversal
Authors: Liu Y. K. , Žalik B. , Yang H.
Published: July 2004

Voxel traversing along a line in a uniformly divided voxel space is frequently needed in different applications of computer graphics. The paper presents a new integer one‐pass algorithm for this problem. In 2D, the proposed approach is based on a modification of the well‐known Bresenham algorithm. The algorithm is then extended in 3D where a special case may occur. It is characterized by a simple discriminator. A derivation for this discriminator given in the paper confirms that all calculations can be realized using only integer arithmetic. In this way, the accumulation of rounding errors is completely eliminated, and a robust and compact implementation can be easily achieved. One of the main advantages of the proposed algorithm is that it visits 1–3 voxels during each iteration thus assuring its efficiency. The algorithm has been compared with other algorithms for voxel traversing by measuring spent CPU time. For comparison, Cleary & Wyvill's, Amanatides & Woo's, and Code‐based algorithm have been used. The proposed algorithm is faster than the referenced algorithms.
Modeling Trees with Hypertextures
Authors: Strnad D. , Guid N.
Published: July 2004

In the paper, a new method for modelling trees at medium detail is presented. The method is based on a volumetric representation of trees, generated by an iterated function system (IFS). Alleviating the modeling restrictions of fractal techniques, extensions to the standard IFS are introduced. Practical aspects of modeling and rendering of trees, such as data structures and bounding volumes, are discussed. The advantages of the new method are described at the end together with some results.
The State of the Art in Flow Visualization: Dense and Texture‐Based Techniques
Authors: Laramee Robert S. , Hauser Helwig , Doleisch Helmut , Vrolijk Benjamin , Post Frits H. , Weiskopf Daniel
Published: July 2004

Flow visualization has been a very attractive component of scientific visualization research for a long time. Usually very large multivariate datasets require processing. These datasets often consist of a large number of sample locations and several time steps. The steadily increasing performance of computers has recently become a driving factor for a reemergence in flow visualization research, especially in texture‐based techniques. In this paper, dense, texture‐based flow visualization techniques are discussed. This class of techniques attempts to provide a complete, dense representation of the flow field with high spatio‐temporal coherency. An attempt of categorizing closely related solutions is incorporated and presented. Fundamentals are shortly addressed as well as advantages and disadvantages of the methods.
Distributed and Collaborative Visualization
Authors: Brodlie K. W. , Duce D. A. , Gallop J. R. , Walton J. P. R. B. , Wood J. D.
Published: July 2004

Visualization is a powerful tool for analyzing data and presenting results in science, engineering and medicine. This paper reviews ways in which it can be used in distributed and/or collaborative environments. Distributed visualization addresses a number of resource allocation problems, including the location of processing close to data for the minimization of data traffic. The advent of the Grid Computing paradigm and the link to Web Services provides fresh challenges and opportunities for distributed visualization—including the close coupling of simulations and visualizations in a steering environment. Recent developments in collaboration have seen the growth of specialized facilities (such as Access Grid) which have supplemented traditional desktop video conferencing using the Internet and multicast communications. Collaboration allows multiple users—possibly at remote sites—to take part in the visualization process at levels which range from the viewing of images to the shared control of the visualization methods. In this review, we present a model framework for distributed and collaborative visualization and assess a selection of visualization systems and frameworks for their use in a distributed or collaborative environment. We also discuss some examples of enabling technology and review recent work from research projects in this field.
Facing two seas: Mediterranean and Atlantic contacts in the north‐west of Iberia in the first millennium BC
Authors: González‐Ruibal Alfredo
Published: July 2004

Summary.  Despite the marginality of the region, the Later Bronze Age and Iron Age communities of the north‐west of the Iberian Peninsula were engaged in active relationships with both Atlantic and Mediterranean peoples. Unlike other Atlantic regions, the area maintained direct contacts both with Mediterranean sailors and with the communities of the British Isles and north‐western France simultaneously. The social relevance of these interactions and the range of imported goods transported varied throughout the first millennium BC. New evidence shows an intense involvement in Mediterranean trade from the fifth century BC onwards, while Atlantic contacts increased from the late second century BC, to reach a climax under Roman rule (first–second centuries AD).
Site function and the ‘ibex‐site phenomenon’: myth or reality?
Authors: Phoca‐Cosmetatou Nellie
Published: July 2004

Summary.  This paper focuses on ibex hunting in Italy during the Upper Palaeolithic. The faunal assemblages from five ibex‐dominated sites (Dalmeri, Arene Candide, Fumane, Villabruna and Soman) are examined with the aim of assessing the role of the sites and people's activities in the wider settlement system. These sites will be placed in their wider context of the Italian Upper Palaeolithic so as to explore the nature of variability in ibex exploitation. The importance of these considerations is to examine aspects of specialized hunting, increased intensity of resource exploitation during the end of the Upper Palaeolithic, and methodological considerations of the relationship between faunal remains and the human activities that produced them.
Oxidation of Benzene to Phenol, Catechol, and 1,2,3-Trihydroxybenzene by Toluene 4-Monooxygenase of
Pseudomonas mendocina
KR1 and Toluene 3-Monooxygenase of
Ralstonia pickettii
PKO1
Authors: Tao Ying , Fishman Ayelet , Bentley William E. , Wood Thomas K.
Published: July 2004

Aromatic hydroxylations are important bacterial metabolic processes but are difficult to perform using traditional chemical synthesis, so to use a biological catalyst to convert the priority pollutant benzene into industrially relevant intermediates, benzene oxidation was investigated. It was discovered that toluene 4-monooxygenase (T4MO) of
Pseudomonas mendocina
KR1, toluene 3-monooxygenase (T3MO) of
Ralstonia pickettii
PKO1, and toluene
ortho
-monooxygenase (TOM) of
Burkholderia cepacia
G4 convert benzene to phenol, catechol, and 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene by successive hydroxylations. At a concentration of 165 μM and under the control of a constitutive
lac
promoter,
Escherichia coli
TG1/pBS(Kan)T4MO expressing T4MO formed phenol from benzene at 19 ± 1.6 nmol/min/mg of protein, catechol from phenol at 13.6 ± 0.3 nmol/min/mg of protein, and 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene from catechol at 2.5 ± 0.5nmol/min/mg of protein. The catechol and 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene products were identified by both high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. When analogous plasmid constructs were used,
E. coli
TG1/pBS(Kan)T3MO expressing T3MO formed phenol, catechol, and 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene at rates of 3 ± 1, 3.1 ± 0.3, and 0.26 ± 0.09 nmol/min/mg of protein, respectively, and
E. coli
TG1/pBS(Kan)TOM expressing TOM formed 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene at a rate of 1.7 ± 0.3 nmol/min/mg of protein (phenol and catechol formation rates were 0.89 ± 0.07 and 1.5 ± 0.3 nmol/min/mg of protein, respectively). Hence, the rates of synthesis of catechol by both T3MO and T4MO and the 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene formation rate by TOM were found to be comparable to the rates of oxidation of the natural substrate toluene for these enzymes (10.0 ± 0.8, 4.0 ± 0.6, and 2.4 ± 0.3 nmol/min/mg of protein for T4MO, T3MO, and TOM, respectively, at a toluene concentration of 165 μM).
Impact of Heterologous Expression of
Escherichia coli
UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase on Trehalose and Glycogen Synthesis in
Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Padilla Leandro , Morbach Susanne , Krämer Reinhard , Agosin Eduardo
Published: July 2004

Trehalose is a disaccharide with a wide range of applications in the food industry. We recently proposed a strategy for trehalose production based on improved strains of the gram-positive bacterium
Corynebacterium glutamicum
. This microorganism synthesizes trehalose through two major pathways, OtsBA and TreYZ, by using UDP-glucose and ADP-glucose, respectively, as the glucosyl donors. In this paper we describe improvement of the UDP-glucose supply through heterologous expression in
C. glutamicum
of the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene from
Escherichia coli
, either expressed alone or coexpressed with the
E. coli ots
genes (
galU otsBA
synthetic operon). The impact of such expression on trehalose accumulation and excretion, glycogen accumulation, and the growth pattern of new recombinant strains is described. Expression of the
galU otsBA
synthetic operon resulted in a sixfold increase in the accumulated and excreted trehalose relative to that in a wild-type strain. Surprisingly, single expression of
galU
also resulted in an increase in the accumulated trehalose. This increase in trehalose synthesis was abolished upon deletion of the TreYZ pathway. These results proved that UDP-glucose has an important role not only in the OtsBA pathway but also in the TreYZ pathway.
Longitudinal Study of
Campylobacter jejuni
Bacteriophages and Their Hosts from Broiler Chickens
Authors: Connerton P. L. , Loc Carrillo C. M. , Swift C. , Dillon E. , Scott A. , Rees C. E. D. , Dodd C. E. R. , Frost J. , Connerton I. F.
Published: July 2004

A longitudinal study of bacteriophages and their hosts was carried out at a broiler house that had been identified as having a population of
Campylobacter
-specific bacteriophages. Cloacal and excreta samples were collected from three successive broiler flocks reared in the same barn.
Campylobacter jejuni
was isolated from each flock, whereas bacteriophages could be isolated from flocks 1 and 2 but were not isolated from flock 3. The bacteriophages isolated from flocks 1 and 2 were closely related to each other in terms of host range, morphology, genome size, and genetic content. All
Campylobacter
isolates from flock 1 were genotypically indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE and multilocus sequence typing indicated that this
C. jejuni
type was maintained from flock 1 to flock 2 but was largely superseded by three genetically distinct
C. jejuni
types insensitive to the resident bacteriophages. All isolates from the third batch of birds were insensitive to bacteriophages and genotypically distinct. These results are significant because this is the first study of an environmental population of
C. jejuni
bacteriophages and their influence on the
Campylobacter
populations of broiler house chickens. The role of developing bacteriophage resistance was investigated as this is a possible obstacle to the use of bacteriophage therapy to reduce the numbers of campylobacters in chickens. In this broiler house succession was largely due to incursion of new genotypes rather than to de novo development of resistance.