bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing a Novel Technique to Remove Accidentally Stitched or Entrapped Urethral Catheters after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Nagele Udo , Schilling David A. , Praetorius Manuel , Sievert Karl-Dietrich , Stenzl Arnulf , Anastasiadis Aristotelis G.
Published: April 2006

Introduction: A crucial step during radical prostatectomy is anastomosing the bladder neck to the urethral stump after specimen removal. For this purpose, a Foley catheter is inserted transurethrally to achieve a patent and watertight anastomosis. The catheter should be removed 6–10 days after the procedure to avoid ascending infection and stricture formation. On occasion, catheter removal is not possible due to fixation by one of the anastomotic sutures. In this case, a longer catheterization period may increase the risk of infection and formation of an anastomotic stricture. Materials and Methods: In the present report, we suggest a technique to overcome this problem by using an endoscopic laser dissection of the anastomotic suture. In 2 patients, a 4.8-Fr pediatric ureteroscope was passed through the urethra along the fixated catheter. After carefully inspecting the anastomosis, a laser fiber was brought in direct contact with the responsible suture. Results and Conclusions: By activating the laser, the suture was cut immediately, and the catheter could be removed. Both patients showed no signs of anastomotic leakage or stricture on cystography. Fixation of the catheter after radical prostatectomy is a rare, but bothering complication, which can compromise the functional outcome of the procedure. Using a pediatric ureteroscope and a laser fiber is an elegant, minimally invasive method to solve this problem. It can be easily and safely performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
A Study on Staging Bone Scans in Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ayyathurai R. , Mahapatra R. , Rajasundaram R. , Srinivasan V. , Archard N.P. , Toussi H.
Published: April 2006

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of bone scan as a staging investigation in newly diagnosed untreated prostate cancers. Materials and Methods: Bone scan results in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer were reviewed and correlated with clinical stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Gleason scores from the biopsy specimen. Results: In all, 124 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria with an age range of 51–94 (mean 72.3) years. Pre-biopsy PSA ranged from 2.2 to 5,864 with a median of 21.1 ng/ml. Clinical stage was T0-T1c 14.5%, T2a 41.9%, T2b 17.7%, T3 16.9%, and T4 9%. A Gleason score of 7 was found in 31%. Four patients’ samples were not suitable for Gleason scoring. Twenty patients (16.1%) had a positive bone scan with a mean age of 79.4 years (median 83). Two patients with PSA <20 ng/ml were positive. Of the 44 scans performed in the patients with PSA ≤20 ng/ml, clinical stage <T4 and Gleason sum ≤7 (with the major Gleason <4), none was positive. The above criteria give a 100% negative predictive value for avoiding bone scans as a staging investigation. Conclusions: Staging bone scan can be safely omitted in patients with a clinical stage of <T4, PSA level of ≤20 ng/ml and a Gleason score of ≤7 (with major Gleason pattern <4) unless the symptoms are suggestive of metastasis.
Hypoechoic Space Formation with Periprostatic Nerve Block: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Öbek Can , Özkan Burak , Tunc Burcin , Can Gunay
Published: April 2006

Introduction: The most efficacious and commonly applied anesthetic technique for prostate biopsy is periprostatic block. In a previous publication, the creation of a ‘hypoechoic space’ at the injection site was described. This was reported to be a routine and essential part of the technique in various subsequent series. We were interested in assessing the incidence of the formation of such a hypoechoic area, and more importantly, whether it had any impact on pain management. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eleven consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated. Local anesthetic consisted of 2.5 ml of 2% lidocaine for each side of the prostate. Infiltration was done within the neurovascular space at the base of the prostate just lateral to the junction between the prostate and the seminal vesicle. The creation of a hypoechoic nodule was recorded in three categories: no formation, unilateral or bilateral formation. Three groups were compared regarding the intensity of pain using a numeric analog scale. Results: No hypoechoic area was formed in 30 (27%) patients. A unilateral nodule was created in 40 (36%), and a bilateral nodule was seen in 41 (37%) patients. The median pain scores were 3.3, 2.5 and 1.3 for the no hypoechoic wheal, unilateral and bilateral wheal groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the creation of a hypoechoic space with anesthetic infiltration for prostate biopsy is indeed an important aspect of the technique with regard to pain control; however, it may not be accomplished in every case.
Can MRI Predict Which Patients Are Most Likely to Benefit from Percutaneous Positioning of Volume-Adjustable Balloon Devices?
Authors: Stecco Alessandro , Saponaro Antonio , Crivellaro Simone , Cotroneo Antonio Raffaele , Frea Bruno , Carriero Alessandro , Kocjancic Ervin
Published: April 2006

Purpose: To assess whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in predicting which patients affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) will benefit from a new anti-incontinence therapy named adjustable continence therapy (ACT™). Methods: We prospectively evaluated a group of 25 female patients affected by SUI and treated with ACT. Before and after treatment all patients were clinically assessed by physical examination, urodynamic evaluation and pad test. All patients had an MR examination before and 3 and 12 months after ACT surgery to compare the position of the bladder neck in relation to the pubococcygeal line (PCL). Results: 21/25 (84%) patients were improved; 16 (64%) of these patients were dry and 5 (20%) significantly improved. Before treatment, the mean PCL distance was significantly different (p < 0.01) between the responsive and the non-responsive groups. Conclusions: MRI provides an effective radiological method to predict the efficacy of the ACT.
Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Proliferative Activity of Cyst Epithelium in Human Renal Cystic Diseases
Authors: Compérat Eva , Ferlicot Sophie , Camparo Philippe , Eschwege Pascal , Ba Nathalie , Benoit Gérard , Bédossa Pierre , Paradis Valérie
Published: April 2006

Pathogenesis of malignancies in patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is not clearly understood. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r) production by mature kidney plays a role in promotion of epithelial hyperplasia and cyst formation, its involvement in further progression is however not proven. Ki-67 is a marker for cellular proliferation. We assessed immunohistochemical expression of EGF-r and Ki-67 in epithelium of normal kidney, single cysts without PKD, epithelial tubular cells lining simple cysts and cysts with papillary proliferation in PKD patients, and analyzed the relationship with the occurrence of malignant tumors in these cases. 72% of PKD displayed EGF-r staining in epithelium lining cysts versus 33% in normal epithelium and 70% in epithelium of normal kidney. Ki-67 was increased in papillary cystic epithelium (24%) and in cysts lined by flat epithelium (66%). Renal cancers in PKD showed EGF-r staining in 33%, but no Ki-67 expression. EGF-r function and proliferative activity in cyst formation in PKD remains to be explored. EGF-r and Ki-67 expressions are not predictive of development of carcinoma in PKD.
Differential Nephron HO-1 Expression following Glomerular Epithelial Cell Injury
Authors: Datta Prasun K. , Reddy Sreenivas , Sharma Mukut , Lianos Elias A.
Published: April 2006

Background: In proteinuria of glomerular origin there is upregulation of heme-oxygenase (HO), the rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation, in the nephron in a segment-specific manner. To better characterize this phenomenon, we employed a model of proteinuria resulting from disruption of the glomerular capillary permeability barrier to protein by administration of the glomerular epithelial cell toxin puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) to rats. In this model, we assessed nephron distribution of the expression of the inducible HO isoform, HO-1, and the role of free radicals in modulating HO-1 expression. Methods: Rats were injected with either vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) or PAN or the spin trap free radical stabilizer α-phenyl-N-tert butyl nitrone (PBN), or with both PAN and PBN. Ten days following the PAN injection, urine protein, creatinine, nitric oxide (NO) and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Kidney sections and protein lysates were assessed for changes in HO-1 expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Results: In control animals (DMSO or PBN alone) there was no proteinuria and very weak or absent HO-1 staining in nephron segments. PAN treatment induced proteinuria and increased urine MDA excretion. In these animals, there was a robust HO-1 expression mainly in tubules and in glomerular parietal but not visceral epithelial cells. Unilateral ureteral obstruction to interrupt glomerular filtration in animals treated with PAN abrogated tubular HO-1 expression in the kidney ipsilateral to the obstruction. Administration of PBN to PAN-treated animals reduced proteinuria and MDA excretion while it markedly augmented tubular HO-1 expression. This augmentation was prominent in tubular cells of the inner cortex/outer medulla. Conclusions: These observations indicate that upregulation of nephron HO-1 following disruption of the glomerular permeability barrier occurs at sites downstream of this barrier and is mediated by a filtered HO-1 inducer(s). Scavenging of free radicals potentiates the effect of this inducer and unmasks nephron segments most and least capable of upregulating HO-1.
Reduced Cellular Toxicity of a New Silver-Containing Antimicrobial Dressing and Clinical Performance in Non-Healing Wounds
Authors: Ziegler K. , Görl R. , Effing J. , Ellermann J. , Mappes M. , Otten S. , Kapp H. , Zoellner P. , Spaeth D. , Smola H.
Published: April 2006

Bacterial colonisation of wounds may delay wound healing. Modern silver-containing dressings are antimicrobial, yet cellular toxicity is a serious side-effect. We provide data for a newly formulated silver-containing oint ment dressing, Atrauman Ag, for antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. Atrauman Ag effectively killed a panel of commensal skin as well as pathogenic bacterial strains while cytotoxicity for HaCaT keratinocytes was only around 10%. With these favourable in vitro tests, Atrauman Ag was analysed in 86 patients with traumatic and non-healing wounds of different aetiologies. The wound state was evaluated for 3 subsequent dressing changes. The slough score was reduced from 59.2 to 35.8%, granulation tissue increased from 27 to 40% and epithelialisation went up from 12.1 to 24%. We conclude that Atrauman Ag has a superior profile of antimicrobial activity over cellular toxicity and the low silver ion release rate may prevent interference with wound-healing mechanisms.
Mechanics of Respiratory Muscles in Single-Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ratnovsky Anat , Elad David , Izbicki Gabriel , Kramer Mordechai R.
Published: April 2006

Background: Emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis force the patients to breathe at an abnormal lung volume, which alters the lengths of the respiratory muscles and thereby their work capability is reduced. After single-lung transplantation, muscle function is restored on the side of the transplant but it may be asymmetric to that on the side of the native diseased lung. Objective: Investigating the hypothesis that single-lung transplantation induces mechanical asymmetry of the respiratory muscles on the two sides. Methods: Simultaneously noninvasive measurements of inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure, airflow rate and electromyography signals from the sternomastoid, external intercostal, rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles were acquired during different breathing maneuvers. The study group included 10 single-lung transplant recipients (5 with pulmonary fibrosis and 5 with emphysema) and 10 healthy controls. Results: Analysis of the finding shows a significant lower global strength of the respiratory muscles of single-lung transplant recipients compared to that of healthy subjects. No significant difference in the EMG signals of respiratory muscles was found either between the different groups or between the sides of the transplant and the native lung in the patient groups. Both single-lung transplant recipients and healthy subjects demonstrated high EMG activity of the inspiratory muscles during inspiration at different breathing efforts. Conclusion: Patients after single-lung transplantation have lower respiratory muscle strength than healthy subjects, but apparently normal electrical activity. The lower global respiratory muscle strength emphasizes the importance of their rehabilitation before and after single-lung transplantation.
Endogenous Expression of C-Reactive Protein Is Increased in Active (Ulcerated Noncomplicated) Human Carotid Artery Plaques
Authors: Krupinski Jerzy , Turu Marta Miguel , Martinez-Gonzalez Jose , Carvajal Ana , Juan-Babot Josep Oriol , Iborra Elena , Slevin Mark , Rubio Francisco , Badimon Lina
Published: April 2006

Background and Purpose—

There is growing evidence suggesting that C-reactive protein (CRP) is an effecter molecule able to induce and promote atherothrombosis. The presence of CRP in atherosclerotic plaques may reflect local production or infiltration from circulating CRP increased in general inflammatory responses. Our aim was to analyze the presence of CRP in human advanced carotid artery plaques with differential anatomo-pathological characteristics and to assess local expression of CRP and other proinflammatory genes in these lesions.

Methods—

Human carotid artery specimens from 38 patients undergoing scheduled endarterectomy were classified into 3 groups: ulcerated (noncomplicated) (UNC, n=19), fibrous (F, n=12) and ulcerated (complicated/hemorrhagic) plaques (UC, n=7). The presence of CRP was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and plasma samples were screened for circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. TaqMan Low-density Arrays were used for study of genes related to inflammation (CRP, interleukin-6, macrophage colony-stimulating factor-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, cyclooxygenase-2).

Results—

CRP mRNA levels were predominantly detected in UNC-high risk plaques but not in UC (
P
=0.001). UNC also exhibit the highest expression levels of other genes involved in the inflammatory responses: cyclooxygenase-2 (
P
<0.005 versus F and versus UC), IL-6 (
P
<0.005 versus F and versus UC) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (
P
<0.01 versus F and versus UC). Plaque CRP mRNA levels correlated with immunohistochemical findings but were independent of plasma high-sensitivity CRP. In UNC plaques endothelial cells and inflammatory cells were strongly positive for CRP around areas of newly formed microvessels.

Conclusions—

In human high-risk carotid artery plaques (UNC) CRP expression reflects an active proinflammatory stage. Local synthesis of CRP could be involved in plaque neovascularization and increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation.
Effects of News Shock on Inbound Tourist Demand Volatility in Korea
Authors: Kim Samuel Seongseop , Wong Kevin K. F.
Published: April 2006

This study introduces the concepts and theories relating to conditional heteroscedastic volatility models and the news impact curve, and applies them in the analysis of the tourist market in Korea. Three volatility models are used to estimate the conditional volatility of monthly arrivals of inbound tourists into Korea, and news impact curves are examined in the context of these models. The major findings of this study include the existence of monthly seasonality in conditional mean equations, the existence of asymmetric effects from the EGARCH and TARCH models, and the persistence of the impact of news shock on monthly tourist arrivals into Korea in the estimation of the GARCH model.
Segmenting Markets by Travel Expenditure Patterns: The Case of International Visitors to Australia
Authors: Laesser Christian , Crouch Geoffrey I.
Published: April 2006

This article addresses the issue of segmenting markets according to drivers of travel expenses, exemplified by the case of international visitors to Australia and modeled by means of hedonic (log-linear) regression. Based on characteristics of a trip (number of travel companions from the same household, duration of trip, and choice of type of accommodation) as well as the reason for travel and influences to come to Australia, the overall expenditure for a trip is estimated by log-linear regression. The results (all ceteris paribus) reveal that visitors from mature markets, most of them in Europe, tend to spend approximately 20% to 30% less on a trip to Australia than those from less mature markets, most of them in Asia. Attending conferences as a delegate, visitation to rural areas such as the outback, and travel aimed at enjoying local food and beverages are associated with higher spending compared to other reasons for visiting Australia. In contrast, (commoditized) beach holidays and visitation to events lead to comparably less spending. With regard to accommodation, the use of hotels results in expenditure of 20% higher than average for other forms of accommodation, whereas staying with friends and relatives leads to expenditures of 8% to 14% less than average. Finally, travelers on group tours spend up to 10% less than average.
The Love Triangle: Loyal Relationships among Providers, Customers, and Their Friends
Authors: Morais Duarte B. , Kerstetter Deborah L. , Yarnal Careen M.
Published: April 2006

With the increasing maturity of many sectors of the tourism industry, providers have enhanced their efforts to develop loyal relationships with selected customers—a strategy that theoretically results in higher profits and a more stable competitive advantage. There is mounting evidence, however, that most loyalty programs are ineffective in generating psychological attachment to the provider. Therefore, the primary purpose of this article was to document the factors associated with the formation of ongoing, stable, and intimate (i.e., loyal) relationships between individuals and a provider of a cruise package. Data from 20 in-depth interviews with purposefully selected cruisers suggested that loyal relationships between customers and a cruise provider depended on the treatment customers received from the provider, the opportunities customers had to help the provider, and the bond they had with a larger community of cruisers. Implications for the integration and extension of loyalty theory are discussed, and suggestions for the development of effective loyalty programs are offered.
Tourist Memory Distortion
Authors: Braun-LaTour Kathryn A. , Grinley Melissa J. , Loftus Elizabeth F.
Published: April 2006

Tourists' memories of prior vacation experiences are an important source of information as they, their family, and their friends make future travel plans. However, those memories may be distorted by other types of information to which the tourists are exposed after they visit, such as advertising and other tourists' memory stories. In the present article, we utilize the false memory paradigm from cognitive psychology to assess whether external information sources can distort how tourists remember their own past. We end with a discussion of the implications of our results for tourism research and propose some future areas for investigation.
A Pig in a Suit Is Still A Pig: A Comment on “Modifying the C Index for Use With Holland Codes of Unequal Length”
Authors: Tinsley Howard E. A.
Published: April 2006

In this comment the author reviews briefly the evidence documenting the failure of Holland’s (1997) hexagonal congruence model to predict meaningful vocational outcomes, considers the excuses generally offered for the failure of Holland’s system, and comments briefly on Eggerth and Andrew’s (2006 [this issue]) proposed modification of the C index. The author concludes by proposing a redirection of the research agenda of vocational psychology to advance vocational psychology theory, research, and interventions.
Modifying the C Index for Use With Holland Codes of Unequal Length
Authors: Eggerth Donald E. , Andrew Michael E.
Published: April 2006

The concept of congruence between person and occupation lies at the core of Holland’s (1997) theory of career types. The C index is arguably the best available method for comparing the congruence of two Holland code profiles. The C index reflects the theorized hexagonal structure of the Holland RIASEC model, is sensitive to code ordering, and is simple to calculate. However, the C index is formulated to only make comparisons between Holland code profiles three letters in length. Although this is consistent with the instrumentation and supporting materials developed by Holland and his colleagues, it is inconsistent with both the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), each of which assigns Holland codes of one to three letters. Consequently, the C index cannot be easily used with either the SII or the O*NET. Moreover, the authors argue that it is arbitrary to always calculate congruence using Holland codes three letters in length and that congruence should only be calculated using those Holland types that are clearly salient in the profiles being compared. The modifications to the C index proposed in this article allow comparisons between Holland code profiles of unequal lengths and/or of less than three letters in length and retain the desirable properties of the original C index: reflection of the hexagonal structure, sensitivity to order, and simplicity of calculation.
A monoclonal antibody against CD148, a receptor-like tyrosine phosphatase, inhibits endothelial-cell growth and angiogenesis
Authors: Takahashi Takamune , Takahashi Keiko , Mernaugh Raymond L. , Tsuboi Nobuo , Liu Hua , Daniel Thomas O.
Published: April 2006

Angiogenesis contributes to a wide range of neoplastic, ischemic, and inflammatory disorders. Definition of the intrinsic molecular controls in angiogenic vessel growth promises novel therapeutic approaches for angiogenesis-related diseases. CD148 (also named DEP-1/PTPη) is a receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase that is abundantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. To explore a role of CD148 in endothelial vessel formation, we generated a monoclonal antibody, Ab1, against the ectodomain sequence of CD148 and examined its effects on endothelial-cell growth and vessel formation. Here we report that a bivalent, but not a monovalent, form of the Ab1 antibody inhibits endothelial-cell growth and blocks angiogenesis in mouse cornea in vivo. We further demonstrate that (1) bivalent Ab1 arrests cell-cycle progression of CD148-transfected CHO cells at G0/G1 phase, (2) coexpression of catalytically inactive CD148 mutants attenuates the Ab1-cell growth inhibition, and (3) bivalent Ab1 suppresses phosphorylation of ERK1/2 kinases and Met tyrosine kinase as activated CD148 does, with an increase in CD148-associated tyrosine phosphatase activity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Ab1-induced ectodomain oligomerization arrests endothelial-cell growth through catalytic activity of the CD148 cytoplasmic domain. The present study defines CD148 as a valuable molecular target for antiangiogenesis therapy.
Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus K5 removes CD31/PECAM from endothelial cells
Authors: Mansouri Mandana , Douglas Janet , Rose Patrick P. , Gouveia Kristine , Thomas Gary , Means Robert E. , Moses Ashlee V. , Früh Klaus
Published: April 2006

The transmembrane ubiquitin ligase K5/MIR2 of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) mediates internalization and lysosomal degradation of glycoproteins involved in antigen presentation and co-stimulation. In endothelial cells (ECs), K5 additionally reduced expression of CD31/platelet–endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM), an adhesion molecule regulating cell-cell interactions of ECs, platelets, monocytes, and T cells. K5 also reduced EC migration, a CD31-dependent process. Unlike other K5 substrates, both newly synthesized and pre-existing CD31 molecules were targeted by K5. K5 was transported to the cell surface and ubiquitinated pre-existing CD31, resulting in endocytosis and lysosomal degradation. In the endoplasmic reticulum, newly synthesized CD31 was degraded by proteasomes, which required binding of phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein-2 (PACS-2) to acidic residues in the carboxyterminal tail of K5. Thus, CD31, a novel target of K5, is efficiently removed from ECs by a dual degradation mechanism that is regulated by the subcellular sorting of the ubiquitin ligase. K5-mediated degradation of CD31 is likely to affect EC function in KS tumors.
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Pathways As Targets for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Shapiro Geoffrey I.
Published: April 2006

Cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) are critical regulators of cell cycle progression and RNA transcription. A variety of genetic and epigenetic events cause universal overactivity of the cell cycle cdks in human cancer, and their inhibition can lead to both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, built-in redundancy may limit the effects of highly selective cdk inhibition. Cdk4/6 inhibition has been shown to induce potent G1arrest in vitro and tumor regression in vivo; cdk2/1 inhibition has the most potent effects during the S and G2phases and induces E2F transcription factor–dependent cell death. Modulation of cdk2 and cdk1 activities also affects survival checkpoint responses after exposure to DNA-damaging and microtubule-stabilizing agents. The transcriptional cdks phosphorylate the carboxy-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, facilitating efficient transcriptional initiation and elongation. Inhibition of these cdks primarily affects the accumulation of transcripts with short half-lives, including those encoding antiapoptosis family members, cell cycle regulators, as well as p53 and nuclear factor-kappa B–responsive gene targets. These effects may account for apoptosis induced by cdk9 inhibitors, especially in malignant hematopoietic cells, and may also potentiate cytotoxicity mediated by disruption of a variety of pathways in many transformed cell types. Current work is focusing on overcoming pharmacokinetic barriers that hindered development of flavopiridol, a pan-cdk inhibitor, as well as assessing novel classes of compounds potently targeting groups of cell cycle cdks (cdk4/6 or cdk2/1) with variable effects on the transcriptional cdks 7 and 9. These efforts will establish whether the strategy of cdk inhibition is able to produce therapeutic benefit in the majority of human tumors.
Characterization of Recombinant Xenopus laevis Type I Iodothyronine Deiodinase: Substitution of a Proline Residue in the Catalytic Center by Serine (Pro132Ser) Restores Sensitivity to 6-Propyl-2-Thiouracil
Authors: Kuiper George G. J. M. , Klootwijk Willem , Morvan Dubois Ghislaine , Destree Olivier , Darras Veerle M. , Van der Geyten Serge , Demeneix Barbara , Visser Theo J.
Published: April 2006

In frogs such as Rana and Xenopus, metamorphosis does not occur in the absence of a functional thyroid gland. Previous studies indicated that coordinated development in frogs requires tissue and stage-dependent type II and type III iodothyronine deiodinase expression patterns to obtain requisite levels of intracellular T3 in tissues at the appropriate stages of metamorphosis. No type I iodothyronine deiodinase (D1), defined as T4 or reverse T3 (rT3) outer-ring deiodinase (ORD) activity with Michaelis constant (Km) values in the micromolar range and sensitivity to 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (6-PTU), could be detected in tadpoles so far. We obtained a X. laevis D1 cDNA clone from brain tissue. The complete sequence of this clone (1.1 kb, including poly A tail) encodes an ORF of 252 amino acid residues with high homology to other vertebrate D1 enzymes. The core catalytic center includes a UGA-encoded selenocysteine residue, and the 3′ untranslated region (about 300 nt) contains a selenocysteine insertion sequence element. Transfection of cells with an expression vector containing the full-length cDNA resulted in generation of significant deiodinase activity in the homogenates. The enzyme displayed ORD activity with T4 (Km 0.5 μm) and rT3 (Km 0.5 μm) and inner-ring deiodinase activity with T4 (Km 0.4 μm). Recombinant Xenopus D1 was essentially insensitive to inhibition by 6-PTU (IC50 > 1 mm) but was sensitive to gold thioglucose (IC50 0.1 μm) and iodoacetate (IC50 10 μm). Because the residue 2 positions downstream from the selenocysteine is Pro in Xenopus D1 but Ser in all cloned PTU-sensitive D1 enzymes, we prepared the Pro132Ser mutant of Xenopus D1. The mutant enzyme showed strongly increased ORD activity with T4 and rT3 (Km about 4 μm) and was highly sensitive to 6-PTU (IC50 2 μm). Little native D1 activity could be detected in Xenopus liver, kidney, brain, and gut, but significant D1 mRNA expression was observed in juvenile brain and adult liver and kidney. These results indicate the existence of a 6-PTU-insensitive D1 enzyme in X. laevis tissues, but its role during tadpole metamorphosis remains to be defined.
Replacing the Mouse Androgen Receptor with Human Alleles Demonstrates Glutamine Tract Length-Dependent Effects on Physiology and Tumorigenesis in Mice
Authors: Albertelli Megan A. , Scheller Arno , Brogley Michele , Robins Diane M.
Published: April 2006

Polymorphism in the length of the N-terminal glutamine (Q) tract in the human androgen receptor (AR) has been implicated in affecting aspects of male health ranging from fertility to cancer. Extreme expansion of the tract underlies Kennedy disease, and in vitro the AR Q tract length correlates inversely with transactivation capacity. However, whether normal variation influences physiology or the etiology of disease has been controversial. To assess directly the functional significance of Q tract variation, we converted the mouse AR to the human sequence by germline gene targeting, introducing alleles with 12, 21, or 48 glutamines. These three “humanized” AR (h/mAR) mouse lines were grossly normal in growth, behavior, fertility, and reproductive tract morphology. Phenotypic analysis revealed traits that varied subtly with Q tract length, including body fat amount and, more notably, seminal vesicle weight. Upon molecular analysis, tissue-specific differences in AR levels and target gene expression were detected between mouse lines. In the prostate, probasin, Nkx3.1, and clusterin mRNAs trended in directions predicted for inverse correlation of Q tract length with AR activation. Remarkably, when crossed with transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice, striking genotype-dependent differences in prostate cancer initiation and progression were revealed. This link between Q tract length and prostate cancer, likely due to differential activation of AR targets, corroborates human epidemiological studies. This h/mAR allelic series in a homogeneous mouse genetic background allows examination of numerous physiological traits for Q tract influences and provides an animal model to test novel drugs targeted specifically to human AR.
All in the Family: Descent and Succession in the Protohistoric Chiefdoms of the Greater Antilles—a Comment on Curet
Authors: Keegan William F.
Published: April 2006

In a recent article published in Ethnohistory, L. Antonio Curet argued that Spanish accounts of succession among the protohistoric chiefdoms of the Greater Antilles do not support prior interpretations that these groups practiced matrilineal descent. This commentary reexamines the evidence presented by Curet and concludes that matrilineal principles provided the basic foundation on which these chiefdoms were built.
Ablation of connexin43 in uterine smooth muscle cells of the mouse causes delayed parturition
Authors: Döring Britta , Shynlova Oksana , Tsui Prudence , Eckardt Dominik , Janssen-Bienhold Ulrike , Hofmann Franz , Feil Susanne , Feil Robert , Lye Stephen J. , Willecke Klaus
Published: April 2006

Gap junctions are characteristically increased in the myometrium during term and preterm delivery and are thought to be essential for the development of uterine contractions during labour. Expression of connexin43 (Cx43), the major myometrial gap junction protein, is increased during delivery. We have generated a mouse mutant (Cx43fl/fl:SM-CreERT2), in which the coding region of Cx43 can be specifically deleted in smooth muscle cells at any given time point by application of tamoxifen. By this approach, we were able to study long-term effects on myometrial functions that are necessary for parturition as well as gap junction intercellular communication in primary myometrial cell cultures. We found a prolongation of the pregnancy in 82% of tamoxifen-treated Cx43fl/fl:SM-CreERT2 mice as well as decreased dye coupling in cultured primary myocytes of these animals. Other parturition-specific parameters such as the regulation of oxytocin receptor, prostaglandin F receptor or progesterone remained unchanged. Our results indicate the important function of Cx43 during parturition in the living animal and suggest further strategies to investigate the role of connexins in uterine contractility in transgenic mice.
Growth cone steering by a physiological electric field requires dynamic microtubules, microfilaments and Rac-mediated filopodial asymmetry
Authors: Rajnicek Ann M. , Foubister Louise E. , McCaig Colin D.
Published: April 2006

Electric fields (EFs) resembling those in the developing and regenerating nervous systems steer growth cones towards the cathode. Requirements for actin microfilaments, microtubules and their interactions during EF growth cone steering have been presumed, but remain unproven. Here, we demonstrate essential roles for dynamic microfilaments and microtubules in cathode-directed migration. Cathodal turning of growth cones on cultured Xenopus embryonic spinal neurons was attenuated significantly by nanomolar concentrations of the microfilament inhibitor latrunculin, the microtubule-stabilising drug taxol, or the microtubule-destabilising drugs vinblastine or nocodazole. Dynamically, the cathodal bias of filopodia preceded cathodal turning of the growth cone, suggesting an instructive role in EF-induced steering. Lamellipodial asymmetry accompanied turning. Filopodia and lamellipodia are regulated by the GTPases Cdc42 and Rac, respectively, and, as shown in the companion paper in this issue, peptides that selectively prevented effector binding to the CRIB domains of Cdc42 or Rac abolished cathodal growth cone turning during 3 hours of EF exposure. Here, the Rac peptide suppressed lamellipodium formation, increased the number of filopodia, abolished cathodal filopodial orientation, and prevented cathodal steering. The Cdc42 peptide suppressed filopodium formation, increased lamellipodial area and prevented cathodal steering. The cathodal bias of lamellipodia was independent of Cdc42 CRIB activity and was not sufficient for cathodal steering in the absence of filopodia, but the cathodal bias of filopodia through Rac CRIB activity was necessary for cathodal turning. Understanding the mechanism for cathodal growth cone guidance will enhance the emerging clinical effort to stimulate human spinal cord regeneration through EF application.
A Voltage-Induced Transition of Hemin in BIODE (Biomolecular Light-Emitting Diode)
Authors: Tajima Hiroyuki , Shimatani Kazuhiro , Komino Takeshi , Matsuda Masaki , Ikeda Shingo , Ando Yoriko , Akiyama Hidefumi
Published: April 2006

We fabricated biomolecular light-emitting diodes (BIODE) using hemin, and measured the electroluminescence (EL) spectra, current–voltage and EL intensity–voltage characteristics. The current–voltage and EL intensity–voltage characteristics revealed an irreversible transition of hemin for the applied voltage of V ≈ 4.5 V, above which drastic changes of the EL spectra occur. In order to clarify the origin of this voltage-induced transition, we determined the spin state of several compounds containing heme (hemin, myoglobin, and cytochrome c) using magnetic susceptibility and Raman spectra. We clarified the features of the EL spectra of heme compounds both in the oxidized low-spin state and in the oxidized high-spin state. Based on the spectral features thus obtained, we concluded that the voltage-induced transition in hemin is associated with the change of iron from the oxidized high-spin state (S = 5/2) to the oxidized low-spin state (S = 1/2).
KREPA4, an RNA binding protein essential for editosome integrity and survival of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Salavati Reza , Ernst Nancy Lewis , O'Rear Jeff , Gilliam Troy , Tarun Salvador , Stuart Kenneth
Published: April 2006

The 20S editosome, a multiprotein complex, catalyzes the editing of most mitochondrial mRNAs in trypanosomatids by uridylate insertion and deletion. RNAi mediated inactivation of expression of KREPA4 (previously TbMP24), a component of the 20S editosome, in procyclic form Trypanosoma brucei resulted in inhibition of cell growth, loss of RNA editing, and disappearance of 20S editosomes. Levels of MRP1 and REAP-1 proteins, which may have roles in editing but are not editosome components, were unaffected. Tagged KREPA4 protein is incorporated into 20S editosomes in vivo with no preference for either insertion or deletion subcomplexes. Consistent with its S1-like motif, recombinant KREPA4 protein binds synthetic gRNA with a preference for the 3′ oligo (U) tail. These data suggest that KREPA4 is an RNA binding protein that may be specific for the gRNA Utail and also is important for 20S editosome stability.
Stepwise strategies in analysing haematuria and leukocyturia in screening
Authors: Steinmetz Josiane , Henny Joseph , Gueguen René
Published: April 2006

The aim of the present work was to compare in a supposed healthy population of 680 subjects several algorithms for positive selection of urine samples requiring microscopic examination for erythrocytes and leukocytes after screening by automated test-strip measurement and particle counting on a Sysmex UF-50™ flow cytometer. Four strategies have been formulated and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false positive rate, false negative rate, and microscopic review rate were measured. The strategy combining test strip analysis and automated counting on all samples, followed by microscopic examination of only discordant samples gave the best results. When the two methods of haematuria screening were in agreement (91% of samples), the false negative rate for microscopy was 1.1%, with a false positive rate of 0.8%, sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 99%, and the results are acceptable without any other examination. When the two methods of haematuria screening were discrepant, visual microscopic analysis was necessary to obtain definitive results. For leukocyturia screening, 80% of results were in agreement by test strip and automatic sediment urinalysis, with only ten results considered as false negatives (1.8%) and four as false positives (0.7%). Agreement was good and the other criteria were good (sensitivity 79%, specificity 99%). On conflicting samples, there was no agreement between methods and microscopic analysis was essential. The benefit of such an algorithm would be optimisation of the workflow without any loss of sensitivity and specificity at the expense of a two-fold increase in cost.
Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in different acute stroke subtypes
Authors: Vukasovic Ines , Tesija-Kuna Andrea , Topic Elizabeta , Supanc Visnja , Demarin Vida , Petrovcic Marija
Published: April 2006

The aim of the study was to determine serum levels of selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors (TIMPs) in the acute phase of different stroke types subdivided according to the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification and the possibility of discriminating stroke types according to their levels. The study included 126 patients with acute stroke within the first 24h of symptom onset, and 124 healthy volunteers. The stroke group had lower MMP-2 concentrations and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios (p<0.001) but higher TIMP-2 (p<0.001) than controls. The level of MMP-9 and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were higher in patients with total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) than in patients with other stroke subtypes according to OCSP classification (p=0.0019, p=0.0065, respectively) or in controls (p<0.0001, p=0.0024, respectively). A negative correlation of MMP-2 levels with MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was recorded in all stroke subtypes except for TACI. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed similar discriminating power for MMP-9 levels and Barthel index in the differential diagnosis of TACI. High MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (odds ratio 3.263) was associated with TACI. Our results demonstrate that the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio may provide information to help in assessing stroke patients in the future as a baseline biomarker of infarct extent.
The Food and Nutrition Situation in Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States
Authors: Kabat Ladislav
Published: April 2006

The significant differences among the Central and Eastern European countries in their economic and agricultural development have a bearing on their food and nutrition situation. This paper, following brief introductory sections relating to the key demographic and economic indicators, highlights the trends in per capita food and agricultural production and per capita food availability, including the quality of the average diet. Finally the extent of food insecurity in the different countries is discussed.
Some Aspects of Origin Labeling in CEE Countries - The Possibilities of Collective Marketing
Authors: Kovács Barna
Published: April 2006

In the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries the European legal framework for the protection of special quality agri-food products was adopted and harmonised with the respective national legislation. The origin-labeled products are in fact the corner stones of a European model of agriculture. The indications of origin could work as a tool for protecting consumers' confidence in “special quality”products, but they could also be a basis for preserving cultural heritage by reinforcing the legal, economic and commercial assets of promoting and developing rural areas, as well as small and mediumsize enterprises (SMEs). The indication of origin as a global issue is meant to be solved through the international legislation of geographical indications (GI), but as international practice shows it - for instance that of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) - it does require clarification: new frames and repeated negotiations are needed. The CEE countries have to find their particular role and special possibilities among the other EU countries. However, no comprehensive analytic framework and data set is yet available on their level, therefore one major challenge is to make use of their existing potential. Thus besides the given European legislative frame a chance should be given for their existing “special quality”products by helping them access the market. This taut situation characterised by an increasingly liberalised commerce and that of an ever-changing European agricultural subsidies scheme leads us to realising the need of protecting and assisting market access through the means of collective marketing: the small quantity, but “special quality”agri-food products production scheme.
The Effect of Residual Calcium in Decalcified Freeze-dried Bone Allograft in a Critical-sized Defect in the Rattus norvegicus Calvarium
Authors: Turonis James W. , McPherson James C. , Cuenin Michael F. , Hokett Steven D. , Peacock Mark E. , Sharawy Mohamed
Published: April 2006

Demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA), a widely used graft material in periodontal regenerative procedures, is processed with hydrochloric acid in the attempt to expose proteins located within the bone matrixes that are capable of inducing new bone formation. However, the degree of DFDBA demineralization varies between tissue banks, which may have an effect on clinical regeneration. This study uses the critical-sized defect (CSD) model to evaluate the wound-healing response to the residual calcium of donor bone. If the percentage of residual calcium in a graft were demonstrated to significantly enhance wound healing, then periodontal patients may benefit from further standardization of human-allograft processing. Sixty adult, male, Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly and equally divided into 4 test groups (ie, DFDBA at 1%, 2%, and 3% to 6% residual calcium levels and FDBA at 23% residual calcium) and a control group (no allograft). An 8-mm-diameter craniotomy was made in the rat calvarium, and polytetrafluoroethylene membranes with pore sizes of 0.50 μm were placed intracranially and ectocranially. Treatment materials were carefully placed into the CSD with a new sterilized dental amalgam carrier. Tetracycline hydrochloride was injected intraperitoneally for labeling new bone growth, and animals were euthanized 12 weeks postsurgery. As a result, histomorphometric bone fill at 12 weeks showed a statistically significant increase in the 2% DFDBA group as compared to all other groups. The authors conclude that a 2% residual calcium level in human DFDBA appears to significantly (P ≤ .05) enhance osseous wound healing in the rat calvarium.
The Corporate Context of Lobbying Activity
Authors: Brasher Holly , Lowery David
Published: April 2006

Despite extensive research on political activity on the part of corporations, clear and consistent findings remain elusive. We identify three reasons for this failure. First, most of the empirical literature on corporate political activity simply studies the wrong phenomena by examining political action committees rather than lobbying more generally. Second, the literature studies an excessively narrow sample of organizations that might engage in lobbying, focusing almost always on extremely large corporations, which inevitably attenuates variance on many of the variables hypothesized to influence engagement in political activity. And third, prior work is rarely attentive to the diversity of corporate activities, narrowly conceptualizing vital aspects of the business context that might influence decisions to engage in political activity. Based on this critique, we develop and test new models of corporate political activity, finding that the diversity of the economic context within which firms work and firm size matter a great deal, if in ways somewhat different from those reported in prior work.
Ownership Structure and Corporate Diversification
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Xi
Published: April 2006

This paper examines the motivation and impact of corporate diversification in Chinese listed firms. We find that in local government owned-firms there is a non-linear relationship between the level of firm diversification and state ownership. As state ownership increases from zero, the level of diversification decreases. After state ownership reaches a certain level, the level of diversification increases as state ownership increases. There is no evidence that ownership is related to corporate diversification in non-state-owned firms or central government-owned firms. We also document that diversification is negatively related to firm performance in local government-owned firms. However, there is no evidence that diversification is negatively related to the firm performance in non-state-owned firms or central government-owned firms. Our findings suggest that agency problems are responsible for local government owned-firms taking value-reducing diversification strategies.