bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Florivory increases selfing: an experimental study in the wild strawberry,Fragaria virginiana
Authors: Penet L. , Collin C. L. , Ashman T.‐L.
Published: November 2008

Florivores are antagonists that damage flowers, and have direct negative effects on flowering and pollination of the attacked plants. While florivory has mainly been studied for its consequences on seed production or siring success, little is known about its impact on mating systems. Damage to flowers can alter pollinator attraction to the plant and may therefore modify patterns of pollen transfer. However, the consequences of damage for mating systems can take two forms: a decrease in flower number reduces opportunities for intra‐inflorescence pollen deposition (geitonogamy), which, in turn, may lead to a decrease in selfing; whereas a decrease in floral display may also reduce overall visitation and thus increase the chances of self‐pollinationviafacilitated or autonomous autogamy. We investigated the effects of damage by a bud‐clipping weevil (Anthonomus signatus) inFragaria virginianain an experimental setting mimicking natural conditions. We found that increased damage led to an increase in selfing, a result consistent with the increased autogamy pathway. We discuss the implications of this finding and evaluate the generality of florivore‐mediated mating system expression.
Changes in C12:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C20:2 fatty acid content in wheat treated with resistance inducers and infected by powdery mildew
Authors: Renard‐Merlier D. , Laruelle F. , Nowak E. , Durand R. , Reignault Ph.
Published: November 2008

This work presents a global investigation of total fatty acid (FA) content in wheat in relation to treatment with four inducers of resistance and to powdery mildew infection. Linolenic acid (C18:3), linoleic acid (C18:2) and palmitic acid (16:0) were the most abundant FAs in wheat leaves. We investigated the effect of the following inducers of resistance: Iodus40, heptanoyl salicylic acid (HSA), Milsana and trehalose on FA accumulation. Previous studies established that lipid metabolism is altered by these compounds, and we therefore aimed to characterise their impact at the FA level. During a time course experiment, content (quantitative analysis) and percentage (qualitative analysis) of FAs were compared in treated plants and in controls, as well as in plants inoculated with Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (i) and non‐inoculated (ni) plants. No change in C18:3 content was observed. C18:1 in Iodus 40‐treated (ni) plants showed a quantitative 1.2‐fold increase. Lauric acid (C12:0) content quantitatively increased after Iodus 40 (2.8‐fold), Milsana (4.8‐fold) and trehalose (4.0‐fold) treatment in (i) plants. However, eicosadienoic acid (C20:2) quantitatively decreased in (ni) plants after Iodus 40 (1.5‐fold) and Milsana (2.3‐fold) treatment. The amount of C18:2 increased (1.6‐fold) after HSA treatment in (i) plants. All these variations in FA content were correlated with variations in the corresponding relative percentages. Our work provides the first evidence for alterations in C12:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C20:2 FA content caused by four resistance inducers. We also compared the amount and percentage of each FA in untreated (i) and (ni) plants. In (i) plants, eicosadienoic acid (C20:2) increased and C18:2 decreased slightly. The potential involvement of these FAs during induced resistance and infection is discussed.
Observations on the Fetal Morphology in Myocastor Coypus Bonariensis (Coypu) (Rodentia, Myocastoridae)
Authors: Felipe A. E. , Masson P. G.
Published: November 2008

The goal of this work was to characterize the morphology of fetuses of Myocastor coypus bonariensis (coypu) after 60, 90, 120 and 135 days post‐coitus (d.p.c.). At all the ages, gestational sacs showed an elliptical shape. Placentas were discoidal, with a unilobular external appearance in fetuses of 60 d.p.c. and with lobulations separated by a groove in fetuses of other ages. The umbilical cord, wrapped around the fetal body, showed a proximal dilatation in 60‐d.p.c. fetuses, being its course uniform and a little spiral in the other ages. The 60‐d.p.c. fetuses showed differentiation of corporal regions, prominent encephalic vesicles and little developed earlobes located in the laterals of the skull, in the limit with the cervical area and in straight line with the optical vesicles. The primitive forelimbs showed differentiation of arm, forearm and hand. In the hindlimbs, the inter‐digital membrane was observed joining the fingers along all their length. Fetuses of 90 d.p.c. showed developed eyelids and closed palpebral cleft, developed auricular pavilions (earlobes), hairy follicles in the facial region (vibrissae) and in the skull and bent limbs. Fetuses of 120 and 135 d.p.c. showed a bodily cover constituted by a dense pilous covering, spread palpebral clefts, open mouth, bent limbs and inter‐digital membranes in the hindlimbs.
Evaluation of the impact of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata on Bactrocera invadens and five African fruit fly species
Authors: Mohamed S. A. , Ekesi S. , Hanna R.
Published: November 2008

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead), a solitary koinobiont larval–prepupal endoparasitoid of fruit flies, was introduced into Kenya for testing and final release against the recently discovered invasive species, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White in Africa. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine host preference, host acceptability for oviposition and physiological suitability of B. invadens and five other indigenous tephritid fruit fly species –Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Ceratitis cosyra (Walker), Ceratitis rosa Karsch, Ceratitis fasciventris (Bezzi) and Ceratitis anonae Graham – for the development of D. longicaudata. Females of D. longicaudata visited all host‐larval patches, and were also attracted to these hosts at comparable levels. Acceptability, successful development of parasitoid progenies and their sex ratio varied widely across hosts. C. capitata yielded the highest parasitoid numbers whereas B. invadens was the only host that yielded a female‐biased sex ratio. Larvae of B. invadens, C. rosa, C. fasciventris and C. anonae mounted differential immune reaction towards D. longicaudata eggs. Although, the parasitoid performed poorly on the target host B. invadens, it was able to form new association with C. cosyra and C. capitata. The prospect of using this parasitoid in biological control of African indigenous fruit flies is discussed.
Effects of the Progesterone Receptor Antagonist Aglepristone on Implantation Administered on Days 6 and 7 after Mating in Rabbits
Authors: Özalp GR , Çalışkan Ç , Seyrek‐İntaş K , Wehrend A
Published: November 2008

Contents

There is no safe and accurate method for early termination of pregnancy in the rabbit. So this study was carried out to determine the effect of aglepristone administration in preventing early pregnancy before implantation in this species. Twenty‐two animals (10–12 months old, New Zealand White rabbits) were naturally mated and pregnancies were confirmed in all animals by ultrasonographic examinations on day 6 after mating (5–7.5 MHz linear array transducer Dynamic Imaging Sonostar, UK) and the animals were grouped randomly: Group I & Group III: Aglepristone (Alizin®, Virbac; 10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) was injected twice, 24 h apart, on days 6 and 7 after mating (n = 5; n = 8). Group II & Group IV: The same volume of 0.9% NaCl solution was subcutaneously injected in the same interval and served as controls (n = 5; n = 3). Ultrasonographical examination of the uterus was performed daily from day 7 to day 11 post‐mating to test aglepristone efficiency. Blood samples were collected between days 6 and 30, centrifuged at 3070 g for 10 min and stored at −20°C. The does in aglepristone groups (Group I, III) were not pregnant whereas all animals in control groups were pregnant (Group II, IV). The does in group I & III were examined only clinically and ultrasonographically; however, does in groups III and IV were laparomized on days 6, 7, 9 and 11 post‐mating to control countable implantation sites. No implantation sites were present in group III whereas they were seen obviously in group IV. Side effects were not observed. The mean serum progesterone (P4) concentrations were not significantly different between control and treated does (p > 0.05). The results indicate that aglepristone treatment on days 6 and 7 after mating could prevent pregnancy after unwanted matings without any side effects in the rabbit. Aglepristone treatments are possibly not affecting further fertilities before implantation.
Effect of Different Packages and Freezing/Thawing Protocols on Fertility of Ram Semen
Authors: Nordstoga AB , Söderquist L , Ådnøy T , Paulenz H
Published: November 2008

Contents

A field trial was performed in order to evaluate the effect on fertility of different straw types, freezing protocols (one‐ or two‐step) and thawing procedures (35°C and 70°C) using frozen–thawed ram semen. A total of 791 Norwegian Crossbred ewes were artificially inseminated during natural oestrus with semen collected from nine mature and proven Norwegian Crossbred rams. A milk‐based extender was used for dilution. The ewes were allocated into one of the following three groups based on the different straw types and thawing temperatures: medium straw (0.5 ml) thawed at 35°C for 20 s (Med35), medium straw thawed at 70°C for 8 s (Med70) and mini straw (0.25 ml) thawed at 35°C for 15 s (Mini35). The semen to be frozen in mini straws was re‐concentrated by centrifugation. Sperm number in each insemination dose was approximately 200 × 106 spermatozoa. The fertility results [as 25‐day non‐return rate (NRR)] for Med35, Med70 and Mini35 were 53.1%, 50.8% and 58.3%, respectively, and the lambing rates 49.8%, 46.8% and 53.8%, respectively. No significant main effects were seen for straw type/thawing temperature (p = 0.17), ram (p = 0.06) or age of the ewe (p = 0.18) on NRR or lambing rates (p = 0.19, p = 0.16 and p = 0.27, respectively). Both NRR and lambing rate differed significantly among farms (p < 0.0001).
Efficiency of RepeatedIn VivoOocyte and Embryo Recovery After rhFSH Treatment in Rabbits
Authors: Cortell C , Vicente JS , Mocé E , Marco‐Jiménez F , Viudes De Castro MP
Published: November 2008

Contents

This study aims to assess the efficiency ofin vivooocyte and embryo recovery after a recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) treatment in rabbit does. Females were distributed in two experimental groups: donor does were treated with rhFSH (superovulation group) for 3 days prior to artificial insemination (embryo recovery) or ovulation induction (oocyte recovery) and does without treatment remained as the control group. Mature oocytes or embryos were collected with the laparoscopy technique 16 h after ovulation induction (oocytes) or 72 h after artificial insemination (embryos). Up to four recoveries were performed with each doe. Recovery efficiencies differed significantly between embryos (84%) and oocytes (58%). Yet, the recovery rates for the superovulation and control groups did not differ. The rhFSH group was associated with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of oocytes and embryos recovered in comparison with the control group (10.2 ± 1.0 and 14.3 ± 1.2 vs 6.0 ± 2.7 and 8.4 ± 2.3 for oocytes and embryos, respectively). Results from this study indicate that repeatedin vivooocyte and embryo recovery from rhFSH superovulated does maximizes the number of oocytes or embryos collected from the same female.
Utility of a 13C‐methacetin breath test in evaluating hepatic injury in rats
Authors: Shirin Haim , Aeed Hussein , Shalev Tamar , Sorin Vladimir , Stavinski Svetlana , Shahmurov Mark , Ilan Yaron , Avni Yona
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  Methacetin is thought to be a good substrate for the evaluation of different cytochrome P450 enzymatic systems of liver microsomes because of its rapid metabolism and lack of toxicity in small doses. Recent studies indicate that a methacetin breath test may be a non‐invasive alternative for the evaluation of liver function since it correlates well with the severity of liver damage. It may also discriminate between different stages of liver cirrhosis and correlates with the Child–Pugh score. The application of this test in experimental liver damage in animal models has not yet been examined. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the 13C‐methacetin breath test in assessing the extent of hepatic injury in models of acute liver failure, liver cirrhosis, and fatty liver in rats.

Methods:  Absorption of methacetin given per os or intraperitoneally in normal rats was evaluated. The association between liver mass and 13C‐methacetin breath test results was assessed in a 70% hepatectomy rat model. Fulminant hepatic failure was induced by three consecutive intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide, 300 mg/kg, at 24 h intervals. For induction of liver cirrhosis, rats were given intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide, 200 mg/kg, twice a week for 12 weeks. A methionine‐choline deficient diet was used for the induction of fatty liver. Rats were analyzed for 13C‐methacetin by BreathID (MBID) using molecular correlation spectrometry. BreathID continuously sampled the animal's breath for 60 min and displayed the results on the BreathID screen in real‐time.

Results:  Methacetin was absorbed well irrespective of the administration method in normal rats. Liver mass was associated with peak amplitude, complete percent dose recovery (CPDR) at 30 and 60 min and MBID peak time. A high degree of association was also demonstrated with MBID results in acute hepatitis (peak amplitude, 19.6 ± 3.4 vs 6.3 ± 1.63.4; CPDR30, 6.0 ± 3.3 vs 1.2 ± 0.5; CPDR60, 13.3 ± 4.5 vs 3.2 ± 1.4; and peak time, 31.0 ± 14.9 vs 46.9 ± 10.8 min) and liver cirrhosis (peak amplitude, 24.4 ± 2.3 vs 15.6 ± 6.4; CPDR30, 7.9 ± 1.2 vs 2.7 ± 1.0; CPDR60, 17.8 ± 2.6 vs 8.8 ± 2.1; and peak time, 30.2 ± 1.5 vs 59.6 ± 14.5 min), but not with grade of liver steatosis.

Conclusions:  Methacetin is well absorbed and exclusively metabolized in the liver. MBID is a sensitive test and may be a useful tool for the evaluation of functional liver mass in animal models of acute liver failure and cirrhosis. However, MBID could not distinguish between fatty liver and normal liver in rats.
Proteomic identification of biomarkers related to Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastroduodenal disease: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chow Lu‐Ping , Lin Jaw‐Town , Chiou Shyh‐Horng
Published: November 2008

Helicobacter pylori colonize the stomach of over half the world's population. While 80–90% H. pylori‐infected individuals have clinically asymptomatic gastritis, 10–15% develop peptic ulcer, and 1–2% gastric malignancies. These variable clinical outcomes have led to an interest in prognostic indicators. The current disease paradigm suggests that host genetics and bacterial virulence both play important roles in modulating the final outcome of H. pylori infection. Elucidation of the interaction between host and bacterium is essential to clarify pathogenesis and to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment. Proteomic technology is a powerful tool for simultaneously monitoring proteins and protein variation on a large scale in biological samples. It has provided an unprecedented opportunity to survey a cell's translational landscape comprehensively, and the results may allow in‐depth analyses of host and pathogen interactions. Using this high‐throughput platform and taking advantage of complete sequences for both the H. pylori and the human genome in available databases, we have identified several crucial proteins that have pathogenic and prognostic potential. Among them, antibodies to AhpC and GroEs of H. pylori could be utilized for identification of patients who are at high risk of disease complications after H. pylori infection. Evolving proteomic technologies, together with appropriate clinical phenotyping and genotype information should enhance understanding of disease pathogenesis and lead to more precise prediction of variable disease outcomes. It will also facilitate development of biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of H. pylori infection.
Endotherapy for pain in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Khanna Sudeep , Tandon Rakesh K
Published: November 2008

Pain is the most distressing symptom of chronic pancreatitis. Although the pathogenesis of pain is still poorly understood, an increase in intraductal pressure may be the dominant factor. The management of pain can involve medical, endoscopic, neurolytic, and surgical therapies. Endotherapy includes pancreatic sphincterotomy, extraction of stones, placement of stent, and dilatation of strictures, sometimes preceded or followed by extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy. Several studies have now shown that endotherapy provides partial or complete relief of pancreatic pain in a majority of patients with an acceptable frequency of early and late complications. Endotherapy should now graduate from an experimental form of treatment to a realistic treatment option in patients with chronic or relapsing pain, particularly in the setting of calcific chronic pancreatitis.
Paediatric melioidosis in North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Kandasamy Yoga , Norton Robert
Published: November 2008

Aim:  to review admissions to the hospital due to Paediatric Melioidosis over a 10 year period.

Methods:  This was a retrospective chart review of all paediatric patients admitted to Townsville Hospital between 1996 and 2006 that were proven to have positive cultures for B. pseudomallei. Details were obtained from the Microbiology Department of Townsville Hospital.

Results:  Between 1996 and 2006, there were 150 cases of culture‐confirmed melioidosis in North Queensland. Of these, eight (5.3%) were in children aged under 16 years. There were three deaths in this group. Three patients developed neurological melioidosis and there were no cases of parotid involvement. In our series, neurological melioidosis appeared to be statistically more significant in children compared with adults.

Conclusion:  Melioidosis is an uncommon paediatric infection in Australia. In our series, neurological melioidosis appeared to be common in children compared with adults with devastating sequelae. The reasons for this remain unclear.
Management of brain abscess in children
Authors: Gelabert‐González Miguel , Serramito‐García Ramón , García‐Allut Alfredo , Cutrín‐Prieto Juan
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Brain abscesses continue to pose a problem in paediatric neurosurgery because the associated morbidity and mortality have remained significant throughout the antibiotic and CT era. The objective of this paper is to report the treatment of 28 children with the diagnosis of brain abscess.

Methods:  We report our experience with the surgical management of brain abscesses in 28 paediatric patients between 1981 and 2005. The following parameters were assessed: age, gender, clinical manifestations, physical examination, radiological data, aetiological agent, treatment and clinical evolution of the patients.

Results:  Patients' age varied from 2 weeks to 16 years (mean 8.6 years); 17 were male. The most notable predisposing factor was contiguous infection in 11 cases, of which six were chronic otitis media. The abscess was supratentorial in 27 children with only one infratentorial case. In all patients, treatment consisted of a combination of surgical evacuation and antibiotics. In two children, the evacuation of pus was via transfontanelar puncture. Positive abscess cultures were obtained from 15 abscesses, and gram‐negative were the main bacteria involved. Nine patients had neurological sequelae (seizure, cognitive impairment and paresis); two deaths occurred.

Conclusions:  Brain abscess in children continues to be associated with high rates of neurological impairment and death.
Prognostic significance of the immunohistochemical expression of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase, P‐glycoprotein, and multidrug resistance protein‐1 in glioblastomas
Authors: Nakagawa Takao , Ido Kazunori , Sakuma Takahiro , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Sato Kazufumi , Kubota Toshihiko
Published: November 2008

We studied the expression of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (O6‐MGMT), P‐glycoprotein (Pgp), and multidrug resistance protein‐1 (MRP‐1) in 23 glioblastomas using RT‐PCR, methylation‐specific PCR, and immunohistochemistry, and analyzed their association with overall patient survival. Univariate analysis of collected data demonstrated that the expressions of O6‐MGMT and MRP‐1 detected by immunohistochemistry, in addition to the consistent factors, including preoperative Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), radical surgery, and tumor location and extension, were significant prognostic factors for the overall survival (OS) of patients with glioblastoma, who received nimustine (ACNU)‐based chemotherapy in association with surgery and radiotherapy. Among them, following multivariate analysis, preoperative KPS, radical surgery, tumor location, and the expression of O6‐MGMT remained as significant prognostic factors. These findings suggest that immunohistochemical analysis of O6‐MGMT in patients with glioblastoma can be a useful method to predict the effects of chemotherapy and identify alternative chemotherapeutic regimens for O6‐MGMT‐positive patients.
Dynamics of global gene expression changes during brain metastasis formation
Authors: Saito Norihiko , Hatori Tsutomu , Aoki Kazuya , Hayashi Morito , Hirata Yoko , Sato Kenichiro , Nakayama Haruo , Harashina Junichi , Murata Nozomu , Zhang Ze‐An , Nonaka Hiroko , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Iwabuchi Satoshi
Published: November 2008

As methods of cancer diagnosis and treatment improve, interest in metastatic brain tumors continues to increase. In the present study, we attempted to characterize genetically the dynamic changes occurring during brain metastasis formation by DNA microarray, and attempted to compare these findings with histological observations. Lewis lung carcinoma cells were injected into C57BL/6Ncrj mice carotid arteries. The mice were sacrificed at days 1–9 after injection. We performed histological observation and genome‐wide expression profiling using a DNA microarray. In histological observation, tumor cells were observed in capillary vessels at day 1 after injection. At day 3, the tumor cells had begun to proliferate. At day 6, the metastatic foci showed “perivascular proliferations”. Next, we performed a pairwise comparison of gene expression microarray data from day 1 to day 9 after injection. The first major change occurred between Phase Two and Phase Three. When hierarchical clustering was performed between different samples using the 867 genes, they could be classified into identical clusters for days 1 and 2, identical clusters for day 3 to day 5, and identical clusters for day 6 to day 9. For time course analysis, we extracted 623 genes by the pairwise comparison. By using the quality threshold (QT) nonhierarchical clustering method, we identified 37 expression patterns. These patterns can be separated into eight clusters by using the k‐means method. The microarray results reported here strongly suggest that a large number of genes exhibit a spike pattern, which is tantamount to phase‐specific expression.
Elevated circulating levels of soluble CD‐40 ligand in haemodialysis patients with symptomatic coronary heart disease
Authors: LIM PAIK‐SEONG , WU MING‐YING , CHIEN SHIAW‐WEN , WU TSAI‐KUN , LIU CHIA‐SHAN , HU CHUEN‐YUH , CHANG HUI‐CHEN , PAI MEI‐AN TSAI
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The CD40–CD40L system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic complications in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and symptomatic coronary heart disease (CHD) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD).

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study included 57 HD patients, 31 of whom had symptomatic CHD. Lipid profile, markers of endothelial activation such as sCD40L, and both inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were measured and analyzed.

Results:  The sCD40L concentration was significantly higher in HD patients than in controls (1.34 ± 0.53 vs 0.86 ± 0.12 ng/mL, P < 0.01). Plasma concentration of sCD40L (P < 0.01), soluble vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1; P < 0.01) and high‐sensitivity CRP (hsCRP; P < 0.01) were higher in HD patients with symptomatic CHD than in those without CHD. In addition, we also found that oxidative stress biomarkers such as nitrotyrosine (NT), malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) were significantly elevated in patients with symptomatic CHD compared to those without. There was a strong overall positive relationship between sCD40L concentration and sVCAM‐1 (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), MDA (r = 0.365, P < 0.01), NT (r = 0.293, r < 0.05) and log‐transformed triglycerides (r = 0.275, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Circulating concentrations of sCD40L were elevated in HD patients with symptomatic CHD. This study suggests that CD40–CD40L may play a potentially important role in the atherosclerotic complications of HD patients.
Identification and localization of novel genes preferentially expressed in human kidney glomerulus
Authors: CUELLAR LINO MUÑOZ , FUJINAKA HIDEHIKO , YAMAMOTO KEIKO , MIYAMOTO MASAHITO , TASAKI MASAYUKI , ZHAO LINNING , TAMER ISMAIL , YAOITA EISHIN , YOSHIDA YUTAKA , YAMAMOTO TADASHI
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To find novel genes abundantly and preferentially expressed in human glomerulus, we constructed a glomerular cDNA library and verified the reliability of our database by comparison with the Stanford Microarray Database (SMD), followed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH).

Methods:  RNA was extracted from normal human glomeruli, and the cDNA library was constructed by plasmid cloning. Out of 5 × 103 clones from the library, 91 UniGene clusters of more than three clones were identified as ‘glomerular‐abundant genes’. All these genes were referred to the SMD, and 18 genes were defined as ‘glomerular preferential genes’. Four unknown genes –IFI27, CRHBP, FLJ10154 and SEMA5B– were selected for RT‐PCR to compare expression in the glomerulus with that in the cortex and medulla, and for ISH to examine glomerular localization. Also, three unknown genes that were glomerular abundant but not listed in the SMD –DDX5, HSPC138, and MGC10940– were selected for RT‐PCR and ISH. Finally, a kidney biopsy specimen of crescentic glomerulonephritis was used for ISH to examine glomerular expression for CRHBP mRNA.

Results:  Among the selected seven glomerular‐abundant genes, six were confirmed as ‘glomerular preferential genes’ by RT‐PCR. By ISH, all these genes were demonstrated in podocytes. The expression of CRHBP mRNA in a single living podocyte was not changed between normal and crescentic glomerulus.

Conclusion:  Glomerular preferential expression and podocyte localization of these novel genes have been demonstrated for the first time. Because some of these genes were not listed in SMD, our database can be a useful tool to find novel human glomerular genes.
Comparison of residual renal function in patients undergoing twice‐weekly versus three‐times‐weekly haemodialysis
Authors: LIN YU‐FENG , HUANG JENG‐WEN , WU MING‐SHIOU , CHU TZONG‐SHINN , LIN SHUEI‐LIONG , CHEN YUNG‐MING , TSAI TUN‐JUN , WU KWAN‐DUN
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) often start long‐term haemodialysis (HD) thrice weekly, regardless of the level of residual renal function (RRF). In this study, we investigated whether ESRD patients having sufficient RRF can be maintained on twice‐weekly HD, and how they fare compared to patients without RRF on thrice‐weekly HD.

Methods:  We analyzed 74 patients who had undergone long‐term HD and maintained on the same dialysis frequency from February 1998 to July 2005, and followed until December 2005. We compared the clinical variables between twice‐weekly and thrice‐weekly HD patients and a second analysis testing the residual urine output as an independent predictor for twice‐weekly HD.

Results:  After a mean follow up of 18 months, twice‐weekly HD patients (n = 23) had lower serum β2‐microglobulin than thrice‐weekly HD patients (n = 51). Moreover, the twice‐weekly group had a slower decline of RRF, as indicated by their higher urine output and creatinine clearance, fewer intradialytic hypotensive episodes, and required less frequent hospitalization. There was no difference between the two groups in cardiothoracic ratio or indices of nutrition and inflammation. Multivariable logistic regression identified age (odds ratio (OR), 1.866; 95% CI, 1.093–3.183), dry body mass index (OR, 0.790; 95% CI, 0.625–0.999), and urine output (OR, 1.093; 95% CI, 1.026–1.164) as predictors for maintaining twice‐weekly HD.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that when patients who have sufficient urine output are given twice‐weekly HD, they maintain dialysis adequacy and exhibit better preservation of RRF than patients on thrice‐weekly HD.
Effect of aggregated immunoglobulin A1 from immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients on nephrin expression in podocytes
Authors: WANG CHENG , YE ZENGCHUN , PENG HUI , TANG HUA , LIU XUN , CHEN ZHUJIANG , YU XUEQING , LOU TANQI
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Abnormal immunoglobulin (Ig)A1 is considered to play a pivotal role in IgA nephropathy. We used mouse podocytes as the experimental model to investigate the effect of aggregated IgA1 (aIgA1) isolated from IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients on nephrin expression in podocytes through direct and indirect pathways.

Methods:  Jacalin affinity chromatography and Sephacryl S‐200 molecular sieve chromatography were used to isolate IgA1 from blood of IgAN patients which was therefore became aIgA1. Podocytes were incubated with aIgA1 or special mesangial medium. Nephrin expression in podocytes was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis.

Results:  Aggregated IgA1 from IgAN patients and healthy controls reduced nephrin expression in podocytes at mRNA and protein levels when compared with podocytes incubated with control medium (RPMI‐1640 with 0.5% foetal bovine serum) (P < 0.05). While medium from mesangial cells incubated with aIgA1 from IgAN inhibited nephrin expression in podocytes at mRNA and protein levels when compared with podocytes incubated with medium from mesangial cells with aIgA1 from healthy controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Our findings implicate that aIgA1 from IgAN patients could inhibit nephrin expression through direct and indirect pathways, although these mechanisms remain to be clarified.
Prevalence of hypouricaemia and SLC22A12 mutations in healthy Korean subjects
Authors: LEE JOO HOON , CHOI HYUN JIN , LEE BEOM HEE , KANG HEE KYUNG , CHIN HO JUN , YOON HYUNG JIN , HA IL SOO , KIM SUHNGGWON , CHOI YONG , CHEONG HAE IL
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Mutations in the SLC22A12 gene, which encodes a uric acid transporter, URAT1, are associated with renal hypouricaemia. This study was designed to measure serum uric acid (Sua) levels and allele frequencies of two common mutations in SLC22A12, W258X and R90H, in healthy Korean subjects.

Methods:  A total of 909 unrelated Korean adults (male : female, 1:1.23; mean age, 48.4 ± 11.0 years) were recruited among those who had taken a routine health check‐up in a health centre in 2003. None of them had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases or liver diseases. Genotyping for W258X and R90H was performed using the TaqMan method.

Results:  The prevalences of hyperuricaemia (Sua levels, >416 µmol/L) and hypouricaemia (Sua levels, <178 µmol/L) were 4.6% and 3.3%, respectively. A marked male preponderance in the hyperuricaemic group was noted, and the men revealed higher Sua than the women. The Sua showed a positive correlation with serum creatinine level and blood pressure. In the hypouricaemic group, the allele frequencies of W258X and R90H were 11.7% and 6.7%, respectively, and the proportion of subjects with one or both of the mutant alleles was 33.3%. Hyperuricaemic subjects never had either mutation.

Conclusion:  The W258X and/or R90H mutations in the SLC22A12 gene are one of the major factors responsible for hypouricaemia, and one‐third of the hypouricaemic subjects had one or both of the mutant alleles.
Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer is expressed in the proximal tubular epithelial cells of the human kidney
Authors: SHIMADA MICHIKO , YAMABE HIDEAKI , OSAWA HIROSHI , NAKAMURA NORIO , KUMASAKA RYUICHIRO , MURAKAMI REIICHI , FUJITA TAKESHI , OSANAI TOMOHIRO , OKUMURA KEN
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) affect matrix remodelling, and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been reported to increase the levels of several MMP. However, the expression of EMMPRIN in the human kidney and its regulatory mechanisms are not well known. In this study, we examined EMMPRIN expression in the human kidney with the biopsied specimens, cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) and human mesangial cells (HMC).

Methods:  EMMPRIN expression was examined by immunofluorescent (IF) study, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We also examined soluble EMMPRIN in the conditioned medium of PTEC stimulated by various agents and its effect in the activities of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Also, IF study in the several kidney diseases was performed to elucidate its role in pathological condition.

Results:  EMMPRIN expression was diffusely observed in the tubular epithelial cells of most patients and healthy adults, but was never observed in glomeruli. Cultured PTEC expressed EMMPRIN, while HMC did not. Soluble EMMPRIN was also detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in the conditioned medium of PTEC. Epidermal growth factor (50 ng/mL) and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (10−7 mol/L) stimulated the secretion of soluble EMMPRIN and increased the MMP‐2 activity, although these agents did not increase the level of EMMPRIN mRNA. From the IF study, EMMPRIN expression was shown to decrease in tubulointerstitial nephritis.

Conclusion:  EMMPRIN is widely distributed in the tubular epithelial cells of the adult human kidney and may regulate MMP‐2 activity via its secretion from PTEC.
Mobilizing Foucault: history, subjectivity and autonomous learners in nurse education
Authors: Darbyshire Chris , Fleming Valerie EM
Published: November 2008

In the past 20, years the impact of progressive educational theories have become influential in nurse education particularly in relation to partnership and empowerment between lecturers and students and the development of student autonomy. The introduction of these progressive theories was in response to the criticisms that nurse education was characterized by hierarchical and asymmetrical power relationships between lecturers and students that encouraged rote learning and stifled student autonomy. This article explores how the work of Michel Foucault can be mobilized to think about autonomy in three different yet overlapping ways: as a historical event; as a discursive practice; and as part of an overall strategy to produce a specific student subject position. The implications for educational practice are that, rather than a site where students are empowered, nurse education is both a factory and a laboratory where new subjectivities are continually being constructed. This suggests that empowering practices and disciplinary practices uneasily co‐exist. Critical reflection needs to be directed not only at structural dimensions of power but also on ourselves as students and lecturers by asking a Foucauldian question: How are you interested in autonomy?
Septic arthritis and acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in childhood at a tertiary hospital in Japan
Authors: Yamagishi Yoshiaki , Togawa Masao , Shiomi Masashi
Published: November 2008

Background:  The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical features of septic arthritis (SA) and acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) in children and to assess the impact of health‐care‐associated infections and antimicrobial resistance.

Methods:  A retrospective review of medical records of children presenting to Osaka City General Hospital with SA and AHO was undertaken during an 85 month period. The following data were assessed: location at onset, age and gender, risk factors, involved joints and/or bones, symptoms and time of presentation, causative agents and sensitivity to antibiotics, treatments and late complications.

Results:  There were four health‐care‐associated (HCAI) and 20 community‐acquired infections (CAI). The latency period from initial presentation to diagnosis was relatively longer in HCAI than CAI. The most common pathogen was methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Twenty percent of CAI patients and half of the HCAI patients were treated empirically for MRSA. All patients with complications had MRSA infection.

Conclusion:  Many pediatric patients with SA were not treated initially with optimal antibiotics. Although surgical intervention was almost inevitably required, selection and administration of effective antibiotics was necessary not only to cure the current infection but also to prevent metastatic infection. In Japan, empiric treatment of SA and AHO should include first‐line antibiotics against MRSA.
Short‐term efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and impact on quality of life
Authors: Kondo Yasuto , Nakajima Yoichi , Komatsubara Ryo , Kato Makiko , Hirata Noriko , Matuyama Haruko , Kakami Michiko , Tsuge Ikuya , Ohya Yukihiro , Urisu Atsuo
Published: November 2008

Background:  Topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) was reported to be an effective therapeutic agent for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), for not only improving clinical findings but also for reducing pruritus. Recently in Japan tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) as a TCI was approved for use in children aged ≥2 years. There have been no reports, however, on the impact of TCI on quality of life (QOL) in pediatric AD in Japan. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) in the short‐term and the impact on patient QOL.

Methods:  A total of 30 pediatric patients with AD, whose skin problems were not sufficiently controlled by mid‐high potency topical glucocorticosteroids, were enrolled. Efficacy was assessed on score of cutaneous findings, pruritus, sleeping disorder, and QOL.

Results:  Three patients discontinued because of skin burning (n = 1), generalized herpes infection (n = 1), and feeling of lack of efficacy (n = 1), leaving a final total of 27 patients who were evaluated. Significant improvements in clinical findings, pruritus, and sleeplessness were observed within 1 week of treatment and consequently each QOL category was also improved. These improvements continued for the duration of the study.

Conclusions:  Tacrolimus ointment therapy is rapidly effective for not only clinical symptoms (cutaneous findings, pruritus and sleeplessness) but also in QOL of AD pediatric patients aged 2 years.
Nature of subretinal fluid in patients undergoing vitrectomy for macular hole: a cytopathological and optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Herbert Edward N , Sheth Hiten G , Wickremasinghe Sanjeewa , Luthert Philip J , Bainbridge James , Gregor Zdenek J
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background:  Outer retinal defects (ORDs) may occur after surgical closure of full thickness macular holes (FTMH) and be associated with delayed visual recovery. This may be due to the nature of the subretinal fluid (SRF) cuff and/or the loss of retinal elements.

Methods:  Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel was performed for FTMH. After fluid‐air exchange, SRF was either aspirated from the hole (group 1) or left in situ (group 2). The SRF specimens obtained were examined by light microscopy and correlated with optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results:  In group 1, cellular material was found in 6 out of 12 cases. Photoreceptors were seen in 3 and macrophages in 3 cases. Nine of 12 holes closed and ORDs were seen in 3 of these. In group 2, 7 out of 8 holes closed, with 4 having ORD. There was no difference in visual acuity (LogMAR) for closed holes at 3 months between groups 1 (0.61, range 0.3–1) and 2 (0.51, range 0.3–0.78) nor between patients with ORD (0.57, range 0.3–1.0) or without ORD (0.57, range 0.3–1.0).

Conclusions:  SRF from FTMH may contain macrophages and photoreceptors. Such photoreceptor loss may contribute to reduced retinal function. ORDs occur commonly in spite of fluid aspiration, but their presence is still compatible with good vision. Aspiration of SRF did not appear to confer added benefit in this series.
Primary angle closure glaucoma: a descriptive study in Scottish Caucasians
Authors: Ng Wai S , Ang Ghee S , Azuara‐Blanco Augusto
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  The aim of this study is to describe the ocular and demographic features of Caucasian patients newly presenting with primary angle closure glaucoma and the proportion of workload it represents at a tertiary university hospital glaucoma service.

Methods:  A retrospective case notes review was conducted for all Caucasian patients newly diagnosed with narrow angles, primary angle closure, acute primary angle closure and primary angle closure glaucoma that were seen over a period of 2 years. Demographic and ocular variables were compared and statistical analysis was carried out with the paired t‐test and chi‐squared test. Number of primary open angle closure glaucoma and acute angle closure cases were compared with total number of new referrals to the department, new patients diagnosed with glaucoma and population numbers for the North East of Scotland.

Results:  One hundred and four patients were analysed. Twenty‐four (23.1%) had narrow angles, 30 (28.8%) had primary angle closure and 50 (48.1%) had primary angle closure glaucoma. Twelve (11.5%) presented with acute primary angle closure. There was no significant difference for gender, age, hypermetropia or visual acuity between groups. Primary angle closure glaucoma constituted 22.9% (50/128) of newly diagnosed glaucoma cases. Based on the 2001 Scotland census, the crude annual incidence of newly diagnosed primary angle closure glaucoma was estimated at 14.8 per 100 000 and 3.6 per 100 000 for acute primary angle closure in the over‐45‐year‐old population.

Conclusion:  Our study confirms that primary angle closure glaucoma is uncommon in Caucasians, but not as rare as originally perceived as it makes up a fair proportion (22.9%) of glaucoma workload.
Aetiology of non‐diagnostic renal fine‐needle aspiration cytologies in a contemporary series
Authors: Andonian Sero , Okeke Zeph , VanderBrink Brian A. , Okeke Deidre A. , Sugrue Chiara , Wasserman Patricia G. , Richstone Lee , Lee Benjamin R.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVES

To determine the aetiology of non‐diagnostic renal fine‐needle aspiration cytologies (FNACs) in a contemporary series.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database of renal FNACs performed between 1995 and 2005. There were 118 patients with renal lesions that underwent FNAC. Indications for FNAC were indeterminate complex renal cysts, significant medical comorbidities, previous history of malignancy, multiple bilateral renal lesions, and suspected metastatic disease. A cytotechnologist was present during the FNA procedure to perform Diff‐Quik staining and ensure an adequate sample of cells were obtained. Except for seven (six open, one ultrasound‐guided), all of the FNACs were performed with CT guidance.

RESULTS

The median (range) number of passes for each FNAC session was 2.7 (1–6). Of the 16 FNACs performed for indeterminate complex renal cysts, nine (56%) were adequate with the cytodiagnosis of benign cysts. Of the seven inadequate specimens, three had benign cysts and another three were non‐diagnostic due to acellularity. Therefore, the technical failure rate was 19% (3/16) for indeterminate complex renal cysts. The last patient had a cytodiagnosis of benign cyst and the final histological diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC; papilllary, grade III). Therefore, this represents a sampling error (false negative rate) of 0.8% (1/118). For the 102 solid renal masses, 22 (22%) had inadequate specimen by Diff‐Quik staining. The technical failure rate (inability to obtain sufficient epithelial cells) was 16% (16). In 18 patients, immunocytochemistry (ICC) was used to differentiate primary renal parenchymal tumours from others such as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), lymphoproliferative, colon, and lung. There were two FNACs with misdiagnosis (2%), where ICC was not used. In both, the cytodiagnosis was TCC and the final histological diagnosis was RCC in one and atypical urothelium in another.

CONCLUSIONS

Non‐diagnostic renal FNACs can be attributed to misdiagnosis (2%), sampling error (0.8%) and technical failure (16%).
Rectal fistulae after salvage high‐intensity focused ultrasound for recurrent prostate cancer after combined brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Ahmed Hashim U. , Ishaq Ayesha , Zacharakis Evangelos , Shaw Greg , Illing Rowland , Allen Clare , Kirkham Alex , Emberton Mark
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report on the high rectal fistula rate associated with salvage high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) after the failure of combined brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer; salvage ablative therapy for prostate cancer is indicated when there is local recurrence after RT, brachytherapy or their combination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all men with prostate cancer treated with HIFU between 1 March 2005 and 31 May 2007, and identified five men treated after the failure of both brachytherapy and EBRT for localized prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Three of the five men had iodine‐seed implantation brachytherapy combined with EBRT as primary treatment, one had high‐dose rate brachytherapy combined with EBRT and one had salvage iodine‐seed brachytherapy for failed EBRT. Three of the five patients developed a recto‐urethral fistula after HIFU.

CONCLUSIONS

The high rate of recto‐urethral fistula formation in this group might reflect an impaired blood supply or HIFU‐associated near‐field heating of the rectal wall. Tissue viability and healing might affect this group regardless of the salvage method. Careful patient selection and avoidance of rectal diagnostic biopsies might minimize the risk. Emerging ablative therapies regarded as less invasive than traditional therapies must be used with caution.