bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of mean annual primary production to precipitation
Authors: Hsu Joanna S. , Powell James , Adler Peter B.
Published: March 2012

In many terrestrial ecosystems, variation in aboveground net primary production (ANPP) is positively correlated with variation in interannual precipitation. Global climate change will alter both the mean and the variance of annual precipitation, but the relative impact of these changes in precipitation on mean ANPP remains uncertain. At any given site, the slope of the precipitation‐ANPP relationship determines the sensitivity of mean ANPP to changes in mean precipitation, whereas the curvature of the precipitation‐ANPP relationship determines the sensitivity of ANPP to changes in precipitation variability. We used 58 existing long‐term data sets to characterize precipitation‐ANPP relationships in terrestrial ecosystems and to quantify the sensitivity of mean ANPP to the mean and variance of annual precipitation. We found that most study sites have a nonlinear, saturating relationship between precipitation and ANPP, but these nonlinearities were not strong. As a result of these weak nonlinearities, ANPP was nearly 40 times more sensitive to precipitation mean than variance. A 1% increase in mean precipitation caused a −0.2% to 1.8% change in mean ANPP, with a 0.64% increase on average. Sensitivities to precipitation mean peaked at sites with a mean annual precipitation near 500 mm. Changes in species composition and increased intra‐annual precipitation variability could lead to larger ANPP responses to altered precipitation regimes than predicted by our analysis.
Tissue microarray and digital image analysis: a methodological study with special reference to the microenvironment in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Glimelius Ingrid , Qvarnström Fredrik , Simonsson Martin , Ekwall Anders , Smedby Karin E , Molin Daniel , Amini Rose‐Marie
Published: March 2012

Glimelius I, Qvarnström F, Simonsson M, Ekwall A, Smedby K E, Molin D & Amini R‐M  (2012) Histopathology 61, 26–32

Tissue microarray and digital image analysis: a methodological study with special reference to the microenvironment in Hodgkin lymphoma

Aim:  Cancer research has moved from solely investigating the tumour cells to also including analysis of the tumour microenvironment; however, the methods utilized have not been evaluated for this change. The aim of this study was to compare tissue microarrays (TMA) to whole tissue sections (WS) with regard to cells in the tumour microenvironment. Manual evaluation and digital image analyses (DIA) were utilized and also compared.

Methods and results:  TMA slides from 117 Hodgkin lymphoma patients were immunostained for forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) [identifying regulatory T cells (Treg)], and 39 corresponding WS were also analysed. Manual evaluation and DIA were utilized for all patients on both the TMA and the WS. A correlation coefficient of 0.83 was obtained for the proportion of Treg in TMA versus WS using manual evaluation and a correlation coefficient of 0.77 with DIA. Treg counts using manual evaluation correlated in turn with DIA, with a coefficient of 0.79 for the 117 TMA sections and 0.65 for the 39 WS.

Conclusion:  Because a high correlation was observed between TMA and WS, TMA can be utilized when evaluating cells in the tumour microenvironment. DIA appears to provide a reliable measurement method, provided that manual control of the tumour slides is conducted.
Impact of the reactive microenvironment on the bone marrow involvement of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Rajnai Hajnalka , Bödör Csaba , Balogh Zsófia , Gagyi Éva , Csomor Judit , Krenács Tibor , Tóth Erika , Matolcsy András
Published: March 2012

Rajnai H, Bödör C, Balogh Z, Gagyi É, Csomor J, Krenács T, Tóth E & Matolcsy A

(2012) Histopathology 60, E66–E75

Impact of the reactive microenvironment on the bone marrow involvement of follicular lymphoma

Aims:  Follicular lymphoma (FL) is associated with bone marrow (BM) involvement in approximately 40–70% of cases. Previous studies have suggested that the immune‐microenvironment of FL plays an important role in the clinical behaviour of the disease. To investigate the role of the microenvironment in BM involvement of FL, we performed immunophenotypical analysis of the reactive cell populations in lymph nodes (LN) and corresponding BM of 35 patients with FL. Microenvironment patterns of BM infiltrates were compared to the corresponding features of the LN in cases with BM manifestation, and the LN microenvironment was compared in FL cases with and without BM involvement.

Methods and results:  Automated image‐segmentation‐based quantitation was performed in whole digital slides of tissue microarrays of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue biopsies. We found significantly more CD8+ T lymphocytes, forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages and fewer PD1+ T lymphocytes in the BM than in the matching LN samples. Furthermore, we observed significantly fewer CD8+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages in cases involving the BM compared to those localized only to the LNs.

Conclusions:  Our study showed that different tumour cell growth in the LN and BM may generate different microenvironments, and suggested that the reduced number of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and macrophages in LNs favours BM infiltration of neoplastic cells in FL.
Tricellulin expression in normal and neoplastic human pancreas
Authors: Korompay Anna , Borka Katalin , Lotz Gábor , Somorácz Áron , Törzsök Péter , Erdélyi‐Belle Boglárka , Kenessey István , Baranyai Zsolt , Zsoldos Fanni , Kupcsulik Péter , Bodoky György , Schaff Zsuzsa , Kiss András
Published: March 2012

Korompay A, Borka K, Lotz G, Somorácz Á, Törzsök P, Erdélyi‐Belle B, Kenessey I, Baranyai Z, Zsoldos F, Kupcsulik P, Bodoky G, Schaff Z & Kiss A

(2012) Histopathology 60, E76–E86

Tricellulin expression in normal and neoplastic human pancreas

Aims:  Tricellulin is a member of the family of tight junction proteins, which are found concentrated mainly at tricellular contacts. Altered expression of several tight junction components has been observed during carcinogenesis. In the present study, we have analysed the expression of tricellulin in normal human pancreas, and in primary exocrine and endocrine pancreatic tumours.

Methods and results:  A total of 96 cases were studied: 20 normal pancreas, 58 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, 15 pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, and three acinar cell carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry (analysed by digital morphometry), immunofluorescence, western blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed. Tricellulin was localized apically in normal ducts and acini as intensive, spotty immunopositivity at tricellular contacts, whereas weaker signals were observed at the junction between two cells. Islets of Langerhans were negative. Well‐differentiated ductal adenocarcinomas significantly overexpressed tricellulin as compared with poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. Acinar cell carcinomas expressed tricellulin in tumour cells. All endocrine tumours were tricellulin‐negative.

Conclusions:  This is the first report to describe the tricellulin expression profile in normal and neoplastic human pancreas. Both normal and neoplastic pancreatic exocrine tissues expressed tricellulin, whereas no expression was seen in normal or neoplastic endocrine cells. Tricellulin expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas showed a significant negative correlation with the degree of differentiation.
Detection of LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) in normal human tissues and haematopoietic and non‐haematopoietic tumours using a newly developed rabbit monoclonal antibody
Authors: Agostinelli Claudio , Paterson Jennifer C , Gupta Rajeev , Righi Simona , Sandri Federica , Piccaluga Pier P , Bacci Francesco , Sabattini Elena , Pileri Stefano A , Marafioti Teresa
Published: March 2012

Agostinelli C, Paterson J C, Gupta R, Righi S, Sandri F, Piccaluga P P, Bacci F, Sabattini E, Pileri S A & Marafioti T  (2012) Histopathology 61, 33–46

Detection of LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) in normal human tissues and haematopoietic and non‐haematopoietic tumours using a newly developed rabbit monoclonal antibody

Aims:  We describe a new rabbit monoclonal antibody, raised against a fixation‐resistant epitope of the transcription regulator LIM domain only 2 (LMO2).

Methods and results:  Lymphoma cell lines and a large series of normal and neoplastic samples were investigated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The antibody detected nuclear positivity for the protein, with the exception of a proportion of classical Hodgkin lymphomas (HLs), peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs) and solid tumours that showed granular cytoplasmic staining. In normal lympho‐haematopoietic tissues, LMO2 was expressed at different intensities by CD34+ blasts, haematopoietic precursors, germinal centre (GC), mantle and splenic marginal zone B cells. While reactive with only scattered elements in the thymus and nine of 237 PTCLs, the antibody stained 31 of 39 T‐acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemias (T‐ALLs) and the T‐ALL‐derived human leukaemic cell line, CCRF‐CEM. LMO2 was found in 88% of B‐acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemias (B‐ALLs), 5% chronic lymphocytic leukaemias (CLLs) and 14%, 57% and 41% of mantle, follicular and Burkitt lymphomas, respectively. In the setting of diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), LMO2‐positivity was related strongly to a GC phenotype. LMO2 was found in 83% primary mediastinal large B cell lymphomas (PMBLs) and 100% nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphomas (NLPHLs), whereas only 10% of classical HLs were stained. Acute and chronic myeloid leukaemias were usually positive.

Conclusions:  The new anti‐LMO2 antibody can be applied confidently to routine sections, contributing to the differential diagnosis of several lymphoma subtypes, subtyping of DLBCLs and potential development of innovative therapies.
The presence and localization of onychodermis (specialized nail mesenchyme) containing onychofibroblasts in the nail unit: a morphological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Lee Dong‐Youn , Park Ji‐Hye , Shin Hyun‐Tae , Yang Jun‐Mo , Jang Kee‐Taek , Kwon Ghee Young , Lee Kyung‐Hoon , Shim Jong Sup
Published: March 2012

Lee D‐Y, Park J‐H, Shin H‐T, Yang J‐M, Jang K‐T, Kwon G Y, Lee K‐H & Shim J S  (2012) Histopathology 61, 123–130

The presence and localization of onychodermis (specialized nail mesenchyme) containing onychofibroblasts in the nail unit: a morphological and immunohistochemical study

Aims:  Due to its limited availability there has been very little research on the mesenchyme of the nail unit. Recently, we discovered specialized mesenchymal cells beneath the nail matrix and proposed to call them onychofibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to further delineate more precisely by histology and immunohistochemistry the specialized nail mesenchyme.

Methods and results:  Thirty supernumerary digits were obtained during operations to correct polydactyly. Longitudinal and transverse sections were obtained from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded blocks. In sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, a mesenchymal area that showed much more cellularity and less eosinophilic, loose connective tissue was identified beneath the nail matrix and nail bed. Using Alcian blue staining, mucin was detected in this mesenchymal area below the nail matrix and nail bed. Immnunohistochemically, CD10 and versican were expressed strongly in the mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts under the nail matrix and nail bed.

Conclusions:  These results demonstrate the presence and localization of a specialized nail mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts in a well‐defined area beneath the nail matrix and nail bed. Thus, we propose the term onychodermis for this specialized nail mesenchyme that is histologically and immunohistochemically distinct from the dermis of other parts of the nail unit.
Development of standard practice guidelines for open and closed system suctioning
Authors: Özden Dilek , Görgülü R Selma
Published: March 2012

Aims.  This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and practice of nurses before and after training and the development of standard practice guidelines for open and closed system suctioning methods in patients with endotracheal tubes.

Background.  Many life‐threatening complications can occur when a suctioning procedure is not performed with the correct technique. It has been reported that standard practice guidelines for suctioning are insufficient in clinical practice.

Design.  Non‐participant structured observational study.

Methods.  We assessed a total of 48 nurses who were employed in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit of a state hospital in Turkey. We used a questionnaire and nurse observation forms to assess the use of the open and closed system suctioning.

Results.  There was a significant difference between the mean scores of the answers (‘true’, ‘wrong’ and ‘I do not know’) for the use of open and closed system suctioning before and after training. In addition, all steps of both suctioning procedures were carried out correctly during the third observation.

Conclusions.  The compliance of the nurses to the standard practice guidelines for open and closed suctioning and their knowledge levels on the subject were increased after training, while the implementation of standards was satisfactory.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The development of open and closed system suctioning standard practice guidelines directly contributed to the enhancement of patient safety and the quality of nursing care. It is suggested that, as in other nursing care practices, suctioning should be carried out in accordance with standard practice guidelines, and health institutions should develop their standard practice guidelines and work in accordance with them.
A mechanistic understanding of ageing revealed by studying the young
Authors: CRESPI ERICA J.
Published: March 2012

A main focus within biomedical research is to understand how adverse environmental conditions experienced during early development affects lifelong health (Barker 1992). Within this context, extensive research in rodent models and humans has shown that intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) caused by nutrient restriction during early development is often followed by post‐natal ‘catch‐up’ growth when access to food resources improves. However, this accelerated growth rate seems to come at a cost, as metabolic and endocrine processes that are programmed during this time cause later‐life onset of diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease (reviewed inCrespi & Denver 2005). In this issueMolecular Ecology,Geigeret al.(2012)asked what are the costs of catch‐up growth in nutrient‐restricted king penguin chicks (Fig. 1) by measuring lengths of telomeres, the protective DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes, before and after catch‐up growth, as the amount and rate of telomere sequence loss over time has been associated with reduced lifespan in both model and nonmodel organisms (see reviews ofCostantiniet al.2010;Haussmann & Marchetto 2010).Geigeret al.(2011)found that chicks entering the post‐winter growth season at a smaller size exhibited increased growth rates (i.e. catch‐up growth) at the cost of increased oxidative stress and reduced telomere lengths compared with the chicks entering the growth period at a larger size. Furthermore, chicks that did not survive had drastically shorter telomere lengths and reduced antioxidant capacities at the beginning of the growth period than all other chicks, thereby directly associating telomere length to mortality. These results suggest that while catch‐up growth allows smaller chicks to head off into the world on equal footing with chicks that hatched at a larger size, it likely comes at the cost of a shortened lifespan. Thus, this study provides a mechanism that supports the antagonistic pleiotropy theory of senescence (Promislow 2004).

 Geigeret al.(2011)measured of telomere length and oxidative stress to investigate how body size and growth rates of king penguin chicks affect their lifespan. These king penguin chicks are from the colonie de la Baie du Marin, Crozet Archipelago (photograph taken by Sylvie Geiger).

image
Gall formation in clubroot‐infected Arabidopsis results from an increase in existing meristematic activities of the host but is not essential for the completion of the pathogen life cycle
Authors: Malinowski Robert , Smith Jody A. , Fleming Andrew J. , Scholes Julie D. , Rolfe Stephen A.
Published: March 2012

Plasmodiophora brassicae (clubroot) infection leads to reprogramming of host development resulting in the formation of characteristic galls. In this work we explored the cellular events that underly gall formation in Arabidopsis thaliana with the help of molecular markers of cell division (CYCB1:GUS) and meristematic activity (ANT:GUS). Our results show that gall development involved the amplification of existing meristematic activities within the vascular cambium (VC) and phloem parenchyma (PP) cells in the region of the hypocotyl. Additionally we found that the increase in VC activity and prolonged maintenance of cambial‐derived cells in a meristematic state was crucial for gall formation; disruption of the VC activity significantly decreased the gall size. Gall formation also perturbed vascular development with a significant reduction in xylem and increase in PP in infected plants. This situation was reflected in a decrease in transcripts of key factors promoting xylogenesis (VND6, VND7 and MYB46) and an increase in those promoting phloem formation and function (APL, SUC2). Finally we show, using the cell cycle inhibitor ICK1/KRP1 and a cle41 mutant with altered regulation of cambial stem cell maintenance and differentiation, that a decrease in gall formation did not prevent pathogen development. This finding demonstrates that although gall formation is a typical symptom of the disease and influences numbers of spores produced, it is not required for completion of the pathogen life cycle. Together, these results provide an insight into the relationship of the cellular events that accompany Plasmodiophora infection and their role in disease progression.
Incidence, risk factors and prognosis of acute kidney injury after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: KONG WAI Y , YONG GERALD , IRISH ASHLEY
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) poses a significant risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Little is known of the impact of TAVI and AKI on long‐term kidney function and health cost. We explored the predictive factors and prognostic implications of AKI following TAVI.

Methods:  Single‐centre retrospective analysis of 52 elderly patients undergoing TAVI was conducted. The primary endpoint was renal outcome which included the incidence of AKI and 12‐month renal function after TAVI. Secondary endpoints were mortality, the length of hospital stay (LOS) and cost.

Results:  AKI occurred in 15/52 (28.8%) patients (mean age 84 ± 6) and three patients (6%) required dialysis. Patients with AKI (AKI+) had greater comorbidity (diabetes and cerebrovascular disease) and a trend towards reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline compared with those without AKI (56.6 vs AKI−: 65.7 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P = 0.07). Following TAVI, AKI− patients experienced an immediate improvement in eGFR, which remained significantly higher at all time points compared with AKI+ patients (70.4 vs 46.9 at 6 months and 73.7 vs 53.0 at 12 months, P < 0.001). Cumulative mortality for AKI+versus AKI− group was 26.7% and 2.7% (P = 0.006). LOS doubled (P < 0.001) and average hospitalization cost per patient was 1.5 times higher in the AKI+ group (P < 0.001). Independent predictors of AKI were peri‐procedural blood transfusion (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 2.0–3.1), trans‐apical approach (OR: 9.3, 95% CI: 4.3–23.7) and hypertension (OR: 6.4, 95% CI: 2.9–17.3).

Conclusion:  AKI developed in 28.8% of patients after TAVI and was associated with procedural technique and transfusion requirement, and an increased LOS and mortality. However, most patients achieved a significant and sustained improvement in eGFR.
Quantification of momilactone B in rice hulls and the phytotoxic potential of rice extracts on the seed germination of Alisma plantago‐aquatica
Authors: MENNAN HUSREV , NGOUAJIO MATHIEU , SAHIN MEVLUT , ISIK DOGAN , KAYA ALTOP EMINE
Published: March 2012

The occurrence of herbicide‐resistant weeds has boosted interest in the use of crop allelopathy as a potential alternative to herbicides for weed control in rice (Oryza sativa). The phytotoxic compounds that are released by rice could help to enhance its competitive ability and improve weed management. This study aimed to screen rice genotypes for phytotoxic activity, quantify the amount of momilactone B in various rice tissues, and identify the potential parental lines for quantitative trait locus analysis. Therefore, a total of 41 cultivars from germplasm collections was evaluated for their effects. Significant differences were found among the rice cultivars in their ability to reduce the germination, root growth, and root dry weight accumulation of Alisma plantago‐aquatica. The leaf extract was the most inhibitory to germination. Out of the five cultivars that were tested, momilactone B was detected in four of them: Marateli, Kizilirmak, Karadeniz, and Kiziltan. Karadeniz and Kiziltan were identified as the rice cultivars with a high momilactone B content in the tissues and therefore they could be used in breeding programs to enhance the phytotoxic potential of rice. The development of a rice cultivar with proven allelopathic characteristics could provide an environmentally friendly and low‐cost approach for the control of A. plantago‐aquatica.
Tumours of the retrorectal space: management and outcome of a heterogeneous group of diseases
Authors: Boscà A. , Pous S. , Artés M. J. , Gómez F. , Granero Castro P. , García‐Granero E.
Published: March 2012

Aim  Retrorectal tumours are a rare and complex entity in adults and children. They present a varied symptomatology and their treatment is very different according to their histology. We aimed to evaluate our experience of tumours of the retrorectal space.

Method  Forty patients with retrorectal tumours were divided into two groups according to age. The variables analysed were sex, signs and symptoms, complementary examinations, surgical approaches, adjuvant therapies, pathological analyses, recurrence and survival.

Results  Symptoms across the 30 adults varied – back pain (18) was the most common. Surgical intervention was performed on 20 patients; the rest were candidates for other treatments: five metastatic disease, two lymphomas and two Ewing tumour. The most common surgical approach was posterior, with 10 cases (50%). In all, 70% of adult tumours were malignant, with chordoma (30%) and metastases (20%) being the most common lesions. The most frequent benign lesion was hamartoma (10%). The 1‐ and 5‐year mortality rates were 23.8% and 38.1%, respectively. In the paediatric group, three patients were diagnosed in utero. The symptoms among children varied and all were operated upon. The most frequent tumour was teratoma. Overall mortality was 20%.

Conclusions  Given their complexity, these tumours should be addressed by experts and all treatment options must be contemplated. They continue to present a challenge, above all in malignant tumours where the tumour cannot be controlled at a locoregional level.
A biopsy simulation study to assess the accuracy of several transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐biopsy strategies compared with template prostate mapping biopsies in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hu Yipeng , Ahmed Hashim U. , Carter Tim , Arumainayagam Nimalan , Lecornet Emilie , Barzell Winston , Freeman Alex , Nevoux Pierre , Hawkes David J. , Villers Arnauld , Emberton Mark , Barratt Dean C.
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Diagnostic (validating cohort)

Level of Evidence 1b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsies can miss prostate cancer and misclassify risk in a diagnostic setting; the exact extent to which it does so in a repeat biopsy strategy in men with low–intermediate risk prostate cancer is unknown.

A simulation study of different biopsy strategies showed that repeat 12‐core TRUS biopsy performs poorly. Adding anterior sampling improves on this but the highest accuracy is achieved using transperineal template prostate mapping using a 5 mm sampling frame.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of two sampling strategies; repeat transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐biopsy and transperineal template prostate mapping (TPM) to detect and exclude lesions of ≥0.2 mL or ≥0.5 mL using computer simulation on reconstructed three‐dimensional (3‐D) computer models of radical whole‐mount specimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Computer simulation on reconstructed 3‐D computer models of radical whole‐mount specimens was used to evaluate the performance characteristics of repeat TRUS‐biopsy and TPM to detect and exclude lesions of ≥0.2 mL or ≥0.5 mL.

In all, 107 consecutive cases were analysed (1999–2001) with simulations repeated 500 times for each biopsy strategy.

TPM and five different TRUS‐biopsy strategies were simulated; the latter involved a standard 12‐core sampling and incorporated variable amounts of error, as well as the addition of anterior cores.

Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values for detection of lesions with a volume of ≥0.2 mL or ≥0.5 mL were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean (sd) age and PSA concentration were 61 (6.4) years and 8.5 (5.9) ng/mL, respectively.In all, 53% (57/107) had low–intermediate risk disease.

In all, 665 foci were reconstructed; there were 149 foci ≥0.2 mL and 97 ≥ 0.5 mL in the full cohort and 68 ≥ 0.2 mL and 43 ≥ 0.5 mL in the low–intermediate risk group.

Overall, TPM accuracy (area under the receiver operating curve, AUC) was ≈0.90 compared with AUC 0.70–0.80 for TRUS‐biopsy.

In addition, at best, TRUS‐biopsy missed 30–40% of lesions of ≥0.2 mL and ≥0.5 mL whilst TPM missed 5% of such lesions.

CONCLUSION

TPM under simulation conditions appears the most effective re‐classification strategy, although augmented TRUS‐biopsy techniques are better than standard TRUS‐biopsy.
High detection rate of significant prostate tumours in anterior zones using transperineal ultrasound‐guided template saturation biopsy
Authors: Mabjeesh Nicola J. , Lidawi Ghalib , Chen Juza , German Larissa , Matzkin Haim
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Men with persistent suspicion for prostate cancer after previous negative standard transrectal biopsy series are offered saturation biopsy either transrectally or transperineally to increase cancer detection rate.

A high‐risk group of men with at least two previous negative transrectal biopsies underwent transperineal template‐guided saturation biopsy. Prostate cancer was detected in 26%, predominantly in the anterior zones. PSA velocity or doubling time were the most powerful factors to predict cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the detection rate and the regional location of prostate cancer in men undergoing transperineal template‐guided saturation biopsy (TTSB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 92 consecutive men with at least two previous negative transrectal biopsy series who underwent a multiple‐core prostate TTSB at our centre were included in the study.

Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to address the relationship between parameters before TTSB and prostate cancer‐detection rate.

Covariates consisted of age at biopsy, free and total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, digital rectal examination findings, histological findings on previous biopsy, PSA velocity (PSAV), PSA‐doubling time (PSADT) and the number of previous negative biopsy sets.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 26% of the men.

A median of 30 cores was taken by TTSB.

Adenocarcinoma in >2 cores was detected in 58.5% and Gleason score ≥7 was detected in 46% of the diagnosed men.

Most of the tumours (83.3%) were found in the anterior zones of the gland, with a significantly higher number of positive cores vs the posterior zones (mean 4.9 vs 1.5, P= 0.015).

PSADT and PSAV were the only independent predictors of prostate cancer detection at multivariate analyses with odds ratios of 0.71 (P= 0.014) and 1.58 (P= 0.025), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TTSB has a high prostate cancer‐detection rate, especially in the anterior zones.

Men after at least two previous negative transrectal biopsy series and persistent suspicion of prostate cancer, as evidenced by rapid PSA dynamics, should be offered TTSB.
LEADING THE WAY
Authors: Doherty Pearl
Published: March 2012

The ability to persevere in the face of what may seem impossible odds is the story of Ursula Burns, who began her career as an engineering intern at Xerox and rose to become CEO of the company in 2009. Burns talked with Pearl Doherty about her career at Xerox.
GAME CHANGING
Authors: Dearlove Des
Published: March 2012

Barney Francis is Managing Director of Sky Sports. In a television career spanning 18 years, he has worked in the multi‐channel, terrestrial and independent sectors. At Sky, he was executive producer for cricket, leading his team through two ICC World Cups, two Ashes Tours, England tours to nine nations, and the first Twenty20 Cup. In 2007, he became executive producer for Sky's Premier league football and in 2008 executive producer for the UEFA Champions league.
THE PERILS OF POPULARITY
Authors: Bertini Marco , Cabornero Ricardo
Published: March 2012

The iPhone's worldwide success would seem to be an unqualified win‐win for Apple and the mobile operators that sell it. Not so, explain Marco Bertini and Ricardo Cabornero, as mobile operators must maintain a delicate balance between winning new customers and retaining existing ones. This task is made more difficult when their own brands can actually be diminished by selling the iPhone.
PEER POWER
Authors: Ellehuus Christoffer
Published: March 2012

In troubled economic times how do you keep people engaged and motivated?Christoffer Ellehuus suggests the world of sport offers valuable inspiration.
REINVENTING THE RINGS
Authors: Payne Michael
Published: March 2012

Over the last three decades, the Olympic Games has undergone a dramatic reversal of fortune. And yet, until now, the story has remained largely untold. Michael Payne provided the inside story in this article originally published in Spring 2005.
VOICES: THE STRATEGIC INNOVATION CUBE
Authors: Rambhatla Kiriti
Published: March 2012

Companies that innovate tend to prosper. Yet the process used by the most innovative firms remains a mystery. Is there a way that any company can discern whether to commit resources to an innovation idea?Kiriti Rambhatla has blended the fields of science and management and offers a new way of thinking about innovation inside any company.
Pollution, Private Investment in Healthcare, and Environmental Policy*
Authors: Pautrel Xavier
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we demonstrate that, in a two‐period overlapping‐generations model, the relationship between environmental taxation and economic activity (output level and growth) has an inverted‐U shape when we take into account the detrimental impact of pollution on health and the individual decision of each working‐age agent to improve her health.

We also demonstrate that the link between environmental tax and lifetime welfare also has an inverted‐U shape, and that a tighter environmental policy might enhance economic activity while reducing steady‐state lifetime welfare. Finally, we investigate the social optimum and the determinants of the optimal environmental tax.
REPRODUCTION AND TEMPORARY DISEQUILIBRIUM: A CLASSICAL APPROACH
Authors: Benetti Carlo , Bidard Christian , Klimovsky Edith , Rebeyrol Antoine
Published: March 2012

We build a bisector reproduction model with Classical features in which the capitalists aim at maximizing accumulation. At variance with gravitation models, it is assumed that they invest their profits in their own industry. Their plans are based on actual productions and expected prices. Effective prices and effective allocations of resources are determined by a market‐clearing mechanism. A law on the formation of expectations allows us to define the dynamics of disequilibria, which let appear endogenous self‐sustained fluctuations around a long‐run path. The long‐run rate of growth and the amplitude of the fluctuations depend on the initial conditions.
Cut Price Public Protection?
Authors: Nash Mike
Published: March 2012

UK public sector financial cuts of up to 25% over the next four years threaten service delivery in a number of areas and it is likely that public protection agencies will not be immune. This article explores ways in which a ‘world leading’ public protection process can continue to effectively manage a consistently growing ‘problem’ whilst its component parts struggle to set new operational priorities in the face of severe financial restraints. It also suggests that nascent coalition government efforts, although creditable, are still not immune from the punitive rhetoric of its predecessor and remain vulnerable to media constructions of dangerousness. The suggestion here is that in addition to modifications to legislation and practice, and, indeed, an attempt to reinvent professional discretion, a major philosophical shift and public education programme are necessary. By reducing the size of the public protection caseload it may be that savings are made in terms of lives and serious harm as well as money.
Thinking Beyond ‘Utility’: Some Comments on Probation Practice and Training
Authors: Millar Malcolm , Burke Lol
Published: March 2012

This article suggests that a ‘culture of utility’, manifested in the central importance attached to producing specific outcomes, is prevalent in probation practice in England and Wales, and this is argued to be unconducive to humanistic practice. Comments on probation training are integrated into the discussion and it is suggested that here also a ‘culture of utility’ is influential. An underlying theme of the article is that it may be more accurate to see probation as preoccupied by the consideration of ‘utility’ than to view it as increasingly punitive. Alternative ways of thinking are possible but difficult to realise.
Two historical strands in studying visual direction1
Authors: ONO HIROSHI , WADE NICHOLAS J.
Published: March 2012

How we see the direction of an object has been discussed since the time of Aristotle. Despite this early beginning, there are two strands of conflicting ideas on visual direction that remain to this day. The first strand is based on observation or phenomenology and generated the idea that the midpoint between the two eyes is the reference point for visual direction. The second strand is related to geometry or optics and generated the idea that the reference point is an eye. To discuss this issue, we focus on visual directions of stimuli that stimulate both foveas. The observational strand has provided ample evidence to support their idea that the midpoint between the eyes is the reference point, yet the idea that the reference point resides in an eye still persists. We examine how the two strands have evolved since antiquity and speculate as to why the second strand persists. We then offer an intuitive explanation for the idea generated by the first strand in order to counter the persistence of the idea generated by the second.
Problem‐driven three‐dimensional television research involving human visual perception studies
Authors: TAM WA JAMES , SPERANZA FILIPPO , VÁZQUEZ CARLOS
Published: March 2012

Stereoscopic three‐dimensional (S3‐D) visual entertainment has become a hot technology that is emerging very quickly in many new electronic devices and visual communication systems. Although this rapid growth of S3‐D technology is relatively recent, visual scientists have been conducting research on fundamental issues of stereoscopic 3‐D television (3‐D TV) development and deployment for many years. To illustrate how human visual perception research has been applied to the study of stereoscopic 3‐D TV related issues, selected experimental studies that were conducted by the Communications Research Centre Canada within the last 15 years are presented. The studies reflect empirical investigations on a wide range of topics from an applied vision research perspective: the prevalence of stereo‐deficiency, the potential use of mixed‐resolution binocular imaging for reducing transmission bandwidth, the role of stereoscopic object motion on visual comfort, and the use of surrogate depth maps for the conversion of standard video to S3‐D format to increase the availability of S3‐D program contents.
Effects of binocular disparity on impressions
Authors: TOYA DAISUKE , ICHIKAWA MAKOTO
Published: March 2012

We examined how the size of binocular disparity, which determines the apparent depth magnitude, affects the impressions in different dimensions in viewing nonrepresentational stereograms and representational stereoscopic pictures by the use of semantic differential method with the scales that are related to the basic dimensions of impression: evaluation, activity, potency, and reality. In viewing nonrepresentational stereograms, which presented a binocular disparity ranging from 0 to approximately 70 min of arc between the central line, or a rectangle with a peripheral frame, the ratings for the scales for the evaluation impression were the highest at approximately 10–20 arc min of disparity, while the ratings for the activity impression increased with the size of the disparity. In viewing the representational and nonrepresentational stereograms, the ratings for the scales, which are related to the evaluation, activity, and reality factors, increased with the size of the disparity if the disparity specified multiple depth layers. These results indicate that the effects of binocular disparity in viewing a stereoscopic picture depend on the disparity distribution and disparity size rather than the representationality of the stereogram.
International Migration and Religious Selection
Authors: Connor Phillip
Published: March 2012

Migrants are selected by several characteristics (age, education, skill, health, and family migration experience). Often less examined is religious selection. Using Guatemalan data, this research note tests whether religious affiliation is significantly associated with migration to the United States, net of other competing factors. Results are robust, demonstrating that Protestants are more likely than other religious groups to migrate. Additionally, mediating factors (social networks, cultural norms, and ideological links) are tested to identify social mechanisms behind the Protestant effect. The research note concludes with implications of religious selection and how religious selection can be further examined in migration and religion studies.
The Religious Composition of the Chinese Diaspora, Focusing on Canada
Authors: Skirbekk Vegard , Malenfant ÉRic Caron , Basten Stuart , Stonawski Marcin
Published: March 2012

The religious composition of the Chinese Diaspora varies by countries with the highest Christian share in the Philippines (86 percent) and the highest Buddhist share (84.3 percent) in Cambodia. The religiously unaffiliated are more likely found in Vietnam (74.7 percent), Canada (70.1 percent), and Austria (63 percent) and less likely found in the Philippines (0.6 percent) and Malaysia (1.5 percent). A further analysis of high‐quality Canadian census data allows for a more in‐depth focus. In 2001, 81 percent of the 125,000 Chinese migrants (those born in mainland China who had moved to Canada between 1996 and 2001) were unaffiliated, 11 percent were Christian, and 7 percent Buddhist. Relative to the topic of conversion, data on Chinese migrants admitted to Canada between 1981 and 1990 reveals growth in the proportion that self‐identified as religiously affiliated (Christian as well as Buddhist) and a decline in the proportion who reported no religion.
Precipitation of Soluble Affinity Complexes by a Second Affinity Interaction: A Model Study
Authors: Senstad C. , Mattiasson B.
Published: March 2012

Lactate dehydrogenase was purified by affinity precipitation. The enzyme bound to Blue Dextran (the Cibacron blue residues) and was precipitated by addition of concanavalin A. The lectin functions as a crosslinking agent, building up large flocs of dextran that subsequently precipitate, thus co‐precipitating the affinity‐bound lactate dehydrogenase.
Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies to Prostatic Acid Phosphatase Isoenzyme 2 And Application in Solid‐Phase Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Kuo CY , Chen KW , Fu J. , Lam KW , Lee CY
Published: March 2012

Monoclonal antibodies specific to prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) isoenzyme 2 were generated by using an improved hybridoma technique. After three subcutaneous immunizations and three intravenous boosters, cell fusion experiments were performed. The hybrid cells were first cultured in a semisolid medium containing methylcellulose and later transferred to a liquid medium for further subculture. Out of a total of 600 colonies recovered after two cell fusion experiments, 13 were shown to exhibit affinity to PAP isoenzyme 2 by radioimmunoassay. Nine hybrid cell lines which showed high affinity and specificity were established for further evaluation. Their immunoglobulin subclass was determined to be immunoglobulin G. The association constants between PAP isoenzyme 2 and each monoclonal antibody were determined by titration curve in radioimmunoassay (RIA). Three of them (PAP 1, PAP 03, and PAP 019) were shown to be over 1 × 10(9) M‐1. From the results of a matrix cross‐matching procedure, a pair of antibodies (PAP 03 and PAP 1) reacting with discrete antigenic determinants were identified for preparing a solid phase sandwich enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit. The designed EIA procedure could be performed within 40 min in a one‐stage incubation protocol. The assay time was shorter than that of other commercial RIA or EIA kits, and the sensitivity was 0.4 ng/ml which was comparable to that of RIA kits. The EIA kit was shown not to cross‐react with human thyroid stimulating hormone, alpha‐fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and acid phosphatases derived from tissues other than prostate. Therefore, this design was a simple and rapid method with high sensitivity and specificity for determining PAP isoenzyme 2 in human serum.
The Changing Political Economy of Occupational Health and Safety in Fisheries: Lessons from Eastern Canada and South Africa
Authors: HOWSE DANA , JEEBHAY MOHAMED F. , NEIS BARBARA
Published: March 2012

Growing literatures on the political economy of occupational health and safety and on the political economy of contemporary fisheries need to be better integrated to help us see how neoliberal globalization and overfishing are interacting with gender, race and class relations in regional fish harvesting and processing workplaces to affect occupational health risks and the consequences. This contribution uses findings from occupational allergy and asthma (OAA) research among seafood processing workers in Eastern Canada and the west coast of South Africa to enhance our understanding of the political economy of occupational health and safety concerns in contemporary fisheries. Expanding features of global fisheries, mediated by regional histories, are changing the vulnerabilities of processing workers to OAA by influencing production volumes and products; local, regional and international divisions of labour; employment precariousness and access to prevention, health and compensation services. Affected workers' common perception that they must choose between their livelihoods and their health is to some degree a reality in these fisheries.
Activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway contributes to the behavioral deficit of fragile x‐syndrome
Authors: Wang Xinglong , Snape Mike , Klann Eric , Stone Jeremy G. , Singh Avneet , Petersen Robert B. , Castellani Rudy J. , Casadesus Gemma , Smith Mark A. , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 672–679.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a developmental disorder caused by the loss of Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene function because of a CGG repeat expansion (> 200 repeats) in the gene. The molecular mechanism(s) linking loss of FMR1 function to the molecular pathology and cognitive/behavioral disability remain unclear. Given the critical role of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopment, a number of recent studies have investigated ERK phosphorylation under basal conditions or upon mGluR‐induction using neuronal and peripheral tissues from Fmr1 knockout mice and peripheral tissues from FXS patients. However, these reports have presented conflicting results. The current study is the first to focus on the levels of ERK phosphorylation in brain tissue from human FXS patients. In both human brain tissue and brain tissue from Fmr1 knockout mice there was significantly increased phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK. Indeed, treating Fmr1 knockout mice with the MEK1/2 inhibitor SL327 abrogated audiogenic seizure activity, a feature of the Fmr1 knockout mice that replicates the symptom in patients with FXS. These findings suggest that activation of the ERK pathway results in some cardinal cognitive and clinical features in FXS patients and likely have profound translational implications.
K+ depolarization evokes ATP, adenosine and glutamate release from glia in rat hippocampus: a microelectrode biosensor study
Authors: Heinrich A , Andó RD , Túri G , Rózsa B , Sperlágh B
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study was undertaken to characterize the ATP, adenosine and glutamate outflow evoked by depolarization with high K+ concentrations, in slices of rat hippocampus.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We utilized the microelectrode biosensor technique and extracellular electrophysiological recording for the real‐time monitoring of the efflux of ATP, adenosine and glutamate.

KEY RESULTS ATP, adenosine and glutamate sensors exhibited transient and reversible current during depolarization with 25 mM K+, with distinct kinetics. The ecto‐ATPase inhibitor ARL67156 enhanced the extracellular level of ATP and inhibited the prolonged adenosine efflux, suggesting that generation of adenosine may derive from the extracellular breakdown of ATP. Stimulation‐evoked ATP, adenosine and glutamate efflux was inhibited by tetrodotoxin, while exposure to Ca2+‐free medium abolished ATP and adenosine efflux from hippocampal slices. Extracellular elevation of ATP and adenosine were decreased in the presence of NMDA receptor antagonists, D‐AP‐5 and ifenprodil, whereas non‐NMDA receptor blockade by CNQX inhibited glutamate but not ATP and adenosine efflux. The gliotoxin fluoroacetate and P2X7 receptor antagonists inhibited the K+‐evoked ATP, adenosine and glutamate efflux, while carbenoxolone in low concentration and probenecid decreased only the adenosine efflux.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrated activity‐dependent gliotransmitter release in the hippocampus in response to ongoing neuronal activity. ATP and glutamate were released by P2X7 receptor activation into extracellular space. Although the increased extracellular levels of adenosine did derive from released ATP, adenosine might also be released directly via pannexin hemichannels.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Sershen, pp. 1000–1002 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02072.x