bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disturbed voiding associated with von Recklinghausen's neurofibroma
Authors: SUGIYAMA TAKAHIDE , MATSUMOTO SEIJI , YAMAMOTO YUTAKA , SHIMIZU NOBUTAKA , KURITA TAKASHI
Published: March 2004

The incidence of von Recklinghausen's disease is most frequent among neurocutaneous syndrome. It is an intractable neurological disease. About half of the disease is caused by an autosomal dominant inheritance and another half by mutation. It is characterized by neurofibroma which arises on various parts of the body and gradually increases with age. We recently encountered a case where a growth of neurofibroma within the foreskin had disturbed voiding.
Metanephric Adenoma Treated with Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Authors: EBINE TAKASHI , OHARA REI , MOMMA TETSUO , SAITO SHIRO , KURAMOCHI SHIGERU
Published: March 2004

A 31‐year‐old‐female presented with a left renal mass detected incidentally during an abdominal ultrasound examination. Computed tomography and angiography revealed a hypovascular solid tumor 4.5 cm in diameter at the middle portion of the left kidney. Laparoscopic left nephrectomy was performed and macroscopic examination of the specimen revealed encapsulated tumor with grayish yellow cut surface. Histological examination demonstrated that the tumor cells were small scant cytoplasms, containing round and regular nuclei, forming a glomerular‐like structure. There was no mitosis nor cellular atypia indicating a malignant structure. The histological diagnosis was metanephric adenoma.
Clinical, biochemical and pathological features of initial and repeat transrectal ultrasonography prostate biopsy positive patients
Authors: YUEN JOHN SHYI PENG , LAU WEBER KAM ONN , NG LAY GUAT , TAN PUAY HOON , KHIN LAY WAI , CHENG CHRISTOPHER WAI SAM
Published: March 2004

Background: Using sextant biopsy, 16–41% of prostate cancers were diagnosed on repeat biopsy. The objective of the present study was to compare the differences in the clinical, biochemical and pathological features between patients with positive results on initial and repeat biopsies, with an aim to identify factors that can be used to improve the detection rate of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate.

Methods: Between February 2000 and April 2001, 222 patients with a mean age of 64 years (range 38–85) underwent TRUS‐guided 10‐core prostate biopsy for either abnormal prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels (>4 ng/mL) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE). Of this number, 165 patients underwent their first biopsy, whereas 45 and 12 patients had had one or two previous biopsies, respectively.

Results: Prostate cancer detection rates for the initial biopsy group (n = 165), second biopsy group (n = 45) and third biopsy group (n = 12) were 29.7, 23.0 and 41.7%, respectively. Six patients who had a negative first 10‐core biopsy underwent a second 10‐core biopsy and one patient (16%) was found to have cancer. Apart from total prostate volume, there were no significant statistical differences between the patient age, mean total PSA, PSA density, PSA‐transition zone density, DRE and TRUS findings between the initial and repeat biopsy groups of subjects who had cancer. Those who had cancer detected only on repeat biopsies had larger prostate glands (P = 0.041).

Conclusion: Patients who had cancer detected only on repeat biopsies had bigger prostate glands, supporting the hypothesis that TRUS sextant biopsy as a technique suffers the error of under‐sampling in a bigger prostate.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the seminal vesicle
Authors: AGRAWAL VIVEK , KUMAR SUNIL , SHARMA DEBORSHI , SINGH USHA RANI , GUPTA ARUN
Published: March 2004

A case of leiomyosarcoma of the seminal vesicle detected as a prerectal mass on routine per‐rectal examination is described in a 37‐year‐old man. Computed tomography scan confirmed it to be arising from the right seminal vesicle. Per‐rectal trucut biopsy showed malignant cells. Radical cystoprostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy with anterior resection of rectum and urinary diversion with ileal conduit was performed. Microscopic examination of the resected specimen showed moderately differentiated leiomyosarcoma from the seminal vesicle. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and sandwiched radiotherapy. He is well and free of tumor 20 months after surgery.
Stromal invasion of the prostate following a complete response to bacillus Calmette‐Guerin instillation therapy for carcinoma in situ of the ureter and the bladder
Authors: HARA ISAO , YAO AKIHISA , MURAMAKI MOTOTSUGU , HIKOSAKA SATOKO , YAMADA YUJI , KAWABATA GAKU , KAMIDONO SADAO
Published: March 2004

Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) instillation therapy is now a standard therapy for high‐risk superficial bladder cancer patients. Although the complete response rate is approximately 70%, extra‐vesical progression is sometimes observed. In particular, those patients who present a positive urinary cytology even after complete response from bladder lesion should be thoroughly examined. We present two cases of stromal invasion of the prostate after complete remission by BCG therapy of carcinoma in situ of the ureter and bladder found by transrectal prostate biopsy.
Nephrotic syndrome as a result of membranous nephropathy caused by renal cell carcinoma
Authors: KURODA ISAO , UENO MUNEHISA , OKADA HIROKAZU , SHIMADA SHIHO , AKITA MASUMI , TSUKAMOTO TAKUJI , DEGUCHI NOBUHIRO
Published: March 2004

A 77‐year‐old woman was admitted for a renal biopsy to evaluate a case of nephrotic syndrome. In the course of the examination, a right renal tumor was incidentally found. We performed a right radical nephrectomy in advance of the renal biopsy. Histologically, the tumor was diagnosed as a renal cell carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma) and the non‐neoplastic renal cell tissue showed membranous nephropathy (MN). After surgery, the nephrotic syndrome remitted without any further medical treatment and the MN was considered to be a malignancy associated syndrome. There have been few case reports in the literature regarding this association and we wish to describe another case.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in patients with interaortocaval lymph node metastases of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract
Authors: KIM CHUL JANG , WAKABAYASHI YOSHIHIKO , KUSHIMA RYOJI , SAKANO YUJI , YOSHIKI TATSUHIRO , OKADA YUSAKU
Published: March 2004

Three patients suffered from renal pelvic, ureteral and bladder cancers that were treated with both standard surgical treatments and two adjuvant cycles of cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy. Metastases of interaortocaval lymph nodes were detected in all patients between 9 and 33 months from the surgery for primary lesions. All patients received three cycles of cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). The chemotherapy achieved partial response (62–98%). Two patients with viable cancer cells died with hepatic metastases; the first 15 months and the second 25 months from the date of diagnosis of distant lymph node metastasis. The third patient, who had no viable cancer cells, remains alive and disease‐free 36 months later. Therefore, RPLND after chemotherapy provides prognostic information that helps to define patients who might benefit from additional systemic chemotherapy.
Solitary floating vena caval thrombus as a late recurrence of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: MINERVINI ANDREA , SALINITRI GIUSEPPE , LERA JACOPO , CALDARELLI CLAUDIO , CARAMELLA DAVIDE , MINERVINI RICCARDO
Published: March 2004

We report an unusual case of solitary thrombus floating in the inferior vena cava (IVC) in a patient who underwent radical nephrectomy for a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the right kidney extended into the renal vein with no capsular and perinephric tissue invasion (pT3b). Twenty months after surgery, a routine computed tomography scan identified an intraluminal mass floating in the IVC. Cavotomy and thrombectomy with no caval resection were successfully performed. A review of the literature showed only three previous published cases of RCC recurring in the IVC only, with no local recurrence or distant metastases. We outline the possible etiology of these unusual and solitary recurrences in the IVC and we emphasize the need for a strict surveillance for all patients with RCC and especially for those with pT1b, pT2 and pT3 disease. An early diagnosis of this rare recurrence can permit an easy removal of the thrombus with no caval resection and graft replacement, making this disease potentially curable by surgery.
Effect of vesical contraction on the non‐sphincteric part of the urethra: Recognition of vesicourethral inhibitory reflex
Authors: SHAFIK AHMED , SHAFIK ALI A , EL‐SIBAI OLFAT , AHMED ISMAIL
Published: March 2004

Objectives: The effect of vesical contraction on the non‐sphincteric part of the urethra has been scarcely addressed in the literature. In this study, the hypothesis that detrusor contraction effects dilatation of the non‐sphincteric part of the urethra was investigated.

Methods: Non‐sphincteric urethral pressure response to vesical balloon distension with normal saline in increments of 50 mL was recorded in 21 healthy volunteers (mean age 40.7 ± 10.3 years, 13 men) before and after individual anesthetization of the urethra and urinary bladder. Vesical distension was effected by a 10F balloon‐ended catheter introduced into bladder per urethram. Urethral and vesical pressures were measured by means of a two‐channel microtip catheter.

Results: Small‐volume vesical distension effected no significant urethral or vesical pressure changes while distension with 350 and 400 mL of saline produced vesical pressure elevation (P < 0.01) and urethral pressure decrease (P < 0.01). Vesical distension after individual vesical and urethral anesthetization effected no change in the urethral pressure. These results were reproducible.

Conclusions: Dilatation of the non‐sphincteric part of the urethra upon vesical contraction is suggested to be mediated through a ‘vesicourethral inhibitory reflex’ and to facilitate passage of urine through the urethra. The reflex may prove to be of diagnostic significance in micturition disorders.
Results of the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure for stress incontinence: Patient's perspective
Authors: MANIKANDAN RAMASWAMY , KUJAWA MAGDA , PEARSON EVELYN , O'REILLY PATRICK H , BROWN STEPHEN CW
Published: March 2004

Background: To evaluate the results of the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) from a patient's perspective.

Methods: Between May 1999 and January 2002, 90 patients underwent a TVT for genuine stress incontinence (GSI) and mixed incontinence. Prior to the procedure, GSI was confirmed by clinical examination and urodynamic studies. Results were then audited from patient notes and the same patients were sent questionnaires to examine results from a patient perspective.

Results: Overall response rate to the questionnaire was 70 (77%). The mean age of the patients was 50.4 years (range 31–83 years). Sixty‐one patients had spinal anesthesia, seven had general anesthesia and two had local anesthesia. Mean hospital stay was 3.36 days (range 2–14 days) and mean period from the operation to the time of the survey and audit was 16.34 months (range 3–28; SD 6.92). Thirty‐nine (56%) of the 70 patients who answered said that the operation had cured their incontinence, 16 (23%) had an improvement in their symptoms, 7 (10%) had worsening of their symptoms and 8 (11%) felt that the operation did not make any difference. The overall success rate according to the patients’ perspective was 79%, whereas our audit showed an overall success rate of 86% (77% and 82%, respectively, when we compared only the 66 patients who had both notes and replies available for analysis).

Conclusion: Although a patient's perception regarding the success of TVT tends to differ from that of a clinician, it was not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.22, McNemar test). The TVT is a very successful operation, but realistic cure rates should be offered to patients.
Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography for inferior vena caval tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: OIKAWA TAKEHIRO , SHIMAZUI TORU , JOHRAKU AKIRA , KIHARA SHINICHI , TSUKAMOTO SADAMU , MIYANAGA NAOTO , HATTORI KAZUNORI , KAWAI KOJI , UCHIDA KATSUNORI , TAKESHIMA HITOSHI , SAITO SHIGEYUKI , TOYOOKA HIDENORI , AKAZA HIDEYUKI
Published: March 2004

Background : We investigated the advantages of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during inferior vena caval tumor thrombectomy in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods : Five patients with RCC that extended into the inferior vena cava (IVC) underwent radical nephrectomy. To remove the tumor thrombus in the IVC, an inflated Fogarty balloon catheter was used to pull the thrombus below the level of the hepatic veins with real‐time TEE monitoring.

Results : In all cases, TEE monitoring during surgery provided an accurate and excellent view of the IVC thrombus. TEE was particularly helpful for the thrombectomy to minimize hepatic mobilization by using occlusion balloon catheter in two patients whose thrombus extended to the intrahepatic IVC.

Conclusions : Intraoperative real‐time TEE monitoring is a safe, minimally invasive technique that can provide accurate information regarding the presence and extent of IVC involvement, guidance for placement of a vena caval clamp, confirmation of complete removal of the IVC thrombus and intervention using catheters to assist in thrombectomy.
Endocrine therapy with or without radical prostatectomy for T1b‐T3N0M0 prostate cancer
Authors: HOMMA YUKIO , AKAZA HIDEYUKI , OKADA KIYOKI , YOKOYAMA MASAO , USAMI MICHIYUKI , HIRAO YOSHIHIKO , TSUSHIMA TOMOYASU , SAKAMOTO ATSUHIKO , OHASHI YASUO , ASO YOSHIO , THE PROSTATE CANCER STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2004

Background: We retrospectively compared the 5‐year survival rates of T1b‐T3N0M0 prostate cancer patients treated either by endocrine therapy plus radical prostatectomy or endocrine therapy alone.

Methods: Clinical T1b‐T3N0M0 prostate cancer patients were enrolled at 104 institutions in Japan. They were assigned to study 1 (n = 176), if they were indicated to prostatectomy, if not indicated, they were assigned to study 2 (n = 151). The indication of prostatectomy was based on the clinical judgement of physicians and/or patients. Those assigned to study 1 underwent prostatectomy and adjuvant endocrine therapy with or without preoperative androgen deprivation. Those assigned to study 2 were treated with leuprorelin acetate with or without chlormadinone acetate. They were followed‐up every 3 months until death or for 5 years and over.

Results: Those assigned to study 1 were younger (mean age 67.2 vs 75.7 years), less advanced in clinical stage, and had lower prostate specific antigen levels (mean 43.8 vs 103.6 ng/mL). Death for any reason was observed less frequently in study 1 (n = 29, 16%) than study 2 (n = 50, 33%), and the 5‐year overall survival rate was higher in study 1 (87 vs. 68%). However, prostate cancer deaths were comparatively seldom (9% in study 1 and 7% in study 2), resulting in the identical 5‐year cause specific survival rate in both study groups (91%). In both study groups the overall survival was almost equal to the natural survival of age‐matched men.

Conclusions: Endocrine therapy offers a reasonable survival rate in T1b‐T3 prostate cancer patients within a 5‐year follow‐up. Observation will be extended to determine 10‐year outcomes.
Intravesical resiniferatoxin for patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity
Authors: WATANABE TOYOHIKO , YOKOYAMA TERUHIKO , SASAKI KATSUMI , NOZAKI KUNIHIRO , OZAWA HIDEO , KUMON HIROMI
Published: March 2004

Background: Resiniferatoxin (RTX), a substance isolated from some species of Euphobia, is a specific C‐fiber neurotoxin which produces desensitization rather than excitation. At first, we performed intravesical RTX therapy on eight patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. After we confirmed the safety and efficacy, a Japanese RTX study group was organized and a new protocol made. The multicenter trial was performed in Japan. However, the efficacy of the treatments was different among the institutions. Therefore, we have compared the results between the first protocol and the new one at our hospital.

Methods: The first and second protocol involved the RTX solution (30 mL of 500 nM, and 100 mL of 1 µM, respectively) being instillated in the bladder for 30 min by almost the same procedures. Effects on bladder function were evaluated during treatment and at follow up.

Results: For the first and second protocols, six out of eight patients noted symptomatic improvement while two patients did not notice any change in the degree of incontinence for one month. The mean urodynamic bladder capacity had significantly increased from 138.0 ± 64.4 mL to 227.3 ± 112.4 mL and 133.1 ± 43.3 mL to 247.0 ± 102.3 mL 1 month after RTX treatment for the first and second protocols, respectively (P < 0.05). No severe side‐effects were seen in either group.

Conclusion: Intravesical RTX improved bladder capacity in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity in both protocols. The concentration of RTX did not exhibit any change in the effect and safety in our hospital. Intravesical RTX is a promising treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity.
Case report of vulvar liposarcoma
Authors: AshrafGanjooie Tahereh
Published: March 2004

Vulvar liposarcoma is very rare with only 11 cases reported since 1966. Primary vulvar sarcomas constitute 1–2% of all vulvar malignancies. Vulvar liposarcoma may be misdiagnosed as benign lesions because of its location and appearance. The case presented in this paper is a 65‐year‐old‐woman referred with a vulvar mass. The mass was clinically similar to lipoma. After total excision the pathologic report showed a well‐differentiated sclerosing liposarcoma. Since a favorable prognosis in vulvar liposarcoma is dependent on the early diagnosis, all clinicians who face patients with vulvar mass should have this diagnosis in their minds.
Huge localized vaginal neurofibromatosis: An unusual cause of postmenopausal bleeding
Authors: Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Wadhwa Leena , Malhotra Monika , Arora Raksha , Garg Anju , Singh Sompal
Published: March 2004

A 55‐year‐old lady, menopausal for 8 years, presented with vaginal swelling for the preceding 6 months and with post menopausal bleeding (two bouts). Examination revealed a vaginal mass of 7 × 5 cm which was ultrasonically diagnosed as vaginal fibroid. The vaginal mass was excised and confirmed to be a vaginal neurofibroma on histopathology.
Huge seminoma developed in a patient with testicular feminization
Authors: Nojima Michio , Taguchi Takeshi , Ando Yusuke , Musha Yuka , Kobayashi Yuko , Ikeda Nobuyuki , Itoh Shigeru , Ishi Kazuhisa , Yoshida Koyo
Published: March 2004

We report a 36‐year‐old patient who presented with primary amenorrhea and was found to have a giant abdominal tumor. There was a family history of primary amenorrhea in her two aunts. Physical and hormonal examinations as well as chromosomal analysis led to a diagnosis of testicular feminization. The patient underwent tumorectomy along with pelvic and para‐aortic lymphadectomy. The pathological diagnosis was bilateral seminoma of the testis with metastasis to para‐aortic lymph nodes. Nowadays, cases of undiagnosed seminoma developing into a huge abdominal mass in patients with testicular feminization are rarely encountered, since surgical castration is generally recommended as early as possible after puberty. In testicular feminization, the risk of malignant transformation of the dysgenetic male gonads increases substantially after puberty. Early and correct diagnosis together with careful follow‐up are critically important in managing testicular feminization, a rare congenital disorder.
Maternal listeriosis in pregnancy associated with measles virus infection
Authors: Naruse Katsuhiko , Yamasaki Mineo , Harada Naoya , Sakamoto Yoshiharu , Morikawa Hajime
Published: March 2004

A case of maternal listeriosis associated with measles infection is described. Maternal listeriosis without fetal or neonatal involvement is relatively rare. This case was diagnosed early and treated appropriately, and the baby showed no symptoms or signs of feto‐maternal infection.
Association of bone mineral density with vitamin D and estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms during GnRH agonist treatment
Authors: Seko Masami , Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Katsuyuki , Tokita Akifumi
Published: March 2004

Aims:  This study examined whether or not a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) induced by the use of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) during sexual maturation is affected by vitamin D receptor and/or estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms, like the phenomenon observed during the postmenopausal period.

Methods:  In 43 patients who received GnRHa therapy for 6 months to treat uterine myoma or endometriosis at our department and who were confirmed to have pituitary down‐regulation, we measured bone density before and after GnRHa treatment using DXA and analyzed the bone metabolism turnover using bone metabolic markers. Polymorphisms were analyzed by RFLP using FokI and TaqI for the vitamin D receptor gene and PvuII and XbaI for the estrogen receptor gene. The then determined gene polymorphism was analyzed in relation to the percentage decreases in BMD following GnRHa treatment.

Results:  The patients were divided by f, t into two groups: (f, t) < 2 (Group V‐I) and (f, t) ≥ 2 (Group V‐II). They were also divided by P, x into two groups (P, x) < 3 (Group E‐I) and (P, x) ≥ 3 (Group E‐II). The BMD change was significantly higher in Group V‐II than in Group V‐I. Group E‐II tended to have a higher BMD change than Group E‐I, although this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:  Patients who often have f and t polymorphism are more likely to show BMD reduction following GnRHa therapy, like the phenomenon seen during the postmenopausal period, than patients with other gene polymorphisms. Measures to avoid BMD reduction are required when using GnRHa in such patients.
Efficient and non‐invasive method for investigating Helicobacter pylori in gravida with hyperemesis gravidarum: Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test
Authors: Cevrioglu Arif Serhan ,   Mustafa Altindis, Yilmazer Mehmet , Fenkci Ibrahim Veysel , Ellidokuz Ender , Kose Songul
Published: March 2004

Aim:  To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and severe hyperemesis gravidarum (H.Gravidarum) by using Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen (HpSA) and other serologic test results.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven pregnant women with H.Gravidarum and 97 asymptomatic pregnant women of matching gestational age without gastric problems were enrolled in a prospective study. Serum samples collected from cases were investigated in terms of specific antibodies for H. pylori (immunoglobulin‐IgG, IgA) and feces samples were investigated for HpSA. Statistical analysis of the data obtained from the groups was made by appropriate χ2 tests.

Results:  Rate of HpSA positivity in patients with H.Gravidarum was 40.7%, while the same rate was 12.4% in the control group. The difference between the two groups was significant (P = 0.001). Rates of positivity for specific IgG formed against H. pylori in gravida with H.Gravidarum and in the asymptomatic gravida were 85.2% and 73.2%, respectively, and the rates for IgA were 48.1% and 41.2%, respectively. There was no difference between groups in terms of specific Igs formed against H. pylori (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  The HpSA scan showed a statistically significant relation between H. pylori infection and H.Gravidarum.  HpSA  test  gives  more  efficient,  reliable  and  realistic  results  than  specific  Igs formed against H. pylori in the identification of H. pylori positivity in gravida with H.Gravidarum.
Sex‐determining region Y levels in maternal plasma: Evaluation in abnormal pregnancy
Authors: Shimada Keiko , Murakami Kouichi , Shozu Makio , Segawa Tomoya , Sumitani Hiroshi , Inoue Masaki
Published: March 2004

Aim:  A number of studies for the measurement of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal blood have been reported; however, their clinical significance has remained unclear. We proposed to clarify the relationship between fetal DNA levels and obstetrical disorders.

Methods:  One hundred and eighty‐five cases of normal pregnancy, ranging from 8 to 40 weeks’ gestation, and 70 cases of abnormal pregnancy were included. SRY levels in maternal plasma were quantified with a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Sex‐determining region Y (SRY) levels and the number of patients with positive levels peaked at 33–36 weeks in normal pregnancy. The SRY levels in threatened abortion (11.6 ± 4.8 copies/mL to 0 ± 0, P < 0.05) and threatened preterm labor (44.6 ± 16.1 copies/mL to 15.9 ± 6.2, P < 0.01) were significantly higher than those of the normal group. In pre‐eclamptic patients, SRY levels were markedly higher than those of the normal group (173.2 ± 94.8 copies/mL to 22.4 ± 8.9, P < 0.05). Patients with premature separation of the placenta (266.8 ± 137.1 copies/mL to 4.9 ± 3.7, P < 0.05) and placenta previa (167.7 ± 32.4 copies/mL to 37.0 ± 17.3, p <0.01) also showed elevated SRY levels.

Conclusion:  Sex‐determining region Y levels in maternal plasma were elevated in patients with an abnormal pregnancy, particularly those with placental injury of damage. These results suggested that increased SRY levels are consistently caused by the leak of fetal components, and thus the measurement of SRY levels in maternal plasma is useful for the evaluation of placental injuries.
The importance of multiaxial stress in creep deformation and rupture
Authors: GOODALL I. W. , SKELTON R. P.
Published: March 2004

This paper investigates the importance of multiaxial stress states by considering several distinct testing techniques used in assessing both creep deformation and creep damage accumulation. The requirements of testing programmes to determine the necessary data are discussed in respect of sensitivity and interdependence of the principal and hydrostatic stress ratios.
Background potassium channel block and TRPV1 activation contribute to proton depolarization of sensory neurons from humans with neuropathic pain
Authors: Baumann Thomas K. , Chaudhary Priya , Martenson Melissa E.
Published: March 2004

Protons cause a sustained depolarization of human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons [Baumann et al. (1996) Pain, 65, 31–38]. In the present study we sought to determine which ion channels are expressed in human DRG neurons that could mediate the sustained responses observed in the patch‐clamp recordings. RT‐PCR of material from the DRG tissue revealed the presence of mRNAs for a nonselective cation channel that is activated by protons (TRPV1) and background potassium channels that are blocked by protons (TASK‐1, TASK‐3 and Kir2.3). Highly acidic solution (pH 5.4) applied to cultured DRG neurons evoked prolonged currents that were associated with a net increase in membrane conductance. Consistent with the involvement of TRPV1, these proton‐evoked currents were blocked by capsazepine and were only found in neurons that responded to capsaicin with an increase in membrane conductance. Less acidic extracellular solution (pH 6.0) evoked such currents only rarely, but was able to strongly enhance the currents evoked by capsaicin. Capsazepine (1 µm) blocked the currents evoked by capsaicin at pH 7.35, as well as the potentiated responses to capsaicin at pH 6.0. In neurons that were not excited by capsaicin, moderate extracellular acidification (pH 6.0) caused a sustained decrease in resting membrane conductance. The decrease in membrane conductance by protons was associated with inhibition of background potassium channels. This excitatory effect of protons was not blocked by capsazepine. We conclude that in most neurons the sustained depolarization in response to moderately acidic solutions is the result of blocked background potassium channels. In a subset of neurons, TRPV1 also contributes.
Decorin suppresses neurocan, brevican, phosphacan and NG2 expression and promotes axon growth across adult rat spinal cord injuries
Authors: Davies Jeannette E. , Tang Xiufeng , Denning Jeremy W. , Archibald Simon J. , Davies Stephen J. A.
Published: March 2004

The formation of misaligned scar tissue by a variety of cell types expressing multiple axon growth inhibitory proteoglycans presents a physical and molecular barrier to axon regeneration after adult spinal cord injuries. Decorin is a small, leucine‐rich proteoglycan that has previously been shown to reduce astrogliosis and basal lamina formation in acute cerebral cortex stab injuries. We have therefore tested whether mini pump infusion of hr‐decorin into acute stab injuries of the adult rat spinal cord can not only inhibit formation of an astroglial limitans but also deposition of the axon growth inhibitory proteoglycans neurocan, NG2, phosphacan and brevican. Combined immunohistochemical and quantitative Western blot analysis revealed major reductions in levels of core protein expression (>80% for 130‐kDa neurocan, 145/80‐kDa brevican, 300‐kDa phosphacan) and immunoreactivity for all four chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) within decorin‐treated injuries compared with untreated controls. Astrogliosis within lesion margins and the accumulation of OX42+ macrophages/microglia within lesion centres were also significantly reduced. These decorin‐induced changes in scar formation combined to promote the striking ability of axons from microtransplanted adult sensory neurons to enter, grow within and exit decorin‐infused spinal cord injuries, in sharp contrast to the complete failure of axons to cross untreated, CSPG‐rich lesions. Decorin pretreatment of meningial fibroblasts in vitro also resulted in a three‐fold increase in neurite outgrowth from co‐cultured adult sensory neurons and suppression of NG2 immunoreactivity. The ability of decorin to promote axon growth across acute spinal cord injuries via a coordinated suppression of inflammation, CSPG expression and astroglial scar formation make decorin treatment a promising component of future spinal cord regeneration strategies.
Monkey brain areas underlying remote‐controlled operation
Authors: Obayashi Shigeru , Suhara Tetsuya , Nagai Yuji , Okauchi Takashi , Maeda Jun , Iriki Atsushi
Published: March 2004

We can control distant tools effectively by manipulating other objects as controllers in various remote‐operated ways, even when the two mechanics are altered. To master the remote operation, we may rely on internal representation to organize individual moves of the controller and tool into a set of sequences by mapping the motor space among hand, controller and tool as a continuum. The present study confirmed that monkeys could also organize a sequence by mapping such a motor space or reorganize by remapping even after alteration. In addition, to investigate the neural substrates underlying such mapping/remapping, we measured the regional cerebral blood flow of two monkeys during joystick‐controlled operation with alterable function of mechanics using positron emission tomography with . The monkeys were scanned during three different tasks produced by altering the directional gains of the x or y axis of the joystick — the two mechanics are congruent (standard task) and not congruent (reversed in the X or Y axis, X reverse or Y reverse task, respectively). Compared with random movement of the joystick as the control task, increased activities were detected in the prefrontal cortex, higher‐ordered motor cortex, posterior parietal cortex and cerebellum during the standard task. Common brain areas during performance of the X reverse and Y reverse task were identified as showing almost the same pattern as during the standard task. These shared areas may not simply be associated with organization of individual motor imagery, but also with context‐dependent processing of reorganization based on current functions by means of internal representation.
Generation of embryonic stem cells and transgenic mice expressing green fluorescence protein in midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Zhao Suling , Maxwell Sarah , Jimenez‐Beristain Antonio , Vives Joaquim , Kuehner Eva , Zhao Jiexin , O'Brien Carmel , De Felipe Carmen , Semina Elena , Li Meng
Published: March 2004

We have generated embryonic stem (ES) cells and transgenic mice with green fluorescent protein (GFP) inserted into the Pitx3 locus via homologous recombination. In the central nervous system, Pitx3‐directed GFP was visualized in dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Live primary DA neurons can be isolated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting from these transgenic mouse embryos. In culture, Pitx3–GFP is coexpressed in a proportion of ES‐derived DA neurons. Furthermore, ES cell‐derived Pitx3–GFP expressing DA neurons responded to neurotrophic factors and were sensitive to DA‐specific neurotoxin N‐4‐methyl‐1, 2, 3, 6‐tetrahydropyridine. We anticipate that the Pitx3–GFP ES cells could be used as a powerful model system for functional identification of molecules governing mDA neuron differentiation and for preclinical research including pharmaceutical drug screening and transplantation. The Pitx3 knock‐in mice, on the other hand, could be used for purifying primary neurons for molecular studies associated with the midbrain‐specific DA phenotype at a level not previously feasible. These mice would also provide a useful tool to study DA fate determination from embryo‐ or adult‐derived neural stem cells.
Optical survey of neural circuit formation in the embryonic chick vagal pathway
Authors: Sato Katsushige , Miyakawa Naohisa , Momose‐Sato Yoko
Published: March 2004

The multiple‐site optical recording technique with a voltage‐sensitive dye, NK2761, was used to survey functional organization of neural circuits related to the vagus nerve in the embryonic chick brainstem. When we stimulated the vagus nerve, in addition to the responses in the vagal sensory nucleus (nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS)) and motor nucleus (dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMNV)) on the stimulated side, another response area was discriminated at the level of the pons/rostral medulla on the contralateral side. Characteristics of the contralateral optical signals suggested that they correspond to the neural activity in the second/higher‐ordered nucleus of the vagal pathway, possibly the parabrachial nucleus, which receives inputs from the NTS. Blockade of non‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors abolished the responses on the contralateral side, together with the postsynaptic firing in the NTS, suggesting the significance of non‐NMDA receptor function in sensory information transfer via the NTS. The responses on the contralateral side were first detected from the 7‐day‐old embryonic stage, when the glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic potentials were first expressed in the NTS. The results suggest that the synaptic pathway from the NTS to the contralateral nucleus is already generated when the primary vagal afferents make functional synapses on NTS neurons.
Effects of variability in anatomical reconstruction techniques on models of synaptic integration by dendrites: a comparison of three internet archives
Authors: Szilágyi Tibor , De Schutter Erik
Published: March 2004

The first step in building a realistic computational neuron model is to produce a passive electrical skeleton on to which active conductances can be grafted. For this, anatomically accurate morphological reconstructions of the desired cell type are required. In this study compartmental models were used to compare from a functional perspective three on‐line archives of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell morphologies. The topological organization of cells was found to be similar for all archives, but several morphometric differences were observed. The three‐dimensional size of the cells, the diameter and tortuosity of dendrites, and the electrotonic length of the main apical dendrite and of the branches in stratum lacunosum moleculare were dissimilar. The experimentally measured kinetics of somatically recorded inhibitory postsynaptic currents evoked in the stratum lacunosum moleculare (data from the literature) could be reproduced only using the archives that contained cells with an electrotonically short main apical dendrite. In the amplitude attenuation of the simulated postsynaptic currents and the voltage escape from the command potential under voltage clamp conditions, a two‐ to three‐fold difference was observed among archives. Upon activation of a single model synapse on distal branches, cells with low dendritic diameter showed a voltage escape larger than 15 mV. The diameter of the dendrites influenced greatly the results, emphasizing the importance of methods that allow an accurate measurement of this parameter. Our results indicate that there are functionally significant differences in the morphometric data available in different archives even if the cell type, brain region and species are the same.
Cortical mechanisms of smooth pursuit eye movements with target blanking. An fMRI study
Authors: Lencer Rebekka , Nagel Matthias , Sprenger Andreas , Zapf Silke , Erdmann Christian , Heide Wolfgang , Binkofski Ferdinand
Published: March 2004

Smooth pursuit eye movements are evoked by retinal image motion of visible moving objects and can also be driven by the internal representation of a target due to extraretinal mechanisms (e.g. efference copy). To delineate the corresponding neuronal correlates, functional magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T was applied during smooth pursuit at 10 °/s with continuous target presentation and target blanking for 1 s to 16 right‐handed healthy males. Eye movements were assessed during scanning sessions by infra‐red reflection oculography. Smooth pursuit performance was optimal when the target was visible but decreased to a residual velocity of about 30% of the velocity observed during continuous target presentation. Random effects analysis of the imaging data yielded an activation pattern for smooth pursuit in the absence of a visual target (in contrast to continuous target presentation) which included a number of cortical areas in which extraretinal information is available such as the frontal eye field, the superior parietal lobe, the anterior and the posterior intraparietal sulcus and the premotor cortex, and also the supplementary and the presupplementary eye field, the supramarginal gyrus, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, cerebellar areas and the basal ganglia. We suggest that cortical mechanisms such as prediction, visuo‐spatial attention and transformation, multimodal visuomotor control and working memory are of special importance for maintaining smooth pursuit eye movements in the absence of a visible target.
Behavioural parameters in aged rats are related to LTP and gene expression of ChAT and NMDA‐NR2 subunits in the striatum
Authors: Schulz D. , Sergeeva O. A. , Ianovskii E. , Luhmann H. J. , Haas H. L. , Huston J. P.
Published: March 2004

Striatal parameters were assessed for their relevance to age‐related behavioural decline. Forty aged rats (28–30 months) were tested in the water maze and open field. Of these, seven superior and seven inferior learners were compared with each other in terms of levels of in vitro short‐ and long‐term potentiation (STP and LTP), and gene expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) as well as of the NMDA‐NR2A‐C subunits assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR. Results revealed that the superior as compared with the inferior learners had higher levels of ChAT mRNA in the striatum. For the superior group, ChAT mRNA was correlated with escape on to the cued platform in the water maze, whereas level of LTP was predictive of place learning in the water maze and rearing activity in the open field. For the inferior group, expression of NR2A and NR2B was positively correlated with place learning and probe trial performance in the water maze. The results show that individual differences in various behaviours of aged rats were accounted for by variability in striatal parameters, i.e. LTP, ChAT and NMDA‐NR2 subunit mRNA. Notably, the correlations found were heterogeneous amid the groups, e.g. variability in place learning was explained by variability in levels of LTP in the superior learners, but in levels of NR2A‐B mRNA in the inferior group.
Expression of hyperpolarization‐activated and cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channel subunit 2 in axon terminals of peptidergic nociceptive primary sensory neurons in the superficial spinal dorsal horn of rats
Authors: Antal Miklós , Papp Ildikó , Bahaerguli Niyazi , Veress Gábor , Vereb György
Published: March 2004

Hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channel proteins (HCN1–4), which are potentially able to modulate membrane excitability, are abundantly expressed by neurons in spinal dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In the present experiment, we investigated whether HCN2 protein is confined exclusively to the perikarya of DRG neurons or is transported from the somata to the central axons of DRG neurons that terminate in the spinal dorsal horn. Using immunohistochemical methods, we have demonstrated that laminae I‐IIo of the superficial spinal dorsal horn of the adult rat spinal cord show a strong punctate immunoreactivity for HCN2. Dorsal rhizotomy resulted in a complete loss of immunostaining in the dorsal horn, suggesting that HCN2 is confined to axon terminals of primary afferents. In double labelling immunohistochemical studies, we have also shown that HCN2 widely co‐localizes with calcitonin gene‐related peptide, but is almost completely segregated from isolectin‐B4 binding, indicating that HCN2 is primarily expressed in peptidergic nociceptive primary afferents. The expression of HCN2 in central terminals of peptidergic primary afferents was also verified with electron microscopy. Utilizing the pre‐embedding nanogold method, we found that HCN2 is largely confined to axon terminals with dense‐core vesicles. Within these terminals, some of the silver grains marking the accurate location of HCN2 molecules were associated with the cell membrane, and others were scattered in the axoplasm. Within the cell membrane, HCN2 was found almost exclusively in extrasynaptic locations. The results suggest that HCN2 may contribute to the modulation of membrane excitability of nociceptive primary afferent terminals in the spinal dorsal horn.
Four types of novelty–familiarity responses in associative recognition memory of humans
Authors: Düzel E. , Habib R. , Guderian S. , Heinze H. J.
Published: March 2004

Animal studies show that, like inferior temporal neurons, dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal neurons often respond more strongly to individual novel than to individual familiar stimuli. It is currently unclear whether the novelty preference of prefrontal and parietal neurons extends to associative memory. We used electromagnetic recordings (MEG/EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging in two groups of healthy young adults to identify neural populations outside the inferior temporal cortex that exhibit associative novelty (stronger responses for new than for old configurations of two familiar items), and to distinguish them from associative familiarity (stronger responses for old than for new configurations of two familiar items). Subjects were required to learn and were later tested for associations based on the spatial configurations of two stimuli (a face and a tool). At test, learned (old) and rearranged (new) spatial stimulus configurations had to be discriminated. This recognition memory test could only be solved through the associative relationship between individual items because all component items of the stimulus configurations were equally familiar. In both imaging modalities, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right parietal cortex showed an associative novelty response, whereas the right superior temporal cortex showed an associative familiarity response. With EEG/MEG only, the right extrastriate cortex showed an early associative familiarity and a late associative novelty response, whereas the opposite pattern emerged in bilateral frontopolar cortex. Thus, through a multimodal approach, it was possible to identify four types of associative novelty/familiarity responses outside the inferior temporal cortex.
Flexible coping responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related and daily life stressful events
Authors: Gan Yiqun , Liu Ying , Zhang Yiling
Published: March 2004

Based on the theoretical framework of coping flexibility, the present study examined the coping flexibility of university students in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐related and daily life stressful events. The Coping Flexibility Questionnaire was used to investigate 93 university students’ coping responses toward 10 SARS‐related stressful events and 10 daily life stressful events that generally occur among university students. Results showed that the patterns of coping flexibility were different for the two types of stressful events. The flexible and the active‐inflexible patterns were most commonly found in coping with daily life stressful events. By contrast, the passive‐inconsistent pattern was dominant when coping with daily life stressful events. Moreover, participants showed lower discriminating ability to situation controllability, and displayed poorer strategy‐situation fit to cope with SARS‐related events than with daily life stressful events. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.
Commentary: Reintegrating psychology into an expanded biopsychosocial model of severe acute respiratory syndrome
Authors: Cheung Fanny M.
Published: March 2004

The Special Issue highlights the importance of psychology in the research agenda on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The five articles examined relevant theories on social cognition and coping in the ecological context of the SARS outbreak. They provide preliminary tests to current psychological principles of coping and health psychology in a real crisis. The limitations of the studies are recognized. Other areas of psychological research on SARS are suggested. It is proposed that the biopsychosocial model of behavioral medicine could be expanded as a paradigm in public health to study and prepare for future emerging epidemics.
The place of politics: powerful speech and women speakers in everyday Pa’ikwené (Palikur) life
Authors: Passes Alan
Published: March 2004

This article focuses on the practice of female scolding in a community of Pa’ikwené (or Palikur), a native Amazonian people (French Guyana and Brazil), in order to explore ideas about power and speech and the phenomenon of political speaking. The article takes issue with claims that politics are to be equated specifically with the formal public arena, and that political discourse is the exclusive province and prerogative both of leaders and of men, whether institutionally ‘authorized’ or not. It is argued, on the contrary, that the everyday speech of common villagers, in this case women, is among other things integrally political, and no more powerless in effect than the so‐called ‘empty’ speech of Amerindian chiefs postulated by Clastres. It is further proposed that Pa’ikwené women's scolding not only embodies their own power but also regenerates symmetrical gender relations, and thus the polity itself.