bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative phylogeography of Ponto‐Caspian mysid crustaceans: isolation and exchange among dynamic inland sea basins
Authors: AUDZIJONYTE ASTA , DANELIYA MIKHAIL E. , VÄINÖLÄ RISTO
Published: July 2006

The distributions of many endemic Ponto‐Caspian brackish‐water taxa are subdivided among the Black, Azov and Caspian Sea basins and further among river estuaries. Of the two alternative views to explain the distributions, the relict school has claimed Tertiary fragmentation of the once contiguous range by emerging geographical and salinity barriers, whereas the immigration view has suggested recolonization of the westerly populations from the Caspian Sea after extirpation during Late Pleistocene environmental perturbations. A study of mitochondrial (COI) phylogeography of seven mysid crustacean taxa from the genera Limnomysis and Paramysis showed that both scenarios can be valid for different species. Four taxa had distinct lineages related to the major basin subdivision, but the lineage distributions and depths of divergence were not concordant. The data do not support a hypothesis of Late Miocene (10–5 Myr) vicariance; rather, range subdivisions and dispersal from and to the Caspian Sea seem to have occurred at different times throughout the Pleistocene. For example, in Paramysis lacustris each basin had an endemic clade 2–5% diverged from the others, whereas Paramysis kessleri from the southern Caspian and the western Black Sea were nearly identical. Species‐specific ecological characteristics such as vagility and salinity tolerance seem to have played important roles in shaping the phylogeographic patterns. The mitochondrial data also suggested recent, human‐mediated cryptic invasions of P. lacustris and Limnomysis benedeni from the Caspian to the Sea of Azov basin via the Volga‐Don canal. Cryptic species‐level subdivisions were recorded in populations attributed to Paramysis baeri, and possibly in P. lacustris.
Recruitment of a novel zinc‐bound transcriptional factor by a bacterial HMGA‐type protein is required for regulating multiple processes in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Peñalver‐Mellado Marcos , García‐Heras Francisco , Padmanabhan S. , García‐Moreno Diana , Murillo Francisco J. , Elías‐Arnanz Montserrat
Published: July 2006

Enhanceosome assembly in eukaryotes often requires high mobility group A (HMGA) proteins. In prokaryotes, the only known transcriptional regulator with HMGA‐like physical, structural and DNA‐binding properties is Myxococcus xanthus CarD. Here, we report that every CarD‐regulated process analysed also requires the product of gene carG, located immediately downstream of and transcriptionally coupled to carD. CarG has the zinc‐binding H/C‐rich metallopeptidase motif found in archaemetzincins, but with Q replacing a catalytically essential E. CarG, a monomer, binds two zinc atoms, shows no apparent metallopeptidase activity, and its stability in vivo absolutely requires the cysteines. This indicates a strictly structural role for zinc‐binding. In vivo CarG localizes to the nucleoid but only if CarD is also present. In vitro CarG shows no DNA‐binding but physically interacts with CarD via its N‐terminal and not HMGA domain. CarD and CarG thus work as a single, physically linked, transcriptional regulatory unit, and if one exists in a bacterium so does the other. Like zinc‐associated eukaryotic transcriptional adaptors in enhanceosome assembly, CarG regulates by interacting not with DNA but with another transcriptional factor.
Structural and biochemical characterization of a mitochondrial peroxiredoxin from Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Boucher Ian W. , McMillan Paul J. , Gabrielsen Mads , Akerman Susan E. , Brannigan James A. , Schnick Claudia , Brzozowski Andrzej M. , Wilkinson Anthony J. , Müller Sylke
Published: July 2006

Plasmodium falciparum possesses a single mitochondrion with a functional electron transport chain. During respiration, reactive oxygen species are generated that need to be removed to protect the organelle from oxidative damage. In the absence of catalase and glutathione peroxidase, the parasites rely primarily on peroxiredoxin‐linked systems for protection. We have analysed the biochemical and structural features of the mitochondrial peroxiredoxin and thioredoxin of P. falciparum. The mitochondrial localization of both proteins was confirmed by expressing green fluorescent protein fusions in parasite erythrocytic stages. Recombinant protein was kinetically characterized using the cytosolic and the mitochondrial thioredoxin (PfTrx1 and PfTrx2 respectively). The peroxiredoxin clearly preferred PfTrx2 to PfTrx1 as a reducing partner, reflected by the KM values of 11.6 μM and 130.4 μM respectively. Substitution of the two dyads asparagine‐62/tyrosine‐63 and phenylalanine‐139/alanine‐140 residues by aspartate‐phenylalaine and valine‐serine, respectively, reduced the KM for Trx1 but had no effect on the KM of Trx2 suggesting some role for these residues in the discrimination between the two substrates. Solution studies suggest that the protein exists primarily in a homodecameric form. The crystal structure of the mitochondrial peroxiredoxin reveals a fold typical of the 2‐Cys class peroxiredoxins and a dimeric form with an intermolecular disulphide bridge between Cys67 and Cys187. These results show that the mitochondrial peroxiredoxin of P. falciparum occurs in both dimeric and decameric forms when purified under non‐reducing conditions.
Transcriptome analysis of barley anthers: effect of mannitol treatment on microspore embryogenesis
Authors: Muñoz‐Amatriaín María , Svensson Jan T , Castillo Ana‐María , Cistué Luís , Close Timothy J , Vallés María‐Pilar
Published: July 2006

Carbohydrate starvation is an efficient stress treatment for induction of microspore embryogenesis. Transcriptome analysis of the response of anthers to mannitol treatment using the 22k Barley1 GeneChip revealed large changes in gene expression. Statistical analysis and filtering for four‐fold or greater changes resulted in 2673 genes, of which 887 were upregulated and 1786 downregulated. Great differences in some metabolic pathways, accompanied by a multidimensional stress response, were found. Analysis of transcription factors showed that most of the downregulated transcription factors were related to growth and development, and the upregulated factors with abiotic and biotic stress responses and changes in developmental programs. Interestingly, the expression of most cell cycle‐related genes did not change significantly. Transcriptome analysis provided a successful approach for the identification of genes involved in mannitol treatment, essential for triggering microspore embryogenesis.
Weaning pig performance and faecal microbiota with and without in‐feed addition of rare earth elements
Authors: Kraatz M. , Taras D. , Männer K. , Simon O.
Published: July 2006

Two 6‐week feeding trials were conducted on a total of 112 newly weaned piglets to examine the recently reported growth promoting effects of dietary rare earth elements (REE) in European pig production. Rare earth element‐diets were supplemented with a REE‐citrate premix of lanthanum and the light lanthanoides cerium, praseodymium and neodymium at 200 mg/kg for 6 weeks after weaning. Overall for both trials, growth performance of REE‐citrate and control fed piglets did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). An early enhancive tendency for REE‐citrate in trial 1 (feed conversion ratio, FCR −3%, p = 0.15) proved irreproducible in trial 2. In the late period of trial 1, in‐feed addition of REE‐citrate significantly impaired piglet performance (FCR + 8%, p =0.01). A cultivation‐independent molecular approach, polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was further applied to assess REE induced alterations in the predominant faecal microbiota from weaning pigs. Calculation of various ecological characteristics does not indicate (p > 0.05) an often discussed selective effect on local microbial composition of dietary REE.
Role of podocyte slit diaphragm as a filtration barrier (Review Article)
Authors: KAWACHI HIROSHI , MIYAUCHI NAOKO , SUZUKI KOICHI , HAN GI DONG , ORIKASA MICHIAKI , SHIMIZU FUJIO
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  Although the role of glomerular basement membrane has been emphasised as the barrier for retaining plasma proteins in the past three decades, some recent studies have demonstrated that the slit diaphragm of the glomerular epithelial cell (podocyte) is the structure likely to be the barrier in the glomerular capillary wall. Nephrin and podocin were identified as gene products mutated in Finnish‐type congenital nephrotic syndrome and autosomal recessive steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome, respectively. Nephrin s located at the outer leaflet of plasma membranes of the slit diaphragm. Podocin is reported to have an interaction with nephrin. The anti‐nephrin antibody is capable of inducing massive proteinuria, which indicates that nephrin is a key functional molecule in the slit diaphragm. The expression of nephrin and podocin was reduced in glomeruli of minimal change nephrotic syndrome, which suggested that the altered expression of these molecules contributes to the development of proteinuria also in acquired diseases. Some recent studies demonstrated that CD2‐associated protein (CD2AP) is also a functional molecule in the slit diaphragm, and its expression is altered in membranous nephropathy. These observations suggested that alteration of the molecular arrangement in the slit diaphragm is involved in the development of proteinuria in several kinds of glomerular diseases.
Clinical characteristics of patients with segmental renal infarction
Authors: CHU PEI‐LUN , WEI YU‐FENG , HUANG JENQ‐WEN , CHEN SHIH‐I , CHU TZONG‐SHINN , WU KWAN‐DUN
Published: July 2006

Background:  Renal infarction is usually an underestimated disease due to its rare and non‐specific presentations; the renal survival of these patients is not well studied. The aim of the present analysis is to study the clinical features and outcome in patients who had documented renal infarction.

Methods:  Twenty‐two patients (12 men and 10 women, mean age of 57.7 ± 3.44 years (28.4–83.3 years)) with image‐confirmed segmental renal infarction in the past 15 years were enrolled. All patients were followed up at outpatient department with a median of 4 years (1–14 years). Initial and follow‐up clinical characteristics and laboratory results were recorded.

Results:  The most common underlying disease was cardiovascular disease. Renal infarction often presented with non‐specific symptoms, including flank pain (55%), vague abdominal pain (50%), nausea/vomiting (46%) and fever (27%). The levels of leucocytes, lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were all elevated at admission. The early diagnosis group (12/22) had more obvious flank pain, nausea/vomiting (P < 0.001) and higher alanine transaminase (P = 0.02). It also predisposed to undergo antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy (all P < 0.04). During follow up, there was no recurrence in the whole study group, and a trend of better recovery of renal function was noted in the early diagnosis group.

Conclusion:  The serum creatinine level correlates with longer hospitalization length (P < 0.05). As regards long‐term prognosis, no definite factor or treatment was found to have significant effect in segmental renal infarction patients. However, early diagnosis and early initiation of treatment seems to have a positive effect on future renal outcome.
Bioartificial kidney in the treatment of acute renal failure associated with sepsis (Review Article)
Authors: TIRANATHANAGUL KHAJOHN , BRODIE JAMES , HUMES H DAVID
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:  Acute renal failure (ARF) associated with sepsis has a high rate of mortality. It is not merely a surrogate marker for severity of disease but also an independent predictor of mortality and a separate pathogenic entity, even when nearly physiological doses of fluid and small‐molecule clearance are maintained with currently available renal replacement therapies (RRT). The techniques to remove cytokines, including high‐volume haemofiltration, haemodialysis using high‐cut‐off haemofilters, and absorptive techniques, lead to some improvement in outcome but are still insufficient to reverse the complicated biological dysregulation resulting from ARF associated with sepsis. The novel and exciting technique of cell therapy, which is based on the principle of using functional cells to replace a greater range of renal functions, may add significant benefit to current RRT in dealing with this disease process. Because renal tubule cells appear to play critical roles in immunoregulation, renal tubule cell therapy during ARF associated with sepsis should alter the detrimental multiple‐organ consequences of sepsis. The development of a bioartificial kidney consisting of a conventional haemofiltration cartridge in series with a renal tubule assist device containing renal proximal tubule cells represents a new therapeutic approach to this clinical disorder. The results to date of large animal studies and recent Phase I/II and Phase II clinical trials show that such a device replaces multiple kidney functions and modifies the sepsis condition to improve survival in ARF.
Recidivism among male subjects incarcerated for illicit drug use in Taiwan
Authors: CHIANG SHU‐CHUAN , CHAN HUNG‐YU , CHEN CHIUNG‐HSU , SUN HSIAO‐JU , CHANG HUNG‐JUNG , CHEN WEI J. , LIN SHIH‐KU , CHEN CHIH‐KEN
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Illicit drug users are generally considered both patients and criminals in Taiwan. This study presents drug use behaviors and criminal recidivism of male subjects incarcerated for illicit drug use in Taiwan after detoxification at a detention center. This study also examined the relationship between drug use behaviors and subsequent recidivism. Charts and crime records of 794 male patients from the acute detoxification unit in a detention center in northern Taiwan were reviewed. These subjects were incarcerated for methamphetamine or/and heroin use. The authors examined the relationship between the variables collected during detoxification and subsequent recidivism of illicit drug use in the following 5 years after detoxification. Of 794 subjects, 539 (67.9%) were repeat offenders during the following 5 years after detoxification. Their recidivism occurred primarily within the first 2 years after being released into the community. The recidivism rate for heroin users was significantly higher than that of methamphetamine users. Aged under 30 years, a previous criminal record, and a positive urine analyses test for illicit drugs upon entering the detoxification unit were significantly associated with recidivism. Recidivism rates of illicit drug users in Taiwan after detoxification in the detention center were substantially high. The efficacy of detoxification programs at detention centers in Taiwan needs to be re‐evaluated.
Total antioxidant response in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: USTUNDAG BILAL , ATMACA MURAD , KIRTAS OZLEM , SELEK SAHABETTIN , METIN KEREM , TEZCAN ERTAN
Published: July 2006

Abstract  There is a large amount of convincing data demonstrating that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in initiation and development of many different forms of neuropsychiatric disorders. The levels of oxidants and antioxidants in schizophrenia have been evaluated. However, measurements of total antioxidant response (TAR) were not evaluated up to now. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to investigate plasma TAR levels in schizophrenia subtypes. A total of 76 patients with schizophrenia and 25 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (SANS and SAPS, respectively) were applied to patients. TAR values were determined in the plasma of normal healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia. Plasma TAR levels of each schizophrenia subtype were significantly lower than healthy controls (P < 0.01 for disorganized, residual and undifferentiated subtypes and P < 0.01 for paranoid subtype). When intragroup comparisons were performed, paranoid subtype had higher plasma TAR levels compared to other subtypes (P < 0.01). Accordingly, as a whole group, patients with schizophrenia had lower plasma TAR levels compared to controls. Plasma TAR levels were significantly and negatively correlated with SANS scores, and duration of illness was evaluated but not related to other parameters. Consequently, the present study further emphasizes the growing consideration that free radical damage may have an important etiopathogenetic role on the development of schizophrenia and suggests that decreased plasma total antioxidant levels may be related to the progression of illness.
Executive dysfunctions and depression in Behçet’s disease without explicit neurological involvement
Authors: ERBERK‐OZEN NURPER , BIROL AHU , BORATAV CUMHUR , KOCAK MUKADDER
Published: July 2006

Abstract  This study aims to assess the executive functions and depression status in patients with Behçet’s disease without explicit neurological involvement and to evaluate cognitive functions in this group of patients independent of accompanying depression. In the present study, 30 patients with Behçet’s disease in the non‐active phase of their illness and 30 healthy volunteers were included. In the evaluation of depression levels, Beck Depression Inventory was employed. The executive functions of the patients were evaluated by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Stroop Test (ST). Beck Depression Inventory scores measured in the Behçet’s disease group, in which no clinically serious depression was observed, were higher than the control group. Then, it was observed that the scores of neuropsychological tests of the Behçet’s disease group were found to be significantly lower, especially in WCST, while significant relations were revealed between Beck Depression Inventory scores and WCST, ST scores. The authors’ findings suggest that there may be factors other than depression causing executive impairment in patients with Behçet’s disease without explicit neurological symptoms. Executive dysfunctions may occur in association with mild depressive states due to chronic disease stress or silent and/or future neurological involvement of Behçet’s disease, especially in the frontal lobes.
Adult attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with bipolar I disorder in remission: Preliminary study
Authors: TAMAM LUT , TUĞLU CENGIZ , KARATAS GONCA , OZCAN SEVILAY
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a syndrome that typically first appears in early childhood, can occur in individuals of all ages. Prospective studies have demonstrated that at least half of children diagnosed as having ADHD continue to suffer the symptoms of this disorder in their adult life with significant impacts on their social status, achievement level and sense of well‐being. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the rate of ADHD in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and to examine the effects of comorbid ADHD on several clinical and sociodemographic variables of bipolar patients. Forty‐four BD‐I patients followed up in psychiatric outpatient clinics in two university hospitals, were assessed for the presence of adult ADHD according to DSM‐IV. All patients also completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale for objective evaluation of ADHD. Of 44 patients with BD‐I, only seven (15.9%) fulfilled criteria for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Bipolar disorder‐I patients with comorbid ADHD were more likely to be female, and have more affective episodes (especially depressive episodes) than bipolar patients without comorbid ADHD. Age at onset of affective illness was not significantly different between the two groups. In line with results of several previous reports, the present study also showed higher prevalence of ADHD in patients with BD‐I than in normal population. A higher number of affective episode in patients with comorbid ADHD may suggest a more severe clinical course of BD in these patients. A larger group of samples is required to clarify the exact association and interaction between these two clinical entities.
Chronic intraperitoneal injection of interferon‐α reduces serotonin levels in various regions of rat brain, but does not change levels of serotonin transporter mRNA, nitrite or nitrate
Authors: SATO TAKU , SUZUKI EIJI , YOKOYAMA MASAMOTO , SEMBA JUN’ICHI , WATANABE SHIGERU , MIYAOKA HITOSHI
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Interferon‐α therapy is associated with a high rate of depression, but the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of i.p. administered interferon‐α on monoaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. The levels of monoamines and associated metabolites were measured in various regions of the rat brain using a high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrochemical detection system. The serotonin transporter mRNA levels were also measured using in situ hybridization. After 1 day, dopamine turnover was diminished in the cortex. Norepinephrine turnover was decreased in most regions tested after 4 days. However, these changes were transient. After 14 days, serotonin turnover was increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in rats given a dose of 20 000 IU/kg; in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus and brainstem in those on 200 000 IU/kg; and in the thalamus and hypothalamus in those on 2 000 000 IU/kg (all P < 0.05). However, 14‐day treatment did not significantly change serotonin transporter mRNA levels. Next, the question of whether interferon‐α affects monoamine levels via induction of nitric oxide (NO), was investigated. However, there were no changes in either NO2– or NO3–, as markers of NO production, in any brain regions after 14‐day treatment. These results suggest that chronic peripheral administration of interferon‐α induces metabolic changes in the central serotonin system. Further investigation is needed to determine exactly how this cytokine affects the central serotonin system and to assess whether a central serotonin abnormality is involved in interferon‐induced depression.
Transient global amnesia following a transoceanic flight
Authors: RASHID JAVAID , STARER PERRY J.
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Transient global amnesia (TGA) is the abrupt onset of temporary anterograde amnesia without any focal neurological features. It is a benign condition and is completely reversible in most cases. However, the sudden occurrence of memory impairment can be especially alarming to an individual who has recently arrived in an unfamiliar setting. The cause of TGA remains unknown. Reported here is the unusual occurrence of TGA in a man following the completion of an international airplane flight. Possible etiologies of the episode are considered.
Routine use of operational diagnostic criteria affects the pharmacotherapy of dysthymia: National questionnaire survey of experienced psychiatrists in Japan
Authors: ENDO TARO , SHIOIRI TOSHIKI , KITAMURA HIDEAKI , SOMEYA TOSHIYUKI
Published: July 2006

Abstract  The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate, with the use of a questionnaire, how Japanese psychiatrists diagnose and treat a typical adult dysthymia case. Clinicians who routinely use operational diagnostic criteria (ODC) had more correct diagnoses than those who did not. Approximately 70% of psychiatrists who routinely use ODC chose selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRI) as the first choice of treatment, while of those psychiatrists who do not use these criteria, only half prescribed SSRI. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.01). The results of the present study suggest that psychiatrists who are familiar with ODC tend to treat dysthymia according to evidence‐based pharmacotherapy.
Nutcracker phenomenon: A new diagnostic method of multislice computed tomography angiography
Authors: FU WEI‐JUN , HONG BAO‐FA , GAO JIANG‐PING , XIAO YUE‐YONG , YANG YONG , CAI WEI , GUO GANG , WANG XIAO XIONG
Published: July 2006

Objective:  We evaluated 3‐D computed tomography angiography (3‐D CTA) in the diagnosis of the nutcracker phenomenon, and its significance in postoperative follow up.

Patients and Methods:  Three‐dimensional CTA was used to compare the anatomical relations of the left renal vein with the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery in patients with the nutcracker phenomenon and in a control group. Four patients with the nutcracker phenomenon received a surgical procedure of the transposition of the left renal vein. The 3‐D CTA was used for all patients during postoperation follow‐up testing.

Results:  The 3‐D CTA showed a compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the abnormal acute angle between them. The angles and distances between the SMA and the aorta were 39.3 ± 4.3° and 3.1 ± 0.2 mm in the patient groups and 90 ± 10° and 12 ± 1.8 mm in the control groups, respectively. Differences in angles and distances were statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). Surgical transposition of the left renal vein was performed successfully. Postoperative 3‐D CTA revealed the distance between the SMA and the aorta was nearly normal.

Conclusion:  The reconstruction imaging of the renal vein by means of 3‐D CTA revealed that unusual hematuria was due to compression of the left renal vein; therefore it may be a useful alternative imaging technique instead of conventional examinations. The non‐invasive 3‐D CTA may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of the nutcracker phenomenon and follow‐up testing.
Endometriosis of the urinary tract in women of reproductive age
Authors: SCHNEIDER ANDREAS , TOULOUPIDIS STAVROS , PAPATSORIS ATHANASIOS G , TRIANTAFYLLIDIS ARGYRIOS , KOLLIAS ANASTASIOS , SCHWEPPE KARL‐WERNER
Published: July 2006

Aim:  We present our experience with diagnosing and treating 22 cases of urinary tract endometriosis in women of reproductive age.

Patients and Methods:  From January 2001 to January 2003, 22 women of reproductive age (mean age 34.8 years) were diagnosed suffering from endometriosis of the urinary tract. We used the Endoscopic Endometriosis Classification (EEC) for assessing the stage of endometriosis.

Results:  Endometriosis was present in the bladder, the lower third of the ureter, and in a postnephrectomy ureteral stump in 15 (68.1%), six (27.2%) and one (4.5%) cases, respectively. The EEC classification revealed stages I, II, III and IV in four (18.1%), one (4.5%), one (4.5%), and 16 (72.7%) patients, respectively. Urinary symptoms were present in 14 (63.6%) patients. For the treatment of bladder endometriosis, 10 patients underwent partial cystectomy, while the remaining five patients were treated with transurethral resection. In four patients ureterolysis was performed, by laparoscopy in two cases and by open surgery in the other two cases. Ureterectomy and re‐implantation with bladder psoas hitching took place in six patients. In the case of endometriosis of the ureteral stump, open surgical excision took place. During the mean follow‐up period of 20 months (range 16–40) no long‐term complication or relapse was diagnosed.

Conclusions:  Bladder and ureteral endometriosis should be considered in women of reproductive age with non‐specific urinary tract or abdominal symptoms, and surgical treatment is recommended.
Baseline health‐related quality of life in the management of prostate cancer
Authors: ISHIHARA MASAHARU , SUZUKI HIROYOSHI , AKAKURA KOICHIRO , KOMIYA AKIRA , IMAMOTO TAKASHI , TOBE TOYOFUSA , ICHIKAWA TOMOHIKO
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to clarify characteristics of baseline health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) during the diagnostic process of prostate cancer.

Methods:  A prospective study was conducted to measure HRQOL in a cohort of 141 patients in whom prostate cancer was suspected and prostate biopsy was scheduled, using both generic and disease‐specific HRQOL measures (SF‐36, UCLA‐Prostate Cancer Index) at two points: before prostate biopsy (prediagnosis) and after giving biopsy results (postdiagnosis). Seventy‐three patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 68 were not.

Results:  Compared to age‐gender adjusted population norms, patients demonstrated better physical function (PF) and worse mental health (MH). Characteristic age‐related changes were found in PF and sexual function (SXF); however, disease stage exhibited no relevant effects in HRQOL. No significant difference was detected between pre‐ and postdiagnosis SF‐36 and UCLA‐PCI scores.

Conclusion:  The present study discovered no relevant impact of the diagnostic process of prostate cancer on baseline HRQOL using SF‐36 and UCLA‐PCI. Combined with results of previous studies, it is supportive of regarding pretreatment levels of HRQOL as the baseline.
A proposal of subcategorization of bacterial prostatitis: NIH category I and II diseases can be further subcategorized on analysis by therapeutic and immunological procedures
Authors: NAIDE YORIO , ISHIKAWA KIYOHITO , TANAKA TOSHIYUKI , ANDO SHIN , SUZUKI KEIZO , HOSHINAGA KIYOTAKA
Published: July 2006

Aim:  We propose preliminarily that acute (category I of the NIH consensus definition) and chronic prostatitis (category II) can be subcategorized into primary and recurrent diseases based on the precise analysis of the clinical course and the immunological parameters in prostatic secretions of our cases.

Methods:  Five patients with stone‐free, acute febrile prostatitis and nine patients with acute episodes of afebrile urinary infection were included. The expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) were collected soon after the acute illnesses subsided after medication administration and they were examined microscopically, bacteriologically, and serologically. First‐line medications were cefem antibiotics with conventional doses for febrile cases and low doses for afebrile cases. They were administered for at least 2 weeks. Second‐line conventional medication with sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim or levofloxacin was given only to the patients in whom remaining prostatic infections were revealed.

Results:  The first‐line medications were successful in all patients and they promptly became asymptomatic in 1 week. All the EPS were infected except for two afebrile cases. Prostatic infections were eradicated by second‐line conventional medications. In a patient with afebrile prostatitis whose EPS were free of macrophages and immunoglobulin (Ig)M, the eradication of prostatic pathogens was achieved without second‐line antibacterial medication.

Conclusions:  Bacterial prostatitis could be classified into primary and recurrent chronic infections in each of the febrile (category I) and afebrile (category II) illnesses. A cefem regimen in varying doses was a clue for differential diagnosis as it did not affect the pathogens in the prostatic ducts or acini unless heavy urine reflux occurred in the ductal draining systems. Macrophages and immunoglobulins, especially IgM, in the EPS were useful immunological parameters to differentiate primary and recurrent infections of the prostate. Fluoroquinolones or sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim should not be employed in acute urinary infections in male patients until the confirmation of prostatic infection to avoid injudicious use of them, which might cause an increasing prevalence of resistant uropathogens in the community. The evacuation of the prostate by repetitive massage seemed to be effective to enhance the prompt eradication of pathogens from the prostatic tissue and to keep patients asymptomatic throughout the course of the disease by preventing tissue pressure elevation.
Effect of sildenafil on arterial stiffness, as assessed by pulse wave velocity, in patients with erectile dysfunction
Authors: SHIGEMURA KATSUMI , ARAKAWA SOICHI , KAMIDONO SADAO , NAKANO YUZO , FUJISAWA MASATO
Published: July 2006

Background:  The problems of patients with erectile dysfunction have been recognized, leading to the emergence of sildenafil, which has led to successful treatment in many cases. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of sildenafil on the pulse wave velocity of patients with erectile dysfunction.

Methods:  Fifteen patients with erectile dysfunction were enrolled for this study. The brachial/ankle pulse wave velocity was determined before dosing and at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after dosing with 25 or 50 mg of sildenafil citrate. Concurrently, the changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and brachial/ankle pulse wave velocity were measured. For the consideration of revised brachial/ankle pulse wave velocity by blood pressure, the systolic blood pressure‐derived brachial/ankle pulse wave was also investigated, and we classified and examined those results with and without risk factors for arteriosclerosis.

Results:  The systolic blood pressure decreased significantly at 60 min after dosing compared with the placebo control. The heart rate decreased at 120 min after dosing compared with the placebo control but that decrease was not significant. The brachial/ankle pulse wave velocity transiently decreased at 30 or 60 min after dosing compared with the placebo control, but the decrease was not significant; however, the systolic blood pressure‐derived brachial/ankle pulse wave velocity decreased significantly. In those patients with risk factors for arteriosclerosis, the pulse wave velocity decreased significantly.

Conclusions:  In patients with erectile dysfunction who were administered sildenafil, the pulse wave velocity, along with blood pressure, tended to decrease transiently after dosing. There is a possibility that sildenafil affects the improvement of erectile dysfunction via the decrease of pulse wave velocity, especially in patients with risk factors for arteriosclerosis.
Foreskin development before adolescence in 2149 schoolboys
Authors: HSIEH TENG‐FU , CHANG CHAOG‐HSIAN , CHANG SHIH‐SAN
Published: July 2006

Background:  We examined the external genitalia of 2149 elementary schoolboys in the suburban area of Taichung in Taiwan for an understanding of foreskin development before adolescence.

Methods:  The study’s subjects comprised 692 first‐grade boys, 725 fourth‐grade boys, and 732 seventh‐grade boys. The foreskin’s condition was classified as: type I (normal prepuce), type II (adhesion of prepuce), type III (partial phimosis), type IV (phimosis) and type V (circumcised foreskin). Other abnormalities of the genitalia also were recorded. All of the examinations were performed by the same urologist.

Results:  The incidence of type I foreskin was 8.2% in first‐grade boys, 21.0% in fourth‐grade boys, and 58.1% in seventh‐grade boys. The incidence of type IV foreskin was 17.1% in first‐grade boys, 9.7% in fourth‐grade boys, and 1.2% in seventh‐grade boys. Only one boy had balanoposthitis. Other abnormalities included inguinal hernia (n = 2), hydrocele (n = 12), cryptorchitism (n = 8), varicocele (n = 22), and subcoronal‐type hypospadia (n = 1).

Conclusions:  Physiological phimosis declines with age. Most boys with phimosis in this study did not require treatment.
Possible correlation between polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor‐beta gene and the clinicopathological features of bladder cancer in Japanese patients
Authors: NONOMURA NORIO , TOKIZANE TAKASHI , NAKAYAMA MASASHI , INOUE HITOSHI , NISHIMURA KAZUO , MURAMATSU MASAAKI , OKUYAMA AKIHIKO
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  In a variety of cancers, several polymorphisms of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes have been reported to result in different clinical outcomes. We investigated whether a polymorphism of the TNF gene is associated with a susceptibility to bladder cancer and its disease status.

Methods:  Polymorphisms in the TNF‐α gene promoter (−308 bp) and the NcoI site in the first intron of the TNF‐β gene were analyzed in 141 Japanese patients with bladder cancer and 173 Japanese controls by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. The correlations between the polymorphisms of the TNF genes and the clinicopathological features were analyzed.

Results:  The number of cases and controls with TNF‐α2 was too small to be assessable. In contrast, the TNF‐β1/2 genotype at the NcoI site in the first intron conferred a 1.71‐fold increased risk of bladder cancer compared to the TNF‐β2/2 genotype. In the bladder cancer group, patients with the TNF‐β1 allele had a significantly higher risk for a high‐grade tumor (grade 3) or carcinoma in situ (CIS) than those without the TNF‐β1 allele. Moreover, in the superficial bladder cancers, patients with the TNF‐β1 allele showed a significantly higher intravesical recurrence rate than those without the TNF‐β1 allele.

Conclusion:  This polymorphism in the TNF‐β gene appears to be associated with tumor occurrence and disease status, such as the tumor grade and the presence of CIS. Further study with an increased sample size is warranted.
Renal cell carcinoma with non‐islet cell tumor hypoglycemia
Authors: FERNANDO HERMAN S , HAWKYARD SIMON J , POON PHILIP , MUSA MOHAMMED
Published: July 2006

Abstract  We report a case of an elderly gentleman with renal cell carcinoma presenting with the rare entity of non‐islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH). Non‐islet cell tumor hypoglycemia syndrome is caused by the tumor producing insulin‐like growth factor II, causing hypoglycemia. The syndrome is most commonly associated with very large fibromas or fibrosarcomas.
Myxoma of the kidney
Authors: OWARI YUKIHISA , KONDA RYUICHIRO , OMORI SO , SEO TAKASHI , SUZUKI KAORU , FUJIOKA TOMOAKI
Published: July 2006

Abstract  A 62‐year‐old man had a right renal mass incidentally diagnosed by ultrasonography. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well‐defined right renal mass with homogenous low‐signal intensity on the T1‐weighted pulse sequence and heterogeneous high‐signal intensity on the T2‐weighted pulse sequence. A right nephrectomy was performed. The histological examination showed a myxoma, which is a very uncommon neoplasm in the kidney. Eight cases have been reported previously.
An unusual complication after a cystectomy: A case of iliac artery‐neobladder fistula
Authors: GALLUCCI MICHELE , PICCIRILLO GIUSEPPE , GUAGLIANONE SALVATORE , LEONARDO COSTANTINO , FORASTIERE ESTER
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Iliac artery‐neobladder fistula is very rare and only a few cases have been reported. The authors report a case of a 62‐year‐old man, diagnosed with a CT scan and an angiographic procedure and treated with a vascular endoprothesis placed through a percutaneous femoral access. The important role of early recognition is focussed on.
Rupture of ectopic pregnancy implanted in the bladder
Authors: TRUZZI JOSE CARLOS , LIMA HUDSON , NUNES EDUARDO CAPATTI , SADI MARCUS
Published: July 2006

Abstract  A 34‐year‐old woman was diagnosed by ultrasound with a six‐week ectopic pregnancy with implantation of the gestational sac in the bladder wall. She was initially treated with methotrexate 50 mg/m2 i.m. Although a 22% reduction in the levels of beta‐hCG was observed at first, there was a rupture of gestational sac. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy with a resulting partial cystectomy, and made an uneventful recovery.
Laparoscopic radical cystectomy and bilateral ureteric ligation for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in a patient on hemodialysis
Authors: ISHII DAISUKE , IRIE AKIRA , MATSUMOTO KAZUMASA , TOJO TAKANORI , TAOKA YOSHINORI , IWAMURA MASATSUGU , YOSHIDA KAZUNARI , BABA SHIRO
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Laparoscopic cystectomy and bilateral ureteric ligation were performed on a 52‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis (HD) for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. Her volume of urine production was approximately 100 mL/day. Excisions of the bladder and uterus with ligation of the bilateral ureter were conducted completely laparoscopically. Total operative time was 280 min and the amount of blood loss was 60 mL. No complications were seen perioperatively and no adverse events regarding ureteric ligation arose. HD was performed on the second postoperative day. At a 12‐month follow‐up, the patient showed no evidence of disease.
Rare case of aggressive angiomyxoma presenting as a retrovesical tumor
Authors: HATANO KOJI , TSUJIMOTO YUICHI , ICHIMARU NAOTSUGU , MIYAGAWA YASUSHI , NONOMURA NORIO , OKUYAMA AKIHIKO
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare mesenchymal benign tumor that preferentially involves the pelvic and perineal regions in relatively young females. We report here a rare case of AAM presenting as a retrovesical tumor in a male patient. A 59‐year‐old man undergoing abdominal ultrasound examination because of benign prostatic hyperplasia was found to have a retrovesical mass. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis showed the retrovesical tumor to be 7.4 × 6.7 cm. The tumor was resected, and diagnosed histopathologically as AAM. The patient showed no recurrence 26 months after resection. Although the majority of retrovesical tumors are considered to be sarcoma or neurogenic tumor, AAM should also be recognized as a differential diagnosis.
Dramatic decline in prostate‐specific antigen by withdrawal of estramustine phosphate in hormone refractory prostate cancer
Authors: KOBAYASHI MIZUKI , KURAMOTO HIROSHI , OTA JUNICHIRO , FUJIMOTO NAOHIRO
Published: July 2006

Abstract  Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) decline after discontinuation of estramustine phosphate (EMP) is extremely rare. We report a case with dramatic PSA decline after withdrawal of EMP. A patient with prostate cancer had been treated with luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone and EMP. After refractory, EMP was withdrawn. After withdrawal of EMP, PSA dramatically decreased from 214 ng/mL to 3.71 ng/mL (98.5% decline) and remained low for more than 17 months. In association with PSA decline, lumbago and metastatic lesions improved. We should be aware of this phenomenon and the discontinuation of EMP is recommended in patients with rising PSA after an initial response to EMP.
Asthenospermia in hay fever patients improved by stopping treatment with histamine H1 receptor antagonists
Authors: HAYASHI TETSUO , YOSHIDA SOICHIRO , OHNO RENA , ISHII NOBUYUKI , TERAO TOSHIYA , YAMADA TAKUMI
Published: July 2006

Abstract  We report two cases of asthenospermia, which appeared to be associated with exposure to histamine H1 receptor antagonists. A 44‐year‐old man and a 35‐year‐old man had continued the treatment with fexofenadine hydrochloride and cetirizine hydrochloride, respectively, under the diagnosis of hay fever. They and their wives had been examined as infertile couples. Infertility evaluations revealed no problems with their wives; the patients, however, were found to have a low sperm motility (<10%). On suspicion of adverse effects of the histamine H1 receptor antagonists, they stopped treatment with these drugs, which resulted in a complete reversal of spermatic dysfunction. Current information identifies the potential fertility hazards of histamine H1 receptor antagonists.
Testicular metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: WANG CHIEN HSIANG , YANG STONE
Published: July 2006

Abstract  We document a case of testicular metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient suffered from bilateral testicular painful swelling for 6 months. Scrotal ultrasonography showed bilateral testicular tumors and the whole abdominal computed tomography revealed a huge tumor in the left lobe of the liver. Bilateral orchiectomy and postoperative ultrasound‐guided liver biopsy were done. Pathological examination revealed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma with testicular metastases is a very rare disease.
Long‐term survival under maintenance gemcitabine chemotherapy for metastatic transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: LEHMANN JAN , RETZ MARGITTA , SIEMER STEFAN , SCHREIER ULRICH , ZWERGEL ULRIKE , STÖCKLE MICHAEL
Published: July 2006

Abstract  We report a case of a 74‐year‐old patient who received 41 courses of maintenance therapy with gemcitabine over a length of 28 months for metastatic transitional cell carcinoma. One year earlier the patient had received three cycles of adjuvant cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy after nephro‐ureterectomy for a locally advanced urothelial cancer of the right renal pelvis. This case demonstrates a paradigm shift in the palliative treatment of advanced urothelial cancer, with the implementation of more tolerable agents such as gemcitabine. Even elderly patients with impaired renal function may benefit in terms of tumor reduction and survival from systemic chemotherapy, which may be applied over a prolonged period of time.
Ovarian carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation: Review of five cases referring to immunohistochemical characterization
Authors: Yasuda Masanori , Kajiwara Hiroshi , Osamura Yoshiyuki R. , Hirasawa Takeshi , Muramatsu Toshinari , Murakami Masaru , Takagi Masayuki , Tadokoro Mamoru , Kobayashi Youichi , Inayama Yoshiaki , Miyagi Etsuko , Nakatani Yukio
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To review five ovarian carcinomas with varying degrees of neuroendocrine differentiation (ND) using an immunohistochemical study focused on the relationship with morphological features.

Methods:  ND was immunohistochemically analyzed using 21 antibodies by an indirect immunoperoxidase method, and ploidy pattern was analyzed using paraffin sections.

Results:  The tumors were divided according to tumor cell size into ‘small‐sized’ for case 1, ‘intermediate‐sized’ for cases 2 and 3, and ‘large‐sized’ for cases 4 and 5. Expressions of neuroendocrine markers and argyrophil reaction tended to be strengthened as tumor cell size increased. Cases 1, 2 and 3 showed diploid pattern and cases 4 and 5 showed aneuploid pattern.

Conclusion:  ND of ovarian carcinomas is closely related to morphological features represented by the cell size. Therefore, ovarian carcinomas with ND should be defined because the disease entity is not successfully integrated irrespective of the highly malignant potential.
Evolution and management of a hepatocellular carcinoma during pregnancy
Authors: Alvarez de la Rosa Margarita , Nicolás‐Pérez David , Muñiz‐Montes José Ramón , Trujillo‐Carrillo José Luis
Published: July 2006

Coexistence of a hepatocellular carcinoma with pregnancy is extremely rare. The authors present the case of an African woman positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and referred to our hospital for suspected cervical incompetence in which a surgically unapproachable hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed. The patient refused termination of pregnancy or liver transplantation because of religious beliefs. In this case, the authors had the opportunity to follow the growth of the mass throughout the pregnancy and puerperium.
CA‐125 levels in ruptured and unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancies
Authors: Malatyalioglu Erdal , Ozer Sinan , Kokcu Arif , Cetinkaya Mehmet B. , Alper Tayfun , Tosun Migraci
Published: July 2006

Aim:  This prospective, single‐blind and controlled clinical study aimed to research if CA‐125 levels could be a useful test in the differential diagnosis of intact and ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Methods:  Sixty‐five women with tubal ectopic pregnancy of 5–10 weeks’ duration (27 women with ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy [REP] and 38 women with unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy [UREP]) and 65 women with normal intrauterine pregnancy (NIUP) of the same gestational age were studied prospectively. Serum CA‐125 levels were measured in all women and these levels were compared among the REP, UREP, and NIUP groups.

Results:  The mean CA‐125 levels didn’t show any significant difference between the REP and NIUP groups (P > 0.05). The mean CA‐125 levels of these two groups were higher than that in the UREP group (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). The dispersion ratios of the CA‐125 levels had a statistically significant difference between the REP and UREP groups (χ2: 42.44, P < 0.0001). CA‐125 levels weren’t correlated with gestational weeks in the REP and UREP groups (r: 0.005, P > 0.05; r: 0.008, P > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion:  In intact tubal ectopic pregnancies, expectant or managed with medical treatment, the increase of CA‐125 levels in the serial measurements could be a supplementary test for an early diagnosis of tubal rupture.