bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and motivations towards blood donations among blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Olaiya M. A. , Alakija W. , Ajala A. , Olatunji R. O.
Published: March 2004

Summary. A total of 542 blood donors from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (Lasuth), Ikeja, were interviewed with questionnaires on their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and motivations about blood donations. It was found that a large number of them (92·9%) donated because of the benefits they will obtain from the hospital. Such benefits include antenatal registration (67·1%) and saving the lives of relations (25·8%). Even though many of the donors are educated (98·9%), majority of whom have university degrees (36·1%) and have heard about blood donation before, 52·4% of them believe they can contact human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or hepatitis infection from blood donation. A good number (47·0%) are afraid of what they regard as side effects, such as weight loss (23·8%), sexual failure (5·9%), high blood pressure (5·2%), sudden death (3·3%), and convulsion (1·47%). About 41·0% prefers certificates as an incentive for donation, whereas 13·6% prefers money; less than 3% will like their names announced or published on the media and 2·58% will donate for nothing. It is recommended that an intensive blood donation campaign should be maintained. This will allow people to be well informed, turning the positive attitude of saving life through blood donation to a regular practice.
Feasibility of a restrictive red‐cell transfusion policy for patients treated with intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Jansen A. J. G. , Caljouw M. A. A. , Hop W. C. J. , Van Rhenen D. J. , Schipperus M. R.
Published: March 2004

Summary.  Red‐cell transfusions are required for symptomatic treatment of severe anaemia caused by intensive chemotherapy. Concerns about the transfusion‐related complications, such as infections (e.g. the very low risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission and the risk of postoperative infections), haemolytic transfusion reaction, immunological effects and the costs, prompt a reevaluation of the transfusion practice. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 84 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), who were treated with combination chemotherapy between June 1, 1997 and December 7, 2001, was performed. The use of red‐cell transfusions with a restrictive transfusion policy (haemoglobin = 7·2–8·8 g dL−1, dependent on age and symptoms, n = 38) was compared with a more liberal transfusion trigger (haemoglobin = 9·6 g dL−1, n = 46). The number of units transfused was recorded. Signs and symptoms of anaemia, chemotherapy‐related effects and complications were investigated for both transfusion policies. The more restrictive transfusion policy led to a significant decrease of 11% of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients with AML. No significant differences were found in the incidence of infections, number of platelet units transfused, bleeding complications, cardiac symptoms or response to chemotherapy. The more restrictive transfusion policy was feasible in this clinical setting, and it might be concluded that a restrictive transfusion policy is safe in supporting clinical patients treated with intensive chemotherapy for AML.
Comparison of von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor‐cleaving protease and protein S in blood components used for treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Yarranton H. , Lawrie A. S. , Purdy G. , Mackie I. J. , Machin S. J.
Published: March 2004

Summary.  Replacement of normal levels of von Willebrand factor‐cleaving protease (VWF:CP, ADAMTS13) activity from infused plasma is important in plasma exchange (PEX) for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients. We have studied the VWF:CP activity, VWF multimer distribution, VWF:Ag, protein S (PS) activity and free PS antigen levels in fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryosupernatant (CSP) and virally inactivated components treated with methylene blue/light (MB) or solvent detergent (SD) processes. VWF:CP activity was normal in all components tested and was retained following overnight storage at room temperature. CSP and SD plasma contained reduced levels of the highest molecular weight VWF multimers. Protein S activity was reduced below the normal range in SD plasma, but within the normal range for the other components tested. Virally inactivated SD‐ and MB‐treated plasma may be an effective alternative to FFP and CSP in PEX for TTP. Reduced PS activity in SD plasma may predispose to venous thromboembolism, especially if infused in large volumes.
Tazobactam‐induced haemolytic anaemia, possibly caused by non‐immunological adsorption of IgG onto patient's red cells
Authors: Broadberry R. E. , Farren T. W. , Bevin S. V. , Kohler J. A. , Yates S. , Skidmore I. , Poole J. , Garratty G.
Published: March 2004

Summary.  A patient with pneumonia was treated with Tazocin (piperacillin/tazobactam). However, the expected haemoglobin (Hb) increment after transfusion was not achieved. Plasma bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase were raised. The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive (4+) for immunoglobulin G (IgG) only, but no RBC antibodies were demonstrable in the plasma or an eluate from the patient's RBCs. Drug‐induced haemolysis was suspected. After discontinuing Tazocin administration, Hb and bilirubin levels returned to expected values.

The patient's plasma gave a positive (3+) indirect antiglobulin reaction only with RBCs pretreated with tazobactam. However, random patient plasmas also gave weak (± to 1+) reactions, indicating non‐immunological adsorption of IgG onto RBCs rather than specific anti‐tazobactam antibodies.

Subsequently, plasma samples with varying IgG levels (0·8–89·7 g L−1) were tested against RBCs pretreated with tazobactam. The amount of plasma IgG non‐immunologically adsorbed onto the drug‐coated RBCs was found to correlate directly with the plasma IgG level. The patient had a high plasma IgG level (41·6 g L−1) which explains why the antiglobulin test was stronger with the patient's plasma than with random plasma samples.

Previous reports (Garratty & Arndt, (1998) British Journal of Haematology, 100, 777–783; Arndt & Garratty (2000) Transfusion, 40, 29S) suggested that non‐immunological coating of RBCs with IgG may affect RBC survival; our results would support that suggestion. This is the first reported case of haemolytic anaemia associated with tazobactam.
Studies of the reliability and validity of the Addiction Severity Index
Authors: Mäkelä Klaus
Published: March 2004

Aims  To examine the reliability and validity of the widely used Addiction Severity Index (ASI).

Material  Thirty‐seven studies of the psychometric performance of the ASI.

Findings  The inter‐rater and test–retest reliabilities of the severity ratings and composites scores vary from excellent to unsatisfactory. High internal consistencies have been reported regularly for only three of the seven composite scores (medical status, alcohol use, psychiatric status). The remaining four composite scores (employment status, drug use, legal status, family/social relations) have low consistencies in at least four different studies. Coefficients of criterion validity are often low.

Conclusions  There is a discrepancy between the psychometric performance of the ASI and its purported clinical, administrative and research uses.
Smoking and the Five‐Factor Model of personality
Authors: Terracciano Antonio , Costa Paul T.
Published: March 2004

Aims  Investigating the association between personality traits and smoking status using a comprehensive model of personality, the Five‐Factor Model (FFM).

Design  Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting  Baltimore, MD, USA.

Participants  Adult elderly Americans (n = 1638).

Measurements  A self‐administered survey on cigarette smoking and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI‐R).

Findings  Current smokers scored higher than never smokers on neuroticism and lower on agreeableness and conscientiousness; former smokers scored intermediate on these higher‐order dimensions. Neuroticism was related to smoking particularly among individuals with low conscientiousness, as indicated by an interaction effect between the two factors. There were no differences on extraversion and openness to experience. At the lower‐order facet level, smokers were characterized by inability to resist cravings (high impulsiveness), search for stimulation (high excitement‐seeking), lack of perseverance (low self‐discipline) and lack of careful consideration of the consequences of their actions (low deliberation).

Conclusions  At the higher‐order factor level, this study replicates and extends previous studies using a comprehensive model of personality (FFM). The greater specificity provided by the facet‐level analysis appears to explain some of the conflicting results in the literature, and the use of an older sample provides insight especially into the former smokers group. Personality research may lead to a deeper understanding of cigarette smoking and can potentially contribute to policies and programs of smoking prevention and cessation.
Prediction of alcohol‐related harm from controlled drinking strategies and alcohol consumption trajectories
Authors: Toumbourou J. W. , Williams I. R. , White V. M. , Snow P. C. , Munro G. D. , Schofield P. E.
Published: March 2004

Aims  To establish predictors of age 21 alcohol‐related harm from prior drinking patterns, current levels of alcohol consumption and use of controlled drinking strategies.

Participants  One thousand, five hundred and ninety‐six students recruited from an initial sample of 3300 during their final year of high school in 1993.

Design  Longitudinal follow‐up across five waves of data collection.

Setting  Post high school in Victoria, Australia.

Measurements  Self‐administered surveys examining a range of health behaviours, including alcohol consumption patterns and related behaviour.

Findings  Drinking behaviours at age 21 were found to be strongly predicted by drinking trajectories established through the transition from high school. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that alcohol‐related harms at age 21 were reduced where current levels of alcohol use fell within limits recommended in Australian national guidelines. After controlling for this effect it was found that the range of strategies employed by participants to control alcohol use maintained a small protective influence. Post‐high‐school drinking trajectories continued to demonstrate a significant effect after controlling for current behaviours. Findings revealed that over one quarter of males and females drank alcohol, but on a less‐than‐weekly basis. This pattern of alcohol use demonstrated considerable stability through the post‐school transition and was associated with a low level of subsequent harm at age 21.

Conclusions  Future research should investigate whether encouraging more Australian adolescents to drink alcohol on a less‐than‐weekly basis may be a practical intervention target for reducing alcohol‐related harms.
Observations of Dermocystidium sp. infections in bullheads, Cottus gobio L., from a river in southern England
Authors: Feist S W , Longshaw M , Hurrell R H , Mander B
Published: March 2004

Bullheads, Cottus gobio, with macroscopic external cysts on the skin and fins measuring up to 3 mm in diameter were detected in the River Allen and its tributaries in southern England between 1992 and 1998. The prevalence of these cysts was up to 50% at some sites. Examination of cyst contents revealed the presence of numerous spores, typical of the genus Dermocystidium, measuring 8 μm in diameter. The parasite developed within well‐defined cysts, which were located in the hypodermal connective tissues of the host. No cysts were present on the fins of any of the fish examined. Histological examination revealed a cyst wall consisting of an inner layer of dense eosinophilic material similar to that reported for Dermocystidium spp. forming coenocytic hyphae. No evidence was found of systemic infection or hyphal formation. Spores contained a prominent refractile body, which gave a weakly positive reaction for polysaccharides with the periodic‐acid Schiff reaction and was positively stained with acidic dyes. Several examples of ruptured cysts were seen in histological sections and in some of these cases the host epithelial layer was breached, allowing release of the spores to the environment. Morphological features of, and host response towards, the Dermocystidium sp. in bullheads are compared with similar infections in salmonids and other freshwater fish species.
Teratogenicity of elevated egg incubation temperature and egg vitamin A status in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Ørnsrud R , Gil L , Waagbø R
Published: March 2004

The present study was undertaken to investigate the possibility that high egg vitamin A (VA) status in combination with elevated egg incubation temperatures may cause deformities in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Egg batches selected for their total VA concentration were exposed to low (normal, 8 °C) or elevated (14 °C) egg incubation temperatures. Temperature was the main factor causing bone deformities such as warped gill opercula, fin and jaw deformities, but not for the development of spinal deformities where all groups displayed a ‘baseline’ occurrence of mild deformity (decreased vertebral size in the cephalic region) and no systematic variation in the occurrence of serious spinal deformities (fused vertebrae). A possible effect of egg incubation temperature fluctuation was found for the groups reared at low temperatures. An indication of a negative effect of elevated egg VA status for the development of organ deformities such as missing septum transversum and situs inversus was found in addition to temperature effects, however, no firm conclusions could be drawn from the present data. The phenotypes for temperature‐induced deformities resembled the phenotype of VA‐induced deformities, but no clear conclusions on the causality of the deformities found in the present study could be drawn. Egg incubation temperatures, both absolute temperature and temperature variations, should therefore be strictly controlled.
Proximate mechanisms and evolution of caste polyphenism in social insects: From sociality to genes
Authors: MIURA Toru
Published: March 2004

Evidence has accumulated over several decades to prove the kin selection theory of evolution of social insects, however, proximate mechanisms of social behavior, and/or caste differentiation remain obscure. Genes that regulate these mechanisms are apparently selected through kin selection, and organisms have consequently acquired sociality. Here, I will discuss several studies that were performed recently by Matsumoto Laboratory, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, in various social insects, such as termites and ants, in order to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of social behavior and the evolutionary processes of sociality. First, I will review the foraging behavior of the black marching termite Hospitalitermes medioflavus, where well‐organized task allocation among castes is apparent. This suggests that regulation of postembryonic development is important in social behavior. Next, I will summarize recent progress in identifying caste‐specific gene expression in the damp‐wood termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti. This constitutes the basis for molecular mechanisms of caste differentiation, and moreover, the genes identified might be good markers for social evolution. Finally, the mechanism underlying winglessness in ant workers is reviewed. Apoptotic cell death was detected at the stage of pupation in wingless worker castes. Furthermore, the areas of study recently designated as ‘sociogenomics’ and ‘ecological developmental biology’ are discussed.
Quantitative assessment of multispecies spatial pattern with high species diversity
Authors: SHIMATANI Kenichiro , KUBOTA Yasuhiro
Published: March 2004

This paper developed statistical methods for quantitatively assessing spatial pattern of communities with abundant species richness such as in tropical forests. Based on multivariate point processes, species richness and the Simpson’s diversity index can be extended to the functions illustrating basic characteristics of multispecies spatial pattern. The spatial extension of the species richness is a sum of the detectabilities of constituent species within a given distance. By means of calculating the functions for individuals belonging to specific size class, the size structure of multispecies spatial pattern can also be examined. Therefore, comprehensive analysis of species, size, and spatial pattern together with the roles of each species in a community can be conducted. This paper demonstrated its descriptive utility in exploratory analysis by applications to four subtropical forest tree communities of different ages in Okinawa Island, southern Japan, all of which have abundant species richness. The results quantitatively revealed the contrasts among the four stands ranging from a young secondary stand to an old‐growth forest as well as changes of relative positions of species in communities depending on their ecologic properties.
Mass mortality of Japanese macaques in a western coastal forest of Yakushima
Authors: HANYA Goro , MATSUBARA Miki , SUGIURA Hideki , HAYAKAWA Sachiko , GOTO Shunji , TANAKA Toshiaki , SOLTIS Joseph , NOMA Naohiko
Published: March 2004

The mass mortality of wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata Blyth) was observed in a warm temperate forest of Yakushima, southern Japan. Demographic changes of eight troops between August 1998 and August 1999 were studied and 56% of macaques disappeared from the five intensively studied troops. Mortality varied among troops: two troops became extinct, while another troop did not decrease in size. The rate of mortality of the other troops was between 33 and 80%. The variation in mortality among the troops was either the outcome of local concentrations of mortality or of intertroop competition. The rate of mortality decreased with increasing distance from the two extinct troops and with increasing troop size; these two factors could not be separated statistically. The direct cause of death was diagnosed as pneumonia for four out of five fresh carcasses. The fleshy fruit production in autumn 1998 was the lowest in 14 years, and macaques had relied on leaves earlier than in usual years. It was exceptionally hot and dry in the summer of 1998. The exceptionally poor fruit production and hot summer of this year, with the resulting shortage of high‐quality foods, was consistent with the scenario that mass mortality was due to the poor nutritional conditions. However, the possibility that epidemics caused the mass mortality cannot be ruled out. Our findings proved that primates in a seemingly stable habitat experience fluctuations in demographic parameters under natural conditions.
Diurnal and seasonal changes in the mate‐locating behavior of the satyrine butterflyLethe diana
Authors: IDE Jun‐Ya
Published: March 2004

The time schedule of mate‐locating behavior in the male satyrine butterflyLethe dianawas studied. Males displayed territorial behavior only in the afternoon, but it was not known whether they attempted to locate mates in the morning. In order for males of most butterfly species to mate with a virgin female, it would be most effective to initiate mate‐locating behavior in the morning, when synchronous eclosions occur. Males ofL. dianaflew patrols in the morning and displayed territorial behavior in the afternoon. The cost of territorial behavior is probably less than that of patrolling, as territorial flights are shorter than those when patrolling. The temporal switching of mate‐locating behavior is theoretically favored, since the reproductive value of females decreases later in the day, when males perform the less costly mate‐locating behavior. Thus, the diurnal switching of male mate‐locating behavior may be an adaptive strategy in response to the rapid decline in the reproductive value of females over the course of a day.
Analysis of the insect community in a stored‐maize facility
Authors: NANSEN Christian , PHILLIPS Thomas W. , PALMER Michael W.
Published: March 2004

Maize samples were obtained at two depths [0–30 cm (top sample) and 30–60 cm (bottom sample) from the maize surface] at 19–28 locations from a naturally infested maize storage facility in Wisconsin, USA. Based on identification of insects in stored‐maize samples from 13 weekly sampling events, four topics were addressed: (i) the seasonal fluctuation in the insect community; (ii) ordination analysis was conducted to examine the association among insect taxa and to determine their distribution along abiotic and geographic gradients; (iii) the demographic characteristics of insect communities in maize samples with high abundance of either Plodia interpunctella (Plodia samples) or Sitophilus zeamais (Sitophilus samples); and (iv) to what extent natural enemies were spatially associated with their prey species. We identified a total of 18 different taxa, composed of adults and larvae of 14 determined species, and others identified to genus, family or order. Insect density was significantly higher in top samples compared to bottom samples, and the insect taxa occurred more frequently in top samples compared to bottom samples. In the ordination analysis, the three explanatory variables accounting for eastern, northern and vertical position of maize samples explained the largest part of the total variance. There was a gradual time trend with some of the insect species mainly occurring early or late in the monitoring period. Moisture content of the maize was the weakest of the significant explanatory variables, while temperature in the grain mass did not explain a significant part of the total variance. Plodia samples and Sitophilus samples had significantly different spatial distribution patterns and had markedly different insect species composition. Plodia samples were characterized by low abundance of all granivores and fungivores, except P. interpunctella. Conversely, Sitophilus samples had high abundance of T. castaneum, A. advena, and C. ferrugineus. Consequently, Sitophilus samples seemed to comprise more diverse insect communities than Plodia samples. Natural enemies were not significantly associated with their most common hosts. In a highly homogeneous habitat (stored maize), we demonstrated that stored‐product insect species had significantly different distribution patterns mainly along geographic gradients. Stochasticity of the initial infestation process or interspecific competition are two of the possible explanations for the spatial segregation of stored‐product insects, and the spatial segregation of insects on the same trophic level may have profound implications for the understanding of how these ecosystems develop over time and thereby how integrated pest management strategies are implemented to control insect pest populations.
Change in soil carbon cycling for stand development of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantations following clear‐cutting
Authors: SHUTOU Katsuyuki , NAKANE Kaneyuki
Published: March 2004

Soil carbon cycling was studied in Japanese cedar plantations with different stand ages after clear‐cutting and was analyzed by a compartment model. The amount of biomass and the litterfall rate increased rapidly with the growth of Japanese cedar, which were approximated by a simple logistic function of stand age. The accumulation of A0 layer decreased from 21 t ha−1 to 5 t ha−1 during the 10 years following clear‐cutting, and then recovered to nearly the same level as before clear‐cutting within 20 years after clear‐cutting, although the amount of soil carbon in the mineral soil recovered more than 40 years after clear‐cutting. The total and mineral soil respiration rates increased rapidly after clear‐cutting and gradually decreased in young stands and stabilized in old stands. The relative decomposition rate of the A0 layer and organic matters in mineral soil was high in the young stands because of the relatively high soil temperature rather than the soil moisture content. After the closing up of the canopy, the relative decomposition rates of the A0 layer and humus in the mineral soil stabilized at 0.14 to 0.16 y–1 and 0.005 to 0.013 y−1, respectively. Consequently, soil carbon cycling was strongly affected by clear‐cutting. The amount of soil carbon rapidly decreased because of the cessation of litterfall and the increase of the relative decomposition rate of the A0 layer and humus, and recovered gradually to the level before clear‐cutting with the growth of the cedar plantation. The change in soil carbon cycling with stand development was partly caused by the change in soil temperature and moisture content but was mainly caused by the amount of cedar litterfall which changed significantly in the early stage of the stand following clear‐cutting, and became slower and leveled off in the late stage with stabilization of the environmental conditions and litterfall rate.
Effects of deer, mice and dwarf bamboo on the emergence, survival and growth ofAbies homolepis(Piceaceae) seedlings
Authors: ITÔ Hiroki , HINO Teruaki
Published: March 2004

In the subalpine mixed forest of Mt. Ôdaigahara, mid‐western Japan, the understory is dominated by dwarf bamboo (Sasa nipponica), which is the major forage of overly populous sika deer (Cervus nippon). In the present study, we monitored the survival and growth ofAbies homolepisseedlings over 5 years to determine how they responded to the experimental removal of dwarf bamboo and to the exclusion of sika deer and mice (Apodemus argenteusandA. speciosus). Deer and dwarf bamboo reduced the survival of seedlings but had different effects on growth. The stems of seedlings were shorter in the presence of deer, indicating that taller seedlings were apt to be browsed by deer, whereas the diameters of seedlings were smaller in the presence of dwarf bamboo, mainly owing to its shading effect. The presence of mice decreased the number of seedlings germinating in a particular site, but had no effect on seedling survival after germination. There was no significant indirect effect whereby the survival of seedlings was predicted to be facilitated by the decreased biomass of bamboo because of grazing by deer. We supposed that this might be because the direct negative effect of deer was so large as to conceal the positive indirect effect.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy: the pros and cons
Authors: Rivera‐Woll L. M. , Davis S. R.
Published: March 2004

Abstract

The use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) has recently generated much debate following the results of various large randomised controlled trials. This has challenged physicians to reassess the use of HT in each individual woman within the realm of her symptomatology and risk profile for long‐term illnesses. There are several areas of definite benefit or risk and many areas of uncertainty. The results of recent randomised controlled trials pertain to the specific HT regimens used and the characteristics of the study groups, such that the conclusions cannot be extrapolated to the use of HT in general. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 109−114)
Prevention of falls and fall‐related fractures in community‐dwelling older adults: a meta‐analysis of estimates of effectiveness based on recent guidelines
Authors: Weatherall M.
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background: Two recent falls prevention guidelines have been published but did not include quantitative estimates of effectiveness based on the published reports that were reviewed to support their recommendations.

Aim: To produce quantitative estimates of effectiveness of falls prevention programs from the randomised controlled trials cited in the guidelines together with an updated search of the available published reports to August 2002.

Methods: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials cited in falls guidelines and studies identified by an updated search of the available published reports was carried out. Randomised controlled trials were identified from the falls guidelines and a search, which met the following criteria: trials in community‐dwelling older people; 1‐year follow up; and outcome measures reported as the number of subjects with at least one fall or the number of subjects with a fracture.

Results: The guidelines identified four studies of ‘exercise as a sole intervention’, which when combined with one further study identified in a search of the published reports, gave a fixed effects odds ratio (OR) favouring this strategy of 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–1.14); the number of patients needed to be treated to prevent one person having a fall was 19.5. The guidelines identified seven studies of a ‘multiple intervention’ strategy that gave a random effects OR favouring this strategy of 0.64 (95% CI 0.47–0.88). Four further studies were identified by the search of the published reports. The updated OR favouring this intervention strategy was 0.65 (95% CI 0.52–0.81); the number of patients needed to be treated to prevent one person having a fall was 9.8. Only two studies had data for fracture and a fixed effects OR favouring falls interventions for fracture prevention was 0.50 (95% CI 0.18–1.40); the number of patients needed to be treated to prevent one person having a fracture was 45.5.

Conclusion: Semiquantitative statements of evidence can both understate and overstate the effectiveness of falls prevention strategies. There is moderate evidence of efficacy for falls prevention particularly for multiple intervention strategies. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 102–108)
Spatial and temporal changes in microbial community structure associated with recharge‐influenced chemical gradients in a contaminated aquifer
Authors: Haack Sheridan K. , Fogarty Lisa R. , West Toby G. , Alm Elizabeth W. , McGuire Jennifer T. , Long David T. , Hyndman David W. , Forney Larry J.
Published: March 2004

In a contaminated water‐table aquifer, we related microbial community structure on aquifer sediments to gradients in 24 geochemical and contaminant variables at five depths, under three recharge conditions. Community amplified ribsosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) using universal 16S rDNA primers and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) using bacterial 16S rDNA primers indicated: (i) communities in the anoxic, contaminated central zone were similar regardless of recharge; (ii) after recharge, communities at greatest depth were similar to those in uncontaminated zones; and (iii) after extended lack of recharge, communities at upper and lower aquifer margins differed from communities at the same depths on other dates. General aquifer geochemistry was as important as contaminant or terminal electron accepting process (TEAP) chemistry in discriminant analysis of community groups. The Shannon index of diversity (H) and the evenness index (E), based on DGGE operational taxonomic units (OTUs), were statistically different across community groups and aquifer depths. Archaea or sulphate‐reducing bacteria 16S rRNA abundance was not clearly correlated with TEAP chemistry indicative of methanogenesis or sulphate reduction. Eukarya rRNA abundance varied by depth and date from 0 to 13% of the microbial community. This contaminated aquifer is a dynamic ecosystem, with complex interactions between physical, chemical and biotic components, which should be considered in the interpretation of aquifer geochemistry and in the development of conceptual or predictive models for natural attenuation or remediation.
Ascomycete diversity in soil‐feeding termite nests and soils from a tropical rainforest
Authors: Roose‐Amsaleg Céline , Brygoo Yves , Harry Myriam
Published: March 2004

Molecular microbial ecology has revealed remarkable biodiversity – prokaryotic and eukaryotic – in numerous soil environments. However, no culture‐independent surveys of the termitosphere exists, although termites dominate tropical rainforests. Here, we focused on soil feeders, building nests with their soil‐born faeces, enriched with clay–organic complexes, thus contributing to the improvement of soil fertility. In order to assess the fungal community composition of these termitaries compared with soils not foraged by termites, samples of the two types were collected in the Lopé rainforest, Gabon, and processed for generation of fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) clone libraries. Although primers were universal, most of the recovered sequences represented Ascomycete that were previously uncharacterized and the proportions of which reached 72.5% in soils and 80% in termitaries. Their affiliation with identified fungi was analysed in performing a phylogenetic tree based on 5.8S rDNA. Furthermore, the ascomycete communities of soil‐feeding termitaries and soils shared only 6.3% of sequences. This discrepancy of composition between soil and nest may result from the building behaviour of termites, as the organic matter in the nest is chemically modified, and some vacant ecological microniches are available for more specialized fungi.
Micromanipulation and further identification of FISH‐labelled microcolonies of a dominant denitrifying bacterium in activated sludge
Authors: Thomsen T.R. , Nielsen J. L. , Ramsing N. B. , Nielsen P. H.
Published: March 2004

The activated sludge process relies on the formation of strong microbial flocs. The knowledge about dominant floc‐forming bacteria is at present very limited, especially from a phylogenetic perspective. In this study, numerous microcolonies in the activated sludge flocs were found to be targeted by a Betaproteobacteria‐group‐specific oligonucleotide probe using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Some of these were micromanipulated and further identified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and sequencing to belong to the Aquaspirillum genus in the Neisseriaceae family. A specific oligonucleotide probe, Aqs997, was designed to target the identified bacteria. A survey in nine different wastewater treatment plants with nutrient removal (WWTP) showed a high abundance of bacteria hybridizing to the oligonucleotide probe developed. Microautoradiography (MAR) combined with FISH on activated sludge incubated with radiolabelled substrate showed uptake of substrate with oxygen, nitrate and nitrite as electron acceptor demonstrating a denitrifying potential of the bacteria investigated. The Aquaspirillum‐related bacteria seemed to be abundant denitrifiers in WWTPs with nitrogen removal and they were particularly numerous in plants mainly receiving domestic wastewater, where they constituted up to 30% of all bacteria.
Molecular differentiation of Erwinia amylovora strains from North America and of two Asian pear pathogens by analyses of PFGE patterns and hrpN genes
Authors: Jock Susanne , Geider Klaus
Published: March 2004

In order to determine a possible genomic divergence of Erwinia amylovora‘fruit tree’ and raspberry strains from North America, several isolates were differentiated by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, the size of short DNA sequence repeats (SSRs) and the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of their hrpN genes. By PFGE analysis European strains are highly related, whereas strains from North America were diverse and were further distinguished by the SSR numbers from plasmid pEA29. The E. amylovora strains from Europe showed identical HrpN sequences in contrast to the American isolates from fruit trees and raspberry. Those were related to each other, but distinguishable by their HrpN patterns. The Asian pear pathogens differed in HrpN among each other and from E. amylovora. Erwinia pyrifoliae isolates and the Erwinia strains from Japan were ordered via their HrpN sequences in agreement with the PFGE patterns. For all three pathogens, dendrograms from PFGE and sequence data indicate an evolutionary diversity within the species in spite of a genetic conservation for parts of the hrpN genes suggesting a long persistence of the Asian pear pathogens in Korea and Japan as well as of fire blight in North America. Some of the divergent American E. amylovora isolates share PFGE patterns with the relatively uniform European strains.
Decreasing mortality rates for prostate cancer: possible role of hormonal therapy?
Authors: Damber J.‐E.
Published: March 2004

Mortality rates for prostate cancer have started to fall in some parts of the world. Is this because of better diagnostic methods and screening, earlier and more aggressive treatment, or an increase in early hormone therapy? This controversial subject is reviewed in this section.

Another area of interest currently is the use of botulinum toxin in the lower urinary tract; its role in treating lower urinary tract pathology and the way that it can be used is reviewed. The reader will be able to assess its value and have a deeper insight into the relevant literature.

The other two mini‐reviews describe the current thoughts on the use of minimally invasive therapies in renal cancer and cryosurgery in prostate cancer. Once again, two controversial areas of general interest in urological oncology.

Within the last decade prostate cancer mortality rates have started to decrease in some countries. Although it is tempting to assume that these trends are a result of earlier diagnosis and aggressive therapeutic intervention, as a consequence of prostate‐specific antigen screening, definitive results from randomized trials of screening will not be available for several years. Moreover, there is mounting evidence that the effects of screening cannot be entirely responsible for this reduction in mortality rates. This review explores the possibility that other factors, particularly the increased uptake of early hormonal therapy, are contributing to the observed changes in mortality.
Time trends in case selection, stage and prostate‐specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy: a multicentre audit
Authors: Winkler M.H. , Khan F.A. , Hoh I.M. , Okeke A.A. , Sugiono M. , McInerney P. , Boustead G.B. , Persad R. , Kaisary A.V. , Gillatt D.A.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVES

To report an audit of preoperative staging variables, case selection, stage migration and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence at five large centres in the south of England. To establish PSA outcome values after radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer in the UK, and enable appropriate patient counselling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The notes of 854 patients were audited for preoperative staging variables and follow‐up data obtained. Patients with neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, and with incomplete data and follow‐up, were excluded.

RESULTS

The median follow‐up was 52 months for the remaining 663 patients; the median PSA level was 10 ng/mL. There was a large migration towards lower PSA and stage; this translated into improved PSA survival rates. The overall Kaplan‐Meier PSA recurrence‐free survival probability at 1, 3, 5 and 8 years was 0.83, 0.69, 0.60 and 0.48, respectively. The 5‐year PSA recurrence‐free survival probabilities for PSA levels of < 4, 4.1–10, 10.1–20 and > 20 ng/mL were 0.82, 0.73, 0.59 and 0.20, respectively (Wilcoxon, P < 0.001). The PSA recurrence‐free survival probabilities for biopsy Gleason grade 2–4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8–10 at 5 years were 0.70, 0.61, 0.55 and 0.21, respectively (Wilcoxon, P < 0.001). Similarly, the 5‐year PSA recurrence‐free survival probabilities for clinical stages T1a and 1b, T1c, T2a and T2b were 0.79, 0.62, 0.57 and 0.44, respectively (Wilcoxon, P = 0.0012).

CONCLUSION

With better case selection the intermediate oncological outcome has improved over time in the UK. PSA recurrence‐free survival estimates are less optimistic than the frequently quoted American values. The present values may be used to help in counselling British patients before radical prostatectomy.
Evidence of prostate cancer screening in a UK region
Authors: Gavin A. , McCarron P. , Middleton R.J. , Savage G. , Catney D. , O'Reilly D. , Keane P.F. , Murray L.J.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To examine the pattern of use of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing in a UK region, where National Health Service policy does not recommend screening for prostate cancer.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data were collected on all PSA tests in Northern Ireland between 1990 and 1999. Annual rates of PSA testing were calculated by age, GP Practice and year.

RESULTS

In all, 165 862 PSA tests were performed on 84 669 men, and over a third of men aged ≥ 50 years had at least one PSA test. Men aged < 50 years accounted for 12.9% of first tests. The proportion of tests from primary care increased from 47.2% in 1993 to 67.0% in 1999. The mean age of men tested once decreased from 65.6 to 61.9 years (P trend < 0.001) and the proportion with an elevated PSA level also declined during the period. Repeat testing increased with PSA level (P < 0.001) but 29.4% of men with a PSA level of ≤ 4 ng/mL also had repeat testing. Raised PSA values were more common from hospital than primary care (32.4% vs 20.6%, P < 0.001) and in older men. Test rates varied 100‐fold across general practices, a finding not explained by sociodemographic factors, but one which reflects differential adherence to national guidelines, suggesting that general practitioners are key targets for attempting to rationalise the use of the PSA test.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PSA screening is taking place against evidence‐based advice and has resulted in over 20 000 men being designated as having a raised PSA level, creating a need for further assessment.
Intra‐individual variation of serum prostate specific antigen levels in men with benign prostate biopsies
Authors: Boddy J.L. , Dev S. , Pike D.J. , Malone P.R.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To determine the intra‐individual (physiological) variation of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) measurements in men after a benign prostatic biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty‐four men were prospectively assessed, all of whom had a benign prostatic biopsy within the preceding 13 months. The degree of intra‐individual variability was established by calculating the coefficient of variation on four PSA levels obtained from each patient weekly over a month.

RESULTS

Six patients were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer and their data are presented separately. In the remaining 58 patients the median (range) individual mean PSA value was 6.3 (0.5–34.1) ng/mL. The median (range) coefficient of variation within the group was 9.5 (2.4–76.1)%. There was a clear linear relationship between mean PSA level and the standard deviation.

CONCLUSION

In 48 of the 63 patients analysed, the coefficient of variation for serum PSA values in the group as a whole was greater than the variation claimed for the assay technique. The significance of the linear relationship between PSA and the standard deviation is discussed, with particular reference to those men who had a benign prostate biopsy.
Bladder cancer in patients with spinal cord injuries
Authors: Subramonian K. , Cartwright R.A. , Harnden P. , Harrison S.C.W.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the age‐standardized incidence rate of bladder cancer in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the overall risk for this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed 1334 patients with SCI whose dates of SCI, or first attendance at our centre, were between 1940 and 1998. The length of follow‐up was calculated for each patient and age‐specific incidence rates of bladder cancer calculated using 5‐year age bands. This was used to calculate the overall incidence rate, using direct standardization with the European standard population. The cancers were analysed histochemically to characterize the phenotype.

RESULTS

The 1324 patients contributed a total of 12 444 person‐years of follow‐up. There were four cases of bladder cancer, giving an age‐standardized incidence rate of 30.7 per 100 000 person‐years. Histochemistry showed areas were positive for cytokeratin 14, which was also positive in the undifferentiated areas. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for cytokeratin 14 and consistently negative for cytokeratin 20, suggesting a pure squamous phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The age‐standardized incidence of invasive bladder cancer in patients in our SCI unit is not statistically different from that of the general population. However, the incidence of invasive bladder cancer in the present study appears to be lower than that reported in other series. Histochemical analysis confirmed a squamous cell phenotype in these tumours.
Comparative efficacy of two α1‐adrenoreceptor antagonists, doxazosin and alfuzosin, in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: De Reijke T.M. , Klarskov P.
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVES

To compare doxazosin and alfuzosin in patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 210 men with LUTS were randomized to receive doxazosin 1–8 mg once daily or alfuzosin 5–10 mg divided in two or three daily doses in a 14‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, baseline‐controlled, dose‐titration study. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum urinary flow rate were used to assess the efficacy of the treatment.

RESULTS

At study completion, the mean dose of doxazosin was 6.1 mg/day and alfuzosin 8.8 mg/day. The least squares mean (se) change from baseline in total IPSS was −9.23 (0.6) for doxazosin and −7.45 (0.6) (both P < 0.001) for alfuzosin. The respective mean change from baseline in irritative symptoms was −3.5 (0.2) and −2.8 (0.3) (both P < 0.001). The differences between the treatment groups were statistically significant in favour of doxazosin (total IPSS, P = 0.036; irritative symptoms, P = 0.049). The improvement between groups was also significantly different for postvoid residual urine volume, at −29.19 (8.6) and + 9.59 (8.9) mL for doxazosin and alfuzosin, respectively (P = 0.002). Improvements in mean and maximum urinary flow rates were similar for both treatments, at + 1.5 and + 1.2, and + 2.8 and + 2.5 mL/s, respectively. Doxazosin and alfuzosin were both well tolerated, with most all‐cause adverse events reported as mild or moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

The mean doses of doxazosin and alfuzosin used in this study were not equipotent. Doxazosin 6.1 mg/day produced significantly greater improvements than alfuzosin 8.8 mg/day in total and irritative urinary symptom scores and postvoid residual urine volume in men with moderate to severe LUTS. Changes in maximum and mean flow rates were comparable. Doxazosin and alfuzosin were both well tolerated.