bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The molecular causes of low ATM protein expression in breast carcinoma; promoter methylation and levels of the catalytic subunit of DNA‐dependent protein kinase
Authors: Treilleux I , Chapot B , Goddard S , Pisani P , Angèle S , Hall J
Published: June 2007

Aims:  To investigate whether aberrant methylation of the ATM promoter or loss of the catalytic subunit of DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PKcs) may be the underlying causes of reduced ATM protein levels often seen in breast tumours.

Methods and results:  Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the ATM promoter status and DNA‐PKcs levels were measured by immunohistochemistry. None of the 74 invasive carcinomas (ICs) studied showed ATM promoter hypermethylation, whereas promoter methylation of CDKN2A/p16 (1.8%) and GSTP1 (15.8%) was detected. Of 92 ICs examined, 68 had reduced DNA‐PKcs levels, supporting previous findings that alterations in double‐strand break repair are associated with breast cancer pathogenesis. Although no association was found between the DNA‐PKcs and ATM scores for the series of 92 tissues and 22/24 tissues with normal DNA‐PKcs had reduced ATM, 29 tumours showed low expression of both DNA‐PKcs and ATM compared with normal tissues.

Conclusions:  No evidence was found that the reduction in ATM protein levels seen in breast carcinoma is the result of epigenetic silencing. However, cross‐regulation between DNA‐PKcs and ATM may be a possible cause in a subset of tumours and warrants further investigation.
CK7+/CK20– immunoexpression profile is typical of salivary gland neoplasia
Authors: Meer S , Altini M
Published: June 2007

Aims:  To evaluate cytokeratin (CK) 7/20 expression patterns in salivary gland neoplasia.

Methods and results:  Formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded tissue from 153 salivary gland tumours were evaluated for CK7/20 immunoreactivity. The tumours included pleomorphic adenoma (n = 24), myoepithelioma (n = 9), papillary cystadenoma (n = 3), oncocytoma (n = 2), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 22), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 21), polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (n = 21), carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma (n = 11), acinic cell carcinoma (n = 17), epimyoepithelial carcinoma (n = 7), oncocytic carcinoma (n = 3), hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (n = 1), papillary cystadenocarcinoma (n = 1), salivary duct carcinoma (n = 3), adenocarcinoma (not otherwise specified) (n = 4) and squamous carcinoma (n = 4). Immunohistochemical procedures were performed using monoclonal antibodies CK7 (OV‐TL 12/30), CK20 (Ks 20.8) and M3515 cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) in the presence of appropriate controls. The results were expressed semiquantitatively, according to the estimated percentage of positive tumour cells: 1+, 5–25%; 2+, 26–75%; and 3+, 76–100%. All salivary gland neoplasms showed a CK7+/CK20– immunoprofile ranging from 5 to 100%. Squamous carcinoma showed negative CK7/20 immunoexpression.

Conclusions:  Although the CK7/20 immunoprofile is not useful in distinguishing the various types of salivary gland neoplasms or between benign and malignant salivary gland tumours, it may facilitate differentiation of primary salivary gland neoplasia from metastatic tumours and squamous carcinoma, and the diagnosis of metastatic salivary gland tumours.
Cyclin A expression and its diagnostic value in pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma expleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Patel R S , Hughes C W , Fredericks S , Lee C S , Rose B , Gao K , Smith G , Hong A , O'Brien C J
Published: June 2007

Aims:  To investigate cyclin A expression in pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and carcinoma expleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) of the parotid gland with a view to assessing its potential value as a diagnostic marker for CXPA.

Methods and results:  Cyclin A expression in PA and CXPA was studied using semiquantitiative immunohistochemistry. The epithelial component of the tumours expressed cyclin A in a statistically significantly (P < 0.005) higher number of CXPA cases (86%) compared with the PA cases (39%). Cyclin A was not expressed in normal salivary tissues of PA and CXPA.

Conclusions:  High cyclin A expression is a useful marker for the pathological diagnosis of CXPA.
How people with advanced cancer manage changing eating habits
Authors: Hopkinson Jane B
Published: June 2007

Title.  How people with advanced cancer manage changing eating habits

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the management of changing eating habits in people with advanced cancer.

Background.  Internationally there is interest in supporting self‐management as a way of helping people to live with illness. It is unknown if promoting self‐management in people with cancer can lead to beneficial health outcomes. In order to develop and test interventions that promote self‐management in cancer patients, it is first important to understand ways in which they can help themselves.

Method.  A mixed‐methods exploratory case study of the meaning, management and manifestations of weight loss and change in eating habits was conducted with 30 patients receiving palliative home care in England in 2003. Semi‐structured interview data were analysed using both content and thematic approaches.

Findings.  Participants described a total of 141 different self‐actions, each of which formed a component of up to four self‐action strategies that were used to aid life with advanced cancer. The strategies were ‘Taking control’, ‘Promoting self‐worth’, ‘Relationship work’, and ‘Distraction’. Employing these strategies led to changes in thinking and behaviour that were motivated by a desire to sustain or enhance well‐being. The pattern of self‐action strategies adopted by each individual is theorized to be dependent on the personal and contextual resources available.

Conclusion.  Patients can and do find their own solutions to eating problems and nurses should support this self‐action. The proposed theory of self‐management of eating change provides an understanding that can inform the provision of this support.
Psychological, lifestyle and coping contributors to chronic fatigue in shift‐worker nurses
Authors: Samaha Elias , Lal Sara , Samaha Najwa , Wyndham Jennifer
Published: June 2007

Title. Psychological, lifestyle and coping contributors to chronic fatigue in shift‐worker nurses

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to assess the following in shift‐worker nurses: (1) the relationships amongst chronic fatigue and psychological variables including anxiety, mood and locus of control; (2) the relationships amongst chronic fatigue and a number of lifestyle factors such as shiftwork, sleep and exercise; and (3) various coping behaviours that best predict chronic fatigue.

Background.  In the shift‐working population, individual psychological, lifestyle and coping differences influence fatigue levels. However, some of these factors are somewhat unexplored and their relative contribution to fatigue remains poorly understood.

Methods.  An exploratory design was adopted with 111 eldercare shift‐worker nurses. Data were collected during 2006. Nurses completed self‐administered questionnaires examining fatigue, anxiety, mood disturbance, locus of control, sleep, work, lifestyle and coping characteristics.

Findings.  Multiple regressions showed that mood disturbance, locus of control and trait anxiety are statistically significant predictors of chronic fatigue. Poor sleep quality was the lifestyle factor which most strongly contributed to fatigue. Other lifestyle predictors included higher workload perception, lack of exercise and the non‐availability of support. Whilst problem‐focused coping behaviours were not associated with fatigue, coping by using alcohol, letting emotions out and avoiding the situation significantly predicted chronic fatigue.

Conclusion.  The challenge for improving the fatigue outcomes requires further investigation of the profile of a nurse who is at a high risk of fatigue, and then integrating this profile into a fatigue management programme which considers relative contributions of the psychological, lifestyle and coping factors.
Nunatak survival vs. tabula rasa in the Central Pyrenees: a study on the endemic plant species Borderea pyrenaica (Dioscoreaceae)
Authors: Segarra‐Moragues José Gabriel , Palop‐Esteban Marisa , González‐Candelas Fernando , Catalán Pilar
Published: June 2007

Aim  Borderea pyrenaica (Dioscoreaceae) is a Tertiary relict plant endemic to the Central Pyrenees. Because of its narrow distribution in a small geographical area and the fact that it is restricted to high alpine habitats, it constitutes an ideal model species for inferring the historical dynamics of population survival and migration during and after Quaternary glaciations in the Pyrenees.

Location  Central Pyrenees and pre‐Pyrenees, Spain–France.

Methods  Eleven primer pairs were used to amplify 18 microsatellite loci in this allotetraploid species in a sample of 804 individuals from 15 populations, revealing a total of 77 alleles. Genotypic data of individuals and populations were analysed using clustering and Bayesian methods of analysis of population structure.

Results  A higher number of private alleles and a significantly higher allelic richness (A*) were found in the southern area (21, A* = 2.295) than in the northern area (5, A* = 1.791). Furthermore, the allelic composition of the northern area represented a subset of that from the southern area.

Main conclusions  The hypothesis of in situ survival in northern Pyrenean nunataks was rejected, while peripheral refugia were considered to be restricted to the southern Pyrenees and pre‐Pyrenees, where historical geographical fragmentation probably caused the divergence among southern Pyrenean populations. Molecular evidence indicates that these refugial populations probably colonized the northern area after sheet‐ice retreat. Borderea pyrenaica lineages followed two migratory pathways in their northward colonization, suggesting several founder events for the populations that eventually reached the territory of the Gavarnie cirque.
Nested assemblages of Orthoptera species in the Netherlands: the importance of habitat features and life‐history traits
Authors: Schouten M. A. , Verweij P. A. , Barendregt A. , Kleukers R. J. M. , De Ruiter P. C.
Published: June 2007

Aim  Species communities often exhibit nestedness, the species found in species‐poor sites representing subsets of richer ones. In the Netherlands, where intensification of land use has led to severe fragmentation of nature, we examined the degree of nestedness in the distribution of Orthoptera species. An assessment was made of how environmental conditions and species life‐history traits are related to this pattern, and how variation in sampling intensity across sites may influence the observed degree of nestedness.

Location  The analysis includes a total of 178 semi‐natural sites in the Pleistocene sand region of the Netherlands.

Methods  A matrix recording the presence or absence of all Orthoptera species in each site was compiled using atlas data. Additionally, separate matrices were constructed for the species of suborders Ensifera and Caelifera. The degree of nestedness was measured using the binmatnest calculator. binmatnest uses an algorithm to sort the matrices to maximal nestedness. We used Spearman’s rank correlations to evaluate whether sites were sorted by area, isolation or habitat heterogeneity, and whether species were sorted by their dispersal ability, rate of development or degree of habitat specificity.

Results  We found the Orthoptera assemblages to be significantly nested. The rank correlation between site order and sampling intensity was high. The degree of nestedness was lower, but remained significant when under‐ and over‐sampled sites were excluded from the analysis. Site order was strongly correlated with both size of sample site and number of habitat types per site. Rank correlations showed that species were probably ordered by variation in habitat specificity, rather than by variation in dispersal capacity or rate of development of the species.

Main conclusions  Variation in sampling intensity among sites had a strong impact on the observed degree of nestedness. Nestedness in habitats may underlie the observed nestedness within the Orthoptera assemblages. Habitat heterogeneity is closely related to site area, which suggests that several large sites should be preserved, rather than many small sites. Furthermore, the results corroborate a focus of nature conservation policy on sites where rare species occur, as long as the full spectrum of habitat conditions and underlying ecological processes is secured.
Development of Leptin‐Sensitive Circuits
Authors: Bouret S. G. , Simerly R. B.
Published: June 2007

Energy homeostasis is achieved by the integration of peripheral metabolic signals by neural circuits. The organisation and function of neural circuits regulating energy homeostasis has been the subject of intense investigation and has led to the definition of a core circuitry in the hypothalamus that interacts with key regions in the brain stem, which appear to mediate many of the effects of the adipocyte‐derived hormone leptin on feeding and energy balance. Recent data on the ontogeny of these pathways indicate that, in rodents, these feeding circuits primarily form during neonatal life and remain structurally and functionally immature until 3 weeks of life. Our understanding of the mechanisms promoting the formation of these critical circuits has been advanced significantly by recent evidence showing that neonatal leptin acts as a neurotrophic factor promoting the development of projections from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Together with an expanding literature on the role of nutritional factors to affect health, these discoveries may contribute to our understanding on perinatally acquired predisposition to later disease, such as obesity and diabetes.
In the Ventral Tegmental Area, the Membrane‐Mediated Actions of Progestins for Lordosis of Hormone‐Primed Hamsters Involve Phospholipase C and Protein Kinase C
Authors: Frye C. A. , Walf A. A.
Published: June 2007

Progestin‐facilitated lordosis of rodents is enhanced by activation of dopamine type 1 (D1) or GABAA receptors, their downstream G‐proteins, and/or second messengers in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We examined whether the ability of progestins to enhance lordosis via actions at D1 and/or GABAA receptors is contingent upon activation of the second messenger phospholipase C (PLC) and its associated kinase, protein kinase C (PKC), in the VTA. If the actions of progestins through D1 and GABAA receptors in the VTA are mediated through PLC and PKC, then inhibiting PLC formation (Experiment 1) or blocking PKC (Experiment 2) should reduce progestin‐facilitated lordosis and its enhancement by D1 (SKF38393) or GABAA (muscimol) receptor agonists. In Experiment 1, ovariectomised hamsters, primed with oestradiol (10 µg; h 0) + progesterone (100 µg; h 45), were pretested for lordosis and motor behaviour (h 48) and then infused with the PLC inhibitor, U73122 (400 nM/side), or vehicle. Thirty minutes later, hamsters were retested and then received infusions of SKF38393 (100 ng/side), muscimol (100 ng/side), or vehicle to the VTA. Hamsters were post‐tested for lordosis and motor behaviour 30 min later. In Experiment 2, a similar protocol was utilised except that instead of the PLC inhibitor hamsters were infused with the PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide (75 nM/side). Systemic progesterone, SKF38393‐, and muscimol‐facilitated lordosis was attenuated by infusion of the PLC inhibitor, U73122, or the PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide, compared to vehicle to the VTA. Thus, the actions of progestins in the VTA to enhance lordosis through D1 and/or GABAA may include downstream activity of PLC and PKC.
The pharmacokinetics of maropitant, a novel neurokinin type‐1 receptor antagonist, in dogs
Authors: BENCHAOUI H. A. , COX S. R. , SCHNEIDER R. P. , BOUCHER J. F. , CLEMENCE R. G.
Published: June 2007

Maropitant is the first NK1receptor antagonist developed to treat and prevent emesis in dogs; it is administered by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection at 1 mg/kg, or orally (p.o.), in tablet form, at either 2 or 8 mg/kg depending on indication. The absolute bioavailability of maropitant was markedly higher (90.7%) following s.c. injection than after oral administration (23.7% at the 2 mg/kg dose and 37.0% at the 8 mg/kg dose). First‐pass metabolism contributes to the low bioavailability of maropitant following oral administration. The difference in bioavailability between the two oral doses reflects the nonlinear kinetics characterizing the disposition of maropitant within the 2–8 mg/kg dose range. Systemic clearance of maropitant following intravenous (i.v.) administration was 970, 995 and 533 mL/h·kg at doses of 1, 2 and 8 mg/kg, respectively. Nonproportional kinetics were observed for p.o. administered maropitant at doses ranging from 2 to 16 mg/kg but dose proportionality was demonstrated at higher doses (20–50 mg/kg). Linearity was also demonstrated following s.c. administration at 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg. Maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) occurred 0.75 h (tmax) after s.c. administration at 1 mg/kg, and at 1.7 and 1.9 h after oral administration of 8 and 2 mg/kg doses, respectively. The apparent terminal half‐life of maropitant was 7.75, 4.03 and 5.46 h after dosing at 1 mg/kg (s.c.), 2 mg/kg (p.o.) and 8 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively. Feeding status had no effect on oral bioavailability. Limited accumulation occurred following once‐daily administration of maropitant for five consecutive days at 1 mg/kg (s.c.) or 2 mg/kg (p.o.). At the dose of 8 mg/kg (p.o.) once daily for two consecutive days, the meanAUC0−24h(second dose) was 218% that of the first dose value. Urinary recovery of maropitant and its main metabolite was minimal (<1%), thus supporting the evidence that maropitant clearance is primarily hepatic.
Speciation in the Orchidaceae: confronting the challenges
Authors: PEAKALL ROD
Published: June 2007

The Orchidaceae is renowned for its large number of species (19 500) and its many diverse, even bizarre, specialized pollination systems. One unusual feature of orchids is the high frequency of food deception whereby animal pollination is achieved without providing nectar, pollen or other food rewards. Food‐deceptive pollination is estimated to occur in approximately one‐third of all orchids. Equally intriguing is pollination by sexual deception whereby pollination is achieved by the sexual attraction of male insects to the orchid flower. Sexual deception is found in several hundred species representing multiple lineages. Given their rich species diversity and extraordinary plant–animal interactions, orchids clearly offer exciting research opportunities in pollination biology, reproductive isolation and speciation, yet surprisingly they remain under‐represented in scientific investigations both in these fields and more generally. In this special issue of Molecular Ecology, Moccia et al. provide an exemplar study that combine multiple lines of evidence to illuminate the mechanism of reproductive isolation between two closely related food‐deceptive orchids. Their study demonstrates that many of the challenges that confront orchid researchers and impede progress in our understanding of speciation in the Orchidaceae can be overcome by the creative application and integration of both old and new tools in ecology and genetics.
Nepotism absent in insect societies — or is it?
Authors: WENSELEERS TOM
Published: June 2007

Inclusive fitness theory, put forward by English biologist William Hamilton in 1964, is considered by many as the most important addition to the theory of natural selection since Darwin. One prediction of the theory is that animals should often show a tendency to nepotistically favour close relatives. ) test this theory for the first time using molecular methods in a vespine wasp, the eastern yellowjacket, Vespula maculifrons. Somewhat surprisingly, nepotism was found to be absent. This begs the question why nepotism is predicted by theory, yet in a growing list of species is shown to be absent. Is inclusive fitness theory in trouble? As we show, it is not: costs and constraints explain the general absence of queen rearing nepotism, and nepotism in insect societies in fact is well supported in the context of male rearing and manipulation of colony sex ratios.
Low genetic diversity in the bottlenecked population of endangered non‐native banteng in northern Australia
Authors: BRADSHAW COREY J. A. , ISAGI YUJI , KANEKO SHINGO , BROOK BARRY W. , BOWMAN DAVID M. J. S. , FRANKHAM RICHARD
Published: June 2007

Undomesticated (wild) banteng are endangered in their native habitats in Southeast Asia. A potential conservation resource for the species is a large, wild population in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park in northern Australia, descended from 20 individuals that were released from a failed British outpost in 1849. Because of the founding bottleneck, we determined the level of genetic diversity in four subpopulations in the national park using 12 microsatellite loci, and compared this to the genetic diversity of domesticated Asian Bali cattle, wild banteng and other cattle species. We also compared the loss of genetic diversity using plausible genetic data coupled to a stochastic Leslie matrix model constructed from existing demographic data. The 53 Australian banteng sampled had average microsatellite heterozygosity (HE) of 28% compared to 67% for outbred Bos taurus and domesticated Bos javanicus populations. The Australian banteng inbreeding coefficient (F) of 0.58 is high compared to other endangered artiodactyl populations. The 95% confidence bounds for measured heterozygosity overlapped with those predicted from our stochastic Leslie matrix population model. Collectively, these results show that Australian banteng have suffered a loss of genetic diversity and are highly inbred because of the initial population bottleneck and subsequent small population sizes. We conclude that the Australian population is an important hedge against the complete loss of wild banteng, and it can augment threatened populations of banteng in their native range. This study indicates the genetic value of small populations of endangered artiodactyls established ex situ.
An amphibian‐derived, cationic, α‐helical antimicrobial peptide kills yeast by caspase‐independent but AIF‐dependent programmed cell death
Authors: Morton C. Oliver , Dos Santos Sandra Costa , Coote Peter
Published: June 2007

The dermaseptins are a family of antimicrobial peptides from the tree‐frog Phyllomedusa sauvagii. Yeast exposed to dermaseptin S3(1‐16), a truncated derivative of dermaseptin S3 with full activity, showed diagnostic markers of yeast apoptosis: the appearance of reactive oxygen species and fragmentation of nuclear DNA. This process was independent of the yeast caspase, Yca1p. Screening of a non‐essential gene deletion collection in yeast identified genes that conferred resistance to dermaseptin S3(1‐16): izh2Δ, izh3Δ, stm1Δ and aif1Δ, all known to be involved in regulating yeast apoptosis. The appearance of apoptotic markers was reduced in these strains when exposed to the peptide. Dermaseptin S3(1‐16) was shown to interact with DNA, and cause DNA damage in vivo, a process known to trigger apoptosis. Supporting this, a dermaseptin S3(1‐16) affinity column specifically purified Stm1p, Mre11p and Htb2p; DNA‐binding proteins implicated in yeast apoptosis and DNA repair. Thus, amphibians may have evolved a mechanism to induce cell suicide in invading fungal pathogens.
Polyphosphate and stress response in mycobacteria
Authors: Manganelli Riccardo
Published: June 2007

Polyphosphate (poly P) is present in every living cell. Long considered a ‘molecular fossil’, its role in cell physiology has been neglected. However, in the last few years it has become clear that poly P plays a role in multiple physiological functions, the best characterized of which is rpoS and recA induction during the Escherichia coli stringent response. Sureka et al. in this issue of Molecular Microbiology investigate the role of poly P in mycobacterial stress response and describe its participation in a novel regulatory pathway involving the two‐component system MprAB, the alternative sigma factor σE and Rel, the enzyme responsible for (p)ppGpp metabolism in mycobacteria.
Intersubject and intrasubject variability of gastric volumes in response to isocaloric liquid meals in functional dyspepsia and health2
Authors: Fruehauf H. , Goetze O. , Steingoetter A. , Kwiatek M. , Boesiger P. , Thumshirn M. , Schwizer W. , Fried M.
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Gastric emptying (GE) has a considerable variability, but data on reproducibility of gastric volume measurements are sparse. We aimed to study the reproducibility of postprandial gastric volume responses and GE using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy controls (HC) and patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Eight HC and eight FD patients underwent a MRI study on two occasions. MR images were acquired in seated position before and up to 120 min after liquid meal administration (200 mL, 300 kcal). Fasting (V0), initial postprandial stomach volumes (V1), volume changes (V1 − V0) and meal emptying half‐times () were determined. Intersubject and intrasubject coefficients of variation (CVinter, CVintra) and Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated. on both occasions were (mean ± SD) 113 ± 28 and 121 ± 30 min in HC (ns) and 127 ± 31 and 128 ± 37 min in FD (ns), respectively. In HC, CVinter, CVintra, r were 31%, 23%, 0.49 for V0; 13%, 7%, 0.68 for V1; 10%, 4%, 0.71 for V1 − V0 and 25%, 7%, 0.90 for . In FD these parameters were for V0: 42%, 41%, −0.06; for V1: 18%, 10%, 0.40; for V1 − V0: 20%, 14%, 0.74 and for : 26%, 10%, 0.84. The stomach accommodates to a given meal volume, resulting in similar and reproducible postprandial volumes within‐ and between‐subjects. MRI provides reproducible measurements of gastric volume responses in health and disease.
The many faces of nitric oxide: cytotoxic, cytoprotective or both
Authors: Wiley J. W.
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a major modulator of cellular function in health and disease. In addition to its well‐known role as a mediator of smooth muscle relaxation, a rapidly developing body of research suggests, paradoxically, that NO can have both cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Choi et al. provide evidence that supports NO has a prosurvival effect on interstitial cells of Cajal in the mouse stomach. The objective of this short review is to place this interesting report in the context of the current literature.
Triiodothyronine Modulates Thymocyte Migration
Authors: Ribeiro‐Carvalho M. M. , Lima‐Quaresma K. R. F. , Mouço T. , Carvalho V. F. , Mello‐Coelho V. , Savino W.
Published: June 2007

Triiodothyronine (T3) exerts several effects on thymus physiology. In this sense, T3 is known to stimulate thymic microenvironmental cells to enhance the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) moieties, which are relevant in thymocyte migration. Here, we further investigated the in vivo influence of T3 on ECM production, as well as on ECM‐related T‐cell migration events. For this, BALB/c mice were subjected to two protocols of T3 treatment: long‐term (30 days) i.p. daily T3 injections or short‐term (16 h) after a single T3 intrathymic injection. These two treatments did promote an enhancement in the expression of fibronectin and laminin, in both cortex and medullary regions of the thymic lobules. As revealed by the long‐term treatment, the expression of ECM protein receptors, including VLA‐4, VLA‐5 and VLA‐6, was also increased in thymocyte subsets issued from T3‐treated mice. We further used thymic nurse cells (TNC) as an in vitro system to study the ECM‐related migration of immature thymocytes in the context of thymic epithelial cells. Even a single intrathymic injection of T3 resulted in an increase in the ex vivo exit of thymocytes from TNC lymphoepithelial complexes. Accordingly, when we evaluated thymocyte migration in transwell chambers pre‐coated with ECM proteins, we found an increase in the numbers of migrating cells, when thymocytes were derived from T3‐treated mice. Overall, our data show that in vivo intrathymic short‐term i.p. long‐term T3 treatments are able to modulate thymocyte migration, probably via ECM‐mediated interactions.
Pre‐clinical Evaluation of a CEA DNA Prime/protein Boost Vaccination Strategy Against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hallermalm K. , Johansson S. , Bråve A. , Ek M. , Engström G. , Boberg A. , Gudmundsdotter L. , Blomberg P. , Mellstedt H. , Stout R. , Liu M. A. , Wahren B.
Published: June 2007

In preparation for a clinical trial in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a vaccination strategy targeting the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was evaluated in mice using a GMP‐produced plasmid DNA vaccine, CEA66, encoding a truncated form of the tumour‐associated antigen, CEA. The GMP‐produced CEA DNA vaccine was also evaluated for toxicity. Repeated intradermal administration of the GMP‐produced vaccine using a novel needle‐free jet injection device (Biojector) induced robust CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses in mice, and did not result in any vaccine‐related toxicity. In a heterologous DNA prime/protein boost setting, cellular immune responses were of higher magnitude in animals primed with CEA66 DNA than in animals receiving repeated doses of recombinant CEA protein. These responses were further enhanced if recombinant murine granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor was given as an adjuvant prior to vaccination. In contrast to repeated administration of recombinant CEA protein as a single modality vaccine, the heterologous CEA66 DNA prime/rCEA boost vaccination strategy resulted in a qualitatively broader immune response, and supports clinical testing of this vaccination regimen in humans.
Altered Cortisol/DHEA Ratio in Tuberculosis Patients and its Relationship with Abnormalities in the Mycobacterial‐driven Cytokine Production by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Bozza V. V. , D'Attilio L. , Mahuad C. V. , Giri A. A. , Del Rey A. , Besedovsky H. , Bottasso O. , Bay M. L.
Published: June 2007

We have investigated the relationship between cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels and the immune response to mycobacterial antigens in peripheral venous blood, from a male population of active tuberculosis patients and age‐matched healthy controls of the same sex (HCo). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured for 36 or 96 h with whole sonicated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (WSA) for measurement of proliferation, interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in culture supernatants. Comparisons on the in vitro mycobacterial‐driven immune responses demonstrated that TB patients had a higher IL‐10 production, a decreased lymphoproliferation and a trend to reduced IFN‐γ synthesis, in relation to HCo. Active disease was also characterized by increases in the plasma levels of glucocorticoids (GC) and reduced concentrations of DHEA which resulted in a higher cortisol/DHEA ratio respect the HCo group. Plasma DHEA levels were positively correlated with IFN‐γ values. An inverse correlation was found between the cortisol/DHEA ratio and IFN‐γ levels. Novel evidence is provided showing that the balance between cortisol and DHEA is partly responsible for the immune perturbations seen in TB patients.
Occurrence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. coryli on Hazelnut Orchards in Sicily, Italy and Characterization by Fluorescent Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism
Authors: Cirvilleri G. , Scuderi G. , Bonaccorsi A. , Scortichini M.
Published: June 2007

Field surveys for ascertaining the sanitary status of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) orchards located in the provinces of Catania and Messina, Sicily, were carried out. Twig and branch diebacks were frequently observed on the local hazelnut cultivars. Identification of the bacterial pathogen associated with these symptoms was performed by means of biochemical, pathogenicity and molecular tests as well as by using fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphic (fAFLP) analysis. The study revealed, for the first time, the presence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. coryli in the Sicilian hazelnut orchards. All the strains obtained did not show the presence of syrB gene. The fAFLP analysis pointed out the presence of three different lineages within the strains of this pathogen.
Development of the Leaf Spot Fungus, Cercospora ricinella, on Castor Leaf – an SEM Account
Authors: Babu A. M. , Philip Tomy , Kumar Vineet
Published: June 2007

Structure and development of Cercospora ricinella, the causal agent of the castor leaf spot, were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The conidia started to germinate 9 h post inoculation, producing an appressorium directly from the tip of conidium or at the end of a short germ tube. A single germ tube or appressorium was formed from the apical cell of each germinating conidium. Germ tubes or appressoria did not grow towards stomata, and penetration of the leaf appeared to be by piercing the epidermis. Leaf spots appeared 7 days post inoculation (dpi), and after approximately 12 dpi, clusters of two to many conidia emerged from both surfaces of the leaf through the epidermis or through stomatal openings. Stomata were torn when a large number of conidia emerged through them, and conidia also pierced the epidermis above the guard cells of stomata. Emergence through stomata appeared to be random rather than a preference.
Heritability of Phenols in the Resistance of Theobroma cacao against Phytophthora megakarya, the Causal Agent of Black Pod Disease
Authors: Djocgoue P. F. , Boudjeko T. , Mbouobda H. D. , Nankeu D. J. , El Hadrami I. , Omokolo N. D.
Published: June 2007

The black pod disease caused by Phytophthora megakarya is responsible for 80% of the cocoa production loss in Cameroon. To assess the resistance of cocoa plants against this pathogen, necrotic lesions, phenolic content and qualitative alteration of phenolics were conducted in ICS84 and ICS95 clones (two Trinitario introduced from Trinidad) and their hybrids (families F30 and F25) derived from reciprocal cross breeding between these two parental clones after inoculation. The existence of strong hybrid vigour has been shown. Ninety percentage of the hybrid's genotypes manifested a positive heterosis effect for the development of lesion size. This suggests the existence of hybrid vigour with a genetic additive effect. F3086, F2509, F2552 and F2586 hybrids were characterized by localized lesions. Those hybrids genotypes can be considered as elite clones. In relation to analysis of total phenolics and lesion size, no maternal effect was detected in the transmission of these characters. A significant and negative correlation (r = −0.683) (P < 0.01) has been observed between necrosis evolution and phenolics accumulation. The values of the heritability of lesion size and the total phenolic content in offsprings did not permit to show the maternal effect. Qualitative analyses of phenolics showed high flavonones content in cocoa leaves. Qualitative analyses of phenolics in ICS84, ICS95 clones and their hybrids showed a modification of the phenolics profiles, notably concerning apigenin and luteolin derivatives due to the inoculation. These compounds, along with others that were not identified, could have a role in the reaction and mechanism of defence of cocoa against P. megakarya.
Paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and nedaplatin (TIN) salvage chemotherapy for patients with advanced germ cell tumors
Authors: Nonomura Norio , Oka Daizo , Nishimura Kazuo , Nakayama Masashi , Inoue Hitoshi , Mizutani Yoichi , Miki Tsuneharu , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: June 2007

Background:  The paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin regimen has been used to treat metastatic testicular cancer with successful results. We investigated the usefulness of a paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and nedaplatin (TIN) regimen as salvage therapy for patients with advanced testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs).

Methods:  Eight patients with advanced GCTs were treated with TIN. The treatment was performed as salvage therapy for cases refractory to therapies, such as bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, and irinotecan with nedaplatin. The TIN regimen consisted of paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) by 24‐h infusion on day 1, followed by ifosfamide (1.2 g/m2) infusions over 2 h on days 2–6, and nedaplatin (100 mg/m2) given over 2 h on day 2.

Results:  Seven out of eight patients achieved a disease‐free status after chemotherapy, followed by surgical resection of the residual tumor. Six of the seven patients have continued to show no evidence of disease after salvage therapy, with a median follow‐up period of 27 months, but one patient developed a ‘growing teratoma syndrome’ in the mediastinum 31 months after TIN chemotherapy. All patients developed grade 4 leukocytopenia. However, it could be managed by using granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor. Only one patient developed grade 2 sensory neuropathy and no patient developed nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion:  The TIN regimen was efficacious and well‐tolerated as salvage chemotherapy for Japanese patients with advanced GCTs.
Bilateral fused pelvic kidney ectopia with a single draining ureter solved by craniolateral displacement of the kidney and Boari‐modified bladder–calyceal anastomosis with bladder augmentation
Authors: Ignjatovic Ivan , Stojkovic Ivica , Dinic Ljubomir J , Jovanovic Milan , Ivanovic Dragan
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  A pelvic cake kidney with hydronephrosis and renal failure with the single draining ureter was reported. Frequent urination related to compression of the bladder was the most important symptom. The kidney was craniolaterally displaced, the malfunctioning ureter was replaced with the Boari‐like tubularization of the bladder, and the neoureter was anastomosed with the calyx. The bladder was enlarged by intestinal augmentation.
Success of sildenafil treatment in neurogenic female sexual dysfunction caused by L5‐S1 intervertebral disk rupture: A case report
Authors: Ferrara Dean , Zaslau Stanley
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Female sexual dysfunction can be founded by disorders of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain. Physiologic sexual dysfunction can, in many cases, be the result of impaired neurovascular tone to the clitoris and vagina. The vagina and clitoris both contain erectile tissue and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Accordingly, the use of sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, has been studied in relation to neurogenic female sexual dysfunction. The present case report addresses neurogenic female sexual dysfunction from the result of a ruptured L5‐S1 intervertebral disk. The patient was treated with sildenafil, and her symptoms were recorded using a Female Sexual Function Index score. Discussion of the use of sildenafil in women, with an emphasis on female neurovascular sexual physiology and function, is reviewed.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy of a staghorn stone in thoracic ectopic kidney
Authors: Singh Pratipal , Vijjan Vivek , Gupta Manu , Dubey Deepak , Srivastava Aneesh
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Congenital thoracic ectopic kidney is a very rare developmental anomaly and the rarest form of all ectopic kidneys. It is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on routine chest radiography. Herein we reported the first case of staghorn stone in a thoracic kidney managed successfully by percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Penoscrotal histoplasmosis following bladder carcinoma
Authors: Chaurasia Dilip , Agrawal Ritesh , Misra Vatsala , Bhargava Anudita
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Histoplasmosis is caused by a dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Transmission is via inhalation and lungs are the most commonly affected site. Other sites are involved uncommonly and genitals are rarely involved. The case is reported herein of a man with penoscrotal histoplasmosis following bladder carcinoma that had been treated with intravesical bacille Calmette–Guerin. He presented with multiple ulcers on the penis and scrotum that coalesced, followed by the appearance of cutaneous lesions. The condition responded well to itraconazole. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of penoscrotal histoplasmosis following bladder carcinoma.
Incarcerated intestinal hernia in a hernia sac of reversed ileal conduit wall protruding through the stoma
Authors: Izumi Kouji , Kono Masanori , Kato Hiroaki , Mihara Shinya , Tsukahara Kenji , Namiki Mikio
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  The case is reported of incarcerated intestinal hernia in a hernia sac of reversed ileal conduit wall protruding through the stoma. An 82‐year‐old woman presented with suspected parastomal intestinal hernia. The patient had undergone total cystectomy with ileal conduit construction 3 years previously, followed by stomal reconstruction surgery for stomal stenosis 2 years later. She had been taking various kinds of purgatives for severe constipation. Initially, this case was diagnosed as parastomal hernia, but emergency surgery demonstrated that incarcerated intestinal hernia in a hernia sac of reversed ileal conduit wall was protruding through the stoma. This case was apparently caused by high abdominal pressure and thinning of the ileal conduit wall.
The utility of sildenafil citrate for infertile men with sexual dysfunction: a pilot study
Authors: Boorjian Stephen , Hopps Carin V. , Ghaly Sameh W. , Parker Marilyn , Mulhall John P.
Published: June 2007

Associate Editor

Michael G. Wyllie

Editorial Board

Ian Eardley, UK

Jean Fourcroy, USA

Sidney Glina, Brazil

Julia Heiman, USA

Chris McMahon, Australia

Bob Millar, UK

Alvaro Morales, Canada

Michael Perelman, USA

Marcel Waldinger, Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the use the sildenafil citrate, recognized as a first‐line therapy for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), and which is safe and effective in men with various causes and severity of ED, including psychogenic ED, in a population of infertile men with sexual dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Infertility is a major source of life stress and might be associated with sexual dysfunction through the erosion of self‐esteem and self‐confidence, and in stimulating discord in a relationship. Men presenting for evaluation of fertility who on questioning by the physician reported the recent onset of sexual dysfunction, had a history taken, a physical examination, hormonal profile, and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a validated inventory for assessing sexual dysfunction. Thirty men with a score of <26 on the erectile function domain of the IIEF, or who complained of new onset rapid or delayed ejaculation, were treated with sildenafil with no randomization or placebo control. The evaluation was repeated and the IIEF completed again ≥3 months after starting treatment.

RESULTS

For men complaining of ED, subjective erectile rigidity, duration of erection, and the percentage of successful penetration attempts significantly improved with sildenafil. The mean (sd) IIEF domain scores for erection and satisfaction, at 18 (4) vs 27 (3), and 12 (2) vs 16 (3) (both P = 0.01), and orgasm, at 4 (1) vs 6 (3) (P = 0.001), respectively, significantly improved after treatment. In patients with ejaculatory dysfunction, the function improved in 64% after sildenafil therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the nature of sexual dysfunction associated with male‐factor infertility, and showed the efficacy of sildenafil therapy in men with this condition.
Vesico‐uterine fistula: report of 14 cases
Authors: Hadzi‐Djokic Jovan B. , Pejcic Tomislav P. , Colovic Vidosav C.
Published: June 2007

Authors from Serbia present a retrospective review of their experience in the treatment of the uncommon condition of vesico‐uterine fistula. They discovered 14 such cases, and present the results of surgery, with advice on how to optimise the results.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the indications, diagnosis, major causes and basic principles of surgical treatment of vesico‐uterine fistulas (VUF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1970 to 2006, 14 patients underwent surgical repair of VUF in two Belgrade hospitals. The most common cause of a fistula was previous Caesarean section (13/14). The mean (range) age was 27 (22–38) years. Five women underwent transvesical fistula suture, and nine underwent a transperitoneal surgical approach with the interposition of a tissue flap; an omental flap in five and a peritoneal flap in four.

RESULTS

The mean (range) duration of surgery was 85 (70–120) min. The mean hospital stay was 14 (12–22) days. The urethral catheter was removed 10 days after surgery. One woman with no tissue flap repair relapsed and none of the women with a tissue flap repair relapsed. After surgery, eight patients became pregnant and underwent Caesarean section.

CONCLUSION

Successful closure of VUF requires accurate diagnostic evaluation, appropriate repair using techniques that utilize basic surgical principles, and the careful application of interposing tissue flaps.
The Role of Personality in Social Identity: Effects of Field‐Dependence and Context on Reactions to Threat to Group Distinctiveness
Authors: Tamir Yonat , Nadler Arie
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
This article examines the role of personality dispositions as determinants of people's reactions to threats to social identity. It is argued that since individuals characterized as high field‐dependents have a greater tendency to anchor their identity in the social group than low field‐dependents, they will be more affected by threats to social identity, especially when the context is framed as an intergroup context. Threat to social identity was manipulated by inducing intergroup similarity, and intergroup differentiation was measured. The first experiment assessed the hypothesis with minimal groups. The second experiment assessed it with real groups (two rival schools). Findings provided support for the hypotheses. The discussion centers on the role of personality dispositions in the social identity perspective.
Creativity as capital in the literacy classroom: youth as multimodal designers
Authors: Walsh Christopher S.
Published: June 2007

Many school literacy practices ignore adolescents' new digitally mediated subjectivity as it has been shaped by the new media age. Youth possess often unappreciated repertories of practice which allow them to use their imagination and creativity to combine print, visual and digital modes in combinations that can be applied to new educational, civic, media and workplace contexts. This paper reports on research in two middle years classrooms in New York City's Chinatown, where students' design skills were recognised and validated when they were encouraged to critically re‐represent curricular knowledge through multimodal design. The curriculum, rather than privileging print‐only representations, recognised the linguistic, social, economic and cultural capital that different students brought to school. The findings suggest schools should harness youths' creativity – that often manifests itself through their capital resources – as they integrate and adapt to the new digital affordances acquired through their out‐of‐school literacy practices.
Productivity Trends and the Sterling Real Exchange Rates*
Authors: Engels Frank , Konstantinou Panagiotis Th. , Søndergaard Jens
Published: June 2007

This paper provides favorable econometric evidence for a productivity‐based model of the pound/euro real exchange rate. We find that a 1% increase in UK productivity is consistent with a 3.5% real depreciation of sterling. Likewise, a 1% increase in euro area productivity is compatible with a 5.16% real appreciation of sterling. The asymmetric response of UK and foreign productivity shocks corresponds well with our model if UK labor supply is more elastic than euro area labor supply. Estimates of equilibrium exchange rates suggest that sterling was not overvalued at its 2004Q3 level vis‐à‐vis the euro.