bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociation between Fas expression and induction of apoptosis in human islets of Langerhans
Authors: Loweth A. C. , Watts K. , McBain S. C. , Williams G. T. , Scarpello J. H. B. , Morgan N. G.
Published: March 2003

There is increasing evidence that inappropriate induction of apoptosis in pancreatic β‐cells may precede the development of type 1 diabetes in animal models and in man. One mechanism by which this has been proposed to occur involves up‐regulation of the death receptor Fas on β‐cells, resulting in apoptosis of the Fas‐bearing β‐cells upon ligation of the receptor. We have examined this hypothesis in isolated human islets of Langerhans and show that–‐in contrast to data obtained with rodent β‐cells–‐expression of Fas per se is not sufficient to allow induction of apoptosis upon addition of agonistic anti‐Fas serum.
Optimizing insulin delivery: assessment of three strategies in intensive diabetes management
Authors: Kalergis M. , Pacaud D. , Strychar I. , Meltzer S. , Jones P. J. H. , Yale J. ‐F.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Objective  To compare three intensive management strategies with respect to metabolic control (glycated haemoglobin, preprandial blood glucose, lipid profile, body weight, hypoglycaemic episodes) and psycho‐social adaptation (quality of life, self‐efficacy, stress and perceived complexity).

Research Design and Methods: Fifteen adults with type 1 diabetes completed this 1‐year, randomized, prospective, cross‐over study. The three treatment strategies were categorized according to flexibility with insulin self‐adjustments as follows: Simplified (SIMP) = meal plan based on food exchanges with no self‐adjustments of insulin for food, exercise and stress; Qualitative (QUAL) = meal plan based on food exchanges with qualitative adjustment of insulin for food, exercise and stress; Quantitative (QUANT) = meal plan using carbohydrate counting with quantitative adjustment of insulin for food and qualitative adjustment for exercise and stress. All three strategies allowed for adjustments of insulin for preprandial blood glucose and the option of adjusting diet for exercise. All subjects followed each strategy for 3.5 months.

Subjects  kept detailed log sheets where they recorded preprandial blood glucose, insulin dosages, food intake, activity and stress level at least four times/day. The psycho‐social aspects were determined with validated questionnaires that were completed before and after each strategy.

Results  There were no statistically significant differences in metabolic control, quality of life and self‐efficacy between the three strategies. The mean (± s.e.) for HbA1 levels (normal < 8.5%) were: Baseline: 10.9 ± 0.06 and End of SIMP = 9.7 ± 0.03; QUAL = 9.5 ± 0.04; QUANT = 10.2 ± 0.04. Body weight and serum lipid levels did not change significantly. The frequency of severe hypoglycaemic episodes for the entire study was 20 episodes/100 patient‐years. Perceived complexity of treatment strategy increased (p < 0.0001) from SIMP to QUANT (least to most flexible). Although the majority of subjects (n = 11) were following a strategy similar to SIMP prior to entering the study, 12 subjects chose to continue with QUAL, three with QUANT and none with SIMP at the end of the study.

Conclusions  These results indicate that a strategy that allows for flexibility of self‐adjustments of insulin and is not very complex (such as QUAL) may be the strategy of choice for intensive management programmes.
Impaired glucose metabolism and obesity in Swedish patients with borderline isolated systolic hypertension: Skaraborg Hypertension and Diabetes Project
Authors: Bøg‐Hansen E , Lindblad U , Ranstam J , Melander A , Råstam L
Published: March 2003

Summary

Aim

To assess the prevalence of borderline isolated systolic hypertension (borderline ISH), and to examine its association with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional community‐based study was carried out in 1993–1994 in Skara, Sweden, including 1109 randomly chosen subjects ≥ 40 years old. Normotension (NT) was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 90 mmHg, borderline ISH as SBP 140–159 and DBP < 90 mmHg and hypertension (HT) as SBP ≥160 or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg or ongoing treatment.

Results

The prevalence of borderline ISH (n = 203) by age was 4% in ages 40–49 years, 15% in ages 50–59 years, 28% in ages 60–69 years and 25% in ages 70–79 years. With borderline ISH as reference, normotensive subjects less often had fasting blood glucose > 5.5 mmol/l (odds ratio (OR): 0.4, 95% CI: 0.26–0.75), BMI > 27 kg/m2 (OR: 0.6, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.42–0.85) and known diabetes (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.16–0.95). Hypertensive subjects more often had high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol < 1.0 mmol/l (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.35–2.99), a history of previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01–2.72), known diabetes (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.29–4.58) and microalbuminuria (men) (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.15–3.11).

Conclusion

Borderline ISH is a common condition. It is associated with a more unfavourable risk factor profile than that of normotensive subjects concerning primarily glucose metabolism and obesity. The prevalence of known diabetes increased with the degree of hypertension.
Reduction of incretin‐like salivatin in saliva from patients with type 2 diabetes and in parotid glands of streptozotocin‐diabetic BALB/c mice
Authors: Kimura I. , Sasamoto H. , Sasamura T. , Sugihara Y. , Ohgaku S. , Kobayashi M.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aim  Diabetic xerostomia is a typical syndrome in diabetic complication. We have reported that salivatin (salivary peptide P‐C) derived from human saliva potentiates glucose‐stimulated insulin release and inhibits arginine‐stimulated glucagon release. The present study is aimed to gain further evidence on the physiological role by investigating the diabetic state‐induced change in the amount of salivatin.

Methods  The amount of salivatin was measured in saliva taken from patients with type 2 diabetes with ELISA and with rabbit antiserum against human salivatin immunocytochemically in sections of parotid glands from streptozotocin‐diabetic BALB/c mice.

Results  The amount of salivatin after a meal was reduced by diabetes in both human saliva and in the serous secretory granule of mouse parotid gland acinar cells.

Conclusions  The above results suggest that salivatin lowers hyperglycaemia after meal and sustains the normal blood glucose levels by incretin‐like mechanisms. The function may be damaged by diabetes, and this in turn might make the diabetes worse.
Lactic acidosis in metformin therapy: searching for a link with metformin in reports of ‘metformin‐associated lactic acidosis’
Authors: Lalau J. D. , Race J. M.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Objective  The link between metformin and lactic acidosis in metformin therapy may be causal, associated or coincidental. Our objective was to investigate this link by studying and analysing published reports of so‐called ‘metformin‐associated lactic acidosis’.

Research design and methods  systematically searched in the BIOSIS, DERWENT, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PASCAL databases of the English language and non‐English language literature for all reports of so‐called ‘metformin‐associated lactic acidosis’ published from May 1995 through January 2000. We did not include reports related to metformin overdose or contrast media‐induced renal failure. Metformin accumulation and concurrent pathologies were critically reviewed as precipitating factors for metformin‐associated lactic acidosis. Metformin accumulation was assessed in terms of the recorded measurement of metformin concentration in plasma or, if not available, by the presence of primary renal failure, i.e. renal failure that was not secondary to a shock syndrome.

Results  We found 21 reports describing a total of 26 patients. Criteria of lactic acidosis (lactate > 5 mmol/l, pH ≤ 7.35) were not met in four patients. In the remaining 22 patients, plasma metformin concentration was determined in only four, of whom one had a normal value. In the 18 patients with lactic acidosis where plasma metformin concentration data was not available, the presence of primary renal failure was absent or unlikely in six patients, uncertain in two, and likely or proven in 14. With regard to these 14 patients, the precipitating factor was metformin in 12 patients (in the context of renal failure either chronic or acute) and intercurrent pathologies in two others. Overall, lactic acidosis was either absent (n = 4), precipitated by concurrent pathology (n = 8), precipitated by metformin without apparent associated pathology (n = 12) or of uncertain origin (n = 2). Death occurred 10 times but only once in the 12 patients with metformin‐induced lactic acidosis and this was not related to metformin.

Conclusions  While the term ‘metformin‐associated lactic acidosis’ is commonly used to depict all situations of lactic acidosis in metformin therapy, true metformin‐associated lactic acidosis, i.e. one which refers to metformin and concurrent pathologies as co‐precipitating factors, was never observed in the studied reports. As there was no mortality due to metformin alone, it is important that physicians are familiar with the range of other risk factors that contribute to lactic acidosis in patients treated with metformin.
Effect of vanadate on glycogen synthesis in dexamethasone‐treated 3T3 adipocytes: evidence for a novel insulin sensitizing action
Authors: Marita A. R. , Anilkumar K. L.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aim  Type 2 diabetes is characterized by peripheral tissue insulin resistance. The present study was carried out to determine the insulin sensitizing action of vanadium using dexamethasone‐treated 3T3 adipocytes as an in‐vitro model of insulin resistance.

Methods  Fully differentiated 3T3 adipocytes were incubated with or without 100 nm dexamethasone in the presence or absence of 200 nm insulin for 6 days. Sodium orthovanadate (0–1000 μm) was added on day 2 and was present during the last 4 days. At the end, insulin (100 nm) stimulated glycogen synthesis was determined.

Results  Vanadate treatment for 4 days, caused 2–3‐fold increase in glycogen synthesis in dexamethasone treated adipocytes. At 100 μm, vanadate completely reversed dexamethasone‐induced insulin resistance (by increasing the levels from 9.65 ± 0.80 to 28.4 ± 4.9 nmol/h). In cells treated with dexamethasone and insulin, vanadium was partially active and it caused only 30% increase in glycogen synthesis. Exposure of dexamethasone treated cells for 24 h with vanadium did not affect glycogen synthesis. Under identical condition, vanadium had no significant effect in the normal insulin sensitive adipocytes. Vanadium at 100 μm had no effect on 125I‐insulin binding to insulin‐resistant adipocytes. Glycogen synthesis in the normal and insulin‐resistant adipocytes was stimulated by lithium, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 β, suggesting the involvement of phosphorylation events in dexamethasone‐induced insulin resistance.

Conclusions  Since vanadium was active only in the insulin‐resistant adipocytes it is likely that vanadium acts by relieving dexamethasone actions rather than having independent effects. These results provide evidence for the novel insulin sensitizing action of vanadium which might be of future clinical relevance.
Effects of chronic murine and human leptin infusion on plasma leptin and corticosterone levels and energy balance in lean Zucker rats
Authors: Al‐Barazanji K. A. , Buckingham R. E. , Arch J. R. S. , Briscoe C. , Jenkins O. , Tadayyon M.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aim   To clarify whether centrally delivered leptin can access the circulation and to determine to what extent the effects of i.c.v. h‐leptin and m‐leptin on body weight and plasma corticosterone are due to reduced food intake.

Methods   Male lean Zucker rats were infused i.c.v. with recombinant m‐leptin or h‐leptin (42 μg/day) for 7 days. Terminal plasma leptin levels were measured using selective r‐leptin, m‐leptin and h‐leptin RIA. Plasma h‐leptin and corticosterone levels were determined on days 0, 2, 4 and 6 of h‐leptin infusion. Interscapular brown adipose tissue weight and UCP‐1 mRNA expression (an indicator of thermogenic capacity) were also measured.

Results   The terminal plasma leptin level was elevated (from 2.2 ± 0.4 to 42.7 ± 20.2 ng/ml) in the h‐leptin‐treated lean rats to levels similar to those in vehicle i.c.v. infused fa/fa rats (72.2 ± 4.7 ng/ml), but this was only detectable when the h‐leptin radioimmunoabsorbent assay (RIA) was used. Further, both m‐leptin and h‐leptin infusions in lean rats elevated terminal plasma corticosterone (352 ± 37 and 389 ± 55 ng/ml, respectively) to levels similar to those in i.c.v. rats (386 ± 62 ng/ml), whereas diet‐restriction by pair‐feeding, with the h‐leptin group, in lean rats had no effect (207 ± 45 ng/ml). The increase in plasma corticosterone level coincided with the maximum hypophagic effects of leptin and preceded the appearance and sustained elevation of exogenous human leptin in the circulation. Both m‐leptin and h‐leptin i.c.v. infusion reduced body weight gain (3% and 4%, respectively, compared to pair‐fed group) and increased UCP‐1 expression (11‐fold and 16‐fold, respectively) in lean rats. However, h‐leptin elicited an earlier effect than m‐leptin on body weight, manifested as an earlier reduction in food intake and greater increase in UCP‐1 expression. h‐Leptin also elicited a greater reduction in body weight gain than did pair‐feeding.

Conclusions   Intracerebroventricular‐infused m‐leptin or h‐leptin was detected in the circulation. Furthermore, m‐leptin and h‐leptin elevated plasma corticosterone levels and h‐leptin caused some weight loss in lean rats independently of its suppression of food intake. The elevation of corticosterone levels in the lean rats may be a mechanism whereby they resist excessive weight loss in response to leptin.
Elimination of •O2−/H2O2 by α‐lipoic acid mediates the recovery of basal EDRF/NO availability and the reversal of superoxide dismutase‐induced relaxation in diabetic rat aorta
Authors: Koçak G. , Karasu Ç.
Published: March 2003

Aim: The aims of this study were to ascertain the mechanism(s) of relaxant action of exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) in aortic rings obtained from 12‐week, streptozotocin(STZ)‐diabetic and age‐matched control rats, and to examine the effects of α‐lipoic acid (ALA) treatment (for 6 weeks, after 6 weeks of untreated diabetes) on SOD‐induced relaxations.

Materials and Methods: Thoracic aorta rings were suspended to isolated tissue chamber, and the changes in isometric tension were recorded.

Results: SOD produced a greater relaxation in untreated‐diabetic rings compared with control rings. ALA treatment partially reversed SOD‐induced relaxation in diabetic aorta. Pretreatment of rings with NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 100 µm) inhibited SOD‐induced relaxation. This effect of L‐NAME was markedly observed in control and ALA‐treated‐diabetic rings compared with untreated‐diabetic rings. SOD‐induced relaxation was also inhibited by catalase (60 U/ml) in untreated‐diabetic rings but not in ALA‐treated‐diabetic and control rings. Pretreatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, or the catalase inhibitor, aminotriazole, had no effect on SOD‐induced relaxation in any ring.

Conclusion: Findings suggested that: (i) in normal physiological conditions, the relaxant effect of SOD is related to the inhibition of superoxide anion radicals (•O2−)‐induced endothelium‐derived relaxing factor/nitric oxide (EDRF/NO) destruction in the rat aorta; (ii) in diabetic state, excess •O2− increasingly inhibits basal EDRF/NO, and the dismutation of excess •O2− to H2O2 is enhanced by exogenous SOD. H2O2 a vasorelaxant molecule, which probably accounts for the increased responsiveness of diabetic rings to exogenous SOD; and (iii) the reversal effect of in vivo ALA treatment on SOD‐induced relaxation in diabetic aorta is probably linked with the elimination of •O2−/H2O2, which mediates the recovery of basal EDRF/NO availability.
Early vascular abnormalities and de novo nitrate tolerance in diabetes mellitus
Authors: McVeigh G. E. , Morgan D. R. , Allen P. , Trimble M. , Hamilton P. , Dixon L. J. , Silke B. , Hayes J. R.
Published: March 2003

Objective: The haemodynamic consequence of altered mechanical wall properties in diabetes can impair the compliance characteristics or pulsatile function of arteries before changes in calibre or peripheral resistance become evident. We studied the sensitivity of pulsatile and steady‐state haemodynamic variables in identifying vascular abnormalities and assessing arterial responsiveness to glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in patients with diabetes, free from clinical complications of the disease.

Methods: Radial artery pressure waveforms were recorded in 22 patients with diabetes and 22 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects, using a calibrated tonometer device. A computer‐based assessment of the diastolic pressure decay was used to quantify changes in arterial waveform morphology in terms of pulsatile (arterial compliance) and steady‐state (peripheral resistance) haemodynamics. Pressure pulse waveforms were recorded before and 3, 6 and 9 min after the administration of 300 µg of GTN.

Results: Of the pulsatile and steady‐state impedance parameters, only small artery compliance was significantly different in patients, 4.7 ml/mmHg (95% CI 3.8–5.8), compared with control subjects 7.1 ml/mmHg (95% CI 5.4–8.7); (p < 0.05). In response to GTN small artery compliance increased, and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly in control subjects; (p < 0.05) but remained unchanged in patients with diabetes.

Conclusions: Arterial waveform analysis proved more sensitive in detecting early vascular abnormalities and tracking the haemodynamic effects of GTN in patients with diabetes than changes in total peripheral resistance. The diminished responsiveness of the arterial vasculature to organic nitrates may have therapeutic implications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus.
Metabolic, endocrine and haemodynamic risk factors in the patient with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Belch Jill J. F.
Published: March 2003

The morbidity and mortality associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) creates a huge burden in terms of costs both to the patient and to the health service. PAD is a deleterious and progressive condition that causes a marked increase in the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Further, PAD has a major negative impact on quality of life and mortality, and is associated with an increased risk of limb amputation. The clinical profile of patients at risk of PAD overlaps considerably with the known cardiovascular risk factors. These include, increasing age, smoking habit, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, male sex and hyperhomocysteinaemia. For women, hormone replacement therapy appears to be associated with a reduced risk of PAD. Published PAD guidelines recommend aggressive management of risk factors, stressing the importance of lifestyle modification, antiplatelet agents, treating dyslipidaemia and diabetes. However, a large number of patients with PAD go undetected, either because they do not report their symptoms or because they are asymptomatic. It is therefore important to improve detection rates so that these patients can receive appropriate risk factor management.
Appendage development in embryos of the oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus (Acari, Oribatei, Trhypochthoniidae)
Authors: Thomas Richard H. , Telford Maximilian J.
Published: March 2003

The development of reliable techniques to provide large numbers of fixed mite embryos free of their tough membranes has allowed us to produce scanning electron micrographs of oribatid embryos for the first time. Antibody staining for expression of the gene Distal‐less demonstrates the formation of the labrum from a pair of regions in the ocular lobes, indicating a possible appendicular origin for the labrum. The chelicerae are followed from their initial postoral position through their anterior rotation to become preoral. The pedipalpal lobe, involved in the formation of the gnathosoma, is shown to be almost the size of the pedipalp at some stages, as well as expressing Distal‐less. The fourth pair of walking limbs are not present in oribatid prelarvae and larvae, however, their anlage are visible in later embryonic stages but these do not express the gene Distal‐less, suggesting that formation of distal structures is suppressed at this stage. Claparède’s organs, present between coxae of legs I and II of larvae, are shown for the first time unequivocally to derive from the base of legs II. These are proposed to be homologous to the lateral organs of other arachnid groups.
The escal photophore of ceratioids (Pisces; Ceratioidei) — a review of structure and function
Authors: Munk Ole
Published: March 2003

The article deals with the structure and presumed functions of the escal photophore found in the bulbous tip of the cephalic fin ray or illicium, situated on the upper part of the head in metamorphosed females in most species of deep‐sea anglerfishes (ceratioids). The escal photophore consists of the light gland proper and certain accessory structures. An accessory structure common to all species is a lightproof cup enclosing the light gland and provided with a distal opening, while the escae in a number of ceratioids in addition posses reflecting structures, tubular modifications of which form light guides in some species. The light gland proper is a roughly oval or spherical body, typically consisting of radiating branched glandular tubules arranged around a central escal cavity which communicates with the exterior via the vestibule, a usually slit‐like epithelium‐lined space lying above the distal part of the light gland. All lumina within the light gland contain bioluminescent symbiotic bacteria. The esca is generally thought to function as a lure, prey being attracted by the light emitted from the photophore and movements of the illicium. A possible additional function may be the ejection of a luminous material to confuse predators.
Larval and post‐larval development of the branchiopod clam shrimp Cyclestheria hislopi (Baird, 1859) (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Conchostraca, Spinicaudata)
Authors: Olesen Jörgen
Published: March 2003

The larval and post‐larval development of Cyclestheria hislopi is examined by SEM. There are at least nine stages (excluding the adult) – six larval and three post‐larval stages. The first four stages are passed within the egg‐membrane. The larval and the post‐larval phase are separated by a profound change in morphology that takes place between stages VI and VII. The larva shifts from a dorso‐ventrally flattened ‘larval’ appearance up to stage VI to a laterally flattened, more ‘adult’ appearance from stage VII. New morphological data have been revealed by this study, including (1) a large and globular larval dorsal organ; (2) the carapace starts its development from the segments of the first and second maxillae; (3) the anterior ramus of the second antenna in adult Cyclestheria hislopi is the endopod, and the posterior ramus the exopod. Direct development of the brood in Cyclestheria hislopi– unique among conchostracans – is compared with that of the Cladocera. If Cyclestheria is the sister group to the Cladocera, as favoured in this work, the classical neoteny theory of the Cladocera must be reconsidered, as there is no particular similarity between any adults of the Cladocera and any of the larval stages of Cyclestheria. It is suggested that Cyclestheria displays the type of development present in a cladoceran ancestor. A comparison between Cyclestheria and the Upper Cambrian ‘Orsten’ fossil Rehbachiella kinnekullensis reveals a remarkable similarity in the endite morphology of the trunk limbs.
On the so‐called cavum orbitonasale
Authors: Bjerring Hans C.
Published: March 2003

Bjerring, H. C. 2000. On the so‐called cavum orbitonasale. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 167–175

Defined in the bowfin, Amia calva, the cavitas orbitonasalis (formerly the cavum orbitonasale) lies within the posteromesial part of the ethmoidal region of the endocranium and communicates with the fossa sacci nasalis and the orbita of its own side as well as with the cavitas encephalica endocranii. This intracranial compartment is probably called in being as a result of the pushing forward from the orbita of the points of origin of the ipsilateral oblique eye muscles. Its alleged presence in lizards as a part of the orbita and in mammals as a part of the cavitas encephalica cranii is shown to rest on false premizes. In reality, these two component parts are not homologous, and of all the craniate animals, extant and extinct, some actinopterygian fish alone have cavitates orbitonasales.
Correlation of fluorescence and electron microscopy of F‐actin‐containing sensory cells in the epidermis of Convoluta pulchra (Platyhelminthes: Acoela)
Authors: Pfistermüller R , Tyler S
Published: March 2003

Phalloidin‐stained whole mounts of acoel turbellarians show brightly fluorescing club‐shaped structures distributed over the epidermis and concentrated especially at the anterior and posterior tips of the body. By correlating electron micrographic images and fluorescence images of Convoluta pulchra, these structures can be seen to be sensory receptors with a central cilium surrounded by a collar of microvilli. The other candidate for showing fluorescence in the epidermis, namely gland necks, can be ruled out since their distribution is too dense to resemble the distribution of the fluorescent structures seen here. The collared sensory receptors were inserted between epidermal cells, and each bore a central cilium surrounded by a collar of 6–18 microvilli and an additional centrally positioned 2–7 microvilli of which 2 or 3 were associated with a modified rootlet called the swallow’s nest. Confocal scanning laser microscopy resolved the core of actin filaments within the microvilli of the collar and their rootlet‐like connections to the base of the sensory cell. Such receptors could also be identified by fluorescence microscopy in several other species of acoel turbellarians.
Sensory pathways in amphioxus larvae I. Constituent fibres of the rostral and anterodorsal nerves, their targets and evolutionary significance
Authors: Lacalli Thurston C.
Published: March 2003

Serial and interval electron micrograph series were used to examine the rostral and anterodorsal nerves of 12.5‐day‐old amphioxus larvae and trace selected fibres to their targets in the nerve cord. The nerves contain a variety of fibre types, including axons from at least two types of epithelial sensory cells and neurites derived from dorsal (Retzius) bipolar cells located within the cord. The rostral epithelial cells form basal synapses with a population of peripheral neurites that probably derive from the dorsal bipolar cells, though other sources are possible. Varicosities containing dense‐core vesicles occur at the tip of the rostrum, indicating the presence of efferent innervation at this site. Within the cord, some peripherally derived rostral afferents terminate at the level of the anterior cerebral vesicle, others synapse directly with both motoneurones and the notochord, but those in the largest bundle target the dendrites of the large paired neurones (LPNs) located in the primary motor centre. LPN dendrites also receive synapses from sensory fibres arriving via the anterodorsal nerves, from the anterior‐most of the dorsal bipolar cells, referred to here as tectal cells, and from a single fibre derived from the frontal eye. This convergence of multiple inputs accords with other evidence that the LPNs are key intermediaries in the sensorimotor pathway that activates the larval escape response. The rostral nerves are much larger at metamorphosis, but the ventral tracts that derive from them are still comparatively small. This is because the majority of rostral fibres are diverted into a late‐developing dorsal tract that travels within the cord to the front end of the dorsolateral neuropile, where most of its fibres disperse and form synapses. The positioning of the dorsal and ventral tracts strongly suggests homology with vertebrate olfactory and terminal nerves, respectively. This, and the question of whether the amphioxus central nervous system has anything comparable to the olfactory bulb, a telencephalic structure, is discussed.
Fine structure of unusual spermatozoa and spermiogenesis of the mite Megisthanus floridanus Banks, 1904 (Acari: Gamasida: Antennophorina)
Authors: Alberti Gerd , Klompen Hans
Published: March 2003

The aflagellate spermatozoa of the gamasid mite Megisthanus floridanus are characterized by a large vacuole which contains a cytoplasmic column protruding into the vacuole from the region defined as the posterior part of the cell. The membrane of the column and the inner membrane of the posterior part of the cytoplasmic mantle (outer sheath) surrounding the vacuole bear numerous so‐called cellular processes. However, most of the outer sheath is reduced and represented solely by a very thin membrane‐like envelope. The posterior part of the cell bears extensive folds. The cell, or, more precisely, the column, shows a deep posterior invagination. This invagination contains extracellular material composed of thin filaments or strands. Peripheral folds emerging from the posterior rim of the cell form a thin‐walled tube that contains the same material as the invagination. The elongated nucleus is attached to a peculiar acrosomal complex consisting of a flat acrosomal cisterna that parallels most of the cell membrane, an attachment cone, and a short acrosomal filament which is embedded in a narrow canal within the nucleus. The spermatozoa of M. floridanus represent a peculiar version of the vacuolated type of sperm known to be plesiomorphic within the anactinotrichid Acari. Some details of spermiogenesis are described and consequences for phylogenetic and systematic considerations are discussed.
Ovicell structure inCallopora dumerilii and C. lineata(Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida)
Authors: Ostrovsky A. N. , Schäfer P.
Published: March 2003

Anatomical and SEM‐studies of the brood‐chambers (ovicells) in two bryozoans (Callopora dumeriliiandC. lineata) were undertaken to resolve a long‐term controversy existing in the literature about the origin of the ovicells. In contrast with the interpretation ofSilén (1945), both species investigated possess hyperstomial ovicells with the ooecium formed by the distal (daughter) zooid. The ooecial coelomic cavity communicates with the zooidal coelom through a pore‐like canal or canals remaining after the closure of an arch‐shaped slit. The slit forms during ovicellogenesis. The communication canals are normally plugged by epithelial cells, however incompletely closed canals were also found inCallopora lineata.SEM‐studies of noncleaned, air‐dried specimens showed a relationship between membranous and calcified parts during early ovicellogenesis. It starts from a transverse wall as the calcification of the proximal part of the daughter zooid frontal wall, and has the shape of two flat rounded plates. There are no knobs or any other outgrowths. Conditions and phenomenology of hyperstomial ovicell formation are discussed.
Higher expression of K‐ras is associated with parathyroid hormone‐related protein‐induced hypercalcaemia in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kamai T. , Arai K. , Koga F. , Abe H. , Nakanishi K. , Kambara T. , Furuya N. , Tsujii T. , Yoshida K.‐I.
Published: March 2003

Objectives To determine whether the K‐ras oncogene is associated with parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) production in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and whether the serum value of PTHrP is related to the patients' survival.

Patients and methods The serum levels of PTHrP and corrected serum calcium levels were analysed in 51 consecutive patients (29 men and 22 women, mean age 63.7 years, range 33–82) with newly diagnosed RCC. Matched pairs were analysed of the mRNA levels of K‐ras and PTHrP in tumour and in corresponding non‐tumour tissue originating from the same patient, using the polymerase chain reaction after reverse transcription.

Results Seven patients had elevated serum PTHrP values at the diagnosis of RCC. The mRNA expression of K‐ras and PTHrP were detected in both tumour and non‐tumour tissues, with K‐ras mRNA levels being higher in the former than the latter (P < 0.05), and correlated with tumour stage (P < 0.05). There were no differences in PTHrP mRNA levels between the tissues. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of K‐ras and PTHrP in seven tumours from patients with high serum values of PTHrP were higher than in tumours from those with normal values (both P < 0.01). The expression of mRNAs of K‐ras and PTHrP was positively correlated (r = 0.771, P < 0.001). In seven patients with high serum PTHrP values the mRNA levels of PTHrP correlated with serum values of PTHrP and calcium (r = 0.875, P < 0.01 and r = 0.762, P < 0.05, respectively). Kaplan‐Meier plots of survival rate in patients with elevated or normal serum PTHrP showed that high serum PTHrP was associated with a shorter overall survival (P < 0.05). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that serum PTHrP was an independent predictor of overall survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusions These findings suggest that K‐ras may be associated with PTHrP‐induced hypercalcaemia and that PTHrP levels may reflect the aggressiveness of tumour cells through the K‐ras oncogene in RCC.
Thrombospondin‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor expression and their relationship with p53 status in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Kwak C. , Jin R.J. , Lee C. , Park M.S. , Lee S.E.
Published: March 2003

Objective To evaluate the expression of thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1, a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, an important angiogenic factor in solid tumours) in prostate cancer, and their relationship with p53 status.

Patients and methods Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of VEGF, TSP‐1 and p53 was assessed in 82 archival tissue specimens from 23 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 22 with localized prostate cancer and 37 with metastatic prostate cancer. Seven of the last group had received androgen deprivation therapy. The relationship between the expression of VEGF, TSP‐1 and p53 status was also evaluated with tumour grade and stage in patients with prostate cancer.

Results The seven patients receiving hormonal treatment were excluded from the analysis because androgen deprivation significantly increased TSP‐1 and decreased VEGF expression (both P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis showed significantly higher VEGF and significantly lower TSP‐1 expression (both P < 0.01) in prostate cancer than in BPH tissues. There was also significantly higher VEGF and significantly lower TSP‐1 expression (both P < 0.05) in tissues from metastatic than localized prostate cancer. There was no significant correlation between VEGF or TSP‐1 expression and Gleason score, but a significant inverse correlation between TSP‐1 and VEGF expression. There was a significant association between VEGF expression and p53 status (P < 0.05), but TSP‐1 expression was not associated with p53 status.

Conclusions Angiogenic factors, including VEGF and TSP‐1, might be important in the development and progression of prostate cancer. These changes seem to be influenced by p53 status. Identifying the angiogenic factors involved in prostate cancer might lead to the development of diagnostic or therapeutic strategies based on anti‐angiogenesis.
Cyclooxygenase‐2: a possible target in schistosoma‐associated bladder cancer
Authors: El‐Sheikh S.S. , Madaan S. , Alhasso A. , Abel P. , Stamp G. , Lalani E.‐N.
Published: March 2003

Objective To analyse and compare the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in schistosoma‐associated bladder cancer, and to determine any association with tumour grade or stage.

Materials and methods Sixty paired samples of tumour and adjacent nonmalignant urothelium were identified. There were 25 squamous and 28 transitional cell carcinomas, and seven adenocarcinomas. Serial sections were obtained and a standard three‐layer immunohistochemistry protocol, using COX‐1‐ and COX‐2‐specific mouse monoclonal antibodies, applied.

Results COX‐1 was expressed mostly in nonvascular smooth muscle with weak reactivity in malignant and nonmalignant urothelium. Nonmalignant urothelium expressed COX‐2 weakly, notably in areas of dysplasia and squamous metaplasia whereas there was a significant increase in COX‐2 (P < 0.001) with moderate to strong granular cytoplasmic expression in all three malignant histological types. The COX‐2 reactivity was higher in transitional and adenocarcinomas than in squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.001). Areas of carcinoma in situ showed COX‐2 reactivity comparable with that in invasive areas and more intense than that detected in dysplastic or metaplastic urothelium (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between COX‐2 expression and tumour grade (P = 0.0052).

Conclusion COX‐2 is over‐expressed in schistosoma‐associated bladder cancer, consistent with a potential role for COX‐2 inhibitors in the prevention and management of this disease.
Free bladder mucosal autograft in the treatment of complicated vesicovaginal fistula
Authors: Sharifi‐Aghdas F. , Ghaderian N. , Payvand A.
Published: March 2003

Objective To describe an effective and simple method for repairing complicated vesicovaginal fistula using a free bladder mucosal autograft.

Patients and methods The study included 14 patients with an iatrogenic vesicovaginal fistula after hysterectomy or prolonged obstructed labour. An initial fistula repair had been attempted in 12 patients. All patients were then repaired using a free bladder mucosal graft technique 3–24 months (mean 8) after the fistula was diagnosed.

Results Of the 14 patients 12 had an immediately successful result, with no evidence of leakage, but two required prolonged catheter drainage. Thirteen patients remained dry at the follow‐up 3–15 months later. Two patients had stress urinary incontinence and three patients had urinary tract infection.

Conclusions The free bladder mucosal autograft technique is a simple, effective and fast method for vesicovaginal fistula repair. The technique produces an excellent repair of complicated vesicovaginal fistula, and appears to be more physiological and easier to perform than other transabdominal techniques.
Spatial awareness in urologists: are they different?
Authors: Gallagher H.J. , Allan J.D. , Tolley D.A.
Published: March 2003

Objective To compare innate spatial awareness skills, using the MIST‐VR system (Ethicon Ltd, Edinburgh, a computer‐based virtual reality system that objectively tests spatial awareness) among three groups of people (consultant urologists, urological trainees and controls who were not surgeons), because urological surgeons require spatial awareness for endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery, but trainees are selected by academic prowess rather than surgical aptitude.

Subjects and methods The MIST‐VR system was used to test 122 volunteers in three groups, i.e. 39 consultant urologists, 46 urological trainees and 37 controls (not surgeons). The demographic data recorded for each group included age, sex, eyesight, handedness, and endoscopic and laparoscopic experience. Volunteers performed a repetitive series of three tasks using the system. Their performance was measured in terms of time, errors and economy of movement, as well as the duration and accuracy of diathermy in Task 3.

Results The consultants were significantly older than the trainees and controls (both P < 0.001) and had more endoscopic experience (P = 0.005). In Task 1, the trainees made significantly fewer errors (P = 0.045) and had a greater economy of movement (P = 0.03) than the controls. In Task 2 the trainees performed the task more rapidly than the consultants (P = 0.04) and controls (P = 0.02). Trainees were more economical in movement than were consultants (P = 0.031) and controls (P = 0.046). In the more complex Task 3, trainees outperformed consultants in terms of errors (P = 0.03), economy of movement (P = 0.046), total diathermy time (P = 0.005) and diathermy error (P = 0.03). Controls performed similarly to the consultants. Although there was a trend towards better performance by trainees over controls, this was only significant for time (P = 0.04) and total diathermy time (P = 0.011). A few participants had results that were >2sd above the mean and several people could not complete Task 3.

Conclusions Urologists do not differ from the general population in terms of innate spatial ability in this setting. There are several people who may have a defect in spatial awareness but the incidence was the same in each group. Urological trainees outperformed consultants in these tasks; the reasons for this are unclear. The MIST‐VR system is of no help in aptitude testing for urological trainees, although it may have a role in teaching laparoscopic surgery. Testing other psychometric components may be more important for acquiring surgical skills than innate spatial‐awareness skills. Further studies are required to investigate this possibility.
The effectiveness of desmopressin in the treatment of childhood nocturnal enuresis: predicting response using pretreatment variables
Authors: Butler R. , Holland P. , Devitt H. , Hiley E. , Roberts G. , Redfern E.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To determine the factors that predict the effectiveness of desmopressin in the treatment of childhood nocturnal enuresis.

Patients and method

Sixty‐six children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis were treated with intranasal or oral desmopressin for a 4‐week period, starting with a standard dose of 20 μg (0.2 mg oral) and increasing after 2 weeks where no progress was apparent to 40 μg (0.4 mg oral). Before treatment a range of variables (demographic, situational, enuretic history, physiological, parental attitude and child) were recorded. Three parameters of success acted as dependent variables, with stepwise linear regression models used to determine pretreatment predictors of success with desmopressin.

Result

Each outcome variable produced a very similar model of predictors. Success, as assessed by the most dry nights over a 14‐night period, was associated with less severe enuresis before treatment, a parental belief that the child’s enuresis was unstable and higher birthweight.

Conclusion

From the analysis, a model of arginine vasopressin release is proposed and the clinical implications of the findings addressed.
A follow‐up of enuresis from childhood to adolescence
Authors: Moilanen I. , Tirkkonen T. , Järvelin M.R. , Linna S.L. , Almqvist F. , Piha J. , Räsänen E. , Tamminen T.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To determine the prevalence and treatment of enuresis in a national population‐based follow‐up study of children aged 8–14 years, to evaluate possible factors that enhance or hamper the attainment of continence and to examine the relationships between enuresis and psychiatric disturbance.

Subjects and methods

An initial study was carried out in 1989 as part of the Finnish Child Psychiatric National Epidemiological Study. Three types of questionnaires were used; the Rutter Scale A for completion by parents, including a question about enuresis, the Rutter scale B for completion by teachers and the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), completed by the children. Parents were also asked about demographic and family issues, teachers about school achievements and children about additional psychosomatic symptoms. In a follow‐up in 1995, the target population comprised all previous enuretics and their controls, matched by age, gender, class and school, in the first phase of the study. Replies were received from 315 enuretic boys and 186 girls, with the corresponding values for controls being 310 and 183. The parents were asked about the adolescents’ present enuresis and for permission for a treatment trial, if needed. The adolescents completed the CDI, and a questionnaire about enuresis, previous treatments and possible willingness for a treatment trial. They also reported basic somatic data, their life events and living habits.

Results

In the initial study, the enuretic children had higher total and subscores as reported by parents, teachers and themselves, except for emotional items reported by the teachers. Additionally, a significantly greater proportion of these children soiled, had sleep‐ ing difficulties and difficulties in falling asleep. Enuretic boys had more frequent nightly arousal and early morning waking, while the enuretic girls had more nightmares than non‐enuretic girls. At 14 years old, the parents reported that 13 adolescents were enuretic; from the children’s replies, nine boys and seven girls were enuretic.

Conclusions

The prevalence of enuresis in those previously enuretic was surprisingly low, probably because of the efficient treatment methods, conditioning and medication. There were evident connections between childhood enuresis and mental well‐being.
Bladder autoaugmentation in myelodysplastic children
Authors: Skobejko‐Wlodarska L. , Strulak K. , Nachulewicz P. , Szymkiewicz C.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To present the long‐term results of bladder autoaugmentation in myelodysplastic children with low compliance neurogenic bladders who failed attempts at medical management, including clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and pharmacological bladder relaxation.

Patients and methods

Twenty‐one patients with a neurogenic bladder after myelomeningocele operations (mean age 9.5 years, range 3–16) underwent autoaugmentation; 12 children were paraplegic and hydrocephalic, and were treated by insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal valve. All patients had low‐compliance neurogenic bladders confirmed urodynamically. Ten patients had vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) and eight had dilated upper urinary tracts with no reflux. All patients had been treated pre‐operatively using CIC and anticholinergic agents, with no success.

Results

Of 21 children treated surgically, 17 were assessed urodynamically and examined to determine the condition of the upper and lower urinary tract. The follow‐up ranged from 3 months to 8 years (mean 6 years). In 13 patients the bladder capacity increased by ≈60 mL and in 14 the intravesical pressure decreased by ≈65 cmH2O. Fourteen children were continent using CIC (from 3‐ to 4‐hourly); in the six patients with VUR the reflux resolved in two, decreased in two and remained unchanged in two. Of eight patients with dilated upper tracts but no reflux, seven improved. There was no improvement in bladder capacity in four patients and no reduction in intravesical pressure in three. Two patients underwent enterocystoplasty (one ileocystoplasty and one colocystoplasty) with good results. Two children needed anticholinergic agents after autoaugmentation.

Conclusions

Autoaugmentation effectively reduces high intravesical pressure and provides a sufficient increase in bladder capacity with a concomitant improvement in urodynamic values. The present method allows the extent of the surgical procedure to be limited to the extraperitoneal space and thus maintains all of other options. Bladder autoaugmentation is a reasonable alternative to enterocystoplasty in selected patients.