bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The distribution of Posthodiplostomum cuticola metacercariae in young‐of‐the‐year cyprinid fishes
Authors: Ondračková M. , Jurajda P. , Gelnar M.
Published: April 2005

The lowest frequency of metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum cuticola on the bodies of six young‐of‐the‐year cyprinid species was found on the head and ventral body. Metacercariae distribution differed among host species which may have been related to the behaviour of the fish host.
The effects of long‐term food deprivation on respiration and haematology of the neotropical fish Hoplias malabaricus
Authors: Rios F. S. , Kalinin A. L. , Rantin F.T.
Published: April 2005

Growth of adult traíras Hoplias malabaricus ceased and body mass (M) decreased during starvation periods of 30, 60, 90, 150, 180 and 240 days. Hepatic reserves were mobilized in fish starved for 30 days, but liver mass of fish starved for longer periods was not significantly different from those starved for 30 days. Perivisceral fat bodies were consumed gradually, being completely exhausted after 240 days of food deprivation. Length of starvation was associated with a significant decrease in the oxygen uptake (V o2). In spite of this reduction, the respiratory frequency (fR) was kept nearly constant during the starvation periods. The haematocrit and the number of red blood cells decreased after 150 and 240 days of starvation, respectively. These parameters did not recover after refeeding (after 90 and 240 days of starvation). This hypometabolic state in response to food deprivation contributed to energy conservation during these periods. Traíras can survive food deprivation for periods of up to 180 days without reductions in metabolism and when they do become hypometabolic, normal metabolic rates are rapidly restored upon refeeding.
The role of male visual and chemical cues on the activation of female courtship behaviour in the sex‐role reversed peacock blenny
Authors: Gonçalves D. M. , Barata E. N. , Oliveira R. F. , Canário A. V. M.
Published: April 2005

Chemical cues during courtship in peacock blenny Salaria pavo did not add significantly to the response of visual stimuli and females did not court when a male was not visible. The results showed that female S. pavo courtship behaviour was elicited exclusively by male visual features and not by a multicomponent signal in different sensory modalities. The time spent by females courting the male and exhibiting the nuptial colouration during visual trials correlated with the size of the male's crest, suggesting a signalling function for this trait. Alternative hypothesis for the function of the putative pheromones released by the male's anal gland are discussed. Evidence that female sexual motivation decreases towards the end of the breeding season is also provided, which should be considered in future mate choice experiments.
Size related dietary shifts of Epinephelus marginatus in a western Mediterranean littoral ecosystem: an isotope and stomach content analysis
Authors: Reñones O. , Polunin N.V.C. , Goni R.
Published: April 2005

The diet of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus, from the Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean, consisted primarily of crustaceans, molluscs and fishes, but diet composition varied with body size. The smaller dusky groupers (<300 mm LT) fed primarily on crustaceans, and particularly on brachyurans, which accounted for 46% of the prey identified. As dusky groupers grew, cephalopods became increasingly important and constituted 10 to 40% of the prey identified in subadult and adult specimens. The largest dusky groupers fed primarily on fishes that represented 40·9% of prey identified. These shifts in diet were accompanied by a positive selection of increasingly large prey and by an expansion of trophic niche. δ15N values of dusky grouper white muscle ranged from 8·8 to 13·1% and 71% of the variation in δ15N was explained by differences in dusky grouper size. δ13C values ranged from – 17·9 to – 15·9%, and no significant body size effect on δ13C was detected. Stomach content and 13C values indicated that from 1 year old, the diet of E. marginatus was based on the benthic food web. The enrichment in δ15N registered from juvenile to large males was c. 3·8%. Overall, there was good agreement between gut content and stable isotope data indicating that the latter may be useful as a tool in trophic studies in marine protected areas where sampling for fishes is not allowed.
Predator associated morphology in Galaxias platei in Patagonian lakes
Authors: Milano D. , Cussac V. E. , Macchi P. J. , Ruzzante D.E. , Alonso M. F. , Vigliano P. H. , Denegri M. A.
Published: April 2005

Among 158 Galaxias platei individuals, collected from nine deep Andean lakes and from one shallow lake on the Patagonian steppe, morphological characters associated with caudal fin length were negatively correlated with predation intensity as measured by the incidence of piscivory. Fish from lakes with high rates of piscivory had relatively short caudal fins and those from lakes with low piscivory had long caudal fins. It is hypothesized that in this species caudal fin length affects swimming ability and thus, ability to escape from predators. The population of G. platei from Lake Espejo with an intermediate level of piscivory contained individuals with both long and short caudal fins. Morphological variation within this lake was related to the exploitation of food resources and habitat; individuals with shorter tails ate more amphipods and inhabited shallower habitats. The results indicated that while the among‐lakes morphological variation in G. platei was influenced largely by differences in predation intensity, within‐lake morphological variation, where predation was intermediate, appeared to be affected by both predation and differences in the exploitation of food resources.
Evidence for type assortative mating between the freshwater and Omono types of nine‐spined stickleback in natural fresh water
Authors: Tsuruta T. , Takahashi H. , Goto A.
Published: April 2005

A total of 123 adult specimens of the nine‐spined sticklebackPungitius pungitiuswere identified as either the freshwater or Omono types, based on diagnostic allozyme loci, and their allozyme patterns compared with restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of polymerase chain reaction‐amplified mtDNA segments (mtDNA PCR‐RFLP pattern). All specimens of the two types were clearly identified by the mtDNA PCR‐RFLP patterns, except for a single putative hybrid progeny. The mtDNA PCR‐RFLP patterns of 133 clutches from 21 nests were also compared with those of their parental males, and 126 out of 127 clutches were found to be consistent with the parental male pattern, the remaining six clutches being guarded by an F1hybrid male. The results demonstrated that type assortative mating had occurred between the two types in nature, indicating the existence of a premating isolating mechanism between them.
Respiratory oxygen consumption among groups of Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae subjected to different oxygen concentrations during development
Authors: Chapman L. J. , Nordlie F. G. , Seifert A.
Published: April 2005

The routine metabolic rate of Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae, laboratory‐reared, F1 offspring of parents collected from a hypoxic swamp, did not differ between sibs raised under normoxia and hypoxia. In the offspring of parents originating from a river where the oxygen levels were generally high but fluctuating, the metabolic rate of fish raised under normoxia was higher than for sibs raised under extreme hypoxia. Although further experiments with a larger random sample of the parental stock will be necessary to validate the patterns, the difference between the experiments may indicate the selective environment of the parents.
Immnunohistochemical detection of phthalate esters in the alimentary canal of Tilapia spp.
Authors: Menghi G. , Sabbieti M. G. , Menghi M. , Roda A. , Materazzi S. , Marchetti L.
Published: April 2005

An examination of the occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters in the alimentary canal of a polyhybrid of Tilapia gave evidence of different and selective patterns of distribution in the organ tissues: the phthalate esters were shown to be concentrated in the stomach and anterior intestine. The restricted distribution of phthalate esters can have implications for the physiology of the digestive system. The phthalates, stored in the oxyntic cells of the gastric tubular glands, probably interfere with the digestive process. The strategic location of the enterocytes in the anterior intestine implies that they can hamper the reabsorption of digestion products. The endocrine disrupting effects known for these chemicals are probably related to the absorption of them via the alimentary canal.
Occurrence of the Asiatic cyprinid Pseudorasbora parva in England
Authors: Gozlan R. E. , Pinder A. C. , Shelley J.
Published: April 2005

Pseudorasbora parva has demonstrated, in less than four decades, its invasive potential by colonizing much of continental Europe. Established populations of P. parva have now been found in the wild, in large numbers, at several locations across England. At present, only one deliberate introduction is known to have taken place during the mid‐1980s at Crampmoor Fisheries, Hampshire.
CO2and O3effects on host plant preferences of the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria)
Authors: Agrell Jep , Kopper Brian , McDonald Evan P. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: April 2005

Elevated levels of CO2and O3affect plant growth and phytochemistry, which in turn can alter physiological performance of associated herbivores. Little is known, however, about how generalist insect herbivores respondbehaviorallyto CO2‐ and O3‐mediated changes in their host plants. This research examined the effects of elevated CO2and O3levels on host plant preferences and consumption of forest tent caterpillar (FTC,Malacosoma disstriaHbn.) larvae. Dual choice feeding assays were performed with foliage from birch (Betula papyriferaMarsh.) and aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx., genotypes 216 and 259). Trees were grown at the Aspen Free Air CO2Enrichment (FACE) facility near Rhinelander, WI, USA, and had been exposed to ambient or elevated concentrations of CO2and/or O3. Levels of nutritional and secondary compounds were quantified through phytochemical analyses. The results showed that elevated O3levels increased FTC larval preferences for birch compared with aspen, whereas elevated CO2levels had the opposite effect. In assays with the two aspen genotypes, addition of both CO2and O3caused a shift in feeding preferences from genotype 259 to genotype 216. Consumption was unaffected by experimental treatments in assays comparing aspen and birch, but were increased for larvae given high O3foliage in the aspen genotype assays. Elevated levels of CO2and O3altered tree phytochemistry, but did not explain shifts in feeding preferences. The results demonstrate that increased levels of CO2and O3can alter insect host plant preferences both between and within tree species. Also, consequences of altered host quality (e.g., compensatory consumption) may be buffered by partial host shifts in situations when alternative plant species are available. Environmentally induced changes in host plant preferences may have the potential to alter the distribution of herbivory across plant genotypes and species, as well as competitive interactions among them.
Variable sensitivity of plant communities in Iceland to experimental warming
Authors: Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , Magnússon Borgthór , Gudmundsson Jón , Elmarsdóttir Ásrún , Hjartarson Hreinn
Published: April 2005

Facing an increased threat of rapid climate change in cold‐climate regions, it is important to understand the sensitivity of plant communities both in terms of degree and direction of community change. We studied responses to 3–5 years of moderate experimental warming by open‐top chambers in two widespread but contrasting tundra communities in Iceland. In a species‐poor and nutrient‐deficient moss heath, dominated by Racomitrium lanuginosum, mean daily air temperatures at surface were 1–2°C higher in the warmed plots than the controls whereas soil temperatures tended to be lower in the warmed plots throughout the season. In a species‐rich dwarf shrub heath on relatively rich soils at a cooler site, dominated by Betula nana and R. lanuginosum, temperature changes were in the same direction although more moderate. In the moss heath, there were no detectable community changes while significant changes were detected in the dwarf shrub heath: the abundance of deciduous and evergreen dwarf shrubs significantly increased (>50%), bryophytes decreased (18%) and canopy height increased (100%). Contrary to some other studies of tundra communities, we detected no changes in species richness or other diversity measures in either community and the abundance of lichens did not change. It is concluded that the sensitivity of Icelandic tundra communities to climate warming varies greatly depending on initial conditions in terms of species diversity, dominant species, soil and climatic conditions as well as land‐use history.
Ambient ultraviolet radiation in the Arctic reduces root biomass and alters microbial community composition but has no effects on microbial biomass
Authors: Rinnan R. , Keinänen M. M. , Kasurinen A. , Asikainen J. , Kekki T. K. , Holopainen T. , Ro‐Poulsen H. , Mikkelsen T. N. , Michelsen A.
Published: April 2005

We assessed the effects of ambient solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on below‐ground parameters in an arctic heath in north‐eastern Greenland. We hypothesized that the current UV fluxes would reduce root biomass and mycorrhizal colonization and that these changes would lead to lower soil microbial biomass and altered microbial community composition. These hypotheses were tested on cored soil samples from a UV reduction experiment with three filter treatments (Mylar, 60% UV‐B reduction; Lexan, up to 90% UV‐B reduction+UV‐A reduction; UV transparent Teflon, filter control) and an open control treatment in two study sites after 3 years' manipulation. Reduction of both UV‐A and UV‐B radiation caused over 30% increase in the root biomass of Vaccinium uliginosum, which was the dominant plant species. UV reduction had contrasting effects on ericoid mycorrhizal colonization of V. uliginosum roots in the two sites, while it had no clear effects on fungal (ergosterol) or microbial biomass (measured both with fumigation–extraction and quantitative lipid biomarker analysis) in soil. However, principal component analysis of lipid biomarkers (phospholipid and glycolipid fatty acid profiles) showed that microbial community composition was altered by UV reduction. Although the UV responses were slight considering the large dose difference between the treatments (from near‐ambient to up to 90% UV‐B reduction), we cannot rule out the possibility that the recovery of ozone layer would change the below‐ground functioning of arctic ecosystems.
Oiling the key hole
Authors: Lafont Frank , Van Der Goot F. Gisou
Published: April 2005

Many bacteria have been found to interact with specialized domains, rich in cholesterol and sphingolipids, of the host plasma membrane, termed lipid rafts. The mechanisms that underlie this interaction are starting to be unravelled. In this issue, Hayward et al. show that early effector proteins secreted by type III secretion harbouring Gram‐negative bacteria are in fact cholesterol‐binding proteins. Combined with other recent findings, this work shows that multiple steps leading to infection by these bacteria depend on raft components: activation of secretion, binding, perforation of the host cell membrane and signalling to trigger bacterial engulfment.
Two acid‐inducible promoters from Lactococcus lactis require the cis‐acting ACiD‐box and the transcription regulator RcfB
Authors: Madsen Søren M. , Hindré Thomas , Le Pennec Jean‐Paul , Israelsen Hans , Dufour Alain
Published: April 2005

We previously characterized three Lactococcus lactis promoters, P170, P1 and P3, which are induced by low pH. Here, we identified a novel 14 bp regulatory DNA region centred at around −41.5 and composed of three tetranucleotide sequences, boxes A, C and D. Boxes A and C contribute to P1 activity, whereas box D and the position of boxes ACD (renamed ACiD‐box) are essential to P1 activity and acid response. We also identified a trans ‐acting protein, RcfB, which is involved in P170 and P1 basal activity and is essential for their pH induction. The regulator belongs to the Crp‐Fnr family of transcription regulators. Overexpression of rcfB resulted in increased β‐galactosidase activities and lantibiotic lacticin 481 production from P170‐ and P1‐controlled genes, respectively, in acid condition. RcfB is thus probably activated when cells encounter an acid environment. rcfB is co‐transcribed with genes encoding an universal stress‐like protein and a multidrug transporter. RcfB plays a role in acid adaptation, as the survival rate of an rcfB mutant after a lethal acid challenge was 130‐fold lower than that of the wild‐type strain, when the bacteria were first grown in acidic medium. The groESL promoter includes a sequence resembling an ACiD‐box and the chaperone GroEL production is partly RcfB dependent in acid condition. Our results suggest that the ACiD‐box could be the DNA target site of RcfB.
The exbD gene of Photorhabdus temperata is required for full virulence in insects and symbiosis with the nematode Heterorhabditis
Authors: Watson Robert J. , Joyce Susan A. , Spencer Georgette V. , Clarke David J.
Published: April 2005

Photorhabdus are bacteria found colonizing the gut of a specialized stage of the nematode Heterorhabditis, called the infective juvenile (IJ). The IJ is a free‐living stage of the nematode that seeks out and infects insect larvae. Once inside the insect the IJ release Photorhabdus into the haemolymph where the bacteria rapidly proliferate, killing the insect within 48–72 h. The nematodes grow and reproduce in the insect cadaver by feeding on the Photorhabdus biomass. In this study we use Photorhabdus temperata K122 to show that genes involved in iron acquisition play a key role during the course of the tripartite bacteria–nematode–insect interaction. We show that a strain carrying a mutation in a gene with homology to exbD, encoding a component of the TonB complex, is unable to grow well in conditions where iron is not freely available. In addition, this mutant, BMM417, requires a longer time to kill the insect larvae than the wild‐type bacteria and this defect in pathogenicity is complemented by the co‐injection of iron. Moreover, the increase in LT50 observed with BMM417 is correlated with a significantly slower in vivo growth rate suggesting that iron is limiting in the insect. We also show that BMM417 is unable to support the growth and development of the Heterorhabditis nematode. Addition of exogenous iron to the growth media restores nematode growth and development on BMM417, suggesting that aspects of iron metaboism in Photorhabdus are important during the symbiosis with the nematode.
The Mep2p ammonium permease controls nitrogen starvation‐induced filamentous growth in Candida albicans
Authors: Biswas Kajal , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: April 2005

Nitrogen starvation is one of the signals that induce Candida albicans, the major fungal pathogen of humans, to switch from yeast to filamentous growth. In response to nitrogen starvation, C. albicans expresses the MEP1 and MEP2 genes, which encode two ammonium permeases that enable growth when limiting concentrations of ammonium are the only available nitrogen source. In addition to its role as an ammonium transporter, Mep2p, but not Mep1p, also has a central function in the induction of filamentous growth on a solid surface under limiting nitrogen conditions. When ammonium is absent or present at low concentrations, Mep2p activates both the Cph1p‐dependent mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway and the cAMP‐dependent signalling pathway in a Ras1p‐dependent fashion via its C‐terminal cytoplasmic tail, which is essential for signalling but dispensable for ammonium transport. In contrast, under ammonium‐replete conditions that require transporter‐mediated uptake Mep2p is engaged in ammonium transport and signalling is blocked such that C. albicans continues to grow in the budding yeast form. Mep2p is a less efficient ammonium transporter than Mep1p and is expressed at much higher levels, a distinguishing feature that is important for its signalling function. At sufficiently high concentrations, ammonium represses filamentous growth even when the signalling pathways are artificially activated. Therefore, C. albicans has established a regulatory circuit in which a preferred nitrogen source, ammonium, also serves as an inhibitor of morphogenesis that is taken up into the cell by the same transporter that mediates the induction of filamentous growth in response to nitrogen starvation.
Different proteins bind to the butyrolactone receptor protein ARE sequence located upstream of the regulatory ccaR gene of Streptomyces clavuligerus
Authors: Santamarta Irene , Pérez‐Redondo Rosario , Lorenzana Luis M. , Martín Juan F. , Liras Paloma
Published: April 2005

Cell‐free extracts from Streptomyces clavuligerus, purified by elution from heparin‐agarose with an ARE‐containing DNA fragment or by salt elution chromatography, bind to a 26 nt ARE sequence, for butyrolactone receptor proteins (AREccaR). This sequence, located upstream of the ccaR gene, encodes the activator protein CcaR required for clavulanic acid and cephamycin C biosynthesis. The binding is specific for the ARE sequence as shown by competition with a 34 nt unlabelled probe identical to the ARE sequence. A brp gene, encoding a butyrolactone receptor protein, was cloned from S. clavuligerus. Sixty‐one nucleotides upstream of brp another ARE sequence (AREbrp) was found, suggesting that Brp autoregulates its expression. Pure recombinant rBrp protein binds specifically to the ARE sequences present upstream of ccaR and brp. A brp‐deleted mutant, S. clavuligerus Δbrp::neo1, produced 150–300% clavulanic acid and 120–220% cephamycin C as compared with the parental strain, suggesting that Brp exerts a repressor role in antibiotic biosynthesis. EMSA assays using affinity chromatography extracts from the deletion mutant S. clavuligerus Δbrp::neo1 lacked a high‐mobility band‐shift due to Brp but still showed the slow‐mobility band‐shift observed in the wild‐type strain. These results indicate that two different proteins bind specifically to the ARE sequence and modulate clavulanic acid and cephamycin biosynthesis by its action on ccaR gene expression.
Mutational analysis of the group A streptococcal operon encoding streptolysin S and its virulence role in invasive infection
Authors: Datta Vivekanand , Myskowski Sandra M. , Kwinn Laura A. , Chiem Daniel N. , Varki Nissi , Kansal Rita G. , Kotb Malak , Nizet Victor
Published: April 2005

The pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) produces a wide spectrum of infections including necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Streptolysin S (SLS) produces the hallmark β‐haemolytic phenotype produced by GAS. The nine‐gene GAS locus (sagA–sagI) resembling a bacteriocin biosynthetic operon is necessary and sufficient  for  SLS  production.  Using  precise,  in‐frame allelic exchange mutagenesis and single‐gene complementation, we show sagA, sagB, sagC, sagD, sagE, sagF and sagG are each individually required for SLS production, and that sagE may further serve an immunity function. Limited site‐directed mutagenesis of specific amino acids in the SagA prepropeptide supports the designation of SLS as a bacteriocin‐like toxin. No significant pleotrophic effects of sagA deletion were observed on M protein, capsule or cysteine protease production. In a murine model of NF, the SLS‐negative M1T1 GAS mutant was markedly diminished in its ability to produce necrotic skin ulcers and spread to the systemic circulation. The SLS toxin impaired phagocytic clearance and promoted epithelial cell cytotoxicity, the latter phenotype being enhanced by the effects of M protein and streptolysin O. We conclude that all genetic components of the sag operon are required for expression of functional SLS, an important virulence factor in the pathogenesis of invasive M1T1 GAS infection.
Differential gene expression in genetically identical sister cells: the initiation of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis†
Authors: Yudkin Michael D. , Clarkson Joanna
Published: April 2005

Early in sporulation, the cell divides asymmetrically to give two sister compartments, a smaller prespore and a larger mother cell. Differential gene expression in these compartments depends on the regulation of the first sporulation‐specific sigma factor, σF, which is activated only in the prespore. Regulation relies on the interactions of four proteins –σF, its antisigma SpoIIAB (which also has protein kinase activity), the anti‐antisigma SpoIIAA and the protein phosphatase SpoIIE. Before asymmetric division, and in the mother cell after division, σF is held in an inactive complex with SpoIIAB and ATP; SpoIIAA is in its phosphorylated form. To disrupt the complex so as to liberate σF in the prespore, dephosphorylated SpoIIAA is needed, and this is made available by SpoIIE. Thereafter, SpoIIAB and SpoIIE are active simultaneously in the prespore, cycling SpoIIAA through phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated forms. This cycle detains SpoIIAB in a state in which it cannot inhibit σF. Results from biophysical techniques, mathematical simulations and enzyme kinetics have now helped to elucidate the dynamics of the protein–protein interactions involved. An understanding of these dynamics largely accounts for the regulation of σF. We show that the system is tuned to be highly efficient in its use of components and extremely economical in conserving ATP.
Unilateral and segmental cystic disease of the kidney
Authors: PUNIA RPS , MOHAN HARSH , BAL AMANJIT , BANSAL VIRENDER KUMAR
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Unilateral and segmental cystic disease is a rare cystic disease of the kidney. Except for its unilaterality, it resembles autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease on gross and histological examination. It also lacks genetic background and progressive deterioration of renal function. Only a small number of unilateral and segmental cystic disease of the kidney cases have been reported to date. The present case is a report of a 69‐year‐old man who had a large multicystic mass involving the lower and middle part of the right kidney with normal residual renal parenchyma at the upper pole. The left kidney was entirely normal. All the laboratory tests were within normal limits. Right nephrectomy was performed because of a strong suspicion of malignancy.
Successful management of lower pole moiety ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a partially duplicated collecting system using retrograde endoureteropyelotomy with the Holmium:YAG laser
Authors: TANIGUCHI MITSUHIRO , KAMEI SHINGO , TAKEUCHI TOSHIMI , SAKAI SYUNSUKE , DEGUCHI TAKASHI
Published: April 2005

Abstract  A patient with lower pole moiety ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a partially duplicated collecting system was managed successfully by retrograde endoureteropyelotomy using a Holmium:YAG laser. To our knowledge, we report the first case of this entity managed successfully by retrograde endoureteropyelotomy without a percutaneous approach.
Scrotal dartos flap for the prevention of the urethrocutaneous fistula on hypospadias urethroplasty
Authors: HAYASHI YUTARO , KOJIMA YOSHIYUKI , KUROKAWA SATOSHI , MIZUNO KENTARO , NAKANE AKIHIRO , KOHRI KENJIRO
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Background:  Urethrocutaneous fistula is a common complication of urethroplasty for severe hypospadias, even when a microsurgical technique is applied.

Patients and methods:  From June 2001 to July 2003, we applied the scrotal dartos flap wrapping technique to prevent the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in 14 patients with hypospadias.

Results:  Hypospadias was repaired without fistula formation in all but one patient, who developed a tiny fistula which was later closed successfully by a simple procedure.

Conclusions:  We recommend the scrotal dartos wrapping technique for covering the neourethra with a well‐vascularized flap because of fewer complications, although the procedure to obtain the vascularized flap may take longer.
Perinephric angiomyolipoma: A unique development pattern surrounding the kidney
Authors: OBARA WATARU , SATO KAZUNORI , OWARI YUKIHISA , NOZAWA TATSURU , ISURUGI KAZUMASA , OHMORI SOU , MATSUSHITA YASUSHI , TANJI SUSUMU , KONDA RYUICHIRO , FUJIOKA TOMOAKI
Published: April 2005

Abstract  We report a case of a 31‐year‐old man with extrarenal angiomyolipoma of the perinephric space. He presented with asymptomatic macrohematuria. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large perinephric mass which was separated from the right kidney and its unique growth appeared to have surrounded the kidney. Extrarenal angiomyolipomas of the perinephric fat are rare and they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a retroperitoneal mass where asymptomatic macrohematuria was presented at the onset.
Indirect computed tomography sign of renal artery injury: Retrograde filling of the renal vein
Authors: BALKAN EMIN , KILIC NIZAMETTIN , DOGRUYOL HASAN
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Computed tomography is a very useful diagnostic tool in children's trauma. In the present case report, retrograde filling of the renal vein during computerized tomographic examination of a patient with renal trauma is presented. This is an indirect sign of traumatic renal artery injury. This finding might assist in the early diagnosis of severe renovascular trauma.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder presenting after blunt abdominal trauma: A very rare occurrence in childhood
Authors: KILIC NIZAMETTIN , TURKEL TURGUT , BALKAN EMIN , SEVINIR BETUL
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Tumors of the urinary bladder are rare in children and nearly all of them are of mesodermal in origin. Herein we report a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a 13‐year‐old boy who presented after blunt abdominal trauma. It should be remembered that hematuria could develop after blunt abdominal trauma in children, for reasons other than the trauma itself (e.g. tumors of the urinary tract).
Penile erectile responses to electric stimulation are enhanced by a new phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitor
Authors: YU JAE YOUNG , KANG KYUNG KOO , YOO MOOHI , KWON JONG WON
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Aim:  This study was conducted to investigate the effect of DA‐8159, a new phosphodiesterase type‐5 (PDE5) inhibitor, on electrostimulation‐induced penile erection in rats.

Methods:  Intracavernous pressure (ICP) and arterial blood pressure (BP) were simultaneously recorded through electric pelvic‐ganglion stimulation (2–10 Hz) after the oral administration of DA‐8159 (3 or 10 mg/kg) in normal and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Statistical analysis was performed on the maximal intracavernous pressure (ICP), detumescence time, maximal intracavernous pressure/blood pressure (ICP/BP) ratio, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the ICP/BP ratio.

Results:  In normal and diabetic rats, electrical stimulation of the pelvic ganglion induced a frequency‐ and dose‐dependent increase in the intracavernous pressure. The ICP/BP ratio and the corresponding AUC values were also significantly and dose‐dependently increased after DA‐8159 administration. In addition, the detumescence time significantly increased after DA‐8159 administration compared to that of the controls.

Conclusions:  These results show that the DA‐8159 significantly increased the intracavernous pressure response and prolonged the decay period induced by electrical stimulation of the pelvic ganglion, and suggest that DA‐8159 might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Prediction of potentially insignificant prostate cancer in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically organ‐confined disease
Authors: MIYAKE HIDEAKI , SAKAI IORI , HARADA KEN‐ICHI , HARA ISAO , ETO HIROSHI
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Background:  The objectives of the present study were to characterize, according to tumor significance, the clinicopathological features of patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy, and to determine useful parameters for predicting insignificant disease before surgery.

Methods:  In this series, we included 195 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically organ‐confined prostate cancer at our institution between January 1999 and November 2003. Several clinicopathological factors were analyzed, focusing on whether the largest tumor volume in radical prostatectomy specimens was ≥0.5 cm3 or <0.5 cm3, which is the criterion defined to distinguish insignificant cancer from significant cancer.

Results:  Potentially insignificant cancer was detected in 28 of 195 patients (14.4%). There were significant differences between patients with insignificant disease and those with significant disease in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) as well as all biopsy parameters, with the exception of biopsy Gleason score. Furthermore, final pathological examination demonstrated that these two patient groups showed significant differences in Gleason score and the incidence of extraprostatic disease extension. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that tumor volume in the prostatectomy specimens was significantly associated with serum PSA and all biopsy parameters; however, each of the correlations was comparatively weak. There was no single parameter that could viewed as a useful predictor of tumor significance. The best model for predicting insignificant tumor was the combined use of biopsy Gleason score <7 and percent of positive biopsy core (PPBC) <15%; however, the further addition of serum PSA <10 ng/mL to these two parameters failed to enhance the predictive value of cancer significance.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that clinicopathological findings suggesting favorable features are well observed in patients with potentially insignificant prostate cancer compared to those with significant prostate cancer, and the combination of a biopsy Gleason score <7 and PPBC <15% might be useful as a predictor of insignificant disease.
Recto‐peritoneal fistula following transperineal prostate biopsy
Authors: NOMURA TAKEO , MIMATA HIROMITSU , HATA SHINROU , YAMASAKI MUTSUSHI , TANAKA EIICHI , NOGUCHI TSUYOSHI , MIZUTANI AKIO , YOSHITAKE SHIGENORI , NOGUCHI TAKAYUKI , NOMURA YOSHIO
Published: April 2005

Abstract  A recto‐peritoneal fistula is an extremely rare complication after prostate biopsy. We report herein on a peritonitis arising from a recto‐peritoneal fistula 5 days after undergoing prostate biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of recto‐peritoneal fistula following transperineal needle biopsy of the prostate in the published literature.
Relationship between corneal thickness and optic disc damage in glaucoma
Authors: Hewitt Alex W , Cooper Richard L
Published: April 2005

Background: Central corneal thickness (CCT) has been found to be a powerful predictor for the development of glaucoma in patients with ocular hypertension. This study aimed to determine whether CCT was also related to glaucoma severity.

Methods: The vertical cup/disc ratio (VCDR) was used as a single objective measure of glaucoma severity. Vertical cup diameters and vertical disc diameters were measured using a graticule attached to a 60 D Volk lens, in consecutive patients presenting to a single ophthalmologist. Measurements were corrected for magnification. The difference between corrected VCDR and 95% probability of VCDR normality was compared to CCT, which was measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter.

Results: During the study period 554 eyes from 281 patients with glaucoma were reviewed. The mean CCT was 519.0 µm, with the mean corrected VCDR being 0.71. A univariate linear regression model revealed that an increase of 10 µm in CCT resulted in a 0.009 decrease in the difference between true VCDR and the predicted normal VCDR. The R2 value for the regression was 0.04 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: There is a highly statistically significant, albeit small, negative correlation between corneal thickness and glaucoma severity. This study supports the notion that CCT should be measured in the assessment of patients with glaucoma. Progressive thinning or presence of a thin cornea may have pathogenic or prognostic roles in some types of glaucoma.
Local or short‐term systemic costimulatory molecule blockade prolongs rat corneal allograft survival
Authors: Thiel Michael A , Steiger Jurg U , O'Connell Philip J , Lehnert Anne M , Coster Douglas J , Williams Keryn A
Published: April 2005

Background: Costimulatory molecule blockade with antibody‐based immunosuppressive agents has been shown to prolong the survival of many types of allograft. The effects were evaluated of local costimulatory molecule blockade with different CTLA4‐Ig constructs and of systemic, short‐term treatment with an anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibody on orthotopic corneal allograft survival in the rat.

Methods: Adult Fischer‐344 rats underwent Wistar‐Furth orthotopic corneal grafts. The rats were treated with two different CTLA4‐fusion proteins administered intraocularly in the perioperative period, or systemically with anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibody JJ319. Corneal graft survival was determined by daily slit‐lamp examination. The day of rejection was defined as the first postoperative day on which the iris margin was no longer clearly visible through the corneal graft.

Results: Local administration of CTLA4‐fusion protein with mutated immunoglobulin constant region domains via a single perioperative intraocular injection prolonged corneal graft survival modestly but significantly (P < 0.05), in contrast to a CTLA4‐fusion protein with wild‐type immunoglobulin domains, which had no effect on graft survival (P > 0.5). Systemic short‐term administration of 400 µg total of an anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibody also prolonged corneal graft survival significantly (P < 0.05) and was more effective than systemic administration of 2 mg total of CTLA4‐fusion protein (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Local administration of CTLA4‐fusion protein with mutated (non‐functional) immunoglobulin domains or systemic administration of anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibody can prolong corneal allograft survival in the rat.
Novel ophthalmological features in hereditary endotheliopathy with retinopathy, nephropathy and stroke syndrome
Authors: Cohn Amy C , Kotschet Katya , Veitch Alistair , Delatycki Martin B , McCombe Mark F
Published: April 2005

The ophthalmic features are reported of a member of an Australian pedigree with three affected individuals spanning two generations with a hereditary endotheliopathy syndrome resulting in retinopathy, leukoencephalopathy and nephropathy. The index case initially presented with asymptomatic retinopathy, cerebral microvascular disease, nephropathy and raised inflammatory markers. The clinical, neuro‐radiological, biochemical and histopathological findings in this patient are consistent with a diagnosis of hereditary endotheliopathy, retinopathy, nephropathy and stroke (HERNS). Linkage analysis has identified a locus for HERNS on chromosome 3p21.1‐p21.3. This locus is shared with two other diseases: hereditary vascular retinopathy (HVR) and cerebroretinal vasculopathy (CRV). Although peripheral retinal involvement is a feature of HVR, it has not previously been described in HERNS. This case represents a novel phenotype of HERNS, and serves to blur the distinction between the vasculopathies mapping to chromosome 3p21. Although previously thought to be distinct clinical entities, it is possible that HERNS, HVR and CRV simply represent different phenotypes of the same disease. This will only be clarified with the identification of the gene or genes. This case also raises the question of how best to manage rare forms of vascular retinopathy.
Couching for cataract and Sino‐Indian medical exchange from the sixth to the twelfth century ad
Authors: Fan Ka Wai
Published: April 2005

This paper investigates the processes of interpretation and integration of the Indian ophthalmic technique known as ‘couching for cataract’ into Chinese medicine from the sixth to the twelfth century ad. The Indian medical knowledge of this procedure was eventually accepted because it could be reconstructed following Chinese medical concepts.
Clinical manifestations of a unique X‐linked retinal disorder in a large New Zealand family with a novel mutation in CACNA1F, the gene responsible for CSNB2
Authors: Hope Carolyn I , Sharp Dianne M , Hemara‐Wahanui Ariana , Sissingh Jennifer I , Lundon Patricia , Mitchell Ed A , Maw Marion A , Clover Gillian M
Published: April 2005

Purpose: To describe the phenotype in a New Zealand family with an unusual severe X‐linked retinal disorder with a novel I745T mutation in CACNA1F, the gene responsible for incomplete congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB2).

Methods: Members of the family tree were invited for clinical, psychophysical and electrodiagnostic evaluation.

Results: Male family members had severe non‐progressive visual impairment, abnormal colour vision, congenital nystagmus, hyperopia and normal fundi. Some were intellectually disabled. Female family members had congenital nystagmus and decreased visual acuity frequently associated with high myopia. Electroretinograms (ERG) identified reduced rod and cone responses with negative waveform in male and female family members, with atypical features for CSNB2.

Conclusions: Although there were similarities to CSNB2, distinctive features in male family members included severity of phenotype, and association of intellectual disability. Moreover, all female heterozygotes had clinical and ERG abnormalities. CACNA1F encodes the Cav1.4 α1 subunit of a voltage‐gated calcium channel, which may mediate neurotransmitter release from photoreceptors. Molecular analyses, reported separately, identified a novel I745T CACNA1F mutation that was associated in vitro with major alterations in gating and kinetics of the Cav1.4 channel. It is speculated that the unique phenotype described in this family may reflect similarly altered function of Cav1.4 channel activity in vivo.
Effect of mitomycin C on ciliary body and intraocular pressure with various application depths: an experimental study
Authors: Sari Ayca , Onol Merih , Ozdek Sengül , Ozogul Candan , Hasanreisoglu Berati
Published: April 2005

Background: To evaluate the effects of mitomycin C (MMC) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and ciliary body via transmission electron microscopy when applied under conjunctiva or different depths of sclera, without performing any filtering surgery.

Methods: Thirty‐six eyes of 36 New Zealand albino rabbits were used in this study. MMC was prepared in a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL and 0.05 cc (20 µg) was soaked in preprepared sterile surgical sponges. Six groups each consisting of six eyes were formed and IOP was measured preoperatively. Group 1 was the control group: the superior conjunctiva was opened and only irrigated with balanced salt solution (BSS). In group 2, MMC soaked sponges were applied under the conjunctiva. In groups 3 and 4, a scleral flap of approximately 1/3 scleral thickness was prepared and in groups 5 and 6, and a scleral flap of approximately 2/3 scleral thickness was prepared, all with a standard size of 4 × 4 mm. MMC soaked sponges were applied under these areas for 5 min in eyes in groups 3 and 5 followed by an irrigation of the relevant areas with 10 cc BSS, whereas only irrigation with BSS was done in groups 4 and 6 as control groups. No filtering procedure was performed in any of the eyes. Eyes were enucleated on the 30th day following measurement of IOP and the ciliary body regions were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Kruskal–Wallis test was used for the statistical assessment of IOP between groups.

Results: The deep scleral flap group (group 5) showed statistically significantly more IOP reduction than both the superficial scleral flap group (group 3; P = 0.004) and the subconjunctival group (group 2; P = 0.002) on postoperative day 30. Electron microscopic evaluation of the surgical groups revealed a wide range of different histopathological effects due to different MMC application methods. The histopathological changes were more evident in the group 5, where MMC was applied under deep scleral flap.

Conclusions: Subscleral application of MMC seems to provide greater IOP decrease than subconjunctival application, possibly caused by a more significant ciliary body toxicity. This may be the beginning of a non‐penetrating, easy to perform and safe method to decrease IOP in glaucoma patients, which the authors call ‘toxic ciliary ablation surgery’. However, the long‐term results and complications must be assessed with further studies.
Ophthalmological manifestations of Fabry disease: a survey of patients at the Royal Melbourne Fabry Disease Treatment Centre
Authors: Nguyen Thanh T , Gin Trevor , Nicholls Kathy , Low Michael , Galanos Jason , Crawford Andrew
Published: April 2005

Background: Fabry disease is a rare X‐linked inborn error of glycosphingolipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to document the ophthalmological manifestations of patients attending the Royal Melbourne Hospital Fabry disease treatment centre.

Methods: Patients at the treatment centre had full ophthalmological examination performed. This included best corrected visual acuity, ocular motility examination and examination of the adnexae. Patients also underwent slit‐lamp examination looking for the presence of features of Fabry disease, particularly examining the bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, lens and fundus.

Results: Thirty‐four hemizygous male and 32 heterozygous female patients were recruited. The mean age of the hemizygous male patients was 37.7 years (range 18–57 years). The mean age of the heterozygous female patients was 34.6 years (range 1–78 years). Visual acuity was not affected. 97.1% of the hemizygotes and 78.1% of the heterozygotes had vascular abnormalities of the bulbar conjunctiva. Cornea verticillata was noted in 94.1% of the hemizygotes and 71.9% of the heterozygotes. 41.2% of the hemizygotes and 9.4% of the heterozygotes had anterior cataract formation. Posterior lens opacities were observed in 11.8% of the hemizygotes and none of the heterozygotes. Retinal vascular tortuosity was observed in 76.5% of the hemizygotes and 18.8% of the heterozygotes.

Conclusion: Conjunctival vascular tortuosity was the most common manifestation in this series. Conjunctival and retinal vessel tortuosity, and corneal verticillata are frequently observed in Fabry disease. The incidence of lenticular changes is not consistently reported, but in this series and many others, it is much less common than that of corneal, conjunctival and retinal changes.
Wavefront's role in corneal refractive surgery
Authors: Lawless Michael A , Hodge Christopher
Published: April 2005

In the 5 years since the first wavefront‐based LASIK treatment on normal eyes, the ophthalmology profession has had to confront a new language based on astronomy, optics and mathematics. Over this time wavefront technology has been used for diagnosis and treatment, and its application has made the profession define what is meant by good vision, and determine whether, with psychophysical and psychometric tests, it is possible understand how an individual perceives the world. The clinical application of wavefront technology has forced ophthalmologists and vision scientists with an engineering bias to talk to those with a biological bias, and to appreciate that if you try and change the corneal shape, its biological, anatomical and optical properties exist within a complex external eye environment. This perspective article demonstrates that wave­front analysis is a useful diagnostic tool, and that wavefront‐based corneal refractive surgery is an improvement over conventional techniques. Its use by an ophthalmologist is a clinical decision specific to an individual patient.