bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Type of Prosthesis on Oral Environment and the Number of Missing Teeth in Elderly Persons
Authors: Tanaka Junko , Tanaka Masahiro
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the number of missing teeth (MT) and the statuses of oral environmental factors (the stimulated salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and the counts of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, andCandida) in the elderly. The subjects were 64 elderly subjects with fixed prostheses and 49 who wore removable partial dentures aged over 65 years. We used one-way ANOVA to test for overall differences of the number of MT among 5 oral environmental factors. The significant differences were observed in the lactobacilli counts for different number of MT. The number of MT increased with an increase in the lactobacilli counts with removable denture. In conclusion, for the patients wearing removable dentures, increasing number of MT was associated with an increase in the lactobacilli counts in saliva. For the patients with crowns and fixed partial dentures, the number of MT was not significantly affected by salivary mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and Candida counts.
The Employment of Leukotriene Antagonists in Cutaneous Diseases Belonging to Allergological Field
Authors: Nettis Eustachio , D'Erasmo Maddalena , Di Leo Elisabetta , Calogiuri Gianfranco , Montinaro Vincenzo , Ferrannini Antonio , Vacca Angelo
Published: September 2010

Leukotrienes (LTs) are potent biological proinflammatory mediators. LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 are more frequently involved in chronic inflammatory responses and exert their actions binding to a cysteinyl-LT 1 (CysLT1) receptor and a cysteinyl-LT 2 (CysLT2) receptor. LTs receptor antagonists available for clinical use demonstrate high-affinity binding to the CysLT1 receptor. In this paper the employment of anti-LTs in allergic cutaneous diseases is analyzed showing that several studies have recently reported a beneficial effects of these agents (montelukast and zafirlukast as well as zileuton) for the treatment of some allergic cutaneous related diseases-like chronic urticaria and atopic eczema although their proper application remains to be established.
Citizen Science Observations of Monarch Butterfly Overwintering in the Southern United States
Authors: Howard Elizabeth , Aschen Harlen , Davis Andrew K.
Published: September 2010

Members of the public have long had a fascination with the monarch butterfly,Danaus plexippus, because of its amazing long-distance migration to overwintering sites in central Mexico, and many participate in online citizen-science programs where they report observations of its life history in North America. Here, we examine a little-studied aspect of monarch biology, the degree of overwintering in the southern United States. We compiled 9 years of sightings of overwintering monarchs in the southern United States that were reported to Journey North, a web-based citizen science program, to map the distribution of areas where monarchs are capable of surviving during the winter (i.e., in January and February), differentiating between adult sightings and sightings of breeding activity. We also statistically compared the latitudes of adult and breeding sightings, examined differences across years in latitude of sightings, and quantified the number of monarchs reported with each sighting. Of all 254 sightings, 80% came from Florida and Texas, with the remainder coming from South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and even one in Virginia. This distribution was generally consistent with the winter range predicted by prior investigators based on climatic conditions of this region. Sightings of adults were on average from higher latitudes than reports of breeding activity and there was significant variation across years in the average latitude of all sightings. The majority of sightings (94.2%) were of fewer than 10 adult monarchs per location, and there were no reports of clustering behavior that is typical of monarch overwintering in California and Mexico. The results of this investigation broaden our collective understanding of this stage of the monarch life cycle and, more generally, highlight the value of citizen science programs in advancing science.
The Self-Balanced Shear Stresses in the Elastic Body with a Locally Curved Covered Fiber
Authors: Simsek Alan Kadriye , Akbarov Surkay D.
Published: September 2010

Within the framework of the piecewise homogenous body model, with the use of the three-dimensional geometrically nonlinear exact equations of the theory of elasticity, the method developed for the determination of the stress distribution in the composites with unidirectional locally curved covered fibers is used for investigation of the shear stresses acting along the fibers. All the investigations are carried out for an infinite elastic body containing a single locally curved covered fiber, for the case where there exists the bond covering cylinder with constant thickness between fiber and matrix material are considered. It is assumed that the considered material is loaded at infinity by uniformly distributed normal forces in the fiber lying direction. Under formulation and mathematical solution of the boundary value problem, the boundary form perturbation method is used. The numerical results related to stress distribution in considered body and the influence of geometrical nonlinearity to this distribution are presented and interpreted.
Levitin-Polyak Well-Posedness in Vector Quasivariational Inequality Problems with Functional Constraints
Authors: Zhang J , Jiang B , Huang XX
Published: September 2010

We introduce several types of Levtin-Polyak well-posedness for a vector quasivariational inequality with functional constraints. Necessary and/or sufficient conditions are derived for them.
The ACP Evidence‐Based Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Lian Sungmi
Published: September 2010

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is no longer new terminology in the healthcare system but, evidence-based CAM is still an unfamiliar term. Evidence‐based medicine, a practice of medicine based on the recommendation derived from a systematic, scientific study of published data, is accepted as the standard in the healthcare.
ACP Evidence-Based Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Bradly Jacobs and Katherine Gundling is reviewed. Up‐to‐date reference books like the ACP Evidence-Based Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine is an essential tool for improving quality of care when the providers aim to practice evidence‐based medicine.
Use of Homeopathy in Pediatric Oncology in Germany
Authors: Längler Alfred , Spix Claudia , Edelhäuser Friedrich , Kameda Genn , Kaatsch Peter , Seifert Georg
Published: September 2010

Homeopathy is a frequently used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment.
We present results comparing responses of homeopathy users (HUs) and users of other forms of CAM (NHUs) in pediatric oncology (PO) in Germany. Differences between these two groups (usage, associated demographic characteristics, previous experience with CAM) are investigated. 186 (45.2%) of the 367 CAM users were exposed to homeopathy. The treatment duration amounted to
a median of 601 days for HUs and 282 days for NHUs. Parents with p (127; 76.5%) also used homeopathy for their child′s
cancer. Nonmedical practitioners played a considerably greater role as source of information than did treating physician. In the majority HUs received their prescriptions from nonmedical practitioners (56%; 29.4% of NHUs). HUs communicate more frequently with their physicians about the CAM‐use (77.7% versus 65.2%) and recommend CAM more often than NHUs (94% versus 85.6%). Homeopathy is the most frequently used CAM treatment in PO in Germany. HUs sustain treatment and therapies considerably longer than NHUs. Most families who had used homeopathy before their child was diagnosed with cancer also used homeopathy for the treatment of their child′s cancer. Compared to other CAM treatments, patient satisfaction with homeopathy appears to be very high.
MLH1 Founder Mutations with Moderate Penetrance in Spanish Lynch Syndrome Families
Authors: Borràs Ester , Pineda Marta , Blanco Ignacio , Jewett Ethan M. , Wang Fei , Teulé Àlex , Caldés Trinidad , Urioste Miguel , Martínez-Bouzas Cristina , Brunet Joan , Balmaña Judith , Torres Asunción , Ramón y Cajal Teresa , Sanz Judit , Pérez-Cabornero Lucía , Castellví-Bel Sergi , Alonso Ángel , Lanas Ángel , González Sara , Moreno Víctor , Gruber Stephen B. , Rosenberg Noah A. , Mukherjee Bhramar , Lázaro Conxi , Capellá Gabriel
Published: September 2010

The variants c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A (p.Leu622His) of the DNA repair gene MLH1 occur frequently in Spanish Lynch syndrome families. To understand their ancestral history and clinical effect, we performed functional assays and a penetrance analysis and studied their genetic and geographic origins. Detailed family histories were taken from 29 carrier families. Functional analysis included in silico and in vitro assays at the RNA and protein levels. Penetrance was calculated using a modified segregation analysis adjusted for ascertainment. Founder effects were evaluated by haplotype analysis. The identified MLH1 c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A (p.Leu622His) variants are absent in control populations and segregate with the disease. Tumors from carriers of both variants show microsatellite instability and loss of expression of the MLH1 protein. The c.306+5G>A variant is a pathogenic mutation affecting mRNA processing. The c.1865T>A (p.Leu622His) variant causes defects in MLH1 expression and stability. For both mutations, the estimated penetrance is moderate (age-cumulative colorectal cancer risk by age 70 of 20.1% and 14.1% for c.306+5G>A and of 6.8% and 7.3% for c.1865T>A in men and women carriers, respectively) in the lower range of variability estimated for other pathogenic Spanish MLH1 mutations. A common haplotype was associated with each of the identified mutations, confirming their founder origin. The ages of c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A mutations were estimated to be 53 to 122 and 12 to 22 generations, respectively. Our results confirm the pathogenicity, moderate penetrance, and founder origin of the MLH1 c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A mutations. These findings have important implications for genetic counseling and molecular diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7379–91. ©2010 AACR.
Superior Efficacy of Tumor Cell Vaccines Grown in Physiologic Oxygen
Authors: Olin Michael R. , Andersen Brian M. , Zellmer David M. , Grogan Patrick T. , Popescu Flavia E. , Xiong Zhengming , Forster Colleen L. , Seiler Charlie , SantaCruz Karen S. , Chen Wei , Blazar Bruce R. , Ohlfest John R.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: Atmospheric oxygen (∼20% O2) has been the universal condition employed to culture tumor cells used as vaccine antigen. We tested the hypothesis that reducing oxygen tension would increase the efficacy of tumor cell lysate vaccines.

Experimental Design: GL261 glioma cells and EMT6 breast carcinoma cells were grown in 5% or 20% O2. Syngeneic tumor-bearing mice were vaccinated with these tumor cell lysates mixed with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides as an adjuvant. Tumor infiltrating T cells and apoptotic GL261 cells were quantified by immunohistochemistry. Tumor-reactive immunoglobulin was detected by Western blot. Ovalbumin and gp100-derived peptides were mixed with GL261 lysates as marker antigens to detect changes in presentation of exogenous antigen on MHC class I in vitro, and in vivo following adoptive transfer of gp100-specific CD8+ T cells.

Results: Mice bearing orthotopic glioma and breast carcinoma survived significantly longer when vaccinated with 5% O2 lysates. Antigen-specific CTL activation was significantly enhanced following stimulation with lysates derived from GL261 cells grown in 5% O2 versus 20% O2 through a mechanism that involved enhanced cross-presentation of exogenous antigen on MHC I. Vaccination with 5% O2 GL261 cell lysates caused a significant increase in CTL proliferation, tumoricidal function, and trafficking into brain tumor sites, whereas 20% O2 lysate vaccines predominantly evoked an antibody response.

Conclusions: Tissue culture oxygen functions as an “immunologic switch” by dictating the cellular and humoral immune responses elicited by tumor cell lysates. These results have profound implications for cancer vaccines that utilize tumor cells as the source of antigen. Clin Cancer Res; 16(19); 4800–8. ©2010 AACR.
Location, Location, Location-Makes All the Difference for Hypoxia in Lung Tumors
Authors: Maity Amit , Koumenis Constantinos
Published: September 2010

Hypoxia is a clinically important component of the tumor microenvironment because it adversely affects progression, metastasis, response to chemoradiation therapy, and overall patient survival. Here, we describe how different animal tumor models of lung cancer can yield surprisingly different hypoxic profiles. Clin Cancer Res; 16(19); 4685–7. ©2010 AACR.
Genetically Engineered Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus Effectively Induces Sustained Remission of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Silberhumer Gerd R. , Brader Peter , Wong Joyce , Serganova Inna S. , Gönen Mithat , Gonzalez Segundo Jaime , Blasberg Ronald , Zamarin Dmitriy , Fong Yuman
Published: September 2010

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor. Alternative treatment strategies such as oncolytic viral therapy may offer promising treatment options in the future. In this study, the oncolytic efficacy and induction of tumor remission by a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus [NDV; NDV(F3aa)-GFP; GFP, green fluorescent protein] in malignant pleural mesothelioma is tested and monitored by bioluminescent tumor imaging. The efficacy of NDV(F3aa)-GFP was tested against several mesothelioma cell lines in vitro. Firefly luciferase–transduced MSTO-211H* orthotopic pleural mesothelioma tumor-bearing animals were treated with either single or multiple doses of NDV(F3aa)-GFP at different time points (days 1 and 10) after tumor implantation. Tumor burden was assessed by bioluminescence imaging. Mesothelioma cell lines exhibited dose-dependent susceptibility to NDV lysis in the following order of sensitivity: MSTO-211H > MSTO-211H* > H-2452 > VAMT > JMN. In vivo studies with MSTO-211H* cells showed complete response to viral therapy in 65% of the animals within 14 days after treatment initiation. Long-term survival in all of these animals was >50 days after tumor installation (control animals, <23 d). Multiple treatment compared with single treatment showed a significantly better response (P = 0.005). NDV seems to be an efficient viral oncolytic agent in the therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma in an orthotopic pleural mesothelioma tumor model. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(10); 2761–9. ©2010 AACR.
Prostaglandin E Receptor EP1 Suppresses Breast Cancer Metastasis and Is Linked to Survival Differences and Cancer Disparities
Authors: Ma Xinrong , Kundu Namita , Ioffe Olga B. , Goloubeva Olga , Konger Raymond , Baquet Claudia , Gimotty Phyllis , Reader Jocelyn , Fulton Amy M.
Published: September 2010

Cyclooxygenase-2 is frequently overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. The cyclooxygenase-2 product prostaglandin E2 elicits cellular responses through four G-protein–coupled receptors, designated EP1 to EP4, coupled to distinct intracellular signaling pathways. EP4, expressed on malignant breast cells, promotes metastasis; however, a role for EP1 in metastasis has not been investigated. Using a murine model of metastatic breast cancer, we now show that pharmacologic antagonism of EP1 with SC19220 or AH6809 promoted lung colonization of mammary tumor cells by 3.7- to 5.4-fold. Likewise, reducing EP1 gene expression by shRNA also increased metastatic capacity relative to cells transfected with nonsilencing vector but did not affect the size of transplanted tumors. Examination of invasive ductal carcinomas by immunohistochemistry shows that EP1 was detected in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of benign ducts as well as malignant cells in some samples, but was absent or limited to either the nucleus or cytoplasm in other malignant samples. Overall survival for women with tumors that were negative for nuclear EP1 was significantly worse than for women with EP1 expression (P = 0.008). There was no difference in survival for women with differences in cytoplasmic EP1 expression (P = 0.46). Comparing EP1 mRNA in breast tumors from African American and European American women revealed that many more African American breast tumors lacked detectable EP1 mRNA (P = 0.04). These studies support the hypothesis that EP1 functions as a metastasis suppressor and that loss of nuclear EP1 is associated with poorer overall survival and may contribute to disparities in outcome in different populations. Mol Cancer Res; 8(10); 1310–8. ©2010 AACR.
Interactions of ErbB4 and Kap1 Connect the Growth Factor and DNA Damage Response Pathways
Authors: Gilmore-Hebert Maureen , Ramabhadran Rajani , Stern David F.
Published: September 2010

ErbB4 is unusual among receptor tyrosine kinases because some isoforms can be efficiently cleaved at the plasma membrane to release a soluble intracellular domain. The cleavage product has high kinase activity and homes to the nucleus. A screen for proteins that associate with the ErbB4 intracellular domain identified candidate interactors including ITCH, WWP2, Nucleolin, and Krab-associated protein 1 (Kap1). Kap1 binds to multiple isoforms of ErbB4 but does not require ErbB4 kinase activity for binding, nor is it an ErbB4 substrate. Kap1 reduces ERBB4 transcription and either directly or indirectly modulates the expression of genes that are themselves regulated by ErbB4. Upregulation of ErbB4 and suppression of MDM2 jointly enhance and accelerate the accumulation of p21CIP1 in response to DNA damage. Overall, these findings further substantiate the role of ErbB4 in conjoint regulation of growth factor signaling and DNA damage responses. Mol Cancer Res; 8(10); 1388–98. ©2010 AACR.
Patched1 Inhibits Epidermal Progenitor Cell Expansion and Basal Cell Carcinoma Formation by Limiting Igfbp2 Activity
Authors: Villani Rehan M. , Adolphe Christelle , Palmer James , Waters Michael J. , Wainwright Brandon J.
Published: September 2010

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common form of cancer, with the majority being caused by mutations in the Patched1 (Ptch1) gene, leading to activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Hh signaling is implicated in many tumor types; thus, defining the mechanisms by which Ptch1 regulates tissue proliferation is of paramount importance. Here, we show that the key role of Ptch1 in the skin is to limit the size of the epidermal stem/progenitor compartment and allow hair follicle differentiation. Specifically, loss of Ptch1 leads to the promotion of progenitor cell fate by increasing basal cell proliferation and limiting the progression of basal cells into differentiated hair follicle cell types. Our data indicate that BCCs likely result from hair follicle progenitor cells that, due to Hh signal activation, cannot progress through normal hair follicle differentiation. These data confirm the role of Ptch1 as a negative regulator of epidermal progenitor turnover and also show for the first time that Ptch1 plays a role in the differentiation of the hair follicle lineage. In addition, we show that insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (Igfbp2) is upregulated in both murine and human BCCs and that blocking Igfbp2 activity reduces the Hh-mediated expansion of epidermal progenitor cells. We propose that Igfbp2 mediates epidermal progenitor cell expansion and therefore represents an epidermal progenitor cell–specific target of Hh signaling that promotes BCC development. Cancer Prev Res; 3(10); 1222–34. ©2010 AACR.
Dietary Vitamin D Exposure Prevents Obesity-Induced Increase in Endometrial Cancer inPten+/−Mice
Authors: Yu Wei , Cline Mark , Maxwell Larry G. , Berrigan David , Rodriguez Gustavo , Warri Anni , Hilakivi-Clarke Leena
Published: September 2010

The possibility that dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) exposure inhibits endometrial carcinogenesis in an animal model and modifies the enhanced risk of endometrial carcinoma associated with obesity was investigated. At 4 weeks of age, Pten+/− and wild-type mice were each divided into four treatment groups and fed AIN93G control diet, or AIN93G-based diet containing either 25,000 international units of VD3 per kilogram of diet, 58% fat to induce obesity (high fat), or high fat and 25,000 international units of VD3 per kilogram of diet. Mice were kept on these diets until they were sacrificed at week 28. Although VD3 did not affect endometrial cancer risk, it inhibited obesity-induced increase in endometrial lesions. Specifically, high-fat diet increased focal glandular hyperplasia with atypia and malignant lesions from 58% in the control diet–fed Pten+/− mice to 78% in obese mice. Dietary VD3 decreased the incidence of endometrial pathology in obese Pten+/− mice to 25% (P < 0.001). VD3 altered the endometrial expression of 25-hydroxylase, 1α-hydroxylase, and vitamin D receptor in the wild-type and Pten+/− mice. Estrogen receptor-α mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.014) and progesterone receptor protein levels in the luminal epithelium were lower (P < 0.04) in the endometrium of control diet–fed Pten+/− than wild-type mice, but the expression of these receptors was not affected by the dietary exposures. VD3 reversed the obesity-induced increase in osteopontin (P < 0.001) and significantly increased E-cadherin expression (P < 0.019) in the endometrium of obese Pten+/− mice. Our data confirm the known association between obesity and endometrial cancer risk. Dietary exposure to VD3 inhibited the carcinogenic effect of obesity on the endometrium. This protective effect was linked to a reduction in the expression of osteopontin and increase in E-cadherin. Cancer Prev Res; 3(10); 1246–58. ©2010 AACR.
Skin Deep and Deeper: Multiple Pathways in Basal Cell Carcinogenesis
Authors: Peacock Craig D. , Rudin Charles M.
Published: September 2010

This perspective places the report by Villani et al. that appears in this issue of the journal (beginning on page 1222) in the context of recent work showing an intersection between two important developmental pathways implicated in oncogenesis: the hedgehog and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathways. Villani et al. define a key role for the IGF regulatory protein Igfbp2 in a genetic model of basal cell carcinogenesis driven by targeted constitutive activation of hedgehog signaling. Placed in the framework of other recently published work, the observations of Villani et al. both raise questions about the cell of origin for basal cell cancers and define additional putative therapeutic and preventive targets for this disease. Cancer Prev Res; 3(10); 1213–6. ©2010 AACR.
Molecular Conversations and the Development of the Hair Follicle and Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Harris Pamela Jo , Takebe Naoko , Ivy S. Percy
Published: September 2010

The understanding of the anatomy and development of fetal and adult hair follicles and the molecular study of the major embryonic pathways that regulate the hair follicle have led to exciting discoveries concerning the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). These studies have shed light on the major roles of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and its interactions with the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in BCC development. New work, for example, explores a link between Shh signaling and IGF binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) in the hair follicle as it transforms into BCC. IGFBP-2 was overexpressed in specific hair follicle cells of mice with ectopically activated Shh signaling [keratin 14 (K14)-Cre: patched homologue 1 (Cre: Ptch1)lox/lox mice]. Ptch1 deletion resulted in both an expansion of the stem cell niche and inhibition of cell differentiation. In transformed hair follicles, IGFBP-2 mediates epidermal progenitor cell expansion. Evidence also indicated that IGFBP-2 is expressed in human BCC. Cancer Prev Res; 3(10); 1217–21. ©2010 AACR.
Does Washing the Biopsy Needle with Povidone-Iodine Have an Effect on Infection Rates after Transrectal Prostate Needle Biopsy?
Authors: Koc Gokhan , Un Sitki , Filiz Devrim Nihat , Akbay Kaan , Yilmaz Yuksel
Published: September 2010

Purpose: To determine the effect of washing the biopsy needle with povidone-iodine solution on infection rates after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy. Patients and Methods: 180 patients with transrectal prostate biopsy were included. Infection was excluded with midstream urine culture before biopsy, and patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 (n = 84), the needle was washed with povidone-iodine after each material reception during biopsy, and in group 2 (n = 96), it was not. At day 3 and 2 weeks after the biopsy, patients were checked. On day 3, midstream urine was cultured and patients were checked for fever, hematuria, rectal hemorrhagia, hematospermia and urinary retention. Also, the effect of rectal preparation on infection rate was evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between the patients’ ages, PSA levels and prostate volumes. In total, 11 patients (6.1%; 4 from group 1 and 7 from group 2) developed infectious complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Fever, asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary system infection rates were also not statistically different between the groups. The most frequent complication was hematuria with 83 cases (46.1%), but they did not need hospitalization and no patient had acute urinary obstruction. Conclusions: Washing the biopsy needle with povidone-iodine did not have an effect on the infection rates. Antibiotic prophylaxis and cleaning the biopsy equipment is adequate for low infection rates.
Association between Polymorphisms in the Serotonin 2C Receptor Gene and Premature Ejaculation in Han Chinese Subjects
Authors: Luo Shunwen , Lu Yiping , Wang Feng , Xie Zhiyuan , Huang Xiaoke , Dong Qiang , Zhang Sixiao
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) is characterized by persistently shorter intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) than found acceptable by the patient or his partner. It has been postulated to be a neurobiological dysfunction with genetic vulnerability and is related to disturbances of central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) neurotransmission and 5-HT receptor function. Aim: To investigate the relationship between the C–759T and G–697C polymorphisms of the 5-HT2C receptor and LPE. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 106 Han Chinese men with LPE, characterized by IELT of less than 1 min, and 84 healthy controls with IELT of more than 3 min. All subjects were genotyped for the C–759T and G–697C polymorphisms located in the promoter region of the 5-HT2C receptor. The frequencies of genotypes and single nucleotide mutations were compared between the two groups. Results: Three genotypes were detected both in the men with LPE and in the control group: –759C/–697G, –759T/–697C, and –759C/ –697C. Genotype –759T/–697G was not detected. The frequency of genotype –759T/–697C was higher in patients with LPE than in the control group (30.2 vs. 11.9%, p < 0.05), whereas the frequency of genotype –759C/–697G was lower in patients with LPE than in the control group (66.0 vs. 83.3%, p < 0.05). No difference was found for genotype –759C/ –697C between the two groups. Mutations at –759T and –697C were more frequent in patients than in the control group (–759T: 30.2 vs. 13.3%, p < 0.05; –697C: 30.4 vs. 16.7%, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that polymorphisms in the 5-HT2C receptor gene are associated with LPE, and men who carry the –759T or –697C genotype have increased odds of premature ejaculation. Further investigation in this field is necessary.
Effect of Bladder Neck Preservation during Endoscopic Extraperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy on Urinary Continence
Authors: Stolzenburg Jens-Uwe , Kallidonis Panagiotis , Hicks James , Do Minh , Dietel Anja , Sakellaropoulos George , Al-Aown Abdulrahman , Liatsikos Evangelos
Published: September 2010

Objective: The current study investigates the effect of bladder neck (BN) preservation on postoperative continence and positive surgical margins (+SMs). Patients and Methods: 150 patients (group 1) who underwent BN-sparing endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) and 90 patients treated with EERPE and BN resection (group 2) were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Both groups were similar for age, prostate-specific antigen and prostate size. There was no significant difference in operative time, mean blood loss or transfusion rate. Mean catheterization time was similar. The overall +SM rates were very similar at 10.7% for group 1 and 10.0% for group 2 (group 1, pT2 = 5.1% and pT3 = 30.3%; group 2, pT2 = 2.9% and pT3 = 33.3%). One of 16 patients in group 1 and 1 of 9 in group 2 had a +SM at BN. Statistically significant differences in continence were observed 24 h after catheter removal and 3 months postoperatively between both groups. Conclusion: BN preservation proved to have an impact on postoperative early continence of patients undergoing EERPE. Continence of patients who underwent BN preservation was improved after catheter removal and at the 3-month follow-up in comparison to those without BN preservation, but +SMs were not affected by the BN-sparing surgery.
Matrix Gla Protein Expression in NRK-52E Cells Exposed to Oxalate and Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate Crystals
Authors: Gao Bing , Yasui Takahiro , Lu Xiuli , Zhou Hongge , Liu Jian , Liu Ping , Okada Atsushi , Xiao Chunling , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: September 2010

Purpose: Matrix Gla protein (MGP), a potent calcification inhibitor in extracellular matrix, is a molecular determinant regulating vascular calcification. Here, we characterized MGP expression in cultured renal tubular epithelial cells exposed to oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals. Methods:NRK-52E cells were cultured and exposed to medium containing oxalate or COM for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h. The levels of MGP mRNA expression were quantified using real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and the levels of protein expression were characterized by Western blot. Results: MGP was expressed rapidly and intensively following exposure to COM and was time-dependent with exposure to oxalate. Conclusion: Our results have given a profile of MGP expression in renal tubular epithelial cells exposed to oxalate and crystals and provided support for an association between MGP and kidney stones. Further investigations on the mechanism of the MGP in the process of crystal-cell interaction may be important in the future.
Was Fine-Needle Vasography an Obsolete Diagnostic Method to Evaluate Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction? Report of 37 Cases
Authors: Zhao Liang-Yun , Tu Xiang-An , Xiang Yong , Sun Xiang-Zhou , Deng Chun-Hua
Published: September 2010

Objectives: Based on comparative analyses of the precision as well as reliability of the diagnostic results on fine-needle vasography (FNV) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in the diagnosis of patients who were suspected of having ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO), this paper aims to demonstrate whether or not FNV techniques still constitute the backbone of diagnostic imaging used in obstructive azoospermia of EDO. Materials and Methods: From July 2005 to December 2008, opening fine-needle punctuation and vasography were performed under local anesthesia in 37 infertile male patients in our center, all of whom were suspected of having bilateral EDO. The diagnostic criteria of these infertile males included characteristic changes of TRUS and/or characteristic changes of semen analysis. Comparative analyses were made of the diagnostic results of the two methods. Results: In the 37 male patients, 19 (51.35%) had been confirmed with pathognomonic findings of both semen analyses and TRUS on complete EDO. Of the others, 18 patients (48.65%) testified with only pathognomonic findings of TRUS but not the typical characteristics on semen analyses. When compared with diagnostic results via FNV however, there were only 5 patients (13.51%) who could be confirmed as having bilateral EDO, 16/37 showed obstruction of the epididymis and proximal vas deferens, 7/37 showed bilateral vasal multiple obstruction, 2 showed unilateral EDO and multiple obstruction of the contralateral vas deferens, and the other 6 patients showed unilateral vasal multiple obstruction and obstruction on the contralateral epididymis and proximal vas deferens. Free flow of the contrast medium could be defined into the bladder by vasography in 23 patients. Of the 23 patients, 12 were suspected of having delayed evacuation based on more than 50% contrast medium remaining inside their seminal vesicles after exhaustion of urine. Conclusion: Our analyses suggest that despite its advantages of being non-invasive, the diagnostic effect of TRUS is limited by both accuracy and reliability. In contrast, although an invasive radiographic imaging method, FNV has been proven as being informative when providing preoperative details about obstruction and other symptoms. After 3 years of research we came to the conclusion that opening fine-needle punctuation and vasography have not become outdated, at least recently, and will remain a necessary and effective method to identify diseases and to provide a strictly defined morphology of the seminal vesicle and ductal system for more comprehensive diagnosis of obstructive azoospermia of EDO.
Comparison of Inguinal Approach, Scrotal Sclerotherapy and Subinguinal Antegrade Sclerotherapy in Varicocele Treatment: A Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Fayez A. , El Shantaly K.M. , Abbas M. , Hauser S. , Müller S.C. , Fathy A.
Published: September 2010

We compared outcome and complications of three simple varicocelectomy techniques. Groups were divided according to whether they would receive the Ivanissevich technique (n = 55), Tauber’s technique (n = 51) or subinguinal sclerotherapy (n = 49). Selection criteria were: infertility >1 year, subnormal semen, sonographic diameter of veins >3 mm and time of regurge >2 s. Patients were randomly assigned to the groups of treatment, with follow-up every 3 months for 1 year. Improvement was only in sperm count and total motility for all groups. Pregnancy rates were 20, 13.73 and 12.24%, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. Hydrocele occurred only in the group which received the Ivanissevich technique (5.5%). Tauber’s technique is simple; however, it has the disadvantage of multiple branching of small veins.
Experimental Varicocele Induces p53-Dependent Germ Cell Apoptosis through Activation of γ-H2AX
Authors: Chang In-Youb , Kim Jin-Ho , Park Kyeong-Han , Yoon Sang-Pil
Published: September 2010

Aim: Since DNA damage-related apoptosis is raising concerns regarding abnormal spermatogenesis, we investigated the changes in γ-H2AX during testicular germ cell apoptotic responses in the varicocele model. Materials and Methods: Varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein and animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 4 weeks after varicocele creation. The levels of activated p53 and γ-H2AX formation were determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Results: γ-H2AX formation was augmented after varicocele creation, while a significant increase in p53 phosphorylation was detected in a time course-dependent manner. Varicocele-dependent nuclear γ-H2AX staining in the primary spermatocytes was prominent as degenerative foci, while little differences could be detected in spermatogonia. Conclusions: These results show that experimental varicocele may induce p53-dependent apoptosis through activation of γ-H2AX in the primary spermatocytes, and suggest that γ-H2AX may be related to apoptotic signal transduction in experimental varicocele.
Practical Decision-Making in the Treatment of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm in Japan: The U-CARE Study
Authors: Akiyama Yukinori , Houkin Kiyohiro , Nozaki Kazuhiko , Hashimoto Nobuo
Published: September 2010

Background: Decision-making during the management of unruptured cerebral aneurysms is a delicate process for both neurosurgeons and patients. Guidelines are evidence-based references that can aid in making decisions. However, neurosurgeons do not always follow guidelines in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to verify the hypothesis that there is substantial dissociation between treatment guidelines and practical decision-making due to a bias in treatment selection for unruptured cerebral aneurysms. This bias is dependent upon clinician-driven factors such as experience and specialty, and patient-driven factors such as patient preference. Methods: This study was performed using internet questionnaires. A total of 282 randomly selected, qualified Japanese neurosurgeons (out of approx. 6,000 registered neurosurgeons), including 45 endovascular specialists, participated in this study. Radiological and demographic data from 88 cases of unruptured cerebral aneurysm were opened on the Web. Participating neurosurgeons decided on the treatment for each case (clipping, coiling or observation). Results: Variations in treatment selection were not significant between neurosurgeons and endovascular specialists, except for aneurysms such as anterior choroidal artery aneurysm. However, contrary to the guidelines, aneurysms larger than 10 mm tended to be treated conservatively because the risk of treatment is high, while aneurysms smaller than 5 mm in diameter were often selected for intervention (clipping or coiling). Conclusions: This study revealed that in real-world clinical practice, physicians are not always faithful to the current guidelines. In making practical treatment decisions for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, the patient’s will and the recognition of unavoidable, treatment-related risks seriously influence neurosurgeons’ decisions.
Penile Incarceration Secondary to a Ring
Authors: Osman I. , Muñoz A.M. , Lozano J.M. , Ortega C.J. , Cruz N. , Medina R.A.
Published: September 2010

Penile incarceration by foreign objects for sexual stimulation purposes is a situation described in universal literature, however it is a rare situation that the urologist must face in the emergency room. A 75-year-old male is presented to whom his sexual partner had placed a ring in the coronal sulcus.
Status of Stereotactic Biopsy in Children with Brain Stem Masses: Insights from a Series of 106 Patients
Authors: Rajshekhar Vedantam , Moorthy Ranjith K.
Published: September 2010

Background:There is no consensus on the indications for stereotactic biopsy for brain stem masses in children. Objectives: We analyzed the results of stereotactic biopsy for brain stem masses in 106 consecutive children to define current indications for this surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of inpatient summaries, stereotactic worksheets and radiological investigations of 106 consecutive patients, under the age of 18 years, who underwent CT-guided stereotactic biopsies for brain stem lesions between 1987 and 2008. Patients were divided into two eras: era I from 1987 to 1997 and era II from 1998 to 2008. Results: 91 children underwent a biopsy in era I, and 15 had the procedure in era II, this difference clearly indicating the impact of the availability of magnetic resonance imaging. There was no difference in the proportion of diffuse lesions biopsied in both eras. Astrocytoma was the most frequently diagnosed pathology in both eras accounting for nearly 90% of biopsies. Inflammatory masses were diagnosed in less than 10% of patients. There was no mortality or permanent morbidity. Mortality, on follow-up, in children with diffuse low- and high-grade astrocytoma was similar. Conclusions:CT-guided stereotactic biopsy for brain stem masses in children is safe and is presently indicated in ruling out an inflammatory pathology of an enhancing mass of the brain stem.
Systemic Thrombolysis with rt-PA in Patients under 40 Years of Age: A Subgroup Analysis of the Cologne Stroke Experience
Authors: Galldiks N. , Zaro-Weber O. , Dohmen C. , Neveling M. , Haupt W.F. , Fink G.R. , Sobesky J.
Published: September 2010

Background: While the application of intravenous systemic thrombolysis (IVT) with rt-PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) in older patients is currently moving into the focus of epidemiological studies, only few data are available regarding the application in young patients ≤40 years. Single-center data of a thrombolysis register were analyzed with respect to safety and efficacy of the treatment of young patients. Methods: In a retrospective subgroup analysis of 450 patients treated by IVT within a 3-hour time window, patients ≤40 years were identified (n = 20). Clinical data [age, pretherapeutic stroke severity (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS), OTT (onset to-treatment time), rt-PA-dose, DNT (door[-]to[-]needle time), rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages] and medical history were determined. The clinical outcome was assessed by the mRS (modified Rankin Scale). The results were compared to those of patients >40 years (n = 430). Results: Twenty patients ≤40 years (mean age 32 years) out of 450 patients (4%) were treated by IVT. The percentage of predisposing diseases and vascular risk factors was significantly lower when compared to patients >40 years (p < 0.05). In contrast, the percentage of smokers was significantly higher (55 vs. 24%; p < 0.05). In comparison to patients >40 years, OTT, DNT and NIHSS at admission were not significantly different. After 3 months, 11 of 20 young patients (55%) showed a favorable outcome (mRS 0–1) and 80% were functionally independent (mRS 0–2). In the group of patients >40 years (n = 430), the respective percentages were significantly lower [p < 0.05; 34% (mRS 0–1) and 52% (mRS 0–2), respectively]. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages were not observed (in patients >40 years: 4%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: In comparison to the cohort of patients >40 years, IVT in young patients is safe and leads to a significantly better outcome after 3 months. Our data therefore encourage the use of IVT in young patients.
The Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Erythema Multiforme and Cutaneous Side Effects after Administration
Authors: Pérez-Carmona Lucía , Aguayo-Leiva Ingrid , González-García Carmen , Jaén-Olasolo Pedro
Published: September 2010

The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine, the first vaccine for use in the prevention of cervical cancer and condyloma acuminatum, was approved in June 2006. In 2008, the mass media reported suspected links between the qHPV vaccine and serious adverse events; however, several studies have found that the vaccine is safe and the main adverse events are mild local reactions. Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute self-limited cutaneous or mucocutaneous syndrome characterized by the abrupt onset of symmetric target lesions. The clinical manifestations and histological features of EM, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis show considerable overlap, and they are classically considered to represent a spectrum of skin disorders. We present a case of EM following qHPV vaccination to review the cutaneous side effects of this vaccine and the possibility of more serious side effects with the administration of booster doses.
Effect of Th1/Th2 Cytokine Pretreatment on RSV-Induced Gene Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yamada Yumi , Matsumoto Kenji , Hashimoto Noriko , Saikusa Miwako , Homma Toshiki , Yoshihara Shigemi , Saito Hirohisa
Published: September 2010

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants with Th2 predisposition is thought to increase the risk of allergic sensitization, recurrent wheezing, and bronchial asthma during childhood. We attempted to clarify the molecular mechanisms by which Th1/Th2 predisposition in the host alters RSV infection and facilitates airway inflammation. Methods: A549 human airway epithelial cells were inoculated with live or UV-treated RSV after pretreatment with either a combination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon-γ (Th1-primed) or a combination of TNF-α and interleukin-4 (Th2-primed) for 48 h. The gene and protein expression profiles of RSV-infected A549 cells were examined. Results: GeneChip analysis indicated that, at 96 h after inoculation with RSV, the expression of 62 genes was specifically enhanced (more than 2-fold by normalized data) in Th2-primed cells compared to that in unprimed or Th1-primed cells. An increase in mRNA and protein levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1/CCL2 among those 62 genes was confirmed by real-time PCR and cytometric bead assay, respectively. RSV replication was markedly diminished in Th1-primed airway epithelial cells but not in Th2-primed cells, which was presumably caused at least in part by the early induction of antiviral genes. Conclusions: These results suggest that Th1/Th2 predisposition in the host prior to RSV infection critically regulates inflammatory reactions in the airways through alteration of gene expression, and that MCP-1/CCL2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of severe RSV infection and the subsequent development of asthma in Th2-predisposed hosts.
Serum IL-9 Levels Depend on Allergen Exposure: Preliminary Study
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , De Amici Mara , Castellazzi Anna Maria , Tosca Maria Angela , Marseglia Gianluigi
Published: September 2010

Background: Th9 is a new T cell subset characterized by interleukin 9 (IL-9) production. Serum IL-9 levels are related to symptom severity in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed at investigating whether IL-9 may depend on allergen exposure. Methods: 35 AR patients (16 males, mean age 33.2 years) with monosensitization to Parietaria were studied when symptomatic; 38 AR patients (22 males, mean age 30.9 years) with monosensitization to birch were recruited at the same time, but were symptom free. Serum IL-9 was assayed in all patients. Results: Patients with Parietaria allergy and exposed to allergen had higher serum IL-9 levels than patients with birch allergy and not exposed to allergen (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This preliminary study shows that serum IL-9 levels may depend on allergen exposure: symptomatic patients with pollen-induced AR, evaluated during the pollen season, have higher values than patients studied outside the pollen season and without symptoms.
Th2-Biased Immune Responses Are Important in a Murine Model of Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Mitaka Keiko , Miyazaki Yasunari , Yasui Makito , Furuie Masashi , Miyake Shuji , Inase Naohiko , Yoshizawa Yasuyuki
Published: September 2010

Background: Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) can lead to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. A good animal model is essential to elucidate the mechanisms of this disease. We previously reported that a Th2 predominance may play an important role in the fibrogenesis in chronic HP patients. A study was undertaken to evaluate whether Th2-biased immune responses were crucial during the processes of lung fibrosis in a murine model of chronic HP. Methods: Instillation of pigeon dropping extracts (PDE) was conducted 3 days a week for 6 or 12 weeks in C57BL/6, BALB/c and A/J mice to establish models of chronic HP. We evaluated the histopathological features, immunohistochemistry, collagen content, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) profiles and Th1/Th2 cytokines in BALF or lung tissue with RT-PCR and ELISA. Results: Thickening of the alveolar walls and structural alterations were observed only in the A/J mice after 12 weeks of exposure to PDE. The fibrosis scores were significantly increased in 12-week A/J mice compared to those in the other strains. Immunohistochemistry evaluation showed that PDE was engulfed by alveolar macrophages that were incorporated into the alveolar septa of 12-week A/J mice. Interleukin (IL)-4 mRNA increased significantly in 6- and 12-week A/J mice. IL-13 mRNA showed a significant increase in 12-week A/J mice compared with 6-week A/J mice. TGF-β1 mRNA at 12 weeks was significantly increased in A/J mice compared with the other groups. Conclusion: Th2-biased genetic backgrounds may play an important role in fibrosing processes in the present chronic HP model.