bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitization to tomato peel and pulp extracts in the Mediterranean Coast of Spain: prevalence and co‐sensitization with aeroallergens
Authors: Larramendi C. H. , Ferrer A. , Huertas A. J. , García‐Abujeta J. L. , Andreu C. , Tella R. , Cerdà M. T. , Bartra J. , Lavín J. R. , Pagán J. A. , López‐Matas M. A. , Fernández‐Caldas E. , Carnés J.
Published: November 2007

Background
Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) are consumed world‐wide. The prevalence of sensitization to tomatoes remains unknown.

Objective
To determine the prevalence of skin test reactivity to tomato and to describe the characteristics of tomato‐sensitized subjects.

Methods
Individuals attending for the first time during the period of the study to six Allergy centres, located along the Mediterranean coast of Spain, reporting respiratory and/or cutaneous symptoms, were included. All patients were skin prick tested with a battery of inhalant allergens and with peel and pulp of Canary tomato extracts.

Results
The study included 1734 individuals (757 males, 977 females; 31.9±17.8 years old). The prevalence of sensitization to tomato was 6.52% (113 patients; 65 males, 48 females; 29.5±13 years old). The peel extract was positive in 110 patients and the pulp extract in 47 patients; three patients were positive exclusively to pulp. Only 1.8% of individuals reported symptoms with tomato; 44% of them had skin test negative to both extracts. Among tomato‐sensitized subjects, 16% reported symptoms with tomato, 97% were sensitized to inhalant aeroallergens, including 84% to pollens (mainly Artemisia vulgaris and Platanus hybrida), with differences between Northern and Southern centres.

Conclusions
The prevalence found of skin test sensitivity to tomato is high. Peel extracts detected most of the sensitized subjects. Most of the sensitized subjects were asymptomatic and some patients reported symptoms without skin test sensitivity. Positive subjects were very frequently sensitized to pollens, suggesting allergen cross‐reactivity. Regional differences may exist, possibly related to the pattern of sensitization to cross‐reacting pollens.
Trapezoid supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy for knee flexion contractures in patients with haemophilia
Authors: MORTAZAVI S. M. J. , HEIDARI P. , ESFANDIARI H. , MOTAMEDI M.
Published: November 2007

Summary.  Flexion deformity of the haemophilic knee is a considerable cause of disability and may need to be managed surgically in severe cases. We have used a trapezoid supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy to correct severe knee flexion deformity. Nine severe haemophilic patients with contractures >30° that were unresponsive to conservative measures underwent 11 trapezoid osteotomies. The angle of deformity was measured using anteroposterior and lateral knee X‐ray films at maximum extension. Factor levels of 80–100% were achieved before the operation. A trapezoid osteotomy of the distal femur bone was performed using a lateral approach. The frontal plane angular deformity (if any) was corrected at the same time. The osteotomy site was fixed using an Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteo synthesefragen (AO) condylar blade plate. Following surgery, the knee was supported by a plaster splint at 20° of flexion. Physiotherapy was started on third postoperative day and continued three times a week. There was no serious complication. The deformities were corrected in all of the patients and the mean range of motion increased form 68.6° to 98.1°. Bleeding episodes decreased in all four knees which had a bleeding score of 3 before surgery. Using the Orthopaedic Advisory Committee of the World Federation of Haemophilia scores, nine good and two fair results were obtained. All patients regained the ability to walk for both short and long distance without any aid, climb the stairs, bath, and use public transportation. Trapezoid supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy should be considered in the surgical management of severe haemophilic flexion deformity of the knee joint.
Probiotics and oral health effects in children
Authors: TWETMAN SVANTE , STECKSÉN‐BLICKS CHRISTINA
Published: November 2007

Background.  Probiotics are living micro‐organisms added to food which beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance.

Objective.  This paper aims to present a general background on probiotics and its health effects in children, and to examine the evidence for oral colonization and the possible impact on oral health in children and young adults.

Methods.  For delivery and general health effects, recent systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, and other relevant papers were used. Concerning oral installation and oral effects, a broad search for publications in English was conducted through February 2007 in PubMed. Studies describing an installation or intervention trial in humans with a controlled design and an oral endpoint measure were considered. Fourteen papers with dental focus were identified, of which two were narrative reviews.

Results.  Only one study of dental interest was conducted in children. Four papers dealt with oral installation of probiotic bacteria, and although detectable levels were found in saliva shortly after intake, the studies failed to demonstrate a long‐term installation. Seven papers evaluated the effect of lactobacilli‐ or bifidobacteria‐derived probiotics on the salivary levels of caries‐associated bacteria in placebo‐controlled designs. All but one reported a hampering effect on mutans streptococci and/or yeast. The single study carried out in early childhood reported a significant caries reduction in 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children after 7 months of daily consumption of probiotic milk.

Conclusion.  Bacteriotheraphy in the form of probiotic bacteria with an inhibitory effect on oral pathogens is a promising concept, especially in childhood, but this may not necessarily lead to improved oral health. Further placebo controlled trials that assess carefully selected and defined probiotic strains using standardized outcomes are needed before any clinical recommendations can be made.
Using habitat distribution models to evaluate large‐scale landscape priorities for spatially dynamic species
Authors: Early Regan , Anderson Barbara , Thomas Chris D.
Published: November 2007

Large‐scale conservation planning requires the identification of priority areas in which species have a high likelihood of long‐term persistence. This typically requires high spatial resolution data on species and their habitat. Such data are rarely available at a large geographical scale, so distribution modelling is often required to identify the locations of priority areas. However, distribution modelling may be difficult when a species is either not recorded, or not present, at many of the locations that are actually suitable for it. This is an inherent problem for species that exhibit metapopulation dynamics.

Rather than basing species distribution models on species locations, we investigated the consequences of predicting the distribution of suitable habitat, and thus inferring species presence/absence. We used habitat surveys to define a vegetation category which is suitable for a threatened species that has spatially dynamic populations (the butterfly Euphydryas aurinia), and used this as the response variable in distribution models. Thus, we developed a practical strategy to obtain high resolution (1 ha) large scale conservation solutions for E. aurinia in Wales, UK.

Habitat‐based distribution models had high discriminatory power. They could generalize over a large spatial extent and on average predicted 86% of the current distribution of E. aurinia in Wales. Models based on species locations had lower discriminatory power and were poorer at generalizing throughout Wales.

Surfaces depicting the connectivity of each grid cell were calculated for the predicted distribution of E. aurinia habitat. Connectivity surfaces provided a distance‐weighted measure of the concentration of habitat in the surrounding landscape, and helped identify areas where the persistence of E. aurinia populations is expected to be highest. These identified successfully known areas of high conservation priority for E. aurinia. These connectivity surfaces allow conservation planning to take into account long‐term spatial population dynamics, which would be impossible without being able to predict the species’ distribution over a large spatial extent.

Synthesis and applications. Where species location data are unsuitable for building high resolution predictive habitat distribution models, habitat data of sufficient quality can be easier to collect. We show that they can perform as well as or better than species data as a response variable. When coupled with a technique to translate distribution model predictions into landscape priority (such as connectivity calculations), we believe this approach will be a powerful tool for large‐scale conservation planning.
Biogeography and evolution of European cave salamanders, Hydromantes (Urodela: Plethodontidae), inferred from mtDNA sequences
Authors: Carranza S. , Romano A. , Arnold E. N. , Sotgiu G.
Published: November 2007

Aim  To infer the phylogenetic relationships and biogeography of Hydromantes, with special emphasis on the European taxa. In particular, we aimed to test: (1) the monophyly of the European species and current views on their interrelationships; and (2) previously proposed timings of the separation of European and American Hydromantes, and of biogeographically important events within Europe.

Location  California and the Western Mediterranean Basin, specifically south‐east France, Italy, and the island of Sardinia.

Methods  Partial sequences of mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and 12S rRNA) were obtained from 45 specimens of Hydromantes, including all European extant species and subspecies, and two species from California. In addition, a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene was amplified for 16 specimens. Data sets were aligned using ClustalX, and well‐supported phylogenetic trees were produced using maximum‐likelihood, Bayesian and maximum‐parsimony methods. Estimates of divergence times were obtained with the program r8s, the molecular clock being calibrated using the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar, the final event in the Messinian Salinity Crisis of 5.3 Ma.

Results  Separation between the American and European clades occurred approximately 13.5 Ma, most probably before or after westward dispersal across the Bering Land Bridge. In Europe, divergence started in the late Miocene, when Hydromantes (A.) genei separated from other members of the genus 9 Ma and colonized south‐west Sardinia. Movement between the European mainland and Sardinia, by a member of the subgenus Speleomantes, occurred in the Messinian Salinity Crisis, after the Mediterranean Basin desiccated almost completely 5.96 Ma. Subsequent widespread aridification fragmented the geographical ranges of Hydromantes, which live in cool and humid conditions, resulting in the origin of the six species in the subgenus Speleomantes. In contrast, a second period of diversification, in continental Europe 2–1.3 Ma, was probably caused by very cold interludes during the climatic oscillations that characterized the Pleistocene.

Main conclusions  The molecular clock used here indicates that the separation of Californian and European Hydromantes occurred more recently than previously believed, and the same is true of some subsequent phylogenetic divergences within Europe. Estimated dates for these divergence events are consistent with known geophysical and climatic events that could have caused or facilitated them.
A topography‐based model of forest cover at the alpine tree line in the tropical Andes
Authors: Bader Maaike Y. , Ruijten Johan J.A.
Published: November 2007

Aim  To present a method that assesses the influence of environmental variables, including climate, substrate, topography, and anthropogenic disturbances, on the distribution of Andean forest at the tree line, and to compare this forest distribution between areas.

Location  Sangay National Park, on the eastern slopes of the Andes in central Ecuador.

Methods  A logistic regression model was built using topographical variables and environmental indices, derived from a digital elevation model, to explain forest cover, derived from a Landsat ETM image, in a zone around the average tree line altitude.

Results  The model shows that after altitude, which can explain about 80% of forest cover, wetness has the next strongest effect (areas accumulating water, but also cold air, were devoid of forest, resulting in inverted tree lines), followed by eastness (western slopes had forest to higher altitudes). Application of the model in two nearby areas showed that the real tree line was lower than the predicted tree line in both areas, probably owing mainly to macroclimatic differences in one area, and partly also to human land use in the other. The locations with the largest deviations could be the focus of further research concerning human impacts on tree line vegetation.

Main conclusions  The tree line is located at lower altitudes on east‐facing slopes, which may be because high levels of radiation are received by east‐facing slopes in the clear mornings, resulting in the photoinhibition of tree seedlings in the páramo. In spite of the limitations of the quality and resolution of the remote sensing data, the presented method provides indications for important ecological factors at the tree line. The method also allows the detection of differences in tree line position between areas, which may reflect climatic differences or the location of anthropogenic disturbances.
A case study exploring the ethical and policy dimensions of allocating acute care resources to a dying patient
Authors: Cooke Mary , Hurley Ciarán
Published: November 2007

Aims.  We aimed to identify policy, process and ethical issues related to allocation of National Health Service resources when patients with end‐of‐life illness are referred to acute care services.

Background.  Sharing healthcare decisions denotes a different partnership between professionals and patients when patients are empowered to define their needs. Implementation of a transition from professional to patient decision‐making appears to be dependent upon its interpretation by personnel delivering care using the local trust policy. The outcome of this is a reformation of responsibility for budget allocation, choice of acute care provider and selecting services, currently in the realm of primary care; be it the general practitioner, community practitioners, or the patient.

Design.  We used a ‘lens’ approach to case study analysis in which the lens is constructed of a model of policy analysis and four principles of biomedical ethics. A patient's decision to decline care proposed by an Accident and Emergency department nurse and the nurse's response to that decision expose a policy that restricts the use of ambulance transport and with that, flexibility in responses to patients’ decisions.

Findings.  End‐of‐life care partnership decisions require sensitivity and flexibility from all healthcare practitioners. We found that policy‐based systems currently used to deliver care across the primary care – hospital care border are far from seamless and can lead to foreseeable problems.

Conclusions.  Health professionals responsible for the care of a patient at the end of life should consider the holistic outcomes of resource allocation decisions for patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Government and health professional agenda suggest that patients should be given a greater element of control over their healthcare than has historically been the case. When patients take responsibility for their decisions, healthcare personnel should recognize that this signals a shift in the nature of the professional–patient relationship to one of partnership.
RivR and the small RNA RivX: the missing links between the CovR regulatory cascade and the Mga regulon
Authors: Roberts Samantha A. , Scott June R.
Published: November 2007

The CovR/S two‐component system regulates the transcription of many genes that are crucial for the virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS). Previously, we demonstrated that one gene repressed directly by CovR is rivR, which encodes a member of the RofA‐like family of transcriptional regulators. In this study, we deleted rivR and its downstream gene rivX in a ΔcovR background. Microarray analysis revealed that the products of the rivRX locus exert positive control over the transcription of members of the Mga regulon. Using mutational analysis, we established that rivX encodes a small regulatory RNA. We found that RivR enhances transcriptional activation by Mga in vivo and in vitro. An M1 ΔcovRΔrivRX strain is attenuated for virulence in a murine model of invasive soft tissue infection and this attenuation is complemented by rivRX expressed from a plasmid, demonstrating the importance of the rivRX locus in pathogenesis. This study provides the first link between the CovR and Mga regulatory networks. By integrating the signals received through these two global regulators, GAS is able to select from its repertoire different combinations of specific virulence factors to express in response to a broad spectrum of environmental conditions.
Regulation of hyphal morphogenesis by cdc42 and rac1 homologues in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Virag Aleksandra , Lee Maurice P. , Si Haoyu , Harris Steven D.
Published: November 2007

The ability of filamentous fungi to form hyphae requires the establishment and maintenance of a stable polarity axis. Based on studies in yeasts and animals, the GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1 are presumed to play a central role in organizing the morphogenetic machinery to enable axis formation and stabilization. Here, we report that Cdc42 (ModA) and Rac1 (RacA) share an overlapping function required for polarity establishment in Aspergillus nidulans. Nevertheless, Cdc42 appears to have a more important role in hyphal morphogenesis in that it alone is required for the timely formation of lateral branches. In addition, we provide genetic evidence suggesting that the polarisome components SepA and SpaA function downstream of Cdc42 in a pathway that may regulate microfilament formation. Finally, we show that microtubules become essential for the establishment of hyphal polarity when the function of either Cdc42 or SepA is compromised. Our results are consistent with the action of parallel Cdc42 and microtubule‐based pathways in regulating the formation of a stable axis of hyphal polarity in A. nidulans.
Medullary autonomic pathology in carotid sinus hypersensitivity
Authors: Miller V. M. , Kenny R. A. , Slade J. Y. , Oakley A. E. , Kalaria R. N.
Published: November 2007

Aims: Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) is an ageing‐related autonomic disorder, rarely occurring before the age of 50 years but increasing in incidence thereafter. Clinical symptoms of CSH include falls and dizziness, thought to be precipitated by dysfunctional baroreflex responses. CSH is highly prevalent in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB); diseases that are associated with variable degeneration of medullary autonomic nuclei which regulate baroreflex responses. Currently, there are no descriptions of the integrity of medullary autonomic nuclei in CSH. We hypothesized medullary autonomic degeneration is found in elderly patients with CSH. Methods: Using in vitro digital imaging, we quantified the burden of tau, amyloid β and α‐synuclein in autonomic nuclei of 12 patients prospectively assessed with CSH (age 83 years) compared with 14 (80 years) control subjects. Results: We found increased tau (P < 0.000) accumulation in baroreflex associated nuclei, but not the hypoglossal or raphe in the CSH patients. Medullary tau accumulation was not related to the development of AD in the CSH patients. Tau was colocalized to catecholaminergic neurones and occurred in the absence of neuronal loss. We found no difference in α‐synuclein, amyloid β or microglial numbers between the CSH cases and controls. Conclusions: We suggest that hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation particularly in tyrosine hydroxylase containing neurones may impair central regulation of baroreflex responses in patients with CSH. Future clinic‐pathological investigations should reveal whether medullary degeneration is the cause of CSH symptoms.
CD44 and CD27 delineate B‐precursor stages with different recombination status and with an uneven distribution in nonmalignant and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Vaskova M. , Fronkova E. , Starkova J. , Kalina T. , Mejstrikova E. , Hrusak O.
Published: November 2007

The expression of CD27 and CD44 correlate with the genotype of B‐precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Based on the expression of these antigens, we identified counterparts of TEL/AML1pos and TEL/AML1neg leukemic cells in nonmalignant bone marrow. Although CD27 is known as a marker of mature memory B cells, we recently showed that CD27 is also expressed by malignant and nonmalignant B precursors. Here, we show that CD27 and CD44 delineate stages of B‐precursor development. Well‐established differentiation markers showed that the developmental sequence starts from undetermined progenitors, expressing CD44. Upon B‐lineage commitment, cells gain CD27 and lose CD44. The CD27posCD44neg (CD27 single positive, 27SP) cells are the earliest stage within CD10posCD19pos B precursors and express RAG‐1 and TDT. These cells correspond to TEL/AML1pos ALL (1/4 pediatric B‐precursor ALL). The development follows to CD27/CD44 double‐positive (27/44DP) stage, 44SP stage and CD27/CD44 double‐negative (27/44DN) stage. Before exit to periphery, CD44 is reexpressed. The 27/44DP cells are mostly large and profoundly suppress RAG‐1. Despite their presumably high proliferation potential, 27/44DP cells rarely dominate in leukemia. At 44SP stage, which corresponds to TEL/AML1neg leukemias, RAG‐1 is reexpressed and Ig light chain gene starts to be rearranged.
Non‐adherence to post‐transplant care: Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes in adolescent liver transplant recipients
Authors: Berquist Rebecca K. , Berquist William E. , Esquivel Carlos O. , Cox Kenneth L. , Wayman Karen I. , Litt Iris F.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  This study examined the prevalence, demographic variables and adverse outcomes associated with non‐adherence to post‐transplant care in adolescent liver transplant recipients. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 111 adolescent patients (age 12–21 yr) greater than six months post‐transplantation and defined non‐adherence as not taking the immunosuppressive(s) or not attending any clinic visit in 2005. Fifty subjects (45.0%) were non‐adherent and 61 (55.0%) were adherent. Twenty percent of the subjects did not attend clinic and 10.9% did not complete laboratory tests. Non‐adherence was significantly associated with fewer completed laboratory tests (p < 0.0001), single parent status (p < 0.0186), and older age and greater years post‐transplantation by both univariate and multivariate analyses (p < 0.008, p < 0.0141 and p < 0.0012, p < 0.0174, respectively). Non‐adherence to medication was significantly associated with a rejection episode in 31 patients (p < 0.0069) but not in the subgroup of seven patients who stopped their immunosuppression completely. Non‐adherence to post‐transplant care is a prevalent problem in adolescents particularly of an older age and greater years post‐transplantation. Rejection was a significant consequence of medication non‐adherence except in a subgroup with presumed graft tolerance who discontinued their immunosuppression. These results emphasize the need for strict monitoring of adherence to post‐transplant care to improve long‐term survival and quality of life in adolescent transplant patients.
Clinically “silent” weight loss associated with mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Laskin Benjamin , Goebel Jens
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has become a standard component of immunosuppressive regimens in adult and pediatric renal transplantation. Especially in children, MMF is known to have clinically obvious gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea or abdominal pain that can be dose‐limiting or require drug discontinuation. In contrast, we report isolated weight loss unaccompanied by obvious clinical gastrointestinal symptoms in two pediatric renal transplant patients taking MMF. Both patients began gaining weight again after conversion to azathioprine. Accordingly, subspecialists and generalists caring for pediatric kidney transplant recipients taking MMF should be aware of this clinically “silent” complication.
Plant metabolomics and its potential application for human nutrition
Authors: Hall Robert D. , Brouwer Inge D. , Fitzgerald Melissa A.
Published: November 2007

With the growing interest in the use of metabolomic technologies for a wide range of biological targets, food applications related to nutrition and quality are rapidly emerging. Metabolomics offers us the opportunity to gain deeper insights into, and have better control of, the fundamental biochemical basis of the things we eat. So doing will help us to design modified breeding programmes aimed at better quality produce; optimised food processing strategies and ultimately, improved (micro)nutrient bioavailability and bioefficacy. A better understanding of the pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of nutritionally relevant metabolites is key to gaining more effective control of the absence/level of presence of such components in our food. Applications of metabolomic technologies in both applied and fundamental science strategies are therefore growing rapidly in popularity. Currently, the world has two highly contrasting nutrition‐related problems – over‐consumption and under‐nourishment. Dramatic increases in the occurrence of overweight individuals and obesity in developed countries are in staggering contrast to the still‐familiar images of extreme malnutrition in many parts of the developing world. Both problems require a modified food supply, achieved through highly contrasting routes. For each, metabolomics has a future role to play and this review shall deal with this key dichotomy and illustrate where metabolomics may have a future part to play. In this short overview, attention is given to how the various technologies have already been exploited in a plant‐based food context related to key issues such as biofortification, bioprotectants and the general link between food composition and human health. Research on key crops such as rice and tomato are used as illustration of potentially broader application across crop species. Although the focus is clearly on food supply, some attention is given to the complementary field of research, nutrigenomics, where similar technologies are being applied to understand nutrition better from the human side.
Topical use of platelet‐rich plasma to influence bone volume in maxillary augmentation: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Schaaf H. , Streckbein P. , Lendeckel S. , Heidinger K. , Görtz B. , Bein G. , Boedeker R.‐H. , Schlegel K. A. , Howaldt H.‐P.
Published: November 2007

Background and Objectives  The atrophic posterior maxilla often requires restoration of the alveolar ridge due to a lack of bone quantity and quality before dental implant placement. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has an influence on bone density in the maxilla after sinus floor elevation in combination with autologous cancellous bone from the iliac crest. Therefore, a randomized, prospective, controlled trial was set up in two centres.

Study Design and Methods  Fifty‐three patients who underwent osteoplastic bone grafting for sinus floor elevation were included. The intervention group was treated with defined concentrations of PRP in addition to transplanted bone. Bone biopsy was performed 4 months after augmentation. Bone volume was then measured using the histomorphometric parameter bone volume.

Results  The histomorphometric evaluation of the biopsies did not indicate superiority of any of the treatments in terms of bone volume.

Conclusion  Topical use of PRP did not improve maxillary bone volume either clinically relevant or statistically significant compared to that in conventionally treated patients. The use of PRP to support bone regeneration cannot be recommended as a standard method for maxillary augmentation.
Inheritance of Blast Resistance and Associated Microsatellite Markers in Rice Cultivar ‘Laxmi’
Authors: Sharma R. C. , Shrestha S. M. , Pandey M. P.
Published: November 2007

Leaf blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is a major disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in many rice‐growing environments. Rice breeders continuously seek new sources of resistance for improving resistance of commercial cultivars. This study was undertaken to determine the inheritance of blast resistance in the rice cultivar ‘Laxmi’. Both parents, and their F1, F2, backcross, F3 and F4 progeny were studied to determine the inheritance of blast resistance in a cross between resistant (R) ‘Laxmi’ and susceptible (S) ‘Mahsuri’ cultivars. Ten homozygous resistant and 10 homozygous susceptible F5 progeny based on their blast reaction in F3 from the above cross were subjected to microsatellite marker analysis to determine the linkage between resistance and marker. The F1 plants were blast‐resistant. The test cross progeny segregated in a ratio of 1R:1S. The F2 population segregated into 3R:1S ratio. The F3 and F4 progeny showed a segregation ratio of 1R:2Sg (segregating):1S. RM25 and RM310 markers showed association with resistant and susceptible progeny. We conclude that blast resistance in Laxmi is governed by a single dominant gene located on chromosome 8 of rice, which is linked to RM25 and RM310 microsatellite markers. This source of blast resistance could be useful in the Himalayan and other rice‐growing environments. This information could be used in marker‐assisted selection for blast resistance in rice crosses involving Laxmi.
Carotid intima media thickness and aortic calcification index closely relate to cerebro‐ and cardiovascular disorders in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tsushima Megumi , Terayama Yuriko , Momose Akishi , Funyu Tomihisa , Ohyama Chikara , Hada Ryukichi
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Atherosclerosis can be evaluated by carotid intima media thickness (IMT), the aortic calcification index (ACI), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). We investigated which test was most closely related to cerebro‐ and cardiovascular disorders (CCVD) in hemodialysis patients.

Methods:  Maximum IMT (max‐IMT), ACI, and PWV were examined in 110 hemodialysis patients, using carotid ultrasonography, abdominal CT and a blood pressure pulse wave instrument, respectively. Blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and tumor necrosis factor α were measured. The patients were divided into two groups; with and without CCVD and the degree of atherosclerosis was evaluated in each group.

Results:  Compared to the CCVD (–) group, the CCVD (+) group showed significantly higher percentages of males and diabetic patients, higher levels of HbA1c (5.14 vs 4.83%) and hs‐CRP (0.320 vs 0.167 mg/dL), an older age group (64.5 vs 57.5 years), a greater max‐IMT (2.05 vs 1.19 mm), and a higher ACI (71.8 vs 41.0%); and significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (82.8 vs 89.2 mmHg). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the factors influencing the development of CCVD were age (odds ratio: 1.092), ACI (odds ratio: 1.025), and max‐IMT (odds ratio: 2.006). However, PWV did not significantly relate to CCVD.

Conclusions:  In hemodialysis patients, the ACI and max‐IMT were significantly associated with CCVD, but the association of PWV was weak. A prospective cohort study is warranted to determine the risk factors for CCVD in hemodialysis patients.
Blockade of caspase‐1 increases neurogenesis in the aged hippocampus
Authors: Gemma Carmelina , Bachstetter Adam D. , Cole Michael J. , Fister Matthew , Hudson Charles , Bickford Paula C.
Published: November 2007

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis dramatically decreases with increasing age, and it has been proposed that this decline contributes to age‐related memory deficits. Central inflammation contributes significantly to the decrease in neurogenesis associated with ageing. Interleukin‐1β is a proinflammatory cytokine initially synthesized as an inactive precursor that is cleaved by caspase‐1 to generate the biologically active mature form. Whether IL‐1β affects neurogenesis in the aged hippocampus is unknown. Here we analysed cells positive for 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU; 50 mg/kg) in animals in which cleavage of IL‐1β was inhibited by the caspase‐1 inhibitor Ac‐YVAD‐CMK (10 pmol). Aged (22 months) and young (4 months) rats received Ac‐YVAD‐CMK for 28 days intracerebroventricularly through a brain infusion cannula connected to an osmotic minipump. Starting on day 14, animals received a daily injection of BrdU for five consecutive days. Unbiased stereology analyses performed 10 days after the last injection of BrdU revealed that the total number of newborn cells generated over a 5‐day period was higher in young rats than in aged rats. In addition, there was a 53% increase in the number of BrdU‐labelled cells of the aged Ac‐YVAD‐CMK‐treated rats compared to aged controls. Immunofluorescence studies were performed to identify the cellular phenotype of BrdU‐labelled cells. The increase in BrdU‐positive cells was not due to a change in the proportion of cells expressing neuronal or glial phenotypes in the subgranular zone. These findings demonstrate that the intracerebroventricular administration of Ac‐YVAD‐CMK reversed the decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis associated with ageing.
Repeated exposure to cocaine differently modulates BDNF mRNA and protein levels in rat striatum and prefrontal cortex
Authors: Fumagalli Fabio , Di Pasquale Laura , Caffino Lucia , Racagni Giorgio , Riva Marco Andrea
Published: November 2007

In this report we investigated the modulation of the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) following single or repeated injections with cocaine. Dose–response experiments revealed that a single dose of cocaine (5 mg/kg) is sufficient to upregulate BDNF mRNA levels selectively in rat prefrontal cortex 2 h after the injection, an effect that persists at least for 24 h and is paralleled by enhanced expression of mature (m)BDNF protein. Five consecutive injections of the psychostimulant (5 mg/kg) potentiate the increase of BDNF mRNA levels 2 h after the last treatment, presumably as a result of the enhancement of cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, an effect that vanishes 72 h later. Conversely, precursor (pro‐) and mBDNF protein forms were markedly reduced 2 h and 72 h post‐injection in the prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, in the striatum we found that repeated cocaine injection increased pro‐BDNF levels without altering the mature form of the neurotrophin. Our results suggest that cocaine differently affects BDNF transcription and translation in a region‐selective manner, but might also alter neurotrophin processing. These data further support the notion that the corticostriatal network is highly vulnerable to the effects of cocaine, and suggest that abnormal regulation of BDNF expression could contribute, at least in part, to the functional defects observed in drug abusers.
Daily torpor affects the molecular machinery of the circadian clock in Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Herwig Annika , Saboureau Michel , Pevet Paul , Steinlechner Stephan
Published: November 2007

Daily torpor in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is a precisely timed event gated by the circadian clock situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Timing‐controlled hypothermia during which body temperature (Tb) decreases to ∼15 °C implies temperature compensation of the circadian system. Nevertheless, it remains controversial how the molecular clockwork functions at those low Tb values and whether the torpor bout affects the circadian system. In this study, we investigated rhythmic clock and clock‐related gene as well as protein expression in the SCN and pineal gland of torpid and normothermic Djungarian hamsters over a 48 h cycle. We clearly demonstrate rhythmic gene expression of Per1, Bmal1 and Avp in the SCN as well as Aa‐nat in the pineal gland on a day of torpor. Alterations in the phase and amplitude of these rhythms, however, may be due to decreased protein synthesis during hypothermia. This decreased protein feedback resulting from the hypothermia might also be responsible for changes in gene expression observed 1 day after a torpor bout. We conclude that temperature has at least a modulatory effect on the circadian system.
Cortical responses to object size‐dependent spectral interference patterns in echolocating bats
Authors: Firzlaff Uwe , Schuller Gerd
Published: November 2007

Echolocating bats can recognize 3‐D objects exclusively through the analysis of the reflections of their ultrasonic emissions. For objects of small size, the spectral interference pattern of the acoustic echoes encodes information about the structure of an object. For some naturally occurring objects such as, e.g., flowers, the interference pattern as well as the echo amplitude can regularly change with the object's size, and bats should be able to compensate for both of these changes for reliable, size‐invariant object recognition. In this study, electrophysiological responses of units in the auditory cortex of the bat Phyllostomus discolor were investigated using extracellular recording techniques. Acoustical stimuli consisted of echoes of virtual two‐front objects that varied in size. Thus, the echoes changed systematically in amplitude and spectral envelope pattern. Whereas 30% of units simply encoded echo loudness, a considerable number of units (20%) encoded a specific spectral envelope shape independent of stimulus amplitude. In addition, a small number of cortical units (3%) were found that showed response‐invariance for a covariation of echo amplitude and echo spectral envelope. The response of these two classes of units could not be simply predicted from the excitatory frequency response areas. The results show that units in the bat auditory cortex exist that might serve for the recognition of characteristic object‐specific spectral echo patterns created by, e.g., flowers or other objects independent of object size or echo amplitude.
Phimosis as a presenting feature of diabetes
Authors: Bromage Stephen J. , Crump Anne , Pearce Ian
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of diabetes in men presenting with phimosis, and to establish the incidence of undiagnosed diabetes in men presenting with acquired or life‐long phimosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively collected data on 100 men (mean age 38.5 years, range 17–82) who presented to our department with phimosis during 2006. Urinary glucose levels and random serum glucose levels were analysed, and if abnormal, the patient had further diagnostic tests for diabetes.

RESULTS

In all, 31 men presented with a life‐long history of phimosis and 69 with a history of acquired phimosis. There was no history of diabetes and no abnormal serum glucose levels in those with life‐long phimosis. Eighteen of 69 (26%) of those with acquired phimosis had a history of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was newly diagnosed in four of 50 (8%) men presenting with acquired phimosis and no history of a glycaemic disorder. A further two (4%) were diagnosed with impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Urine analysis was positive for glucose in all new diagnoses of glycaemic disorders, except in one man.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes can be associated with acquired phimosis in almost a third of cases, and 12% of men presenting with acquired phimosis and no history of diabetes were diagnosed with a disorder of glycaemic control. Therefore it is important that serum glucose levels are analysed when assessing men with acquired phimosis.
Characterization of calcium‐independent purinergic receptor‐mediated apoptosis in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Shabbir Majid , Ryten Mina , Thompson Cecil , Mikhailidis Dimitri , Burnstock Geoffrey
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the nature of purinergic signalling in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) cellsin vitro, as extracellular ATP inhibits the growth of HRPCin vitrovia the activation of P2 purinergic receptors, and to characterize which P2 receptors subtypes and secondary mechanisms are involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of extracellular ATP on HRPC cell lines PC‐3 and DU‐145, and the normal prostate cell line PNT‐2, were investigated. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to assess P2 purinergic receptors, which were pharmacologically characterized using various receptor agonists and antagonists. The effect of ATP on intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) was examined to asses its role in growth inhibition. The effect of combining ATP with the chemotherapeutic drug mitoxantrone was also assessed.

RESULTS

PC‐3 cells expressed mRNA for P2X4,5,7, P2Y1,2,4,6; DU‐145 cells expressed mRNA for P2X4,5, P2Y1,2,4,6,11; PNT‐2 cells expressed mRNA for P2X4,5,7and P2Y1,2,4,6,11. ATP (10−4m) inhibited HRPC PC‐3 cell growth by ≈ 90%, an effect partially inhibited by the nonselective P2 receptor antagonists pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′ disulphonic acid (PPADS) and suramin. The order of potency of agonists was: adenosine 5′‐O‐(3 thiotriphosphate) > ATP > benzoyl benzoyl ATP >> 2‐methylthio ATP. DU‐145 cells responded similarly. Pharmacological profiling implicated P2X5and/or P2Y11receptors in the antineoplastic response in HRPC. ATP induced apoptosis in a [Ca2+]i‐independent mechanism. ATP was significantly less effective on PNT‐2 cells, which also had a different order of agonist potency. ATP combined with mitoxantrone in an additive manner in HRPC.

CONCLUSIONS

ATP effectively reduces growth of HRPC cells via calcium‐independent apoptosis. Pharmacological profiling indicates P2X5and/or P2Y11receptors in this process, with a different functional purinergic receptor profile and sensitivity in normal vs cancer cells.
An Asian multinational prospective observational registry of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, with a focus on comorbidities, lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function
Authors: Li Man‐Kay , Garcia Lester , Patron Nelson , Moh Lei Chang , Sundram Murali , Leungwattanakij Somboon , Pripatnanont Choosak , Cheng Christopher , Chi‐Wai Man , Loi‐Cheong Ngai
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE

To examine the characteristics, management practices and outcomes of patients presenting with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Asia, with a focus on comorbidities and sexuality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multinational prospective observational registry, eligible patients with BPH attending a urology clinic for the first time were enrolled. Details of comorbidities, sexuality and symptoms of BPH were collected through the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Dysfunction‐5 (IIEF‐5) and the Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DAN‐PSS‐1) questionnaires. The follow‐up was scheduled at 1–3 or 3–6 months, depending on the treatment.

RESULTS

In 994 men aged 40–88 years the most common comorbidities were hypertension (38%) and obesity (36%). Nocturia was the most common symptom for consultation. A previous episode of acute urinary retention (AUR) was recorded in 12%. About 90% of the men had moderate‐to‐severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and the severity increased with age. Sexual dysfunction was reported by 82%, and it correlated with the severity of LUTS. Of 918 sexually active men, only 20% had normal erectile function; 36%, 19% and 25% reported severe, moderate and mild erectile dysfunction (ED), respectively. BPH medication was started in 78%, 9% had surgery, and in 13% an approach of watchful waiting was adopted. In all, 89% of patients completed the follow‐up. The symptoms of BPH resolved in 93% after surgery, in 83% on BPH medication and in 34% of those on ‘watchful waiting’. Surgery, which led to a mean reduction of 17.0 IPSS points, was the most effective in improving LUTS. Improvement on the DAN‐PSS‐1 items of reduced erection and reduced ejaculation was higher with medication, while surgery led to better outcomes on the DAN‐PSS‐1 item of pain/discomfort on ejaculation. For ED, from baseline to after treatment, the mean IIEF‐5 scores changed from 19.1 to 18, from 14.2 to 14.8, and from 4.5 to 5.5 for those with mild, moderate and severe ED at baseline, respectively. Only 2.3% of patients had an episode of AUR while on treatment. About 5.5% of patients on BPH medication and 6% of surgical patients reported adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Asian patients with BPH usually present with LUTS; sexual dysfunction is also very common. BPH medication is the most frequent treatment approach, followed by watchful waiting and surgery. Medication and surgery resulted in a greater reduction of LUTS and improvement in sexual dysfunction than watchful waiting. As Asian men remain sexually active even at advanced ages, sexual function should be assessed and discussed with the patient before deciding the management strategy for LUTS associated with BPH.
A nomogram is more accurate than a regression tree in predicting lymph node invasion in prostate cancer
Authors: Briganti Alberto , Gallina Andrea , Suardi Nazareno , Chun Felix K‐H. , Walz Jochen , Heuer Roman , Salonia Andrea , Haese Alexander , Perrotte Paul , Valiquette Luc , Graefen Markus , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco , Huland Hartwig , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance and discriminant properties of two instruments (a tree‐structured regression model and a logistic regression‐based nomogram), recently developed to predict lymph node invasion (LNI) at radical prostatectomy (RP), in a contemporary cohort of European patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The cohort comprised 1525 consecutive men treated with RP and bilateral pelvic LN dissection (PLND) in two tertiary academic centres in Europe. Clinical stage, pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and biopsy Gleason sum were used to test the ability of the regression tree and the nomogram to predict LNI. Accuracy was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). All analyses were repeated for each participating institution.

RESULTS

The AUC for the nomogram was 81%, vs 77% for the regression tree (P = 0.007). When data were stratified according to institution, the nomogram invariably had a higher AUC than the regression tree (Hamburg cohort: nomogram 82.1% vs regression tree 77.0%, P = 0.002; Milan cohort: 82.4% vs 75.9%, respectively; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Nomogram‐based predictions of LNI were more accurate than those derived from a regression tree; therefore, we recommend the use of nomogram‐derived predictions.