bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric quantification of the plant endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: BOUCHEKHIMA A.‐N. , FRIGERIO L. , KIRKILIONIS & M.
Published: April 2009

One of the most difficult obstacles to make biological sciences more quantitative is the lack of understanding the interplay of form and function. Each cell is full of complex‐shaped objects, which moreover change their form over time. To tackle this problem, we suggest the use of geometric invariants that are able to produce precise reference points to compare a cell's different functional elements such as organelles under fixed and varying physiological conditions. In this paper, we look at the topology of an almost static sample of the plant cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) under close‐to‐normal physiological conditions using a multi‐disciplinary approach combining confocal microscopy, image processing techniques, visualization, computational geometry and graph theory. Data collected from a series of optical sections taken at short, regular intervals along the optical axis are used to reconstruct the ER in three dimensions. A graph structure of the ER network is obtained after thinning the ER geometry to its essential features. The graph is the final and most abstract quantification of the ER and serves very well as a geometrical invariant, even and very importantly, in cases in which the ER sample is moving or slightly changing shape during image acquisition. Moreover, graph theoretic features, such as the number of nodes and their degrees and the number of edges and their lengths, are very robust against different kinds of small perturbations that should not change the ER function. We will also attach surface areas and volumes estimated for the plant ER network as weights to the graph, allowing an even more precise quantitative characterization of this organelle. In total, we have compared 28 different samples under similar experimental conditions. The methods used in this paper should also be applicable to the quantification of other organelles in which geometric abstraction is possible to analyse function. Finally, by the use of confocal microscopy, our techniques will be transferable to situations in which protein markers can move inside the organelle's lumen and/or on the membrane surface to test further aspects of protein distribution.
Measurements of the diameters of the great arteries and semi‐lunar valves of chick and mouse embryos
Authors: WENINGER W.J. , MAURER B. , ZENDRON B. , DORFMEISTER K. , GEYER S.H.
Published: April 2009

The great arteries of embryos are small channels of a complex three‐dimensional arrangement. Measurements of their diameters, as required for understanding cardiovascular morphogenesis and the genesis of malformations, cannot be performed in two‐dimensional histological sections. We present and evaluate a quick and simple method for performing highly significant and objective measurements of the diameters of blood vessels in vertebrate embryos and used this method for providing statistics of the diameter of the semi‐lunar valves and the lumina of the great arteries of early chick and mouse foetus. We employed the high‐resolution episcopic microscopy technique for generating volume data and three‐dimensional computer models of the arterial trees of 30 chick embryos (Hamburger Hamilton stage 34), 30 mouse embryos of the OF1 strain harvested on 14.5 dpc, 30 embryos of the OF1 strain harvested on 15.5 dpc and 28 mouse embryos of the PARKES strain harvested on 14.5 dpc. The three‐dimensional models (voxel size 2 μm × 2 μm × 2 μm and 3 μm × 3 μm × 3 μm) were used for defining virtual resection planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blood vessels at comparable positions. In these planes, we measured the lumen areas and the lumen perimeters. We also calculated the lumen diameter and the true lumen area from the perimeter and present statistical analysis. Finally, we evaluate and discuss the reliability and reproducibility of our method and present all measurements in a form that minimizes the influence of specimen size variation, specimen processing and data generation methods.
Visualization of BrdU‐labelled DNA in cyanobacterial cells by Hilbert differential contrast transmission electron microscopy
Authors: NITTA K. , NAGAYAMA K. , DANEV R. , KANEKO Y.
Published: April 2009

We have attempted to observe the native shape of DNA in rapidly frozen whole cyanobacterial cells through 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and visualization with a Hilbert differential contrast transmission electron microscopy (HDC TEM). The incorporation of BrdU into the DNA of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 was confirmed with fluorescently labelled anti‐BrdU antibodies and through EDX analysis of ultra‐thin sections. HDC TEM observed cells that had incorporated BrdU into their DNA exhibited electron dense areas at the location corresponding to fluorescently labelled BrdU. Since various strings and strands were observed in high contrast with the HDC TEM, we conclude that the method promises to allow us to identify and understand bulk structural changes of the in vivo DNA and the nucleoid through observation at high resolution.
In vivoadministration of acepromazine or promethazine to horse decreases the reactive oxygen species production response of subsequently isolated neutrophils to stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate
Authors: PÉTERS F. , FRANCK T. , PEQUITO M. , De La REBIÈRE G. , GRULKE S. , SALCCICIA A. , VERWILGHEN D. , CHIAVACCINI L. , DEBY‐DUPONT G. , SERTEYN D.
Published: April 2009

The previous experiments have shown that some phenothiazines have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory propertiesin vitro. In this study the inhibition of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils was studied in two groups of horses, which received a dose of 0.1 mg/kg of either acepromazine or promethazine intravenously. Blood samples were collected before (T0) and 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 h after drug administration. The chemiluminescence (CML) response of neutrophils was measuredex vivoin the presence of luminol for a period of 10 min and the maximum CML value (peak value) recorded. There was a significant inhibition of the ROS production in the acepromazine treated group (49% inhibition) at 5 h after administration and in the promethazine group (24% inhibition) at 3 h after administration (P < 0.05 vs. T0). These findings are of therapeutic relevance in the use of phenothiazines in equine patients with inflammatory diseases where neutrophil activation and ROS production are implicated.
Differential viral kinetics in treated genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C patients according to ethnicity
Authors: Elefsiniotis I. S. , Pavlidis C. , Dimitroulopoulos D. , Vezali E. , Mihas C. , Mariolis‐Sapsakos T. , Koutsounas S. , Paraskevas E. , Saroglou G.
Published: April 2009

Summary.  Data concerning the efficacy of PEG‐IFNα2a plus ribavirin treatment in treatment‐naïve, genotype 4‐infected chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients from Europe are limited. Hence the aim of this study was to investigate the viral kinetics as well as the sustained virological response (SVR) rates and their predictors, in these patients. One hundred and twenty‐three patients were retrospectively analysed. Early (EVR) and late virological response (LVR) was confirmed by undetectable (<50 IU/mL) serum HCV‐RNA at week 12 and week 24 of treatment, respectively. SVR was confirmed by undetectable serum HCV‐RNA at the end of treatment as well as 6 months later. Overall, 43.5% of patients exhibited SVR, 42.6% were nonresponders and 13.9% were relapsers. EVR was observed in 40.74% and LVR in 59.25% of them. The positive predictive values of EVR and LVR were 72.97% and 86.27% whereas their negative predictive values were 64.29% and 92.85%, respectively. EVR independently predicted SVR in Caucasian patients (P < 0.001) but not in Egyptian patients (P = 0.613), in whom the only independent predictor of SVR was the absence of cirrhosis (P = 0.004). LVR seems to be a better predictor of SVR than EVR in the vast majority of genotype 4‐infected CHC patients, irrespective of ethnicity and all the other baseline parameters.
Inhibition of cathelicidin activity by bacterial exopolysaccharides
Authors: Foschiatti Michela , Cescutti Paola , Tossi Alessandro , Rizzo Roberto
Published: April 2009

The interaction of bacterial exopolysaccharides, produced by opportunistic lung pathogens, with antimicrobial peptides of the innate primate immune system was investigated. The exopolysaccharides were produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Inquilinus limosus and clinical isolates of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, bacteria that are all involved in lung infections of cystic fibrosis patients. The effects of the biological activities of three orthologous cathelicidins from Homo sapiens sapiens, Pongo pygmaeus (orangutan) and Presbitys obscurus (dusky leaf monkey) were examined. Inhibition of the antimicrobial activity of peptides was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration assays on a reference Escherichia coli strain in the presence and absence of exopolysaccharides, whereas complex formation between peptides and exopolysaccharides was investigated by means of circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Biological assays revealed that the higher the negative charge of exopolysaccharides the stronger was their inhibiting effect. Spectroscopic studies indicated the formation of molecular complexes of varying stability between peptides and exopolysaccharides, explaining the inhibition. Atomic force microscopy provided a direct visualization of the molecular complexes. A model is proposed where peptides with an α‐helical conformation interact with exopolysaccharides through electrostatic and other non‐covalent interactions.
Protease‐activated receptor‐4 (PAR4): a role as inhibitor of visceral pain and hypersensitivity
Authors: Augé C. , Balz‐hara D. , Steinhoff M. , Vergnolle N. , Cenac N.
Published: April 2009

Abstract  Protease‐activated receptor‐4 (PAR4) belongs to the family of receptors activated by the proteolytic cleavage of their extracellular N‐terminal domain and the subsequent binding of the newly released N‐terminus. While largely expressed in the colon, the role of PAR4 in gut functions has not been defined. We have investigated the effects of PAR4 agonist on colonic sensations and sensory neuron signalling, and its role in visceral pain. We observed that a single administration of the PAR4 agonist peptide (AYPGKF‐NH2), but not the control peptide (YAPGKF‐NH2) into the colon lumen of mice significantly reduced the visceromotor response to colorectal distension at different pressures of distension. Further, intracolonic administration of the PAR4 agonist, but not the control peptide, was able to significantly inhibit PAR2 agonist‐ and transcient receptor potential vanilloid‐4 (TRPV4) agonist‐induced allodynia and hyperalgesia in response to colorectal distension. Protease‐activated receptor‐4 was detected in sensory neurons projecting from the colon, and isolated from the dorsal root ganglia, where it co‐expressed with PAR2 and TRPV4. In total sensory neurons, PAR4 agonist exposure inhibited free intracellular calcium mobilization induced by the pro‐nociceptive agonists of PAR2 and TRPV4. Finally, PAR4‐deficient mice experienced increased pain behaviour in response to intracolonic administration of mustard oil, compared with wild‐type littermates. These results show that PAR4 agonists modulate colonic nociceptive response, inhibit colonic hypersensitivity and primary afferent responses to pro‐nociceptive mediators. Endogenous activation of PAR4 also plays a major role in controlling visceral pain. These results identify PAR4 as a previously unknown modulator of visceral nociception.
Selective lack of tolerance to delayed gastric emptying after daily administration of WIN 55,212‐2 in the rat
Authors: Abalo R. , Cabezos P. A. , López‐miranda V. , Vera G. , González C. , Castillo M. , Fernández‐pujol R. , Martín M. I.
Published: April 2009

Abstract The use of cannabinoids to treat gastrointestinal (GI) motor disorders has considerable potential. However, it is not clear if tolerance to their actions develops peripherally, as it does centrally. The aim of this study was to examine the chronic effects of the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 (WIN) on GI motility, as well as those in the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. WIN was administered for 14 days, at either non‐psychoactive or psychoactive doses. Cardiovascular parameters were measured in anaesthetized rats, whereas central effects and alterations in GI motor function were assessed in conscious animals using the cannabinoid tetrad and non‐invasive radiographic methods, respectively. Tests were performed after first (acute effects) and last (chronic effects) administration of WIN, and 1 week after discontinuing treatment (residual effects). Food intake and body weight were also recorded throughout treatment. Blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged after acute or chronic administration of WIN. Central activity and GI motility were acutely depressed at psychoactive doses, whereas non‐psychoactive doses only slightly reduced intestinal transit. Most effects were reduced after the last administration. However, delayed gastric emptying was not and could, at least partially, account for a concomitant reduction in food intake and body weight gain. The remaining effects of WIN administration in GI motility were blocked by the CB1 antagonist AM 251, which slightly accelerated motility when administered alone. No residual effects were found 1 week after discontinuing cannabinoid treatment. The different systems show differential sensitivity to cannabinoids and tolerance developed at different rates, with delayed gastric emptying being particularly resistant to attenuation upon chronic treatment.
A case–control study of infant, maternal and perinatal characteristics associated with deformational plagiocephaly
Authors: McKinney Christy M. , Cunningham Michael L. , Holt Victoria L. , Leroux Brian , Starr Jacqueline R.
Published: April 2009

Deformational plagiocephaly, an abnormal asymmetric flattening of infants' heads, is diagnosed in approximately 10% of infants. The prevalence of plagiocephaly has increased dramatically since 1992 when it was first recommended that infants be placed to sleep in a non‐prone position to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The authors conducted a case–control study to evaluate associations between plagiocephaly and perinatal characteristics. The authors assessed whether risk factors for plagiocephaly have changed since 1992. Cases were born 1987–2002 in Washington State and diagnosed with plagiocephaly at the Craniofacial Center at Seattle Children's Hospital. Risk factor information was abstracted from birth certificate and hospital discharge data and unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Cases (n = 2764) were more likely than controls (n = 13 817) to have been injured at birth (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2, 1.7) or diagnosed with a congenital anomaly (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.8, 2.3). Cases were more likely to have been male, a twin, or small‐for‐gestational‐age. This first large‐scale, case–control study of risk factors for plagiocephaly in a U.S. population provides new evidence that birth injuries and congenital anomalies are associated with plagiocephaly risk.
A new facies model for the Upper Gypsum of Sicily (Italy): chronological and palaeoenvironmental constraints for the Messinian salinity crisis in the Mediterranean
Authors: MANZI VINICIO , LUGLI STEFANO , ROVERI Marco , CHARLOTTE SCHREIBER B.
Published: April 2009

The Upper Gypsum unit of the Caltanissetta Basin (Sicily) records the last phase of the Messinian salinity crisis comprising the so‐called ‘Lago Mare’ event. A new facies analysis study recognizes nine to ten depositional cycles consisting of seven rhythmically interbedded primary gypsum bodies, and two to three sandstone bodies separated by marly terrigenous horizons showing laterally persistent vertical organization. A basal thin gypsum bed is overlain by a cluster of five thicker gypsum bodies. A marly interval containing two distinct sandstone horizons separates this cluster from the overlying uppermost (seventh) gypsum body. The terrigenous Arenazzolo Formation, in turn followed by the lower Pliocene Trubi Formation, is considered here to form the uppermost part of the Upper Gypsum unit. The rhythmic alternation in the sandy marls and gypsum/sandstone bodies records the response of sediments from shelfal to deltaic systems to precession‐driven arid‐wet climate fluctuations causing cyclical changes of both base‐level and water concentration. During wet climate phases (at insolation maxima) marl and sandstone were deposited in a hypohaline environment as suggested by: (i) the typical Lago Mare faunal assemblage and (ii) the negative δ18O values. During arid phases (at insolation minima) the reduced meteoric supply, recorded by higher δ18O values in the carbonate, caused the development of a negative hydrological budget leading to evaporite precipitation. At a basinal scale the Upper Gypsum unit unconformably overlies a mainly clastic evaporite unit containing carbonate breccia (the so‐called ‘Calcare di Base’) and/or clastic gypsum. Towards the basin centres, where the basal contact becomes conformable, a primary gypsum cumulate horizon is present. This layer is interpreted as a possible lateral equivalent of the Halite unit present only in the deepest depocentres. Based on astronomical calibration of the depositional cycles, the Upper Gypsum unit, including the Arenazzolo Formation, spans the interval between 5·33 and 5·53 Ma. This new age calibration allows the deposition of the Halite unit to be dated between 5·6 Ma (top of the Lower Evaporites) and 5·55 Ma (base of the Upper Evaporites) corresponding to isotopic stages TG12 and/or TG14.
Using magnetic resonance imaging for experimental analysis of fine‐sediment infiltration into gravel beds
Authors: HAYNES HEATHER , VIGNAGA ELISA , HOLMES WILLIAM M.
Published: April 2009

Sedimentologists recognize that development of a fine‐resolution, truly three‐dimensional analytical tool is essential if the internal structure of an opaque material is to be examined. This paper therefore seeks to: (i) test the viability of magnetic resonance imaging for sedimentological research; and (ii) investigate fine‐sediment infiltration into gravel beds. The results of six experiments are analysed quantitatively using ImageJ post‐processing software. Data indicate that magnetic resonance imaging‐based measurements of particle axes and volumes are comparable with standard laboratory techniques. Furthermore, the technique permits visualization and analysis of differences in the pattern of fine‐sediment infiltration (median particle diameter, d) into a framework of gravel (median particle diameter, D). Data clearly illustrate a siltation process for samples of D/d = 34 and a sealing process for samples of D/d = 7 where the seal is restricted to a depth equal to 2D. This pore‐scale visualization is valuable to the understanding of hydraulic–sediment–habitat interactions.
TNF block haplotypes associated with conserved MHC haplotypes in European, Asian and Australian Aboriginal donors
Authors: Valente F. P. , Tan C. , Phipps M. , Witt C. S. , Kaur G. , Gut I. , Allcock R. , Price P.
Published: April 2009

Associations between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ancestral haplotypes (AHs) and immunopathological diseases are traditionally ascribed to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I or class II alleles. However, polymorphisms in TNF and nearby genes in the central MHC can influence risk. We have defined TNF block haplotypes in Asian, European and Australian Aboriginal donors and shown conservation of TNF block haplotypes in geographically distinct populations, consistent with a common evolutionary origin. Here we show that most TNF block haplotypes do not align with a single MHC AH and associations often vary with ethnicity. This suggests more recent recombination events between the TNF block and the HLA alleles.
HPA axis safety of fluticasone furoate nasal spray once daily in children with perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Tripathy Ita , Levy Arden , Ratner Paul , Clements Diane , Wu Wei , Philpot Edward
Published: April 2009

The effects of intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis should be assessed for any to be marketed INS. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS) on cortisol production (as a measure of HPA axis function) following 6 wk of treatment with FFNS 110 μg once daily (QD) compared with placebo in pediatric patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). In this double‐blind, parallel‐group study, patients (n = 112) aged 2–11 yr with a 1‐yr history of PAR (6 months for patients aged 2–3 yr) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either placebo or FFNS. Serum cortisol (SC) concentrations and urinary cortisol (UC) excretion were measured over a 24‐h period at the randomization (baseline) and final treatment (week 6) visits for HPA axis evaluation in a domiciled environment (overnight in the clinic). Plasma samples were collected for FFNS at several time points over the 24 h after the final dose for pharmacokinetic analyses. FFNS was non‐inferior to placebo with respect to change from baseline (expressed as a ratio) in 24‐h SC weighted mean. The lower limit of the two‐sided 95% confidence interval (CI) for the treatment ratio was greater than the pre‐specified non‐inferiority margin of 0.8 (treatment ratio = 0.97, 95% CI 0.88–1.07). UC excretion over 24 h at baseline and end of treatment was similar between treatment groups; no patients had 24‐h excretion levels below normal range after 6 wk of treatment. Plasma concentrations of FFNS were generally non‐quantifiable (<10 pg/ml). Results of the current study indicate that FFNS 110 μg QD has no significant effect on HPA axis function in 2‐ to 11‐yr‐old pediatric patients with PAR.
Acute cell‐mediated rejection in orthotopic pig‐to‐mouse corneal xenotransplantation
Authors: Oh Joo Youn , Kim Mee Kum , Ko Jung Hwa , Lee Hyun Ju , Kim Youngji , Park Chan‐Sik , Park Chung‐Gyu , Kim Sang Joon , Wee Won Ryang , Lee Jin Hak
Published: April 2009

Abstract: Background:  To investigate the role of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells in mediating corneal xenograft rejection in a pig‐to‐mouse model.

Methods:  Pig corneas were orthotopically transplanted into BALB/c, C57BL/6, nude, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), and NOD/SCID/γcnull (NOG) mice. Graft survival was clinically assessed by slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and median survival times (MST) were calculated. The rejected grafts were histologically evaluated using antibodies against CD4, CD8, NK1.1, and F4/80.

Results:  The pig corneal xenografts were acutely rejected by BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice (MST 9.0 days), while nude, SCID and NOG mice rejected pig corneas in a more delayed fashion (MST 16.0, 16.4, and 16.9 days, respectively). The majority of infiltrating cells found in rejected grafts in C57BL/6 mice were macrophages and CD4+ T cells, while CD8+ T cells and NK cells were rarely found. The grafts in nude mice had markedly decreased inflammatory infiltration with small numbers of macrophages and CD4+ T cells. Infiltration was even more modest in grafts in SCID and NOG mice.

Conclusions:  T cells play an important role in acute rejection of pig corneal xenografts in mice, although acute rejection is not solely the result of T‐cell‐mediated immunity. NK cells are less likely to be involved in the rejection process.
Experimental support for the role of nest predation in the evolution of brood parasitism
Authors: SHAW R. C. , HAUBER M. E.
Published: April 2009

In 1965, Hamilton and Orians (HO) hypothesized that the starting point for the evolution of obligate interspecific brood parasitism in birds was the facultative laying of physiologically committed eggs in neighbouring active nests of con‐ and heterospecifics, following predation of a bird’s own nest during the laying stage. We tested this prediction of the HO hypothesis by using captive pairs of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), a species with evidence for intraspecific parasitism both in the wild and in captivity. As predicted, in response to experimental nest removal, subjects laid eggs parasitically in simulated active conspecific nests above chance levels. Across subsequent trials, we detected both repeatability and directional change in laying patterns, with some subjects switching from parasitism to depositing eggs in the empty nest. Taken together, these results support the assumptions and predictions of the HO hypothesis, and indicate that the zebra finch is a potential model species for future behavioural and genetic studies in captive brood parasite research.
CASE REPORT: Metachronous early gastric carcinoma in a reconstructed gastric tube after radical operation for oesophageal carcinoma
Authors: KOYANAGI KAZUO , OZAWA SOJI , ANDO NOBUTOSHI , SHIH CHIH‐HORNG , NAKAMURA EIICHI , TAKEUCHI HIROYA , HAYASHI KOUJI , KITAJIMA MASAKI
Published: April 2009

The incidence of double cancer has increased as a result of the signiﬁcant advances in both diagnostic procedures and anti‐cancer therapy, and as the outcome of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has improved, the number of cases of double cancer of the oesophagus and stomach has also increased. Two patients with metachronous early gastric carcinoma in a reconstructed gastric tube were successfully treated after subtotal oesophagectomy for ESCC. These cases have shown that early diagnosis of second cancer is very important for curative therapy.
Accidental transmission of HCV and treatment with interferon
Authors: TAKAGI HITOSHI , UEHARA MASAHIRO , KAKIZAKI SATORU , TAKAHASHI HITOMI , TAKEZAWA JIROU , KABEYA KENJI , SATOH KEN , KOJIMA AKIRA , SAITO SHUICHI , MATSUMOTO TATSUHIKO , HASHIMOTO YOSHIAKI , ABE TAKEHIKO , YAMADA TOSHIHIKO , KONAKA KAZUKO , SHIMODA RYUYA , TAKAYAMA HISASHI , TAKEHARA KEN , NAGAMINE TAKEAKI , MORI MASATOMO
Published: April 2009

Accidental transmission of contagious pathogens, especially hepatitis C virus (HCV), by needlestick or other means as an occupational hazard for medical staff is of concern. We retrospectively analysed cases of work‐related accidental injury with pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, syphilis and human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV) reported to the centres for disease control at 15 hospitals (total 5776 beds) in the Gunma prefecture, Japan, from December 1990 to August 1993 (24.7 months). There were 416 such cases (16.8 cases/month), with an incidence of 0.2–3.5 accidents per month per hospital. Such accidents occurred in 297 (71.2%) nurses, 98 (23.5%) medical doctors, 13 (3%) laboratory technicians, four (1.0%) hospital maintenance workers, one (0.2%) assistant nurse, one secretary and two others. There were 323 (77.6%) injuries caused by needlestick, 42 (10.1%) from suture needles or surgical knife cuts, 17 (4.1%) from blood splatters from patients into the eyes or mouth, 10 (2.4%) from contact with injured skin and 24 (5.8%) simple skin contacts. Of the pathogens, 60.3% were HCV, 22.6% HBV, 5.8% syphilis, 0.7% HIV and 10.6% were of unknown origin. Four cases (1.6%) of HCV infection were found and treated with one or two courses of interferon therapy, and HCV was subsequently cleared. All four patients were cured with interferon therapy. None of the HBV‐injured cases resulted in infection, possibly because of prophylaxis with HB immunoglobulin and HB vaccine. No HIV or syphilis infection was contracted. In summary, chronic HCV infection acquired as an occupational hazard can be cured by appropriate treatment, such as with interferon, after early detection of the infection.
Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma with microtubuloreticular structure and virus‐like particle production in vitro
Authors: Ono Yuri , Terashima Kazuo , Liu Aimin , Yokoyama Munehiro , Yokoshima Kazuhiro , Mizukami Miki , Watanabe Ken , Mochimaru Yoko , Furusaka Tohru , Shimizu Norio , Yamamoto Naoki , Ishiwata Toshiyuki , Sugisaki Yuuichi , Yagi Toshiaki , Naito Zenya
Published: April 2009

Neoplasm of follicular dendritic cells (FDC), follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS), is a rare tumor of intermediate to high‐grade malignancy in lymph nodes and visceral organs. Reported herein is a case of FDCS arising from cervical lymph nodes in a 16‐year‐old Japanese boy, who died of the disease 3 years after diagnosis. The tumor cells were pale eosinophilic and elongated with euchromatic nuclei and were positive for CD21, clusterin, and CNA‐42 on immunohistochemistry, as well as desmosome‐like junctions on electron microscopy. The presence of microtubuloreticular structures (MTRS) in the tumor cells and associated lymphocytes characterized this case, suggesting some viral infection, although qualitative polymerase chain reaction of genomic and complementary DNA obtained from the tumor failed to demonstrate any viral infection at the laboratory level. The stimulation of dispersed tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells with mAb to CD3 and interleukin‐2 was attempted; and the cell line established by the authors (FDCS‐Sa) was stimulated with iododeoxyuridine. Virus‐like particles (VLP) were successfully induced from each cellular source. The VLP, 100 nm in diameter, showed an electron‐dense thorny envelope and granular core. This is the first case of FDCS with MTRS accompanying VLP production in vitro.
Nursing scholarship in Japan: Development, facilitators, and barriers
Authors: Turale Sue , Ito Misae , Murakami Kyoko , Nakao Fujiko
Published: April 2009

This qualitative study sought a contemporary view of the development, facilitators of, and barriers to nursing scholarship in Japan from the perspectives of the scholars. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 13 scholars across Japan, which were digitally recorded, and the data were subjected to content analysis. Five themes emerged: a spirit of collectivism; a lack of nursing control; a lack of English ability; a high workload; and collaboration. The participants considered that culturally based consensus and communication behaviors, as well as the control and dominance by the medical profession, were hampering nursing scholarship. Furthermore, Japanese nurses were not in control of the profession in a period of unprecedented growth in university nursing education and a growing nursing shortage. A lack of English‐speaking and English‐writing abilities hindered collaboration with scholars internationally and the writing of international publications. Most of the participants felt unable to compare the extent and nature of Japanese scholarship with that of their Asian neighbors. The Japanese scholars need to grasp opportunities to learn English, collaborate with other nurses nationally and internationally, learn assertion and political skills to give them the confidence to take control of nursing education, and be more involved in research collaboration and international publications.
They just don't get enough! Variable intern experience in bedside procedural skills
Authors: Boots R. J. , Egerton W. , McKeering H. , Winter H.
Published: April 2009

Background: Medical school and resident training programmes offer different learning opportunities and outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess medical student and intern experience in common clinical procedures.

Methods: Interns employed in a metropolitan teaching hospital from 2000 to 2004 completed a survey of experience and confidence in clinical procedures at the beginning and end of their intern year. Attendance at and the contribution to procedural confidence of a voluntary procedural skill‐training programme were examined.

Results: For the 314 interns, clinical experience before and during internship varied for each procedure and between year cohorts as did training programme attendance (44–84%). Student procedural confidence was predicted by pre‐intern experience either on patients or by simulation (β = 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.21, P = 0.03) and age >30 years on commencing internship (β = 8.44, 95%CI 3.03–14.06, P = 0.003. Adjusted R2 = 0.08, P = 0.002). Intern procedural confidence by year's end was predicted by attendance at the training programme (β = 0.48, 95%CI 0.34–0.62, P < 0.001), intern experience with patient procedures (β = 0.34, 95%CI 0.21–0.47, P < 0.001) and a clear decision to enter a postgraduate training programme (β = 0.13, 95%CI 0.04–0.22, P = 0.007, Adjusted R2 = 0.50, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Interns and students receive variable experience to carry out procedural skills on patients. This makes designing training programmes difficult as training needs vary each year. Both mandatory supervision of key skills and opportunities to supplement limited experience are needed during the intern year to ensure a uniform experience.
Microbial communities in iron‐silica‐rich microbial mats at deep‐sea hydrothermal fields of the Southern Mariana Trough
Authors: Kato Shingo , Kobayashi Chiyori , Kakegawa Takeshi , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: April 2009

The abundance, diversity and composition of bacterial and archaeal communities in the microbial mats at deep‐sea hydrothermal fields were investigated, using culture‐independent 16S rRNA and functional gene analyses combined with mineralogical analysis. Microbial mats were collected at two hydrothermal areas on the ridge of the back‐arc spreading centre in the Southern Mariana Trough. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic (SEM‐EDS) analyses revealed that the mats were mainly composed of amorphous silica and contained numerous filamentous structures of iron hydroxides. Direct cell counting with SYBR Green I staining showed that the prokaryotic cell densities were more than 108 cells g−1. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) analysis revealed that Bacteria are more abundant than Archaea in the microbial communities. Furthermore, zetaproteobacterial cells accounted for 6% and 22% of the prokaryotic cells in each mat estimated by Q‐PCR with newly designed primers and TaqMan probe. Phylotypes related to iron‐oxidizers, methanotrophs/methylotrophs, ammonia‐oxidizers and sulfate‐reducers were found in the 16S rRNA gene clone libraries constructed from each mat sample. A variety of unique archaeal 16S rRNA gene phylotypes, several pmoA, dsrAB and archaeal amoA gene phylotypes were also recovered from the microbial mats. Our results provide insights into the diversity and abundance of microbial communities within microbial mats in deep‐sea hydrothermal fields.
The role of pH in determining the species composition of the human colonic microbiota
Authors: Duncan Sylvia H. , Louis Petra , Thomson John M. , Flint Harry J.
Published: April 2009

The pH of the colonic lumen varies with anatomical site and microbial fermentation of dietary residue. We have investigated the impact of mildly acidic pH, which occurs in the proximal colon, on the growth of different species of human colonic bacteria in pure culture and in the complete microbial community. Growth was determined for 33 representative human colonic bacteria at three initial pH values (approximately 5.5, 6.2 and 6.7) in anaerobic YCFA medium, which includes a mixture of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) with 0.2% glucose as energy source. Representatives of all eight Bacteroides species tested grew poorly at pH 5.5, as did Escherichia coli, whereas 19 of the 23 Gram‐positive anaerobes tested gave growth rates at pH 5.5 that were at least 50% of those at pH 6.7. Growth inhibition of B. thetaiotaomicron at pH 5.5 was increased by the presence of the SCFA mix (33 mM acetate, 9 mM propionate and 1 mM each of iso‐valerate, valerate and iso‐butyrate). Analysis of amplified 16S rRNA sequences demonstrated a major pH‐driven shift within a human faecal bacterial community in a continuous flow fermentor. Bacteroides spp. accounted for 27% of 16S rRNA sequences detected at pH 5.5, but 86% of sequences at pH 6.7. Conversely, butyrate‐producing Gram‐positive bacteria related to Eubacterium rectale represented 50% of all 16S rRNA sequences at pH 5.5, but were not detected at pH 6.7. Inhibition of the growth of a major group of Gram‐negative bacteria at mildly acidic pH apparently creates niches that can be exploited by more low pH‐tolerant microorganisms.
Paediatric testicular cancer: an updated review of incidence and conditional survival from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database
Authors: Alanee Shaheen , Shukla Aseem
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES

To determine, using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population‐based database, the epidemiological variables and update the understanding of testicular tumours in children, as knowledge of their incidence and survival is predicated upon multi‐institutional cooperation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the SEER database, we ascertained the incidence rate, 5‐year survival by disease stage at diagnosis, and 5‐year conditional survival after surviving for 1–3 years for cases recorded between 1973 and 2005. We stratified the incidence rate by race and histology to examine if these factors affect disease characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 195 cases of testicular tumours in children from birth to age 14 years, and 785 for children aged 15–18 years. Yolk sac tumour was the most common testicular tumour, and overall, Caucasian children were most at risk and four times more likely to be affected than African‐American children. The incidence rate of testicular tumour overall has not increased significantly since 1973. Conditional survival is excellent for all testicular malignancies, with a 1‐year conditional survival (chance of surviving 5‐years after having survived the first year) of 99.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

We present an updated analysis of the SEER database for the incidence and survival of testicular tumours, and revisit the issue of whether the incidence of testicular tumours in children is increasing. We also present to our knowledge, the first calculation of conditional survival in children for this malignancy. There has been no significant increase in the incidence of testicular tumours for children aged <14 years. By contrast, the postpubertal group aged 15–18 years showed a reversal in this trend.
Precursor of prostate‐specific antigen expression in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma: a study of 90 cases
Authors: Hull David , Ma Jun , Singh Harpreet , Hossain Deloar , Qian Junqi , Bostwick David G.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

To assess the expression of the precursor of prostate‐specific antigen (pro‐PSA), a distinct molecular form of serum‐free PSA that includes native and truncated forms, in benign epithelium, high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostatic adenocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We immunohistochemically evaluated 90 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded prostate needle biopsies using monoclonal antibodies against [−2] pro‐PSA, native [−5/−7] pro‐PSA, prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA), PSA and racemase. Staining intensity was recorded using a scale of 0–3 (0, no staining; 3, highest staining). The percentage of immunoreactive cells in benign epithelium, high‐grade PIN and adenocarcinoma was estimated in increments of 10%.

RESULTS

All cases had [−5/−7] pro‐PSA immunoreactivity. There was weak focal perinuclear cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for [−5/−7] pro‐PSA in 62% (range 0–90%) of benign epithelial cells, whereas there was strong diffuse cytoplasmic staining in 83% (range 10–90%) of high‐grade PIN and 87% (range 40–90%) of cancer cells. Almost all (99%) cases were immunoreactive for [−2] pro‐PSA. The median (range) proportion of cells expressing [−2] pro‐PSA was lower in benign epithelium, at 17 (0–80)%, than in high‐grade PIN, at 55 (0–90)% (P < 0.001) and adenocarcinoma, at 55 (0–100)% (P < 0.001). The intensity of immunoreactivity for both isoforms increased from benign to neoplastic (high‐grade PIN and adenocarcinoma) epithelium. A total of 31% of high‐grade PIN and 11% of cancer cases with negative racemase staining showed strong staining for [−5/−7] pro‐PSA.

CONCLUSION

The expression of [−5/−7] pro‐PSA in benign and neoplastic cells might be used in combination with high molecular weight keratin, p63, and racemase to distinguish benign epithelium from high‐grade PIN and adenocarcinoma, particularly when racemase staining is negative. Both isoforms are sensitive markers for prostatic epithelium, making them possible candidates for investigating carcinoma with an unknown primary, particularly in cases in which PSA staining is negative and the level of suspicion is high.
Receptor‐induced phasic activity of newborn mouse bladders is inhibited by protein kinase C and involves T‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Ekman Mari , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Arner Anders
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanisms involved in the phasic contractile activity after muscarinic receptor activation of newborn urinary bladders and to compare neonatal and adult bladders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Detrusor muscle strips were isolated from newborn mice (aged 0–2 days) and compared with preparations from adult mice (aged 10–12 weeks). The effects of an activator (phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate, PDBu) and an inhibitor (GF109203X) of protein kinase C (PKC) on contractions were investigated. T‐type Ca2+ channels were blocked with NiCl2.

RESULTS

The newborn urinary bladders responded with prominent phasic contractile activity in response to carbachol (1 µm). GF109203X (3 µm) reduced carbachol‐induced force by ≈60% in the newborn, compared with 30% in the adult. PDBu (1 µm) enhanced the muscarinic receptor‐mediated contraction in adult bladder muscle, whereas it completely abolished the responses in the newborn. There was no inhibition after activation with depolarization (high‐K+) or purinergic agonists (ATP, α,β‐methylene ATP). NiCl2 (>30 µm) inhibited the peak responses to carbachol in the newborn and at 300 µm it completely abolished the phasic contractile response. The responses of the adult bladder muscle were only marginally affected by NiCl2.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscarinic receptor stimulation recruits the PKC signalling pathway in both the adult and neonatal urinary bladder. Potent PKC activation is inhibitory on carbachol‐induced activation in the newborn and stimulatory in the adult bladder. Furthermore, muscarinic receptor stimulation activates T‐type Ca2+ channels in the newborn, but not the adult bladder.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is not associated with early postoperative radiation therapy
Authors: Chino Junzo , Schroeck Florian R. , Sun Leon , Lee W. Robert , Albala David M. , Moul Judd W. , Koontz Bridget F.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare open radical prostatectomy (RP) and robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), and to determine whether RALP is associated with a higher risk of features that determine recommendations for postoperative radiation therapy (RT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing RP from 2003 to 2007 were stratified into two groups: open RP and RALP. Preoperative (PSA level, T stage and Gleason score), pathological factors (T stage, Gleason score, extracapsular extension [ECE] and the status of surgical margins and seminal vesicle invasion [SVI]) and early treatment with RT or referral for RT within 6 months were compared between the groups. Multivariate analysis was used to control for selection bias in the RALP group.

RESULTS

In all, 904 patients were identified; 368 underwent RALP and 536 underwent open RP (retropubic or perineal). Patients undergoing open RP had a higher pathological stage with ECE present in 24.8% vs 19.3% in RALP (P = 0.05) and SVI in 10.3% vs 3.8% (P < 0.001). In the RALP vs open RP group, there were positive surgical margins in 31.5% vs 31.9% (P = 0.9) and there were postoperative PSA levels of3 0.2 ng/mL in 5.7% vs 6.3% (P = 0.7), respectively. On multivariate analysis to control for selection bias, RALP was not associated with indication for RT (odds ratio (OR) 1.10,P = 0.55), or referral for RT (OR 1.04,P = 0.86).

CONCLUSION

RALP was not associated with an increase in either indication or referral for early postoperative RT.
One‐sided anterior urethroplasty: a new dorsal onlay graft technique
Authors: Kulkarni Sanjay , Barbagli Guido , Sansalone Salvatore , Lazzeri Massimo
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility, tolerability, safety and efficacy of using a new surgical technique for the repair of anterior urethral strictures to preserve vascular supply to the urethra and its entire muscular and neurogenic support.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 24 patients (mean age 46 years) underwent a new one‐sided anterior dorsal oral mucosal graft urethroplasty while preserving the lateral vascular supply to the urethra, the central tendon of the perineum, the bulbospongiosum muscle and its perineal innervation. The cause of stricture was instrumentation in three cases (12%), unknown in five (21%), infection in four (17%), and lichen sclerosus in 12 (50%). The stricture site was bulbar in 12 cases (50%) and panurethral in 12 (50%). The mean stricture length was 4.2 cm in patients with bulbar strictures and 10 cm in patients with panurethral strictures. Of 24 patients, 20 patients (83%) had received previous treatments. Clinical outcome was considered a failure when any postoperative instrumentation was needed, including dilatation.

RESULTS

The overall mean (range) follow‐up was 22 (12–55) months. Of the 24 patients, 22 (92%) had a successful outcome and two (8%) were failures. One failure was treated using definitive perineal urethrostomy and another failure underwent successful internal urethrotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The preservation of the one‐sided vascular supply to the urethra and its entire muscular and neurogenic support should represent a slight but significant step toward perfecting the surgical technique of urethral reconstruction using a minimally invasive approach.
Plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP): review of an emerging cardiometabolic risk factor
Authors: Tzotzas T. , Desrumaux C. , Lagrost L.
Published: April 2009

Plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is a lipid transfer glycoprotein that binds to and transfers a number of amphipathic compounds. In earlier studies, the attention of the scientific community focused on the positive role of PLTP in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism. However, this potentially anti‐atherogenic role of PLTP has been challenged recently by another picture: PLTP arose as a pro‐atherogenic factor through its ability to increase the production of apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins, to decrease their antioxidative protection and to trigger inflammation. In humans, PLTP has mostly been studied in patients with cardiometabolic disorders. Both PLTP and related cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) are secreted proteins, and adipose tissue is an important contributor to the systemic pools of these two proteins. Coincidently, high levels of PLTP and CETP have been found in the plasma of obese patients. PLTP activity and mass have been reported to be abnormally elevated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin‐resistant states, and this elevation is frequently associated with hypertriglyceridemia and obesity. This review article presents the state of knowledge on the implication of PLTP in lipoprotein metabolism, on its atherogenic potential, and the complexity of its implication in obesity, insulin resistance and T2DM.