bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Radiological Technique for Demonstration of Incorrect Positioning of a Foley Catheter with Balloon Inflated in the Urethra of a Male Spinal Cord Injury Patient
Authors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian , Hughes Peter L. , Soni Bakul M.
Published: May 2007

In a male patient with cervical spinal cord injury, the urinary bladder may go into spasm when a urethral catheter is removed and a new Foley catheter is inserted. Before the balloon is inflated, the spastic bladder may push the Foley catheter out or the catheter may slip out of a small-capacity bladder. An inexperienced health professional may inflate the balloon of a Foley catheter in the urethra without realizing that the balloon segment of the catheter is lying in the urethra instead of the urinary bladder. When a Foley balloon is inflated in the urethra, a tetraplegic patient is likely to develop autonomic dysreflexia. This is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment. Before the incorrectly placed Foley catheter is removed, it is important to document whether the balloon has been inflated in the urinary bladder or not. The clinician should first use the always available tools of observation and palpation at the bedside without delays of transportation. A misplaced balloon will often be evident by a long catheter sign, indicating excessive catheter remaining outside the patient. Radiological diagnosis is not frequently required and, when needed, should employ the technique most readily available, which might be a body and pelvic CT without intravenous contrast. An alternative radiological technique to demonstrate the position of the balloon of the Foley catheter is described. Three milliliters of nonionic X-ray contrast medium, Ioversol (OPTIRAY 300), is injected through the side channel of the Foley catheter, which is used for inflating the balloon. Then, with a catheter-tip syringe, 30 ml of sterile Ioversol is injected through the main lumen of the Foley catheter. Immediately thereafter, an X-ray of the pelvis (including perineum) is taken. By this technique, both the urinary bladder and balloon of the Foley catheter are visualized by the X-ray contrast medium. When a Foley catheter has been inserted correctly, the balloon of the Foley catheter should be located within the urinary bladder, but when the Foley catheter is misplaced with the balloon inflated in the urethra, a round opaque shadow of the Foley balloon is seen separately below the urinary bladder. This radiological study takes only a few minutes to perform, can be carried out bedside with a mobile X-ray machine, and does not require special expertise or preparations, unlike transrectal ultrasonography. When a Foley balloon is inflated in the urethra, abdominal ultrasonography will show an absence of the Foley balloon within the bladder. The technique described above aids in positive demonstration of a Foley balloon lying outside the urinary bladder. Such documentation proves valuable in planning future treatment, education of health professionals, and settlement of malpractice claims.
Comorbidities and the Risk of Late-Stage Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fleming Steven T. , McDavid Kathleen , Pearce Kevin , Pavlov Dmitri
Published: May 2007

The degree to which comorbidities affect the diagnosis of prostate cancer is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine how comorbidities affect the stage at which prostate cancer is diagnosed in elderly white and black men. We obtained data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program of the National Cancer Institute merged with Medicare claims data. For each patient, we estimated associations between stage of disease at diagnosis and each of the 27 comorbidities. The sample included 2,489 black and 2,587 white men with staged prostate cancer. Coronary artery disease, benign hypertension, and dyslipidemia reduced the odds of late-stage prostate cancer. A prior diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease, severe renal disease, or substance abuse increased the odds of being diagnosed with late-stage disease. The study shows some effect modification by race, particularly among white men with substance abuse, cardiac conduction disorders, and other neurologic conditions. The strongest predictors of late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis for both white and black men were age at diagnosis of at least 80 years and lack of PSA screening. Comorbidities do affect stage at diagnosis, although in different ways. Four hypotheses are discussed to explain these findings.
Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy in the Management of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Keim Jessica L. , Theodorescu Dan
Published: May 2007

The application of robotic technology to laparoscopic surgery has the potential to revolutionize the entire field of urology. The use of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy has been demonstrated in the literature only within the past 3 years, as much of the reconstruction and urinary diversion techniques associated with radical cystectomy are considered more technically challenging than other procedures. Here we review the available literature pertaining to this procedure, which consists of a limited number of case reports, case series, and pilot or feasibility studies. While theses results seem to point towards less blood loss, lower transfusion rates, and shorter hospital stays compared to open radical cystectomy, definitive conclusions and recommendations cannot yet be made because of a lack of larger and/or prospective studies or randomized trials.
Pediatric Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy: A Description of the Principle Procedures
Authors: Passerotti Carlo , Peters Craig A.
Published: May 2007

The advent of clinically useful robotic devices to facilitate reconstructive laparoscopic surgery in pediatric urology opens new doors to minimally invasive procedures. Previously limited by the challenge of delicate suturing and reconstruction using conventional laparoscopic instruments, robotic assistance offers a more rapid climb up the learning curve. Initial procedures that have been safely and efficaciously performed with robotic assistance include nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, and antireflux surgeries. These techniques and their outcomes will be reviewed, as well as some of the challenges still posed by this methodology.
The Riddle of Ball Lightning: A Review
Authors: Donoso José , Trueba José Luis , Rañada Antonio F.
Published: May 2007

One of the most intriguing and enduring scientific challenges is to find an explanation for ball lightning, the shining fireballs that sometimes appear near lightning strokes. Although many theoretical ideas have been proposed and much experimental work has been performed, there is not yet an accepted explanation of their amazing properties. They are surprisingly stable, lasting up to 10 s, even minutes in some rare cases. By night, their appearance can be spectacular, but their brilliance is just similar to that of a home electric bulb. Most of the time, their motion is smooth and horizontal, but it can also be erratic and chaotic; they can penetrate indoors through window panes. We review here some of the most discussed approaches, including both theoretical models to find an explanation as well as experimental efforts to reproduce them in the laboratory. We distinguish between chemical and physical models, depending on whether their stability is mainly based on their chemical composition or on purely physical phenomena involving electromagnetic fields and plasmas.
A dietary risk assessment of the pyrethroid insecticide resmethrin associated with its use for West Nile Virus mosquito vector control in California
Authors: Carr Wesley C. , Iyer Poorni , Gammon Derek W.
Published: May 2007

An outbreak of human illnesses associated with West Nile Virus (WNV) occurred in New York City in 1999. Since then, it has gradually spread westwards, reaching northern California for the first time in 2005. WNV is transmitted by several mosquito species and birds serve as the main reservoir. Several control measures have been used, targeting both the aquatic larvae and the adult mosquitoes. In the latter case, roosting birds in trees are sprayed with pyrethroid insecticides because these are highly toxic to mosquitoes, but have low avian toxicity. A request was made to use a resmethrin-containing insecticide during the month of October 2005 in California. Because resmethrin was not registered for use on growing crops, concerns were raised about potential crop contamination. Therefore, an expedited dietary risk assessment was conducted on resmethrin. Developmental toxicity in the rat (NOELs of 25 or 40 mg/kg/day) was used as the acute endpoint and dietary exposure was assessed using the DEEM-FCIDTMcomputer program. Only crops growing above ground during October were considered. Margins of Safety (MOS) were found to be above 100, the level generally considered to be sufficient to protect public health when using an animal NOEL.
A Review on Hematuria in Children
Authors: Halachmi Sarel , Kakiashvili David , Meretyk Shimon
Published: May 2007

Asymptomatic hematuria is very common in pediatric and adolescent patients. In contrast to painless hematuria in adults, the differential diagnosis and investigative modalities in the pediatric population is vastly different. This article presents the major diseases that may cause hematuria in children and suggests an evaluation algorithm for the pediatric urologist.
Aldosterone and Its Blockade: A Cardiovascular and Renal Perspective
Authors: Lahera V. , Cachofeiro V. , Balfagon G. , Rodicio J.L.
Published: May 2007

Aldosterone not only contributes to salt and water homeostasis, but also exerts direct cardiovascular and renal effects. Numerous experimental and clinical studies indicate that aldosterone participate in cardiac alterations associated with hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and other pathological entities. It is important to mention that dietary salt is a key factor in aldosterone-mediated cardiovascular damage, since damage was moreevident in animals on a high-salt diet than animals on a low salt diet. A pathophysiological action of aldosterone involves development of extracellular matrix and fibrosis, inflammation, stimulation of reactive oxygen species production, endothelial dysfunction, cell growth and proliferation. Many studies showed local extra-adrenal production of aldosterone in brain blood vessel, and the heart, which contribute in an important manner to the pathological actions of this mineralocorticoid.Several studies such as RALES, EPHESUS, 4E and others, recently showed that mineralocorticoid-receptor (MR) antagonists, alone or in combination with ACE inhibitors or ARBs, reduced the risk of progressive target organ damage and hospitalization in patients with hypertension and heart failure. These clinical benefits support the therapeutic usefulness of MR antagonists.
Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Inflammatory Response to Wound and Trauma: Possible Mechanism of Action
Authors: Al-Waili Noori S. , Butler Glenn J.
Published: May 2007

There is growing interest in expanding the clinical applications for HBO2(hyperbaric oxygen therapy) into new medical and surgical fields. The pathophysiology of response towards wounds, infection, trauma, or surgery involves various chemical mediators that include cytokines, prostaglandins (PGs), and nitric oxide (NO). The beneficial role played by HBO2in wound healing, carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and other indications is well documented. However, the exact mechanism of action is still poorly understood. This review addresses the effects of HBO2on PGs, NO, and cytokines involved in wound pathophysiology and inflammation in particular. The results of this review indicate that HBO2has important effects on the biology of cytokines and other mediators of inflammation. HBO2causes cytokine down-regulation and growth factor up-regulation. HBO2transiently suppresses stimulus-induced proinflammatory cytokine production and affects the liberation of TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and endothelins. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) levels are significantly increased with HBO2, whereas the value of PGE2 and COX-2 mRNA are markedly reduced. The effect of HBO2on NO production is not well established and more studies are required. In conclusion, cytokines, PGs, and NO may play a major role in the mechanism of action of HBO2 and further research could pave the way for new clinical applications for HBO2to be established. It could be proposed that chronic wounds persist due to an uncontrolled pathological inflammatory response in the wound bed and that HBO2enhances wound healing by damping pathological inflammation (anti-inflammatory effects); this hypothetical proposal remains to be substantiated with experimental results.
The forgotten stent: late complication in a patient with neobladder
Authors: Autorino Riccardo , Maschio Antonio , Pane Umberto , De Sio Marco , Cosentino Luca , Quarto Giuseppe , Mordente Salvatore , Di Giacomo Ferdinando , Santini Luigi , D'Armiento Massimo
Published: May 2007

Encrustation constitutes a serious complication of ureteral stent use and can result in difficult stent removal. We report the case of a patient with a retained ureteral stent for 3 years following a radical cystectomy.
Visible Foliar Injury and Physiological Responses to Ozone in Italian Provenances ofFraxinus excelsiorandF. ornus
Authors: Contran Nicla , Paoletti Elena
Published: May 2007

We compared leaf visible injury and physiological responses (gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence) to high O3exposure (150 nmol mol–1h, 8 h day–1, 35–40 days) of two woody species of the same genus with different ecological features: the mesophilic green ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and the xerotolerant manna ash (F. ornus). We also studied how provenances from northern (Piedmont) and central (Tuscany) Italy, within the two species, responded to O3exposure. Onset and extent of visible foliar injury suggested thatF. excelsiorwas more O3sensitive thanF. ornus. The higher stomatal conductance inF. ornusthan inF. excelsiorsuggested a larger potential O3uptake, in disagreement to lower visible foliar injury. The higher carbon assimilation inF. ornussuggested a higher potential of O3detoxification and/or repair. Contrasting geographical variations of ash sensitivity to O3were recorded, as Piedmont provenances reduced gas exchange less than Tuscan provenances inF. excelsiorand more inF. ornus. Visible injury was earlier and more severe inF. excelsiorfrom Piedmont than from Tuscany, while the provenance did not affect visible injury onset and extent inF. ornus.
Manual Therapy: The Historical, Current, and Future Role in the Treatment of Pain
Authors: Smith A. Russell
Published: May 2007

Manual therapy has been an approach in the management of patients with various disorders dating back to ancient times and continues to play a significant role in current health care. The future role of manual therapy in health care is an important area of research. This paper reviews the history of manual therapy, examines the current literature related to the use of manual techniques (including manipulation, massage, and nerve manipulation), and discusses future research topics. The literature related to manual therapy has historically been anecdotal and theoretical, and current research tends to have a generic approach with broad definitions of manual therapy and inconsistencies in the classification of specific disorders. Systematic reviews of various types of manual therapy have differed on their conclusions regarding the effectiveness of this treatment modality. The current demand in health care for evidence-based practice necessitates a movement towards more specificity in the research of the effectiveness of manual therapy, with emphasis on specific patient signs and symptoms and specific manual techniques that result in effective care.
Forest Health Status in Europe
Authors: Lorenz Martin , Mues Volker
Published: May 2007

Forest health status in Europe is assessed by the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). Established by the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the ICP Forests has been monitoring forest condition in close cooperation with the European Commission (EC) for 20 years. The present paper describes the latest results of the deposition measurements on permanent monitoring plots and of the extensive defoliation sample survey. The findings reveal marked spatial patterns in bulk and throughfall depositions of nitrate (N-NO3-), ammonium (N-NH4+), and sulfate (S-SO42-), as well as an obvious decrease in bulk and throughfall deposition of sulfate. Latest analyses of defoliation data confirm previous results, indicating a high correlation with weather extremes.
Acholeplasma laidlawiiPG8 Culture Adapted to Unfavorable Growth Conditions Shows an Expressed Phytopathogenicity
Authors: Chernov Vladislav M. , Moukhametshina Natalia E. , Gogolev Yurii V. , Nesterova Tatiana N. , Trushin Maxim V. , Chernova Olga A.
Published: May 2007

Mycoplasmas are the smallest, self-replicating, prokaryotic organisms with avid biochemical potential and spreading in higher eukaryotes in nature. In this study,Acholeplasma laidlawiiPG8 cells were cultivated on a deficient medium for 480 days resulting in a mycoplasma culture that was adaptedin vitroto unfavorable growth conditions. Cells that survive this condition had decreased sizes (about 0.2 μm) and increased phytopathogenicity. This resulted in more frequent appearance of various morphological alterations when plants of vinca (Vinca minorL.) were infected by adapted mycoplasma cells. The increasing pathogenicity was accompanied by changes in genome expression in these adapted cells. Further studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms that permit adaptation to unfavorable growth conditions and changes in phytopathogenic potential.
Intraprostatic Injection of Alcohol Gel for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Preliminary Clinical Results
Authors: Larson Benjamin T. , Netto Nelson , Huidobro Christian , de Lima Marcelo Lopez , Matheus Wagner , Acevedo Cristian , Larson Thayne R.
Published: May 2007

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases ailing older men. Office-based procedures offer the advantage of being more effective than medications, while limiting the adverse effects, cost, and recovery of surgery. This study presents preliminary data on a new procedure that utilizes intraprostatic alcohol gel injection to ablate prostatic tissue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using this gel as a treatment for BPH.

A total of 65 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH were treated with intraprostatic injections of alcohol gel. The gel is composed of 97% denatured alcohol and a patented polymer to cause viscosity. Three different methods of injection were utilized: transrectal (TR) injections (8), transurethral (TU) injections (36), and transperineal (TP) injections guided by biplaned ultrasound (21). Each method provided easy access to the center of the prostate, where a volume of gel, approximately 20–30% of the prostatic volume, was injected. Follow-up was based on changes in peak urinary flow (Qmax), IPSS scores, quality of life scores (QoL), adverse effects, and failures. Data are available at 3 and 12 months.

The procedure was well tolerated with only local or no anesthesia in the TR and TP groups; the TU group received spinal anesthesia. All groups showed statistically significant (p< 0.0001) improvements in Qmax, IPSS, and QoL. The mean amount of gel injected was 8.05 ml, representing 21.56% of the prostatic volume. Qmax increased from a baseline mean of 8.50 to 12.01 ml/s at 3 months, and to 11.29 ml/s at 12 months. IPSS scores improved from a baseline mean of 21.12 to 10.00 at 3 months, and to 11.84 at 12 months. QoL scores were only available for 55 patients. QoL scores improved from a baseline of 3.93 to 1.98 at 3 months, and to 2.18 at 12 months. No extraprostatic injury or adverse effects were reported due to treatment.

This preliminary study presents significant results showing that intraprostatic injection of alcohol gel could be an option for the treatment of BPH and LUTS. The viscosity of the gel allows for accurate imaging under ultrasound, no run back along the needle allowing for multiple methods of delivery, and the gel does not spread to extraprostatic tissue. This new technique could provide a simple and possibly less expensive clinic procedure for treating BPH, and warrants further study.
Involvement of theGli3 (Extra-Toes)Gene Region in Body Weight in Mice
Authors: Martin Benoît , Lapouble Eve , Chaix Yohan
Published: May 2007

The mutation extra-toes (Gli3Xt-J) on chromosome (Chr) 13 of the mouse is known to be involved in the development of the skeleton. The only visible manifestation is the presence of an extra digit on each hind foot. Here we report evidence from several experiments that Gli3XtJ/+mice weigh more than littermate Gli3+/+mice, suggesting an effect on body weight ofGli3or of a gene tightly linked to it on Chr 13. Four independent experiments in different environments were conducted on mice with different genetic backgrounds derived from the C3XtEso Gli3Xt-J/+Eso/+linkage testing strain and the JE/Le strain at adult age. The analyses have shown an association between the Gli3Xt-Jallele and a body weight increase of about 6.5%. This effect is genetically dominant. It would appear that if the gene of interest is notGli3itself, it must be very close to this locus. Indeed, the expected size for this fragment is 7.9 ± 5.3 cM. The manifestation of this gene, observed in two animal facilities and on different genetic backgrounds, is consistent with the idea that the effect of the gene(s) is displayed in a stable manner. It accounts for a variation of 6.5% of body weight.
Targeting Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Di Filippo Clara , Rossi Francesco , D'Amico Michele
Published: May 2007

Several studies have recognized the strong impact that the acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) have on the morbidity and mortality of patients affected by cardiovascular diseases. Still open, however, is the field concerning the mediators and the pathways involved in the etiology of this cardiovascular event. The present review would support the relatively new discovered role that the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) have in the pathogenesis of the AMI, through a brief analysis of past and ongoing research. Particularly, it is reviewed here the possibility that inhibition of the activity of PMNs and inhibition of the signaling pathways related to their activity may result useful in AMI and may improve the prognosis of this pathology. This review, indeed, presents and discusses new data on one of the lipid kinase, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ), and its role in neutrophil recruitment during AMI.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the native and partially folded states of ubiquitin: Influence of methanol cosolvent, pH, and temperature on the protein structure and dynamics
Authors: Kony David B. , Hünenberger Philippe H. , van Gunsteren Wilfred F.
Published: May 2007

A series of explicit‐solvent molecular dynamics simulations of the protein ubiquitin are reported, which investigate the effect of environmental factors (presence of methanol cosolvent in the aqueous solution, neutral or low pH value, room or elevated temperature) on the structure, stability, and dynamics of the protein. The simulations are initiated either from the native structure of the protein or from a model of a partially folded state (A‐state) that is known to exist at low pH in methanol–water mixtures. The main results of the simulations are: (1) The ubiquitin native structure is remarkably stable at neutral pH in water; (2) the addition of the methanol cosolvent enhances the stability of the secondary structure but weakens tertiary interactions within the protein; (3) this influence of methanol on the protein structure is enhanced at low pH, while the effect of lowering the pH in pure water is limited; and (4) the A‐state of ubiquitin can be described as a set of relatively rigid secondary structure elements (a native‐like β‐sheet and native‐like α‐helix plus two nonnative α‐helices) connected by flexible linkers.
Parathyroid hormone is a heparin/polyanion binding protein: Binding energetics and structure modification
Authors: Kamerzell Tim J. , Joshi Sangeeta B. , McClean Donald , Peplinskie Lori , Toney Karen , Papac Damon , Li Meili , Middaugh C. Russell
Published: May 2007

The interaction of four representative polyanions with parathyroid hormone (PTH) residues 1–84 has been investigated utilizing a variety of spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques. Each of the polyanions employed demonstrate enthalpically driven binding to PTH (1–84) with significant affinity. The polyanions heparin, dextran sulfate, phytic acid, and sucrose octasulfate induce α‐helical structure in PTH to varying extents depending on the ratio of polyanion to protein employed. Intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy suggests significant protein tertiary structure alteration upon polyanion binding. Although structural modification occurred upon polyanion binding, PTH colloidal stability was increased depending on the ratio of polyanion to protein used. Nevertheless, the bioactivity of PTH in the presence of various ratios of heparin was not altered. The potential biological significance of PTH/polyanion interactions is discussed.
Malonyl‐CoA: acyl carrier protein transacylase from Helicobacter pylori: Crystal structure and its interaction with acyl carrier protein
Authors: Zhang Liang , Liu Weizhi , Xiao Jianfeng , Hu Tiancen , Chen Jing , Chen Kaixian , Jiang Hualiang , Shen Xu
Published: May 2007

Malonyl‐CoA: acyl carrier protein transacylase (MCAT) is a critical enzyme responsible for the transfer of the malonyl moiety to holo‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) forming the malonyl‐ACP intermediates in the initiation step of type II fatty acid synthesis (FAS II) in bacteria. MCAT has been considered as an attractive drug target in the discovery of antibacterial agents. In this study, the crystal structure of MCAT from Helicobacter pylori (Hp) at 2.5 Å resolution is reported, and the interaction of HpMCAT with HpACP is extensively investigated by using computational docking, GST‐pull‐down, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology‐based assays. The crystal structure results reveal that HpMCAT has a compact folding composed of a large subdomain with a similar core as in α/β hydrolases, and a similar ferredoxin‐like small subdomain as in acylphosphatases. The docking result suggests two positively charged areas near the entrance of the active site of HpMCAT as the ACP‐binding region. Binding assay research shows that HpMCAT demonstrates a moderately binding ability against HpACP. The solved 3D structure of HpMCAT is expected to supply useful information for the structure‐based discovery of novel inhibitors against MCAT, and the quantitative study of HpMCAT interaction with HpACP is hoped to give helpful hints in the understanding of the detailed catalytic mechanisms for HpMCAT.
Social status determines sexual phenotype in the bi‐directional sex changing bluebanded goby Lythrypnus dalli
Authors: Rodgers E. W. , Earley R. L. , Grober M. S.
Published: May 2007

The behavioural mechanisms and patterns of protandrous sex change in bluebanded gobies Lythrypnus dalli were investigated and compared to the well‐described behaviour patterns of protogynous sex change. To do this, unisex groups of males and females were established; behavioural and anatomical changes were recorded over a 42 day period as social status and sexual phenotype were determined. In all cases, social status, rather than the expression of a particular behaviour, accurately predicted final sexual phenotype. Rates of submissive behaviour, but not aggressive behaviour, were predictive of each discrete status class. Multiple individuals changed sex simultaneously if their sexual phenotype and social status were discordant, a novel finding suggesting that once a social hierarchy is established, individuals determined their sexual phenotype, regardless of initial sex, based on a simple operational principle: if subordinate express female, if dominant or not subordinate express male. This work demonstrates that similar mechanisms underlie sex change in both directions in L. dalli and potentially other sex changing species.
Cranial endothermy and a putative brain heater in the most basal tuna species, Allothunnus fallai
Authors: Sepulveda C. A. , Dickson K. A. , Frank L. R. , Graham J. B.
Published: May 2007

Field studies on the slender tuna Allothunnus fallai revealed cranial temperatures that were 4·8 ± 0·4° C (mean ±s.d.) above the ambient sea surface temperature. Dissections aimed at documenting the cranial heat source revealed a fused extraocular muscle complex positioned beneath the brain of this basal tuna species. The muscle complex is structurally distinct from that documented for any other fish species. In A. fallai, all four extraocular rectus muscle pairs (superior, inferior, medial and lateral rectus) are incorporated into one distinct tissue complex which is positioned between the orbits and in direct contact with the braincase. A combination of morphological, physiological and biochemical techniques were used to characterize the modified muscle tissue, and high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging was used to illustrate its association with the brain and optic nerves. The modified eye muscles lack organized contractile proteins and are perfused by an extensive vascular counter‐current system that originates from the internal carotid artery. Vessel diameters, artery–vein configuration, and anatomic position between the systemic circulation and the warm eye muscles all suggest that this system is a heat exchanger. Collectively, these findings suggest that A. fallai has evolved extraocular muscles that may function to warm the brain and eye region. This is the first record of a cranial modification comprised of all four rectus muscles and the only documented occurrence of this mechanism for cranial endothermy among the tunas.
Species and size compositions and reproductive biology of rays (Chondrichthyes, Batoidea) caught in target and non‐target fisheries in eastern Indonesia
Authors: White W. T. , Dharmadi
Published: May 2007

Extensive surveys of various fish landing sites in eastern Indonesia, conducted between April 2001 and March 2006, recorded a total of 54 species of batoid rays belonging to 12 families. The Dasyatidae was by far the most speciose family, comprising half of the recorded species, and was also the most abundant, contributing 89 and 44% to the total numbers and total estimated biomass of batoids, respectively. The size and sex compositions of 23 species of rays are described and an accurate size at maturity of males, i.e. with 95% CI, was determined for 13 of these species. The sex ratios were found to be close to parity in the majority of species, however, the landings of the whitespotted guitarfish Rhynchobatus australiae consisted of significantly more females than males, a situation also recorded for this species in the by‐catch of the northern Australian prawn fishery. Data on aspects of the reproductive biology of three dasyatid species (Dasyatis cf. kuhlii, Dasyatis zugei and Himantura walga), which form a substantial component of the by‐catch of the bottom trawl fisheries in the region, were collected on most sampling occasions. These small rays, i.e. maximum sizes 243–379 mm disc width, were found to have no distinct seasonal reproductive cycle and small litter sizes, i.e. less than four embryos. Opportunistic reproductive data, e.g. litter size and embryo sizes, were also collected from various other species. The litter sizes of the rhynchobatid and rhinobatid species examined were found to be larger than those of the gymnurid and dasyatid species examined, i.e. seven to 19 and two to 13 v. one to four, respectively. The data presented in this paper for the numerous species of rays which are landed by target and non‐target fisheries in Indonesia represent the first such data for the vast majority of these species.
Comparison of Solea solea macroparasites between two nursery‐continental shelf systems in the Bay of Biscay and the Portuguese coast
Authors: Durieux E. D. H. , Marques J. F. , Sasal P. , Bégout M‐L. , Cabral H. N.
Published: May 2007

Digenean metacercariae of 0 year group common sole Solea solea (n= 70) were more abundant in the embayed nursery of the Pertuis Charentais than in the Tagus estuary nursery. Macroparasite assemblages of adult sole (n= 119) displayed only one species in common between the Bay of Biscay and the Portuguese coast continental shelves. These data highlighted the potential use of macroparasites as biological tags in various aspects of common sole ecology.
Effects of temperature on prey consumption and growth in mass of juvenile trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus (Bloch, 1794)
Authors: Petry A. C. , Agostinho A. A. , Piana P. A. , Gomes L. C.
Published: May 2007

The influence of temperature on prey consumption and growth in mass of juvenile trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus were investigated. Consumption of small‐sized lambari Astyanax altiparanae (mean standard length, LS, 5·43 cm) varied from zero to 65 over a period of 30 days. Temperatures ranged from 14 to 34° C and the size of trahiras ranged from 17·5 to 24·7 cm LS. Prey consumption differed significantly among temperatures. Trahiras at 18° C consumed significantly less than those at 30° C. A linear multiple regression model including temperature, prey consumption and LS explained 89·4% of the variability in growth in mass. Some caution is suggested when inferring the impact of H. aff. malabaricus piscivory on assemblage structures in systems that, despite their location in tropical regions, are subjected to seasonal thermal variations.
Immune responses of great sturgeon Huso huso to Aeromonas hydrophila bacterin
Authors: Khoshbavar‐Rostami H. A. , Soltani M. , Hassan H. M. D.
Published: May 2007

The immunocompetent cell population, lysozyme activity, chemiluminescence response and antibody titre were assessed in great sturgeon Huso huso after intraperitoneal immunization with formalin‐inactivated whole cells of Aeromonas hydrophila. Generally an increase was seen in indices of immunocomptent cell counts of immunized fish compared to the control group. The neutrophil count was higher in immunized fish from day 29. Lysozyme activity in liver and spleen samples of immunized fish was initially significantly higher than unimmunized fish, but was not different in serum and kidney. Antibody titre and respiratory burst in immunized fish were mainly significantly higher than unimmunized fish.
Expression of p53 in lesions and unaffected skin of patients with plaque‐type and guttate psoriasis: A quantitative comparative study
Authors: YAZICI Ayça Cordan , KARABULUT Ayşe Anil , ÖZEN Özlem , EKŞIOĞLU Meral , ÜSTÜN Hüseyin
Published: May 2007

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. The pathogenesis of psoriasis has yet to be determined. The control of cell growth is a delicately balanced process, regulated by external signals or the internal genetic program of an individual cell. In psoriasis, these processes are disturbed and some candidate genes like p53 are suspected of being involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The p53 protein is essential for the regulation of cell proliferation. The study was performed on 32 patients with psoriasis (24 plaque type, eight guttate type). Biopsy specimens for immunohistochemical determination of p53 protein expression were collected from both the lesional and the nonlesional skin sites that were not exposed to sun in all of the patients (n = 32). Taking the ultraviolet (UV) exposure of the skin into consideration, a third skin sample was taken from each patient (n = 7) who had lesions on the sun‐exposed areas. Immunohistochemical assessment of p53 expression in skin was determined as p53 protein expression per 1000 cells (keratinocytes). The statistical analysis revealed that the expressions of p53 per 1000 cells were higher in non‐sun‐exposed lesional skin than the non‐sun‐exposed nonlesional skin, also in plaque‐type psoriasis than guttate‐type psoriasis (P = 0.000, P = 0.046, P = 0.037, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the p53 expression in non‐sun‐exposed lesional skin versus expression in sun‐exposed lesional skin (cubic centimeters = 0.811, P = 0.027). Our results show a stronger association of elevated p53 expression with chronic rather than acute inflammatory psoriasis. This may indicate a mechanistic difference between plaque‐type and guttate psoriasis. Alternatively, this could reflect a chronological course as the disease transitions from an acute to a chronic phase.
Mongolian spots with involvement of mandibular area
Authors: TANYASIRI Kanlaya , KONO Taro , GROFF William Frederick , HIGASHIMORI Takamitsu , PETROVSKA Iskra , SAKURAI Hiroyuki , NOZAKI Motohiro
Published: May 2007

A 1‐year‐old boy had grayish pigmentation on the left side of his face over the area supplied by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve. Upon further examination, the lesion was also found on the left side of the neck, shoulder, upper arm, right lower back and buttock. The pigmentation was uniform in intensity. This case report demonstrates that Mongolian spots can occur on the face in the area supplied by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve. These spots should not be misdiagnosed as nevus of Ota.
Lipoatrophia semicircularis: A compressive lipoatrophy consecutive to persistent mechanical pressure
Authors: HERANE María Isabel , URBINA Francisco , SUDY Emilio
Published: May 2007

Lipoatrophia semicircularis is an infrequent condition characterized by semicircular depressions of the anterolateral aspects of the thighs. The origin of this peculiar variant of lipoatrophy is unknown, although repeated mechanical trauma on the affected thighs has been advocated in many cases. A 57‐year‐old woman presented with a 1‐year history of two bilateral, parallel, symmetric, asymptomatic depressions on the anterolateral aspect of her thighs. The patient worked as a cashier, permanently seated and almost always wearing trousers. The localization of lesions and their linear artifactual appearance perfectly matched with the strangling folds formed by trousers while being sat. Echotomographic examination revealed a loss of the normal echogenic pattern in the subcutaneous tissue of the affected areas. We believe that the anatomical adipose constitution of women's thighs predisposes that a persistent mechanical pressure induced by wearing trousers while being sat for long periods of time, originates a relative impaired circulation on a tenuous perfused tissue, and induces the development of lipoatrophia semicircularis.
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: The first case associated with hepatitis C virus
Authors: GUL Ulker , KILIC Arzu , DEMIRIZ Murat
Published: May 2007

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a rare disorder that is characterized by recurrent crops of papules and pustules localized on seborrheic areas of the body. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is still unknown, but it has been related to infections and immunosuppressive states. This report is the first case to be found to be related to hepatitis C virus infection.
Mefloquine: the benefits outweigh the risks
Authors: WINSTANLEY PETER
Published: May 2007

Believe nothing that you see in the newspapers—they have done more to create dissatisfaction than all other agencies. If you see anything in them that you know is true, begin to doubt it at once (Sir William Osler).
Pharmacokinetics of trapidil, an antagonist of platelet derived growth factor, in healthy subjects and in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: HARDER SEBASTIAN , THÜRMANN PETRA A. , HELLSTERN ANTON , BENJAMINOV ANNA
Published: May 2007

1Pharmacokinetic parameters of trapidil (an antagonist of platelet derived growth factor) were evaluated in 12 healthy male subjects (study I) and in a group of 10 patients with liver cirrhosis (Child B) and five control subjects, respectively (study II).

2Investigations were carried out after a single dose trapidil (200 mg) and at steady state after application of 200 mg trapidil three times daily for 5 days (study 1) or 4 days (study II).

3
Study I: The concentration‐time curves of the terminal elimination phase of trapidil exhibited a slight convexity which might reflect nonlinear kinetics. The AUC of trapidil obtained after the first dose (20.5 [±7.0 s.d.] μg ml−1 h) was markedly higher than the AUC determined at steady state (13.2 [±3.8 s.d.] μg ml−1 h), the non‐parametric 90% confidence intervals of the ratio day 5/day 1 was 0.58–0.73 (point estimator 0.64).

4
Study II: AUC averaged (21.4 [±9.1 s.d.] μg ml−1 h) in controls and (34.4 [±14.9 s.d.] μg ml−1 h) in cirrhotic patients. The 90% confidence intervals for the difference group 1 vs group 2 was 0.95–2.97 (point estimator 1.48, P=0.066). At steady state, AUC averaged (13.7 [±5.7 s.d.] μg ml−1 h) in controls and (20.8 [±6.8 s.d.] μg ml−1 h) in cirrhotic patients (90% confidence intervals group 1 vs group 2: 0.88–2.20 [point estimator 1.45, P=0.05]). As seen in study I, the AUC of trapidil obtained after the first dose was markedly higher than the AUC determined at steady state , the non‐parametric 90% confidence intervals of the ratio day 5/day 1 was 0.48–0.84 (point estimator 0.66) in control subjects and 0.54–0.72 (point estimator 0.64) in cirrhotic patients, respectively.

5An inverse correlation was seen between the results of the monoethylglycin‐xilidid (MEGX)‐test and the AUC of trapidil (single dose: r=−0.516, P=0.048; steady state: r=−0.548, P=0.042).

6Results of study I and study II indicate an autoinduction of trapidil metabolism after repeated oral doses. Although trapidil elimination is decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis (study II), the elimination half‐life at steady state is relatively short (2.4 [±1.1 s.d.] h) and therefore should prevent cumulation of trapidil even in cirrhotic patients.
Absence of effects of prolonged simvastatin therapy on nocturnal sleep in a large randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: KEECH A. C. , ARMITAGE J. M. , WALLENDSZUS K. R. , LAWSON A. , HAUER A. J. , PARISH S. E. , COLLINS R.
Published: May 2007

It has been suggested that lipophilic HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, like lovastatin and simvastatin, may cause sleep disturbance.

Six hundred and twenty‐one patients at increased risk of coronary heart disease were randomized in a single centre to receive 40 mg daily simvastatin, 20 mg daily simvastatin or matching placebo. To assess the effects of prolonged use of simvastatin on nocturnal sleep quality and duration, a sleep questionnaire was administered to 567 patients (95% of 595 survivors) at an average of 88 weeks (range: 44–129 weeks) after randomization.

The main outcome measures were sleep‐related problems and use of sleep‐enhancing medications reported during routine study follow‐up visits, and responses to the sleep questionnaire about changes in sleep duration and about various sleep events during the preceding month.

No differences were observed between the treatment groups in the frequency of sleep‐related problems reported, in the proportion of follow‐up visits at which such problems were reported, or in the use of sleep‐enhancing medications. The numbers who stopped study treatment were similar in the different treatment groups, and no patient stopped principally because of insomnia. In response to the sleep questionnaire, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups in reports of various sleep events during the preceding month, except that slightly fewer patients allocated simvastatin reported waking often. No differences in sleep duration were observed.

This placebo‐controlled trial does not indicate any adverse effects of prolonged treatment with simvastatin on systematically sought measures of sleep disturbance.
Miglitol (Bay m 1099) has no extraintestinal effects on glucose control in healthy volunteers
Authors: SELS J. P. J. E. , NAUTA J. J. P. , MENHEERE P. P. C. A. , WOLFFENBUTTEL B. H. R. , NIEUWENHUIJZEN KRUSEMAN A. C.
Published: May 2007

In this double‐blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled, randomized study, possible extraintestinal effects of miglitol, an absorbable α‐glucosidase inhibitor, were investigated. Sixteen healthy male volunteers underwent two 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests with concomitant administration of miglitol or placebo. Peak and post‐peak areas under the curve values for blood glucose, serum insulin and serum C‐peptide after miglitol were not different from those found after placebo. The post‐peak AUC‐ratio (AUC (peak, 180 min) on miglitol/AUC (peak, 180 min) on placebo) was for glucose 1.15 (CI 0.94–1.40, P=0.16), for insulin 1.12 (CI 0.95–1.33, P=0.17) and for C‐peptide 0.98 (CI 0.81–1.18, P=0.82). It is concluded that miglitol exerts no clinically relevant extraintestinal effects on glucose control.
Velocity model updating in prestack Kirchhoff time migration for PS converted waves: Part I – Theory
Authors: Dai Hengchang , Li Xiang‐Yang
Published: May 2007

A velocity model updating approach is developed based on moveout analysis of the diffraction curve of PS converted waves in prestack Kirchhoff time migration. The diffraction curve can be expressed as a product of two factors: one factor depending on the PS converted‐wave velocity only, and the other factor depending on all parameters. The velocity‐dependent factor represents the hyperbolic behaviour of the moveout and the other is a scale factor that represents the non‐hyperbolic behaviour of the moveout. This non‐hyperbolic behaviour of the moveout can be corrected in prestack Kirchhoff time migration to form an inverse normal‐moveout common‐image‐point gather in which only the hyperbolic moveout is retained. This hyperbolic moveout is the moveout that would be obtained in an isotropic equivalent medium. A hyperbolic velocity is then estimated from this gather by applying hyperbolic moveout analysis. Theoretical analysis shows that for any given initial velocity, the estimated hyperbolic velocity converges by an iterative procedure to the optimal velocity if the velocity ratio is optimal or to a value closer to the optimal velocity if the velocity ratio is not optimal. The velocity ratio (VP/VS) has little effect on the estimation of the velocity. Applying this technique to a synthetic seismic data set confirms the theoretical findings. This work provides a practical method to obtain the velocity model for prestack Kirchhoff time migration.