bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of alpha 1 adrenoceptor subtypes in the human ureter
Authors: Itoh Yasunori , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Yasui Takahiro , Tozawa Keiichi , Sasaki Shoichi , Kohri Kenjiro 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  Urinary stone disease is a common condition affecting up to 12% of the population. Speedy elimination of ureterolithiasis in the lower part of ureters is reported with the alpha 1‐blocker. This study was carried out to characterize the alpha 1 adrenoceptors (AR) subtype gene and protein expression in the proximal, medial, and distal regions of the human ureter with the aim of facilitating stone expulsion.Methods:  The study was carried out on 20 volunteers. Proximal, medial and distal ureter specimens were obtained as discarded tissues after nephroureterectomy for renal pelvic or ureteral carcinoma. Proximal ureter specimens were obtained as discarded tissues after nephrectomy for renal carcinoma. Using ureter samples, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemical staining were performed.Results:  The alpha 1d subtype mRNA was highly expressed in each ureteral region, accounting for about 54% of the total AR Messenger Ribonucleic Acid. In the proximal and medial ureter, the distribution of ARs was alpha 1d ≥ €alpha 1a > alpha 1b as well as that of the total ureter. The distal ureter expressed the highest amount of alpha 1d ARs. The alpha 1d subtype expression tended to be high compared with the alpha 1a subtype expression. In the distal ureter, the distribution of ARs was alpha 1d > alpha 1a > alpha 1b. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that expressions of alpha 1a‐AR and alpha 1d‐AR were higher than that of alpha 1b‐AR.Conclusions:  According to our results, we should try the alpha 1d AR antagonist for the conservative expulsive therapy of distal ureteral stones in the highest region of alpha 1d subtype distribution.
Incidence of lysogeny within temperate and extreme soil environments
Authors: Williamson Kurt E. , Radosevich Mark , Smith David W. , Wommack K. Eric 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA companion study indicated that ∼30% of cultivable soil bacteria may contain inducible prophage; however, the degree to which this cultivation‐based estimate applies to autochthonous communities of soil bacteria is unknown. To estimate the prevalence of lysogeny within soil bacterial communities, induction assays were carried out by extracting bacteria from soil and subsequently exposing extracts to mitomycin C (MC; 0.5 μg ml−1), or by exposing bacteria to MC (1.0 μg ml−1) through direct addition to soil slurries. Induction was assessed as an increase in viral direct counts relative to those obtained in controls, as detected by epifluorescence microscopy. Extracting bacteria from soils followed by 18 h MC exposure generated significantly higher prophage induction than all other treatments (P < 0.05). For three Antarctic soil samples, estimates of inducible fraction (IF) were statistically indistinguishable across two independent assays (P = 0.82), indicating that this approach is highly reproducible. Although IF was lower in Antarctic soils (4–20%) and higher in temperate Delaware soils (22–68%), no clear correlations were found between lysogeny and soil physical properties. For Delaware soils, IF estimates were similar between whole soil assays (44%) and cultivation‐based approaches (30%). While these data suggest that lysogeny is common among soil bacteria, the specific factors which promote temperate interactions remain unclear.
Therapeutic value of orally administered silibinin in renal cell carcinoma: manipulation of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 levels
Authors: Cheung Catherine W. , Taylor Paul J. , Kirkpatrick Carl M.J. , Vesey David A. , Gobe Glenda C. , Winterford Clay , Nicol David L. , Johnson David W. 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVESTo investigate if the feeding of silibinin (an anticancer flavonoid) to mice inhibitsin vivorenal cell carcinoma (RCC) growth via changes in insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) levels.MATERIALS AND METHODSMale severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice (7 weeks old), with left kidneys injected with 1 million SN12K1 cells, were fed a silibinin‐containing diet (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% w/w) or control AIN‐93G diet for 39 days from 1 day after tumour engraftment.RESULTSThere was a reduction in tumour deposits and tumour kidney weight in SCID mice fed with a 0.4% silibinin‐containing diet compared to those fed the control diet. Mice with tumour injection (silibinin or control‐diet group) had constant total body weight and food consumption. The mean plasma and tumourous kidney silibinin concentrations, as measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, increased with escalating doses of silibinin. Using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the mean tissue IGFBP‐3 mRNA (in SN12K1‐implanted kidney) and plasma IGFBP‐3 levels increased in mice fed with 0.1% silibinin (tumour IGFBP‐3 mRNA levels, 156% higher vs control‐diet group,P = 0.007; and plasma IGFBP‐3 levels, 61% higher vs control‐diet group,P = 0.002) but not in mice fed with the higher silibinin pellet strengths.CONCLUSIONOral administration of silibinin suppressed local and metastatic tumour growthin vivoin an orthotopic xenograft model of RCC. This anti‐neoplastic action of silibinin might involve IGFBP‐3. The exact mechanism through which IGFBP‐3 promotes silibinin’s anticancer effects warrants further investigation.
Effect of low dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy on the sexual health of men with optimal sexual function before treatment: analysis at ≥ 7 years of follow‐up
Authors: Cesaretti Jamie A. , Kao Johnny , Stone Nelson N. , Stock Richard G. 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of low‐dose rate prostate brachytherapy on the sexual health of men with ≥ 7 years of prospective evaluation and optimum sexual function before treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 223 patients with T1b to T3a prostate cancer and a median (range) age of 66  (50–82) years were treated with permanent seed implantation from November 1990 to March 1998. They were followed for a median (range) of 8.2 (7–14.1) years using prospective quality‐of‐life measures. Erectile function (EF) was assessed using a physician‐assigned score and beginning in June 2000; the validated International Index of EF (IIEF‐5) was used as a complementary method to quantify late EF. No adjustment was made to differentiate sexual function with or with no pharmacological intervention for EF. Pearson’s chi‐square test and Student’s t‐test were used to compare the groups.RESULTSOf the 223 men, 131 (59%) had optimal EF before their brachytherapy; of these, 51 (40%) at the last follow‐up evaluation were using either a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (44, 86%), yohimbine (two, 4%) or alprostadil (five, 10%). The age at implantation was highly predictive of current EF; 23 of 25 (92%) men aged 50–59 years had a current EF of ≥ 2; those aged 60–69 and 70–78 years had an EF of ≥2 in 48/75 (64%) and 18/31 (58%) (P = 0.01). A current IIEF‐5 score of ≥ 16 also correlated highly with age at implant, i.e. 50–59, 16/25 (64%); 60–69, 20/75 (27%) and 70–78 years, 6/31 (19%) (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONPatients aged <60 years and with optimal EF before low‐dose rate prostate brachytherapy have a very high probability of long‐term EF.
Managing the progression of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia: therapeutic options for the man at risk
Authors: Emberton Mark , Zinner Norman , Michel Martin C. , Gittelman Marc , Chung Moon‐Kee , Madersbacher Stephan 
Published: July 2007

There are two fairly divergent reviews in this month’s issue. The first is a paper which concentrates on the progression of LUTS and BPH. Previous papers on LUTS and BPH were focused on changes in urinary flow rates and symptom scores, a rather static view of things. The first author in this review introduced the concept of dynamic variables in LUTS and BPH, and this, along with the idea of progression of the disease which the MTOPS study brought to our notice, has lead to a major change to our approach to trials of therapy in LUTS and BPH.The second review is really statement of a theory, an expression of a concept being proposed by the author, which hopefully will be of interest to the reader.In benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), increased prostate volume has been shown to be associated with future symptom deterioration and progression to acute urinary retention (AUR) or BPH‐related surgery. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the primary androgen responsible for prostate growth. Inhibition by 5α‐reductase inhibitors (5‐ARIs) of the enzyme responsible for the production of DHT decreases prostate volume. This translates to an overall improvement in symptoms and a reduction in the risk of AUR and/or BPH‐related surgery. Selective blockage of α1‐adrenoceptors, principally in the region of the prostate, results in rapid symptom relief for the patient but this does not translate into a long‐term reduction in the risk of AUR or BPH‐related surgery. Given their different modes of action the rationale has always existed for using 5ARIs and α‐blockers together in men deemed to be both symptomatic and at risk of progression. The factors that predict this progression and the methods available to reduce the risk of it occurring are the subjects of this review.
Volume and Isosurface Rendering with GPU‐Accelerated Cell Projection*
Authors: Marroquim R. , Maximo A. , Farias R. , Esperança C. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract We present an efficient Graphics Processing Unit GPU‐based implementation of the Projected Tetrahedra (PT) algorithm. By reducing most of the CPU–GPU data transfer, the algorithm achieves interactive frame rates (up to 2.0 M Tets/s) on current graphics hardware. Since no topology information is stored, it requires substantially less memory than recent interactive ray casting approaches. The method uses a two‐pass GPU approach with two fragment shaders. This work includes extended volume inspection capabilities by supporting interactive transfer function editing and isosurface highlighting using a Phong illumination model.
Testing for Misspecification in Binary Response Models with Competing Distributions*
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn empirical studies, the probit and logit models are often used without checks for their competing distributional specifications. It is also rare for econometric tests to be focused on this issue.Santos Silva [Journal of Applied Econometrics(2001), Vol. 16, pp. 577–597] is an important recent exception. By using the conditional moment test principle, we discuss a wide class of non‐nested tests that can easily be applied to detect the competing distributions for the binary response models. This class of tests includes the test ofSantos Silva (2001) for the same task as a particular example and provides other useful alternatives. We also compare the performance of these tests by a Monte Carlo simulation.
Perceived Benefits and Negative Impact of Challenges Encountered in Caring for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Rapanaro Cher , Bartu Anne , Lee Andy H. 
Published: July 2007

Background This study investigated the perceived benefits and negative impact associated with stressful events and chronic caregiving demands encountered by parents caring for young adults with an intellectual disability in the period of transition to adulthood.Methods A sample of 119 parents of young adults described these outcomes in a questionnaire, which were then analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results Although parents identified a range of negative outcomes, they also reported positive outcomes (perceived benefits) in relation to stressful events and chronic demands encountered in this period, including personal growth and enhanced personal resources.Conclusions The language of stress and burden often used to describe parents’ experiences during the period of their son or daughter's transition to adulthood, needs to coexist with a language of fulfilment, growth and gain, as used by parents themselves. The implications of these findings, in relation to professional interaction with and support of parents in this period, are discussed.
Colonial and post‐colonial aspects of Australian identity1
Authors: Tranter Bruce , Donoghue Jed 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSince the 1988 Bicentennial and the 2001 centenary of federation celebrations colonial images have flourished in Australia, highlighting the roles of convicts and free settlers during early colonization. Old sites, such as Port Arthur have been re‐invigorated, and in 2004 Tasmanians celebrated the bicentenary of ‘white’ settlement. However, social scientists have given little attention to the role of colonial and post‐colonial figures and myths as aspects of Australian national identity. We seek to address this issue by examining how convicts, free settlers, bushrangers and ANZACs are associated with contemporary identity in Australia.2We examine evidence from the 2003 Australian Survey of Social Attitudes and find that historical figures such as the ANZACs and post‐World War II immigrants comprise important aspects of national identity. A substantial majority of Australians judged ANZACs to be important, countering recent claims of the ‘demise of the digger’. Sporting heroes are also at the core of Australian identity. Colonial figures appear to be far less important, although views on national identity vary according to social location. In particular, left‐wing, university educated, younger, postmaterialist Australians view convicts and bushrangers as relatively important, indicating the salience of the larrikin in Australian identity.
Phenotypical characterization of indigenous freshwater crayfish populations
Authors: Sint D. , Dalla Via J. , Füreder L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe morphology of an animal is known to reflect both genetic variation and adaptation to the environment. Thus, phenotypic criteria have been used to characterize indigenous crayfish populations. Twenty‐one morphometric parameters were measured on crayfish from 25 waterbodies in the Austrian and Italian parts of Tyrol. They were analysed with hierarchical cluster analysis to obtain the population structure based on morphological similarity between and within the freshwater crayfish species Astacus astacus (noble crayfish), Austropotamobius torrentium (stone crayfish) and Austropotamobius pallipes (white‐clawed crayfish). Furthermore, a stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to the morphometric data to test their differentiating power between populations. Both analyses resulted in a clear differentiation of species and populations, and reflected geographic separations. Thus, the developed morphometric methods were shown to be applicable to characterize the phenotype in freshwater crayfish and seem appropriate to be used for stock identification and the effective characterization of management units in decapod crustaceans.
Embryonic development clarifies polyphyly in ostracod crustaceans
Authors: Wakayama N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present study describes the embryonic developmental process of the bioluminescent ostracod crustacean Vargula hilgendorfii. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, DAPI staining and video recording were used for observations. This study is the first detailed report of the embryonic development of a myodocopid ostracod. Contrary to previous studies, cleavage occurred in the yolk sphere and no evident cleavage furrow was found. No nauplius stage was found, and five pairs of appendages developed simultaneously. A bivalved carapace developed from two independent buds of the carapace valves. The buds of the left and right valves are enlarged, and become combined. The combined ‘one‐piece’ carapace was divided by the formation of a hinge, and the usual bivalved carapace was formed. On the 16th day, embryos hatched as juveniles with six pairs of appendages, a pair of immature appendages, a pair of compound eyes, a median eye and a bivalved carapace. An important suggestion for the classification of Ostracoda is derived from the observed development of appendages and carapace, because the subclass Ostracoda is defined mainly by the similarities of appendages and the bivalved carapace. The present observations clearly show that the developmental process of Myodocopa differs from that of Podocopa, and supports polyphyly of the Ostracoda.
Effects of culling on badger abundance: implications for tuberculosis control
Authors: Woodroffe R. , Gilks P. , Johnston W. T. , Le Fevre A. M. , Cox D. R. , Donnelly C. A. , Bourne F. J. , Cheeseman C. L. , Gettinby G. , McInerney J. P. , Morrison W. I. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCulling is often considered as a tool for controlling wildlife diseases that can also infect people or livestock. Culling European badgers Meles meles can cause both positive and negative effects on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle. One factor likely to influence the outcome of different badger‐culling strategies for cattle TB is the reduction in badger population density achieved. However, this reduction is difficult to measure because badgers, being nocturnal and fossorial, are difficult to count. Here, we use indices of badger abundance to measure the population impacts of two culling strategies tested in Britain. The densities of badger setts and latrines recorded before culling were correlated with the densities of badgers captured on initial culls, suggesting that both were indices of actual badger abundance. Widespread ‘proactive’ culling was associated with a 73% reduction in the density of badger latrines, a 69% reduction in the density of active burrows and a 73% reduction in the density of road‐killed badgers. This population reduction was achieved by a coordinated effort entailing widespread and repeated trapping over several years. However, this strategy caused only modest reductions in cattle TB incidence in culled areas and elevated incidence in neighbouring unculled areas. Localized ‘reactive’ culling caused a 26% reduction in latrine density, a 32% reduction in active burrow density and a 10% reduction in the density of road‐killed badgers, but apparently increased the incidence of cattle TB. These results indicate that the relationship between badger population reduction and TB transmission to cattle is strongly non‐linear, probably because culling prompts changes in badger behaviour that influence transmission rates. These findings raise serious questions about the capacity of badger culling to contribute to the control of cattle TB in Britain.
SELECTIVE ABORTION IN BRAZIL: THE ANENCEPHALY CASE
Authors: DINIZ DEBORA 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses the Brazilian Supreme Court ruling on the case of anencephaly. In Brazil, abortion is a crime against the life of a fetus, and selective abortion of non‐viable fetuses is prohibited. Following a paradigmatic case discussed by the Brazilian Supreme Court in 2004, the use of abortion was authorized in the case of a fetus with anencephaly. The objective of this paper is to analyze the ethical arguments of the case, in particular the strategy of avoiding the moral status of the fetus, the cornerstone thesis of the Catholic Church.
Haplotype analysis of signal peptide (insertion/deletion) and XbaI polymorphisms of the APOB gene in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Pandey Sachchida Nand , Srivastava Anvesha , Dixit Manjusha , Choudhuri Gourdas , Mittal B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPurpose: The incidence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is usually paralleled by the prevalence of gallstone disease, and genes of cholesterol metabolism have been implicated in gallstone disease. The XbaI and insertion/deletion (ins/del) polymorphism of Apolipoprotein B (APOB) appears to influence cholesterol homoeostasis and possibly risk for gallstone disease. We examined the effect of these polymorphisms individually as well as their haplotypes on GBC and gallstone patients in North Indian population.Methods: The study comprises 123 consecutive cases of proven GBC, 172 cases of gallstone and 232 healthy subjects of similar age and sex. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes and genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results: In a case–control study, APOB XbaI and ins/del polymorphisms were not significantly associated with risk of GBC. Using the expectation maximization algorithm, four haplotypes were obtained, and haplotype X+,D was found to be significantly higher in GBC patients without stone in comparison with healthy subjects [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2–6.6 P=0.012].Conclusions: The X+,D haplotype of APOB is associated with increased risk for development of GBC and the risk is not modified in the presence of gallstones.
Decline in the prevalence of dental fluorosis among South Australian children
Authors: Do L. G. , Spencer A. J. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Background:  The use of fluoride involves a balance between protection against dental caries and risk of dental fluorosis. Fluorosis in Australian children was highly prevalent in the early 1990s. Policy measures were introduced to control fluoride exposure so as to reduce the prevalence of fluorosis.Objective:  To evaluate the effectiveness of policy measures in reducing the prevalence of fluorosis among Australian children.Methods:  A random sample of South Australian children born in 1989–1994 was selected in 2002/2003, stratified by fluoridation status and urban/rural residence. Children were targeted to form three successive birth cohorts: those children born in 1989/1990, 1991/1992 and 1993/1994, respectively. Fluoride exposures were assessed by questionnaire. One dentist examined 677 children for fluorosis using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF) Index. Data were reweighted to reflect the state's child population. Case definitions of fluorosis were: having a TF score of 1+ (TF1+) or a TF score of 2+ (TF2+) on one or both maxillary central incisors.Results:  A higher proportion of children in the later birth cohorts used low‐concentration fluoridated toothpaste, and a smaller amount of toothpaste was used when they commenced toothbrushing. The fluorosis experience in this population was mostly very mild to mild. There was a significant decline in the prevalence of fluorosis across the three successive birth cohorts. The prevalence of fluorosis by TF1+ case definition declined from 34.7% to 22.1% and by TF2+ case definition from 17.9% to 8.3%. Risk factors for fluorosis were use of standard‐concentration fluoridated toothpaste, an eating and/or licking toothpaste habit and exposure to fluoridated water.Conclusion:  The experience of fluorosis among the South Australian child population was mostly very mild to mild. There was a marked decline in the prevalence of fluorosis across the three successive birth cohorts. The decline was mainly linked with the reduction in exposure to fluoride from fluoridated toothpaste.