bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD34 glycoprotein identifies putative stem cells located in the isthmic region of canine hair follicles
Authors: Pascucci Luisa , Mercati Francesca , Gargiulo Anna Maria , Pedini Vera , Sorbolini Silvia , Ceccarelli Piero 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIt is widely documented that a pool of multipotent stem cells located in humans and mice hair follicle outer root sheath (bulge region) is involved in the restoration of the whole follicular unit during each anagen phase. To the authors’ knowledge, data regarding the location and characterization of hair follicle stem compartment in dogs have not been reported in the recent relevant literature. In this study, we investigated the haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell antigen CD34 as a marker of putative stem cells located in a bulge‐like region of canine hair follicles. The presence of CD34 mRNA and glycoprotein was assessed on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded canine skin samples by in situ hybridization technique and by standard immunohistochemistry, respectively. A strong expression of CD34 mRNA and glycoprotein was observed in a well‐defined area of the hair follicle isthmic region and appeared uniformly concentrated at the level of the basal layer of the outer root sheath. These findings provide compelling support to the hypothesis that in dogs, a subpopulation of basal keratinocytes located in the hair follicle isthmic region and characterized by the selective expression of CD34 is potentially associated with the stem cell compartment of this skin appendage.
IL‐10 promoter and IL4‐Rα gene SNPs are associated with immediate β‐lactam allergy in atopic women
Authors: Guglielmi L. , Fontaine C. , Gougat C. , Avinens O. , Eliaou J.‐F. , Guglielmi P. , Demoly P. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Allergic reactions to β‐lactam antibiotics represent the most frequent cause of immunological drug reactions.Objective:  This study evaluates the involvement of genetic susceptibility factors in patients with immediate allergic reactions to β‐lactams. We examined 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of genes coding proteins implicated in immunoglobulin (Ig)E synthesis regulation.Methods:  We performed a case–control study involving 44 patients with immediate β‐lactam allergy and 44 control subjects, all matched for sex and atopy. Interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13, IL‐4Rα, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), interferon (IFN)‐γR1, IFN‐γR2 and FcɛRIβ gene polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism, and IL‐21R gene and IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms by direct sequencing.Results:  Our analysis did not reveal differences in the distribution of the 15 SNPs between allergic patients and controls. However, among atopic subjects, we found two distinct significant associations between immediate β‐lactam allergy in women and the Ile75Val variant of IL‐4Rα gene (P = 0.012, OR = 5.4, CI: 1.16–27.7), and two linked IL‐10 promoter gene polymorphisms, −819C>T and −592 C>A (P = 0.023, OR = 17.5, CI: 1.26–533.07). In contrast, we observed no association in allergic male subjects in the atopic population. Interestingly, the IL‐4Rα Ile75Val variant could have a paradoxal protective effect in atopic male patients (P = 0.004, OR = 0.07, CI: 0.01–0.66).Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in the IL‐10 promoter and IL‐4Rα genes are genetic factors that favour β‐lactam immediate allergies in female patients with atopy.
The role of parasitic infections in atopic diseases in rural schoolchildren
Authors: Karadag B. , Ege M. , Bradley J. E. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. , Riedler J. , Nowak D. , Von Mutius E. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  There is increasing evidence that the farming environment has a protective effect as regards allergic diseases. Exposure to animal parasites, particularly helminth infections, is common in the farming environment. However, the role of helminths in this environment is not well determined to date.Methods:  This analysis focuses on 613 children 6–13 years of age from rural areas of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, who took part in the Allergy and Endotoxin (ALEX) study. Allergic diseases and farming characteristics were assessed by a standardized questionnaire and as a crude measure of possible exposure to helminths, IgG antibodies to Ascaris lumbricoides were measured.Results:  Exposure to nematodes, as determined by the levels of antibody to A. lumbricoides, was more frequent among farmers’ children than non‐farmers’ children (39.8%vs 31.1%, P = 0.03). This positive serology was found to be significantly associated with high total IgE levels [odds ratio (OR) = 3.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.81–5.12] and eosinophilia (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.66–4.84). However, no association between anti‐nematode serology and the prevalences of asthma, wheeze, hay fever or atopy was found. A weak association for atopy was observed after adjustment for total IgE.Conclusion:  Immunoglobulin G antibodies to A. lumbricoides, as a crude measure of possible exposure to helminths, did not indicate any protective effect against allergic diseases in this population. Although farmers’ children had increased antibody levels reactive to helminth parasites indicating exposure, this did not explain the protective effect of farming against atopic diseases.
Inflammation, heat shock proteins and periodontal pathogens in atherosclerosis: an immunohistologic study
Authors: Ford P. J. , Gemmell E. , Chan A. , Carter C. L. , Walker P. J. , Bird P. S. , West M. J. , Cullinan M. P. , Seymour G. J. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Inflammation is a significant component of atherosclerosis lesions. Bacteria, including periodontopathogens, have been demonstrated in atherosclerotic plaques and cross‐reactivity of the immune response to bacterial GroEL with human heat shock protein 60 has been suggested as a link between infections and atherosclerosis.Methods:  In this study, the nature of the inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of human heat shock protein 60 and GroEL were examined in 31 carotid endarterectomy specimens. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies were used to detect the presence of six bacteria, including those implicated in periodontal disease.Results:  The inflammatory cell infiltrate of the lesions was dominated by CD14+ macrophages and CD4+ T cells. Most cells of the infiltrate as well as the endothelium were HLA‐DR+, indicating activation; however, there was an absence of CD25 expression, demonstrating that the activated T cells were not proliferating. Few CD1a+ and CD83+ cells were noted. Human heat shock protein 60 expression was evident on endothelial cells and cells with the appearance of smooth muscle cells and lymphocytes. GroEL and bacteria were detected within intimal cells. Chlamydia pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were found in 21%, 52%, 34%, 34%, 41%, and 17% of arteries, respectively.Conclusion:  These results give evidence for a specific immune response associated with atherosclerosis. Whether bacteria initiate the observed inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions is not clear; however, the present study shows that maintenance of inflammation may be enhanced by the presence of periodontopathic bacteria.
Incidence and behaviour of Tn916‐like elements within tetracycline‐resistant bacteria isolated from root canals
Authors: Rossi‐Fedele G. , Scott W. , Spratt D. , Gulabivala K. , Roberts A. P. 
Published: July 2006

Introduction:  Tetracycline resistance is commonly found in endodontic bacteria. One of the most common tetracycline‐resistance genes is tet(M), which is often encoded on the broad‐host‐range conjugative transposon Tn916. This study aimed to determine whether tet(M) was present in bacteria isolated from endodontic patients at the Eastman Dental Institute and whether this gene was carried on the transferable conjugative transposon Tn916.Methods:  The cultivable microflora isolated from 15 endodontic patients was screened for resistance to tetracycline. Polymerase chain reactions for tet(M) and for unique regions of Tn916 were carried out on the DNA of all tetracycline‐resistant bacteria. Filter‐mating experiments were used to see if transfer of any Tn916‐like elements could occur.Results:  Eight out of 15 tetracycline‐resistant bacteria isolated were shown to possess tet(M). Furthermore, four of these eight were shown to possess the Tn916‐unique regions linked to the tet(M) gene. Transfer experiments demonstrated that a Neisseria sp. donor could transfer an extremely unstable Tn916‐like element to Enterococcus faecalis.Conclusions:  The tet(M) gene is present in the majority of tetracycline‐resistant bacteria isolated in this study and the conjugative transposon Tn916 has been shown to be responsible for the support and transfer of this gene in some of the bacteria isolated.
Chronic post‐thoracotomy pain: a retrospective study
Authors: Pluijms W. A. , Steegers M. A. H. , Verhagen A. F. T. M. , Scheffer G. J. , Wilder‐Smith O. H. G. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Chronic pain is common after thoracotomy. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the incidence of chronic post‐thoracotomy pain. The secondary goal was to identify possible risk factors associated with the development of chronic post‐operative pain.Methods:  We contacted 255 patients who had undergone a classic postero‐lateral thoracotomy at our institution in the period between January 2001 and December 2003. All patients received a letter requesting participation; a questionnaire was included with the letter. One week later patients were contacted by telephone to obtain the answers to the questionnaire.Results:  We ultimately obtained results from 149 patients (58% of all thoracotomies, 84% of survivors). The overall incidence of chronic post‐operative pain was 52% (32% mild, 16% moderate and 3% severe chronic post‐operative pain). Patients with chronic post‐operative pain reported acute post‐operative pain more frequently than those without (85% vs. 62%, P = 0.01), had more severe acute post‐operative pain (P = 0.0001), underwent more extensive surgical procedures (P = 0.01), had more constant acute pain (vs. fluctuating pain or pain in attacks) (P = 0.0004) and reported less absence of pain during the first post‐operative week (P = 0.0001). There was no significant decrease in chronic pain with time after thoracotomy.Conclusion:  Our study confirms that chronic post‐thoracotomy pain is a common problem. The results from our study suggest that chronic post‐thoracotomy pain may be associated with more intensive and extensive nociceptive input due to thoracic surgery.
Recurrence pattern for superficial bladder cancer
Authors: AKAGASHI KEIGO , TANDA HITOSHI , KATO SHUJI , OHNISHI SHIGEKI , NAKAJIMA HISAO , NANBU AKIHITO , NITTA TOSHIKAZU , KOROKU MIKIO , SATO YOSHIKAZU , HANZAWA TATSUO 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  Patients with superficial bladder tumors sometimes have long recurrence‐free intervals. We evaluated whether patients with long recurrence‐free periods had subsequent recurrences. We also clarified how these patients should be followed.Materials and methods:  We enrolled 244 patients with superficial bladder cancer (62 pTa and 182 pT1) treated by transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and adjuvant chemotherapy with pirarubicin. Median follow up was 75.5 months. Patients were stratified by the length of their recurrence‐free interval.Results:  Recurrences occurred in 124 patients (50.8%). Of 185 patients who did not have a recurrence for the first 3 years, subsequent recurrences occurred in 65 patients; in more than half the first recurrence developed after 5 years or more. Ta tumors had a low recurrence rate (14.5%) with the first recurrence often developing after a long recurrence‐free period. Of 40 patients who remained recurrence‐free for 3 years or more after at least one recurrence occurred, 16 patients (40%) had subsequent recurrences. Furthermore, most of these patients who remained free of recurrence for more than 5 years eventually had a recurrence. The overall progression rate was 15.6%, and this did not relate to the length of the recurrence‐free interval.Conclusion:  When patients did not have a recurrence for the first 3 years, tumors subsequently often recurred, even in pTa tumors. In patients with at least once recurrence, subsequent recurrences appear to occur irrespective of the length of the recurrence‐free period. Thus, we recommend that all patients with superficial bladder tumors be followed for as long as possible.
The musculature of three species of gastrotrichs surveyed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM)
Authors: Leasi Francesca , Rothe Birgen H. , Schmidt‐Rhaesa Andreas , Todaro M. Antonio 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe muscular system of gastrotrichs consists of circular, longitudinal and helicoidal bands that when analysed with confocal laser scanning microscopy, provide new insights into their functional organization and phylogenetic importance. We therefore undertook a comparative study of the muscle organization in three species of Gastrotricha from the orders Macrodasyida (Paradasys sp., Lepidodasyidae; Turbanella sp., Turbanellidae) and Chaetonotida (Polymerurus nodicaudus, Chaetonotidae). The general muscle organization of the marine interstitial macrodasyidans, Paradasys and Turbanella, not only confirms earlier observation on other species but also adds new details concerning the organization and number of helicoidal, longitudinal and other muscle bands (e.g. semicircular band). The freshwater, epibenthic–epiphytic chaetonotid, Polymerurus nodicaudus, has a similar muscular organization to other species of Chaetonotidae, especially species of Chaetonotus, Halichaetonotus and Lepidodermella. Perhaps unique to Polymerurus is the combined presence of an unbranched Rückenhautmuskel (also in Halichaetonotus and Lepidodermella) and a specialized dorsoventral caudal muscle, which flank the splanchnic component of the longitudinal muscles (only in Chaetonotus and Lepidodermella). This combination, together with the presence of splanchnic dorsoventral muscles, known only in Xenotrichulidae, implies a unique phylogenetic position for Polymerurus, and indicates a potential basal position of this taxon among the Chaetonotidae studied so far (i.e. Aspidiophorus, Chaetonotus, Halichaetonotus and Lepidodermella).
The cremasteric neuromuscular complex in male and female grey short‐tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica)
Authors: Payne A. P. , Mackay S. , Ullmann S. L. , Paris D. B. P. P. , Allan G. A. , McKenzie S. K. , Gilmore D. P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn marsupials, both sexes possess a cremaster muscle, that of the female being attached to the mammary gland and surrounding subcutaneous tissues. In the grey short‐tailed opossum, the muscle in both sexes has a distinct proximal origin from the anterior superior iliac spine. The number of muscle fibres is higher in male than in female opossums on average, but the difference is not statistically significant. Retrograde tracing, achieved by injecting B‐cholera toxin into the muscle, showed that labelled neurons occupied several spinal cord segments, the bulk being in L2–L4. There was no overall sex difference in the number of labelled neurons. It is concluded that cremaster muscles are present in both sexes of the grey short‐tailed opossum Monodelphis domestica, contain approximately equal numbers of fibres, and differ only in their insertion target. Since the motor innervation also shows no dimorphisms in this species, it is concluded that the whole neuromuscular complex is homologous in the two sexes. This is in marked contrast to the situation in adult eutherian mammals where the muscle is possesed by males only, and where the cremasteric nucleus is highly dimorphic in terms of motor neuron numbers.
Effects of intravesical instillation of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nerve growth factor in cyclophosphamide‐induced overactive bladder
Authors: JANG JOON , PARK EUN YOUNG , SEO SEONG IL , HWANG TAE‐KON , KIM JOON CHUL 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVETo examine the effects of intravesical cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced overactive bladder (OAB).MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 40 Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control, OAB, and COX‐2 inhibitor‐treated groups. OAB was induced by an intraperitoneal injection with CYP. Cystometry was performed in all rats and, in half of the OAB rats, a COX‐2 inhibitor was administered intravesically. The bladders of all rats were stained immunohistochemically for iNOS and NGF.RESULTSIn the OAB rats, the contraction interval and intercontraction interval were significantly shorter than in control rats, and the contraction time and pressure were significantly greater. In the COX‐2 inhibitor‐treated rats, the contraction interval and intercontraction interval were significantly longer than in the OAB rats, and the contraction time was significantly shorter. On immunohistochemical staining, there was no iNOS activity and NGF activity was minimally localized in the mucosa and submucosa in the control group. In the OAB rats, NGF activity in the mucosa and submucosa were increased, and there was greater expression of iNOS in all layers and of NGF in detrusor; in the COX‐2 inhibitor‐treated rats, their expression was less in all layers.CONCLUSIONSIntravesical instillation with COX‐2 inhibitors can reduce CYP‐induced bladder hyperactivity and expression of iNOS and NGF. Intravesical instillation with COX‐2 inhibitors can be considered as a possible treatment for OAB.
Quantitative immunohistochemical study of the innervation of the guinea‐pig lower urinary tract
Authors: KUNZE ANDREAS , NEUHAUS JOCHEN , STOLZENBURG JENS‐UWE 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVETo study the innervation of the different muscle systems of the guinea‐pig lower urinary tract, using immunohistochemical and enzyme histochemical methods.MATERIAL AND METHODSSerial cryostat sections of both genders (four guinea‐pigs each) were quantitatively analysed for cholinergic, adrenergic and peptidergic nerve fibre density using specific antibodies or enzyme histochemical labelling. Smooth muscle cell nuclei and varicosities or sectioned nerves were counted in detrusor, internal vesical sphincter (VS), ventral longitudinal musculature (VLM), and dorsal longitudinal musculature (DLM), and the ratios of nerves/nucleus (for detrusor, VLM and DLM) were evaluated statistically. The striated and the smooth external sphincter were examined qualitatively.RESULTSDetrusor, VS, VLM and DLM had significantly different innervation patterns. In detrusor muscle parasympathetic nerve fibres dominated, while the VS and the urethral muscles had a major sympathetic nerve supply. Neuropeptide Y‐positive nerve fibres were abundant in all of the muscles.CONCLUSIONSSmooth muscles of the lower urinary tract of the guinea‐pig are distinct muscular units with distinct innervation patterns. Although there are no corresponding studies in humans the general innervation seems to be equivalent in human and guinea‐pig, qualifying the guinea‐pig for comparative urological studies.
Development of growth inhibitory agents in urological and other malignancies
Authors: STADLER WALTER M. 
Published: July 2006

The first mini‐review is a critique of some of the methods used to assess endpoints for drug studies in oncology. The authors review studies using tumour shrinkage and those assessing time to progression. The next paper is a Pubmed‐based overview of published reports to establish whether antimuscarinic drugs exert their therapeutic action on detrusor overactivity by reducing the ability of the detrusor to contract. The findings are interesting and somewhat unexpected.Authors from several centres in Europe review anaesthesiology considerations and requirements for endoscopic extraperitoneal and laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy. Finally, a touch of history; we do not have a history section, but occasionally we accept papers dealing with pioneers in urology. Recently we had an Irish pioneer, so it is highly appropriate to include one on a Scottish urological leader, Dr Henry Wade.In oncology there have been many new putative anticancer drugs based on the improving understanding of oncogenesis and the malignant phenotype. On the basis of their mechanism of action and preclinical data, many of these drugs are expected to inhibit growth. As such, dramatic tumour shrinkage, which has been the classic endpoint for phase II drug studies, might not be a valid or useful measure by which to make decisions as to whether further phase III trials are indicated. Because this is a critical decision point in the overall drug development plan, alternative endpoints and designs need to be considered. More traditional single‐arm phase II designs using tumour shrinkage endpoints are reviewed, and the use of randomized phase II designs assessing time to progression discussed. It is postulated that randomized approaches will decrease the current high failure rate for oncological drugs in phase III trials.
Renal cell carcinoma of native kidney in renal transplant recipients
Authors: MOUDOUNI SAID M. , LAKMICHI AMINE , TLIGUI MOHAMMED , RAFII ARACH , TCHALA KESSILE , HAAB FRANCOIS , GATTEGNO BERNARD , THIBAULT PHILIPPE , DOUBLET JEAN‐DOMINIQUE 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the prevalence, prognosis and possible risk factors of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the native kidney in renal transplant recipients.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively re‐examined the follow‐up data of 373 consecutive renal transplant recipients at our institution between August 1993 and September 2004. We collected the data of all de novo RCC of the native kidney in the current analysis.RESULTSOf the 373 patients examined, 12 tumours of the native kidney were diagnosed in 10 individuals. The mean ages at transplantation and diagnosis were 33 and 45.8 years, respectively. Thirteen malignancies were discovered fortuitously. Among the renal ultrasonograms there were two false‐negative results. The mean tumour size was 21 mm. Nephrectomy was performed in all cases. Among the 12 kidney malignancies, there were five conventional RCCs and seven papillary RCCs. Half of all tumours were Furhman Grade 3 lesions, and pT1aN0M0 tumours also accounted for all malignancies in the current cohort. One of the 10 patients died, from progression of metastases 6 years after diagnosis. One patient had a local recurrence 2 years after diagnosis. The other eight patients were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of the current report. No significant relationship was detected between RCC occurrence and clinical patient characteristics.CONCLUSIONSThere appears to be a greater risk of RCC of the native kidney in patients with end‐stage renal disease. The present results suggest that an annual examination of the native kidney before and after renal transplantation is essential.
Shift‐Share Analysis and the Potential for Predicting Regional Growth Patterns: Some Evidence for the Region of Quebec, Canada
Authors: ANDRIKOPOULOS A. , BROX J. , CARVALHO E. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to explain changes in regional attractiveness as measured by the competitive component of the shift‐share model. This is done by applying the shift‐share model to the manufacturing sector in the province of Quebec and using time series data for twenty two‐digit industries as the basis of analysis. The study concludes that shift‐share is useful for analyzing historical employment patterns and identifying their causes through regression analysis. However, the inherent structural instability limits the predictive potential of the model.