bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An easily built diffuse illumination system effective at both very low and moderate magnifications, for observing in situ stained slides
Authors: FROHLICH M. W. , MOYROUD E. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryEffective study of in situ stained sections often requires illumination that is difficult to achieve with commonly used research microscopes. One must be able to switch quickly and conveniently from the very lowest to moderate magnifications. At all magnifications contrast due to light scatter must be minimized, so that the weak staining that signifies low gene expression can be observed reliably. For the lowest power objectives (e.g., 1.25× or 2×) many microscopes require that the condenser be removed to illuminate the full field of view. This is not only very inconvenient when switching magnifications, but without a condenser the low numerical aperture of the illuminating light beam results in unwanted contrast due to light scatter. We have devised a simple system that diffusely illuminates the full field of view of the lowest power objective (1.25×) and has high enough numerical aperture for use with the 25× and 40× objectives. A key feature is the use of a large diameter ring light (internal diameter 5.8 cm), placed on the microscope base, to illuminate a large diameter diffuser placed just below the slide.
Replicate‐based noise corrected correlation for accurate measurements of colocalization
Authors: ADLER J. , PAGAKIS S. N. , PARMRYD I. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIt is widely recognized that the accuracy of colocalization measurements is dependent upon the quality of the source images. We demonstrate that, as the image quality increases, the measured colocalization, using the Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficients, approaches the true colocalization asymptotically. This means that in practice it is difficult to obtain images of sufficient quality for accurate measurements. We introduce the replicate‐based noise corrected correlation (RBNCC) which aligns the measured colocalization with the true colocalization: a noise measurement is made for each fluorophore from a pair of replicate images, the two noise measurements are combined to generate a correction factor which is applied to the measured colocalization between the two fluorophores. In consequence, accurate measurements can be obtained even with noisy images, making RBNCC especially attractive for live imaging. Even with images of apparently good quality we found an average discrepancy of about 20% between the measured and corrected colocalization. A case is made for using the Spearman rank coefficient instead of the Pearson coefficient to measure colocalization.
Bis(guanylhydrazones) negatively affect in vitro germination of kiwifruit pollen and alter the endogenous polyamine pool
Authors: Antognoni F. , Bagni N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBis(guanylhydrazones) are a class of compounds known to interfere with the metabolism of polyamines (PAs). Among them, the methylglyoxal derivative (MGBG) has been studied most thoroughly. Because PAs and their biosynthetic enzymes are strongly involved in pollen tube organization, emergence and elongation, a number of these inhibitors have been studied in the present work for their effects on the in vitro performance of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) pollen. Increasing concentrations of several bis(guanylhydrazones) in the range 0.05–1 mM were checked for their effect on pollen germination. Most of the compounds tested showed a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on tube emergence, which was established very early during incubation. At 0.5 mM, the methylpropylglyoxal derivative (MPGBG) had a stronger inhibitory effect than MGBG. To verify whether the inhibitors reached their metabolic target, PA levels and S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) activity were determined in pollen germinated in the presence or absence (controls) of 0.5 mM bis(guanylhydrazones). Spermidine (Spd) content was significantly reduced in the treated pollen, and this effect was more pronounced after treatment with MGBG than with MPGBG. An early and strong reduction in SAMDC activity was observed after exposure to either inhibitor. Inhibition of pollen germination by MGBG or MPGBG could not be reversed by the addition of exogenous Spd, which per se was inhibitory. Taken together, our results suggest that bis(guanylhydrazones) alter PA metabolism and negatively affect kiwifruit pollen germination, even though a strict cause–effect relationship could not be established, and other mechanisms, unrelated to PA activity, must be involved.
Expression of two maize putative nitrate transporters in response to nitrate and sugar availability
Authors: Trevisan S. , Borsa P. , Botton A. , Varotto S. , Malagoli M. , Ruperti B. , Quaggiotti S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA full‐length cDNA encoding a putative high‐affinity nitrate transporter (ZmNrt2.2) from maize was isolated and characterised, together with another previously identified transporter (ZmNrt2.1), in terms of phylogenesis, protein structure prediction and regulation of transcript accumulation in response to nitrate and sugar availability. The expression of both genes was evaluated by quantitative and semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR in response to nitrate and sugar supply and the in planta localisation of mRNA was studied by in situ hybridisation. Data obtained suggested similar genetic evolution and identical transmembrane structure prediction between the two deduced proteins, and differences in both regulation of their expression and mRNA localisation in response to nitrate, leading us to hypothesise a principal role for ZmNRT2.1 in the influx activity and the major involvement of ZmNRT2.2 in the xylem loading process. Our data suggest opposing sugar regulation by ZmNrt2.1 and ZmNrt2.2 transcription in the presence or absence of nitrate and the existence of both hexokinase‐dependent and hexokinase‐independent transduction mechanisms for the regulation of ZmNrt2.1 and ZmNrt2.2 expression by sugars.
Pollen‐mediated transgene flow in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Giannino D. , Nicolodi C. , Testone G. , Di Giacomo E. , Iannelli M. A. , Frugis G. , Mariotti D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTransgene escape risks are evaluated by assessing the frequency of transgenic hybrids within populations sexually compatible with those genetically modified. We examined the pollen‐mediated transgene flow among lettuce varieties in Italy. Transgenic ‘Luxor’ lines harboured the arabidopsis KNAT1 gene, which caused leaf trait alterations, and the bacterial NPTII gene for resistance to kanamycin. Donor homozygous lines (KNAT1:NPTII/KNAT1:NPTII) were used in two trials: in glasshouse, ‘Luxor’ transgenic and conventional plants were spaced at 15 cm; in field, a transgenic ‘Luxor’ donor island was set up and surrounded by 10 pollen receiver varieties sited at 0.5, 11 and 22 m. Progenies of recipient cultivars were screened by kanamycin assays, leaf alterations, transgene transcription and integrity. The out‐crossing rate (OCR) was calculated as the frequency of KNAT1:NPTII/− and δKNAT1:NPTII/− genotypes because KNAT1 impair (indicated with δ) was observed to vary from the 0.03% to 0.36%. Indoor, ‘Luxor’ intra‐varietal OCR was 0.41 ± 0.11%; outdoor, the average inter‐varietal OCR was 0.49%, 0.071% and 0.035% for plants at 0.5, 11 and 22 m, respectively.
Impact of intravenous furosemide on flow rate characteristics and clinic waiting times
Authors: Allen Darrell J , Ewe See H , Kucheria Raj , Hindley Richard G , Popert Rick 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  To assess the impact of a single dose of i.v. furosemide on clinic waiting times and urinary flow rate parameters in a group of symptomatic men.Methods:  Sixty‐two consecutive men attending a prostate assessment clinic were prospectively entered into the study. They were then randomized to receive 10 mg of i.v. furosemide or to drink oral fluids only, as per standard protocol. Flow rate parameters and clinic waiting times were recorded.Results:  The clinic waiting time was significantly reduced by the administration of i.v. furosemide compared to oral fluid alone (81 vs 36 min; P < 0.0001) without any alteration in flow rate characteristics. Interestingly, although there was no statistically significant difference between the voided volumes in both groups (251 vs 313 mL; P = 0.115) all of the patients given furosemide voided a volume of over 150 mL, where as almost a third (10/32) of those receiving oral fluid alone did not achieve this. There were no adverse events following the administration of i.v. diuretic.Conclusion:  A single dose of i.v. furosemide dramatically reduces the overall clinic waiting time without inducing statistically significant changes in flow rate parameters. Indeed, none of the patients receiving furosemide voided less than 150 mL. We would thus recommend this practice be considered as an alternative to standard uroflowmetry protocols.
LOWER POSTPRANDIAL PLASMA GLUCOSE AND INSULIN AFTER ADDITION OF ACACIA CORIACEA FLOUR TO WHEAT BREAD
Authors: THORBURN A. W. , BRAND J. C. , CHERIKOFF V. , TRUSWELL A. S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:Many Australian Aboriginal bushfoods contain slowly digested carbohydrate which elicit low postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses compared to Western foods, such as wheat bread. This study has shown that incorporation of flour made from a slowly digested seed, Acacia coriacea, into wheat bread (18 g/82 g wheat flour) significantly reduces the initial rise in plasma glucose levels (p < 0.05) and the area under the plasma glucose curve (p < 0.005) in six healthy subjects. Insulin values were also lowered at 60 minutes (p < 0.025) and 90 minutes (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that Acacia flour, when used to dilute wheat flour in the manufacture of breads, produces a very palatable food which could be useful in the diets of diabetic individuals.
FAMILIAL IgA NEPHROPATHY: A STUDY OF RENAL DISEASE IN AN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL FAMILY
Authors: O'CONNELL P. J. , IBELS L. S. , THOMAS M. A. , HARRIS M. , ECKSTEIN R. P. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:An Australian Aboriginal family, extending four generations, with a high incidence of renal disease was investigated. Twenty‐eight of 114 members screened had hematuria. Of those tested, five had hypertension, four maturity onset diabetes, one a raised serum creatinine concentration, five elevated serum IgA levels and two cortical scarring on intravenous pyelogram. Of the eight members who underwent renal biopsy, five had IgA nephropathy and one had light and electron microscopy evidence of glomerulonephritis, but no IgA was seen on immunofluorescence. One had mild nonspecific changes by light microscopy but no immunofluorescence or electron microscopy was available and the remaining patient had mild changes consistent with hypertension and diabetes. HLA typing, carried out for 27 family members, showed an increased incidence of HLA‐B22, B27, B39, and DR1 when compared to Yuendumu Aborigines (B27 and DR1), or Australian Caucasians (B22), or both (B39). This may be due to an association with IgA nephropathy, or a family clustering of antigens. Overall, this study suggests a genetic mechanism in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy in some patients and, as there was evidence of renal disease in 25% of those tested, may indicate an underlying high incidence of renal disease in the Aboriginal community.
EXTENDED NEURALGIC AMYOTROPHY SYNDROME
Authors: BYRNE E. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:Neuralgic amyotrophy refers to an idiopathic syndrome where weakness and wasting occur in one limb, usually in the muscles innervated by the upper brachial plexus. Seven patients are presented who developed cranial nerve involvement (facial, spinal accessory) in the midst of a typical attack of neuralgic amyotrophy or who developed either recurrent brachial or brachial and lumbosacral plexopathies. An underlying demyelinating neuropathy was identified in one patient and two patients were heroin addicts. These reports confirm that neuralgic amyotrophy may occasionally form part of a more extensive disorder of the peripheral nervous system, thereby providing indirect support for the role of a systemic immunological factor in pathoetiology.
RESOLUTION OF ACROMEGALY AFTER REMOVAL OF A BRONCHIAL CARCINOID SHOWN TO SECRETE GROWTH HORMONE RELEASING FACTOR
Authors: CARROLL D. G. , DELAHUNT J. W. , TEAGUE C. A. , COOKE R. R. , ADAMS E. F. , CHRISTOFIDES N. D. , BLOOM S. R. , TERENGHI G. , POLAK J. M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:A 29 year old woman with an enlarged pituitary fossa and classical acromegaly, possibly present for ten years, had biochemical and partial somatic resolution of the disorder after removal of a bronchial carcinoid tumour. In addition, galactorrhea stopped, menstruation returned after two years, and amenorrhea and elevated prolactin levels fell towards normal.Immunocytochemistry showed numerous growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) staining cells in the tumour. The tumour cells, when cultured, produced a supernatant selectivity stimulating human pituitary somatotrophic cell cultures to produce growth hormone (GH). The bronchial carcinoid did not secrete detectable GH, but extracts of it, and preoperative serum contained GRF immunoreactivity which coeluted with synthetic human pancreatic GRF.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐associated prostate cancer: clinicopathological findings and outcome in a multi‐institutional study
Authors: Pantanowitz Liron , Bohac Gerry , Cooley Timothy P. , Aboulafia David , Dezube Bruce J. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo characterize the clinicopathological findings and the outcome of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients diagnosed and treated for prostate carcinoma, as HIV‐positive men being treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are living longer and thus are more likely to develop cancers such as prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe performed a retrospective, multi‐institutional study involving HIV‐positive men with concomitant prostate carcinoma. We collected data regarding patient demographics (age, race), HIV status (CD4+ cell count, HIV viral load, HAART), PSA level (at cancer diagnosis), symptoms and signs, radiological findings, pathology (Gleason score, stage), cancer treatment (type, side‐effects), and outcome (response, survival). Accrued data was analysed using descriptive statistics.RESULTSWe identified 17 patients (mean age 59 years) with HIV‐associated prostate adenocarcinoma. The mean CD4+ count was 336 cells/mm3 and the mean HIV viral load was 17 319 copies/mL. In all, 14 (82%) of these men were receiving HAART. Most patients were diagnosed with carcinoma after an abnormal screening PSA level. The mean PSA level was 30 ng/mL. Only six (35%) men had an abnormal prostate on examination. The mean Gleason score was 6.8, and in most cases, cancer was confined to the prostate gland. Most patients were amenable to curative treatment with hormonal therapy, radiation, and/or prostatectomy. There were no serious treatment related side‐effects. One patient remained untreated. All treated patients had a complete response (undetectable PSA level). Most patients were long‐term survivors. Documented death in five cases was unrelated to prostate cancer.CONCLUSIONThe management of HIV‐positive men with prostate carcinoma in the HAART era is becoming increasingly important. Our data shows that in men receiving HAART, their age, PSA levels, clinical presentation, management, and outcome from treated prostate carcinoma does not appear to be significantly altered by HIV status. Therefore, we recommend that patients with prostate cancer and well‐controlled HIV viraemia be managed similarly to their HIV‐negative counterparts.
Immunohistochemical estimation of hypoxia in human obstructed bladder and correlation with clinical variables
Authors: Koritsiadis George , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Koutalellis George , Agrogiannis Georgios , Koritsiadis Sotirios , Lazaris Andreas , Constantinides Constantinos 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the tissue distribution of ischaemia in human detrusor in patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and to correlate the results with clinical variables, as clinical BOO is a common problem in ageing men and ischaemia might be important in detrusor dysfunction.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom September 2004 to October 2006, 70 patients were recruited, comprising 60 scheduled for surgery to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (the study group) and 10 as controls. Detrusor tissue was retrieved and stained for hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, a cellular marker of hypoxia.RESULTSThe mean (sd) total number of cells immunoreactive to HIF‐1α in the study group was 93.3 (48.09), and in the specimens from the control group only few rare cells showed weak immunoreactivity to HIF‐1α (0–2). Positive cells were in different proportions between muscle bundles and submucosa, expressed mainly in stromal cells. The urothelium and detrusor muscle showed no immunoreactivity to HIF‐1α. There was strong immunoreactivity in patients with prolonged BOO (<10 years), declining thereafter, and in those patients with urinary retention.CONCLUSIONSThe urothelium and detrusor seem to be more resistant to hypoxic stress, while stromal cells perceive low oxygen tension. The bladder response to chronic hypoxia through HIF‐1α expression is limited in time and might depend on the functional status of the detrusor.
Comparison of prostate‐specific antigen recurrence‐free survival in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing either radical retropubic or robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Schroeck Florian R. , Sun Leon , Freedland Stephen J. , Albala David M. , Mouraviev Vladimir , Polascik Thomas J. , Moul Judd W. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVESTo compare the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence (PSAR) rates in patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) or radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).PATIENTS AND METHODSData from 797 consecutive patients who had RALP or RRP between August 2003 and January 2007 were retrieved from our database. Age, race, body mass index, PSA level, estimated blood loss (EBL), clinical and pathological stage, biopsy and pathological Gleason score, lymph node involvement, positive surgical margin (PSM) status, and prostate weight were compared between the groups. Multivariate analysis (logistic and Cox regression) was used to adjust for differences in clinical and pathological features when comparing the risk for PSM and PSAR.RESULTSIn all, 362 men had RALP and 435 had RRP; the mean follow‐up was 1.09 and 1.37 years, respectively. RALP patients had a significantly lower clinical stage, Gleason score and EBL (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in PSM between RALP and RRP in univariate (P = 0.701) and multivariate analyses (P = 0.095). The risk of PSAR for patients undergoing RALP or RRP was not significantly different after adjusting for clinical (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.48–1.38; P = 0.448) and pathological differences (0.94, 0.55–1.61; P = 0.824).CONCLUSIONSPatients undergoing RALP had a lower EBL and lower‐risk disease. After adjusting for differences in clinical and pathological features, there was no significant difference in early PSAR between patients undergoing RALP or RRP.
Intravesically administered antisense oligonucleotides targeting heat‐shock protein‐27 inhibit the growth of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Hadaschik Boris A. , Jackson John , Fazli Ladan , Zoubeidi Amina , Burt Helen M. , Gleave Martin E. , So Alan I. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the inhibitory effects of a second‐generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the cytoprotective chaperone heat‐shock protein (HSP)‐27 (OGX‐427, OncoGeneX Technologies, Vancouver, Canada) on human bladder cancer growth bothin vitroandin vivoas an intravesical agent in an orthotopic murine model.MATERIALS AND METHODSHuman KU‐7 bladder tumour cells were treated with OGX‐427 or a mismatch (MM) control oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)in vitroand were assessed for HSP27 expression, proliferation and apoptosis. KU‐7‐luc cells that stably express luciferase were inoculated in female nude mice by intravesical instillation and tumour size was measured using bioluminescence imaging. Mice with established KU‐7‐luc tumours were administered uncomplexed ‘naked’ OGX‐427 or MM ODN as well as controlled‐release microparticulate chitosan/oligonucleotide formulations intravesically. Tumour growth was monitored over time and tumours were analysed after death using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.RESULTSIn vitro, OGX‐427 significantly decreased HSP27 protein levels and cellular viability. While naked OGX‐427 showed only a trend in tumour suppression compared with MM ODN, OGX‐427 complexed with chitosan significantly inhibited orthotopic tumour growth. The chitosan preparation induced some haematuria compared to naked ASO, but this formulation had superior tissue uptake of oligonucleotides and suppressed HSP27 tissue levels by 75%.CONCLUSIONIntravesical OGX‐427 instillation therapy showed promising antitumour activity and minimal toxicity in an orthotopic mouse model of high‐grade bladder cancer. These findings provide pre‐clinical proof‐of‐principle for the use of ASO as intravesical agents for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, and warrant further evaluation of efficacy and safety in early‐phase clinical trials.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of insulin detemir compared to Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin in patients with Type 1 diabetes using a treat‐to‐target basal–bolus regimen with insulin aspart at meals: a 2‐year, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Bartley P. C. , Bogoev M. , Larsen J. , Philotheou A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAims  This 24‐month, multi‐national, open‐label, parallel group trial investigated the long‐term efficacy and safety of insulin detemir and Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin in combination with mealtime insulin aspart in patients with Type 1 diabetes using a treat‐to‐target concept.Methods  Patients were randomized 2 : 1 to detemir (n = 331) or NPH (n = 166) groups. Basal insulin was initiated once daily (evening) and titrated individually based on self‐measured plasma glucose (PG) levels, aiming for pre‐breakfast and pre‐dinner targets ≤ 6.0 mmol/l. A second basal morning dose could be added according to pre‐defined criteria.Results  After 24 months, superiority of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was achieved with detemir compared to NPH (detemir 7.36%, NPH 7.58%, mean difference −0.22% points) [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.41 to −0.03%], with reductions of 0.94% and 0.72% points, respectively. Fasting PG (FPGlab) was also lower with detemir (detemir 8.35 mmol/l, NPH 9.43 mmol/l; P = 0.019). Twenty‐two per cent of patients treated with detemir reached an HbA1c ≤ 7.0% in the absence of confirmed hypoglycaemia during the last month of treatment vs. 13% on NPH (P = 0.019). Risk of major and nocturnal hypoglycaemia was 69% and 46% lower with detemir than with NPH (P < 0.001), respectively; patients treated with detemir gained less weight (detemir 1.7 kg, NPH 2.7 kg; P = 0.024). The overall safety profile was similar in the two groups and treatment with detemir did not result in any unexpected findings.Conclusions  Long‐term treatment with the insulin analogues detemir + aspart was superior to NPH + aspart in reducing HbA1c, with added benefits of less major and nocturnal hypoglycaemia and less weight gain.