bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saturation biopsies on autopsied prostates for detecting and characterizing prostate cancer
Authors: Delongchamps Nicolas B. , De La Roza Gustavo , Jones Richard , Jumbelic Mary , Haas Gabriel P. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate a 36‐core saturation biopsy scheme on autopsied prostate glands to estimate the detection rate based on the true cancer prevalence, and to compare the cancer features on biopsy with whole‐mount pathological analysis, as saturation biopsies have been proposed as a tool to increase the prostate cancer detection rate, and as a staging tool to identify potentially insignificant cancers before surgery.MATERIAL AND METHODSWe took 36‐core needle biopsies in 48 autopsied prostates from men who had no history of prostate cancer. The first 18 cores corresponded to an extended biopsy protocol including six cores each in the mid peripheral zone (PZ), lateral PZ and central zone. Six additional cores were then taken in each of these three locations. We compared the histological characteristics of step‐sectioned prostates with the biopsy findings. Tumours were considered clinically insignificant if they were organ‐confined with an index tumour volume of <0.5 mL and Gleason score of ≤6.RESULTSThe pathological evaluation identified 12 (25%) cases of prostate cancer and 22 tumour foci; seven prostate cancers were significant. Of the 22 tumour foci, 16 (73%) were in the PZ. The first 18 cores detected seven cancers (58%), of which five were clinically significant. The last 18 cores detected four cancers, all of which were already detected by the first 18 cores. Of the five cancers remaining undetected by biopsies, two were clinically significant and three were insignificant. Comparison of the histological characteristics between biopsies and step‐sectioned prostates showed an overestimation of Gleason score by saturation biopsies in three of seven cases.CONCLUSIONSThe evaluation of saturation biopsies based on the true prevalence of prostate cancer showed no increase in detection rate over a less extensive 18‐core biopsy. Also, saturation biopsies might overestimate the final Gleason score on whole‐mount analysis.
The destruction of the lower urinary tract by ketamine abuse: a new syndrome?
Authors: Chu Peggy Sau‐Kwan , Ma Wai‐Kit , Wong Simon Chun‐Wing , Chu Ringo Wing‐Hong , Cheng Cheung‐Hing , Wong Shun , Tse Johnny Man‐li , Lau Fei‐Lung , Yiu Ming‐Kwong , Man Chi‐Wai 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo report the clinical spectrum seen in young abusers of street‐ketamine (regular recreational abusers of street‐ketamine, for its hallucinogenic effects) in Hong Kong, presenting with significant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but with no evidence of bacterial infection.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed the clinical presentations, pelvic pain and urgency/frequency scores, video‐urodynamic studies, cystoscopy findings, histological features of bladder biopsies and radiological findings of 59 ketamine abusers who were referred to the urology units of Princess Margaret and Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, from March 2000 to December 2007.RESULTSOf the 59 patients, all had moderate to severe LUTS, i.e. frequency, urgency, dysuria, urge incontinence and occasionally painful haematuria. Forty‐two (71%) patients had a cystoscopy that showed various degrees of epithelial inflammation similar to that seen in chronic interstitial cystitis. All of 12 available bladder biopsies had histological features resembling those of interstitial cystitis. Urodynamically, either detrusor overactivity or decreased bladder compliance with or without vesico‐ureteric reflux was detected to some degree in all of 47 patients. Thirty patients (51%) had unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis on renal ultrasonography, and four (7%) showed features suggestive of papillary necrosis on radiological imaging. Eight patients had a raised serum creatinine level.CONCLUSIONA syndrome of cystitis and contracted bladder can be associated with street‐ketamine abuse. Secondary renal damage can occur in severe cases which might be irreversible, rendering patients dependent on dialysis. The present data do not establish the precise cause nor the incidence. Street‐ketamine abuse is not only a drug problem, but might be associated with a serious urological condition causing a significant burden to healthcare resources.
PURE JOINT PRODUCTION, INCOME DISTRIBUTION, EMPLOYMENT AND THE EXCHANGE RATE
Authors: Mariolis Theodore 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper deals with an open economy with heterogeneous capital and linear processes of pure joint production from a long‐period perspective. It is shown that: (1) an effective exchange rate change has ambiguous effects on the distribution of income and the competitiveness of domestic output; (2) the matrix of super‐multipliers linking exports to gross output is not always uniquely defined; and (3) the volume of exports and the volume of total employment may be inversely related, even if prices and distribution do not change.
A NOTE ON METROECONOMICA: SHACKLE'S CONTRIBUTION
Authors: Pomini Mario 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTIn the 1950s Shackle contributed a number of important articles to Metroeconomica, a new economic journal founded by Eraldo Fossati in 1949 and published in Trieste (Italy). The journal gave considerable prominence to Shackle's theory of decision under uncertainty through publication of many articles, but, above all, through publication of the proceedings of a symposium held in 1959 and entitled ‘Shackle's theory on decision’. The aim of this note is to clarify why Metroeconomica gave particular importance to Shackle's perspective.
DIVORCE AND THE OPTION VALUE OF MARITAL SEARCH
Authors: Filoso Valerio 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis work tests whether the introduction of divorce law changes the timing of marital search. Rational agents should adjust to the divorce risk by increasing the average search spell, whereas option value theory stresses the role of irreversible investments: in this case, the new exit option should result in shorter spells. Using a dynamic model of marital search, a new data set of retrospective individual Italian data, and two robust statistical specifications, we find strong evidence that the legal innovation actually lowered the age at marriage, thereby worsening the level of marital matching, and possibly reinforcing self‐fulfilling prophecies of divorce.
Digital photography for patient counseling in dermatology – a study
Authors: Kaliyadan F 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives  To evaluate the use of digital photography in dermatology as an aid to patient counseling and follow‐up.Materials and methods  Two hundred patients attending the dermatology Out‐Patient Department at our centre over a 1‐year period were included. Half the group, randomly assigned (G1), had their clinical photographs taken and were counseled using basic imaging software, their images and other relevant images regarding their disease and possible treatment outcomes. The control group (G0) was counseled without using any kind of imaging. Patient satisfaction was scored in both groups after the initial counseling session and then after 2 months.Results  The test group (G1) gave statistically significant higher scores at both readings compared with the control group (G0).Conclusion  Digital imaging can be a very effective tool for the dermatologist for patient counseling.
Truncated Tau with the Fyn‐binding domain and without the microtubule‐binding domain hinders the myelinating capacity of an oligodendrocyte cell line
Authors: Belkadi Abdelmadjid , LoPresti Patrizia 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying developmental myelination have therapeutic potential following CNS injury and degeneration. We report that transplanted central glial (CG)‐4 cells had a diminished myelinating capacity in myelin‐deficient (md) rats when cells express a mutated form of Tau (Tau [688]), which binds Fyn but not the microtubules. In the brain of the md rats, Tau [688]‐transfected CG‐4 cells displayed a decrease in cellular process outgrowth and myelination; in the spinal cord the extent of myelination rostral and caudal to the injection site was decreased. In contrast, control Tau [605]‐transfected CG‐4 cells formed long cellular processes and substantial areas of myelin both in the brain and spinal cord. In culture, Tau [688]‐transfected CG‐4 cells displayed a decrease in cellular process outgrowth, and Fyn localized largely in the cell body, not the processes. Thus, Tau in oligodendrocytes plays a key role in myelination, and a functional Tau‐Fyn interaction might have therapeutic potential during demyelination and myelin repair following CNS injury and degeneration.
Partial proteasome inhibition in human fibroblasts triggers accelerated M1 senescence or M2 crisis depending on p53 and Rb status
Authors: Chondrogianni Niki , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Kletsas Dimitris , Chen Qin M. , Gonos Efstathios S. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryProteasome‐dependent degradation has been extensively investigated and has been shown to play a vital role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Proteasome activity and expression are reduced during aging and replicative senescence. Its activation has been shown to confer lifespan extension in human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs), whereas partial proteasome inhibition triggers an irreversible premature senescent state in young HDFs. As p53 and Rb tumor suppressors regulate both replicative and premature senescence (RS and PS, respectively), in this study we investigated their implication in proteasome inhibition‐mediated PS. By taking advantage of a variety of HDFs with defective p53 or/and Rb pathways, we reveal that proteasome activity inhibition to levels normally found in senescent human cells results in immediate growth arrest and/or moderate increase of apoptotic death. These effects are independent of the cellular genetic context. However, in the long term, proteasome inhibition‐mediated PS can only be initiated and maintained in the presence of functional p53. More specifically, we demonstrate that following partial proteasome inhibition, senescence is dominant in HDFs with functional p53 and Rb molecules, crisis/death is induced in cells with high p53 levels and defective Rb pathway, whereas stress recovery and restoration of normal cycling occurs in cells that lack functional p53. These data reveal the continuous interplay between the integrity of proteasome function, senescence and cell survival.
Rapid and sensitive detection of viable bacteria in contaminated platelet concentrates using a newly developed bioimaging system
Authors: Motoyama Yasuo , Yamaguchi Nobuyasu , Matsumoto Mami , Kagami Noboru , Tani Yoshihiko , Satake Masahiro , Nasu Masao 
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Rapid and sensitive methods for the detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates (PCs) are required as well as inactivation techniques to decrease the transfusion‐associated risk of infection from bacterially contaminated PCs. In this study, a rapid microbiologic method for the sensitive counting of viable bacteria in PCs was developed by combining a fluorescent staining technique and a bioimaging system.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An esterase indicator, carboxyfluorescein diacetate, was used to detect physiologically active bacteria. Treatment was optimized to selectively remove platelets (PLTs). Bacterial cells trapped on a filter were automatically discriminated from other particles or PLT debris and counted by a bioimaging system. The sensitivity, rapidity, and recovery rates were evaluated using PCs spiked with 14 reference bacterial strains and clinical isolates.RESULTS: Lysis treatment with enzyme and detergent was effective to remove PLTs and white blood cells. Two buffers for fluorescent vital staining were needed for highly sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria. Fewer than 100 cells spiked in 5‐mL PCs were detected by the bioimaging system after treatment and fluorescent staining, and this result shows that PLTs are selectively digested by the treatment. Bacterial cells spiked in 25‐mL PCs were detected within 45 minutes (treatment, 15 min; filtration and fluorescent staining, 15 min; automated counting and precise image analysis, 10‐15 min).CONCLUSION: The microbiologic method described here is rapid and sensitive, and this method has potential for the screening of PCs contaminated with bacterial cells. Furthermore, this method could contribute to further evaluation of inactivation techniques.
Freezing of buffy coat–derived, leukoreduced platelet concentrates in 6 percent dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Hornsey Valerie S. , McMillan Loraine , Morrison Alex , Drummond Olive , MacGregor Ian R. , Prowse Chris V. 
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: There has recently been renewed interest in freezing platelets (PLTs) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for the treatment of major traumatic injuries, especially in military situations. This study examined PLTs that were frozen in small volumes of 6 percent DMSO at −80°C.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Buffy coat–derived pooled leukoreduced PLT concentrates were frozen in 6 percent DMSO and stored at −80°C. Assays included hypotonic shock response (HSR); aggregation; glycoprotein (GP)Ibα and P‐selectin binding sites; annexin V binding to phosphatidylserine, glycocalicin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Cone and plate technology (DiaMed Impact‐R, DiaMed) was used to test PLT function under near physiologic conditions.RESULTS: The freeze‐thaw loss of PLTs was 23 percent. HSR was 17 ± 7 percent. Cytometry demonstrated two populations of PLTs: one with normal levels of GPIbα binding sites (27 × 103 ± 3 × 103/PLT) and one with reduced levels (5.5 × 103 ± 1.2 × 103/PLT). There were 1.4 × 103 ± 0.2 × 103 P‐selectin binding sites per PLT. Annexin V binding to phosphatidylserine was 50 ± 9 percent and LDH was 496 ± 207 IU per 1012 PLTs. Surface coverage and aggregate size, as measured by the DiaMed Impact‐R, were similar to those observed with PLTs stored for 2 days at 22°C.CONCLUSION: Some degree of activation was demonstrated by the proportion of PLTs with reduced levels of GPIbα binding sites, increased P‐selectin expression, and increased Annexin V binding. LDH concentrations indicated a degree of lysis. The DiaMed Impact‐R results showed that the PLTs were still capable of adhering to surfaces and forming aggregates under shear force.
Gingival and dentofacial changes in adolescents and adults 2 to 10 years after orthodontic treatment
Authors: Theytaz Georges‐André , Kiliaridis Stavros 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground: Information about long‐term changes of the shape of the gingival margin is missing.Aim: To monitor 8 year changes of the gingival contour occurring in adolescents and adults and relate these changes to dentofacial growth.Subjects and method: Forty adolescents (mean age 16.3), and 14 adults (mean age 29.7) were included in the study with photographs, radiographs and casts taken 2 and 10 years after orthodontic treatment.The gingival contour of upper central incisors and the midline passing through the contact surface of both teeth were traced digitally using calibrated photographs. Changes were measured on seven standardized lines of the gingival contour. Lower facial height changes and tooth eruption were measured using lateral cephalograms.Results: Adolescents and adults showed a central mean apical displacement of the gingival margin of 0.51 mm (SD 0.4 mm) and 0.13 mm (SD 0.17 mm), respectively. This displacement decreased by moving away from the centre. The gingival displacement was associated to the individual's lower facial height augmentation, r=0.63 (p<0.001).Conclusions: Apical displacement of the gingival contour of the upper central incisors takes place during adolescence following a semi‐lunar shape. Growth explains parts of these changes.
Verbal working memory deficits in abstinent heroin abusers
Authors: Wang Zhao-Xin , Xiao Zhuang-Wei , Zhang Da-Ren , Liang Chun-Yu , Zhang John X. 
Published: August 2008

Background:A prevailing belief is that opioids tend not to impair cognitive performance in opioid-dependent users. However, the impact of heroin abuse on verbal memory, especially on working memory, is not well studied and the results available are inconsistent.Objective:This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that abstinent heroin abusers have intact working memory capacity.Methods:N-back task and backward digit span task were used to measure the verbal working memory capacity in 28 abstinent heroin abusers and 25 controls matched for age, education level and gender. Forward digit span task was used as a control task to measure short-term memory capacity.Results:Compared with the control subjects, heroin abusers showed normal backward/forward digit spans but significant performance impairment in then-back task.Conclusion:Abstinent heroin abusers have intact short-term memory capacity but impaired verbal working memory capacity.
No association of the CD45 77C>G transversion with inflammatory bowel disease in German patients
Authors: Thude H. , Rebstock K. , Blume J. , Lutz B. , Barz D. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryA 77C>G transversion in exon A of the CD45 gene was investigated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and controls. The distribution of the 77G allele was not significantly different between patients and controls. We found no evidence for the contribution of the 77C>G transversion in susceptibility to IBD.
The microsatellite, macrophage migration inhibitory factor ‐794, may influence gene expression in human mononuclear cells stimulated with E. coli or S. pneumoniae
Authors: Temple S. E. L. , Cheong K. Y. , Price P. , Waterer G. W. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPolymorphisms within the gene encoding macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) have been associated with susceptibility to inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and increased risk of developing sepsis. We investigated the effects of the MIF‐173G>C polymorphism and the MIF‐794 CATT microsatellite on MIF expression. These are in moderate linkage disequilibrium. Mononuclear cells from healthy donors were stimulated with bacterial pathogens associated with sepsis (Streptococcus pneumoniae or Escherichia coli). MIF mRNA and protein levels were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively. Carriage of the C allele of MIF‐173G>C or the 7 CATT repeat of the MIF‐794 microsatellite correlated with lower basal and stimulated MIF mRNA levels. However, levels of intracellular and extracellular MIF protein were similar. This discordance between effects on MIF mRNA and protein was not explained by differential effects of genotype on stability of MIF mRNA (detected by actinomycin D mRNA chase). Gel shift assays revealed no differences in the profile of nuclear proteins from mononuclear cells bound by the G and C alleles of MIF‐173G>C, but alleles at the microsatellite marker showed differential binding. Our data suggest that the MIF‐794 CATT microsatellite influences transcription by differential binding of nuclear transcription factors. This may impact on inflammatory processes.
An investigation of the C4 gene arrangement in ethnic Chinese (Taiwanese)
Authors: Tseng Yung‐Te , Lee Hsien‐Hsiung , Lee Yann‐Jinn 
Published: August 2008

SummaryC4 complement components are encoded by two genes, C4A and C4B, located on chromosome 6p21.3 of the major histocompatibility complex class III region. The isotypic residues at position 1101–1106 of the C4A gene contain the Pro‐Cys‐Pro‐Val‐Leu‐Asp sequence which has a higher affinity for binding amino group‐containing antigens, while C4B contains the Leu‐Ser‐Pro‐Val‐Ileu‐His sequence which has a higher affinity for hydroxyl group‐containing antigens. These two genes show different reaction rates which infer solubilization of antibody–antigen aggregates and propagation of the activation pathway to form the membrane attack complex. Using a polymerase chain reaction‐based amplification method to identify and differentiate the locations of the C4A and C4B genes adjacent to the respective CYP21A2P and CYP21A2 genes, the isotypic residues at position 1101–1106 for the C4 isotype were categorized into five haplotypes of C4 gene arrangements. Among them, we found that 65% of the gene proportions between C4A and C4B were balanced, while 35% of them were unbalanced in this ethnic Chinese (i.e. Taiwanese) cohort. We consider that the unbalanced arrangements of the C4 locus in the individuals might have influenced the clearance of apoptotic debris and immune complexes which may injure tissue by initiating autoimmune diseases and immunity responses associated with susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections.
Seasonal and Tissue Age Influences on Endophytic Fungi of Pinus tabulaeformis (Pinaceae) in the Dongling Mountains, Beijing
Authors: Guo Liang‐Dong , Huang Guo‐Rui , Wang Yu 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Endophytic fungi associated with Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. were investigated in the Dongling Mountains of Beijing. A total of 16 200 tissue segments of P. tabulaeformis from four sample collections were processed, and 10 659 fungal isolates were recovered. The overall colonization and isolation rates of endophytic fungi from high to low were spring > winter > autumn > summer and in different tissues were bark > needle > xylem, irrespective of sampling seasons. The colonization rates of endophytic fungi of needles increased with age in the four sample collections. There were no significant differences of the colonization rates of endophytic fungi among 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year‐old bark and xylem, except for significantly lower colonization rates in 1‐year‐old bark than in 2‐ and 3‐year‐old bark in summer. A similar trend of the isolation rates of endophytic fungi occurred. A total of 24 fungal taxa were recorded, of these five taxa Alternaria alternata, Leptostroma sp., Pestalotiopsis besseyi, Phoma lingam, and Phomopsis archeri, were consistently isolated as the common fungi in each sample collection. Our results suggest that some fungi show a certain degree of tissue recurrence or specificity, and the composition of endophytic assemblages is not conspicuously influenced by the seasonal factor.
Establishment of Withania somnifera Hairy Root Cultures for the Production of Withanolide A
Authors: Murthy Hosakatte N. , Dijkstra Camelia , Anthony Paul , White Daniel A. , Davey Mike R. , Power J. Brian , Hahn Eun J. , Paek Kee Y. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Withania sominifera (Indian ginseng) was transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Explants from seedling roots, stems, hypocotyls, cotyledonary nodal segments, cotyledons and young leaves were inoculated with A. rhizogenes strain R1601. Hairy (transformed) roots were induced from cotyledons and leaf explants. The transgenic status of hairy roots was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using nptII and rolB specific primers and, subsequently, by Southern analysis for the presence of nptII and rolB genes in the genomes of transformed roots. Four clones of hairy roots were established; these differed in their morphology. The doubling time of faster growing cultures was 8–14 d with a fivefold increase in biomass after 28 d compared with cultured, non‐transformed seedling roots. MS‐based liquid medium was superior for the growth of transformed roots compared with other culture media evaluated (SH, LS and N6), with MS‐based medium supplemented with 40 g/L sucrose being optimal for biomass production. Cultured hairy roots synthesized withanolide A, a steroidal lactone of medicinal and therapeutic value. The concentration of withanolide A in transformed roots (157.4 μg/g dry weight) was 2.7‐fold more than in non‐transformed cultured roots (57.9 μg/g dry weight).