bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of bikunin isolated from human urine inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth and its localization in the kidneys
Authors: OKUYAMA MITSUHIKO , YAMAGUCHI SATOSHI , YACHIKU SUNAO 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground: We previously reported a high molecular weight substance purified from human urine that strongly inhibited calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth in vitro. In the study present herein, we identified and investigated a protein purified from human urine that strongly inhibits CaOx crystal growth using a column chromatography series.Methods: The protein was identified by amino acid sequencing and was investigated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.Results: The molecular weight of this protein was approximately 35 KDa, and it also had another band around 20 KDa. We determined that the amino acid sequence of the protein was homologous with that of bikunin, the light chain of the inter‐alpha‐trypsin inhibitor, which is known as a strong CaOx crystallization inhibitor in vitro. On western blotting analysis, the molecular weight was also found to be around 35K Da, the same as that of bikunin. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that it was mainly located in the epithelial cells of the proximal tubules and the thin descending segment near the loop of Henle, but not in the glomeruli, distal tubules or the collecting ducts.Conclusion: In the present study, the protein extracted from human urine was identical to bikunin, which may be expressed mainly in the proximal tubules and the thin descending segment near the loop of Henle, and which prevents CaOx crystallization in vitro.
Outcome of the treatment of invasive non‐transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: GIRGIN CENGIZ , SEZER AKIF , UÇ RUŞEN , ERMETE MURAT , ÖZKAN UǦUR , GÜREL GÖZEN 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground: We evaluated the treatment outcomes of non‐transitional cell carcinoma (non‐TCC) cases after radical cystectomy.Methods: Radical cystectomy was performed in 259 invasive bladder cancer patients in our department and of these, 59 (22.7%) were non‐TCC. Primary squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), adenocarcinomas and undifferentiated cancers (UC) were grouped as non‐TCC of the bladder. Of the 59 non‐TCC; 32 SCC, 20 UC, five adenocarcinoma and two sarcomatoid tumor cases were demonstrated.Results: The 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate of TCC and non‐TCC cases were 48.9 and 28.2%, respectively (P = 0.0016). The 5‐year disease‐specific survival rates of SCC and UC were 25.1 and 23.4%, respectively. The median survival time of SCC, UC and adenocarcinoma cases were 19, 12 and 6 months, respectively (P = 0.4579). The disease‐specific survival rates of TCC and non‐TCC cases at stage pT2NoMo were 79.1 and 27.2%, respectively (P = 0.0000). The median survival time of SCC, UC and adenocarcinoma cases were 19, 12 and 13.3 months, respectively, for the same stage. The survival time of TCC, SCC and UC cases at stage pT3NoMo were 23, 26 and 45 months, respectively (P = 0.2307). The median survival time at stages pT2–3N1Mo for the same groups were 18, 16 and 11 months, respectively (P = 0.0939).Conclusion: The study presented here demonstrates that both TCC and non‐TCC cases have poor survival rates in locally advanced disease and that at the pT2NoMo stage the prognosis of non‐TCC cases is poor when compared with TCC cases.
Experimental epizootiology of Zoophthora anhuiensis (Entomophthorales) against Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) with a description of a modified Gompertz model for aphid epizootics
Authors: Feng Ming‐Guang , Li Hui‐Ping 
Published: October 2003

SummaryEpizootiological features of Zoophthora anhuiensis, a fungal pathogen specific to aphids in southern China, were studied in six aptera colonies of Myzus persicae at 16 regimes of temperature (T = 10, 15, 20 and 25°C) and relative humidity (H = 90%, 95%, 98% and 100% RH) with initially infected proportion (Ip) of 0.5 in experiment (Expt) 1 or at a fixed regime of 15°C and 100% RH with a variable Ip of 0.17–1.00 in Expt 2. Mycosis‐caused mortalities (Mp) varied with aphid densities (D) over time after colony initiation (t) were well fitted to a Gompertz growth model modified to include the variables T, H, Ip and D in the form of Mp = 91.72exp{−5.282exp[–(0.0095T + 0.0128H/T−0.5407D2/H)t]} for Expt 1 (r2 = 0.94) or Mp = 95.49exp{−4.314exp[–(0.1479Ip + 0.1636/D)t]} for Expt 2 (r2 = 0.97). These variables were effective in determining the rate of epizootic development in the M. persicae colonies. Based on the observed and fitted results, Z. anhuiensis was most adaptive to cool climate or season and epizootiologically was subject to a minimal effect of RH at an optimum of ≈ 15°C. However, the humidity became determinant for epizootic progress at higher temperatures. Interactive effects of the variables and application of the fitted models for predicting epizootic development in field situations are discussed.
Lupus vulgaris: unusual presentations over the face
Authors: Khandpur S , Reddy BSN 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTLupus vulgaris (LV) is the most common morphological variant of cutaneous tuberculosis. However, the occurrence of bizarre clinical presentations over atypical sites often leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment causing significant morbidity. This report seeks to highlight two unusual cases of lupus vulgaris occurring on the face of immunocompetent women and remarkably mimicking periorbital cellulitis and basal cell carcinoma, respectively. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology, an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With four‐drug antitubercular therapy, both patients had a dramatic response.
Red fingers syndrome and recurrent panniculitis in a patient with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Giménez‐García R , Sánchez‐Ramón S , Sánchez‐Antolín G , Velasco Fernández C 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTCases of red fingers syndrome and nodular vasculitis in patients with hepatitis C have rarely been described. Both red fingers syndrome and nodular vasculitis are characterized by microscopic vasculitis, and it has been hypothesized that hepatitis C plays a role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous disorders such as vasculitis, especially in cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis. We describe the case of a 75‐year‐old woman diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C who presented with nodular lesions on her right thigh and red fingers syndrome. A skin biopsy taken from a nodule showed infiltration of the vessel walls by mononuclear cells and septal and lobular panniculitis. The diagnosis of nodular vasculitis was established. In our opinion, red fingers syndrome and nodular vasculitis might be related to a vascular reaction of immune‐mediated mechanisms induced by hepatitis C.
Regional differences in kelp‐associated algal assemblages on temperate limestone reefs in south‐western Australia
Authors: Wernberg Thomas , Kendrick Gary A. , Phillips Julia C. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.  Ecklonia radiata (C. Agardh) J. Agardh kelp beds — a characteristic feature of the nearshore environment along the south‐west Australian coastline — contribute significantly to the coastal biodiversity in temperate Australia, yet, little is known about the organization of these macroalgal assemblages. By compiling existing and new data sets from habitat surveys, we have characterized and compared the structure of kelp‐associated macroalgal assemblages in three regions (Marmion Lagoon, Hamelin Bay and the marine environment neighbouring the Fitzgerald River National Park) across more than 1000 kilometres of the south‐west Australian coastline. 152 macroalgal taxa had been recognized within the three regions and this is in the range of species richness reported from other Australian and African kelp beds. The kelp‐associated algal assemblages were regionally distinct, 66% of all taxa were only found in one region and only 17 taxa were found in all three regions. Adjacent regions shared an additional 13–15 taxa. The regional shifts in assemblage structure were evident in species composition of both canopy and understorey. The organization of assemblages followed a spatial hierarchy where differences in assemblage structure were larger among regions (hundreds of kilometres apart) than among sites within regions (kilometres apart) and differences among sites within region were larger than differences among quadrats within sites (metres apart). Despite this hierarchy each level of nesting contributed approximately the same to total variation in assemblage structure and these spatial patterns were stronger than temporal differences from seasons to 2–3 years. Our results suggest that local and small‐scale processes contribute considerably to heterogeneity in macroalgal assemblages throughout south‐western Australia, and, in particular, our results are consistent with E. radiata exerting a strong influence on macroalgal assemblage structure. Further, our study contradicts the existence of a general south‐west Australian kelp assemblage, although a few species may form the core of E. radiata associations across regions.
High‐temperature, low‐pressure metamorphism and development of prograde symplectites, Marble Hall Fragment, Bushveld Complex (South Africa)
Authors: Pitra P. , De Waal S. A. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractMetapelitic rocks from the Marble Hall Fragment, enclosed in the granites of the magmatic Bushveld Complex, record a two‐stage, low‐pressure, high‐temperature metamorphism. An early paragenesis containing chiastolitic andalusite, cordierite, biotite and quartz ± garnet crystallized in most rocks and equilibrated at 550–600 °C, 0.2 GPa. It was transformed during the second, peak event into various parageneses that commonly coexist within a single thin section. These include garnet–cordierite–biotite–K‐feldspar–quartz, sillimanite–cordierite–K‐feldspar–quartz and spectacular quartz‐undersaturated cordierite–spinel symplectites replacing the chiastolite porphyroblasts.Based on a detailed phase diagram analysis, we argue that these parageneses result from rapid heating at an approximately constant pressure to temperatures of more than about 720 °C. At these temperatures, the internally buffered activity of water was reduced by incipient water‐saturated partial melting, while only minor quantities of melt were produced. Subsequent dry conditions inhibited large‐scale equilibration and, together with local inhomogeneities in mineral distribution, led to the development of contrasting parageneses and symplectite textures. No signs of widespread fluid‐absent melting of biotite were found, and so the temperature probably did not exceed 760 °C. The peak metamorphic event is attributed to the emplacement of the hot Nebo granite, whereas the early metamorphism was probably caused by the intrusion of one of the phases of the Rustenburg Layered Suite.We infer the conditions of development of the cordierite–spinel intergrowths and we show that, although symplectites are commonly associated with retrograde processes (cooling and/or decompression), they can record a prograde metamorphic evolution. Furthermore, our contribution emphasizes the importance of the concept of reduced equilibration volume for the understanding and interpretation of some particular textures and parageneses in common rocks.
The Relationship Between Androgens and Arterial Stiffness in Older Men
Authors: Dockery Frances , Bulpitt Christopher J. , Donaldson Mandy , Fernandez Sarojani , Rajkumar Chakravarthi 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To assess the relationship between endogenous androgen levels and arterial stiffness in older men.Design: A retrospective, cross‐sectional study.Setting: A London hospital‐based, clinical research unit for the elderly.Participants: Fifty‐five men (mean age±standard deviation=71.1±8.0).Intervention: Sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured in all subjects who had a stored serum sample drawn the same day as arterial stiffness measures were performed. Free testosterone index (FTI) was calculated ((total testosterone/SHBG)×100 (%)). The measures of arterial stiffness used were pulse wave velocity (PWV) using the Complior system and systemic arterial compliance (SAC) using the area method.Measurements: Relationship between arterial stiffness and serum androgens.Results: FTI showed a strong positive relationship with SAC (r=0.507, P<.001) and, correspondingly, an inverse relationship with carotid‐femoral (C‐F) and carotid‐radial (C‐R) PWV (r=–0.427 and –0.402, respectively, P≤.002). With multiple regression, including age, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, and waist/hip ratio, FTI remained a significant determinant of SAC and C‐R PWV but not C‐F PWV. In the subgroup of men without cardiovascular disease or vasoactive medication use (n=37), all three relationships remained significant. DHEAS was inversely related to C‐F PWV only (r=–0.304, P=.041).Conclusion: The known association between lower androgenicity and increased cardiovascular risk in men might be explained by altered vascular stiffness.
Reduction of adverse citrate reactions during autologous large‐volume PBPC apheresis by continuous infusion of calcium‐gluconate
Authors: Buchta Christoph , Macher Maria , Bieglmayer Christian , Höcker Paul , Dettke Markus 
Published: October 2003

BACKGROUND:  Citrate‐related side effects are common adverse reactions during PBPC apheresis. To reduce the incidence of citrate‐related reactions, the effect of a continuous calcium‐gluconate infusion on the appearance of hypocalcemic symptoms and on the subjective tolerance toward large‐volume leukapheresis (LVL) was tested.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial was carried out in 50 patients undergoing standardized LVL at a median ACD‐A ratio of 1.99 mg per kg and minute. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a continuous IV infusion of either saline or calcium‐gluconate at a dose of 1.8 mmol calcium per hour. Subjective tolerance toward LVL was determined by standardized rating systems. Further, hormonal and electrolyte changes were monitored to assess the effect of continuous calcium infusion on calcium homeostasis.RESULTS:  Continuous IV administration of calcium‐gluconate throughout LVL reduced the incidence of citrate‐related effects by 65 percent. In patients who developed signs of hypocalcemia, the symptoms were weaker, and less medical intervention was needed to resolve clinical symptoms. The subjective tolerance toward LVL was superior in patients receiving calcium support compared to control patients. Continuous calcium infusion attenuated changes in serum phosphorus compared to patients receiving saline. No differences were observed in the variation of serum potassium and serum magnesium between the control group and the treatment group. The administration of calcium was not associated with technical problems related to the apheresis procedure, neither was any effect of calcium support on the total number of CD34+ cells collected observed.CONCLUSION:  These results indicate that continuous support of calcium‐gluconate during LVL is an effective means of reducing the incidence of citrate‐related symptoms and improving subjective tolerance toward LVL, without affecting the technical performance or the number of CD34+ cells collected.
Epicardium‐Based Left Atrial Ablation:
Authors: SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , BONANOMI GIANLUCA , ZENATI MARCO A. 
Published: October 2003

Introduction: An important developmental task for surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation is simplification. A significant step would be the development of tools that create satisfactory ablation lesions without necessitating cardiopulmonary bypass or atriotomy. Optimally, these lesions would have no adverse impact on atrial electromechanical properties. Methods and Results: We sought to characterize left atrial (LA) lesions created by a bipolar ablation device without cardiopulmonary bypass or atriotomy and to assess their impact on LA electromechanical properties. In each of five pigs, lesions were delivered to the epicardium of the beating heart, and encircled and connected right and left pulmonary vein vestibules and the atrial appendage. Before and after ablation, LA electromechanical properties were assessed using endocardial electromechanical mapping and intracardiac echocardiography. Postmortem histologic analysis also was performed. Each lesion was thrombus‐free and barotrauma‐free, histologically transmural, and a complete conduction barrier. Although a large aggregate area (24% ± 6%) of LA myocardium was excluded, there was no significant change in global electromechanical properties. However, marked diminishment in appendage function was observed. Conclusion: Epicardium‐based LA ablation in a beating heart could be achieved successfully without cardiopulmonary bypass or atriotomy. Although there was no adverse impact on global electromechanical properties, there was evidence of important regional diminishment. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. ***‐***, October 2003)
Effects of Cytochalasin D on Electrical Restitution and the Dynamics of Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rabbit Heart
Authors: HAYASHI HIDEKI , MIYAUCHI YASUSHI , CHOU CHUNG‐CHUAN , KARAGUEUZIAN HRAYR S. , CHEN PENG‐SHENG , LIN SHIEN‐FONG 
Published: October 2003

Introduction: Cytochalasin D (cyto‐D) has been used as an excitation‐contraction uncoupler during optical mapping studies. However, its effects on action potential duration restitution (APDR) and dynamics during ventricular fibrillation (VF) are unclear. Methods and Results: Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts (N = 6) were immersed in a tissue chamber. Transmembrane potential was recorded using glass microelectrodes. APD measured to 90% repolarization (APD90) was used to construct the APDR curve. During regular pacing at 300‐msec cycle length, increasing concentrations of cyto‐D resulted in progressively prolonged APD90 (131 ± 26 msec, 171 ± 14 msec, and 177 ± 14 msec) and steepened maximum slope of the APDR curve (1.1 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.2, and 1.6 ± 0.4 for control, 5 μM, and 10 μM, respectively; P < 0.01). Resting membrane potential, AP amplitude, and maximum dV/dt did not change. Cyto‐D lengthened VF cycle length and APD90, and steepened the maximum slope of the APDR curve. However, cyto‐D did not significantly change the diastolic interval. The dominant frequency of pseudoelectrocardiogram progressively decreased with increasing concentrations of cyto‐D (15.2 ± 0.6 Hz, 11.1 ± 2.4 Hz, and 9.8 ± 3.2 Hz for control, 5 μM, and 10 μM, respectively; P < 0.01). Sustained (>1 min) VF was repeatedly inducible at baseline and with 5 or 10 μM of cyto‐D. Conclusion: Continuous perfusion of cyto‐D at 5 or 10 μM prolonged APD90, steepened APDR slope, and reduced dominant frequency in rabbit ventricles. Cyto‐D at these concentrations allowed induction of sustained VF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. ***‐***, October 2003)
Do sympatric Trichogramma species parasitize the pest insect Helicoverpa armigera and the beneficial insect Chrysoperla carnea in different proportions?
Authors: Silva Isabel M.M.S. , Stouthamer Richard 
Published: October 2003

AbstractParasitism of two host species by five Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) was studied in the laboratory. The host species were: i) the bollworm Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), an important pest of many crops in the tropics and subtropics, and ii) one of its natural enemies, the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae), a predator often used as a biological control agent. The proportion of H. armigera eggs parasitized from the total number of parasitized hosts differed between Trichogramma species. The average number of parasitized eggs per female in 24 h by Trichogramma pintoi and T. bourarachae was 10 of H. armigera and about 0.5 of C. carnea. For the other three Trichogramma species (T. cordubensis, T. evanescens and T. turkestanica) these averages varied from 6 to 11 H. armigera eggs and from 3 to 4 C. carnea eggs. Total adult offspring production, contacts with hosts, secondary clutch size and sex‐ratio of each Trichogramma species were determined as well. The results show that sympatric Trichogramma may parasitize target and non‐target species in different proportions. If this difference corresponds to the field situation, simple laboratory tests could be performed to select not only efficient biogical control agents, but also species which are the least detrimental to non‐target hosts.
Intracellular punctures by the adult whitefly Bemisia argentifolii on DC and AC electronic feeding monitors
Authors: Johnson D.D. , Walker G.P. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractOne of the most biologically important electrical penetration graph (EPG) waveforms recorded from aphids on DC EPG systems is the potential drop (pd), which is correlated with intracellular punctures by the stylet tips. In this study, pds of the adult female Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), recorded on a DC EPG, are characterized and compared to pds of aphids. Whitefly pds consisted of 3 phases similar to those recorded from probing aphids. The major difference between aphid pds and whitefly pds was that whitefly pds lacked any observable subphases within the second phase of the pd. In addition, whitefly pds differed from aphid pds in that they: (1) did not occur frequently during stylet penetration, (2) did not occur early within probes, (3) did not occur during brief probes (<1 min). Pds produced by probing whiteflies always were preceded by a variant of waveform C which we named the pre‐pd. The differences between pds of aphids and whiteflies are discussed in terms of their implications for virus transmission and host selection. Using a technique where EPG recordings can be switched back and forth between DC and AC systems, we demonstrated that the AC EPG pseudotransition waveform (Pt) was equivalent to the DC pd, and thus was correlated with intracellular punctures. Previously, intracellular punctures by whiteflies had not been detectable on AC EPG systems. The AC Pt consisted of three distinct phases (Pt1, Pt2, and Pt3) and our observations suggest that AC Pt1 correlates with the pre‐pd waveform in DC EPGs and that AC Pt 2 and 3 correlate with the intracellular phase of the DC pd. AC Pts (n = 47) and DC pds (n = 43) were recorded on three separate plant species and were similar on all plant species.
The role of volatiles from cruciferous plants and pre‐flight experience in the foraging behaviour of the specialist parasitoid Cotesia plutellae
Authors: Potting R.P.J. , Poppy G.M. , Schuler T.H. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe braconid Cotesia plutellae is an important larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major pest of crucifers in the tropics and sub‐tropics. The in‐flight searching behaviour of C. plutellae was investigated in a wind tunnel and the close‐range attack behaviour observed in cages. The relative importance of volatile stimuli emanating from the plant‐host‐complex, oilseed rape (Brassica napus) –P. xylostella, in the long‐range attraction of C. plutellae was investigated. Plants that were mechanically damaged, or damaged by P. xylostella larvae, were attractive to the parasitoid. Host‐damaged leaves remained attractive to the parasitoid after removal of the host larvae. These results indicate that C. plutellae predominantly uses plant derived stimuli in its in‐flight searching behaviour. An oviposition experience or contact with a host‐damaged leaf prior to the bioassay significantly increased the response to these volatile cues. The foraging behaviour of C. plutellae is compared with other braconid larval parasitoids attacking lepidopteran hosts on crucifers.