bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine structure of the postpygidial gland in Aenictus army ants
Authors: Billen Johan , Gobin Bruno , Ito Fuminori 
Published: March 2003

Billen, J., Gobin, B. & Ito, F. 1999. Fine structure of the postpygidial gland in Aenictus army ants. – Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 80: 307–310Army ants of the genus Aenictus are characterized by the presence of a conspicuous postpygidial gland, which is the source of the trail pheromone. The paired gland at each side consists of a reservoir sac into which the secretory cells open through their accompanying duct cells. The secretory cells are characterized by a well developed Golgi apparatus, numerous mitochondria and strands of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The reservoir opens near the abdomen tip, which facilitates deposition of the secretory products onto the substrate. The large reservoir of the postpygidial gland may enable the incessant trail laying of at least one of the investigated species.
Ultrastructural investigations of the female genital system of Epiperipatus biolleyi ( Bouvier 1902) (Onychophora, Peripatidae)
Authors: Brockmann Claudia , Mummert Renate , Ruhberg Hilke , Storch Volker 
Published: March 2003

Brockmann, C., Mummert, R., Ruhberg, H. and Storch, V. 1999. Ultrastructural investigations of the female genital system of Epiperipatus biolleyi (Bouvier 1902) (Onychophora, Peripatidae). — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 80: 339–349.The female genital system of the neotropical peripatid Epiperipatus biolleyi was examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Special attention is given to the two accessory organs of the paired oviducts: the receptacula seminis and the ovarian funnels (Ovarialtrichter). The latter occur only in the Peripatidae, whereas receptacula seminis may also be present in the Peripatopsidae, the only other family in the Onychophora. The ovarian funnels of E. biolleyi are thin‐walled and closed from the haemocoel. This trait has also been reported from Epiperipatus trinidadensis, Macroperipatus torquatus, and Eoperipatus weldoni, whereas other peripatids have ovarian funnels which have been reported to open into the haemocoel. The occurrence of artificially opened ovarian funnels, caused by tissue rupture during specimen preparation, is discussed. The presence of spermatozoa both in the receptaculum seminis and in parts of the uterus of the female examined in this study supports the hypothesis that in E. biolleyi insemination of juvenile females occurs directly via the genital opening. The female contained one unstalked cleavage embryo in each uterus horn. Two features of the uterus were found to be unique to E. biolleyi: (1) a second cell layer overlying the uterine epithelium with a pronounced secretory activity (2) embryos are enclosed in a noncellular coat interspersed with numerous transport vesicles.
The ventral skin glands, new additional cloacal glands in Proteus anguinus (Caudata, Proteidae). II. Male
Authors: Guillaume Olivier 
Published: March 2003

AbstractGuillaume, O. 2000. The ventral skin glands, new additional cloacal glands in Proteus anguinus (Caudata, Proteidae). II. Male. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 223–234Cloacae from male Proteus anguinus were examined for the first time by light and electron microscopy. Male P. anguinus possess anterior and posterior ventral glands, dorsal and lateral pelvic glands, vent glands and Kingsbury’s glands as do Necturus males. However, male P. anguinus also possess the new additional cloacal glands found in females and which the author has called the ventral skin glands. Furthermore, the number, the length and the diameter of these tubular glands are higher in males. Therefore the inference is that these glands are sexually dimorphic glands.
Synthesis and function of the fibrous layers covering the eggs of Siphlonurus lacustris (Ephemeroptera, Siphlonuridae)
Authors: Gaino Elda , Rebora Manuela 
Published: March 2003

AbstractUltrastructural analysis (transmission and electron scanning microscopy) of the eggs of the mayfly Siphlonurus lacustris (Eaton) showed that they are wrapped in a thick coat composed of a network of tightly entwined filaments. Groups of twisted filaments form slightly uplifted buttons that are scattered on the coat surface. After experimentally induced egg deposition, egg–water interaction promotes marked cohesion of the eggs and their firm adhesion to the substrate. Egg masses include numerous gametes; the covering of those located close to the substrate greatly extends to anchor the whole mass. Eggs removed from the coat reveal a slightly punctuated smooth chorion and tagenoform micropyles (three to five). The coat increases egg size by about 20%. The lack of female reproductive accessory glands in Ephemeroptera transfers the synthesis of the adhesive coats to the follicle cells, which are typically competent for insect egg shell deposition (vitelline envelope and chorionic layers). This covering results from electron‐dense granules that give rise to filaments progressively organized to form superimposed layers variously orientated around the egg. In addition to egg adhesion to the substrate, a trophic function and protection from shear stress are postulated for this covering.
Functional morphology of the feeding apparatus of the nymph of Farrodes sp. (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)
Authors: Polegatto C. M. , Froehlich C. G. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Farrodes nymphs are specialized periphyton/biofilm scrapers. Their maxillae are the most specialized mouthparts, but other elements, with their systems of variously modified setae, are designed to obtain and transport food particles to the pharynx with a minimum of loss. The morphology and adaptations of these mouthparts and related head areas, as well as associated musculature, are described.
Morphology of the spermatozoa of the Microhylidae (Anura, Amphibia)
Authors: Scheltinga David M. , Jamieson Barrie G. M. , Bickford David P. , Garda Adrian A. , Báo Sônia N. , McDonald Keith R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMicrohylid spermatozoa show the autapomorphic condition of possessing a thin post‐mitochondrial cytoplasmic collar. Their spermatozoa are apomorphic in several respects. They have lost the distinct nuclear shoulder, endonuclear canal and axial perforatorium observed in urodeles, caecilians and primitive frogs, possess a conical perforatorium and apomorphically lack any fibres associated with the axoneme. The spermatozoa of Cophixalus, however, differ in several respects from those of the other microhylids examined. Cophixalus spermatozoa are longer in almost all measurements, the acrosome vesicle is cylindrical and does not completely cover the putative perforatorium, the perforatorium is asymmetrical and composed of fine fibres, the nucleus is strongly attenuated and narrower, and the mitochondria are elongate. The absence of fibres associated with the axoneme is an apomorphic condition shared with the Ranidae, Rhacophoridae and Pipidae.
Morphology of the salivary glands of three Squamata species: Podarcis sicula sicula, Tarentola mauritanica and Coluber viridiflavus
Authors: Baccari Gabriella Chieffi , Ferrara Diana , Di Matteo Loredana , Minucci Sergio 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe histology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of three species of squamata, Podarcis sicula sicula (mandibular glands), Tarentola mauritanica (sublingual gland) and Coluber viridiflavus (supra‐ and infralabial glands) were studied. Each gland contained acidic cells, positive for both periodic acid Schiff and Alcian blue reactions. These cells can be distinguished as seromucous and mucous types based on the different electron density of their granules. α‐Amylase, until now detected only in mammalian salivary glands, was not found in any of the salivary glands examined. The ultrastructural study revealed that the salivary glandular cells of T. mauritanica lack intercellular canaliculi, which by contrast, are present between the seromucous cells in the salivary glands of C. viridiflavus and P. s. sicula. Comparable variation is also seen when the ultrastructural features of the secretory granules in salivary glands of the three Squamata species are compared. The salivary granules of T. mauritanica and C. viridiflavus are more or less dense but structureless, while the mucous granules of P. s. sicula have a distinctive and characteristic substructure. Therefore, this study, designed to obtain comparative data on the histology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of three representative, but hitherto unstudied, species of Squamata, reveals great variation in the structure of these glands within the Squamata lineage, even when compared to previously documented species.
Sperm structure and spermiogenesis inAtelura formicariaHeyden (Zygentoma, Insecta)
Authors: Dallai R. , Lupetti P. , Carapelli A. , Frati F. , Afzelius B. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe spermatozoon ofAtelura formicaria(Zygentoma) shows several features that are typical of insects: an apical acrosome, an elongated dense nucleus, a centriole with expanded centriolar adjunct material, two large mitochondrial derivatives, and two thin accessory bodies located beneath the nucleus. The axoneme exhibits a 9 + 9 + 2 pattern with accessory tubules formed by 16 protofilaments and intertubular material. However, spermatozoa ofA. formicariashow some remarkable features. The sperm cell is short for an insect, being only 50 µm in length. The nucleus is characterized by the presence of two lateral grooves which are filled with numerous infoldings of the nuclear envelope. In a cross‐section the chromatin has the configuration of the Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Vitruvian man’. Each mitochondrial derivative has a peculiar structure with peripheral cristae and four crystalline bodies in its matrix; two of these crystalline bodies are large and have differently orientated cristal planes. At the end of spermiogenesis, sperm bundles are stored in the proximal part of the testes. Secretions from the epithelial wall of this region give rise to large globular structures. These include sperm bundles intermingled with dense granules, forming the so called ‘spermatolophids’. These formations descend along the deferent duct and are stored in the expanded seminal vesicle.Ateluraspermatozoa do not pair as in some Lepismatidae, nor do they fuse as inTricholepidion(Lepidotrichidae). Thus, sperm aggregation in Zygentoma is realized according to different modalities and can hardly be considered as a synapomorphic trait of its subtaxa.
Sensory pathways in amphioxus larvae II. Dorsal tracts and translumenal cells
Authors: Lacalli Thurston C. , Kelly Samantha J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSerial and interval EM series were used to examine the dorsal nerve tracts in the anterior nerve cord of a 12.5 day larva ofBranchiostoma floridae. Fibres within the tracts derive from peripheral sensory cells and a class of intramedullary sensory neurones known as dorsal (Retzius) bipolar cells. Both form repeated synapses of similar type, apparently with the same targets. The synapses occur at points where, at intervals, the tracts expand to form large synaptic zones. The target dendrites, which form complex tangles, belong chiefly to dorsal translumenal cells, a class of neurone distinguished by their apical processes. The latter range from short extensions of the cell apex that contact the opposite side of the cord via junctions, but go no further, to elongate processes with slender branches that project to the contralateral dorsal tract. The morphology indicates that translumenal cells play the same role in amphioxus as internuncial neurones in vertebrate spinal cord. Their axons can be ipsilateral or contralateral; some synapse with motoneurones directly while others innervate other interneurones, including other translumenal cells. From the circuitry, the cells appear to be chiefly involved in integrating sensory input from peripheral mechanoreceptors. This could include acting as a filter that amplifies some input patterns over others, or that normalizes input, so that CNS circuits are not overloaded as new sensory cells differentiate during development. The functional importance of the translumenal system to the organism is reflected in a massive increase in size and cell numbers during the larval phase. The anterior, brain‐like integrative centres of the cerebral vesicle, in contrast, are initially small and change very little.
Outcome of radical cystectomy for bladder cancer according to the disease type at presentation
Authors: Yiou R. , Patard J.‐J. , Benhard H. , Abbou C.‐C. , Chopin D.K. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To examine whether the outcome of cystectomy for invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder was influenced by the type of disease at initial presentation. Patients and methods The charts of 76 patients treated for TCC by radical cystectomy from 1987 to 1997 in our unit were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 comprised 43 patients with primary invasive disease; group 2 included 12 patients with progression of an initial superficial bladder tumour after failure of conservative treatment; and group 3 comprised 21 patients who had a radical cystectomy for superficial TCC, with a high risk of progression after attempts at conservative treatment. The pathological findings on transurethral resection and cystectomy specimens, cancer‐specific survival and the time to progression were compared among the three groups. Results The rate of pT0 in cystectomy specimens was 16%, 41% and 24% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Under‐staging occurred in 24% of cases in group 3. The 10‐year cancer‐specific survival rates were 48%, 47% and 82% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The cancer‐specific survival rate and progression rate were not significantly different between groups 1 and 2, but were significantly lower/higher in these patients than in group 3 (P < 0.01). Conclusions These data suggest that the prognosis of superficial TCC which progresses despite conservative management is no better than that of invasive TCC at initial presentation, despite the closer follow‐up received by the former patients. Early identification of this group of patients may improve the cancer‐specific survival, as early cystectomy for high‐risk superficial TCC yields better results.
Pelvicalyceal stone load: a factor affecting the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for renal pelvic calculi
Authors: Küpeli B. , Tunç L. , Alkibay T. , Karaoglan Ü. , Bozkirli I. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To determine the effect of variations in pelvicalyceal volume on the results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and the relationship of stone load to estimated pelvicalyceal volume in patients with renal pelvic stones. Patients and methods In all, 204 patients with renal pelvic stones were treated primarily by ESWL. Exclusion criteria were radiolucent stones, dilatation of the renal collecting system, JJ stent insertion before ESWL and an inadequate follow‐up. The surface area of the stones and the renal collecting system were measured using a grid of 1 mm2 divisions. The pelvicalyceal volume was calculated as 0.6 (area)1.27. To evaluate the treatment results a pelvicalyceal stone load (PSL) index, describing the relationship of stone load to total estimated pelvicalyceal volume, was defined as stone volume/renal collecting system volume. Results The mean (range) pelvicalyceal volume of the patients was 13.24 (4.12–28.47) mm3 and the mean PSL index was 26.2%. The cumulative success rates according to the PSL decreased from 97% to 90% with increasing PSL, but remained at > 95% in patients with a PSL index of < 50%. In all, 184 sessions were applied and the session/patient ratio increased from 1.41 to 3.0 with increasing PSL. Complications were acute pyelonephritis in three and steinstrasse in five patients. Conclusion The PSL index appears to be a more accurate and reproducible method for predicting the outcome of ESWL, and has the advantage of considering the effect of pelvicalyceal anatomy.
Simultaneous bilateral compared with unilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Holman E. , Munim Khan A. , Pásztor I. , Tóth C. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To compare simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SBPCNL) and unilateral PCNL in separate sessions in patients with bilateral renal stones for several variables before and after surgery. Patients and methods The results from SBPCNL carried out at two centres in different countries on 198 patients (aged 1.25–70 years) were compared with those from 300 patients undergoing unilateral PCNL in separate sessions. At one centre where extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) was available SBPCNL was used for stones where at least two sessions of ESWL would have been required on each side. Other associated procedures were also used wherever required. Results The stones were cleared bilaterally in one session of SBPCNL in 190 patients; in eight, fragments of < 3 mm remained but were not clinically significant. A second session was required in six patients on one side only. Variables assessed before and after treatment (e.g. hospital stay, analgesia requirements and complications) were not significantly different between SBPCNL and PCNL. The mean (range) total operative duration for SBPCNL was 46 (20–100) min and the hospital stay 4.3 (3–8) days. Conclusion From this experience, SBPCNL is a cost‐effective and beneficial solution for selected patients, with clear advantages over separate unilateral PCNL in patients with bilateral stones.
Muscle precursor cell autografting in a murine model of urethral sphincter injury
Authors: Yiou R. , Dreyfus P. , Chopin D.K. , Abbou C.‐C. , Lefaucheur J.‐P. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine whether muscle precursor cells (MPCs) harvested from limb skeletal muscle can enhance the regeneration process of the striated urethral sphincter after injury. Material and methods Striated urethral sphincters of male mice were injured by an injection of a myotoxic substance (notexin). In the experimental group, 2 days after injury, MPCs were enzymatically harvested from striated muscles of the lower limbs and labelled with PKH 26, then immediately re‐injected into the injured urethral sphincter of the same animal. In the control group, saline buffer was injected instead of MPCs. Animals were killed 7 days or 1 month after injury and the sphincters removed for histological study (the presence of PKH 26‐labelled myofibres, measurement of myofibre diameter and total number of myofibres). Results MPC autografting accelerated sphincter muscle repair, as shown by a higher myofibre diameter (P = 0.03) and number (P = 0.01) in the experimental group than in the controls at 7 days. One month after their injection MPCs were still detectable in the regenerating sphincters and participated in the formation of new myofibres. Conclusion This study provides the experimental basis for a new therapeutic approach to urethral sphincter insufficiency after surgical or obstetrical injury, based on MPC autografting.
Urinary stress incontinence in obese women: tension‐free vaginal tape is the answer
Authors: Mukherjee K. , Constantine G. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine the effectiveness of the tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) in obese women with genuine stress incontinence (GSI), in whom obesity is often considered a relative contraindication to surgical treatment by traditional approaches, e.g. Burch colposuspension and slings (which are difficult and carry increased morbidity) or injectable agents (which although simple, are unpredictable and expensive). Patients and methods Data on 242 consecutive women with urodynamically proven GSI were collected prospectively. The women were subdivided into three groups with a body mass index (BMI) of < 25, 25–29 and  30; obesity was defined as a BMI of  30. All procedures were performed under spinal anaesthesia. The King's validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaires (version 7) were completed before and 6 months after surgery. The subjective results were defined as a cure, significant improvement or failure. Results Almost 90% of the obese women with GSI were cured, while the remaining 10% noted a considerable improvement in their symptoms. There was no significant difference in cure rates among the three groups. There was a highly significant (P < 0.001) improvement in QoL in all groups. Conclusion The TVT is at least as effective in obese women as in those with a lower BMI. The TVT is a simple and minimally invasive procedure, with low morbidity even in the obese group. TVT can be offered confidently to all obese women with GSI.
E‐cadherin and β‐catenin are down‐regulated in prostatic bone metastases
Authors: Bryden A.A.G. , Hoyland J.A. , Freemont A.J. , Clarke N.W. , Schembri Wismayer D. , George N.J.R. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine the E‐cadherin and β‐catenin expression phenotype in untreated primary prostate cancer and corresponding bone metastases. Materials and methods Paired bone metastasis and primary prostate specimens were obtained from 14 men with untreated metastatic prostate carcinoma. The tumours were histologically graded by an independent pathologist. Expression of mRNA for E‐cadherin and β‐catenin was detected within the tumour cells using in‐situ hybridization with a 35S‐labelled cDNA probe. The expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin were graded as uniform, heterogeneous or negative. Results The mRNA for E‐cadherin was expressed in 13 of 14 primary carcinomas and 11 bone metastases; β‐catenin was expressed by 13 and nine, respectively. Of the primary tumours, nine expressed E‐cadherin and β‐catenin uniformly; in contrast, all metastases had down‐regulated E‐cadherin and/or β‐catenin. Conclusions The down‐regulation of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin are a feature of the metastatic phenotype, which may be a significant factor in the genesis of bone metastases. However, this does not appear to be reflected in the expression of these molecules in the primary tumours.
Sexual function before and after various treatments for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Leliefeld H.H.J. , Stoevelaar H.J. , McDonnell J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine the effect of various treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on sexual function. Patients and methods In a longitudinal multicentre study carried out in the Netherlands, 670 consecutive patients with BPH (aged 50 years) were examined at baseline and 9 months after inclusion. All patients completed a questionnaire about symptomatology, bothersomeness and sexual function before and after treatment. Other diagnostic information was retrieved from the medical records. Results At baseline, 49–59% of the population (mean age 66 years) reported normal potency and 69% a normal libido. Outcomes at 9 months were stratified by type of treatment, i.e. surgery in 207, α‐blockers in 43, finasteride in 47 and watchful waiting in 234 men. Patients with multiple or other treatments (131) or recent surgery (eight) were excluded from the analyses. For the four sexual items included, 84% of the patients reported no changes. All treatments showed both improvement and deterioration in 3–14% and 0–16% of the patients, respectively. Conclusion For sexual function, most patients remained stable after treatment for BPH, while positive and negative changes occurred in equal proportions for all treatments. These results question the previously reported high incidence of sexual adverse events, particularly after surgical intervention.