bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The possibilities of early selection of late‐flowering almonds as a function of seed germination or leafing time of seedlings
Authors: Dicenta F. , García‐Gusano M. , Ortega E. , Martinez‐Gómez P. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractObtaining new, late‐flowering almonds by crossing is a very long process, mainly due to the long juvenile period of the seedlings obtained. It would be very useful to have an early selection method to identify the late‐flowering genotypes, which would increase the efficiency of the breeding programmes. In this work, a study was made of the possibility of using the chilling requirements of seeds for germination and the leafing time of seedlings as criteria for early selection of flowering time, in 502 seedlings belonging to 13 families, over a four‐year period. Crossings were carried out in 1997. Seeds were stratified at 7°C. and the number of weeks necessary for germination was determined. Seedlings were planted in 1998. Between 1999 and 2002 the leafing time was recorded, and in 2001 and 2002 the time of flowering was also recorded. The results showed that, although some correlation was observed between the germination or leafing time and the flowering time, these correlations were not strong enough to be used as efficient criteria for early selection of late‐flowering seedlings within each family. for which variability was limited. To obtain late‐flowering cultivars. the best method is to cross progenitors which flower as late as possible, and later select the seedlings according to their flowering time. Leafing time could be used for early selection with certain success when progenitors have very different flowering times (VCTJ early and very late), since the expected variability within families will be very large.
Development of a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker linked to pungency in pepper
Authors: Minamiyama Y. , Kinoshita S. , Inaba K. , Inoue M. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe complete tack of pungency in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is controlled by a single recessive gene (c). To develop a molecular marker linked to the C locus, two segregating F2 populations (TM2 and TF2) derived from crosses between occasionally pungent and non‐pungent peppers in C. annuum were used. Using the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) technique in combination with a bulked segregation analysis, two RAPD markers, OPD20‐800 and OPY09‐800, were obtained. Of the two markers, the more closely linked marker. OPY09‐800, was converted into a codominant CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence) marker using data from the alignment of the two allelic sequences. This CAPS marker was linked to the C locus (3.6 cM in the TF2 population), and polymorphism was detected among accessions within C. annuum. This marker might be helpful for the selection of a c gene in backcross and progeny tests in a conventional breeding system.
Molecular genetic diversity within and among German ecotypes in comparison to European perennial ryegrass cultivars
Authors: Bolaric S. , Barth S. , Melchinger A. E. , Posselt U. K. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is the most important grass species for temperate grassland agriculture. The level and distribution of genetic variation in gene bank ecotype collections is still largely unknown but of great interest for the planning of breeding programmes. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess the molecular variance and population structure of German ecotypes at the regional and population level, (ii) assign ecotypes to germplasm pools and (iii) compare the relationship between German ecotypes and previously‐investigated European cultivars of perennial ryegrass, A total of 22 ecotypes originating from three geographic areas in Germany. each with a sample size of 20 individual plants, were investigated with 156 polymorphic RAPD markers. Genetic distance among ecotypes ranged from 0,27 to 0.48, An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a much larger variation within populations (71%) than among them (29%). Ecotypes from North Germany were significantly different from those of South and Middle Germany. Thus, two distinct germplasm pools could be identified. The 22 ecotypes and 22 previously investigated cultivars shared 98% of the molecular variance.
The use of pethidine as pre‐medication to prevent anoxic spells in patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Shimizu Mikiko , Inai Kei , Nakazawa Makoto 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Objective
: The aim of this study was to determine whether morphine‐HCl or pethidine‐HCl differ as pre‐medication to prevent anoxic spell in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) at catheterization.
Methods
: A 3 year retrospective case notes review study of 46 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization from 1998 to 2001 was conducted. In a prospective 1 year randomized control study, 10 patients diagnosed as TOF and admitted to Tokyo Women's Medical University, The Heart Institute of Japan, Tokyo, in 2002 were randomized to receive morphine or pethidine as pre‐medication for cardiac catheterization. The incidence of anoxic spell before and after cardiac catheterization was investigated in both studies.
Results
: In the case notes review, a total of 10 out of the 46 patients showed anoxic spell study: eight out of 24 patients in the morphine group and two out of 22 in the pethidine group. The difference in the incidence was statistically significant (P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). Four patients in the prospective study showed anoxic spell: three out of six in the morphine group and one out of four in the pethidine group (odds ratio = 3.0). Overall, 14 out of 56 patients had anoxic spell: 11 out of 30 in the morphine group and three out of 26 in the pethidine group (P = 0.03).
Conclusion
: The incidence of hypoxic spells in patients with TOF undergoing cardiac catheterization is reduced by the use of pethidine‐HCl as pre‐medication compared to morphine. This has important clinical implications.
Relationship of serum interleukin‐7 concentration and the coagulation state in children with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Wasilewska Anna , Zoch‐Zwierz Walentyna M , Tomaszewska Barbara , Zelazowska Beata 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
: Enhanced platelet reactivity may play a significant role in the hypercoagulable state of nephrotic syndrome (NS). Thrombocytosis with platelet aggregation cause the release of some cytokines, among them interleukin‐7 (IL‐7). The aim of the study was to evaluate serum IL‐7 levels in children with the symptoms of NS and to determine a correlation between its concentration and platelet count, other hemostatic factors, and NS intensity.
Methods
: The study was performed in two groups. I – the examined group of 26 children with NS (12 boys, 14 girls) aged 6.8 ± 2.1 years, subjected to two examinations: A – before treatment, B – during treatment with prednisone (60 mg/kg 24 h after albuminuria regression); and II – the control group (C) of 20 healthy children. Serum IL‐7 level was assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method using a R & D Quantikine set.
Results
: In group I, IL‐7 level in examination A (33.33 ± 33.24 pg/mL) was higher than in the control subjects (P < 0.01). In examination B, IL‐7 concentration was reduced to the level of 10.86 ± 5.22 pg/mL and did not differ from the controls (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between IL‐7 and platelet count and serum fibrinogen level. A negative correlation was noted with antithrombin III concentration. No correlation was found with serum levels of albumin and cholesterol or urine protein.
Conclusion
: In children with NS, serum IL‐7 level increases proportionally to the elevated platelet count and other hemostatic components, but shows no correlation with serum albumin or urine protein.
Serum malondialdehyde level in children infected with Vampirolepis nana
Authors: Yazar Süleyman , Kilic Eser , Saraymen Recep , Ozbilge Hatice 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
: Vampirolepis nana is the only human tapeworm in which the intermediate host is not necessary and transmission is from person to person. In this study the changes of serum malondialdehyde level, that is, the oxidative stress hypothesis in patients infected with V. nana, was investigated.
Methods
: Serum malondialdehyde concentration activity was measured in 32 patients who were positive for intestinal parasite of V. nana. Levels were obtained for the positively infected patients and their age and gender were matched to 32 healthy controls.
Results
: The difference between malondialdehyde levels of patients infected with V. nana and the control group was statistically significant both for females (P < 0.05) and males (P < 0.05). In the patient and control groups, no correlation was found between age and malondialdehyde levels both in females and males. In addition, no significant correlation could be found between malondialdehyde levels of both females and males for the patient and control groups.
Conclusion
: Malondialdehyde levels were clearly increased in the patients infected with V. nana.
Selecting therapy for maintaining sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Nehra Ajay 
Published: July 2005

In the first of these mini–reviews the selection of therapy for the maintenance of sexual function in patients with BPH is outlined, along with an explanation of how altered regulation of neurotransmitters, especially noradrenaline, may underlie the syndrome of LUTS and sexual dysfunction. Other mini‐reviews outline the current status of robotic surgery to treat renal and adrenal disorders, and its future applications, and the potential use of the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway as a potential target to treat BOO associated with benign prostatic enlargement. Finally, the capacity to be creative in academic departments is extolled as a core property of academicians, and its surfacing described as having the potential to revitalize individuals and departments.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Carson Culley C. , Lue Tom F. 
Published: July 2005

This is our first presentation of Great Drug Classes, and we start with a description of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and their use in erectile dysfunction. This is an in‐depth review of this class of drugs, offering the reader a description of how they work, in which conditions they may be particularly beneficial, and a comparison of the three different drugs. It is of necessity longer than the usual manuscript accepted for the BJU International, with a full list of references. The cyclic nucleotide signalling pathway mediates the smooth‐muscle relaxing effects of nitric oxide necessary for normal erectile function. Down‐regulation of this pathway is central to the pathophysiology of many forms of erectile dysfunction (ED), which is often associated with other chronic diseases (e.g. hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus) and treatments (e.g. certain drugs, radical prostatectomy). Conversely, selective inhibition of the enzyme that catalyses the degradation of cGMP (phosphodiesterase type 5, PDE‐5) promotes erectile responses to sexual stimulation. The successful launch and commercialization of the selective PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5I) sildenafil transformed the treatment of ED, not only by providing an effective, well tolerated oral ED therapy, but also by fostering greater candour about the problem among men. Sildenafil is highly effective in promoting erectile responses across a wide spectrum of severity and causes of ED, including patients with ED that is often refractory to treatment. The recent advent of vardenafil, which has the highest in vitro potency of all available PDE5Is, and tadalafil, which has a prolonged half‐life that may enable couples to have sexual activity with less planning, represent further advances. Other PDE5Is offering further potential improvements are under active investigation.
Carbonic anhydrase IX and the future of molecular markers in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Leppert John T. , Lam John S. , Pantuck Allan J. , Figlin Robert A. , Belldegrun Arie S. 
Published: July 2005

The use of carbonic anhydrase IX as a promising molecular marker in RCC is described by authors from Los Angeles, who discuss the promise that molecular markers hold to improve diagnosis, staging, treatment, surveillance and survival of patients with RCC. There is a whole range of new treatments being introduced in the management of metastatic renal cancer. The use of VEGF–targeted therapy has particular importance, especially as it has a strong genetically linked rationale for its potential success in this area. Authors from the USA show that substantial clinical activity has been reported in initial clinical trials. In prostate cancer, drugs targeting microtubules, such as taxanes, have already been introduced clinically, and their success has received widespread attention. A new group of drugs, the epothilones, have similar but not identical binding properties to microtubules, and authors from the USA describe how they have shown activity in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer, and are moving to phase III testing.
Multidetector computed tomography vs magnetic resonance imaging for defining the upper limit of tumour thrombus in renal cell carcinoma: a study and review
Authors: Lawrentschuk Nathan , Gani Johan , Riordan Richard , Esler Steven , Bolton Damien M. 
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVETo compare the findings of multidetector computed tomography (CT) with surgical pathology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the accuracy of delineating the superior extent of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombotic involvement in renal cell cancer (RCC).PATIENTS AND METHODSA prospective database was examined of 11 patients (median age 65 years, range 45–77) being assessed for suspected IVC extension of RCC tumour thrombus with both multidetector CT and MRI. All had pathology confirming RCC, and eight of those undergoing surgery had pathological confirmation of tumour thrombus extent. All images were analysed originally, then re‐analysed by two independent radiologists, an experienced urologist and a urological trainee unaware of the original reports and other imaging results, with a final determination on tumour thrombus level by consensus.RESULTSThe multidetector CT results were completely accurate when compared with surgical specimens and were in agreement with MRI on all but one occasion, where MRI determined the renal vein to be clear when it was involved on CT and at surgery, giving MRI an accuracy of seven of eight samples.CONCLUSIONSWhilst there were few patients and further studies are needed, multidetector CT was comparable with MRI in determining tumour thrombus level. More importantly, in the eight patients with surgical pathological confirmation, multidetector CT was accurate in all. Ultimately, it may replace MRI as the ‘gold standard’ for imaging to delineate the upper limit of tumour thrombosis in RCC.
Tumour markers for managing men who present with metastatic prostate cancer and serum prostate‐specific antigen levels of <10 ng/mL
Authors: Birtle Alison J. , Freeman Alex , Masters John R.W. , Payne Heather A. , Harland Stephen J. ,   contributors to the BAUS Section of Oncology Cancer Registry
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVETo define immunohistochemical features of the primary cancers that might help in the differential diagnosis and monitoring of treatment in men presenting with metastatic prostate cancer and low serum levels of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), who can be difficult to diagnose and manage.PATIENTS AND METHODSParaffin blocks of prostate biopsies were obtained for 33 patients presenting with untreated metastatic prostate cancer and serum PSA levels of <10 ng/mL. Sections were immunostained for PSA, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA), androgen receptor (AR), chromogranin A and CD 56.RESULTSThe combined Gleason scores were 8–10 in 25 men (76%) and 6 or 7 in the other eight (24%). Morphologically, there were no neuroendocrine features. PSA immunostaining was equivocal in 12 (36%) cases and in a further 19 (58%) was strong but focal and could be missed on biopsy sampling. PSMA was expressed in 90% of cases, and staining was widely distributed in nine of the 12 in which PSA staining was equivocal. There was strong AR expression in 30 (91%) cases and it was present in areas where PSA was absent.CONCLUSIONIn this patient group, immunohistochemical assessments of PSMA and AR are potentially useful as diagnostic markers.
Age‐specific reference levels of serum prostate‐specific antigen and prostate volume in healthy Arab men
Authors: Kehinde Elijah O. , Mojiminiyi Olusegun A. , Sheikh Mehraj , Al‐Awadi Kaleel A. , Daar Abdallah S. , Al‐Hunayan Adel , Anim Jehoram T. , Al‐Sumait Aisha A. 
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVETo determine age‐specific reference ranges for serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) concentration and prostate volumes in a population of healthy Arab men.SUBJECTS AND METHODSBlood samples were taken from 396 healthy Arab men (from Kuwait and Oman) aged 15–79 years and from across the social spectrum. Men aged >40 years had a digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate to determine prostate volume. The serum PSA level was measured using commercial kits, and age‐specific ranges for PSA levels and prostate volume determined.RESULTSThe serum PSA ranges (ng/mL) for each age range in Arab men were: 40–49 years, 0–0.9; 60–69, 0–2.7; 70–79, 0–5.5 ng/mL; the respective prostate volumes were 8–22, 9–30 and 10–33 mL. The serum PSA level and prostate volume correlated with age (P < 0.001). Arab men had lower serum PSA levels and prostate volumes than those reported for Caucasians, but similar to those reported for Asians (Japanese and Chinese).CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that Arab men have lower PSA levels and prostate volumes than Caucasians. The levels are slightly lower than those reported in the Japanese and, as in the Japanese, low PSA levels and small prostate volumes might be related to the low incidence of clinical prostate cancer in Arab men.
Analysis of peripheral blood for prostate cells after autologous transfusion given during radical prostatectomy
Authors: Stoffel John T. , Topjian Linda , Libertino John A. 
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVESTo determine if cells expressing prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) can be detected in blood collected by a cell‐saver during radical prostatectomy (RP) or in the peripheral blood after intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 112 men with clinical T1c–T2 prostate cancer undergoing RP were prospectively assessed. A cell‐saver system was used in each to collect blood from the surgical field after prostate manipulation. IAT was given based on clinical indications. Standardized peripheral blood samples were collected from patients before RP, in the recovery room afterward, and at 3–5 weeks after surgery. A reverse‐transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction assay for PSA mRNA was used to detect prostate cells in cell‐saver and peripheral blood samples. Patients were followed after surgery with PSA measurements to assess biochemical failure.RESULTSPSA‐expressing cells were detected in 88% of cell‐saver reservoir and 13% of preoperative blood samples. No PSA‐expressing prostate cells were detected in any peripheral blood samples collected 3–5 weeks after surgery. Analysis of data with 40 months of follow‐up showed IAT was not an independent predictor of biochemical failure in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONSAlthough IAT blood contains PSA‐expressing cells, none could be detected 3–5 weeks after surgery. IAT during RP was not associated with a greater risk of biochemical failure.
New perioperative management reduces bleeding in radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: Schostak Martin , Matischak Klaudia , Müller Markus , Schäfer Michel , Schrader Mark , Christoph Frank , Miller Kurt 
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVETo describe the effect of modifications to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP, known to be associated with severe bleeding) on blood loss in a retrospective analysis comparing RRPs by one experienced surgeon before and after the changes.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe new method comprised reducing the intravenously applied volume, using a peridural catheter and maintaining a 25–30° Trendelenburg position. The difference in haemoglobin before and after RRP was analysed before the changes (group 1) and after (group 2). If transfusions were required the haemoglobin value was corrected, whereby 1 mL of erythrocyte concentrate increased the patient's haemoglobin by 0.03 g/L.RESULTSAssessment was possible in 201 of 234 patients, 110 from group 1 and 91 from group 2. The mean transfusion‐corrected difference in haemoglobin was 53 g/L in group 1 (20% transfusion rate) and 35.2 g/L in group 2 (1.09% transfusion rate; P > 0.001). The median intravenous volume applied was 5.96 L in group 1 and 3.49 L in group 2 (P < 0.001). The complication rate did not differ between the groups.CONCLUSIONThis new method minimizes the intraoperative blood loss during RRP; transfusions are only necessary in rare cases and the complication rate remained unaltered.
Do all patients with high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia on initial prostatic biopsy eventually progress to clinical prostate cancer?
Authors: Izawa Jonathan I. , Lega Iliana , Downey Donal , Chin Joseph L. , Luke Patrick P. 
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical outcome of patients with a diagnosis of high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) on initial prostatic biopsy, with a minimum of 5 years of follow‐up, as such patients are at greater risk of having prostate cancer on subsequent biopsy.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween November 1992 and October 1998, 21 patients were identified as having PIN on their initial transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsy. None of these patients had a focus of cancer on the initial biopsy. Their medical data were reviewed retrospectively to determine the natural history of PIN in these patients. Patients who were not identified as having cancer were followed every 6–12 months with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examinations (DRE).RESULTSA mean (range) of 7 (2–8) cores were taken at initial biopsy; the mean age of the patients was 63 (53–77) years and mean PSA level 9.1 (4.9–17.6) ng/mL. Six patients had an abnormal DRE at presentation. A mean of 8 (7–10) cores were obtained on the second biopsy; six patients were diagnosed with cancer, with a mean Gleason score of 6 (5–7), while three were diagnosed with persistent PIN. These three patients had a third prostate biopsy which showed cancer of Gleason score 6 in one and benign prostatic hyperplasia in two. After a mean follow‐up of 72.2  (60–84) months, none of the remaining 12 patients was diagnosed with clinically significant cancer. Five of these patients went on to a third prostate biopsy, with no evidence of cancer. One patient died from unrelated causes during this period.CONCLUSIONThis study affirms our current practice of following patients with PIN conservatively if a second or third subsequent prostate biopsy is negative. Whether PIN is a premalignant lesion or merely a lesion associated with cancer needs to be addressed in multicentre studies with a follow‐up of > 10 years.