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Aims To investigate the effect of losartan on preventing bladder fibrosis and protecting renal function in rats with neurogenic paralysis bladder (NPB). Materials and methods Rats were assigned to the transecting spinal nerves group (TSNG), transecting spinal nerves + losartan group (LSTG), and control group (CG). On Day 32 postsurgery, bladder capacity (BC), bladder compliance (ΔC), bladder leakage pressure (Pves.leak) of TSNG and LSTG while BC, ΔC, and bladder threshold pressure (Pves.thre) of CG were measured by cystometry in each cohort. Renal function and the expression quantity of Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II) in blood were detected, in addition Ang II, Ang II Type 1 receptor (AT1), transformation growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), Collagen Ⅲ, and collagen fibrin in the bladder tissue were detected too. Results ΔC in TSNG and LSTG decreased significantly compared to the CG. Pves.leak in TSNG and LSTG were significantly higher than Pves.thre in CG. Renal function of both TSNG and LSTG decreased significantly compared with the CG, but renal function in LSTG was better than in TSNG. Ang Ⅱ in blood and bladder tissue in TSNG and LSTG increased significantly compared with CG. AT1 was expressed in the bladder tissue of all rats. The TGFβ1, Collagen Ⅲ, and collagen fibrin expression level increased significantly in TSNG compared with LSTG and CG, while these levels were not significantly different between CG and LSTG. Conclusion Losartan might prevent NPB fibrosis by stopping the upregulated signaling of Ang II/AT1/TGFβ1 and consequently may reduce kidney damage from occurring.

Aims: To introduce the standard procedure of cystometry and interpretation of the results in children. Methods: The literature on cystometry in children in PubMed for the last 20 years was reviewed. The updated knowledge regarding indication, preparation, technique, and interpretation of cystometry in children were summarized. Results: Filling cystometry is the core content of a paediatric urodynamic study. In this section, the technique for performing cystometry is introduced in details. Emphasis is placed on correctly setting up the equipment according to ICS and ICCS guidelines, using appropriate terminology, providing indications for its performance with specific considerations for children, and proper interpretation of results. Conclusions: Cystometry can be used in children including newborn to evaluate lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Introduction Children with urinary tract disorders managed by teams, or individual pediatricians, urologists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, psychologists, and nurses at some point move from child-centered to adult-centered health systems. The actual physical change is referred to as the transfer whilst the process preceding this move constitutes transition of care. Our aims are twofold: to identify management and health-service problems related to children with congenital or acquired urological conditions who advance into adulthood and the clinical implications this has for long-term health and specialist care; and, to understand the issues facing both pediatric and adult-care clinicians and to develop a systems-approach model that meets the needs of young adults, their families and the clinicians working within adult services. Methods Information was gleaned from presentations at an International Children's Continence Society meeting with collaboration from the International Continence Society, that discussed problems of transfer and transitioning such children. Several specialists attending this conference finalized this document identifying issues and highlighting ways to ease this transition and transfer of care for both patients and practitioners. Results The consensus was, urological patients with congenital or other lifelong care needs, are now entering adulthood in larger numbers than previously, necessitating new planning processes for tailored transfer of management. Adult teams must become familiar with new clinical problems in multiple organ systems and anticipate issues provoked by adolescence and physical growth. During this period of transitional care the clinician or team assists young patients to build attitudes, skills and understanding of processes needed to maximize function of their urinary tract—thus taking responsibility for their own healthcare needs. Preparation must also address, negotiating adult health care systems, psychosocial, educational or vocational issues, and mental wellbeing. Conclusions Transitioning and transfer of children with major congenital anomalies to clinicians potentially unfamiliar with their conditions requires improved education both for receiving doctors and children's families. Early initiation of the transition process should allow the transference to take place at appropriate times based on the child's development, and environmental and financial factors. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of new ruthenium complexes of the tris(N-pyrrolyl)phosphine ligand [P(pyr)3] are described. The new ruthenium complexes [RuCl(ind)(PPh3){P(pyr)3}] and [RuCl(ind){P(pyr)3}2] (ind = indenyl, η5-C9H7–) were synthesized in 73 and 63 % isolated yields, respectively, by thermal ligand exchange of [RuCl(ind)(PPh3)2] with P(pyr)3. The electronic and steric properties of the new complexes were studied through analysis of the X-ray structures and cyclic voltammetry. The new complexes [RuCl(ind)(PPh3){P(pyr)3}] and [RuCl(ind){P(pyr)3}2] and the known complex [RuCl(ind){(PPh3)2}] differed only slightly in their steric properties, as seen from the comparable bond lengths and angles around the ruthenium centers. The oxidation potentials of [RuCl(ind)(PPh3){P(pyr)3}] and [RuCl(ind){P(pyr)3}2] of +0.34 and +0.71 V versus Cp2Fe0/+ (Cp = cyclopentadienyl) are substantially higher than that of [RuCl(ind)(PPh3)2] (–0.023 V), in accordance with the enhanced π-acidity of the P(pyr)3 ligand. The new complexes are catalytically active in the etherification of propargylic alcohols and in the first ruthenium-catalyzed formation of known and new xanthenones from propargylic alcohols and diketones (18 to 72 h at 90 °C in ClCH2CH2Cl or toluene, 1–2 mol-% catalyst, 69–22 % isolated yields).

AimsThe objective of this document created by the ICCS standardization subcommittee is to provide a uniform guideline on measurement, quality control and documentation of urodynamic studies in children. MethodsThis guideline was created using expert opinion and critical review of the published literature on urodynamic studies in children. Currently no standardized guideline or level 1 data exists on the proper technique for this subject matter. ResultsThe document provides a throughout explanation on how to approach a child who presents with lower urinary tract dysfunction, whether it be of neurogenic, anatomic or functional origin. Formation of an urodynamic question after a comprehensive history and physical examination is paramount in selecting the urodynamic study(ies) that will be most appropriate for each child. Appropriate application of each test with careful consideration of the needs of the child and family will provide the most accurate and reproducible results. Recommendations on how to execute each of the components of an urodynamic study as well as interpretation are included in the document. ConclusionsUrodynamic studies have become a major tool in evaluating lower urinary tract dysfunction in children. There are many subtleties in performing these studies in children in juxtaposition to adults; therefore, adaptations specific to children must be made to achieve accurate and reproducible results. Uniformity in how the studies are conducted from center to center will allow for healthier transparency and enhanced comparison of results in both clinical and research situations. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:???-???, 2015. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Purpose: We updated the terminology in the field of pediatric lower urinary tract function. Materials and Methods: Discussions were held in the board of the International Children's Continence Society and an extensive reviewing process was done involving all members of the International Children's Continence Society, the urology section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the European Society of Pediatric Urology, as well as other experts in the field. Results and Conclusions: New definitions and a standardized terminology are provided, taking into account changes in the adult sphere and new research results.

The title Ru-complexes are catalytically active in the etherification of propargylic alcohols and in a tandem isomerization-condensation sequence to yield xanthenones.

New well-defined FeII complexes bearing bi- and tridentate α-aminopyridine ligands were synthesized, and their catalytic activity in the oxidation of hydrocarbons and alcohols utilizing peroxide oxidants was investigated. The tridendate bis(picolyl)amine ligand 6 and its benzylated analogue 7 were converted into complexes [FeII(6)2]OTf2 (96 %, X-ray; OTf=CF3SO3−) and [FeII(7)2]OTf2 (90 %). The bidentate aminopyridine ligand 8 was converted into [FeII(8)2(OTf)2] (93 %, X-ray). The new complexes are catalytically active in the oxidation of secondary alcohols and benzylic methylene groups to the corresponding ketones, of toluene to benzaldehyde, and of cyclohexene to cyclohexene oxide (3 mol % catalyst, tBuOOH (4 equiv), RT, 2–6 h, 28 to 85 % yield of isolated product). The catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane with ROOH (R=H, tBu) to an alcohol/ketone mixture with low ratio revealed that these oxidations follow largely a radical mechanism, except when [FeII(6)2]OTf2 was employed and H2O2 was added slowly. Together with known bi- and tetradendate iron complexes, a comparative study showed slight reactivity differences for the newly prepared complexes, with the highest observed for [FeII(6)2]OTf2 and [FeII(7)2]OTf2. The reaction of the new complexes with peroxides was followed over time by UV/Visible spectroscopy; this revealed a fast reaction between the two reactants within minutes. Ligand-decomposition pathways were investigated, and revealed that the NCH2 units of the complexes are rapidly oxidized to the corresponding amides NCO. The iron complex [FeII(6)2]OTf2 showed no decrease in catalytic activity and a moderate decrease in selectivity when first subjected to oxidative conditions similar to those employed in catalysis. Thus, oxidative ligand deterioration had a marginal effect on the catalytic activity of the iron complex [FeII(6)2]OTf2.

The development of motor synchrony in dolphins has been described qualitatively, but seldom quantified. We provide a detailed description of the development of synchrony in 12 calves for periods ranging from birth to a few days up to 22 wk. We observed the presence of synchrony, relative positions, and proximity and undertook a videotape analysis of one calf for initiations/terminations of synchrony, response time to breaks in synchrony, and the development of complex behaviors by the calf relative to synchrony. Synchrony was uniformly present more than 90% of the time during month 1, then began to decline gradually. Echelon position was most frequent but calves also spent time in infant position. Initially all calves were most frequently in direct physical contact with their mothers, but by 2 wk of age, all pairs were more likely to be near each other (

Two male Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) demonstrated sensitive tactile discrimination in a two-alternative forced choice task, using a modified staircase method. Stimuli were acrylic plates with vertical gratings of ridges and grooves. The standard stimulus, present on every trial, had 2 mm gratings and the comparison stimuli had wider gratings. The blindfolded subjects were trained to demonstrate discrimination by pressing the target with wider gratings. Discrimination thresholds (75% correct) for the subjects were 2.05 mm and 2.15 mm, corresponding to Weber fractions of 0.025 and 0.075, respectively. These results indicate thresholds on similar stimuli comparable to humans (index finger tasks) and better than harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, and the closely related Antillean manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus. Memory for the tactile task was quite stable for both subjects, over 2 yr in the case of one of the subjects. Video analysis of responses indicated that bristle-like hairs, perioral bristles, and skin on the oral disk were involved in the discrimination response.

Purpose The objective of this ICCS standardization document is to report the initial diagnostic evaluation and subsequent work-up of children with neuropathic bladder dysfunction. Materials and Methods Due to a paucity of level I or level II, “levels of evidence” publications, these recommendations are actually a compilation of best practices because they seem to be effective and reliable, although not with any control. Results Throughout the document, the emphasis is on promoting early, comprehensive evaluation of lower urinary tract function that is thorough but with a minimum of unnecessary testing. This includes what tests to order, when to order them and what to do with the results. Some of the recommendations may not be practical in various worldwide locations but the suggested testing should be considered the ideal approach to completely diagnosing and then promulgating treatments based on the full knowledge of the condition and its effect on urinary tract function. Once the findings are delineated, those lower urinary tract patterns of dysfunction that put the kidneys at risk for deterioration, that are barriers to attaining eventual continence, and that have long-term consequence to the lower urinary track can be obviated by specific management recommendations. The indications and timing of investigations to achieve these objectives are clearly defined in each diagnostic category and during follow-up. Recommendations This document should be used as a basis for appropriate evaluation and timely surveillance of the various neuro-urologic conditions that affect children. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:610–614, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Purpose: We present a consensus view of members of the International Children’s Continence Society on the therapeutic intervention in congenital neuropatic bladder and bowel dysfunction in children. Material and Methods: Discussions were held by a group of pediatric urologists and gastroenterologists appointed by the board. The following draft review document was open to all the ICCS members via the ICCS web site. Feedback was considered by the core authors and by agreement, amendments were made as necessary. The final document is not a systematic literature review. It includes relevant research when available as well as expert opinion on the current understanding of therapeutic intervention in congenital neuropatic bladder and bowel dysfunction in children. Results: Guidelines on pharmalogical and surgical intervention are presented. First the multiple modalities for intervention that do not involve surgical reconstruction are summarized concerning pharmacological agents, medical devices, and neuromodulation. The non-surgical intervention is promoted before undertaking major surgery. Indicators for non-surgical treatments depend on issues related to intravesical pressure, upper urinary tract status, prevalence of urinary tract infections, and the degree of incontinence. The optimal age for treatment of incontinence is also addressed. This is followed by a survey of specific treatments such as anticholinergics, botulinum-A toxin, antibiotics, and catheters. Neuromodulation of the bladder via intravesical electrical stimulation, sacral nerve stimulation, transcutaneous stimulation, and biofeedback is scrutinized. Then follows surgical intervention, which should be tailored to each individual, based on careful consideration of urodynamic findings, medical history, age, and presence of other disability. Treatments mentioned are: urethral dilation, vesicostomy, bladder, augmentation, fascial sling, artificial urinary sphincters, and bladder neck reconstruction and are summarized with regards to success rates and complications. Finally, the treatment on neuropathic bowel dysfunction with rectal suppositories irrigation and transrectal stimulation are scrutinized. Neurourol. Urodynam. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Study Type – Aetiology (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Genetic linkage to distinguish loci for VUR has been previously described in several autosomal chromosomes. Although there are numerous explanations for the dissimilar findings, e.g. multifactorial etiology of VUR and hereditary miscellany among studied populations, clinical diversity between males and females may indicate a central gender-specific genetic susceptibility. Early studies suggested the presence of modified VUR gene(s) on the X-chromosome, accounting for the higher incidence of this disorder among female members in the pedigrees studied. On the other hand male-to-male transmission and a higher ratio of females to males argued against X-linked inheritance. More recently, additional chromosomal regions (i.e. chromosomes 1–7, 10–13, and 18–22) have been identified for VUR by using single nucleotide polymorphism-genome-wide linkage analysis. This is the first study to show that there is autosomal difference in VUR expression in males and females. This genotype variability may be the basis for the clinical differences between genders in children with VUR. OBJECTIVE • To assess gender-specific genetic differences in the susceptibility loci for vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in families who have two or more affected children. PATIENTS AND METHODS • A genome-wide linkage analysis of VUR with high-density single nucleotide polymorphisms was conducted in 98 families with two or more affected children. • A total of 221 affected offspring (123 sibling pairs) were included in the analysis. • Genomic DNA was extracted from blood or saliva from all the patients. • Data was stratified and analysed according to clinical presentation and gender of the proband and affected siblings. RESULTS • Using the affected sib-pair method, statistically significant peaks were found on chromosomes 1 (logarithm of odds, base10 [LOD] 4.4) and 5 (LOD 3.7) in males and on chromosomes 3 (LOD 3.5), 13 (LOD 4.5), and 15 (LOD 3.4) in females. CONCLUSION • This genotype variability might be the basis for the clinical differences between genders in children with VUR. Our data might be the first step to understanding the genetic background behind the gender-specific differences of VUR and more clearly defining the genetically different subgroups of VUR.

With an odor threshold value of 0.54 ng L–1 air, (3E,5E)-7,7-dimethyl-5-tert-butylocta-3,5-dien-2-one (1a) constitutes the most potent member of a new family of acyclic musk odorants with ionone aspects. Replacement of the quaternary carbon atoms of 1a with silicon atoms leads to the (di)sila analogues 1b (replacement of the carbon atom C-7), 1c (replacement of the quaternary carbon atom of the 5-tert-butyl group), and 1d (replacement of both quaternary carbon atoms). Compounds 1b–1d were prepared in multistep syntheses, and their olfactory properties were characterized. The disila analogue 1d turned out to be the weakest compound of the series (197 ng L–1 air), with only very faint musky aspects. The 7-sila analogue 1b was very floral, of iononeand rose character, and also had a distinct musky note (1.63 ng L–1 air). The 5-trimethylsilyl analogue 1c was the most musky sila odorant of the series (10.6 ng L–1 air), with rosy but not ionone-like facets. Thus, exchange of one or both tert-butyl groups of 1a for a trimethylsilyl substituent had quite dramatic effects on the odor, and steric bulk at the carbon atom C-5 seems to be important for creating a musk odor impression.

Aquatic mammals use vibrissae to detect hydrodynamic stimuli over a range from 5 to 150 Hz, similar to the range detected by lateral line systems in fishes and amphibians. Manatees possess ∼5,300 vibrissae distributed over the body, innervated by ∼209,000 axons. This extensive innervation devoted to vibrissae follicles is reflected in enlarged, elaborate somatosensory regions of the gracile, cuneate, and Bischoff's brain-stem nuclei, ventrobasal thalamus, and presumptive somatosensory cortex. Our preliminary psychophysical testing indicates that in Florida and Antillean manatees the Weber fraction for detection thresholds for grating textures ranges from 0.025 to 0.14. At the lower end of this range, sensitivity is comparable to human index finger thresholds. For hydrodynamic stimuli of 5-150 Hz, detection threshold levels for manatees using facial or postfacial vibrissae were substantially lower than those reported for harbor seals and similar to reports of sensitivity for the lateral line systems of some fish. Our findings suggest that the facial and postfacial vibrissae are used to detect hydrodynamic stimuli, whereas only the facial vibrissae are used for direct contact investigation.

The southern Appalachians represent a landscape characterized by locally high topographic relief, steep slopes, and frequent mass movement in the absence of significant tectonic forcing for at least the last 200 Ma. The fundamental processes responsible for landscape evolution in a post-orogenic landscape remain enigmatic. The non-glaciated Cullasaja River basin of south-western North Carolina, with uniform lithology, frequent debris flows, and the availability of high-resolution airborne lidar DEMs, is an ideal natural setting to study landscape evolution in a post-orogenic landscape through the lens of hillslope–channel coupling. This investigation is limited to channels with upslope contributing areas >2.7 km2, a conservative estimate of the transition from fluvial to debris-flow dominated channel processes. Values of normalized hypsometry, hypsometric integral, and mean slope vs elevation are used for 14 tributary basins and the Cullasaja basin as a whole to characterize landscape evolution following upstream knickpoint migration. Results highlight the existence of a transient spatial relationship between knickpoints present along the fluvial network of the Cullasaja basin and adjacent hillslopes. Metrics of topography (relief, slope gradient) and hillslope activity (landslide frequency) exhibit significant downstream increases below the current position of major knickpoints. The transient effect of knickpoint-driven channel incision on basin hillslopes is captured by measuring the relief, mean slope steepness, and mass movement frequency of tributary basins and comparing these results with the distance from major knickpoints along the Cullasaja River. A conceptual model of area–elevation and slope distributions is presented that may be representative of post-orogenic landscape evolution in analogous geologic settings. Importantly, the model explains how knickpoint migration and channel–hillslope coupling is an important factor in tectonically-inactive (i.e. post-orogenic) orogens for the maintenance of significant relief, steep slopes, and weathering-limited hillslopes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

OBJECTIVES To review our experience at a children's hospital over a 10-year period with the Palomo, Ivanissevich, subinguinal and laparoscopic techniques for varicocele, assessing the success and complication rates according to specific procedure, and the added effect that the modifications of microsurgery and artery-sparing has had on these rates. A second objective was to assess the rate of testicular compensatory growth after surgery for testicular hypotrophy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-two patients with >1 year of follow-up between 1996 and 2006 were assessed retrospectively. The median (range) age at surgery was 15 (8-21) years. Patients were stratified based on the surgical technique used by eight different urology faculty members. Microsurgery and attempted artery-sparing were applied to some Palomo, Ivannisevich, and subinguinal cases but not to laparoscopic procedures. RESULTS The laparoscopic (100%) and Palomo (93%) techniques had significantly higher success rates than the Ivanissevich approach (69%). The success rate with the subinguinal technique (88%) was intermediate between the more successful supra-inguinal and less successful inguinal approaches. There was a higher hydrocele rate (32%) in the laparoscopic approach. Artery sparing significantly lowered hydrocele rates but had no effect on success rates. Incorporating microsurgery also had no effect on success rates but resulted in no hydrocele formation. One case of testicular atrophy occurred in a patient undergoing microsurgical artery-sparing subinguinal spermatic vein ligation. There was compensatory growth in 68% of patients operated on for testicular hypotrophy. CONCLUSIONS During our 10-year experience the laparoscopic and Palomo approaches were the most successful. The subinguinal approach (usually incorporating microsurgery and artery sparing) had an intermediate success rate. The Ivanissevich approach was least successful. Hydroceles did not occur when microsurgery was used, and were significantly less common with artery sparing. The only case of testicular atrophy was with a microsurgical artery-sparing subinguinal approach. When the spermatic vein was ligated for testicular hypotrophy there was compensatory growth in two-thirds of testes.

A series of half-sandwich phosphoramidite complexes of ruthenium were synthesized and employed as catalysts in the atom-economical formation of β-oxo esters from carboxylic acids and propargylic alcohols. Reaction of the phosphoramidites (R)-BINOL-PNR 2 (R=Me, la; i-Pr, 1b; benzyl, 1c) and (rac)-6,6'-dibromo-BINOL-PNMe2 (1d) with the dimeric p-cymene-ruthenium dichloride complex, [RuCl 2 (p-cymene)] 2 , gave the complexes [RuCl 2 (p-cymene)(L)] (L=la, 7a; 1b, 7b; 1c, 7c; 1d, 7d) in 96-66% yield. Accordingly, reaction of (R)-BINOL(8H)-PNMe 2 (2a) and (R)-BINOL(8H)-PN-(benzyl) 2 (2b) with [Rucl 2 (p-cymene)] 2 afforded the complexes [Rucl 2 (p-cymene)(L)] (L=2a, 8a; 2b, 8b) in 82% and 86% yield. In a similar reaction, treatment of (R)-BIPHEN-PNMe 2 (9) with [RuCl 2 (P-cymene)] 2 gave the complex [RuCl 2 (P-cymene)(9)] (11) in 60% yield. Finally, phosphoramidite 1b reacted with [Rucl 2 (C 6 Me 6 )] 2 to give [RuCl 2 (C 6 Me 6 )(1b)] (12) in 78% yield. All novel complexes are catalytically active in the formation of β-oxo esters from propargylic alcohols and carboxylic acids. Standard conditions involve cyclohexane solvent, propargylic alcohol (1.0 equiv.), carboxylic acid (1.0 equiv.), ruthenium catalyst (1.5 mol%), and 90°C for 5-18 h. Isolated yields of the β-oxo esters range from 87 to 16% and show broad substrate generality. The reaction proceeds without racemization if a chiral propargylic alcohol is employed. The method is practical as no additives are required and the exclusion of oxygen and moisture is not needed. Complex 7c turned out to be the most effective catalyst (5 h reaction time), showing that the ligand structure has a profound impact on the catalytic performance. The crystal structure of 7a was determined, confirming an octahedral coordination geometry about the ruthenium center.

Restrictions on training potentially releasable animals such as those undergoing rehabilitation care or wild-caught captives have limited our understanding of sensory processes, cognition, and physiology important for conservation of species. It is common practice among several U.S. federal agencies to limit training of animals available for release. The behavioral argument justifying this practice is that training habituates subjects to people and conditions them to associate people with rewards such as food; habituation to and positive associations with people will lead animals into dangerous situations after their release. If under special circumstances research training is permitted, all trained behaviors must be extinguished before release because behaviors will transfer to the natural setting. Research on animal learning and memory indicates that these may not be accurate scenarios. A review of the literature on habituation, classical and instrumental conditioning, and compound conditioning suggests that learning within a research setting does not add to learning that already occurs in procedures associated with basic feeding and care. In fact, animals probably learn less about people in a training setting. Furthermore, context-specific effects on memory limit behavior transfer from captive to natural settings. Extinction is strongly susceptible to context effects, which suggests that extinction does not effectively transfer to the postrelease setting. Counterintuitively, extinction of responses to experimental stimuli under some circumstances may enhance undesirable learning about humans. Under those circumstances in which isolation from human contact is difficult or undesirable, behavioral research can present an ideal format for minimizing learning about humans and provide biological information important for conservation.

A 3-year-old Wirehaired Fox Terrier was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, University College Dublin, for evaluation of chronic cough of 8-months duration. Bronchoscopy showed a severely dilated collapsed left principal bronchus filled with highly viscous white mucus. Cytologically, globular lipid-like material and round concentrically laminated crystalline structures were evident within the proteinaceous mucus. These findings resembled the calcospherites and granular caseous debris often observed in human tuberculous patients. A Ziehl-Neelsen-stained cytocentrifuged preparation of material obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage revealed a few acid-fast rods within macrophages, suggestive of tuberculosis. At necropsy, granulomas with caseous necrosis were present in the lung parenchyma, bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes, liver, pancreas, and mesentery. Granulomas were adherent to both kidney capsules and to the diaphragm. Histologically, there was evidence of mild calcification within caseous granulomas, which was confirmed by von Kossa's stain. Using Ziehl-Neelsen stain, acid-fast rods were identified within granulomas; bacterial culture was positive for Mycobacterium bovis. The cytologic findings in this case have not been reported previously in dogs and demonstrate a possible correlation between tuberculosis and calcospherite-like bodies with caseous, globular material in bronchial mucus, similar to that described in human patients.

The experience from Boston in anterior urethral valves and diverticula over a 40-year period is described. Other articles describe experience with both ignoring and treating VUR, and ballooning of the foreskin and physiological phimosis. OBJECTIVE To review a series of children with anterior urethral valves and diverticula, to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimal management of this entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nine cases (all boys; 1963 to 2003) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS Seven of nine boys had bulbar diverticula. Continuity between Cowper's duct and the diverticulum was noted endoscopically in two and confirmed radiographically in one. Initially, open surgery was curative but more recently endoscopic management has been the procedure of choice. CONCLUSION This series indicates that the distal lip of a ruptured syringocele may function as a flap-valve, leading to anterior urethral obstruction. Advances in imaging and endoscopic instruments have altered the mode of presentation and management of this entity.

Reactions of (CO)5Re(Br), (η5-C5H5)Ru(Cl)(PPh3)2, and [Pt(μ-Cl)(C6F5)(S(CH2CH2-)2)]2 with the alkyne-containing phosphine Ph2P(CH2)6C≡CCH3 give the bis(phosphine) complexes fac-(CO)3Re(Br)(Ph2P(CH2)6C≡CCH3)2 (5), (η5-C5H5)Ru(Cl)(Ph2P(CH2)6C≡CCH3)2 (6), and trans-(Cl)(C6F5)Pt(Ph2P(CH2)6C≡CCH3)2 (7). Alkyne metatheses with the catalyst (t-BuO)3W(≡C-t-Bu) (10–15 mol %, chlorobenzene, 80 °C) give the seventeen-membered metallamacrocycles fac-(CO)3Re(Br)(Ph2P(CH2)6CC(CH2)6PPh2) (8), (η5-C5H5)Ru(Cl)(Ph2P(CH2)6CC(CH2)6PPh2) (9), and trans-(Cl)(C6F5)Pt(PPh2(CH2)6CC(CH2)6PPh2) (10). 31P NMR analyses show 90–75% conversions to 8–10 (59–47% isolated after chromatography). The identity of 8 was confirmed by a crystal structure, and 10 was hydrogenated over Pd/C to fac-(CO)3Re(Br)(Ph2P(CH2)6CC(CH2)6PPh2) (12, 87%), which was crystallographically characterized earlier. A catalyst derived from Mo(CO)6/4-chlorophenol effects a slower conversion of 7 to 10 at 140 °C. In the case of 5, a mer, trans isomer of 8 is isolated (11, 44%), as established by NMR and IR data. In 10–12, the diphosphines span trans positions. These results, together with previous examples involving group VIII metallocenes, establish the wide viability of the title reaction.

Objective To describe the tolerability and efficacy of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in the management of dysfunctional voiding in patients who are neurologically and anatomically normal. Patients and methods The medical records were reviewed in 23 patients (16 girls, mean age 9 years, range 6–14.5, and seven males, mean age 8 years, range 5–20.5) with urinary incontinence and/or urinary tract infection (UTI) who were offered CIC because they had a large postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). All had extensive instruction before starting CIC. All patients underwent urodynamic studies, and urinary and fecal elimination habits were recorded. Detrusor hyperactivity, when present, was treated with anticholinergic medication. The follow-up evaluation included tolerance of CIC, continence status and the incidence of UTI. Behavioural modification or biofeedback training was not used in any patient. Results Of the 23 patients, 13 presented with both UTI and urinary incontinence, five with incontinence only, four with UTI only, one with frequency and no incontinence, and one with haematuria. Associated symptoms included frequency/urgency, constipation or soiling, and straining to void or incomplete emptying (in nine each), and infrequent voiding in six. CIC was performed within 2 days by 15 patients, while four others required up to 2 weeks to master CIC. However, three of the four patients (all older girls) who needed 2 weeks to learn the technique did not tolerate CIC and discontinued it within 3 weeks. Four other adolescents (three girls and one boy) refused to learn CIC. Of the 16 patients remaining on CIC only three had cystitis; no patient had a febrile UTI. Once successfully instituted, all patients became continent while on CIC. Six boys (mean follow-up 4 months) had a marked decrease in their PVR. CIC was discontinued in three girls who voided normally to emptiness within 6 months of starting CIC; they remained dry and infection-free 16 months (two) and 6 years later. Conclusion CIC is a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of dysfunctional voiding, associated with a large PVR, in the absence of any neurological abnormality. CIC is well tolerated in the sensate patient and provides a means for expeditiously achieving continence and improving bladder emptying cost-effectively.

New ruthenium phosphinooxazoline (PHOX) complexes were synthesized and applied in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction. Four ruthenium complexes of the general formula [RuCl2(PHOX)2] were synthesized from [RuCl2(dmso)4] and the corresponding PHOX ligands through thermal ligand exchange. Two of the complexes were characterized structurally. Achiral PHOX ligands gave the ruthenium complexes as single isomers, whereas chiral PHOX ligands gave a mixture of isomers and also some incomplete substitution. After activation by chloride abstraction, one of the new ruthenium complexes was applied as catalyst in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction to give silyl-protected β-hydroxyl alcohols in 74–92% isolated yields (room temperature, 18–24 h reaction time, 1 mol % catalyst loading).

New iron(II) and iron(III) complexes bearing bis(imino)pyridine ligands were synthesized and successfully applied to the Mukaiyama aldol reaction. The two complexes [FeCl2 L] (L = bis(imino)pyridine ligand, 55% isolated yield) and [LFe(μCl)3FeCl3] (76%) were obtained employing FeCl2 and FeCl3 iron sources, respectively, and characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy and, one example, by X-ray diffraction. The two new iron complexes were subsequently employed as catalysts in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction after abstraction of two chlorides by AgSbF6 to obtain the aldol products in 43% to virtually quantitative yield (CH2Cl2 solvent, room temperature, 3.5 to 16 h reaction time). The impact of the oxidation state of the iron center on the reaction rate and the diastereomeric ratios of the products was investigated.

The broad applicability of the title reaction is established through studies of neutral and charged, coordinatively saturated and unsaturated, octahedral and square planar rhenium, platinum, rhodium, and tungsten complexes with cyclopentadienyl, phosphine, and thioether ligands which contain terminal olefins. Grubbs' catalyst, [Ru(=CHPh)(PCy3)2(Cl)2], is used at 2-9 mol% levels (0.0095-0.00042 M, CH2-Cl2). Key data are as follows: [(eta5-C5H4(CH2)6CH=CH2)Re(NO)(PPh3)-(CH3)], intermolecular metathesis (95 %); [(eta5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(E(CH2CH=CH2)2)]+ TfO (E=S, PMe, PPh), formation of five-membered heterocycles (96-64%; crystal structure E = PMe); [(eta5-C5Me5)Re(NO)(PPh((CH2)6CH=CH2)2)(L)]n+ nBF4-(L/n = CO/1, Cl/0), intramolecular macrocyclization (94-89%; crystal structure L= Cl); fac-[(CO)3Re(Br)(PPh2(CH2)6CH=CH2)2] and cis-[(Cl)2Pt(PPh2(CH2)6CH=CH2)2], intramolecular macrocyclizations (80-71%; crystal structures of each and a hydrogenation product); cis-[(Cl)2Pt(S(R)(CH2)6CH= CH2)2], intra-/intermolecular macrocyclization (R=Et, 55%/24%; tBu, 72%/

The loss of freshwater fluvial habitats is generally regarded as a key factor in the precipitous decline of native salmonids in the northwestern United States. State and federal water quality regulations, under the authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA), could be more relevant to recovery of Pacific salmon if physical habitat quality was explicitly integrated into water quality standards. We examine the concept of incorporating instream habitat measures into water quality regulations since these standards are the foundation of CWA programs. Commonly measured instream habitat variables for salmonids (flow regime, habitat space, channel structure, substrate quality, streambank stability) were evaluated in terms of their suitability as water quality criteria. The basis for this evaluation focused on these indicators in light of their: (1) relevance to ecological requirements of salmonid fishes, (2) applicability to landscape processes and the stream network in which they occur, (3) responsiveness to...

We examined the ability of Vietnam veterans with PTSD to focus attention on a primary digit detection task while concurrently viewing neutral or Vietnam-related picture and word distractors. Controlling for combat exposure, military service, and psychopathology, veterans with PTSD took longer to detect the target when Vietnam-related pictures were distractors. There were no reaction time differences when word stimuli were distractors. The latency effect was specific to trials with trauma-related pictures and did not spread to neutral trials interleaved within a mixed block of trauma and neutral pictures. Individuals with PTSD recalled proportionally more Vietnam-related words than other groups, implying differential attention to Vietnam-related words. Attending to trauma-related pictures interferes with performance of a concurrent task by individuals with PTSD.

A rare case of ectopic scrotum is described together with a review of the literature and a discussion of the embryological role of the gubernaculum in the formation and location of normal and ectopic scrota. We identified 16 reported cases of a suprainguinal ectopic scrotum, 4 cases of a femoral ectopic scrotum, 26 cases of penoscrotal transposition, and 19 cases of a perineal (accessory) scrotum. Although the gubernaculum is a prerequisite for the ultimate location of both the testis and scrotum, its role is complicated by the subsequent differential growth of the labioscrotal folds in which the gubernaculum is stabilized. If this interaction is disturbed, the result may be a suprainguinal ectopia, penoscrotal transposition or a perineal scrotum. A femoral ectopic scrotum, unlike the above, is the result of an aberrant gubernacular stabilization. While the etiology of these malformations is likely to be multifactorial, the existence of an inbred strain of rats characterized by a high incidence of an ectopic scrotum suggests a genetic component to this anomaly.

Three severe hail- and windstorms, which occurred in Northern Switzerland, have been investigated. The storms produced hailswaths of 70-170 km in length and 12-25 km in width. Compact tracks of severe wind damages within the hailswaths are documented from public reports. These tracks have a length of 12-25 km. The damage was produced by straight-line winds rather than by tornadoes. Volume-scan Doppler radar data of the storms are available in time steps of 5 min. Radar signatures, such as low-level convergence and shear, mid-level vorticity, and high-level divergence, were attributed to the damage tracks at the ground. The low-level radar signatures allow the deduction of the time of occurrence of the damage tracks with a precision of some minutes. Striking similarities in the evolution of the three stormes were found. The storms developed in the foothills of the Alps and the Jura mountains and propagated towards the plains of the Swiss midland. The storms can be classified as ‘high-precipitation’ supercell storms, known as producers of severe straight-line winds in the USA. Meso(anti)cyclonic vortex signatures were seen 40-55 min in advance of the heavy wind damage at the ground. The damage tracks were associated with explosive secondary cellular growth aloft. The physical explanation of this behaviour is that the first cells with mid-level rotation produced a gust front outflow that was accelerated to damaging strength at the time when the secondary cellular growth was initiated. The operational implication is that the nowcasting of severe and damaging winds can be improved by considering mid-level rotation in an early stage of the evolving storms.

The effect of the chemopreventive agent D,L-alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) on the incidence of skin squamous cell carcinoma was studied in SENCAR mice treated weekly with topical applications of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) (0.15 mmol, 2 x /week) on the dorsal skin. Animals were randomized to receive either chow or chow supplemented with DFMO (1 g/1 kg) and studied at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 weeks of B(a)P treatment. Morphometric analyses at each timepoint evaluated the epidermal thickness (ET) and the number of epidermal nucleated layers (NL). The ET increased from 12-17 microns as early as 10 weeks after B(a)P treatment, reaching 22 microns at 20 weeks, and 27 microns at 25 weeks (130% increase). The NL also increased markedly. A relatively modest increase in ET was observed in animals treated with B(a)P and DFMO (16% at 15 weeks, 53% at 20 weeks, and 85% at 25 weeks) as compared to controls. The relative increase in NL showed a similar pattern. Although extensive epidermal hyperplasia was seen early, clear-cut focal premalignant lesions were not identifiable before week 20 of B(a)P treatment. At 20 weeks, the most frequently noted focal premalignant lesions in carcinogen-treated animals (without DFMO) were moderate dysplasias. At 25 and 30 weeks, a large increase was seen in the incidence of more advanced dysplastic lesions and invasive carcinomas. In the group treated with B(a)P and DFMO, a marked reduction in the number of carcinomas was observed at 25 and 30 weeks. At 25 weeks, DFMO reduced tumor yield from 5.8 to 3.2 carcinomas per mouse. At 30 weeks, the reduction was from 13.1 to 5.7 carcinomas per mouse (57% reduction). Collectively, these data emphasize the strong chemopreventive effect of DFMO against tumors in the mouse skin complete carcinogenesis model, as indicated by the reduction of overall skin tumor incidence and the decreased epidermal hyperplasia in DFMO-treated animals. Morphometrically defined increases in ET and NL can be used as early biomarkers of DFMO chemoprevention in mouse skin tumorigenesis.

We present word and picture stimuli constituting a validated stimulus set appropriate for cognitive investigations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Combat related and neutral words and pictures were rated by Vietnam veterans with PTSD and by three comparison groups along four dimensions: unpleasantness, Vietnam relevance, stressfulness, and memorability. There were distinctive patterns of responses by the PTSD group which efficiently discriminated the individuals in this group from those in the control groups. These stimuli have the potential to be developed as a diagnostic instrument.

A mild, iron-based catalyst system is presented that selectively oxidizes secondary alcohols to the corresponding hydroxy ketones in the presence of primary alcohols within 15 minutes at room temperature, utilizing H2O2 as the oxidant.

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), sphincter muscles tend to be clinically spared. However, urinary incontinence is occasionally reported, usually late in the course of the disease. We wished to determine the etiology of urinary dysfunction in patients with DMD. Seven boys with DMD and urinary dysfunction were examined by a neurologist and a urologist followed by urodynamic and electrophysiological assessment. Based on the results of these evaluations, patients were defined as having an upper motor neuron (UMN), lower motor neuron (LMN), or myopathic lesion. Five of the patients had UMN abnormalities consisting of either uninhibited contractions or bladder/sphincter dyssynergy. One patient had a LMN lesion with prolonged duration and high-amplitude motor units. No patient demonstrated myopathic motor units. Five boys had undergone spinal fusion for scoliosis. We conclude that urinary incontinence in DMD is most often due to UMN dysfunction and not due to a severe myopathy of the detrusor or external sphincter. The most likely causes of the UMN abnormalities are severe scoliosis or a complication of spinal fusion surgery.

Carriers have positioned their networks and dedicated databases to help deliver a service which looks and feels like leased lines but is, in reality, delivered over the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

This tutorial review provides an introduction to the synthesis and characterization of chiral-at-metal complexes and their catalytic application in organic transformations. The synthetic access to these architectures either via chiral resolution or by employment of chiral ligands is described, characterization techniques for the complexes are referenced and the application of the R/S nomenclature is explained. Racemization and epimerization processes are often observed for the title compounds; the article gives mechanistic insights to these processes and describes how to recognize and document them. Finally, key catalytic applications in organic synthesis are presented and how the molecular architectures of the chiral-at-metal complexes lead to stereodifferentiation and, thus to enantiomeric excesses in the products.

Propargylic alcohols are valuable starting materials in organic synthesis; they are easily accessible and can be functionalized further, either through the triple bond or the alcohol functionality. Certain transition metals such as ruthenium or gold have an affinity for propargylic alcohols or alkyne units, which allows for catalytic activation of these substance classes. This review article provides a survey of various transition-metal-catalyzed functionalizations of propargylic alcohols with an emphasis on the latest literature. Examples of nucleophilic propargylic substitution reactions, allene formation, addition and coupling reactions, cyclization reactions, Meyer–Schuster, Rupe and redox–isomerization reactions are given in the article, along with the scope and limitations of the corresponding transformations and mechanistic considerations. 1 Introduction 2 Nucleophilic Propargylic Substitution Reactions 2.1 Nucleophilic Propargylic Substitution Reactions with Propargylic Alcohols 2.2 Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions Employing Propargylic Esters 2.3 Propargylic Amination Reactions 2.4 Mechanisms 3 Allene Formation 4 Addition and Coupling Reactions Involving the Alkyne Unit 5 Cyclization Reactions 5.1 Intramolecular Cycloisomerization or Substitution Reactions 5.2 Intramolecular Cyclization Reactions Preceded by a Propargylic Substitution or Addition Reaction 6 Isomerization Reactions 6.1 Meyer–Schuster Rearrangements 6.2 The Rupe Rearrangement 6.3 Redox Isomerizations 7 Conclusion and Outlook

A new five-coordinate square pyramidal Ru—phosphoramidite is prepared and successfully applied in the amination of propargylic acetates (I) with secondary amines.

In the USA, where we have enjoyed the fruits of competition in the telecommunications sector for almost ten years, access to timely and accurate tariff information has played a key role in the development of the industry.

Solvent extraction, utilizing an oil/water mixture (e.g., chloroform/water) and a suitable complexant, is a proven technology for the selective removal and recovery of metal ions from aqueous solutions.1,2 Solving the increasing number of metal ion separation problems has typically focused on finding an appropriate selective extractant, making it as lipophilic as possible, and determining the best diluent. This has often meant the use of expensive extractants and volatile, toxic, organic diluents. In addition, the extracted species is usually dehydrated and partitioned as an ion pair. Whole classes of water soluble extractants cannot be utilized in these systems.