bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spark‐Plasma Sintering of Silicon Carbide Whiskers (SiCw) Reinforced Nanocrystalline Alumina
Authors: Zhan Guo‐Dong , Kuntz Joshua D. , Duan Ren‐Guan , Mukherjee Amiya K.
Published: February 2005

The combined effect of rapid sintering by spark‐plasma‐sintering (SPS) technique and mechanical milling of γ‐Al2O3 nanopowder via high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) on the microstructural development and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline alumina matrix composites toughened by 20 vol% silicon carbide whiskers was investigated. SiCw/γ‐Al2O3 nanopowders processed by HEBM can be successfully consolidated to full density by SPS at a temperature as low as 1125°C and still retain a near‐nanocrystalline matrix grain size (∼118 nm). However, to densify the same nanopowder mixture to full density without the benefit of HEBM procedure, the required temperature for sintering was higher than 1200°C, where one encountered excessive grain growth. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that HEBM did not lead to the transformation of γ‐Al2O3 to α‐Al2O3 of the starting powder but rather induced possible residual stress that enhances the densification at lower temperatures. The SiCw/HEBMγ‐Al2O3 nanocomposite with grain size of 118 nm has attractive mechanical properties, i.e., Vickers hardness of 26.1 GPa and fracture toughness of 6.2 MPa·m1/2.
‘Who was the best?’: Power, knowledge and rationality in bilingual girls’ code choices1
Authors: Bolonyai Agnes
Published: February 2005

This paper examines how pre‐adolescent bilingual girls employ linguistic choices to construct relations of dominance and subordination in a competitive exchange of knowledge and expertise in a pretend‐school activity. Quantitative and qualitative analyses demonstrate that code choices used by the girls to constitute and exploit different sources of power are systematically related to the construction of currently salient identities, prevailing structural constraints, and individual goals and desires. It is argued that even young children act as rational, social actors who actively make strategic and meaningful linguistic choices with the overall aim to achieve optimal outcomes in a given interaction.
Pain relief strategies used by older people with chronic pain: an exploratory survey for planning patient‐centred intervention
Authors: Tse Mimi MY , Pun Sandra PY , Benzie Iris FF
Published: February 2005

Aim.  To explore pain relief interventions used by older people with chronic pain in Hong Kong. The frequency and perceived effectiveness of non‐prescription measures were also explored.

Background.  With increasing life expectancy, the incidence of chronic illness and chronic pain also increases. Chronic pain robs older people of their quality of life.

Design.  This was a descriptive qualitative study.

Results.  Forty‐four older people (37 female and seven male) who were residents of a nursing home in Hong Kong took part in this study. Their ages ranged from 65 to 82 years, median age was 75 years. Almost 80% had experienced moderate to severe pain during the previous three months. The most common sites of pain were muscles and joints; 35% of subjects reported continuous pain, 27% reported pain associated with activities of daily living, and 38% reported pain during exercise but not at rest. Only a few of the study group had taken prescribed medication to relieve pain, and only two of the 44 subjects studied had used a combination of drug and non‐prescription intervention for pain relief. The majority of participants used non‐prescription intervention only and the most commonly used were topical analgesics with massage. The majority (58%) of the subjects perceived the used of non‐prescription intervention to be very effective in pain relief.

Conclusions.  The prevalence of pain was found to be high among older people in this study. Yet, they were taking a pro‐active and responsible role in treating their chronic pain by using non‐pharmacological patient‐initiated intervention; also older people perceive themselves to have control over their pain status.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This active role of older people in their pain relief is likely to enhance the effect of education seminars and workshops aimed at novel, non‐pharmacological pain relief strategies for older people with chronic pain.
Maintenance haemodialysis: patients’ experiences of their life situation
Authors: Hagren Birger , Pettersen Inga‐Märta , Severinsson Elisabeth , Lützén Kim , Clyne Naomi
Published: February 2005

Aim.  The aim of this study was to examine how patients suffering from CKD on maintenance haemodialysis experience their life situation. The focus was on how treatment encroaches on time and space and how patients experience care. The rationale was that this knowledge is necessary to provide professional support that takes into consideration a person's whole life situation.

Background.  The experiences of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing maintenance haemodialysis have been studied in many quantitative studies, which translate patients’ subjective experiences into objectively quantifiable data. However, there are few qualitative studies examining the experiences of these patients’ life situation and expressing their experiences within the context of a nursing and caregiver's perspective.

Method.  Data were collected by interviews with 41 patients between the ages of 29 and 86 years who participated in the study. A content analysis was used to identify common themes that describe the patients’ experiences of their life situation.

Results.  Three main themes were identified, ‘not finding space for living’, ‘feelings evoked in the care situation’ and, ‘attempting to manage restricted life’. The first theme ‘not finding space for living’ consisted of two sub‐themes: ‘struggling with time‐consuming care’ and ‘feeling that life is restricted’. The second theme ‘feelings evoked in the care situation’ consisted of two sub‐themes: ‘sense of emotional distance’ and ‘feeling vulnerable’.

Conclusions.  The patients in this study indirectly expressed an existential struggle, indicating that encroachment of time and space were important existential dimensions of CKD. The findings indicated that caregivers were not always aware of this inducing a sense of emotional distance and a sense of vulnerability in the patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Caregivers in dialysis units have to consider haemodialysis patients’ experience of a sense of emotional distance in their relationship to caregivers. Nurses and doctors need to create routines within nursing practice to overcome this.
Patients’ experiences of hope and suffering during the first year following acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Lohne Vibeke , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: February 2005

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of hope during the first year suffering from spinal cord injury.

Background.  There is a lack of substantial precision with regard to the concept of hope. Very few qualitative studies focusing on experiences of hope in spinal cord‐injured patients have been identified in the literature. In this study, ‘hope’ was defined as future oriented towards improvement.

Design and methods.  Data were collected by means of personal interviews (n = 10) at the participants’ homes in Norway. A phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach, inspired by Ricoeur, was used to extract the meaning of the patients’ experiences. The analysis was performed in several steps, as a hermeneutic process.

Results.  In this study, the findings revealed two main themes: ‘The Vicious Circle’ and ‘Longing’. The vicious circle constituted aspects of suffering, and the common hope experienced by the subjects was therefore to leave the vicious circle. Experiences of suffering were experienced as feelings of loneliness, impatience, disappointment, bitterness and dependency. The ‘Longing’ was based on the subject's former life and was the source of awaked new hopes, which again was experienced comforting.

Conclusions.  Experiences of suffering created hope and longing. The meaning of hope was to find a possible way out of the circle and the hoping was experienced as a comfort.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Implications to nursing practice are listening to the suffering and longing individual and comforting the suffering by pointing towards possible future roads of hope.
Palatal discrepancies and postdams
Authors: LAMB D. J. , SAMARA R. , JOHNSON A.
Published: February 2005

summary  To investigate the variation in post‐cure palatal discrepancy of dentures, 20 complete maxillary replica dentures were prepared on models with high and low palates and processed by conventional compression moulding and injection moulding. Measurements were made by travelling microscope of the sagittal midline discrepancies between palate and model on three occasions; after processing; after removal of part of the investing plaster; and after immersion in water for 1 month at 37 °C. The magnitudes of discrepancies were greatest distally, diminishing with distance anteriorly from the postdam. They increased with partial removal of plaster, and decreased slightly after immersion.
Effect of curing environment on mechanical properties and polymerizing behaviour of methyl‐methacrylate autopolymerizing resin
Authors: OGAWA T. , HASEGAWA A.
Published: February 2005

summary  Methyl‐methacrylate autopolymerizing resin is used for multiple applications. Therefore, the mechanical properties of autopolymerizing resin should be assessed comprehensively including strength, stiffness and hardness. Any methods that effectively improve these mechanical properties are desirable. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of the curing environment: air or water with/without pressure, and air or water temperature during polymerization, on the strength, stiffness and hardness of autopolymerizing resin. In addition, we examined the polymerizing behaviour associated with the mechanical properties. Autopolymerizing methyl‐methacrylate resin (Unifast II) was polymerized under the following conditions: in air and water with/without pressure at 10, 23, 30, 40, 60 and 80 °C. The resin specimens were subjected to a transverse test (three‐point flexural test) and micro‐Brinell surface hardness test. Fractured surfaces of the specimens after the transverse test were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The transverse strength and transverse modulus increased with increasing curing temperature in both wet and dry conditions. Pressured wet conditions increased transverse strength and transverse modulus over non‐pressured wet and dry conditions. The resin polymerized in dry conditions showed higher surface hardness than the one polymerized in wet conditions at matching temperature. The SEM images of fractured surfaces cured at lower temperature exhibited porosity within the polymer base and cracks between the base and poly‐methyl‐methacrylate (PMMA) particulates. Surfaces of the resin polymerized in wet conditions were characterized with PMMA particulates having rougher surfaces suggestive of water incorporation. Raising temperature and pressuring during polymerization increase strength and stiffness of autopolymerizing resin. However, wet condition reduces surface hardness of resin compared with dry condition. These altered mechanical properties are associated with polymerization behaviour of the resin.
Stress distributions in maxillary bone surrounding overdenture implants with different overdenture attachments
Authors: CHUN H.‐J. , PARK D.‐N. , HAN C.‐H. , HEO S.‐J. , HEO M.‐S. , KOAK J.‐Y.
Published: February 2005

summary  In this study, effects of different overdenture attachments on the stress distributions in the maxillary bone surrounding the overdenture implants are studied. Four different types of attachment are considered. They are rigid Dalbo Stud, movable Dalbo Stress Broken, movable Dalro, and movable O‐ring attachments. Three‐dimensional finite element analysis was conducted with commercial package to obtain the stress distributions in the maxillary bone. Varying the attachment types and angle of inclination of load, the stress distributions in the portions of compact bone and trabecular bone were monitored separately. The analysis was conducted by assuming two different boundary conditions at the interface between cap and overdenture abutment in order to evaluate influence of interface boundary condition on stress distribution in the maxillary bone. They were perfect bonding condition and contact with friction at the interfaces. However, it is preferable to assume perfect bond condition at the interface for rigid type attachment systems and contact with friction at the interface for movable type attachment systems. From the numerical results, it was found that the load transfer mechanism of the implant system is altered significantly by the types of the overdenture attachment and also special care must be taken to assign proper boundary conditions at the interface for the analysis. The movable type Dalro attachment generated the highest maximum effective stress in the maxillary bone among the models under the same inclined loading condition for contact with friction. The rigid type Dalbo Stud attachment generated the smallest maximum effective stress in the maxillary bone among the models under the same inclined loading condition for perfect bonding condition.
The influence of GoldbonderTM and pre‐heat treatment on the adhesion of titanium alloy and porcelain
Authors: YAMADA K. , ONIZUKA T. , ENDO K. , OHNO H. , SWAIN M. V.
Published: February 2005

summary  The present study examines the influence of a goldbonder and pre‐heat treatment of the titanium on the adhesion of porcelain. Three groups of titanium substrates were given various heat treatments, namely; none, 200 ° and 600 °C, respectively before applying goldbonder. The surfaces of the titanium specimens following heat treatment were examined with an electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The adhesion strength was measured by the strain energy release rate (G), which was proposed by Suansuwan N and Swain MV (Int J Prosthodont. 1999;12:547). After bonding porcelain onto titanium substrates with the aid of the goldbonder, the porcelain side of specimens was notched to the interface with a thin diamond saw. Then the samples were subject to a four‐point bending test. Following fracture testing, specimens were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and SEM with energy‐dispersive spectroscopic analysis (EDS). The mean G‐values were 38·87, 28·64 and 16·33 J m−2, respectively. ESCA analysis showed the composition of aluminium of the surface of 600 °C pre‐heat treatment became richer than that of the others. SEM images of the fracture surfaces showed that for the 600 °C pre‐heat treatment fracture occurred within the oxidation layer on the titanium. High temperature pre‐heat treatment prior to bonding significantly reduces porcelain bonded to titanium with the goldbonder. The Influence of GoldbonderTM and Pre‐heat Treatment on the Adhesion of Titanium Alloy and Porcelain.
A hollow‐bulb interim obturator for maxillary resection. A case report
Authors: RILO B. , DASILVA J. L. , FERROS I. , MORA M. J. , SANTANA U.
Published: February 2005

summary  The treatment of hemimaxillectomy patients include the construction of an interim obturator in the wound healing period. With the aim of simplifying this process, we describe construction of an obturator in a short single visit, in the dental chair with no need for impressions or for laboratory services. The obturator comprises: (i) the surgical obturator and (ii) a hollow light‐cured resin bulb built onto the base, and providing a large surface for bonding of the soft reline material. The advantages of this approach are rapid construction and ease of ongoing adjustment during the healing process.
Hormonal control of the plant cell cycle
Authors: Del Pozo Juan Carlos , Lopez‐Matas M. Angeles , Ramirez‐Parra Elena , Gutierrez Crisanto
Published: February 2005

Plant organogenesis is essentially a post‐embryonic process that requires a strict balance between cell proliferation and differentiation. This is subject to a complex regulatory network which, in some cases, depends on the action of a variety of plant hormones. Of these, auxins and cytokinins are those best documented as impinging directly on cell cycle control. However, increasing evidence is accumulating to indicate that other hormones also have an impact on cell cycle control by influencing the availability of cell cycle regulators. In this article, we review the results that point to the variety of situations in which cell cycle progression is controlled by phytohormones.
Competitive antagonism between IAA and indole alkaloid hypaphorine must contribute to regulate ontogenesis
Authors: Jambois Anne , Dauphin Aurélien , Kawano Tomonori , Anicet Ditengou Franck , Bouteau François , Legué Valérie , Lapeyrie Frédéric
Published: February 2005

Since 1995 the role of fungal hypaphorine in plants has been widely investigated and its IAA‐antagonist activity recognized. Evidence of competitive antagonism includes organ development, gene expression or molecule–molecule interaction levels. Based on present knowledge, three sites of hypaphorine/IAA competition and subsequent signalling pathways have been hypothesized: the extracellular signalling pathway, the intracellular signalling pathway, and the transmembrane signalling pathway. Hypaphorine with other active indole alkaloids should be regarded as a new class of IAA antagonist finely regulating specific steps of plant growth or development.
Changes in patient characteristics and outcomes for radical cystectomy in England
Authors: Nuttall Martin C. , Van Der Meulen Jan , McIntosh Gregor , Gillatt David , Emberton Mark
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES

To describe temporal changes in patient characteristics and outcomes for radical cystectomy (RC) in England between 1995 and 2002, using routinely collected administrative data.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database of the Department of Health in England, describing all patients recorded as having undergone RC between 1995/1996 and 2001/2002; 8228 patients were included.

RESULTS

Of the patients who had undergone RC, two‐thirds were ≥ 65 years old and 75.6% were men. From 1995/1996 to 2001/2002 the annual number of RCs increased from 1013 to 1254, the proportion of patients admitted as an emergency decreased from 6.5% to 4.9%, the mean length of hospital stay decreased from 20.7 days to 18.7 days, and in‐hospital mortality rates fell from 5.3% to 3.6%. The length of hospital stay and in‐hospital mortality rates were higher in older patients, in female patients, and in those admitted as an emergency.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no sign of centralization of RCs over the study period, as the 25% increase in annual hospital volume was accompanied by a similar increase in the annual number of RCs. Length of hospital stay and in‐hospital mortality rates have decreased.
Prostate cancer detection with digital rectal examination, prostate‐specific antigen, transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy in clinical urological practice
Authors: Ng Tze Kiat , Vasilareas Despina , Mitterdorfer Andrew J. , Maher Peter O. , Lalak Andre
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate specific antigen (PSA) and transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy (TRUSB) in detecting prostate cancer in one teaching‐hospital urological practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 2800 consecutive patients had TRUSB as outpatients by one urologist, the indications for which were a raised or rising PSA level or an abnormal DRE. In addition, the indications for repeat TRUSB included previous abnormal histology, e.g. suspicious areas or atypia or high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. All data were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

Of 2800 TRUSB, 223 were known cases of prostate cancer (previously diagnosed from transurethral prostatectomy chips or after radical prostatectomy) and were excluded from the analysis. There were 2194 initial and 383 repeat TRUSB; of the former patients, 1129 were found to have prostate cancer, giving a cancer‐detection rate of 52%. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for patients with a normal DRE and PSA of < 4, 4–10 and > 10 ng/mL were 9%, 31% and 48%, respectively; the corresponding PPVs for patients with an abnormal DRE and the same PSA levels were 27%, 67% and 85%, respectively. Of the 383 repeat TRUSB, the cancer‐detection rate was 31% for the first repeat and 28% for the second.

CONCLUSIONS

The present values are higher than those reported previously, because these patients were within a clinical urological practice, and the indications for and methods of TRUSB have changed in recent years, such that more lateral areas were biopsied. These values are useful in helping clinicians to counsel patients about the probability of detecting cancer.
International Prostate Symptom Scores in young asymptomatic American men
Authors: Mueller Elizabeth R. , Latini Jerilyn , Lux Matthew , Kreder Karl , Fitzgerald Mary P.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To establish ‘normal’ ranges of responses to the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire from a sample of young, asymptomatic men, as the IPSS is useful both clinically and in research studies, but there are little or no data on the normal ranges of the IPSS.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

During a previously conducted study of 284 ambulatory men who considered themselves to have normal urinary function, asymptomatic men completed a 24‐h urinary diary and the IPSS questionnaire. Diary variables and the IPSS were analysed using nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman's tests.

RESULTS

The IPSS was recorded for 243 men aged < 50 years; 153 (63%) were Caucasian, 67 (28%) African‐American, 11 (5%) Hispanic and 11 (5%) Asian. Although all men denied lower urinary tract symptoms during study screening, the total IPSS increased with age. Of men aged 18–29 years, 2% reported ‘moderate’ symptoms (IPSS > 7) compared to 12% of men aged 40–49 years (P = 0.002). No subject reported ‘severe’ symptoms (IPSS > 19). When responses to individual IPSS questions were analysed, all item scores except frequency (question 2) and hesitancy (question 6) increased with age. Nocturia (question 7) was often reported, and 11% of men aged 18–29 and 31% of men aged 40–49 years reported two or more nightly voids.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the consistently increasing positive IPSS with ageing in almost all symptom categories suggests underlying changes in urinary habits even in this asymptomatic group. Studies of normal urinary habits remain critically important to understanding normal and abnormal function, both for the design of research studies and for counselling patients.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis: prevalence of painful ejaculation in men with clinical BPH
Authors: Nickel J. Curtis , Elhilali Mostafa , Vallancien Guy ,   ALF‐ONE Study Group
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and importance of pain/discomfort on ejaculation (prostatitis‐like symptom) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) diagnosed with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Baseline data from 5096 men reporting LUTS suggestive of BPH, and enrolled in the ALF‐ONE study by general practitioners and urologists in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Canada, were analysed to determine the prevalence and significance of pain/discomfort on ejaculation. All the men were asked to complete the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, the bother score (IPSS question 8), and the Danish Prostate Symptom Score sexual‐function questionnaire (DAN‐PSSsex) which assesses three symptoms (rigidity of erection, amount of ejaculate and pain/discomfort on ejaculation) and their bothersomeness.

RESULTS

There were 3700 sexually active men who had an evaluable answer to the DAN‐PSSsex question related to pain/discomfort on ejaculation. Of these, 688 (18.6%) reported pain/discomfort on ejaculation and 609 (88%) considered it was a problem. Patients with painful ejaculation had more severe LUTS and reported greater bother (P < 0.001). Of men with painful ejaculation, 72% reported erectile dysfunction, of whom 91% considered it a problem, and 75% reported reduced ejaculation, of whom 81% considered it a problem. By contrast, of men with no ejaculatory discomfort, 57% reported erectile dysfunction, of whom 79% considered it a problem, and 56% reported reduced ejaculation, of whom 57% considered it a problem. A history of urinary tract infection was reported by 12% of men in the ejaculatory pain group, compared with 7% in the LUTS‐only group, while 5% of men in the ejaculatory pain group reported macroscopic haematuria, compared to 3% in the LUTS‐only group. Men with ejaculatory pain were slightly younger, but there were no significant differences in duration of LUTS, history of acute urinary retention, prostate‐specific antigen concentrations or maximum urinary flow rate compared to the LUTS‐only group.

CONCLUSIONS

Of sexually active men with LUTS suggestive of BPH, ≈ 20% complain of specific prostatitis‐like symptoms of pain/discomfort on ejaculation, and these men clearly differ from those who present with LUTS only. For most the symptom is a significant bother. Men with BPH and painful ejaculation have more severe LUTS and reported greater bother, and had a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction and reduced ejaculation, than men with LUTS only. Evaluation and treatment strategies should address this population of men with symptoms suggestive of both prostatitis and BPH.
Brachytherapy‐related dysuria
Authors: Merrick Gregory S. , Butler Wayne M. , Wallner Kent E. , Allen Zachariah , Galbreath Robert W. , Lief Jonathan H.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and temporal resolution of dysuria after permanent prostate brachytherapy, and to identify predictors of brachytherapy‐related dysuria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 130 patients with no history of transurethral resection of the prostate before treatment, who had brachytherapy on one of two prospective randomized trials, with explicitly planned and executed urethral‐sparing techniques (100–150% minimum peripheral dose) using either 103Pd or 125I for clinical T1c–T2c prostate cancer. The median follow‐up was 22.6 months. An α‐blocker was initiated either prophylactically 2 weeks before implantation and continued at least until the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) returned to normal, or withheld until the onset of significant brachytherapy‐related urinary morbidity. Dysuria was evaluated on a 0–10 scale, before brachytherapy and then at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months afterward, with a median of four dysuria questionnaires per patient. Clinical, treatment and dosimetric variables evaluated included α‐blocker, age, IPSS before and the maximum after treatment, prostate volume on ultrasonography, hormonal status, supplemental radiotherapy, isotope, urethral dose, V100/200, D90, and time to obtaining a normal IPSS.

RESULTS

The maximum incidence of dysuria was 85% at 1 month after brachytherapy, with subsequent resolution over time. The use of prophylactic tamsulosin resulted in a statistically lower dysuria severity score (difference of 2.7 vs 4.2, P < 0.005) at 1 month, with no discernible differences at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. Patients with dysuria had a statistically higher IPSS. The dysuria resolved faster in patients implanted with 103Pd but was unaffected by the use of supplemental radiotherapy and/or androgen deprivation therapy. In multivariate analysis, prophylactic α‐blockers resulted in statistically lower maximum dysuria scores, while the maximum IPSS after implantation and isotope type (but only at 6 months) were the best predictors of the resolution of dysuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysuria is common after brachytherapy but is typically mild. Prophylactic α‐blockers gave significantly lower maximum dysuria scores but did not affect the time to the resolution of dysuria. The maximum IPSS after the implant was the best predictor of the resolution of dysuria.
Sexual behaviour and dysfunction and help‐seeking patterns in adults aged 40–80 years in the urban population of Asian countries
Authors: Nicolosi Alfredo , Glasser Dale B. , Kim Sae C. , Marumo Ken , Laumann Edward O. ,   GSSAB Investigators’ Group
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To study sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and related help‐seeking behaviour among middle‐aged and elderly people in Asia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A random population survey was carried out in 2001–2002 among urban residents aged 40–80 years in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and The Philippines, with interviews based on a standardized questionnaire covering demographic details, health, relationships, and sexual behaviours, attitudes and beliefs. An intercept method of sampling was used in all countries except Japan, where questionnaires were mailed to a sample drawn from telephone directories. Sexual dysfunction was defined as persistent sexual problems.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 6700 people (3350 men and 3350 women), giving a response rate of 27%. Across all countries, 82% of men and 64% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the year preceding the interview. Most of the respondents considered satisfactory sex an essential means of maintaining a relationship. More than 20% of men and 30% of women complained of having at least one sexual dysfunction, although there were marked variations among the countries. The sexual dysfunctions most frequently reported were early ejaculation (20%; 95% confidence interval, CI, 18–21) and erectile dysfunction (15%, 14–17) among men; and a lack of sexual interest (27%, 25–29), lubrication difficulties (24%, 22–25), and an inability to reach orgasm (23%, 22–25) among women. Of the 948 men and 992 women who were sexually active and reported sexual dysfunctions, 45% did sought no help or advice and only 21% sought medical care.

CONCLUSION

Men and women in Asian countries continue to show sexual interest and activity into middle age and beyond. Although sexual dysfunction is prevalent in this age group, several sociocultural and economic factors appear to be preventing individuals from seeking medical help for these problems.
Follow‐up after unilateral nephrectomy in children: is an estimate of glomerular filtration rate necessary?
Authors: Godbole Prasad P. , Wilcox Duncan T. , Mushtaq Imran
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine the need for an estimate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the follow‐up of children undergoing unilateral nephrectomy for benign renal disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty‐four children (21 girls and 23 boys) undergoing unilateral nephrectomy for benign renal disease over a 3‐year period were reviewed for the underlying diagnosis and indication for nephrectomy, imaging before and after surgery, postoperative GFR and final outcome. The follow‐up included ultrasonography (US) of the contralateral kidney at 3 and 12 months and an estimate of GFR before discharge at ≥ 1 year. All children were aged > 2 years when the GFR was measured. The criteria for discharge were normal imaging of the contralateral kidney before and after surgery and a normal GFR afterward. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between age, GFR and contralateral renal length after surgery.

RESULTS

The median (range) age at surgery was 2.5 (0.67–16) years. The indications for nephrectomy included reflux nephropathy in 18, multicystic dysplastic kidney in 12, a congenital obstructive uropathy in eight, congenital renal dysplasia in four and miscellaneous in two. All patients had a normal contralateral kidney before surgery on US and functional imaging, and normal US at the follow‐up, with evidence of compensatory hypertrophy in all. The median (range) corrected GFR for the 44 children was 109 (81–140) mL/min/1.73m2, with no correlation between age and GFR, or between renal length and GFR.

CONCLUSION

After unilateral nephrectomy for benign renal disease, provided there is a structurally and functionally normal contralateral kidney before surgery, with no abnormality on US, a routine estimate of GFR is unnecessary before discharge from follow‐up. There was no correlation between GFR and age or renal length.
A new classification for genital ambiguity and urogenital sinus anomalies
Authors: Rink Richard C. , Adams Mark C. , Misseri Rosalia
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To describe a new system for classifying genital ambiguity and urogenital sinus abnormalities. Prader's classification (which attempts to describe the degree of masculinization) has been used for decades, while the urogenital sinus has generally been described as simply high or low; neither classification fits the spectrum of anomalies, nor do they allow for outcome data research.

METHODS

An ideal description of genital ambiguity and urogenital sinus anomalies should include the degree of masculinization, phallic size, external genital appearance, and the true location of the vaginal confluence in relation to the bladder neck and the perineal meatus. We describe a new system to define these variables.

RESULTS

In the PVE classification developed, P represents stretched phallic length and width, V the true vaginal location according to the distance from the bladder neck to the vagina and the distance from the vagina to the perineal meatus, and E the external genital appearance or Prader number.

CONCLUSIONS

The PVE classification system aids in surgical planning and will be helpful in the analysis of surgical outcomes of genital ambiguity and urogenital anomalies.
Serial tumour blood‐flow measurements in androgen‐dependent and ‐independent Shionogi tumour models
Authors: Kozlowski Piotr , Wong Jason , Goldenberg S. Larry
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between blood supply and hormonal status of hormone‐dependent and ‐independent tumours in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Contrast‐enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure tumour blood flow (TBF) in Shionogi tumours implanted subcutaneously in mice. Serial measurements were taken throughout the initial tumour growth period, and during regression and subsequent androgen‐independent (AI) relapse of the tumours in male mice, and throughout the growth of AI tumours in female mice. Average TBF values and coefficients of variation were calculated from tumour tissue perfusion maps reconstructed from MRI data. The Tukey‐Kramer test was used to identify differences between androgen‐dependent (AD), male AI and female AI tumours.

RESULTS

The mean TBF strongly depended on tumour size in all three stages of the tumour growth cycle. AI tumours had a significantly higher TBF than AD tumours, with mean (sd) values of 0.8 (0.3) (male AI) and 0.27 (0.1) mL/g/min (AD), (P < 0.001), and 0.61 (0.31) (female AI) and 0.27 (0.1) mL/g/min (AD) (P < 0.01), respectively. Tumour tissue perfusion was more homogenous in AI than in AD tumours, with a coefficient of variation of 0.91 (0.31) in male AI and 1.89 (0.48) in AD tumours (P < 0.001), and 1.47 (0.38) in female AI and 1.89 (0.48) in AD tumours (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AI Shionogi tumours have a higher TBF than AD tumours; this could have implications in the diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and monitoring of hormone‐sensitive tumours.
Expression of angiopoietin‐1 and ‐2, and its clinical significance in human bladder cancer
Authors: Oka Natsuo , Yamamoto Yasuyo , Takahashi Masayuki , Nishitani Masaaki , Kanayama Hiro‐Omi , Kagawa Susumu
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between angiopoietin‐1 and ‐2 expression and the clinicopathological variables and clinical outcome in patients with bladder cancer treated by surgical resection, as both have been recently identified as antagonistic angiogenic factors which regulate tumour growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of angiopoietin‐1 and ‐2 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in tissue sections from 52 transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder (33 grade 1, 15 grade 2, four grade 3, including two associated with carcinoma in situ; 22 were stage Ta, 19 T1 and 11 T2 tumours). Normal bladder specimens were also resected during each operation as controls. The expression angiopoietins were related to the clinicopathological variables of the tumours.

RESULTS

Positive immunostaining was detected in 18 samples (35%) for angiopoietin‐1 and in 23 (44) for angiopoietin‐2. There was no significant difference in survival according to tumour angiopoietin‐1 status in the patients, but in contrast the overall survival of patients with angiopoietin‐2‐positive tumours was significantly lower than for those with angiopoietin‐2‐negative tumours (P < 0.05). Positive angiopoietin‐2 expression was significantly correlated with histological grade (P = 0.026), histological stage (P = 0.009) and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, positive angiopoietin‐2 expression was an independent negative predictor for survival (P = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that angiopoietin‐2 overexpression is associated with tumour progression, thereby indicating a poor prognosis for some patients treated by surgical resection for bladder carcinoma.
The restorative effect of a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor on urothelial cell–cell interactions after partial bladder outlet obstruction in rats
Authors: Erdogru Tibet , Celik‐Ozenci Ciler , Seval Yasemin , Emreoglu Ibrahim , Ustunel Ismail , Korgun Emin , Koksal Turker I. , Baykara Mehmet , Demir Ramazan
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine the changes in cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), E‐cadherin and α‐catenin expression after partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO), and whether a selective COX‐2 inhibitor (celecoxib) might inhibit COX‐2 expression and have beneficial effects on urothelial cell‐to–cell interactions in rats subjected to PBOO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty‐six male rats were divided into six equal groups; celecoxib was administered after creating PBOO for 1 and 4 weeks in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Two further obstructed groups (3 and 4, PBOO for 1 and 4 weeks, respectively) received no treatment. Sham‐operated animals served as controls (group 5 and 6, assessed at 1 and 4 weeks, respectively). After 1 and 4 weeks of PBOO or a sham procedure the bladder weight was recorded before sampling the bladder for Western blotting and immunohistological analysis, to assess the expressions of COX‐2 and adherens proteins, E‐cadherin and α‐catenin. Urothelial cell‐to‐cell interactions were evaluated using electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The bladder mass increased rapidly during the first 7 days after PBOO in groups 1–4 compared with 5 and 6 (P < 0.05). While the bladder mass then continued to increase for the next 21 days in group 4, it was constant in group 2 (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting analyses showed that E‐cadherin and α‐catenin expression were reversibly decreased in rats with PBOO, while COX‐2 protein expression was up‐regulated. After giving celecoxib there was a significant decrease in COX‐2 expression and a restoration of intercellular adherens junctions and desmosomes, as assessed on electron microscopy and expression of adherens proteins combined.

CONCLUSION

The increase in COX‐2 expression attributable to hypoxia and the tensile strength of bladder wall was attenuated by celecoxib. Selective COX‐2 inhibitors have important restorative effects on intercellular adherens junctions and desmosomes in PBOO.
Snodgrass technique for hypospadias repair
Authors: Snodgrass Warren T.
Published: February 2005

ILLUSTRATIONS by STEPHAN SPITZER, http://www.spitzer‐illustration.com
Independence Before Conservatism: Transparency, Politics and Central Bank Design
Authors: Hallett Andrew Hughes , Weymark Diana N.
Published: February 2005

The problem of monetary policy delegation is formulated as a two-stage game between the government and the central bank. In the first stage the government chooses the institutional design of the central bank. Monetary and fiscal policy are implemented in the second stage. When fiscal policy is taken into account, there is a continuum of combinations of central bank independence and conservatism that produce optimal outcomes. This indeterminacy is resolved by appealing to practical considerations. In particular, it is argued that full central bank independence facilitates the greatest degree of policy transparency and political coherence.
Capital Mobility, Consumption Substitutability and the Effects of Monetary Policy in Open Economies
Authors: Pierdzioch Christian
Published: February 2005

I use a dynamic general equilibrium two-country optimizing model to analyze the implications of international capital mobility for the short-run effects of monetary policy in an open economy. The model implies that the substitutability of goods produced in different countries plays a central role for the impact of changes in the degree of international capital mobility on the effects of monetary policy. Paralleling the results of the traditional Mundell-Fleming model, a higher degree of international capital mobility magnifies the short-run output effects of monetary policy only if the Marshall-Lerner condition, which is linked to the cross-country substitutability of goods, holds.
Spinning Europe: Pro‐European Union Propaganda Campaigns in Britain, 1962–1975
Authors: MULLEN ANDY , BURKITT BRIAN
Published: February 2005

The impact of pro‐European Union (EU) propaganda campaigns in Britain has been neglected within EU studies and in the recent work on the Europeanisation of political parties, trade unions and the British state. Bringing together the few sources of information that exist, this article documents the three government‐organised pro‐EU propaganda campaigns of the 1960s and 1970s. It specifically discusses the campaigns in 1962—63 to bolster public support following Britain's first application to join the EU, in 1970—71 to prepare the public for accession, and in 1974—75 to ensure continued membership in the 1975 Referendum.
Models of Civic Responsibility: Korean Americans in Congregations with Different Ethnic Compositions
Authors: HOWARD ECKLUND ELAINE
Published: February 2005

This article compares different discourses of civic responsibility for Korean American evangelicals in a second‐generation Korean congregation and a multiethnic congregation located in the same impoverished ethnic minority community. Those in the second‐generation church define civic responsibility through difference from immigrant Koreans. They stress caring for members of their local community and explicitly reject their parents' connection of Christianity to economic mobility. Yet, they find relating to other minorities in their local community difficult because of an implicit belief that the economically impoverished are not hardworking. Korean Americans in the multiethnic church connect Christianity to valuing diversity. A religious individualism that is used to justify diversity also helps Korean Americans stress their commonality with other ethnic minorities and legitimates commitment to community service. These results help researchers rethink how new groups of Americans might influence the relationship of evangelical Christianity to American civic life.
Religion and Attitudes Toward Physician‐Assisted Suicide and Terminal Palliative Care
Authors: BURDETTE AMY M. , HILL TERRENCE D. , MOULTON BENJAMIN E.
Published: February 2005

We assess religious differences in attitudes toward physician‐assisted suicide and terminal palliative care, and go further than previous research by attempting to explain these variations. Using data from the 1998 General Social Survey, we fit OLS regression models to estimate the main effects of religious affiliation and indirect effects via religious involvement (church attendance and strength of affiliation). Both conservative and moderate Protestants are generally less accepting of physician‐assisted suicide and terminal palliative care than nonaffiliates. However, both relationships are at least partially explained by church attendance and/or strength of affiliation.
Socioeconomic Inequality in the American Religious System: An Update and Assessment
Authors: SMITH CHRISTIAN , FARIS ROBERT
Published: February 2005

American sociology has long documented and theorized persistent inequalities between religious communities in the United States; in addition, socioeconomic inequalities between religious groups have played an important role in many sociological theories about religion and society. Since the publication of numerous important works published in the mid‐20th century, however, the social stratification of American religion has been a curiously understudied topic. This research note is an attempt to update our descriptive knowledge about socioeconomic inequalities between American religious groups. Using General Social Survey data to track educational, income, and job status inequality over a 16‐year period, from the early 1980s to the late 1990s, we find that socioeconomic inequality in the American religious system has been quite persistent and stable, suggesting that significant mobility within this system in the mid‐20th century may be declining, thus producing a more stable system of stratification.
Faster Horses, Older Whiskey, and More Money: An Analysis of Religious Influence on Referenda Voting
Authors: SATTERTHWAITE SHAD
Published: February 2005

This note replicates a previous study to determine the extent religion influences voting behavior. It focuses on ballot measures that involve moral issues and considers other factors as well. A multiple regression uses the percentage of voters favoring five ballot proposals as the dependent variable, with socioeconomic status, rural isolation, liquor consumption, and three categories of religion as independent variables. The analysis revealed that the religion variables were significant and negatively associated with voting for most proposals that liberalized drinking and betting. Socioeconomic status and liquor consumption were significant in most cases and were positively linked to votes cast for the proposals.
Connexin‐26‐Mutation bei „Keratitis‐Ichthyosis‐Deafness”‐Syndrom (KID‐Syndrom)
Authors: Binder Barbara , Hennies Hans Christian , Kraschl Raimund , Smolle Josef
Published: February 2005

Hintergrund: Das „Keratitis‐Ichthyosis‐Deafness”‐Syndrom (KID‐Syndrom) ist eine sehr seltene genetisch bedingte Krankheit, die autosomal dominant vererbt wird, wobei vielen Fällen eine Neumutation zugrunde liegt. Als Ursache für die Erkrankung wurden Mutationen im Gen GJB2, das Connexin 26 kodiert, gefunden.

Patienten und Methodik: Wir haben bei zwei Patienten mit KID‐Syndrom den klinischen Verlauf untersucht, sowie DNA aus dem peripheren Blut extrahiert.

Ergebnisse: Beide Patienten zeigten eine Connexin‐26‐Mutation mit unterschiedlichem klinischen Verlauf.

Schlußfolgerung: Bei beiden Patienten wurden zwei verschiedene heterozygote Connexin‐26‐Mutationen nachgewiesen, die sich in einem unterschiedlichen Verlauf manifestierten.