bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of fresh and stored foam mat dried Mandarin powder
Authors: Kadam Dattatreya M. , Rai Deepak Raj , Patil R.T. , Wilson Robin A. , Kaur Sumandeep , Kumar Rahul 
Published: February 2011

SummaryFoam mat drying is a lucrative process of mandarin (kinnow) pulp preservation in the form of powder. Foam mat drying of mandarin pulp experiments were carried out at 65, 75 and 85 °C drying air temperatures using carboxy methyl cellulose, milk and egg white as foaming agents at different concentrations levels to get dried mandarin powder. Quality of the reconstituted dried Mandarin pulp‐powder was evaluated for 6 month storage studies at an interval of 2 months for total sugars (%), ascorbic acid (mg 100 mL−1), total acid (%), pH and microbial load (fungal and bacterial) using standard procedures. It was observed that total sugars, ascorbic acid and total acid were decreased whereas pH was slightly higher than the fresh pulp. There was minor bacterial growth noticed in all the treatments, which is within the permissible limit, furthermore no fungal growth was noticed during storage period.
Adenovirus‐mediated overexpression of cardiac troponin I‐interacting kinase promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Hui , Ye Jue , Xu Rui‐Xia , Song Li , Shi Na , Zhang Yan‐Wan , Chen Xi , Meng Xian‐Min 
Published: February 2011

Summary1. Cardiac troponin I‐interacting kinase (TNNI3K) is a novel cardiac‐specific kinase gene. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed a significant increase in TNNI3K mRNA expression in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes induced by endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of TNNI3K on neonate rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by ET‐1.2. Adenoviruses were amplified in 293A cells. To determine a reasonable adenovirus infection dose cardiomyocytes were infected with an adenovirus carrying human TNNI3K (Ad‐TNNI3K) at varying multiplicity of infection (MOI) and the expression of TNNI3K was analysed by western blot.3. Cardiomyocytes were infected with either a control adenovirus carrying green fluorescent protein (Ad‐GFP) or Ad‐TNNI3K. Compared with Ad‐GFP, the Ad‐TNNI3K induced an increase in sarcomere organization, cell surface area, 3H‐leucine incorporation and β‐MHC re‐expression. This type of hypertrophic phenomenon is similar to that observed in Ad‐GFP‐infected hypertrophic cardiomyocytes induced by ET‐1. To determine the functional role of TNNI3K in ET‐1‐induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, the cells were infected with Ad‐GFP or Ad‐TNNI3K. Ad‐TNNI3K induced an increase in sarcomere organization, cell surface area and 3H‐leucine incorporation compared with Ad‐GFP.4. These results suggest that TNNI3K overexpression induces cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and accelerates hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Therefore, TNNI3K might be an interesting target for the clinical treatment of hypertrophy.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) gene variants are associated with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Safarinejad Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the third leading cause of death among urological tumours. Insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) regulate cellular proliferation and differentiation. IGFB proteins (IGFBPs) regulate the action of IGFs. Polymorphism of the IGFBP‐3 gene affects mean circulating IGFBP‐3 concentrations. In this study, the AA genotype was significantly higher in patients with RCC than in controls. In addition, IGFBP‐3 serum level was significantly higher in carriers of the A allele compared with non‐carriers.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate the A to C nucleotide change located 202 bp upstream to the transcription start site, (‐202 A/C polymorphism), in the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) gene, and its association with renal carinogenesis and with clinicopathological characteristics.PATIENTS AND METHODS• We matched 158 male patients with clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) to 316 healthy controls, and genotyped one single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2854744) using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.RESULTS• The alleles and genotypes differed significantly between patients with CCRCC and controls (patients with CCRCC, P= 0.82; controls, P= 0.88).• We found that the frequency of the AA genotype was significantly higher in patients with CCRCC than in controls (odds ratio [OR]= 4.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 3.41–7.42, P= 0.001).• The A allele had a gene dose effect in increasing the risk of CCRCC (OR = 4.75, 95% CI = 3.64–7.64, P= 0.001).• The distribution of IGFBP‐3 genotypes was also significantly associated with the histological grade (P= 0.001) and clinical stage (P= 0.001).CONCLUSION• In the Iranian population, the polymorphism of the IGFBP‐3 gene plays a pivotal role in the development of CCRCC.
Recreational ketamine: from pleasure to pain
Authors: Wood Dan , Cottrell Angela , Baker Simon C. , Southgate Jennifer , Harris Maya , Fulford Simon , Woodhouse Christopher , Gillatt David 
Published: February 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? There is a very limited literature on the syndrome described in this review. The largest series comes from Hong Kong and includes 59 patients – this was largely a description of the presenting problems and established the link between these symptoms and ketamine. Prior to this much smaller case series (including one from the same group) were all that exists.An increasing number of UK urologists are reporting seeing these patients and we have formed a collaboration interested in understanding the pathology and establishing an effective treatment pathway for these patients. This paper aims to consolidate this knowledge.Ketamine has become increasingly recognized as a drug of recreational use. Individuals using significant amounts have developed symptoms including a small painful bladder, ureteric obstruction, papillary necrosis and hepatic dysfunction. The present paper examines the current literature on the relationship between ketamine use and these symptoms. Our own clinical experience and the data available clarify the causal relationship, and further data help to elucidate the mechanism of damage. On the basis of continued work and development with patients who are ketamine users we suggest an assessment and treatment regime that includes cessation of ketamine use and adequate analgesia to overcome symptoms. In conclusion, it is important for medical practitioners who encounter patients with these symptoms to ask about recreational drug use. Ketamine remains a safe and effective drug to use under appropriate medical supervision. Patients identified as suffering from this syndrome will need to be referred to a urological unit with an interest in the treatment of the condition.
Mid‐term oncological control after laparoscopic radical cystectomy in men: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Gillion Norman , Xylinas Evanguelos , Durand Xavier , Ploussard Guillaume , Vordos Dimitri , Allory Yves , Hoznek Andras , de la Taille Alexandre , Abbou Claude Clément , Salomon Laurent 
Published: February 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVE• To assess the mid‐term (3 years of follow‐up) oncological control of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) for high‐grade muscle‐invasive bladder cancer in a well studied male population.PATIENTS AND METHODS• We assessed 40 men with bladder cancer (mean [range] age 66.5 [50–75] years) who underwent LRC and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution between April 2004 and September 2008.• Of the 40 patients, 13 (32.5%) had a complete laparoscopic procedure (ileal conduit: seven patients; neobladder: five patients; bilateral ureterostomy: one patient) and 27 (67.5%) had an LRC procedure only (ileal conduit: 15 patients; neobladder: 12 patients).RESULTS• No major complications were observed intraoperatively.• The mean operating time was 407 min and the mean blood loss was 720 mL. Four patients (10%) required conversion to open surgery. The mean (range) hospital stay was 10.2 (7–25) days. One patient died of myocardial infarction in the postoperative period.• Pathological analysis showed organ‐confined tumours (stage pT0/pT1/pT2/pT3a) in 22 patients (55%) and extravesical disease (pT3/pT4) in 18 (45%). Of the 40 patients, six (15%) had lymph node involvement. The mean (range) number of nodes removed was 19.9 (5–40).• At a mean (range) follow‐up period of 36 (0–72) months, 26 patients were alive with no evidence of disease (disease‐free survival rate 67%).CONCLUSION• Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is a safe, feasible, and effective alternative to open radical cystectomy (ORC). The 3‐year oncological efficacy was comparable with that of ORC.
Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of intravesical TMX‐101: a preclinical study in pigs
Authors: Arentsen Harm C. , Hulsbergen‐Van de Kaa Christina A. , Jansen Cornelius F.J. , Maj Roberto , Leoni Lorenzo M. , Oosterwijk Egbert , Witjes J. Alfred 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE• To study the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile of intravesically administered TMX‐101, with its active ingredient R‐837, a synthetic Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐7 agonist, in a pig model.MATERIALS AND METHODS• TLR‐7 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in human and pig bladder tissue.• Four groups of six pigs received a 1‐h intravesical instillation with R‐837 of different formulations.• Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on plasma. Toxicity evaluation included monitoring the well‐being of the animals, peripheral blood cell counts, and interleukin‐6 and creatinine measurements. Urine was collected for R‐837 measurement and dipstick analysis.• In total, three pigs per group were sacrificed 24 h post‐treatment, and the remaining animals were sacrificed after 1 week. Histopathological examination of the bladder wall was performed.RESULTS• TLR‐7 was homogeneously expressed in human and pig urothelium.• R‐837 and vehicle were well tolerated without deterioration in animal well‐being.• Systemic R‐837 absorption was low.• Mean maximum plasma concentration of R‐837 differed depending on the formulation. Post‐treatment, plasma levels were negligible at 24 h.• Histopathological examination of the bladders did not show significant abnormalities, apart from the intended inflammatory reaction in the R‐837 treated groups.CONCLUSION• Intravesically administered R‐837 in pigs, which showed a similar TLR‐7 distribution in bladder tissue as humans, is well tolerated and causes no bladder wall toxicity, and formulations with poloxamer and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin showed less systemic absorption.
Trends in the use of radiotherapy and radical surgery for patients with bladder urothelial cell carcinoma in East Anglia, 1995–2006
Authors: Barbiere Josaphine M. , Saeb‐Parsy Kasra , Greenberg David C. , Wright Karen A. , Brown Clement H. , Neal David E. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios 
Published: February 2011

Study Type – Prevalence (retrospective cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?In the UK, specialist services for the management of urological cancers have been reconfigured substantially in recent time periods. Socioeconomic inequalities in relative survival from bladder cancer have also been documented.In part of an English region, use of radical surgery to manage the most common type of bladder cancer increased and use of radiotherapy decreased during 1995–2006, most probably reflecting increasing availability of specialist surgical management. There was no evidence for differences in the use of radiotherapy or radical surgery between patients of different socio‐economic groups.OBJECTIVE
To examine the use of radiotherapy and radical surgery for bladder urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) before, during and after national initiatives for reorganization of uro‐oncology services.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Population‐based data (1995–2006) from a cancer registry with stable coding practices were analysed.
Bladder UCC was defined using relevant International Classification of Disease site and morphology codes.
Time trends in the use of radiotherapy and radical surgery, and other predictors of their use were examined.
RESULTS
Of 4639 bladder UCC patients aged ≥40 years (76% men), stage information was available for 4303 (93%).
Morphology and stage case mix remained stable during the study period.
Radiotherapy use decreased significantly (from 31% in 1995–1998 to 22% in 2003–2006, P < 0.001) among patients of any stage, whilst radical surgery use increased significantly (from 8 to 13%, P < 0.001), particularly among stage II–IV patients.
The proportion of patients treated by both radiotherapy and surgery also decreased notably (from 4.0 to 1.1%).
Women were significantly more likely to present in stages II–IV [odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.40, P= 0.005], and less likely to be treated with radiotherapy (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.99, P= 0.036).
CONCLUSIONS
Use of radical surgery in UCC invading bladder muscle increased and use of radiotherapy decreased during the study period, most probably reflecting the increasing availability of specialist surgical management. Sociodemographic variation in treatment was limited to lower use of radiotherapy in women.
Further research should encompass treatment timeliness and other aspects of care quality, as well as exploring potential differences in endoscopic treatments for disease not invading bladder muscle.
Epstein criteria for insignificant prostate cancer
Authors: Oon Sheng F. , Watson R. William , O’Leary John J. , Fitzpatrick John M. 
Published: February 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (systematic review)Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Overtreatment of prostate cancer is a major problem in contemporary urological practice. The Epstein Criteria reduces overtreatment by identifying insignificant prostate cancers that may be amenable to surveillance therapy.This systematic review of the Epstein Criteria validation studies provides a collective insight into the application and accuracy of the Epstein Criteria to predict for insignificant prostate cancer across different institutions and geographies.OBJECTIVE• To review the accuracy of the Epstein Criteria for insignificant prostate cancer and to explore the effect of the modified Gleason classification system on this system.METHODS• We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database using search terms ‘Epstein Criteria’, ‘Prostate Cancer’, ‘Validation’ and ‘Insignificant Cancer’ between 1994 to 2010 for validation articles.• These were divided into pre‐2005 and post‐2005 and concordances for organ‐confined status, Gleason score ≤6 and insignificant cancer were analysed.RESULTS• A pre‐2005 study showed concordance for insignificant prostate cancer, Gleason score ≤6 and organ‐confined status at 84%, 90.3% and 91.6%, respectively.• Five post‐2005 validation studies were concordant for insignificant cancer, Gleason score ≤6 and organ‐confined status at 37–76%, 54.3–75.9% and 80.0–96.9%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS• The Epstein Criteria has a suboptimal accuracy for predicting for insignificant prostate cancer.• The modification to Gleason scoring may be responsible for a reduced accuracy over time.• However, significant heterogeneity in the validation studies means better quality validation studies are required.
Feedback on household electricity consumption: learning and social influence processes
Authors: Grønhøj Alice , Thøgersen John 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we present results from a project aiming to develop a new feedback technology to support sustainable living in private households. Against the backdrop of a review of the relevant literature and based on qualitative family interviews and registration of the households' electricity consumption, we evaluate the effects of giving households detailed feedback about their electricity consumption on a small liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Twenty Danish households participated in the study over a 5‐month period. A new feedback system was developed in a user‐involved innovation process. The average electricity saving in participating households is estimated to 8.1%, compared with a 0.8% saving in the control group. The qualitative interviews revealed that the feedback made household electricity consumption more visible and salient, and empowered electricity consumers to take action with respect to lowering their energy consumption. In addition, the feedback stimulated social influences processes related to energy savings between spouses as well as between (teenage) children and their parents. Notably, families with teenage children appear to be particularly receptive to this type of feedback.
Potential for environmental improvements in laundering
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Boks Casper , Klepp Ingun Grimstad 
Published: February 2011

AbstractLife cycle assessment studies on clothes, detergents and washing machines show that the use period is usually the most energy‐demanding period during these products' life cycle, even higher than production or transportation phases. Laundering practices are constantly changing and influenced by social, cultural and moral norms. Even though the technologies in clothes cleaning have improved greatly, the length of time that consumers use for washing clothes has not been reduced. We own more clothing and wash it more frequently. This increased amount of washing counteracts the technological improvements in laundry. This paper discussed the options of changing consumer habits in clothing maintenance to a more environmentally friendly direction and attempts to evaluate which changes would be the most feasible and efficient. Laboratory trial results on washing were compared with earlier research on consumers' washing habits. Laboratory‐based tests measuring cleaning effect, energy and water consumption were performed in order to evaluate the consequences of changing the washing temperature, filling grade, detergent dosage or drying method. The cleaning effect tests showed that today's detergents are suitable for low temperature washing, and by selecting an efficient detergent, the cleaning result can be better at 30°C than with a less efficient detergent at 40°C. When washing only slightly soiled textiles or small loads of laundry, the detergent amount can be reduced. Many textiles changed more in colour or strength if they were washed at higher temperature (60°C) than at lower temperature (40°C or below). Tumble‐dried textiles shrank more than line dried. These facts can be used to motivate consumers to change behaviour in order to reduce the environmental impacts of textile maintenance.
If you could be in charge: student ideas for promoting sustainability in housing
Authors: Parrott Kathleen R. , Mitchell Kimberly J. , Emmel JoAnn M. , Beamish Julia O. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn the spring of 2010, 55 students at a major US university participated in a course entitled: Housing: Energy and the Environment. Over 20 different academic majors were represented in the class, including housing design, residential property management, various engineering specialties, environmental studies and architecture. The majority of the students in this class were knowledgeable about housing and planned careers in housing‐, design‐, management‐ or construction‐related fields. For the final paper/exam in the class, the students were to design a programme that would ‘promote resource conservation and management, and environmental quality in the housing and building industry’. Examples included (but were not limited to) a government policy, certification programme, training programme or municipal code. A content analysis of the student exams was conducted to give insight into how the next generation of professionals and consumers might set priorities on sustainability and how they might consider implementing these priorities. Topics in the content analysis included programme content, type of programme, funding, target audience and technology. The most frequent programme topics were energy, resource and water conservation. The most common type of programme was training or education, and programmes were more likely to be targeted at building professionals, consumers or owners of buildings. The majority of the students did not address the issue of programme funding or assumed that the government would pay for their programmes. The programmes designed by the students suggest they believe in the importance of sustainable housing and expect to be involved in energy and environmentally friendly practices as professionals and consumers. Yet, these students also see the need for greater motivation, requirements and preparation to achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability.
Review of laundry energy efficiency studies conducted by the US Department of Energy
Authors: Hustvedt Gwendolyn 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe US Department of Energy has conducted research into clothes laundering for nearly 60 years. An examination of reports stored in a digital repository at the Department of Energy traces the growth of interest in energy efficiency. Prior to the mid‐1970s, this research was confined mainly to studies of decontamination of protective clothing used by agency employees. Starting in 1976, however, work at various national laboratories began to examine laundering from an energy efficiency perspective. Studies in the 1970s include exploration of methods to use solar and geothermal energy to boost washing and drying efficiency and guidance for improving energy use in the fabricare industry and hospitals. Towards the end of this decade, federally funded research began looking at standards for energy efficiency in household appliance. Progress towards implementing mandates related to appliances and communicating with consumers through labelling about these standards are outlined in reports periodically to the present date. Reports of particular interest include a large, community‐based study of laundry habits, a detailed plan for improving household energy efficiency on military bases and recommendations for home builders based on climate zones. The reports are not confined to US‐based consumers or appliances but include studies based in China and Sweden, among others. While not widely disseminated, the results outlined in these studies provide valuable information for building best practices in both developed and developing countries.