bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β‐catenin expression and claudin expression pattern as prognostic factors of prostatic cancer progression
Authors: Szász Attila M. , Nyirády Péter , Majoros Attila , Szendrõi Attila , Szûcs Miklós , Székely Eszter , Tõkés Anna‐Mária , Romics Imre , Kulka Janina 
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate the patterns of expression of the junctional proteins β‐catenin and claudins in different prognostic groups of patients with prostatic cancer, to determine their value as prognostic markers.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe evaluated the samples of 30 patients who had a radical prostatectomy for organ‐confined cancer (pT2N0M0), men with clinically advanced cancer, and a control group with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Using immunohistochemistry applied to tissue microarrays, each group was evaluated for claudin‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐4, ‐5, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐10, and β‐catenin expression.RESULTSThere were differences among the three groups in the expression of claudin‐1 (P = 0.001), ‐2 (P = 0.014), ‐3 (P = 0.027), ‐4 (P = 0.001), ‐8 (P = 0.001) and β‐catenin (P = 0.002), regardless of Gleason score. By contrast, claudin‐5, ‐7 and ‐10 patterns were not significantly different among the groups. Furthermore, claudin‐1 (P = 0.014) and ‐4 (P = 0.004) could be used to distinguish between those patients who had metastases and those who did not.CONCLUSIONSThe pattern of claudin expression could be a novel diagnostic marker in re‐classifying adenocarcinomas, and an additional sensitive predictive factor for a clinically poor prognosis. Our results suggest that patients with organ‐confined and advanced cancer are subsets with distinct claudin expression profiles, and that claudin‐4 is related to cellular differentiation in prostate cancer, which is not only the receptor molecule for the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, and thus a theoretical future therapeutic target for prostate cancer, but also a marker of progression.
Results of buccal mucosa grafts for repairing long bulbar urethral strictures
Authors: Fransis Karen , Vander Eeckt Kathy , Van Poppel Hendrik , Joniau Steven 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVESTo report the medium‐term results at our institution of repairing long bulbar urethral strictures with buccal mucosal grafts.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween January 2003 and June 2007, a buccal mucosa graft repair was used in 34 patients with recurrent bulbar strictures >2 cm. The follow‐up included uroflowmetry with an ultrasonographic estimate of residual volume at 3 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter, or at the onset of obstructive voiding symptoms. A retrograde urethrogram with a voiding cysto‐urethrogram was taken at 6 months. Flexible urethroscopy was used whenever a recurrent stricture was suspected. A successful outcome was defined as normal voiding with no stricture on the voiding cysto‐urethrogram and no need for subsequent instrumentation.RESULTSThe median (range) age of the patients was 55.5 (23–74) years. The mean (sd) preoperative maximum flow rate was 6.6 (2.5) mL/s with a mean (sd) residual volume of 51.7 (89.7) mL. Seven patients (21%) had had one or more previous urethral dilatations, 15 (44%) had undergone one or more internal urethrotomies and 10 (30%) received both treatments. Eight patients (24%) had previous open urethral surgery; two had no previous treatment. A dorsal onlay technique was used in 30 patients, a ventral onlay in one, a combined technique (dorsal onlay and ventral fasciocutaneous flap) in two and a two‐stage buccal mucosa urethroplasty in one. The mean (sd) operative duration was 147 (36) min, and the stricture length and buccal mucosa graft length were, respectively, 3.2 (1.2) cm and 4.4 (0.6) cm. Follow‐up was available in 33 patients (97%) with a mean of 23 (15.4) months. The success rate was then 94%. Both failures occurred within the first year and were managed successfully by internal urethrotomy. The mean (sd) postoperative maximum flow rate was 20 (11) mL/s with a mean (sd) residual volume of 46 (68) mL. There were no medium‐term donor‐site complications. Postmicturition dribbling was noted in eight patients (24%). None of the patients had de novo impotence or urinary incontinence, and to date no patient has needed a repeat open reconstruction.CONCLUSIONOur results show that in patients with bulbar urethral strictures of >2 cm, urethroplasty using buccal mucosa is feasible, with very encouraging medium‐term results. We confirm that this type of reconstruction could be considered the standard of care for bulbar strictures of >2 cm.
Predicting unilateral prostate cancer on routine diagnostic biopsy: sextant vs extended
Authors: Tsivian Matvey , Kimura Masaki , Sun Leon , Mouraviev Vladimir , Mayes Janice M. , Polascik Thomas J. 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVETo compare the diagnostic properties of routine office‐based sextant and extended biopsies for unilateral prostate cancer, as validated by final pathology, because focal therapy of prostate cancer is gaining acceptance as a viable treatment option and thus patient selection is of paramount consideration.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed records of patients who had a radical prostatectomy (RP) for biopsy confirmed prostate cancer at our institution between 1990 and 2007. Records with incomplete data were excluded. Diagnostic properties for sextant and extended biopsies were calculated and compared for diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and false‐positive and ‐negative rates.RESULTSWe identified 882 records (729 sextant, 153 extended biopsies) matching our criteria. Overall, unilateral prostate cancer was confirmed in 151 (16%) of pathological RP specimens. The sensitivity improved from 84.1% to 88.0% on sextant and extended biopsy, respectively. Similarly, the PPV increased from 21.9% to 27.2%, specificity from 37.1% to 53.9% (P < 0.05), and NPV from 91.8% to 95.8% (P < 0.05). These changes are reflected in the decrease in false‐positive rates (from 62.9% to 46.1%) and false‐negative rates (from 15.9% to 12.0%). The overall diagnostic accuracy increased from 49% on sextant to 59% on extended biopsy (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSTaking more prostate biopsy cores improves the diagnostic properties for identifying unilateral prostate cancer. However, a 12‐core biopsy is not an ideal diagnostic test to select patients for focal therapy, and should be interpreted in conjunction with imaging and clinical variables. Additional research should investigate the diagnostic gain associated with a further increase in the number of biopsy cores.
Efficacy of simplified bladder training in patients with overactive bladder receiving a solifenacin flexible‐dose regimen: results from a randomized study
Authors: Mattiasson Anders , Masala Alberto , Morton Richard , Bolodeoku John 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy of flexible‐dose solifenacin 5/10 mg with and without simplified bladder training in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.PATIENTS AND METHODSSOLAR (SOLifenacin Alone and with simplified bladder Re‐training) was a multicentre, prospective, randomized, parallel‐group, open‐label study in patients with OAB. After a 2‐week, single‐blind, placebo run‐in, 643 patients were randomized to treatment with either solifenacin 5 mg once daily (od) alone (323) or 5 mg od combined with simplified bladder training (320) for 8 weeks. At week 8, patients in both groups could request a dose increase to solifenacin 10 mg od for the remaining 8 weeks of the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the mean number of micturitions/24 h after 8 weeks. Secondary efficacy measures were the change in micturition frequency and other voiding diary variables at week 16. Patient‐reported outcomes were also assessed, including patient Perception of Bladder Condition, Incontinence Quality of Life, and Treatment Satisfaction using a visual analogue scale score; tolerability was also assessed.RESULTSSolifenacin given alone was effective in improving all measures of OAB evaluated in the study. When simplified bladder training was used combined with solifenacin there was a further significant improvement in micturition frequency at week 8, and this difference was maintained through to week 16. The use of simplified bladder training with solifenacin also significantly improved treatment satisfaction at week 16 over the responses to solifenacin given alone. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups at week 16 in urgency, incontinence or other secondary variables measured. The most common adverse event reported was dry mouth in both treatment groups; there was a low rate of discontinuation due to adverse events in the total study group.CONCLUSIONCombined treatment with solifenacin and simplified bladder training was more effective than solifenacin alone in reducing micturition frequency at weeks 8 and 16, and improving treatment satisfaction at week 16 in patients with OAB. Simplified bladder training did not improve on the benefits of solifenacin alone in the symptoms of urgency or incontinence.
Urinary fluorescence in situ hybridization assay for detecting urothelial carcinoma in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Chuang Kun‐Lung , Chuang Hun‐Chang , Ng Kwai‐Fong , Chang Ying‐Hsun , Wu Chun‐Te , Chuang Cheng‐Keng , Liao Shuen‐Kuei , Pang See‐Tong 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVESTo investigate the cytogenetic marker detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH; UroVysionTM, Vysis, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL, USA) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UC) in Taiwanese patients, as FISH has been used in Western countries for detecting UC, but there are limited results in Asian populations.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe analysed polyploidy of chromosome 3, 7, 17 and aneuploidy of chromosome 21, using uroepithelial cells collected at the first void or by instrumental extraction of urine, for bladder cancer, and shedding cells from the upper tract flushed by normal saline via ureteric catheterization or ureterorenoscopy. The criteria for positive tumour cells included three or more positive staining in two or more chromosomes showing polyploidy or <50% staining of the chromosome 9p21.RESULTSIn all, 32 patients with bladder UC and 12 with upper tract UC were assessed. The overall sensitivity for bladder cancer by UroVysion was 96.8%. The sensitivity of the cytology test was 36% for UC of the bladder. The sensitivity for UroVysion in upper tract UC was 12/12 but the specificity was three of nine.CONCLUSIONSThis preliminary report shows that UroVysion was a sensitive screening method for UC of the bladder and upper urinary tract.
Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour of the kidney: imaging features
Authors: Sahni V. Anik , Mortele Koenraad J. , Glickman Jonathan , Silverman Stuart G. 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo describe the features on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of mixed epithelial and stromal tumours of the kidney.PATIENTS AND METHODSFive women with renal mixed epithelial and stromal tumours (mean age 55.6 years, range 49–59) who had preoperative imaging were retrospectively analysed. Three ultrasonograms, five contrast‐enhanced CT scans, and one contrast‐enhanced MRI examination were available for review. Specific imaging features analysed included lesion size, location, enhancement and cystic composition. The presence of calcification, septation, nodularity and a capsule were also evaluated.RESULTSAll mixed epithelial and stromal tumours appeared as well‐marginated, multi‐septate cystic masses with a nodular component. All lesions were classified as Bosniak category III (three) or IV (two). The presence of calcification (four) or a capsule (three) was variable. Two tumours invaginated into the renal pelvis with no invasion.CONCLUSIONMixed epithelial and stromal tumours of the kidney have a diverse radiographic appearance, indistinguishable from multilocular cystic nephroma and cystic renal cell carcinoma.
Trends from 1999 to 2007 in the surgical treatments of kidney cancer in Europe: data from the Veneto Region, Italy
Authors: Fedeli Ugo , Novara Giacomo , Alba Natalia , Ficarra Vincenzo , Artibani Walter , Spolaore Paolo 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Therapy (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVETo investigate trends in the incidence of overall renal oncological surgery, and the trends and determinants of nephron‐sparing (NSS) and minimally invasive surgery, in the Veneto region of North‐eastern Italy.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe regional archive of hospital discharge records (HDRs) in the Veneto region of North‐eastern Italy was assessed to identify discharged patients with a diagnosis of neoplasm of the kidney and intervention codes for partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) in 1999–2007. An indirect method for identifying minimally invasive surgery was also adopted. Demographic characteristics, year of intervention, presence of comorbidities, and hospital nephrectomy volume were retrieved from HDRs. The influence of patient and hospital variables on the adoption of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) was assessed through multivariate models.RESULTSThe crude rate of surgery for kidney cancer increased from 11.5 to 17.0 per 100 000 population and overall 7221 procedures were included in the evaluated period. The use of PN increased through the study period, reaching 31% of kidney cancer operations in 2007. Younger age, male sex and being hospitalized in facilities with a higher procedural volume were strongly associated with NSS. Laparoscopic nephrectomies, uncommon in 1999, increased to ≈18% of all procedures by the end of the study period, irrespective of hospital volume.CONCLUSIONSThe proportion of open RNs declined to about half of all kidney cancer surgery by 2007; this was the result of an increase in NSS and an even greater increase in laparoscopic RN.
A bioactive complex to protect proteins from UV‐induced oxidation in human epidermis1
Authors: Schweikert K. , Gafner F. , Dell’Acqua G. 
Published: October 2009

SynopsisUV light induces multiple damages including protein oxidation on skin. Oxidized proteins if not degraded by the proteasome would eventually accumulate causing metabolic damage, elastosis and pigment formation such as lipofuscin. During ageing, the activity of the proteasome decreases dramatically together with enzymes that protect from oxidation and as a result oxidized proteins accumulate. We have investigated a combination of Panthenyl triacetate and Ethyl linoleate (bioactive complex) to fight against protein oxidation. This complex when tested at 3% on human skin biopsies showed statistically significant protection from UV (UVA + UVB)‐induced protein oxidation both in a 24‐h pre‐treatment before UV irradiation (72% protection,P < 0.05) and immediately after irradiation (78% protection,P < 0.05). UV light also induced a significant decrease of mRNA for protein repairing enzymes, such as Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase (MSR). The complex, given both pre‐ and post‐irradiation, stimulated the repairing enzyme expression. We can suggest utilization of this new complex to prevent accumulation of oxidized protein as a result of skin photo‐ageing and to prevent stratum corneum dehydration, skin elastosis and pigmentation formation (age spots).
A State to Call Their Own: Insurrection, Intervention, and the Communal Integrity Thesis
Authors: DOBOS NED 
Published: October 2009

abstractMany reasons have been given as to why humanitarian intervention might not be justified even where rebellion with similar aims would be a morally legitimate option. One of them is that intervention involves the imposition of alien values on the target society. Michael Walzer formulates this objection in terms of a people's right to a state that ‘expresses their inherited culture’ and that they can truly ‘call their own’. I argue that this right can plausibly be said to extend sovereignty to at least some illiberal governments, and therefore to impose at least some moral constraints on humanitarian intervention. The problem for Walzer is that this right cannot form the basis of a constraint that applies to foreign intervention exclusively. Once the details of Walzer's argument are teased out, it becomes apparent that civil war and revolution must be equally restricted by this right. Hence a people's prerogative to be governed in accordance with familiar traditions cannot coherently be invoked to show that intervention is impermissible in cases where insurrection is taken to be justified.
EFFICIENCY IN THE USE OF WATER FOR IRRIGATION: THE ROLE OF PRICES AND REGULATIONS
Authors: Neghassi Habte Mariam , Seagraves James A. 
Published: October 2009

Efficiency in the use of water for irrigation is normally defined in a physical sense ‐ engineering and agronomic; and it is often assumed that higher efficiency is desirable. However, in an economic sense, there is an optimum range in the level of physical efficiency. Normally it can be said that as water prices increase, it becomes more rational to increase physical efficiency by selecting and adopting improved methods of controlling, measuring and applying water, and to design systems of pricing and regulations that will promote optimal allocation and efficient use. However, the value of water is often extremely low, in which case there may be little economic incentive to improve physical efficiency unless forced by physical factors that affect production and productivity such as soil characteristics, waterlogging or nutrient leaching.The combination of regulations and prices that are used to allocate irrigation water reflect the conflicting goals of redistribution of income in favor of agriculture and needs to encourage efficient use of water. Regulations and pricing systems also depend on the value of water, the dependability of supplies, systems of delivery and the extent to which flows can be regulated.Using examples and case studies, this paper discusses physical and economic efficiencies and their interrelationships. It emphasizes the role of pricing and regulations and provides general guidelines.
ENGINEERING A TRANSITION TO COAL
Authors: Gallagher J. Michael , Zimmermann Ralph G. J. 
Published: October 2009

As nations seek alternatives to oil, coal promises to become one of the principal replacement fuels in the world energy system. Engineering a transition to coal and other energy sources from the current reliance on petroleum will be a difficult task requiring a significant commitment of capital, labour, materials, equipment, land and water resources. Engineering this transition to coal will be further complicated by the long lead times that are required. This paper presents an analysis of the timing and magnitude of national resources required to implement several alternative coal development programmes in the United States. Preliminary experience aimed at extending the analysis to international energy and resource relationships is also discussed.Tandis que les nations cherchent à remplacer le pétrole, le charbon est en passe de devenir un des principaux combustibles de remplacement du système énergétique mondial. Assurer une transition à partir de la dépendance actuelle du pétrole vers le charbon et d'autres sources d'énergie s'avérera être difficile et exigera des investissements importants en capitaux, main‐d'oeuvre, matériaux, équipement et ressources en terrains et en eau. Effectuer cette transition vers le charbon sera de plus compliqué par les longs délais d'éxécution qui sont requis. Cet article fait l'analyse du calendrier et de l'ampleur des ressources nationales nécessaires à la mise en valeur de plusieurs programmes de rechange en matière de développement du charbon aux Etats‐Unis. On y discute également une expérience préliminaire visant à intégrer l'analyse des rapports internationaux en matière d'énergie et de ressources.En la búsqueda de combustibles alternativos al petróleo, el carbón parece ser la principal alternativa dentro del sistema energético mundial. La adaptación tecnológica al carbón y otros recursos energéticos, partiendo de la dependencia actual en el petróleo, va a ser una tarea difícil que requerirá comprometer importances cantidades de capital, trabajo, equipo, terrenos y recursos de ague. Esta transición al carbón será complicada aún mas por el prolongado lapso necesario para su ejecución. Este artículo presenta un análisis de la programación en el tiempo y la magnitud de los recursos nacionales necesarios para implementar los programas alternatives de desarrollo del carbón en los Estados Unidos. Se discute también experiencias preliminares orientadas a la extensión de este análisis a las relaciones internationales en energía y recursos.
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AREAS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: ROSENBLUM LOUIS , BIFANO WILLIAM J. , HEIN GERALD F. , RATAJCZAK ANTHONY F. 
Published: October 2009

Photovoltaic (PV) applications for rural areas of developing countries are discussed in relation to PV systems technology, reliability, and present projected cost. The information presented is derived mainly from experience at the Lewis Research Center of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with PV systems deployed with a variety of users for applications relevant to developing countries. A detailed description of two village power systems is included. Energy cost comparisons are presented for PV systems versus alternative energy sources. It is concluded, based on present PV systems technology, reliability and cost, that photovoltaics provide a realistic energy option for developing countries in both the near‐ and far‐term.Cet article aborde les applications photovoltaïques dans les zones rurales des pays en développement en matière de technique de systèmesphotovoltaïques, de fiabilité et de coûts estimatifs actuels. Les données qui y sont présentées proviennent principalement de l'expérience acquise au Centre de recherches Lewis de l'Administration nationale de l'aéronautique et de l'espace (NASA), dans le domaine des systèmes photovoltaïques appliqués par divers utilisateurs à des situations d'intérêt spécial aux pays en développement. L'article fournit également une description détaillée de deux systèmes énergétiques ruraux. De plus, il établit des comparaisons de coûts d'énergie entre des systèmes photovoltaïques et des sources d'énergie de remplacement. L'article conclut que, étant donné la technique actuelle des systèmes photovoltaïques, leur fiabilité et leur coüt, ces systèmes constituent pour les pays en développement un choix réaliste en matière d'énergie à court et long terme.En este artículo se discuten las aplicaciones fotovoltaicas en las zonas rurales de los paises en desarrollo teniendo en cuenta la tecnologia de los sistemas fotovoltaicos, su confiabilidad y su costo presente y proyectado. La información que se presenta se deriva principalmente de la experiencia en el Lewis Research Center de la Administracion de Aeronáutica y del Espacio de los Estados Unidos (NASA) con sistemas fotovoltaicos desarrollados para una variedad de usuarios en aplicaciones relativas a paises en desarrollo. Se incluyen descripciones detalladas de dos sistemas de suministro de electricidad para pequeños poblados. Se presentan comparaciones de costo para sistemas fotovoltaicos versus recursos energéticos alternativos. Basado en la tecnología, confiabilidad y costos de los sistemas fotovoltaicos, se concluye que dichos sistemas representan una opción energética realista para los paises desarrollados a mediano y largo plazo.