bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymph‐node metastases in intermediate‐risk squamous cell carcinoma of the penis
Authors: Naumann Carsten M. , Alkatout Ibrahim , Al‐Najar Amr , Korda Joanna Beate , Hegele Axel , Bolenz Christian , Ziegler Heiko , Klöppel Günter , Juenemann Klaus‐Peter , Van Der Horst Christof 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the metastatic risk of pT1 G2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with pT1 G2 penile SCC and determined their groin status at first presentation, their nodal status after inguinal lymph node dissection and their follow‐up for at least 18 months.RESULTSFour of the 20 patients had a clinically positive groin; three of these were found to have lymph node metastases. Among the 16 patients with a clinically negative groin, one of five who had surgical lymph node staging had lymph node metastases. During surveillance six of 11 patients developed lymph node metastases. There was lymphovascular invasion in three of 10 patients with lymph node metastases.CONCLUSIONSAs the metastatic risk of pT1 G2 penile SCC was 50% in this series of patients, and 44% in those with an initially negative groin, surgical staging of inguinal lymph nodes is recommended in patients with pT1 G2 penile SCC.
Prognostic factors in a prospective series of papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gontero Paolo , Ceratti Giovanni , Guglielmetti Sandro , Andorno Antonella , Terrone Carlo , Bonvini Daniele , Faggiano Fabrizio , Tizzani Alessandro , Frea Bruno , Valente Guido 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo prospectively assess the clinical outcome of a series of papillary renal cell carcinomas (PRCCs) to identify possible prognostic clinical variables and tumour markers, as previous retrospective series of PRCC do not provide unanimous results on the prognostic utility of clinicopathological variables.PATIENTS AND METHODSForty‐six patients with PRCC (median follow‐up 40 months) diagnosed in one institution from 1989 to 2002 were prospectively followed until May 2006. The pathology was reviewed, the PRCC subtyped (type 1 and 2) and immunohistochemistry assessed for MIB‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 and c‐met oncogenic protein, by a referee pathologist. Prognostic values were estimated by fitting a Cox model.RESULTSThe 5‐year survival rate was 49.5%; type 2 histology was predominant and was almost significant in the univariate analysis. Stage and MIB‐1 were significant prognostic factors only in the univariate model, while the Cox model identified only the Fuhrman grade as an independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio 3.054; P = 0.007). MET expression, CD31 and VEGF had no prognostic utility.CONCLUSIONThese patients with PRCC followed prospectively fared worse than in previously reported series. The Fuhrman grade was the sole independent predictor of survival.
Urinary nerve growth factor level could be a biomarker in the differential diagnosis of mixed urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Chancellor Michael B. , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVESTo measure urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder symptoms (OAB) and to assess whether urinary NGF levels can be a biomarker of detrusor overactivity (DO) in women with mixed urinary incontinence.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSUrinary NGF levels were measured in 38 women with urodynamic SUI (USI) with OAB, in 26 with urodynamic DO but no SUI, in 21 with persistent USI after anti‐incontinence surgery, in 15 with de novo DO, and in 31 normal control subjects. All participants had a video‐urodynamic study for the differential diagnosis of the underlying causes of UI. Urinary NGF levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and were compared among all subgroups, and corrected using urinary creatinine (Cr) levels.RESULTSThe mean (sem) urinary NGF/Cr levels were low both in controls, at 0.06 (0.004) and in women with pure USI, at 0.056 (0.037) (P = 0.108). The NGF/Cr levels were significantly higher in women with mixed USI and DO, at 1.00 (0.244), than in controls (P < 0.001) and those with pure USI (P = 0.006), but were similar to the levels in women with pure DO, at 0.58 (0.17) (P = 0.058). The NGF/Cr levels were undetectable in women with persistent USI but were significantly higher in those with de novo DO, at 2.39 (0.90), after anti‐incontinence surgery than in controls and those with USI. A urinary NGF/Cr level of >0.05 was found in 9% of women with USI, 77% with DO, 81% with mixed USI and DO, and 80% with de novo DO.CONCLUSIONThe urinary NGF level could be a potential biomarker of DO in women with mixed UI.
Twice‐daily variable insulin regimens: proportions of insulin types have little impact on glycaemic control in primary school‐aged children
Authors: McDonnell C. M. , Donath S. M. , Werther G. A. , Cameron F. J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim  To ascertain the relationship between glycaemic outcome and proportions and timing of insulin admixture in a cohort of primary school‐aged children who were receiving insulin in a twice‐daily regimen.Methods  Children aged 4–10 years with Type 1 diabetes of > 2 years duration and on twice‐daily variable insulin regimens were eligible for inclusion in this study, which took place over a 12‐month period. Characteristics of insulin regimen [total daily dose (TDD), proportion of total daily dose given in the morning and proportion of the TDD given as intermediate‐acting insulin] were compared with parameters of glycaemia including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and continuous glucose monitoring measures (mean glucose, per cent time in various glycaemic ranges, and intra‐ and inter‐day glycaemic variation).Results  Forty‐nine children completed the study. Participants were all prepubertal at the start of the study and representative of the local diabetes population aged 4–10 years (mean age 8.2 years, mean duration of diabetes 3.5 years, mean HbA1c 8.1%). The mean TDD was 0.9 units/kg/day (range 0.6–1.3). The TDD, percentage of TDD given as intermediate‐acting insulin and the percentage of TDD given as the morning dose were not associated with HbA1c, mean continuous glucose monitoring system glucose, per cent time in various glycaemic ranges or intra‐ and inter‐day glycaemic variation.Conclusions  Insulin proportions in twice‐daily, variable insulin regimens are not associated with any short‐ or medium‐term glycaemic outcomes.
Profile of a fishery collapse: why mariculture failed to save the large yellow croaker
Authors: Liu Min , De Mitcheson Yvonne Sadovy 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), endemic to East Asia was once one of the three top commercial marine fishes of China PR. Heavily exploited since the 1950s, wild stocks were so severely depleted by the 1980s that most individuals subsequently sold originated from hatcheries. After peaking at about 200 000 tonnes in the mid‐1970s, catches of the croaker in China PR declined by over 90% within just 2 decades; according to most decline criteria this would categorize the croaker as “threatened” and management measures, including restocking, were developed. The extensive government‐sponsored mariculture program introduced to address food supply and overfishing in the 1980s, particularly of the croaker, was one of the earliest for marine finfish, not only in China PR, a nation with a rich and highly successful history in aquaculture, but globally. In this first, in‐depth, profile of a key fishery and early mariculture development, we integrate ecological and biological information with the fishing, management, mariculture and economic history to trace the collapse of wild stocks and assess why management and mariculture did not result in wild stock recovery. Evidence strongly suggests that a combination of heavy exploitation of spawning and over‐wintering aggregations, poor management and overfishing pressure were major factors in stock declines, with contributions from pollution, habitat degradation and marine ecosystem shift. Although the croaker proved a highly successful mariculture candidate, with approximately 70 000 tonnes produced in 2005, the highest of any marine fish cultured in China PR, mariculture and restocking have failed to restore croaker stocks and may have, inadvertently, led to biodiversity losses. The detailed history of the croaker is a sobering reminder that successful mariculture, albeit important for food production and livelihoods, is not necessarily a solution to overfishing, and moreover, may have compromised fishery recovery by competing for funds, attention, space, and maybe genetic resources.
CITY OF WOMEN, CITY OF FOREIGN MEN: WORKING SPACES AND RE‐WORKING IDENTITIES AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN BANGKOK'S TOURIST ZONE
Authors: Askew Marc 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTIn this paper I propose that spatially‐informed and agency‐centred treatments of prostitution as a practice can fruitfully highlight the moral and symbolic economies operating in the lives of women as they engage and disengage with prostitution in the tourist sex trade zones of Bangkok. By reexamining and re‐contextualising the practices of prostitution in terms of interacting spatial/socio‐cultural fields, we can gain more useful insights than heretofore obtained through a mono‐dimensional political economy or gender‐culture framework. We must accept that women sex workers are part of the geography of socio‐economic transformation, responding to the centralisation and expansion of key sectors of the Thai economy. I conceptualise this broader geography as involving “oscillation” between urban and rural “places” (which represent key “fields” of value), and at the level of the city (and the tourist leisure infrastructure) as “movement” between different work sites and “arenas” of identity formation. Within this complex of circulation and engagement, women strategise to maximise what may be described as survival and status resources (conversion of income into cultural capital) aiming towards recovery of meaningful self‐identity.
TOURISM, GLOBALISATION AND CRITICAL SECURITY IN MYANMAR AND THAILAND
Authors: Parnwell Michael J.G. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper seeks to articulate recent debates on globalisation and critical security with the process and local impact of international tourism development in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). It argues that, although tourism is an important manifestation of the globalisation phenomenon, its impact on host societies is very much dependent upon the influence of local institutions and actors. Hence, the enquiry will focus principally upon the “global‐local interface”. The impact of tourism is viewed within the “new security” framework which involves broadening the notion of security beyond its traditional focus on military issues and inter‐state relations into such realms as economic, environmental and societal security with a strong emphasis on sub‐national situations. Using empirical examples of forced labour and human rights in Myanmar, the HIV/AIDS crisis and societal insecurity in Thailand and Myanmar, and the environmental impact of golf tourism in Thailand and elsewhere, the paper attempts to show how the perceived macro‐level benefits of active tourism promotion are frequently traded off against significant, and occasionally severe, negative local security impacts. How such a situation occurs will be the principal focus of this investigation.
A SIMPLIFIED, ‘BENCHMARK’, STOCK‐FLOW CONSISTENT POST‐KEYNESIAN GROWTH MODEL
Authors: Dos Santos Claudio H. , Zezza Gennaro 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTDespite being arguably one of the most active areas of research in heterodox macroeconomics, the study of the dynamic properties of stock‐flow consistent (SFC) growth models of financially sophisticated economies is still in its first steps. This paper attempts to offer a contribution to this line of research by presenting a simplified SFC Post‐Keynesian growth model with well‐defined dynamic properties and using it to shed light on the merits and limitations of the current heterodox SFC literature.
Black Skin Dermatology Online, from the project to the website: a needed collaboration between North and South
Authors: Ezzedine K , Amiel A , Vereecken P , Simonart T , Schietse B , Seymons K , Ndiaye BS , Leemput C van de , Stevens A , De Weert J , Lambert J , Heenen M 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Whereas teledermatology is an emerging discipline, to date, no teledermatology service has been developed, which is specifically dedicated to black skins.Objectives  To create and develop a teledermatology service that provides a complete range of communication, information, telediagnosis and teaching services.Methods  A multilingual clinical description of the lesion was provided for each photograph using a five‐level disease classification from the 10th revised International Classification of Diseases. In parallel, a usability study to assess and improve the functionality of the platform was also conducted.Results  A web prototype has been developed which integrates image acquisition, submission, clinical description, translation as well as validation, security and data protection aspects and almost 2000 images were obtained from which 600 have been integrated in the ‘store and forward’ telemedicine system (http://www.black‐skin.org). Initial usability tests with native French medical students show good perceived usefulness, perceived usability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80 and 0.84).Conclusion  The Black Skin project (North and South collaboration project) offers possibilities for continuous medical education (pedagogical cases), teleteaching (educational quiz) or asking for a second opinion (‘Ask a specialist’ item).
Quality of life and socioeconomic factors in Polish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kulczycka L , Sysa‐Jedrzejowska A. , Zalewska‐Janowska A. , Miniszewska J. , Robak E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  To determinate health related quality of life (HRQoL) in SLE patients and correlate it with socioeconomic factors.Methods  The study was conducted on 83 SLE patients who fulfilled at least 4 out of 11 ACR criteria. HRQoL was measured by SF‐36. Socioeconomic data were collected from the patients at the time of filling‐up SF‐36 questionnaire.Results  SLE patients presented decreased HRQoL. Duration of the disease, as well as age of the patients, had an influence on it. Patients who lived in the villages obtained lower results than those from the cities. More educated patients assessed their HRQoL as higher. Surprisingly, patients who described their social conditions as worse presented better quality of life. There was a statistically significant correlations between HRQoL and socioeconomic factors.
The managerial and development issues of nurses and midwives in new roles
Authors: McKenna Hugh , Richey Roberta , Keeney Sinead , Hasson Felicity , Poulton Brenda , Sinclair Marlene 
Published: May 2008

Rationale: The number of innovative roles in nursing and midwifery has expanded considerably; however, the evidence base for the introduction of these roles is limited.Aim: This study aimed to identify the managerial and developmental issues affecting those in innovative roles.Methodological design: A self‐completion postal questionnaire was distributed to all innovative role holders in Northern Ireland, 450 responses were analysed. This survey was the second phase of a larger investigation into innovative roles in nursing and midwifery.Instrument: The questionnaire that had been developed for the ‘Exploring New Roles in Practice’ project was adapted for use in this study.Ethical issues: The explanatory letter sent to potential participants clearly detailed that informed consent was assumed on receipt of a completed questionnaire and gave contact details for the research team. The confidentiality and anonymity of responses were assured.Results: Most participants (65%) stated that their innovative role had commenced since the year 2000. There was evidence of preparation for these roles including the development of job descriptions and protocols. Nevertheless, there were issues noted relating to resource allocation and replacement when the role holder was absent. The importance of role evaluation was highlighted, with some participants noting their role had not been assessed since its inception. Support provided by managers and colleagues was key to ensuring role effectiveness. Participants reported high levels of job satisfaction.Limitations: Innovative role holders were identified by managers in their employing organization: therefore the research team could not verify that all existing innovative roles were included in the study. Innovative roles in private and voluntary sectors were not included.Conclusions: The evolution of innovative nursing and midwifery roles has been considerable worldwide and they engender job satisfaction to those occupants them. Results support international literature showing that adequate support, especially from administrators, is significant to ensuring the success of new roles. Furthermore, the careful planning for innovative role development and evaluation are important in ensuring the role is effective.
Sheltered housing compared to independent housing in the community
Authors: Van Bilsen Pascalle M.A. , Hamers Jan P.H. , Groot Wim , Spreeuwenberg Cor 
Published: May 2008

Background: With elderly people desiring to live independently as long as possible, traditional homes for the elderly are increasingly being transformed into sheltered accommodations. In order to assess the importance of housing for frail elderly people, elderly people at risk for institutionalization were studied in two living conditions: sheltered accommodation and living independently in the community.Methods: A total of 317 elderly people at risk for institutionalization [91 men and 240 women, mean age = 83.3 (SD = 6.0)] were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with questions regarding home care and social service use, quality of life, subjective well‐being, life satisfaction, autonomy, functional status, feelings of insecurity and loneliness.Results: Exactly 56.5% of the respondents were living in sheltered accommodation (n = 179) and 43.5% (n = 138) were living in regular houses. Although both groups were similar in demographic details and functional status, those in sheltered accommodation had a higher perceived autonomy, sense of security and quality of life. No differences were found with regard to subjective well‐being or feelings of loneliness. Elderly people in regular houses needed more hours of housekeeping assistance. Those in sheltered accommodation participated more frequently in services like social activities and social restaurants, but made less use of day care facilities.Conclusions: Affordable, decent and suitable noninstitutional housing with service provision play a vital role in the lives of elderly people. Compared with independent living in the community, sheltered accommodations provide added value. Sheltered housing should therefore be an integral part of long‐term care policy.
Aging‐related changes in astrocytes in the rat retina: imbalance between cell proliferation and cell death reduces astrocyte availability
Authors: Mansour Hussein , Chamberlain Coral G. , Weible II Michael W. , Hughes Suzanne , Chu Yi , Chan‐Ling Tailoi 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in astrocyte density, morphology, proliferation and apoptosis occurring in the central nervous system during physiological aging. Astrocytes in retinal whole‐mount preparations from Wistar rats aged 3 (young adult) to 25 months (aged) were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively following immunofluorohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100 and Pax2 were used to identify astrocytes, and blood vessels were localized usingGriffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4. Cell proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and cell death by TUNEL‐labelling and immunolocalization of the apoptosis markers active caspase 3 and endonuclease G. The density and total number of parenchymal astrocytes in the retina increased between 3 and 9 months of age but decreased markedly between 9 and 12 months. Proliferation of astrocytes was detected at 3 months but virtually ceased beyond that age, whereas the proportion of astrocytes that were TUNEL positive and relative expression of active caspase 3 and endonuclease G increased progressively with aging. In addition, in aged retinas astrocytes exhibited gliosis‐like morphology and loss of Pax2 reactivity. A small population of Pax2+/GFAP−cells was detected in both young adult and aged retinas. The reduction in the availability of astrocytes in aged retinas and other aging‐related changes reported here may have a significant impact on the ability of astrocytes to maintain homeostasis and support neuronal function in old age.
Cellular conditioning with trichostatin A enhances the anti‐stress response through up‐regulation of HDAC4 and down‐regulation of the IGF/Akt pathway
Authors: Chu Fei , Chou Pauline , Mirkin Bernard L. , Mousa Shaker A. , Rebbaa Abdelhadi 
Published: May 2008

SummaryEvidence is accumulating that chromatin plays a major role in the control of cellular response to stress. This is best illustrated by the recent findings that chromatin‐modifying factors of class III histone deacetylases (sirtuins) are capable of protecting cells from oxidative and genotoxic stress. In particular, Sirt1 has been shown to mimic the action of caloric restriction for the prevention of aging‐associated diseases. In the present study, we have investigated the potential role of class I and II histone deacetylases (HDACs) in cellular protection against various stresses, including those caused by nutrient deprivation. For this, we utilized a cellular model in which expression of class I and II HDACs was altered as a result of cellular adaptation to trichostatin A (TSA), a selective inhibitor of these deacetylases. Our results indicated that TSA‐resistant cells also developed resistance to H2O2, DNA‐damaging agents, and to nutrient deprivation. Interestingly, the insulin signaling pathway mediated by Akt was inhibited in the TSA‐resistant cells, mirroring the effect of glucose deprivation on this pathway. Since expression of HDAC4 was consistently enhanced in the TSA‐resistant cell lines, we suggest that this enzyme may contribute to their anti‐stress response. In agreement with this, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of HDAC4 in stress‐resistant cells enhanced their sensitivity to the DNA‐damaging drug doxorubicin and also to glucose deprivation. Akt phosphorylation was also up‐regulated in response to HDC4 knockdown. Together, these findings suggest that cellular conditioning with TSA may represent a useful approach to mimic the effects of caloric restriction.
Stem Cell Review Series: Regulating highly potent stem cells in aging: environmental influences on plasticity
Authors: Edelberg Jay M. , Ballard Victoria L. T. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySignificant advances in the past decade have revealed that a large number of highly plastic stem cells are maintained in humans through adulthood and are present even in older adults. These findings are notable in light of the reduced capacity for repair and regeneration in older tissues. The apparent dichotomy can be reconciled through an appreciation of the age‐associated changes in the microenvironmental pathways that govern adult stem cell plasticity and differentiation patterns. Specifically, the recent identification of the age‐related loss of the local platelet‐derived growth factor signals that promote the induction of cardiac myocytes from Oct‐3/4+ bone marrow stem cells, rather than impairment in the stem cells themselves, provides a template for understanding and targeting the environmental pathways underlying the regenerative capacity of older tissues and organs. It is projected that this paradigm extends to the overall regulation of adult stem cell biology, shifting the balance from tissue generation during development and maturation to the prevention of untoward stem cell differentiation with aging.