bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized prospective trial evaluating testosterone, haemoglobin kinetics and quality of life, during and after 12 months of androgen deprivation after prostatectomy: results from the Postoperative Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation trial
Authors: Black Peter C. , Basen‐Engquist Karen , Wang Xuemei , Swartz Richard J. , Eddings Teresa , Matin Surena F. , Swanson David , Wood Christopher G. , Pisters Louis L. , Babaian Richard J. , Troncoso Patricia , Pettaway Curtis A. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess testosterone and haemoglobin kinetics in the Postoperative Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation (PAAD) trial, and correlate these with quality of life (QoL) in this prospective randomized study.PATIENTS AND METHODSForty‐three patients met the criteria for high‐risk cancer after RRP (Gleason score ≥ 8, pT3c or Gleason score 7 concomitant with pT3a/b and positive surgical margins) and were prospectively randomized to either observation or AD for 12 months. Haemoglobin and testosterone levels were determined and QoL surveyed at regular intervals for 24 months.RESULTSSerum testosterone levels were castrate in 19 of 21 treated patients at 3 months and all at 6 months after starting AD. Levels failed to return to normal at 6 months after stopping treatment in six of 16 (38%) patients, and at 12 months in three of 17 (18%). AD caused a delay in the recovery of haemoglobin levels to normal after RRP. There was no statistically significant decline in the Short Form‐36 QoL score with AD. Scores on the University of California‐Los Angeles Sexual Functioning Scale were decreased during AD, but returned to a level not statistically significantly different from controls after stopping treatment.CONCLUSIONA year of adjuvant AD after RRP affected serum haemoglobin, testosterone and sexual function reversibly, with return to control levels within the subsequent year in most patients. No significant effect on overall QoL with AD was detected in the study.
Prognostic significance of p27Kip1 expression in bladder cancer
Authors: Rabbani Farhang , Koppie Theresa M. , Charytonowicz Elizabeth , Drobnjak Marija , Bochner Bernard H. , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos 
Published: June 2007

The importance of markers in urological cancer is well recognised and many attempts are being made to find one which will be of prognostic significance. Authors from New York found that low expression of p27Kip1 in patients with bladder cancer was a significant predictor of pelvic recurrence, progression to metastasis and death.Authors from Switzerland examined patients with a primary solitary distal ureteric TCC; they found that distal ureteric resection in such patients is feasible, and that the long‐term oncological outcome appears to be comparable to more radical treatment of this condition.OBJECTIVETo define the prognostic significance of p27Kip1 expression in bladder cancer for overall, disease‐specific, metastasis‐free and pelvic recurrence‐free survival, and to identify clinical and pathological correlates of p27Kip1 immunophenotypes.PATIENTS AND METHODSTumour samples from 128 evaluable patients with bladder cancer were assessed by immunohistochemistry for p27Kip1 and E2F‐1 expression. Immunoreactivity of p27Kip1 was correlated with clinicopathological variables, E2F‐1 immunoreactivity, and outcome. Multivariate analysis was used to assess predictors of outcome. The median follow‐up was 30.9 months overall and 105.7 months in the 32 patients alive at the last follow‐up.RESULTSThe fraction of tumour cells with p27Kip1 nuclear immunoreactivity was <5% in 15, 5–25% in 30, 25–50% in 19, 50–75% in 51, and ≥ 75% in 13 patients. High‐grade tumours and those with lower E2F‐1 nuclear reactivity had a lower mean percentage p27Kip1 reactivity (P = 0.047 and 0.011, respectively). On multivariate analysis, the percentage p27Kip1 reactivity was a significant independent predictor of pelvic recurrence (P = 0.017), progression to metastases (P = 0.046), death from disease (P = 0.008), and death from any cause (P = 0.017), with a low expression portending a worse prognosis. Suspicion of vascular invasion was a significant independent predictor of progression to metastases (P = 0.002), death from disease, and death from any cause (both P < 0.001). Lymph node involvement was a significant independent predictor of progression to metastases (P = 0.006).CONCLUSIONSLow expression of p27Kip1 was a significant independent predictor of pelvic recurrence, progression to metastasis, death from disease and death from any cause, in patients with bladder cancer.
Bladder and urethral function in pelvic organ prolapsed lysyl oxidase like‐1 knockout mice
Authors: Liu Guiming , Daneshgari Firouz , Li Mei , Lin Danli , Lee Una , Li Tiansen , Damaser Margot S. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVESTo examine bladder and urethral function in pelvic organ prolapsed lysyl oxidase like‐1 (LOXL1) knockout mice.MATERIALS AND METHODSFemale parous Loxl1 −/− mice in the stable phase of prolapse, and age‐matched wild type (WT) mice (six each) had conscious cystometry, leak‐point pressure (LPP) testing, and contractile responses assessed of their bladder muscle strips to KCl, electrical‐field stimulation, ATP, and carbachol.RESULTS Loxl1 −/− mice voided more frequently and had lower mean (sem) bladder capacity, at 0.10 (0.01) vs 0.20 (0.01) mL, and voiding pressure, at 25.0 (1.90) vs 36.6 (4.04) cmH2O, respectively, during cystometry than had WT mice. The LPP was not significantly different between WT and Loxl1 −/− mice, at 7.05 (0.81) vs 5.22 (1.23) cmH2O, respectively. There were no significant differences between bladder strips from Loxl1 −/− mice and WT mice in their responsiveness to various stimuli.CONCLUSIONS Loxl1 −/− knockout mice had lower urinary tract dysfunction, most likely due to urethral dysfunction. Loxl1 −/− knockout mice can be used as an animal model for pelvic floor disorders. Further studies are needed to characterize the morphological and molecular alterations of the bladder and urethra.
The prevalence of newly diagnosed hyperlipidaemia in men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Smith Nicholas J. , Sak Sei C. , Baldo Omer , Eardley Ian 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo determine the prevalence of newly diagnosed hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia in patients presenting to an andrology clinic with erectile dysfunction (ED), and to assess the relationship between serum lipid levels and the severity of ED.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 199 consecutive men attending an ED clinic were assessed for risk factors for ED; patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)‐15 questionnaire and provided venous blood samples for assaying fasting total cholesterol and total triglyceride levels. The proportion of newly diagnosed hyperlipidaemia in patients presenting with ED was calculated and related to patient age, total IIEF score and severity of ED.RESULTSUsing a threshold of 5.0 mmol/L, there was newly diagnosed hypercholesterolaemia in 40% of the men, while there was undiagnosed hypertriglyceridaemia (>2 mmol/L) in 29% of the population. There was no clear correlation between patient age and the fasting lipid levels, and no association between total IIEF‐15 score or severity of ED and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.CONCLUSIONThis study shows the high prevalence of undiagnosed hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia in men presenting with ED. The opportunity to screen for and treat these risk factors has long‐term benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease in this group of patients.
Naturally produced crystals obtained from kidney stones are less injurious to renal tubular epithelial cells than synthetic crystals
Authors: Escobar Carla , Byer Karen J. , Khan Saeed R. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo determine the differences in cell responses to synthetic and biological crystals of calcium oxalate (CaOx) and brushiteMATERIALS AND METHODSNephrolithiasis depends on crystal retention within the kidneys, often promoted by crystal attachment to the injured renal epithelium; studies often use various crystals that might be injurious to cells and cause the exposure of crystal binding molecules on cell surfaces, thus promoting crystal attachment and retention. The synthetic crystals used in these studies might be more injurious than the biological crystals naturally produced in the kidneys and that form kidney stones. We exposed the renal epithelial cell line NRK 52E in vitro to CaOx or brushite crystals at 67 or 133 µg/cm2 for 3 or 6 h. Synthetic crystals were purchased and the biocrystals were obtained by pulverizing CaOx and brushite stones. We determined the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 8‐isoprostane (8‐IP), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), as markers of injury, oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively. Cells were also examined after trypan blue staining to determine their membrane integrity. We also examined crystals of CaOx by scanning electron microscopy both in the native state as well as after decalcification.RESULTSExposure to both the synthetic and biological crystals resulted in a significant increase in LDH release and trypan blue staining, as a sign of crystal‐induced injury. There was increased production of H2O2 and 8‐IP, suggesting the development of oxidative stress. In addition MCP‐1 production was also significantly increased. However, the synthetic crystals caused significantly higher increases in all the indicators than the biological crystals.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that even though both synthetic and naturally produced biocrystals invoke a response from the renal epithelial cells, the latter are significantly less injurious and inflammatory. Exposure to low concentrations of these crystals alone might not invoke an inflammatory response, cause the uncovering of crystal binding molecules on epithelial cell surfaces, and promote crystal attachment and retention.
Renal injury during shock wave lithotripsy is significantly reduced by slowing the rate of shock wave delivery
Authors: Evan Andrew P. , McAteer James A. , Connors Bret A. , Blomgren Philip M. , Lingeman James E. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the tissue protection afforded by simply reducing the rate of shock wave (SW) delivery, compared with studies in the pig in which SW lithotripsy (SWL)‐induced vascular damage was significantly reduced by initiating treatment using low‐amplitude SWs.MATERIALS AND METHODSJuvenile pigs (6–7 weeks old) were treated with an unmodified lithotripter (HM3, Dornier Medical Systems, Kennesaw, GA) at either 120 or 30 SW/min. Treatment was to one kidney per pig, with SWs (2000, 24 kV) directed to a lower‐pole calyx. After treatment, parenchymal haemorrhage was determined morphometrically and expressed as percentage of functional renal volume (%FRV).RESULTSKidneys treated at 120 SW/min had focal to extensive subcapsular haematomas. Parenchymal lesions were found only at the lower pole, but included regions within renal papillae and the cortex. Occasionally, damage extended across the full thickness of the kidney. The lesion in the pigs treated at 120 SW/min occupied a mean (sd) of 4.6 (1.7) %FRV. Kidneys of pigs treated at 30 SW/min showed no surface bleeding. Parenchymal haemorrhage was limited to papillae within the focal volume, and measured 0.08 (0.02) %FRV, a significant (P < 0.005) reduction in injury.CONCLUSIONSSlowing the rate of delivery to 30 SW/min has a dramatic protective effect on the integrity of the kidney vasculature. This finding in our established pig model suggests a potential strategy to improve the safety of lithotripsy. As it was shown that a reduced SW rate also improves the efficiency of stone fragmentation, a slow rate appears to be a means to improve both the safety and efficacy of SWL.
The future magnitude of urological symptoms in the USA: projections using the Boston Area Community Health survey
Authors: Litman Heather J. , McKinlay John B. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo use the population‐based data from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey to estimate the likely magnitude (prevalence) of urological symptoms in the USA population in 2025, as health‐services researchers use projections of the likely magnitude of disease to inform decisions on the future allocation of health resources.METHODSAge and gender‐specific prevalence rates from BACH were combined with USA population projections to estimate the likely magnitude of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and symptoms suggestive of urine leakage, painful bladder syndrome (PBlS) and prostatitis (men only).RESULTSIn total and accounting for overlapping symptoms, 52 million adults in the USA will have symptoms of LUTS, urine leakage, PBlS or prostatitis in 2025. These urological symptoms have a large impact on physical and mental aspects of quality of life, that is comparable to other chronic conditions.CONCLUSIONSThe future magnitude of symptoms indicative of these four urological conditions might reach the current level of cardiovascular disease in the USA, which is considered ‘a modern epidemic.’ Our projections have important implications for medical education, training of healthcare providers, health‐services research, and policy and patient education.
Angiotensin II plays a role in acute murine experimental autoimmune cystitis
Authors: Phull Hardeep , Salkini Mohamad , Purves Todd , Funk Joel , Copeland Duan , Comiter Craig V. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVESTo investigate whether angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonism decreases the inflammation and oedema in acute murine experimental autoimmune cystitis (EAC), as interstitial cystitis (IC) might have an autoimmune component and AII has been implicated in autoimmune‐mediated vascular congestion, oedema and scarring.MATERIALS AND METHODSFemale Balb/cAN mice were divided into three treatment groups (eight in each group) that were autoimmunized with bladder homogenate to induce EAC. One group received an AII type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonist, one group an AII type 2 receptor (AT2) antagonist, and one group remained untreated (EAC). A control and sham‐injected group were also included. After 10 weeks, bladders were removed, sectioned, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin.RESULTSGrossly, there was no thickening or adhesions in the bladders of the control or sham‐injected mice. In five of seven surviving EAC bladders, there were dense adhesions to surrounding peritoneal structures. There were also adhesions and bladder thickening in all of the AT2antagonist‐treated mice (though in a milder form) but in only two of seven surviving AT1antagonist‐treated mice. There was no inflammation or oedema in the sham and control groups. All the EAC bladders were inflamed, with submucosal oedema and urothelial detachment from the lamina propria. In the AT1antagonist‐treated mice there was no inflammation or oedema. By contrast, all AT2antagonist‐treated mice had moderate inflammation and minor detachment of the urothelium from the lamina propria.CONCLUSIONSAT1receptor blockade ameliorated the inflammatory infiltration, submucosal oedema, and urothelial detachment associated with EAC in mice. This was achieved to a lesser extent by AT2receptor blockade. If some patients with IC have a pathophysiology similar to that of EAC mice, there might be potential benefit from AII receptor blockade.
A new transportable shock‐wave lithotripsy machine for managing urinary stones: a single‐centre experience with a dual‐focus lithotripter
Authors: De Sio Marco , Autorino Riccardo , Quarto Giuseppe , Mordente Salvatore , Giugliano Francesco , Di Giacomo Ferdinando , Neri Fabio , Quattrone Carmelo , Sorrentino Domenico , De Domenico Renato , D’Armiento Massimo 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of a transportable extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) machine, the Modulith SLX‐F2TM (Storz Medical Italia, Rome, Italy), in the management of solitary urinary calculi.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 233 patients (mean age 51 years; 172 male, 61 female) with symptomatic solitary renal (group A, 170, mean diameter 15.5 mm) or ureteric stones (group B, 63, mean diameter 9.5 mm) treated in a tertiary care institution. Exclusion criteria for the analysis were: pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction, multiple stones, stone diameter >2 cm, stones in a lower calyx with unfavourable anatomy, active infection, or impacted ureteric stones. Selected patients had ureteric stenting before treatment, and all patients were treated with no anaesthesia. Hospitalization, complications and subsequent auxiliary procedures were evaluated. Patients were assessed after a single ESWL session and after 3 months by a plain abdominal film and renal ultrasonography. Stone‐free status was defined as no evidence of calculi, and clinical success as the presence of stone fragments of <4 mm. An efficiency quotient (EQ) was calculated for the ESWL treatment. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale.RESULTSThe mean number of shocks used was 3779 and the mean (range) treatment time was 35 (5–55) min. The overall clinical success rate after one ESWL session was 83.7% and 82.5% for renal and ureteric stones, respectively, and the overall 3‐month stone‐free rate was 77% and 74.6%, respectively; the overall EQ was 0.64. When risk factors for persistent calculi were analysed simultaneously in a logistic regression model, only stones of >1 cm were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Most patients reported that pain during ESWL was mild to moderate and easily tolerated. Only minor complications occurred, with an overall complication rate of 3.8%.CONCLUSIONSThis transportable lithotripter is a safe and effective device for managing solitary stones throughout the urinary tract. Its main advantage is represented by the dual‐focus system. Moreover, it shares with other contemporary machines several important features such as outpatient setting, no need for anaesthesia, easy patient positioning, and the capability of ancillary procedures.
Digital Mosaic Frameworks ‐ An Overview
Authors: Battiato S. , Di Blasi G. , Farinella G. M. , Gallo G. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract Art often provides valuable hints for technological innovations especially in the field of Image Processing and Computer Graphics. In this paper we survey in a unified framework several methods to transform raster input images into good quality mosaics. For each of the major different approaches in literature the paper reports a short description and a discussion of the most relevant issues. To complete the survey comparisons among the different techniques both in terms of visual quality and computational complexity are provided.
Expeditious Modelling of Virtual Urban Environments with Geospatial L‐systems
Authors: Coelho A. , Bessa M. , Sousa A. Augusto , Ferreira F. Nunes 
Published: June 2007

AbstractL‐systems have been used in Computer Graphics, namely for modelling plants, as well as in a few experiments to model urban environments. However, the lack of geospatial awareness is a limitation and in spite of some developments like open L‐systems, that introduced the ability to communicate with the environment, there was a need for more flexibility. This paper presents Geospatial L‐systems, a new extension of L‐systems that incorporates geospatial awareness, and shows an application in the area of expeditious modelling of urban environments. A modelling system, named XL3D, generates virtual urban environments automatically from a XML based document that contains a modelling specification and accesses data sources in an interoperable way. The integration of geospatial L‐systems in this modelling system has increased the potential for automation and the potential to generate virtual urban environments with a higher level of detail and visual fidelity, with a lower level of complexity of the modelling processes. These facts are shown in a case study where a virtual urban environment, taken from an area in the Porto downtown, is generated by this solution.
Data‐driven Tetrahedral Mesh Subdivision
Authors: Rodríguez L. , Navazo I. , Vinacua À. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract Given a tetrahedral mesh immersed in a voxel model, we present a method to refine the mesh to reduce the discrepancy between interpolated values based on either scheme at arbitrary locations. An advantage of the method presented is that it requires few subdivisions and all decisions are made locally at each tetrahedron. We discuss the algorithm's performance and applications.
THEORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME: THE UNIFICATION OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Authors: Vrooman John 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTEuropean football is in a spiral of intra‐league and inter‐league polarization of talent and wealth. The invariance proposition is revisited with adaptations for win‐maximizing sportsman owners facing an uncertain Champions League prize. Sportsman and champion effects have driven European football clubs to the edge of insolvency and polarized competition throughout Europe. Revenue revolutions and financial crises of the Big Five leagues are examined and estimates of competitive balance are compared. The European Super League completes the open‐market solution after Bosman. A 30‐team Super League is proposed based on the National Football League.
BROADCASTING AND TEAM SPORTS
Authors: Noll Roger G. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTTelevision rights are the largest component of revenues for major sports in large, rich nations. Among these nations, the market structure for rights varies due to different competition policies toward sports and television. This essay examines how game coverage, revenues, and competitive balance are affected by competition in commercial television and sales of rights. It argues that consumers are better off if television is competitive and leagues do not centralize rights sales. We conclude that centralization of rights sales does not improve competitive balance or benefit financially weak teams. Finally, while digital telecommunications are making television competitive, ending centralization of sales by leagues requires policy intervention.
Fluid systems and basin evolution of the western Lower Saxony Basin, Germany
Authors: MUÑOZ Y. ADRIASOLA , LITTKE R. , BRIX M. R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe western Lower Saxony Basin is characterized by magnetic and gravity anomalies and an unusually strong coalification of surface‐near sedimentary rocks, indicating that high temperatures were reached in the past. The temperature history of the basin has been disputed for many years leading basically to two different hypotheses: one proposes igneous intrusion during Mid Cretaceous time, causing the high maturity in this area, whereas the other theory explained the coalification as a result of deep burial during late Jurassic and early Cretaceous times. Petrographical data are summarized which show the maturity distribution within the basin, reflecting maximum palaeotemperature conditions. This maturity distribution is visualized along three cross sections of up to 50 km length, as well as the palaeotemperature distribution for six time steps. Furthermore, geochemical data on petroleum source rocks are presented which indicate early mature/immature type I/II kerogen in Wealden and Posidonia Shales and mature/overmature type III kerogen in the coal‐bearing Upper Carboniferous. Fluid inclusion compositions in quartz crystals are highly variable ranging from liquid to gaseous, and gas compositions are also variable. These data were interpreted in the context of burial history. This study provides new data and numerical models with the intention to clarify the cause of the high coalification in the basin. 2D structural and basin modelling along three cross sections, combined with new fluid inclusion measurements and results of previous coalification studies, 1D modelling, and fission track dating demonstrate high heat flow during the Late Jurassic extension stage followed by a deep burial of the basin during the Early Cretaceous, associated with only moderate heat flows. The presence of an igneous intrusion of Cretaceous age is not supported. Furthermore, timing of hydrocarbon generation from the three major source rocks is discussed.