bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of gelatine matrix‐thrombin sealants used during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Nogueira Lucas , Katz Darren , Pinochet Rodrigo , Kurta Jordan M. , Coleman Jonathan A. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare haemostasis and other outcomes after the use of bovine‐derived or porcine‐derived gelatine matrix‐thrombin sealants (GMTS) in a continuous series of patients during and for 6 months after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween October 2006 and September 2007, a consecutive sample of 35 patients with renal tumours underwent LPN by a single surgeon at a referral centre. Group 1 (25 patients) received a bovine‐derived GMTS and Group 2 (10 patients) a porcine‐derived GMTS. All patients underwent LPN and received one of the two GMTS, applied to the resected bed before sutured renorrhaphy over oxidized nitrocellulose bolsters. Surgical and pathology variables, including ischaemia time, blood loss, tumour size, and serum creatinine values before and after LPN, were measured. Glomerular filtration rates were calculated before and after LPN. Haemostasis was ascertained by visual examination.RESULTSIntraoperative haemostasis was achieved in all cases. No associated complications occurred within 3 weeks of LPN. The two groups were comparable in age (median, 65 vs 69 years, P = 0.62), gender, tumour number and location, median ischaemia time (34 vs 28 min, P = 0.148), and blood loss (200 vs 150 mL, P = 0.518). One patient in Group 1 developed a urinary fistula. One patient in Group 2 experienced self‐limited gross haematuria.CONCLUSIONSBoth the porcine‐ and bovine‐derived agents provided acceptable haemostasis without adverse events during LPN and in the early postoperative period. Occurrences of delayed haemorrhage and urinary fistula were not likely to be related to the choice of prothrombotic agent.
Radical prostatectomy for prostatic adenocarcinoma: a matched comparison of open retropubic and robot‐assisted techniques
Authors: Krambeck Amy E. , DiMarco David S. , Rangel Laureano J. , Bergstralh Eric J. , Myers Robert P. , Blute Michael L. , Gettman Matthew T. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the perioperative complications and early oncological results in a comparative study matching open radical retropubic (RRP) and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) groups.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom August 2002 to December 2005 we identified 294 patients undergoing RARP for clinically localized prostate cancer. A comparison RRP group of 588 patients from the same period was matched 2:1 for surgical year, age, preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level, clinical stage and biopsy Gleason grade. Perioperative complications were compared. Patients completed a standardized quality‐of‐life questionnaire. Pathological features were assessed and Kaplan‐Meier estimates of biochemical progression‐free survival (PFS) were compared.RESULTSThere was no significant difference in overall perioperative complications between the RARP and RRP groups (8.0% vs 4.8%, P = 0.064). Wound herniation was more common after RARP (1.0% vs none, P = 0.038), and development of bladder neck contracture was more common after RRP (1.2% vs 4.6%; P < 0.018). The hospital stay was less after RARP (29.3% vs 19.4%, P = 0.004, for a stay of 1 day). At the 1‐year follow‐up there was no significant difference in continence (RARP 91.8%, RRP 93.7%, P = 0.344) or potency (RARP 70.0%, RRP 62.8%, P = 0.081) rates. The biochemical PFS was no different between treatments at 3 years (RARP 92.4%, RRP 92.2%; P = 0.69).CONCLUSIONThere was no significant difference in overall early complication, long‐term continence or potency rates between the RARP and RRP techniques. Furthermore, early oncological outcomes were similar, with equivalent margin positivity and PFS between the groups.
Decreased immunostaining for macrophage scavenger receptor is associated with poor prognosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Takayama Hitoshi , Nonomura Norio , Nishimura Kazuo , Oka Daizo , Shiba Masahiro , Nakai Yasutomo , Nakayama Masashi , Tsujimura Akira , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of the macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR) in prostate needle biopsy specimens as a possible prognostic factor for prostate cancer. As MSR reportedly has a role in recognizing foreign pathogenic substances, MSR‐positive inflammatory cells are often detected in solid tumours, and there is a correlation between the relative risk of prostate cancer and polymorphism of the MSR gene.PATIENTS AND METHODSMSR was evaluated by immunostaining in needle biopsies of the prostate from 135 patients who were confirmed to have prostate cancer. Among these men, 70 were treated by radical prostatectomy or by radiotherapy as definitive therapy; the other 65 were treated by hormonal therapy because of advanced disease or age. Needle‐biopsy specimens were sectioned at 5 µm and immunostained with a monoclonal antibody against MSR. Six microscopic (×400) fields around the cancer foci were selected in each case for analysis.RESULTSThe median number of MSR‐positive cells (MSR count) in each case was 24. There was an inverse correlation between the MSR count and Gleason score and clinical stage. The MSR count was lower in patients with biochemical (prostate‐specific antigen, PSA) failure than that in those with no PSA failure (P < 0.001). In all patients, the recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rate was significantly higher in those with a high MSR count (≥24) than that in those with low MSR count (<24, P < 0.001). Moreover, for patients treated by definitive or hormonal therapy, the RFS rates in those with a higher MSR count were higher than in those with a lower MSR count (P < 0.001 and 0.014, respectively). Cox multivariate analysis showed that the MSR count was a prognostic factor for prostate cancer in addition to extraprostatic extension and Gleason score (P = 0.002, 0.038 and 0.011, respectively).CONCLUSIONThe results of immunostaining of MSR in needle‐biopsy specimens is a prognostic factor for prostate cancer.
Reconstruction of urethral erosion in men with a neurogenic bladder
Authors: Meeks Joshua J. , Erickson Bradley A. , Helfand Brian T. , Gonzalez Chris M. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVETo describe the surgical outcomes and operative technique for reconstructing catheter‐induced urethral erosion in men with a neurogenic bladder.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was a prospective study of 11 men (median age 45 years, range 26–52) who had elective urethroplasty for urethral erosion between 2004 and 2007 by one surgeon (C.M.G.). All men had a diagnosis of neurogenic bladder and indwelling catheter‐induced urethral erosion. Reconstructive techniques included primary closure in six men, substitution urethroplasty with a penile skin graft in three, penile skin flap in one and a buccal mucosa graft in one. A two‐stage approach was used in one man.RESULTSThe median (range) length of erosion from the meatus before surgery was 6 (4–10) cm. The repair was successful in seven men at a mean (range) follow‐up of 25 (8–46) months. Of those with recurrence of erosion, the median length of the resultant defect was 2 (2–3) cm. All recurrences were in the first five patients of this series. The median time to recurrence of erosion was 1 month and recurrence did not appear to be related to any particular surgical technique. Urethral catheter traction after surgery appeared to be one of the factors related to repair breakdown.CONCLUSIONThe reconstruction of catheter‐induced urethral erosion in men with a neurogenic bladder is feasible. Primary closure appears to be the best reconstructive method for urethral erosion, and avoiding catheter traction after surgery contributes to successful urethroplasty.
Anin vitrostudy on human ureteric smooth muscle with the α1‐adrenoceptor subtype blocker, tamsulosin
Authors: Rajpathy John , Aswathaman Karthikeyan , Sinha Maneesh , Subramani Sathya , Gopalakrishnan Ganesh , Kekre Nitin S. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of tamsulosin on ureteric contractions and its effects on the basal tone of human ureteric specimens, as clinical trials with tamsulosin have shown promising results in the spontaneous expulsion of lower ureteric calculus, but the mechanism of action of tamsulosin in the expulsion of ureteric calculus has not been elucidated inin‐vitrostudies on human ureters.MATERIALS AND METHODSHuman mid‐ureteric specimens were obtained from live kidney donors. The specimen was transported in Krebs’ solution and the isometric contraction of human ureteric smooth muscle was recorded in the presence of tamsulosin. Ureteric rings from 19 kidney donors were studied.RESULTSAt 100 µmtamsulosin the frequency of ureteric contraction was blocked completely, or the contraction frequency was reduced in 89% of specimens. There was no change in the frequency or in the amplitude of contraction in the remaining specimens. The basal tone of the ureter was reduced in 16% of the specimens.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that peristaltic activity in human ureteric smooth muscle is inhibited by tamsulosin. The effect of tamsulosin on basal tone is marginal.
Obesity status and sick leave: a systematic review
Authors: Neovius K. , Johansson K. , Kark M. , Neovius M. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThis review identified 36 studies on the relation between obesity status and sick leave. Pooling of effect estimates was not possible due to great heterogeneity between studies regarding definition of sick leave (short‐term/long‐term), measure of obesity (body mass index/waist circumference/percentage body fat), definition of obesity status (World Health Organization standards/other), study population (sex/age/occupation/country) and exposure and outcome ascertainment (self‐reported/objectively assessed). Nevertheless, a clear trend towards greater sick leave among obese compared with normal weight workers could be discerned, especially for spells of longer duration. In studies from the USA, which consistently reported about five times lower number of sick leave days per person‐year than European, obese workers had about 1–3 extra days of absence per person‐year compared with their normal weight counterparts. In European studies, the corresponding difference was about 10 d. For overweight workers the data were conflicting, indicating either increased or neutral level of sick leave compared with normal weight. Regarding underweight, the studies were very few and concerns regarding direction of causality were greater. Finally, in all four interventional studies identified substantial weight loss in obese subjects resulted in reduced sick leave, at least temporarily. In conclusion, increasing obesity in children and adults is likely to negatively affect future productivity as obesity increases the risk of sick leave, disability pension and death.
Energy recommendations for normal weight, overweight and obese children and adolescents: are different equations necessary?
Authors: Woodruff S. J. , Hanning R. M. , Barr S. I. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryIn 2002/2005, separate energy requirement equations were generated by the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Dietary Reference Intake process for normal weight and overweight/obese children and adolescents. The current paper questions the theoretical rationale of having two sets of equations (based solely on body‐weight classification): when body weight is considered, overweight and obese children and adolescents do not seem to differ from their normal weight counterparts in energy expended for basal metabolism or physical activity tasks. However, energy needs for weight maintenance among overweight/obese girls were consistently higher when predicted using the equations for overweight/obese individuals compared with those developed for normal weight individuals. In contrast, among overweight/obese boys, they were consistently lower. Although the differences are within the variability of the estimates, even theoretical support for a higher energy intake (as occurs in girls) seems unwise because of the potential contribution to a higher body mass in children who are already at risk. It is the opinion of the authors that the IOM revisit the use of two separate equations and generate one set that is appropriate for all children and adolescents.
Physiological response to a speech stressor presented in a virtual reality environment
Authors: Kotlyar Michael , Donahue Christopher , Thuras Paul , Kushner Matt G. , O'Gorman Natalie , Smith Erin A , Adson David E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe feasibility of using virtual reality (VR) technology to induce a physiological response to stress was assessed in 12 volunteers during a laboratory session in which each participant completed a speech task within a VR environment and a math task outside the VR environment. Both tasks were effective in eliciting a physiological response with significant increases observed in response to each stress task in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Increases in plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were observed during the speech task and in plasma epinephrine concentrations during the math task although these differences did not reach statistical significance. The use of VR technology may be a viable alternative to methods currently employed in presenting stressful tasks with the potential advantage of decreased variability in the audience response to the participants' performance.
Gender differences in behavioral inhibitory control: ERP evidence from a two‐choice oddball task
Authors: Yuan Jiajin , He Yuanyuan , Qinglin Zhang , Chen Antao , Li Hong 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe inhibition of inappropriate behaviors is important for adaptive living in changing environments. The present study investigated gender‐related behavioral inhibitory control by recording event‐related potentials for standard and deviant stimuli while subjects performed a standard/deviant distinction task by accurately pressing different keys within 1000 ms. The results showed faster reaction times (RTs) for deviant stimuli in women than in men, although RTs for standard stimuli were similar across genders. There were significant gender and stimulus interaction effects on mean amplitudes during each of the 170–230‐ms, 250–330‐ms, and 350–600‐ms intervals, and women exhibited shorter latencies and larger amplitudes than men at deviant‐related P2, N2, and P3 components. As an accurate, fast response to the rare deviant stimuli involves behavioral inhibitory control on the prepotent response whereas the response to the standard stimuli does not, it is clear that there is a general gender difference in behavioral control for human adults. This may relate to differential inhibitory demands by each gender during evolution.
Inhibition of Ang II and renal sympathetic nerve influence dopamine‐and isoprenaline‐induced renal haemodynamic changes in normal Wistar–Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Abdulla M. H. , Sattar M. A. , Abdullah N. A. , Hazim A. I. , Anand Swarup K. R. L. , Rathore H. A. , Khan Md. A. H. , Johns E. J. 
Published: September 2008

Summary 1 This study was undertaken to elucidate the effects of inhibiting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) with losartan, and acute unilateral renal denervation on renal haemodynamic responses to intrarenal administration of vasoconstrictor doses of dopamine and vasodilator doses of isoprenaline in Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). 2 Acute unilateral renal denervation of the left kidney in rats was confirmed by a drop in the renal vasoconstrictor response to renal nerve stimulation (P < 0.05) along with diuresis and natriuresis. Rats were pretreated with losartan for 7 days and thereafter animals fasted overnight were anaesthetized (sodium pentobarbitone, 60 mg/kg i.p.) and acute renal haemodynamic responses studied. 3 Dose–response curves were constructed for dopamine and isoprenaline that induced falls or increases in renal blood flow, respectively. It was observed that renal vascular responses were greater in the denervated as compared with rats with intact renal nerves (all P < 0.05). Dopamine‐induced renal vasoconstrictor responses were markedly lower in losartan‐treated denervated WKY and SHR compared with their untreated counterparts (all P < 0.05). It was also observed that in losartan‐treated and denervated WKY rats the vasodilatory responses to isoprenaline were markedly lower compared with untreated rats (all P < 0.05). However, in SHR, under the same conditions, there was no difference in the renal response to isoprenaline whether or not rats were treated with losartan (P > 0.05). 4 The data obtained showed that the renal vasoconstrictor effect of dopamine depends on intact renal nerves and RAS in WKY and SHR. Isoprenaline responses were likewise sensitive to renal denervation and RAS inhibition in WKY rats but not SHRs. Our observations reveal a possible relationship between renal AT1 receptors and α1‐adrenoceptors in WKY and SHR. There is also evidence to suggest an interaction between renal β‐adrenoceptors and AT1 receptors in WKY rats.
Group structure, mating system and extra‐group paternity in the co‐operatively breeding White‐breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurus
Authors: TEMPLE H. J. , HOFFMAN J. I. , AMOS W. 
Published: September 2008

Avian co‐operative breeders show a diverse range of social and reproductive systems. Here we combined microsatellite genotyping with field observations over three consecutive breeding seasons to investigate the social structure and mating system of the White‐breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurus. Co‐operative breeding was facultative in this species, with approximately one‐third of nests having helpers. Breeding groups comprised a pair of breeding adults and up to three helpers of either sex. Within co‐operative groups, age was associated with parentage in both sexes. Helpers were retained offspring and either rarely or never achieved parentage in current broods. There was no evidence of egg dumping and a relatively small percentage of chicks (7.5%,n = 67) were fathered by males from outside the co‐operative group. The White‐breasted Thrasher is a globally Endangered species with a very small and declining population. A captive breeding programme for this species is not recommended at present, but may become necessary in the future, and any such programme should take account of our findings regarding breeding behaviour and group structure.
Reduction of mitochondrial H2O2 by overexpressing peroxiredoxin 3 improves glucose tolerance in mice
Authors: Chen Liuji , Na Ren , Gu Mingjun , Salmon Adam B. , Liu Yuhong , Liang Hanyu , Qi Wenbo , Van Remmen Holly , Richardson Arlan , Ran Qitao 
Published: September 2008

SummaryH2O2 is a major reactive oxygen species produced by mitochondria that is implicated to be important in aging and pathogenesis of diseases such as diabetes; however, the cellular and physiological roles of mitochondrial H2O2 remain poorly understood. Peroxiredoxin 3 (Prdx3/Prx3) is a thioredoxin peroxidase localized in mitochondria. To understand the cellular and physiological roles of mitochondrial H2O2 in aging and pathogenesis of age‐associated diseases, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing Prdx3 (Tg(PRDX3) mice). Tg(PRDX3) mice overexpress Prdx3 in a broad range of tissues, and the Prdx3 overexpression occurs exclusively in the mitochondria. As a result of increased Prdx3 expression, mitochondria from Tg(PRDX3) mice produce significantly reduced amount of H2O2, and cells from Tg(PRDX3) mice have increased resistance to stress‐induced cell death and apoptosis. Interestingly, Tg(PRDX3) mice show improved glucose homeostasis, as evidenced by their reduced levels of blood glucose and increased glucose clearance. Tg(PRDX3) mice are also protected against hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance induced by high‐fat diet feeding. Our results further show that the inhibition of GSK3 may play a role in mediating the improved glucose tolerance phenotype in Tg(PRDX3) mice. Thus, our results indicate that reduction of mitochondrial H2O2 by overexpressing Prdx3 improves glucose tolerance.
Age‐related behaviors have distinct transcriptional profiles in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Golden Tamara R. , Hubbard Alan , Dando Caroline , Herren Michael A. , Melov Simon 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThere has been a great deal of interest in identifying potential biomarkers of aging. Biomarkers of aging would be useful to predict potential vulnerabilities in an individual that may arise well before they are chronologically expected, due to idiosyncratic aging rates that occur between individuals. Prior attempts to identify biomarkers of aging have often relied on the comparisons of long‐lived animals to a wild‐type control. However, the effect of interventions in model systems that prolong lifespan (such as single gene mutations or caloric restriction) can sometimes be difficult to interpret due to the manipulation itself having multiple unforeseen consequences on physiology, unrelated to aging itself. The search for predictive biomarkers of aging therefore is problematic, and the identification of metrics that can be used to predict either physiological or chronological age would be of great value. One methodology that has been used to identify biomarkers for numerous pathologies is gene expression profiling. Here, we report whole‐genome expression profiles of individual wild‐type Caenorhabditis elegans covering the entire wild‐type nematode lifespan. Individual nematodes were scored for either age‐related behavioral phenotypes, or survival, and then subsequently associated with their respective gene expression profiles. This facilitated the identification of transcriptional profiles that were highly associated with either physiological or chronological age. Overall, our approach serves as a paradigm for identifying potential biomarkers of aging in higher organisms that can be repeatedly sampled throughout their lifespan.
INSIDER TRADING, REGULATION, AND THE COMPONENTS OF THE BID–ASK SPREAD
Authors: Frijns Bart , Gilbert Aaron , Tourani‐Rad Alireza 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this article we investigate the relation between insider trading regulations and the bid–ask spread. We decompose the spread into its components before and after the enactment of strict new insider trading rules in New Zealand. We find that the enactment led to a significant decrease in the information asymmetry component of the spread, which is observed mainly in illiquid and high prechange information asymmetry companies. These findings are robust to model specification. In addition, we find a decrease in the contribution of information asymmetry to price volatility.
INFORMATION AND NOISE IN FINANCIAL MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM THE E‐MINI INDEX FUTURES
Authors: Kurov Alexander 
Published: September 2008

AbstractI examine the informational contributions and effects on transitory volatility of trades initiated by different types of traders in three actively traded index futures markets. The results show that trades initiated by exchange member firms account for more than 60% of price discovery during the trading day. These institutional trades appear to be more informative than trades of individual exchange members or off‐exchange traders. I also find that off‐exchange traders introduce more noise into the prices than do exchange members. My findings provide new evidence on the role of different types of traders in the price formation process.