bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bladder cancer biomarkers and their role in surveillance and screening
Authors: Van Tilborg Angela AG , Bangma Chris H , Zwarthoff Ellen C 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEarly detection of bladder cancer and its recurrences is essential for improved prognosis and long‐term survival. The detection and follow‐up of these patients is currently based on cystoscopy, which is expensive and invasive, and, in most cases, cytology, which is non‐invasive but not very sensitive. During recent years, many urine‐based tests have been developed and tested in different patient populations. In this review we discuss new developments for biomarkers in bladder cancer that have potential use in surveillance and screening. In almost all publications authors compare sensitivity of the test with a concomitantly executed cystoscopy, for example, determine cross‐sectional sensitivity. However, it has also been shown that false positive test results may be followed by a positive cystoscopy in the near future, showing that cystoscopy itself does not provide 100% sensitivity. This suggests that for a proper evaluation of urine‐based tests, longitudinal studies should be carried out and the results communicated to the urologist.
Current use of the artificial urinary sphincter and its long‐term durability: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Arai Yoichi , Takei Mineo , Nonomura Katsuya , Baba Shiro , Habuchi Tomonori , Matsuda Tadashi , Takahashi Satoru , Igawa Mikio , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Haruo 
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Although the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is one of the most effective surgical treatments for severe urinary incontinence, little is known about its use in Japan. A nationwide survey was done to determine contemporary trends in AUS use and its long‐term durability.Methods:  Data on AUS units sold in Japan were provided directly by Takai Hospital Supply Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, and a survey form was sent to all 44 institutes where AUS implantation had been carried out. The survey included various demographic and preoperative variables, surgical variables, and postoperative outcomes.Results:  Between 1994 and 2007, a total of 100 AUS devices had been provided in Japan. Of the 44 institutes, 24 responded to the survey, and a total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study. Post‐urological surgery incontinence accounted for 81.3% of the indications. During the mean follow‐up of 50 months, mechanical failure occurred in four (6.2%), and the device was removed in 13 (20.3%) due to infection (14.0%), erosion (4.7%), or urination difficulty (1.5%). Of the 58 patients evaluated, 91.4% reported social continence. Five‐ and 10‐year failure‐free rates were 74.8% and 70.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, operative time was an independent predictor of treatment failure (P = 0.0334).Conclusions:  Considering recent trends in prostate surgery, the AUS may be significantly underused in Japan. Although excellent long‐term durability has been achieved, a learning effect appears to be evident. The Japanese urological community needs to provide appropriate patients with this treatment option.
Incidence of inguinal hernia after prostate surgery: Open radical retropubic prostatectomy versus open simple prostatectomy versus transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Sekita Nobuyuki , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Kamijima Shuichi , Chin Kensei , Fujimura Masaaki , Mikami Kazuo , Ichikawa Tomohiko 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOur objective was to determine the incidence of inguinal hernia (IH) after surgery for prostatic diseases. Medical records of 395 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP; n = 155), open simple prostatectomy (OP; n = 35), or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP; n = 205) at the Chibaken Saiseikai Narashino Hospital from April 2000 to March 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. The incidence of IH was 23.9% in the RRP group, 18.9% in the OP group, and 2% in the TURP group. Overall, 91.9% in the RRP and 83.3% in the OP group developed an IH within 2 years postoperatively. The laterality of IH after open surgery was mainly on the right side. Subclinical IH were seen in 25% of RRP cases. The existence of subclinical IH was the only significant risk factor for postoperative IH in this analysis. Furthermore, OP and RRP procedures significantly increased the risk of postoperative IH compared with TURP. The hernia‐free ratios were significantly lower after RRP and OP than after TURP (vs RRP: P < 0.001; vs OP: P < 0.001). Our findings confirm that a lower abdominal incision itself is associated with postoperative IH in patients undergoing prostate surgery. Attention must be paid to pre‐existing subclinical IH through careful preoperative assessment. Patients should be followed for more than 2 years due to the high incidence of postoperative IH.
Scleral wrap increases the long‐term complication risk of bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants
Authors: Toh Tze'Yo , Bevin Tui H , Molteno Anthony CB 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  This study was prompted by previous findings that suggested that scleral wrapping increased the rate of complications following insertion of bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants and compared the long‐term results of implants inserted with and without scleral wraps.Methods:  This retrospective case series reviewed the long‐term outcomes of 159 patients who had undergone enucleation with insertion of a bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implant at Dunedin Hospital between 1977 and 2006. Implants were inserted with and without scleral wraps in 85 and 74 cases, respectively. Follow up was 0.5–27.5 years (mean 8.2 years) for the whole series and 9.7 years for the sclera group and 6.7 years for the group without sclera. Patient details were obtained from theatre records, case note review, patient interview and examination, interview of patient relatives and family general practitioner records. The main outcome measures were the rates of minor or major complications and their treatments and outcomes.Results:  Twenty‐seven cases (17%) suffered minor complications of limited implant exposure that either healed spontaneously, with implant drilling or wound resuturing and 11 cases (7%) suffered major complications requiring explantation. Of 38 patients with postoperative complications, 31 (82%) had scleral wraps compared with 7 (18%) without sclera (P < 0.001; OR 5.14, 95% CI 2.00–14.78).Conclusion:  Bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants inserted without scleral wrap were associated with better clinical outcomes and a lower rate of long‐term complications. It is therefore recommended that these implants be inserted without a scleral wrap.
Conjunctival melanoma and melanosis: a reappraisal of terminology, classification and staging
Authors: Damato Bertil , Coupland Sarah E 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper aims to stimulate debate on the terminology, classification, grading and staging of conjunctival melanosis and melanoma. We audited our results with 76 invasive conjunctival melanomas. Staging according to the sixth edition of the Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) system did not correlate well with tumour extent and outcome. Approximately 50% of invasive melanomas were associated with ‘primary acquired melanosis with atypia’, a term which in our opinion underestimates the gravity of this disease. We also found deficiencies in the grading, terminology and classification of conjunctival melanocytic abnormalities. In summary, we suggest that the term ‘primary acquired melanosis’ be reserved for clinical diagnosis. Histologically, this abnormality can be categorized more precisely as either ‘hypermelanosis’ or ‘conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial neoplasia (C‐MIN)’. ‘Primary acquired melanosis without atypia’ can be termed more accurately as ‘C‐MIN without atypia’. In view of the high risk of invasive melanoma, we suggest that ‘primary acquired melanosis with atypia’ be termed ‘C‐MIN’ with atypia, with the more severe changes regarded as melanoma in situ. To improve objectivity in the reporting of C‐MIN, we propose a scoring system based on horizontal and vertical spread and degree of severity of melanocytic atypia. We suggest that the TNM staging system for conjunctival melanoma be revised to: (i) include a Tis stage; (ii) take account of tumour size, quadrant and caruncular involvement; and (iii) improve staging of any local invasion beyond conjunctiva.
Horizontal skin wound closure in full thickness eyelid excision
Authors: Rosser Paul , McCormick Austin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe direct closure of full thickness lid margin defects is well described. The most popular method of closing this defect is to convert it to a pentagon by excising a triangle of skin and muscle below. The resultant scar is perpendicular to relaxed skin tension lines and may be cosmetically obvious. An alternative technique is presented whereby a horizontal subciliary incision is extended either side of the defect. After undermining and minimal excision the skin is closed leaving a horizontal linear subciliary scar, parallel to relaxed skin tension lines.
Penetration of 1% voriconazole eye drops into human vitreous humour: a prospective, open‐label study
Authors: Lau David , Leung Lok , Ferdinands Mervyn , Allen Penelope J , Fullinfaw Robert O , Davies Geoffrey E , Kong David CM 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPurpose:  Although there have been reports describing the use of 1% voriconazole eye drops in the treatment of fungal infections, little is known about the penetration of voriconazole eye drops into the vitreous humour. The aim of this study was to elucidate if topical application of 1% voriconazole eye drops could reach therapeutic levels in the vitreous humour.Methods:  A prospective, open‐label trial involving 10 participants selected from patients scheduled to undergo elective, posterior segment surgery. Participants received 1% voriconazole solution, preserved with 0.01% benzalkonium chloride, hourly for four doses or four times a day for 3 days. Vitreous humour was obtained at the start of surgery and analysed using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography assay.Results:  The minimum and maximum voriconazole concentration after hourly dosing (n = 5) was 0.1 and 1.1 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the median was 0.3 µg/mL. Samples were taken between 0.8 and 5.4 h after the last dose, with the median at 1.2 h. Almost all voriconazole concentrations from the four times a day group (n = 5) were below the limit of quantification.Conclusions:  One per cent voriconazole eye drops are able to penetrate into human vitreous humour. Adequate concentration for treatment of sensitive Candida species can be achieved upon hourly administration.
Flexion compromises ventilation with the laryngeal tube suction II in children
Authors: KIM JIN‐TAE , NA HYO‐SEOK , BAE JI‐YOUNG , KIM HYUN‐JEONG , SHIN HWA‐YONG , KIM HEE‐SOO , KIM CHONG‐SUNG , KIM SEONG‐DEOK 
Published: December 2008

SummaryBackground:  There are insufficient data as to the influence of the head and neck flexion, extension, and rotation on the ventilation with laryngeal tube suction II® (LTS II). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the head and neck position on oropharyngeal sealing pressure (primary outcome) and ventilation score (secondary outcome) during ventilation with the LTS II in children.Methods:  We studied 33 children scheduled for elective surgery. Oropharyngeal sealing pressure and ventilation score were measured with the head and neck in a neutral position, flexed, extended and rotated to the right. The ventilation score was scored from 0 to 3 based on three items (no leakage with an airway pressure of 15 cmH2O, bilateral chest excursion, and a square wave capnogram; each item scored 0 or 1 point). Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) at a tidal volume of 10 ml·kg−1 and fiberoptic laryngeal views were also assessed in each position.Results:  Although the sealing pressure was lower in the extended position [22 (8) cmH2O] than that in the neutral position [25 (7) cmH2O], there was no significant leakage during ventilation with a tidal volume of 10 ml·kg−1. In the neutral, extended and rotated positions, the median ventilation scores were better (3 point respectively) than that with the head and neck flexed (1 point). PIP was decreased with the head and neck extended or rotated but was significantly increased in flexion position. During fibreoptic examination, the vocal cords were more easily seen in extension and right rotation, compared with the neutral position and flexion.Conclusions:  Although oropharyngeal sealing pressure is decreased with the head and neck extended, effective ventilation with LTS II can be performed like in the neutral position or the rotated position. While the sealing pressure is maintained with the head and neck flexed, flexion compromises the ventilation with LTS II in children.
Does epidural analgesia delay the diagnosis of lower limb compartment syndrome in children?
Authors: JOHNSON DOUG J.G. , CHALKIADIS GEORGE A. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryOne of the cardinal symptoms of compartment syndrome is pain. A literature review was undertaken in order to assess the association of epidural analgesia and compartment syndrome in children, whether epidural analgesia delays the diagnosis, and to identify patients who might be at risk. Evidence was sought to offer recommendations in the use of epidural analgesia in patients at risk of developing compartment syndrome of the lower limb. Increasing analgesic use, increasing/breakthrough pain and pain remote to the surgical site were identified as important early warning signs of impending compartment syndrome in the lower limb of a child with a working epidural. The presence of any should trigger immediate examination of the painful site, and active management of the situation (we have proposed one clinical pathway). Avoidance of dense sensory or motor block and unnecessary sensory blockade of areas remote to the surgical site allows full assessment of the child and may prevent any delay in diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Focusing on excluding the diagnosis of compartment syndrome rather than failure of analgesic modality is vital. In the pediatric cases reviewed there was no clear evidence that the presence of an epidural had delayed the diagnosis.
Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor alogliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by glyburide monotherapy
Authors: Pratley R. E. , Kipnes M. S. , Fleck P. R. , Wilson C. , Mekki Q. ,   Alogliptin Study 007 Group
Published: December 2008

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin, a potent and highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, in combination with glyburide in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by sulphonylurea monotherapy.Methods:  After a 2‐week screening period, adult patients 18–80 years of age entered a 4‐week run‐in/stabilization period in which they were switched from their own sulphonylurea medication to an equivalent dose of glyburide (open label) plus placebo (single blind). After the run‐in period, patients were randomly assigned to double‐blind treatment with alogliptin 12.5 mg (n = 203), alogliptin 25 mg (n = 198), or placebo (n = 99) for 26 weeks. The primary end‐point was change from baseline to week 26 in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary end‐points included clinical response rates and changes in fasting plasma glucose, β‐cell function (fasting proinsulin, insulin, proinsulin/insulin ratio, and C‐peptide, and homeostasis model assessment β‐cell function), body weight, and safety end‐points [adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory tests, vital signs and electrocardiographic readings].Results:  The study population had a mean age of 57 years and a mean disease duration of 8 years; it was well balanced for gender (52% women) and was mainly white (71%). The mean baseline HbA1c was approximately 8.1% in each group. Significantly greater least squares (LS) mean reductions in HbA1c were seen at week 26 with alogliptin 12.5 mg (−0.38%) and 25 mg (−0.52%) vs. placebo (+0.01%; p < 0.001), and more patients in the alogliptin 25‐mg group had HbA1c levels ≤7.0% at week 26 (34.8%, p = 0.002) vs. placebo (18.2%). Proportionately more patients in the alogliptin 12.5 mg (47.3%) and 25 mg (50.5%) groups had an HbA1c reduction ≥0.5% from baseline compared with patients in the placebo group (26.3%; p < 0.001). Minor improvements in individual markers of β‐cell function were seen with alogliptin, but no significant treatment group differences were noted relative to placebo. Minor LS mean changes in body weight were noted across groups (placebo, −0.20 kg; alogliptin 12.5 mg, +0.60 kg; alogliptin 25 mg, +0.68 kg). AEs were reported for 63–64% of patients receiving alogliptin and 54% of patients receiving placebo. Few AEs were treatment limiting (2.0–2.5% across groups), and serious AEs (2.0–5.6%) were infrequent, similar across groups, and generally considered not related to treatment. The incidences of hypoglycaemia for placebo, alogliptin 12.5 mg and alogliptin 25 mg groups were 11.1, 15.8 and 9.6% respectively.Conclusions:  In patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by glyburide monotherapy, the addition of alogliptin resulted in clinically significant reductions in HbA1c without increased incidence of hypoglycaemia.
The race that precedes coactivation: development of multisensory facilitation in children
Authors: Barutchu Ayla , Crewther David P , Crewther Sheila G. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Rationale: The facilitating effect of multisensory integration on motor responses in adults is much larger than predicted by race‐models and is in accordance with the idea of coactivation. However, the development of multisensory facilitation of endogenously driven motor processes and its relationship to the development of complex cognitive skills in school‐age children is largely unexplored. Method: Twenty adults and 95 children where allocated into six age groups: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10–11 and adults. Participants’ motor reaction times (MRTs) and accuracy in response to the detection of auditory, visual and audiovisual stimuli were recorded. Children's reading accuracy and nonverbal IQ were also assessed. Results: In general, MRTs of children were significantly slower with greater variability than those of adults. Although the average level of multisensory facilitation was similar for all age groups, mean cumulative density functions (CDFs) showed that multisensory facilitation in 6 and 10–11‐year‐olds is within the predictive limits of race‐models. Where coactivation was seen in the CDF of individual children it was not as strong or as consistent as that in adults. The degree of multisensory facilitation did not correlate with age, reading accuracy or IQ. Conclusion: The average level of multisensory facilitation to endogenously driven motor responses does not change gradually with age nor is it related to intelligence or reading accuracy. In general, multisensory integration remains immature until 10–11 years of age and lies within the predicted confines of race‐models.
CONSUMPTION AND GROWTH FROM A RICARDIAN PERSPECTIVE*
Authors: Ekinci Nazim Kadri 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTA new way of imposing the Ricardian closure is proposed through a dynamic consumption function along Keynesian lines. The dynamic consumption function relates consumption to current income and to the accumulated stock of consumer durables. In this way the dynamics of consumption and effective demand become dependent on consumer spending on durables. Using the dynamic consumption function within a simplified Harrod–Domar growth framework, it is shown that there is no independent consumption function in the long run as the Ricardian closure implies. The long‐run propensity to consume is an equilibrium relation, not a behavioural parameter.
The Components of the Bid‐Ask Spread: the Case of the Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Angelidis Timotheos , Benos Alexandros 
Published: December 2008

Abstract We analyse the components of the bid‐ask spread in the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), which was recently characterised as a developed market. For large and medium capitalisation stocks, we estimate the adverse selection and the order handling component of the spreads as well as the probability of a trade continuation on the same side of either the bid or the ask price, using the Madhavan et al. (1997)model. We extend it by incorporating the traded volume and we find that the adverse selection component exhibits U‐shape patterns, while the cost component pattern depends on the stock price. For high priced stocks, the usual U‐shape applies, while for low‐priced ones, it is an increasing function of time, mainly due to the order handling spread component. Furthermore, the expected price change and the liquidity adjustment to Value‐at‐Risk that is needed are higher in the low capitalisation stocks, while the most liquid stocks are the high priced ones. Moreover, by estimating the Madhavan et al. (1997)model for two distinct periods we explain why there are differences in the components of the bid‐ask spread.
Cash Flow Sensitivity of Investment
Authors: Hovakimian Armen , Hovakimian Gayané 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Investment cash flow sensitivity is associated with both underinvestment when cash flows are low and overinvestment when cash flows are high. The accessibility of external capital is positively correlated with cash flows, intensifying investment cash flow sensitivity. Managers actively counteract the variations in internal and external liquidity by accumulating working capital when liquidity is high and draining it when liquidity is low. These results imply that cash flow sensitive firms face financial constraints, which are binding in low cash flow years. Traditional indicators of financial constraints, such as size and dividend payout, successfully distinguish firms that may potentially face constraints, but are less successful in distinguishing between periods of tight and relaxed constraints. These periods are much more clearly separated by the KZ index, which, on the other hand, is less successful in identifying firms that are likely to face liquidity constraints.
The Value of Adjusting the Bias in Recommendations: International Evidence
Authors: Balboa Marina , Gómez‐Sala J. Carlos , López‐Espinosa Germán 
Published: December 2008

Abstract The financial literature has shown that both earnings forecasts and investment recommendations are optimistically biased. However, while the bias in earnings forecasts has decreased over time and even some recent studies show that they are no longer optimistic, in the case of investment recommendations this bias still remains relatively constant over time. Therefore, it seems that recommendations are less credible to investors than earnings forecasts. The vast majority of recommendation studies have been carried out at the country level. In this paper, we use an international context to study whether profitable investment strategies exist when adjusting the recommendation bias of each analysed country. The adjustment we propose to correct this bias takes into account the differences across countries, and also varies in time to correct for the changes in bias over time within countries. Our empirical results show that there are in fact significant differences in the level of bias among countries, with the US and the UK being the countries with the highest bias. Second, the adjusted consensus portfolios are more orthogonal to typical investment styles (size, book‐to‐market and attention) and we find that investors could implement a higher number of profitable investment strategies using this adjusted measure. In this line, the results show that the countries with the lowest bias obtain the highest risk adjusted abnormal returns. Third, our work entails a practical implication, as it shows the value embedded in a simple necessary adjustment in the global asset management context. This is an important result showing that profitable investment strategies exist when considering a global portfolio based on adjusted recommendations.