bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical aggression towards others in adults with learning disabilities: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Tyrer F. , McGrother C. W. , Thorp C. F. , Donaldson M. , Bhaumik S. , Watson J. M. , Hollin C. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground  Many people with learning disabilities (LD) show aggressive behaviour, but the extent of the problem and its associated factors and effects are unclear.Methods  A cross‐sectional analysis was carried out using interview data from 3065 adults with LD on the Leicestershire LD Register. Physical aggression towards others was defined as carers reporting frequent (more than three times per week) and/or severe episodes. Individuals with and without aggression were compared using multiple logistic regression models for potential physical and psychological factors.Results  Carers reported that 443 (14%) of adults were physically aggressive towards others. Men (P = 0.001), younger individuals (P < 0.001), people with more severe LD (P < 0.001) and those in institutional settings (P < 0.001) had a significantly higher prevalence of physical aggression. People with Down syndrome had a lower prevalence of physical aggression (P < 0.001). After adjustment, we found no relationship between aggression and the presence of epilepsy or autism. Among psychological factors, symptoms of frustration (P < 0.001) and mood swings (P < 0.001) were associated with higher levels of aggression. Failure to cope among carers was reported by 14% overall: 42% of people caring for adults with aggression said they were unable to cope compared with 10% of those caring for adults without aggression.Conclusions  Physical aggression towards other people presents a significant challenge to carers of adults with LD. Further research is needed to identify aetiological factors with a view to finding effective interventions to reduce, and improve management of, this behaviour.
Explorative statistical analysis of planar point processes in microscopy
Authors: MATTFELDT T. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBasic methods of explorative statistical analysis for stationary and isotropic planar point processes are briefly and informally reviewed. At the explorative level, planar point patterns may be characterized in terms of the intensity, the K‐function and the pair correlation function. These second‐order functions enable one to classify a given point process as completely random, clustering or repulsive. The repulsive behaviour may be quantified by an estimate of the hard‐core distance. In the exploratory approach, the statistics are essentially free from model assumptions. Second‐order spatial functions have been estimated to characterize genuine planar point processes in the macroscopic domain, for example in forestry, geography and epidemiology. For light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, two situations are distinguished, which may be summarized as the genuine planar case and the stereological case. In the genuine planar case, a direct interpretation of the results of spatial statistics is feasible. Here, monolayers in cell culture, intramembranous particles on freeze fracture specimens and amacrine cells of the retina are mentioned as examples. In the stereological case, point patterns are generated by sections through 3D structures. Here the observed point patterns may arise as the centres of sectional profiles of particles, or as centres of sectional profiles of spatial fibre processes. In both situations, exploratory spatial point process statistics allow a quantitative characterization of sectional images for the purposes of group comparisons and classification. Moreover, for spatial fibre processes it has recently been shown that the observed pair correlation function of the centres of the fibre profiles is an estimate of the reduced pair correlation function of the fibre process in 3D. Hence for fibre processes a stereological interpretation of point process statistics obtained from sections is an additional option.
Two‐photon fluorescence surface wave microscopy
Authors: GOH J. Y. L. , SOMEKH M. G. , SEE C. W. , PITTER M. C. , VERE K. A. , O'SHEA P. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThis paper demonstrates the principle of two‐photon surface wave microscopy with a view to applications on biological samples. We describe a modified scanning optical microscope, which uses specially prepared coverslips. These coverslips are designed to support the propagation of surface waves capable of large field enhancements. We also discuss the beam conditioning necessary to ensure efficient use of the available illumination. Two‐photon surface wave fluorescent excitation is demonstrated on fluorescent nanospheres, demonstrating a point spread function width of ≈220 nm at an illumination wavelength of 925 nm. The potential of non‐linear surface wave excitation for both fluorescence and harmonic imaging microscopy is discussed.
Evidence that the SpoIIIE DNA translocase participates in membrane fusion during cytokinesis and engulfment
Authors: Liu Nai‐Jia Linda , Dutton Rachel J. , Pogliano Kit 
Published: December 2005

SummaryDuring Bacillus subtilis sporulation, SpoIIIE is required for translocation of the trapped forespore chromosome across the sporulation septum, for compartmentalization of cell‐specific gene expression, and for membrane fusion after engulfment. We isolated mutations within the SpoIIIE membrane domain that block localization and function. One mutant protein initially localizes normally and completes DNA translocation, but shows reduced membrane fusion after engulfment. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments demonstrate that in this mutant the sporulation septum remains open, allowing cytoplasmic contents to diffuse between daughter cells, suggesting that it blocks membrane fusion after cytokinesis as well as after engulfment. We propose that SpoIIIE catalyses these topologically opposite fusion events by assembling or disassembling a proteinaceous fusion pore. Mutants defective in SpoIIIE assembly also demonstrate that the ability of SpoIIIE to provide a diffusion barrier is directly proportional to its ability to assemble a focus at the septal midpoint during DNA translocation. Thus, SpoIIIE mediates compartmentalization by two distinct mechanisms: the SpoIIIE focus first provides a temporary diffusion barrier during DNA translocation, and then mediates the completion of membrane fusion after division to provide a permanent diffusion barrier. SpoIIIE‐like proteins might therefore serve to couple the final step in cytokinesis, septal membrane fusion, to the completion of chromosome segregation.
Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis in three communities in north Vietnam
Authors: Somers R. , Dorny P. , Nguyen V. K. , Dang T. C. T. , Goddeeris B. , Craig P. S. , Vercruysse J. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryObjectives  (1) To investigate the response to a serum antigen‐detecting ELISA for cysticercosis and a stool coproantigen test for taeniasis in two rural communities (mountainous and coastal areas) and one group of (peri‐)urban factory workers; and (2) to examine clinical features of human cysticercosis in northern Vietnam.Methods  Villagers and factory workers and their families were informed and invited to participate in the study. Blood and faecal samples were collected from the participants and a simple questionnaire on taeniasis/cysticercosis completed. Serum was examined for the presence of circulating cysticercus antigen by a monoclonal‐based sandwich ELISA. Ag‐ELISA positive persons underwent a clinical examination and a computed tomography (CT) scan. Stool samples were examined microscopically for the presence of Taenia eggs and for copro‐antigens. Tapeworms were identified following therapeutic expulsion using morphology and PCR‐RFLP.Results  Circulating cysticercus antigens, suggesting active infection, were detected in 5.3% (16/303), 0.6% (1/175) and 0.0% (0/229) of the sampled individuals from the mountainous, coastal and urban regions, respectively. Clinical examination and CT scan of the cysticercus antigen positive persons showed that active cysticercosis did not cause severe disease in most cases. Taenia copro‐antigens were found in 0.3% (1/297), 1.8% (3/166) and 0.0% (0/228) of the stool samples from the mountainous, coastal and urban communities, respectively. Three tapeworms were expelled after treatment: two Taenia solium and one Taenia saginata.Conclusion  This survey points to a focal distribution of taeniasis/cysticercosis and suggests that human cysticercosis is rather acquired due to close contact with a T. solium carrier and self‐infection, than through infection from the environment.
In vitro evaluation of Haemonetics MCS+ apheresis platelet concentrates treated with photochemical pathogen inactivation following plasma volume reduction using the INTERCEPT Preparation Set
Authors: Isola H. , Kientz D. , Aleil B. , Laeuffer P. , Weil J. , Wiesel M.‐L. , Laforêt M. , Lin L. , Mayaudon V. , Cazenave J.‐P. 
Published: December 2005

Pathogen inactivation using the INTERCEPT Blood System™ requires platelet resuspension in InterSol™ and reduced plasma. Platelets in plasma collected on the Haemonetics MCS+® were processed on the INTERCEPT Preparation Set™ for plasma volume reduction and addition of InterSol. The use of the Preparation Set resulted in a mean platelet loss of 5·6 ± 3·4%. Subsequent photochemical treatment (PCT) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light, and 7 days of storage, resulted in acceptable changes for platelet swirling, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), platelet factor‐4 (PF4), p‐selectin, glycoprotein V (GpV), pO2, pCO2, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8). All platelet units processed with the Preparation Set and PCT met European requirements for leucoreduction and pH values.
A modified caprylic acid method for manufacturing immunoglobulin G from human plasma with high yield and efficient virus clearance
Authors: Parkkinen J. , Rahola A. , von Bonsdorff L. , Tölö H. , Törmä E. 
Published: December 2005

Background and Objectives  The increasing demand for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) necessitates the development of improved plasma fractionation methods, providing higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) recovery. Here, we describe a new IVIG production process resulting in a high yield of IgG and effective reduction of physico‐chemically resistant viruses.Materials and Methods  IgG was purified from Cohn fraction II+III by caprylic acid treatment, polyethylene glycol precipitation, anion‐exchange chromatography, nanofiltration and ultrafiltration. Stability of the purified IgG was studied in different formulations. Virus reduction was studied with two viruses: bovine viral diarrhoea virus, assessed by an infectivity assay; and human parvovirus B19, assessed by polymerase chain reaction.Results  The combination of caprylic acid treatment with polyethylene glycol precipitation and a single anion‐exchange chromatography yielded polymer‐free, pure IgG. The purified IgG could be filtered through a small pore‐size virus filter (Millipore V‐NFP) with high throughput and excellent yield. The formulated product was stable as a 100 g/l IgG solution. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus was effectively inactivated by the caprylic acid treatment, and parvovirus B19 was effectively removed in the polyethylene glycol precipitation and nanofiltration stages, the total reduction of parvovirus being ≈ 14 log10.Conclusions  The new process gives pure and stable IgG solution with an average yield of 4·8 g of IgG per kg of recovered plasma and has a very high capacity to remove even physico‐chemically resistant viruses.
Dismembered pyeloplasty in children: A review of 5 years single center experience
Authors: TAL RAANAN , BAR‐SEVER ZVI , LIVNE PINHAS M 
Published: December 2005

Aim: Dismembered pyeloplasty is the treatment of choice for significant ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. In the present study, we review our experience in 103 pediatric patients and present the clinical characteristics, the surgical treatment and its complications and the long term results.Methods: We have reviewed the medical charts of 103 consecutive patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty in a 5‐year period, from 1997 to 2002. Preoperative data, short‐ and long‐term complications and outcome were recorded. Imaging studies included urinary tract sonography and dynamic renal scans, the results of which were compared pre‐ and postoperatively.Results: Most of our patients were boys (81%), diagnosed prenatally (78%). We had no major complications and acceptable incidence of minor complications. Postoperative outcome was excellent, with decreased hydronephrosis (81%), improved renal drainage (87%) and preserved or improved renal function (89%).Conclusion: Dismembered pyeloplasty can be performed with a low incidence of minor complications, no major complications and excellent long‐term outcome.
Usefulness of ultrasensitive prostate‐specific antigen assay for early detection of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy
Authors: NAKAMURA MASAFUMI , HASUMI HISASHI , MIYOSHI YASUHIDE , SUGIURA SHINPEI , FUJINAMI KIYOSHI , YAO MASAHIRO , KUBOTA YOSHINOBU , UEMURA HIROJI 
Published: December 2005

Background: In order to assess whether the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nadir obtained with an ultrasensitive PSA assay can be used as a prognostic indicator for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, we investigated it retrospectively.Methods: Between October 1997 and July 2003, 46 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer at our institution. None of them received preoperative treatment. Levels of PSA were measured with an ultrasensitive PSA assay every 1–3 months after prostatectomy. Biochemical recurrence was defined as a PSA level of 0.2 ng/mL or higher.Results: There was a significant difference in PSA nadir between the biochemical recurrence group and the no recurrence group (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve gave an optimal cut‐off value for PSA nadir of 0.01 ng/mL, demonstrating a significant difference in biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. No patient with a PSA nadir level <0.01 ng/mL showed biochemical failure, while 15 out of 22 patients with PSA nadir levels ≥0.01 ng/mL showed biochemical failure.Conclusion: The PSA nadir level obtained using an ultrasensitive PSA assay is an excellent predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Early detection of recurrence offers the possibility of early salvage therapy.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functioning and non‐functioning adrenal tumors: Analysis of surgical aspects based on histological types
Authors: KU JA H , YEO WOON G , KWON TAE G , KIM HYEON H 
Published: December 2005

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hormonal functions of the tumor influence the operative results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and to analyse the clinical outcomes in patients with various hormonally active adrenal tumors.Methods: Clinical and pathological records of 68 patients were reviewed. The average age of patients was 40 years (range 20–75); 39 were women and 29 men. For the comparison, patients were divided into the non‐functioning tumor group (n = 22) and the functioning tumor group (n = 46).Results: All laparoscopic adrenalectomies were finished successfully, and no open surgery was necessary. The median operative time and blood loss in the two groups were similar; however, in subgroup analysis, operative time for pheochromocytoma was significantly longer than that for non‐functioning tumor (P = 0.044). No difference was noted in intra‐ and postoperative data between the groups. Of the 22 patients with aldosteronoma, 18 (81.8%) became normotensive and no longer required postoperative blood pressure medications. Adrenalectomy led to an overall reduction in the median number of antihypertensive medications (P < 0.001). All patients with Cushing adenoma had resolution or improvement of the signs and symptoms during follow‐up periods. There was no evidence of biochemical or clinical recurrence in any patient with pheochromocytoma.Conclusion: The results of this retrospective review document that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective treatment for functioning as well as non‐functioning adrenal tumors, although endocrinologic features may play a significant role.
High dose chemotherapy including paclitaxel (T‐ICE) combined with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for male germ cell tumor. Preliminary report
Authors: HARA ISAO , YAMADA YUJI , KUMANO MASAFUMI , FURUKAWA JUNYA , YAMANAKA KAZUKI , FUJISAWA MASATO 
Published: December 2005

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of high dose chemotherapy including paclitaxel (T‐ICE) combined with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for male germ cell tumor.Methods: Five male patients with advanced germ cell tumor underwent 1–6 courses of high dose chemotherapy including paclitaxel (T‐ICE; 175 mg/m2 of paclitaxel, 1250 mg/m2 of carboplatin, 1500 mg/m2 of etoposide and 7.5 g/m2 of ifosfamide) with PBSCT after 2–3 courses of induction chemotherapy (PEB or VIP).Results: In all patients, serum marker levels decreased to within the normal range by T‐ICE. Two patients underwent resection of residual tumor. In one patient, viable cancer cells were detected in resected lymph node tissue and adjuvant chemotherapy was then performed. Although the follow‐up period was short (7–15.5 months), four of the five patients (80%) showed no evidence of recurrent disease. No significant differences in side‐effects were noted between T‐ICE and conventional high dose ICE, which was previously performed in 39 patients at the Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.Conclusions: High dose chemotherapy, including T‐ICE, combined with PBSCT showed an almost identical degree of side‐effects as seen in previous high dose chemotherapy without paclitaxel. Although 80% of the patients showed no evidence of disease so far, the efficacy of T‐ICE should be evaluated with more patients and longer follow up.
A critical appraisal of internet resources on colorectal cancer
Authors: John A. K. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  The significance of the internet as a source of healthcare information for professionals and public is widely recognized. Access to good quality information is very important for informed decisions making on healthcare issues. This is an introduction to the critical appraisal of clinical information on the internet, discussion of the significance of quality checking of healthcare internet resources and the application of critical appraisal tools to selected internet resources on colorectal cancer care.Methods  Internet resources were identified on the basis of a general criterion that it provides information on colorectal cancer and selected on the basis of explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each selected website is assessed for quality of information with validated criteria.Results  The search strategy identified 10 well known internet resources on healthcare information (e.g. Cochrane, NICE) and 12 websites which are dedicated to cancer related information (e.g. CancerBacup, cancer.gov). The websites of NHS Direct, cancerBACUP, cancer.gov, NICE and Cancer Survivors Network were qualified as resources providing good quality information.Discussion  The critical appraisal process assures quality of the available information and the tool is applicable to all healthcare related internet resources. The process is discussed with respect to colorectal cancer information resources and will be equally useful to healthcare professional and public. The healthcare professionals can apply the tool in practice and advise the public more confidently on internet information.
Positive influence of robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy on the collaborative‐care pathway for open radical prostatectomy
Authors: KAUFMAN MELISSA R. , SMITH JOSEPH A. , BAUMGARTNER ROXELYN G. , WELLS NANCY , CHANG SAM S. , HERRELL S. DUKE , COOKSON MICHAEL S. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo define changes in the clinical pathway for open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and to determine their impact on patient care under the indirect influence of minimally invasive prostatectomy after implementing robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) at our institution and modifying the collaborative‐care pathway.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the Vanderbilt Prostate Database since the initiation of RALP in May 2003, evaluating those patients who had open RRP. Data were analysed in three consecutive 5‐month blocks to determine incremental changes in protocol and outcomes, including complications and re‐admissions.RESULTSBetween May 2003 and August 2004, 196 patients had RALP and 183 had RRP. After May 2003, there was a progressive reduction for open RRP in the length of stay from 1.6 to 1.3 days. Analysis also showed an elimination of patient‐controlled analgesia, a rapid diet advancement, and drain removal at the surgeon's discretion. There were no major complications after surgery, and three minor complications (1.6%). The rate of re‐admission after open RRP was low throughout the study period (seven patients, 3.8%), and did not increase progressively.CONCLUSIONSThe management after open RRP was modified substantially after implementing RALP, with the two clinical pathways now similar. Despite these modifications in the treatment of patients having open RRP there was no increase in morbidity or compromise in patient outcome. Indeed, this study shows the feasibility and safety of a 1‐day length of stay for open RRP.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction are highly prevalent in ageing men
Authors: GLINA SIDNEY , SANTANA ANTONIO W. , AZANK FLAVIO , MELLO LUIZ F. , MOREIRA EDSON D. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a possible correlation between the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) in an unselected population of men presenting to a clinic, as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are highly prevalent in ageing men, and recent largely community‐based epidemiological studies reported a close association between ED and LUTS.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was a cross‐sectional study in an unselected consecutive sample of 118 men aged >40 years attending a urology clinic; the reason for consulting was not ascertained. While in the waiting room the men were asked to participate in the study and on agreement were given the IPSS and the SHIM to complete.RESULTSThe mean (range) age of the participants was 61.7 (45–82) years. Overall, 19 (16%) and 47 (40%) of the men reported having moderate or severe LUTS, respectively. Erectile problems were also common, the prevalence of moderate ED was 11% and complete ED 29%. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the IPSS and the SHIM was − 0.32 (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThere was a close correlation between the IPSS and SHIM in this unselected population of men, adding evidence favouring a close association between LUTS and ED.