bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotid intima media thickness and aortic calcification index closely relate to cerebro‐ and cardiovascular disorders in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tsushima Megumi , Terayama Yuriko , Momose Akishi , Funyu Tomihisa , Ohyama Chikara , Hada Ryukichi 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Atherosclerosis can be evaluated by carotid intima media thickness (IMT), the aortic calcification index (ACI), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). We investigated which test was most closely related to cerebro‐ and cardiovascular disorders (CCVD) in hemodialysis patients.Methods:  Maximum IMT (max‐IMT), ACI, and PWV were examined in 110 hemodialysis patients, using carotid ultrasonography, abdominal CT and a blood pressure pulse wave instrument, respectively. Blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and tumor necrosis factor α were measured. The patients were divided into two groups; with and without CCVD and the degree of atherosclerosis was evaluated in each group.Results:  Compared to the CCVD (–) group, the CCVD (+) group showed significantly higher percentages of males and diabetic patients, higher levels of HbA1c (5.14 vs 4.83%) and hs‐CRP (0.320 vs 0.167 mg/dL), an older age group (64.5 vs 57.5 years), a greater max‐IMT (2.05 vs 1.19 mm), and a higher ACI (71.8 vs 41.0%); and significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (82.8 vs 89.2 mmHg). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the factors influencing the development of CCVD were age (odds ratio: 1.092), ACI (odds ratio: 1.025), and max‐IMT (odds ratio: 2.006). However, PWV did not significantly relate to CCVD.Conclusions:  In hemodialysis patients, the ACI and max‐IMT were significantly associated with CCVD, but the association of PWV was weak. A prospective cohort study is warranted to determine the risk factors for CCVD in hemodialysis patients.
Blockade of caspase‐1 increases neurogenesis in the aged hippocampus
Authors: Gemma Carmelina , Bachstetter Adam D. , Cole Michael J. , Fister Matthew , Hudson Charles , Bickford Paula C. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAdult hippocampal neurogenesis dramatically decreases with increasing age, and it has been proposed that this decline contributes to age‐related memory deficits. Central inflammation contributes significantly to the decrease in neurogenesis associated with ageing. Interleukin‐1β is a proinflammatory cytokine initially synthesized as an inactive precursor that is cleaved by caspase‐1 to generate the biologically active mature form. Whether IL‐1β affects neurogenesis in the aged hippocampus is unknown. Here we analysed cells positive for 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU; 50 mg/kg) in animals in which cleavage of IL‐1β was inhibited by the caspase‐1 inhibitor Ac‐YVAD‐CMK (10 pmol). Aged (22 months) and young (4 months) rats received Ac‐YVAD‐CMK for 28 days intracerebroventricularly through a brain infusion cannula connected to an osmotic minipump. Starting on day 14, animals received a daily injection of BrdU for five consecutive days. Unbiased stereology analyses performed 10 days after the last injection of BrdU revealed that the total number of newborn cells generated over a 5‐day period was higher in young rats than in aged rats. In addition, there was a 53% increase in the number of BrdU‐labelled cells of the aged Ac‐YVAD‐CMK‐treated rats compared to aged controls. Immunofluorescence studies were performed to identify the cellular phenotype of BrdU‐labelled cells. The increase in BrdU‐positive cells was not due to a change in the proportion of cells expressing neuronal or glial phenotypes in the subgranular zone. These findings demonstrate that the intracerebroventricular administration of Ac‐YVAD‐CMK reversed the decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis associated with ageing.
Repeated exposure to cocaine differently modulates BDNF mRNA and protein levels in rat striatum and prefrontal cortex
Authors: Fumagalli Fabio , Di Pasquale Laura , Caffino Lucia , Racagni Giorgio , Riva Marco Andrea 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn this report we investigated the modulation of the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) following single or repeated injections with cocaine. Dose–response experiments revealed that a single dose of cocaine (5 mg/kg) is sufficient to upregulate BDNF mRNA levels selectively in rat prefrontal cortex 2 h after the injection, an effect that persists at least for 24 h and is paralleled by enhanced expression of mature (m)BDNF protein. Five consecutive injections of the psychostimulant (5 mg/kg) potentiate the increase of BDNF mRNA levels 2 h after the last treatment, presumably as a result of the enhancement of cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, an effect that vanishes 72 h later. Conversely, precursor (pro‐) and mBDNF protein forms were markedly reduced 2 h and 72 h post‐injection in the prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, in the striatum we found that repeated cocaine injection increased pro‐BDNF levels without altering the mature form of the neurotrophin. Our results suggest that cocaine differently affects BDNF transcription and translation in a region‐selective manner, but might also alter neurotrophin processing. These data further support the notion that the corticostriatal network is highly vulnerable to the effects of cocaine, and suggest that abnormal regulation of BDNF expression could contribute, at least in part, to the functional defects observed in drug abusers.
Daily torpor affects the molecular machinery of the circadian clock in Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Herwig Annika , Saboureau Michel , Pevet Paul , Steinlechner Stephan 
Published: November 2007

AbstractDaily torpor in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is a precisely timed event gated by the circadian clock situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Timing‐controlled hypothermia during which body temperature (Tb) decreases to ∼15 °C implies temperature compensation of the circadian system. Nevertheless, it remains controversial how the molecular clockwork functions at those low Tb values and whether the torpor bout affects the circadian system. In this study, we investigated rhythmic clock and clock‐related gene as well as protein expression in the SCN and pineal gland of torpid and normothermic Djungarian hamsters over a 48 h cycle. We clearly demonstrate rhythmic gene expression of Per1, Bmal1 and Avp in the SCN as well as Aa‐nat in the pineal gland on a day of torpor. Alterations in the phase and amplitude of these rhythms, however, may be due to decreased protein synthesis during hypothermia. This decreased protein feedback resulting from the hypothermia might also be responsible for changes in gene expression observed 1 day after a torpor bout. We conclude that temperature has at least a modulatory effect on the circadian system.
Cortical responses to object size‐dependent spectral interference patterns in echolocating bats
Authors: Firzlaff Uwe , Schuller Gerd 
Published: November 2007

AbstractEcholocating bats can recognize 3‐D objects exclusively through the analysis of the reflections of their ultrasonic emissions. For objects of small size, the spectral interference pattern of the acoustic echoes encodes information about the structure of an object. For some naturally occurring objects such as, e.g., flowers, the interference pattern as well as the echo amplitude can regularly change with the object's size, and bats should be able to compensate for both of these changes for reliable, size‐invariant object recognition. In this study, electrophysiological responses of units in the auditory cortex of the bat Phyllostomus discolor were investigated using extracellular recording techniques. Acoustical stimuli consisted of echoes of virtual two‐front objects that varied in size. Thus, the echoes changed systematically in amplitude and spectral envelope pattern. Whereas 30% of units simply encoded echo loudness, a considerable number of units (20%) encoded a specific spectral envelope shape independent of stimulus amplitude. In addition, a small number of cortical units (3%) were found that showed response‐invariance for a covariation of echo amplitude and echo spectral envelope. The response of these two classes of units could not be simply predicted from the excitatory frequency response areas. The results show that units in the bat auditory cortex exist that might serve for the recognition of characteristic object‐specific spectral echo patterns created by, e.g., flowers or other objects independent of object size or echo amplitude.
Phimosis as a presenting feature of diabetes
Authors: Bromage Stephen J. , Crump Anne , Pearce Ian 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVETo determine the prevalence of diabetes in men presenting with phimosis, and to establish the incidence of undiagnosed diabetes in men presenting with acquired or life‐long phimosis.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe prospectively collected data on 100 men (mean age 38.5 years, range 17–82) who presented to our department with phimosis during 2006. Urinary glucose levels and random serum glucose levels were analysed, and if abnormal, the patient had further diagnostic tests for diabetes.RESULTSIn all, 31 men presented with a life‐long history of phimosis and 69 with a history of acquired phimosis. There was no history of diabetes and no abnormal serum glucose levels in those with life‐long phimosis. Eighteen of 69 (26%) of those with acquired phimosis had a history of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was newly diagnosed in four of 50 (8%) men presenting with acquired phimosis and no history of a glycaemic disorder. A further two (4%) were diagnosed with impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Urine analysis was positive for glucose in all new diagnoses of glycaemic disorders, except in one man.CONCLUSIONDiabetes can be associated with acquired phimosis in almost a third of cases, and 12% of men presenting with acquired phimosis and no history of diabetes were diagnosed with a disorder of glycaemic control. Therefore it is important that serum glucose levels are analysed when assessing men with acquired phimosis.
Characterization of calcium‐independent purinergic receptor‐mediated apoptosis in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Shabbir Majid , Ryten Mina , Thompson Cecil , Mikhailidis Dimitri , Burnstock Geoffrey 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVETo investigate the nature of purinergic signalling in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) cellsin vitro, as extracellular ATP inhibits the growth of HRPCin vitrovia the activation of P2 purinergic receptors, and to characterize which P2 receptors subtypes and secondary mechanisms are involved.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe effect of extracellular ATP on HRPC cell lines PC‐3 and DU‐145, and the normal prostate cell line PNT‐2, were investigated. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to assess P2 purinergic receptors, which were pharmacologically characterized using various receptor agonists and antagonists. The effect of ATP on intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) was examined to asses its role in growth inhibition. The effect of combining ATP with the chemotherapeutic drug mitoxantrone was also assessed.RESULTSPC‐3 cells expressed mRNA for P2X4,5,7, P2Y1,2,4,6; DU‐145 cells expressed mRNA for P2X4,5, P2Y1,2,4,6,11; PNT‐2 cells expressed mRNA for P2X4,5,7and P2Y1,2,4,6,11. ATP (10−4m) inhibited HRPC PC‐3 cell growth by ≈ 90%, an effect partially inhibited by the nonselective P2 receptor antagonists pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′ disulphonic acid (PPADS) and suramin. The order of potency of agonists was: adenosine 5′‐O‐(3 thiotriphosphate) > ATP > benzoyl benzoyl ATP >> 2‐methylthio ATP. DU‐145 cells responded similarly. Pharmacological profiling implicated P2X5and/or P2Y11receptors in the antineoplastic response in HRPC. ATP induced apoptosis in a [Ca2+]i‐independent mechanism. ATP was significantly less effective on PNT‐2 cells, which also had a different order of agonist potency. ATP combined with mitoxantrone in an additive manner in HRPC.CONCLUSIONSATP effectively reduces growth of HRPC cells via calcium‐independent apoptosis. Pharmacological profiling indicates P2X5and/or P2Y11receptors in this process, with a different functional purinergic receptor profile and sensitivity in normal vs cancer cells.
An Asian multinational prospective observational registry of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, with a focus on comorbidities, lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function
Authors: Li Man‐Kay , Garcia Lester , Patron Nelson , Moh Lei Chang , Sundram Murali , Leungwattanakij Somboon , Pripatnanont Choosak , Cheng Christopher , Chi‐Wai Man , Loi‐Cheong Ngai 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVETo examine the characteristics, management practices and outcomes of patients presenting with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Asia, with a focus on comorbidities and sexuality.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn this multinational prospective observational registry, eligible patients with BPH attending a urology clinic for the first time were enrolled. Details of comorbidities, sexuality and symptoms of BPH were collected through the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Dysfunction‐5 (IIEF‐5) and the Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DAN‐PSS‐1) questionnaires. The follow‐up was scheduled at 1–3 or 3–6 months, depending on the treatment.RESULTSIn 994 men aged 40–88 years the most common comorbidities were hypertension (38%) and obesity (36%). Nocturia was the most common symptom for consultation. A previous episode of acute urinary retention (AUR) was recorded in 12%. About 90% of the men had moderate‐to‐severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and the severity increased with age. Sexual dysfunction was reported by 82%, and it correlated with the severity of LUTS. Of 918 sexually active men, only 20% had normal erectile function; 36%, 19% and 25% reported severe, moderate and mild erectile dysfunction (ED), respectively. BPH medication was started in 78%, 9% had surgery, and in 13% an approach of watchful waiting was adopted. In all, 89% of patients completed the follow‐up. The symptoms of BPH resolved in 93% after surgery, in 83% on BPH medication and in 34% of those on ‘watchful waiting’. Surgery, which led to a mean reduction of 17.0 IPSS points, was the most effective in improving LUTS. Improvement on the DAN‐PSS‐1 items of reduced erection and reduced ejaculation was higher with medication, while surgery led to better outcomes on the DAN‐PSS‐1 item of pain/discomfort on ejaculation. For ED, from baseline to after treatment, the mean IIEF‐5 scores changed from 19.1 to 18, from 14.2 to 14.8, and from 4.5 to 5.5 for those with mild, moderate and severe ED at baseline, respectively. Only 2.3% of patients had an episode of AUR while on treatment. About 5.5% of patients on BPH medication and 6% of surgical patients reported adverse events.CONCLUSIONAsian patients with BPH usually present with LUTS; sexual dysfunction is also very common. BPH medication is the most frequent treatment approach, followed by watchful waiting and surgery. Medication and surgery resulted in a greater reduction of LUTS and improvement in sexual dysfunction than watchful waiting. As Asian men remain sexually active even at advanced ages, sexual function should be assessed and discussed with the patient before deciding the management strategy for LUTS associated with BPH.
A nomogram is more accurate than a regression tree in predicting lymph node invasion in prostate cancer
Authors: Briganti Alberto , Gallina Andrea , Suardi Nazareno , Chun Felix K‐H. , Walz Jochen , Heuer Roman , Salonia Andrea , Haese Alexander , Perrotte Paul , Valiquette Luc , Graefen Markus , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco , Huland Hartwig , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVETo compare the performance and discriminant properties of two instruments (a tree‐structured regression model and a logistic regression‐based nomogram), recently developed to predict lymph node invasion (LNI) at radical prostatectomy (RP), in a contemporary cohort of European patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe cohort comprised 1525 consecutive men treated with RP and bilateral pelvic LN dissection (PLND) in two tertiary academic centres in Europe. Clinical stage, pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and biopsy Gleason sum were used to test the ability of the regression tree and the nomogram to predict LNI. Accuracy was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). All analyses were repeated for each participating institution.RESULTSThe AUC for the nomogram was 81%, vs 77% for the regression tree (P = 0.007). When data were stratified according to institution, the nomogram invariably had a higher AUC than the regression tree (Hamburg cohort: nomogram 82.1% vs regression tree 77.0%, P = 0.002; Milan cohort: 82.4% vs 75.9%, respectively; P = 0.03).CONCLUSIONSNomogram‐based predictions of LNI were more accurate than those derived from a regression tree; therefore, we recommend the use of nomogram‐derived predictions.
Presentation, location and overall survival of pelvic recurrence after radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Dhar Nivedita Bhatta , Jones J. Stephen , Reuther Alwyn M. , Dreicer Robert , Campbell Steven C. , Sanii Kamrooz , Klein Eric A. 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the presentation, location and overall survival of pelvic recurrence after radical cystectomy (RC) for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe reviewed a consecutive series of 130 patients who had a limited bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and RC between 1987 and 2000, and who later developed pelvic recurrence. All patients were staged N0M0 before RC and no patient received neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy. The boundaries of the limited PLND were the pelvic side‐wall between the genitofemoral and obturator nerves, and the bifurcation of iliac vessels to the circumflex iliac vein. Pelvic recurrence was defined as a radiographic soft‐tissue density of ≥2 cm below the bifurcation of the aorta. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to determine if imaging or symptomatic presentation, age, pT stage, and pN status were predictive of overall survival.RESULTSThe median (range) time from RC to pelvic recurrence was 7.3 (1.2–55.4) months. No patients had concomitant distant metastasis. Of the patients, 61.5% were diagnosed with pelvic recurrence because of symptoms, and 38.5% by surveillance computed tomography (CT). Of the 130 patients, 128 died, with a median survival from the time of pelvic recurrence of 4.9 (0.1–129.3) months. The median overall survival time for pelvic recurrence diagnosed with CT was 21.6 months, vs 10.6 months for symptomatic presentations (P < 0.001). In the uni‐ and multivariate models, type of presentation (CT vs symptomatic) and pT stage were predictors of overall survival, while age and pN status were not.CONCLUSIONThe prognosis of patients with pelvic recurrence after RC for TCC is poor even with subsequent therapy, emphasizing the need for optimum local control at the time of initial treatment.
Frontlines and Interstices in the Global War on Terror
Authors: Bhatt Chetan 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIn the context of the ‘global war on terror’ and related debates about development and the new imperialism, this essay looks at the involvement of religious absolutist militias in humanitarian aid following the Kashmir earthquake in 2005. By analysing how organizations which are considered ‘terrorist’ are simultaneously working with and fighting against US ‘Empire’, the essay considers the form of the Pakistani ‘development’ state, its geostrategic importance and how this relates to a religious absolutist militia infrastructure. The transformation of (often violent) religious right groups since the 1990s into development and welfare agencies is considered within the broader context of new ‘hypergovernance’ processes unleashed within ‘Empire’. Some general comparisons are also made between the processes of juridical hypergovernance that international humanitarian and human rights NGOs initiate in the ‘South’, and those created by violent groups of the religious right. Both reflect contending strategies for the management of populations by bodies having ambitions on a planetary scale.
New War, Good War and the War on Terror: Explaining, Excusing and Creating Western Neo‐interventionism
Authors: Dexter Helen 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTThis contribution is concerned with the manner in which current dominant security narratives intersect with discourses of imperialism and post‐imperialism with regard to the post‐Cold War dominance of the United States, and more specifically with the way in which such discourses create both moral justification and enabling conditions for Western interventionism. By addressing the relationship between the narrative of the ‘new war’ and the return of the ‘Good War’, this essay argues that the new war theory has not only been used to describe, explain and excuse western intervention but that, through de‐politicizing, de‐contextualizing and criminalizing non‐western warfare, the new war theory has helped to create the conditions that support the ‘war on terror’.
Empire, Geopolitics and Development
Authors: Chhachhi Amrita , Herrera Linda 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTEvery single empire in its official discourse has said that it is not like all the others, that its circumstances are special, that it has a mission to enlighten, civilize, bring order and democracy, and that it uses force only as a last resort. And, sadder still, there always is a chorus of willing intellectuals to say calming words about benign or altruistic empires (Edward Said, 2003)
The Wealth of Cities: Towards an Assets‐based Development of Newly Urbanizing Regions
Authors: Friedmann John 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIn this essay, the author develops an argument for an endogenous development of city‐regions throughout the world. He emphasizes seven clusters of tangible regional assets in which investments should preferentially be made: basic human needs; organized civil society; the heritage of the built environment and popular culture; intellectual and creative assets; the region's resource endowment; the quality of its environment; and urban infrastructure. The author concludes by making a plea for a ‘whole of government’ collaborative approach to planning for an endogenous development.
Searching the Polish Medical Bibliography (Polska Bibliografia Lekarska) for trials
Authors: Almerie Muhammad Qutayba , El‐Din Matar Hosam , Jones Vicki , Kumar Ajit , Wright Judith , Wlostowska Ewa , Adams Clive E. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  The Polish Medical Bibliography (Polska Bibliografia Lekarska) contains 350 000 records dating from 1979. These records from the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health care systems and preclinical sciences are from nearly 300 biomedical journals published in Poland.Methods:  We systematically searched the Polish Medical Bibliography Part II (1996–2006) CD‐ROM (July 2006) using both English and Polish phrases for randomized trials, manually checked results and, for the trials identified in this way, sought these on medline and embase.Results:  Systematic searching identified records of 680 randomized trials from all areas of health care. Nearly 40% of these were not found on either medline or embase.Conclusions:  The Polish Medical Bibliography should be of interest to health care information specialists concerned with comprehensive searches for trials.