bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in the remnant liver after partial hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Hiranuma Susumu , Ito Koji , Noda Yumi , Ozasa Hisashi , Koike Yuichi , Horikawa Saburo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims: Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the development of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. I/R injury remains an important problem in massive hepatectomy and organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of edaravone, a newly synthesized free radical scavenger, on I/R injury in the remnant liver after partial hepatectomy in rats.Methods: Partial (70%) hepatic ischemia was induced in rats by occluding the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct to left and median lobes of liver. Total hepatic ischemia (Pringle maneuver) was induced by occluding the hepatoduodenal ligament. Edaravone was intravenously administered to rats just before reperfusion and partial (70%) hepatectomy was performed just after reperfusion.Results: Edaravone significantly reduced the increases in the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in rats with liver injury induced by 90‐min of partial ischemia followed by 120‐min of reperfusion. Histopathological analysis showed that edaravone prevented inflammatory changes in the livers with I/R injury. Edaravone also decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase activity, which is an index of neutrophil infiltration, and interleukin‐6 mRNA, which is a proinflammatory cytokine. Additionally, edaravone improved the survival rate in partial hepatectomy rats with I/R injury induced by the Pringle maneuver.Conclusions: Edaravone administration prior to reperfusion protected the liver against I/R injury. Edaravone also improved the function of the remnant liver with I/R injury after partial hepatectomy. Therefore, edaravone may have applicability for major hepatectomy and liver transplantation in the clinical setting.
Multiple consultations and polypharmacy of patients attending geriatric outpatient units of university hospitals
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke , Akishita Masahiro , Arai Hidenori , Teramoto Shinji , Morimoto Shigeto , Toba Kenji 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Multiple consultations in older patients may increase the chance of overlapping prescriptions or inappropriate drug prescribing.Methods:  We carried out a survey investigating the status of multiple consultations and the polypharmacy of patients attending geriatric outpatient units of five university hospitals.Results:  The patients who received multiple consultations did not have a different number of diagnosed disorders and drugs prescribed by geriatricians compared with the patients who received a single consultation.Conclusions:  No significant difference in diagnostic and prescribing profiles between the patients with referrals and those without, together with the relatively smaller incidence of inappropriate prescriptions by referrals to non‐geriatric specialists, suggest that multiple consultations per se may not necessarily increase the risk for adverse drug events in clinical settings.
Manure and sulfadiazine synergistically increased bacterial antibiotic resistance in soil over at least two months
Authors: Heuer Holger , Smalla Kornelia 
Published: November 2006

SummaryManuring of arable soils may stimulate the spread of resistance genes by introduction of resistant populations and antibiotics. We investigated effects of pig manure and sulfadiazine (SDZ) on bacterial communities in soil microcosms. A silt loam and a loamy sand were mixed with manure containing SDZ (10 or 100 mg per kilogram of soil), and compared with untreated soil and manured soil without SDZ over a 2‐month period. In both soils, manure and SDZ positively affected the quotients of total and SDZ‐resistant culturable bacteria [most probable number (MPN)], and transfer frequencies of plasmids conferring SDZ resistance in filter matings of soil bacteria and an Escherichia coli recipient. Detection of sulfonamide resistance genes sul1, sul2 and sul3 in community DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization revealed a high prevalence of sul1 in manure and manured soils, while sul2 was mainly found in the loamy sand treated with manure and high SDZ amounts, and sul3 was not detected. By PCR quantification of sul1 and bacterial rrn genes, a transient effect of manure alone and a long‐term effect of SDZ plus manure on absolute and relative sul1 abundance in soil was shown. The dynamics in soil of class 1 integrons, which are typically associated with sul1, was analysed by amplification of the gene cassette region. Integrons introduced by manure established in both soils. Soil type and SDZ affected the composition of integrons. The synergistic effects of manure and SDZ were still detectable after 2 months. The results suggest that manure from treated pigs enhances spread of antibiotic resistances in soil bacterial communities.
Tissue factor and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in colorectal cancer: relation with cancer recurrence
Authors: Altomare D. F. , Rotelli M. T. , Pentimone A. , Rossiello M. R. , Martinelli E. , Guglielmi A. , De Fazio M. , Marino F. , Memeo V. , Colucci M. , Semeraro N. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective  This study was undertaken to quantify tissue factor (TF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in colorectal cancer and to evaluate their possible relationship with recurrence.Method  TF and VEGF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in surgical tumour specimens and normal mucosa from 50 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer who were followed up for 3 years for the assessment of disease recurrence.Results  TF and VEGF antigens were detected in all tumour samples. VEGF, but not TF, was much higher in tumour than in normal mucosa (P < 0.0001), as also confirmed by measurement of specific mRNAs. There was a strong correlation between TF and VEGF antigens (P < 0.0005) in tumour tissue but not in normal mucosa. Neither protein was related to tumour stage, grade or size. Local or distant recurrence was statistically related to pTNM stage. High VEGF, but not TF, levels in tumour extracts were associated with an increased risk of recurrence both by univariate (RR, 4.00, 95% CI: 1.45–11.0) and multivariate analyses (RR, 3.65, 95% CI: 1.33–10.0).Conclusion  These findings suggest that VEGF content in colorectal cancer is an independent risk factor for tumour recurrence and might help select patients who might benefit from adjuvant therapy.
The quality of life of men with locally advanced prostate cancer during neoadjuvant hormone therapy: data from the Medical Research Council RT01 trial (ISRCTN 47772397)
Authors: Stephens Richard J. , Dearnaley David P. , Cowan Richard , Sydes Matthew , Naylor Sharon , Fallowfield Lesley ,   on behalf of all the RT01 collaborators
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo explore patients’ quality of life (QoL) during neoadjuvant hormone therapy (HT) using data from the Medical Research Council RT01 trial of standard‐ (64 Gy/32‐fraction) and high‐ (74 Gy/37‐fraction) dose radiotherapy (RT, both given conformally).PATIENTS AND METHODSOf the 843 patients randomized to the RT01 trial, 316 completed the Functional Assessment Of Cancer Therapy core questionnaire with its additional prostate subscale, and the Short Form‐36 Health Survey questionnaire with the University of California‐Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index before HT and again before starting RT. Three predefined QoL hypotheses were generated to focus the analyses.RESULTSFor the three primary QoL analyses there was evidence that sexual functioning deteriorated, urinary function did not change, and there was a slight decline in physical well‐being after ≥ 3 months of HT. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. Exploratory analyses also suggested that role functioning deteriorated, sleep was more disturbed, and there was an increase in fatigue. However, overall QoL was not reported to be affected and patients indicated an improvement in attitude and satisfaction with treatment.CONCLUSIONSIn this group of men, many of whom reported reduced sexual functioning before treatment, the additional decline during HT seemed to be generally accepted as the price to pay for an appropriate cancer treatment. Nevertheless, these changes need to be discussed with patients before HT is commenced.
Self‐harm and depression in women with urinary incontinence: a record‐linkage study
Authors: Goldacre Michael J. , Abisgold Julie D. , Yeates David G.R. , Voss Simon , Seagroatt Valerie 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between self‐harm and urinary incontinence (UI), and between depression and UI, in women.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe incidence of self‐harm in women with UI is not well documented. We analysed a statistical database that includes hospital contact data for UI and for self‐harm and depression. We calculated rate ratios for self‐harm and depression in a cohort of women admitted for UI, and rate ratios for UI in cohorts of women admitted with self‐harm or depression, compared with a control cohort.RESULTSAfter admission for UI, self‐harm was significantly high in young women (aged <45 years: rate ratio 1.73, 95% confidence intervals 1.37–2.14) but not in older women. Depression was associated with UI in all age groups, e.g. after admission for depression the rate ratio for UI within 5 years was 1.46 (1.33–1.75); and for UI at ≥ 5 years after admission for depression, it was 1.20 (1.05–1.35).CONCLUSIONSYoung women with UI are at risk of self‐harm. For all age groups studied, depression was more common in women with UI than in others. Depression might be a consequence of UI, but the increase in risk at long intervals before admission with UI suggests that they might share underlying causal mechanisms.
Suppression of detrusor overactivity in rats with bladder outlet obstruction by a type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor
Authors: Nishiguchi Jun , Kwon Dong Deuk , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Chancellor Michael B. , Kumon Hiromi , Snyder Peter B. , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of a selective type 4 cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitor, IC486051, on bladder activity in normal rats and those with and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), as inhibition of PDE4 leads to elevation of intracellular cAMP levels and relaxation of smooth muscle.MATERIALS AND METHODSBOO was induced in female Sprague‐Dawley rats by tying a silk ligature around the urethra. At 4 or 6 weeks after inducing BOO, conscious rats were assessed by cystometry with the urethral ligature intact. In unobstructed rats, blood pressure was also measured.RESULTSIn unobstructed rats, IC486051 (0.1 mg/kg intravenously) produced no significant changes in cystometric variables, while at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg maximum voiding pressure was reduced by 34%. At both doses, there was a small, transient increase in blood pressure. In both 4‐ and 6‐week BOO rats IC486051 dose‐dependently decreased the number and amplitude of non‐voiding bladder contractions by up to 80%, relative to pre‐treatment values. At doses of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg IC486051 had no significant effect on voiding variables. In the 4‐week BOO rats, a dose of 1.0 mg/kg decreased bladder capacity, voided volume and residual volume by 21%, 32% and 18%, respectively. In 6‐week BOO rats, a dose of 1.0 mg/kg decreased maximal voiding pressure by 17% and pressure threshold for voiding by 28%. In both groups of rats with BOO, voiding efficiency was unchanged.CONCLUSIONSA selective PDE4 inhibitor can effectively suppress detrusor overactivity in rats with BOO, at doses that have no effect on voiding bladder contractions. Thus, selective PDE4 inhibitors should be considered for the treatment of overactive bladder in patients with BOO.
Surgically managed lymph node‐positive prostate cancer: does delaying hormonal therapy worsen the outcome?
Authors: Spiess Philippe E. , Lee Andrew K. , Busby Joseph E. , Jordan Jennifer J. , Hernandez Mike , Burt Kristina , Troncoso Patricia , Merriman Kelly W. , Pisters Louis L. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVESTo review our experience with the surgical management of lymph node‐positive prostate cancer and to determine if there is a benefit to treating such patients with immediate rather than delayed hormonal therapy (HT).PATIENTS AND METHODSA retrospective analysis from January 1982 to January 2001 identified 100 patients treated by radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) either alone (70, 23 later received delayed HT) or combined with adjuvant (immediate) HT (30), with the overall median follow‐up being 5.2 years.RESULTSThe median patient age at diagnosis was 58.7 years, with 20% having clinical T3 disease, and the median prostate specific antigen (PSA) level at presentation was 10 ng/mL. In 41% of patients the Gleason score on prostatic biopsy was ≥ 8. After RP, 30 patients received immediate HT used as an adjuvant after surgery in the absence of any evidence of disease progression, whereas 23 received delayed HT the use of which was provoked secondary to biochemical failure (PSA threshold of 0.2–5.0 ng/mL) with no evidence of metastatic disease. A comparison of the clinical variables between the groups showed a higher median PSA level at diagnosis (P = 0.027) and biopsy Gleason score (P = 0.052) in the delayed HT group. The immediate and delayed HT groups had similar metastatic‐free (P = 0.549), disease‐specific (P = 0.843) and overall survival (P = 0.843). Overall, biochemical failure developed in half the patients and distant metastasis in 13%, with only nine patients dying from disease.CONCLUSIONSImmediate and delayed HT provide similar treatment outcomes in patients with surgically managed lymph node‐positive prostate cancer.
Toxicity following high‐dose salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Jung Charlie , Cookson Michael S. , Chang Sam S. , Smith Joseph A. , Dietrich Mary S. , Teng Ming 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity in patients treated with salvage radiotherapy (SRT) at doses of 70.2 Gy after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).PATIENTS AND METHODSMedical records were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients treated with SRT after RRP between January 1999 and December 2005. Of the 62 patients identified, 30 were included for analysis. GI and GU toxicity was assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI), respectively.RESULTSThe median AUASI score of the 17 patients with scores before SRT was 4, of the 24 with scores after SRT was 6, and of the 15 with scores before and after SRT the median increase was 3. Of the 29 patients with GI toxicity data, nine (31%) had diarrhoea after SRT (three after <70.2 Gy and six after 70.2 Gy). In all cases, the diarrhoea was mild (grade 1). Of all patients, 12 (41%) had proctitis after SRT (four after <70.2 Gy and eight after 70.2 Gy); the proctitis was grade 1 in four and grade 2 in eight, with no cases of grade 3 proctitis. There was no statistically significant difference in the median change in AUASI scores and GI toxicity incidence between patients receiving <70.2 or 70.2 Gy of SRT.CONCLUSIONHigh‐dose SRT (70.2 Gy) is generally well tolerated with acceptable low‐grade GI toxicity and minimal changes in AUASI scores.
Erectile function, sexual drive, and ejaculatory function after reconstructive surgery for anterior urethral stricture disease
Authors: Erickson Bradley A. , Wysock James S. , McVary Kevin T. , Gonzalez Christopher M. 
Published: November 2006

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of urethral reconstructive surgery on sexual drive, erectile function and ejaculation.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study group consisted of 52 men with a median (range) age of 44 (18–79) years who underwent 59 urethral reconstructive procedures for anterior urethral stricture disease between 2001 and 2004. We evaluated sexual functioning using the O’Leary Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI) before and after surgery.RESULTSThe mean (sd) follow‐up was 22.3 (14.8) months. The mean BMSFI scores were only statistically significantly different for an improvement in ejaculation after surgery (P = 0.04). When separated by age, only the men aged 50–59 years reported decreased erectile function after surgery (P < 0.001) and only those aged <40–49 years reported an improvement in ejaculatory function (P = 0.05). Men at <1 year after surgery reported lower sexual drive (P = 0.025) and erectile function (P = 0.05) than men with longer periods of recovery.CONCLUSIONSThe BMFSI is useful for evaluating sexual function after urethroplasty. Overall, the men did not report a decline in erectile function or sexual drive after surgery; however, older men might have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction after surgery. Erectile function might recover with time. Younger men had the most pronounced improvement in ejaculatory function, but further studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical significance of this.
Spatio‐temporal characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate accumulation in sugarcane
Authors: Purnell Matthew P. , Petrasovits Lars A. , Nielsen Lars K. , Brumbley Stevens M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryWe report here the results from a glasshouse trial of several transgenic sugarcane (Saccharumspp. hybrids) lines accumulating the bacterial polyester polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in plastids. The aims of the trial were to characterize the spatio‐temporal pattern of PHB accumulation at a whole‐plant level, to identify factors limiting PHB production and to determine whether agronomic performance was affected adversely by PHB accumulation. Statistical analysis showed that a vertical PHB concentration gradient existed throughout the plant, the polymer concentration being lowest in the youngest leaves and increasing with leaf age. In addition, there was a horizontal gradient along the length of a leaf, with the PHB concentration increasing from the youngest part of the leaf (the base) to the oldest (the tip). The rank order of the lines did not change over time. Moreover, there was a uniform spatio‐temporal pattern of relative PHB accumulation among the lines, despite the fact that they showed marked differences in absolute PHB concentration. Molecular analysis revealed that the expression of the transgenes encoding the PHB biosynthesis enzymes was apparently coordinated, and that there were good correlations between PHB concentration and the abundance of the PHB biosynthesis enzymes. The maximum recorded PHB concentration, 1.77% of leaf dry weight, did not confer an agronomic penalty. The plant height, total aerial biomass and culm‐internode sugar content were not affected relative to controls. Although moderate PHB concentrations were achieved in leaves, the maximum total‐plant PHB yield was only 0.79% (11.9 g PHB in 1.51 kg dry weight). We combine the insights from our statistical and molecular analyses to discuss possible strategies for increasing the yield of PHB in sugarcane.
Sensitization to acrylates is a common adverse reaction to artificial fingernails
Authors: Lazarov A 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Although precise figures for adverse reactions to nail‐care products are not available, it is thought that one of the main risks from artificial nails (ANs) is contact allergy.Objective  To evaluate the role of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) as a cause of adverse reactions related to the use of ANs.Method  A 4‐year retrospective study of patients with suspected ACD from ANs was conducted. Patients tested with the methacrylate artificial nail (MAAN) series were evaluated clinically and patch test results were analysed.Results  ACD to components of ANs may be a frequent cause of hand eczema, as observed in more than one‐third of our patients (38.2%). About half of the patients were beauticians specializing in nail sculpturing who developed occupationally related ACD. All patients had involvement of the hands and fingers. Paronychia, nail dystrophy and onycholysis were less frequent. Dorsal hands and fingers, forearms and distant sites (face and neck) were more frequently affected in patients with occupational ACD (OACD). Typical clinical features were those of chronic dermatitis but atypical forms such as lichenoid and psoriasiform ACD were also observed. Mucosal erythema and oedema developed in two patients with ACD due to MAAN, after application of dental crowns with an acrylate‐based cement. The most frequent allergens triggering ACD were 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) and 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (2‐HPMA) (17.5% each), followed by ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDM; 13.4%). A quarter of the patients tested with ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA), a component of nail glue, had positive results.Conclusions  Acrylic monomers used when sculpturing ANs are important contact and occupational sensitizers that can produce cross‐reactions with other acrylic compounds and trigger allergic reactions when re‐exposure occurs in a different setting.
Tunga penetrans: a stowaway from around the world
Authors: Sachse MM , Guldbakke KK , Khachemoune A 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTungiasis is a cutaneous ectoparasitic infestation by the female sand flea Tunga penetrans. It is predominantly a health problem in sub‐Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and South America. However, increasing numbers of returning travellers, immigrants, and adopted children are also affected in non‐tropical countries. It is a cause of substantial morbidity, with prevalence rates as high as 76% in certain endemic areas. To date, the early extraction of the flea is still the first line therapy.
The Impact of a Conditional Cash Transfer Programme on Consumption in Colombia*
Authors: Attanasio Orazio , Mesnard Alice 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper studies the impact of a conditional cash transfer programme in Colombia on the total consumption of very poor households and on its components. Our evaluation methodology involves comparing household expenditures in areas in which the programme was not implemented (control) and those in which it was (treated). We use a quasi‐experimental approach, as the Familias en Acción programme was not randomly assigned across localities, for political reasons. We condition on a large range of household‐ and municipality‐level characteristics, and also control for pre‐programme differences in the outcomes of interest using a differences‐indifferences methodology. We find that the programme has been effective at greatly increasing total consumption and its main component, food consumption, in both rural and urban areas. The programme has also contributed to improvements in the quality of food consumed, in particular of items rich in proteins (milk, meat and eggs) and of cereals. Furthermore, the programme has created redistributive effects in favour of children through expenditure on education and children's clothing, while it has not significantly affected consumption of adult goods such as alcohol and tobacco or adults’clothing.