bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model of catheter‐associated urinary tract infection initiated by bacterial contamination of the catheter tip
Authors: Barford Jessica M.T. , Anson Ken , Hu Yanmin , Coates Anthony R.M. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine the microbial colonization of urinary catheters that have been used by patients, to model catheter colonization in vitro and thus provide information about the way bacteria gain access to the bladder during catheterization.MATERIALS AND METHODSMicrobial growth patterns from patients’ indwelling catheters and from catheters used in an in vitro model of the catheterized urinary tract were compared. Catheters were cut into short segments, microorganisms from the inside and outside of each segment of the catheters were removed by sonication, and viable bacteria counted. DNA was extracted from selected patient catheter isolates and the DNA fragment of 16S ribosomal RNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The DNA sequences from the isolates obtained from different catheter sections and from urine in the same patient were compared.RESULTSAfter 1 day of catheterization there was significant bacterial growth on the outside of all the segments of patient catheters; there was significant growth on the inside of all segments by 4 days. Higher viable counts and a wider spectrum of genera were found on the outside than on the inside of these catheters. The same strains of bacteria, as determined by ≥98% similarity of the 16S ribosomal DNA sequence, were found on the outside and inside of catheters and in the urine. In the in vitro model, when the distal urethra was inoculated before inserting the catheter, the viable counts after incubation were variable along the outside of the catheter and the inside counts were uniformly high. By contrast, there was a different pattern after inoculating the inside of the distal end of the catheter, leading to an ascending biofilm on the inside. A smaller inoculum delayed but did not prevent infection in the model.CONCLUSIONThe present results are consistent with the hypothesis that contamination of the tip of the catheter while it is being inserted is a possible means by which bacteria gain access to the bladder.
Human neural crest stem cells transplanted in rat penile corpus cavernosum to repair erectile dysfunction
Authors: Song Yun Seob , Lee Hong Jun , Park In Ho , Lim Ik Sung , Ku Ja Hyeon , Kim Seung U. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of applying neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), with multipotent capacity, to repair injury in the penile cavernosum, the HNC10.K10 (K10) immortalized NCSC line was transplanted into the penile cavernosum of adult rats, as one of the causes of erectile dysfunction is damaged penile cavernous smooth muscle cells and sinus endothelial cells.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe K10 human NCSC line was generated via transfection of primary cultured NCSC with a retroviral vector encoding v‐myc. K10 NCSCs were transplanted into the cavernosum of adult rats. The expression of cell type‐specific markers for endothelial cells (CD31 and von Willebrand factor), and specific markers for smooth muscle cells (smooth muscle cell actin, calponin, and desmin) was determined immunohistochemically in the penile cavernosum of rats 2 weeks after transplantation.RESULTSIn the rat cavernosum, transplanted K10 NCSCs identified by human nuclear antigen labelling expressed cell type‐specific markers for endothelial cells (CD31 and von Willebrand factor), and specific markers for smooth muscle cells (smooth muscle cell actin, calponin, and desmin) 2 weeks after transplantation. Human NCSCs transplanted into the rat penile corpus cavernosum differentiated into endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells, as shown by their expression of cell type‐specific markers for the cell types.CONCLUSIONIt appears that NCSCs are an ideal cell source for reconstructing endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum in cell therapy for patients with erectile dysfunction.
New classification of midline cysts of the prostate in adults via a transrectal ultrasonography‐guided opacification and dye‐injection study
Authors: Furuya Ryoji , Furuya Seiji , Kato Haruaki , Saitoh Nobuhito , Takahash Satoshi , Tsukamoto Taiji 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVESTo reclassify midline cysts (MLCs) of the prostate according using the results from transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided opacification and dye injection.PATIENTS AND METHODSEighty‐six patients (mean age 60.9 years) who had MLCs detected in the pelvis by TRUS were investigated. In all patients the size of the MLC was measured and they had transperineal aspiration under TRUS guidance. After aspiration of the MLC a mixture of water‐soluble contrast medium and indigo carmine dye was injected to check for communication with the urethra or seminal tract by endoscopic and pelvic X‐ray examination.RESULTSWe classified MLCs into four categories: (i) type 1 (nine cases), MLC with no communication into the urethra (traditional prostatic utricle cyst); (ii) type 2a (60 cases), MLC with communication into the urethra (cystic dilatation of the prostatic utricle, CDU); (iii) type 2b (14 cases), CDU which communicated with the seminal tract; (iv) type 3 (three cases), cystic dilation of the ejaculatory duct. The location, shape and volume of the MLC, and the prostate‐specific antigen level of MLC fluid, did not influence the classification.CONCLUSIONSThe most common type of MLC was CDU. A new classification that depends on the communication with the urethra or seminal tract is proposed.
Impact of risk factors on the performance of the nuclear matrix protein 22 point‐of‐care test for bladder cancer detection
Authors: Lotan Yair , Shariat Shahrokh F. ,   the NMP22 Study Group
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the impact of different risk factors and symptoms on the performance characteristics of the nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) BladderChek® test (Matritech Inc., Newton, MA, USA) for the detection of bladder cancer, as this is a point‐of‐care assay that measures NMPs in voided urine.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 23 academic, private practice and veterans’ facilities in 10 states prospectively enrolled consecutive patients from September 2001 to May 2002. Participants included 1328 patients at elevated risk of bladder cancer from factors such as a history of smoking or symptoms including haematuria and/or dysuria. Patients at risk of malignancy of the urinary tract provided a voided urine sample for analysis of NMP22 protein and cytology before cystoscopy.RESULTSOf the 1328 patients: no urinary disease, benign disease and malignancy were found in 545 (41%), 704 (53%) and 79 (6%) patients, respectively. Overall, the positive predictive value (PPV) for detection of bladder cancer was 20.3% (45/222) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 96.9% (1072/1106). The PPV was higher in men (24.0%) than women (13.2%). In men, the PPV increased with smoking (35.4%), gross haematuria (51.2%) and a combination of both factors (70.6%). The impact on the PPV of smoking (9.7%) and gross haematuria (28.6%) was less dramatic in women. The PPV increased from 16.8% in patients aged <65 years to 23.5% in those aged >65 years. The NPV remained almost always >95% except in men with gross haematuria where it decreased to 77% in smokers and 94% in non‐smokers.CONCLUSIONThe PPV of the BladderChek test improves in patients at higher risk of bladder cancer reaching 77% in men presenting with gross haematuria who are aged >65 years and smoke. The NPV is highest in women aged <65 years, up to 100%.
Comparison of biochemistry and diet in patients with enterocystoplasty who do and do not form stones
Authors: Hamid Rizwan , Robertson William G. , Woodhouse Christopher R.J. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate patients with a history of urinary stones in intestinal reservoirs and compare them with similar patients who have never formed stones.PATIENTS AND METHODSOne consequence of storing urine in an intestinal reservoir is urolithiasis, and there are several theories on its cause, all based on limited evidence. There are many factors predisposing to stone formation, and dietary and biochemical factors might be useful to distinguish those who form stones from those who do not. In a prospective study (with ethical committee approval) we identified 15 patients (six male and six female, mean age 29 years) who had formed stones after an enterocystoplasty (group 1), and another 10 (three male and seven female, mean age 44 years) with no history of urolithiasis after enterocystoplasty (group 2). The respective mean (range) follow‐up was 14.6 (8–24) and 15.2 (6–23) years. They were investigated using our stone‐screening protocol described previously and the results compared between the groups using an unpaired Student’s t‐test, with statistically significance indicated at P < 0.05.RESULTSThere was a statistically significant difference in almost all the variables assessed. The mean 24‐h urine output was 41% higher (P = 0.009) and the mean citrate excretion 173% higher (P = 0.002) in group 2. The mean (range) urinary pH was 6.46 (6.0–7.0) and 6.93  (6.3–7.8) in groups 2 and 1, respectively (P = 0.005). Of the stone‐forming elements, only the excretion of calcium was significant (2.78 vs 5.2 mmol/day, P < 0.001). The biochemical risk of stone formation was significantly higher for both calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones in group 1 than group 2 (P < 0.001 in both). From the dietary diaries there was a 24% higher fluid intake in group 2 (P = 0.04). The difference between group 2 and group 1 for the intake of magnesium (18.2 vs 12.38 mmol/day) and phosphate (49 vs 37.8 mmol/day) was statistically significant (P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively).CONCLUSIONSApparently the use of bowel in the urinary tract does not alone increase the risk of urolithiasis. Patients in group 1 were more prone due to the constituents of urine and possibly their dietary habits. This implies that with adequate fluid intake and eating a healthy balanced diet, the risk of urolithiasis can be reduced in patients with enterocystoplasty, as with idiopathic stone formers.
‘Cutting for the stone’: the ancient art of lithotomy
Authors: Herr Harry W. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVEBladder stone was a common ailment plaguing mankind from antiquity to the 20th century. Largely forgotten today, lithotomy relieved the anguish of bladder stones and identified urology as a medical specialty nearly 2500 years ago.METHODSThe historical literature pertaining to lithotomy was reviewed. Translated and original documents describing operative techniques and developments pertaining to the history of lithotomy were obtained through the internet and library sources.RESULTSThe ancient art of lithotomy was first recorded by the Greeks and evolved through five phases: the Celsian method, or ‘lesser operation’; the Marian, or ‘greater operation’; the lateral operation; suprapubic cystotomy, or ‘high operation’, and proctocystotomy. The practice of open lithotomy ceased to exist owing to better minimally invasive alternative methods and most notably by the virtual disappearance of bladder stones in modern man.CONCLUSIONSThe history of lithotomy is a fascinating story of how early surgeons forced by the culture and customs of the time dealt with common but devastating bladder stones. Out of their efforts, urology was born.
Recovery of erectile function after nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: improvement with nightly low‐dose sildenafil
Authors: Bannowsky Andreas , Schulze Heiko , Van Der Horst Christof , Hautmann Stefan , Jünemann Klaus‐Peter 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of low‐dose sildenafil for rehabilitating erectile function after nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP), as the delay to recovery of erectile function after NSRP remains under debate.PATIENTS AND METHODSForty‐three sexually active patients had a NSRP; at 7–14 days after surgery they had a Rigiscan® (Dacomed Corporation, Minneapolis, MN, USA) measurement of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR). To support the recovery of spontaneous erectile function, 23 patients with preserved nocturnal erections received sildenafil 25 mg/day at night. A control group of 18 patients were then followed but had no phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)‐5 questionnaire was completed 6, 12, 24, 36 and 52 weeks after NSRP.RESULTSOf the 43 patients, 41 (95%) had one to five erections during the first night after catheter removal. In the group using daily sildenafil the mean IIEF‐5 score decreased from 20.8 before NSRP to 3.6, 3.8, 5.9, 9.6 and 14.1 at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 52 weeks after NSRP, respectively. In the control group the respective scores were 21.2, decreasing to 2.4, 3.8, 5.3, 6.4 and 9.3. There was a significant difference in IIEF‐5 score and time to recovery of erectile function between the groups (P < 0.001), with potency rates of 86% vs 66%.CONCLUSIONThe measurement of NPTR after NSRP showed erectile function even the ‘first’ night after catheter removal. In cases of early penile erection, daily low‐dose sildenafil leads to a significant improvement in the recovery of erectile function.
Laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy for managing large staghorn calculi
Authors: Simforoosh Nasser , Aminsharifi Alireza , Tabibi Ali , Noor‐Alizadeh Akbar , Zand Saeed , Radfar Mohammad‐Hadi , Javaherforooshzadeh Ahmad 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the efficacy of a laparoscopic approach for managing large staghorn renal calculi.PATIENTS AND METHODSLaparoscopic transperitoneal anatrophic nephrolithotomy was used to duplicate open anatrophic nephrolithotomy in five patients (three men) with large staghorn renal stones unsuitable for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Only the renal artery was clamped, using a bulldog clamp. The stone was removed through a nephrotomy incision on the Brodel line, which was closed using 3/0 polyglactin continuous sutures, and sutures were buttressed by haemostatic clips instead of knots. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used in the last two patients to evaluate residual stones.RESULTSThe mean (range) stone size was 53  (45–65) mm, the patient age was 53  (45–58) years, and the warm ischaemia and operative duration were 32 (29–35) and 170 (120–225) min, respectively. No blood transfusion was needed during or after surgery. All of the procedures were uneventful and there was no urine leakage after surgery. Only an 8‐mm and a 6‐mm residual stone remained in the first and third patients, in the lower and middle calyces, respectively. Both of them were subsequently treated with shock wave lithotripsy. An intravenous pyelogram after surgery showed a functional corresponding renal unit, with a significant improvement in obstruction in all patients.CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy is a promising alternative for patients who are candidates for open surgery, with an acceptable stone‐free rate. While offering a minimally invasive approach, it can minimize the need for secondary invasive interventions. Further patients and a longer follow‐up are needed before this is suggested as the preferred method in selected patients in the future.
How day of posting affects level of critical discourse in asynchronous discussions and computer‐supported collaborative argumentation
Authors: Jeong Allan , Frazier Sue 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn asynchronous threaded discussions, messages posted near the end of the week provide less time for students to critically examine and respond to ideas presented in the messages than messages posted early in the week. This study examined how the day in which messages are posted (early, midweek and weekend) in computer‐supported collaborative argumentation affect the number of responses elicited by arguments and challenges, and how its effects differ across the four types of exchanges (argument–challenge, challenge–counterchallenge, challenge–explain, challenge–evidence) that serve as indicators of critical discourse. This study found that the day of posting had a significant effect on the number of responses elicited per message, with the greatest to smallest effect on argument–challenge, challenge–counterchallenge, challenge–explain and challenge–evidence exchanges respectively. These findings highlight some of the limitations of asynchronous discussions, and suggest alternative ways to implement and design discussion environments to promote higher levels of critical discourse.
Mutual feedback in e‐portfolio assessment: an approach to the netfolio system
Authors: Barbera Elena 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper presents an alternative application of e‐portfolio in a university student assessment context. A concept based on student collaboration (called netfolio) is developed, that differs from the classical e‐portfolio concept. The use of a netfolio, a network of student e‐portfolios, in a virtual classroom is explained through an exploratory study. A netfolio is more than a group of e‐portfolios because it offers students a better understanding of learning objectives and promotes self‐revision through participation in assessment of other students' learning, as indicated through their portfolios. Class student e‐portfolios are interconnected in a unique netfolio such that each student assesses their peers' work and at the same time is being assessed. This process creates a chain of co‐evaluators, facilitating a mutual and progressive improvement process. Results about teachers' and students' mutual feedback are presented and the benefits of the process in terms of academic achievements are analysed.
Cowboys with cameras: an interactive expedition
Authors: Robert Kenny , Lenz Adam 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUtilizing the same technologies pioneered by the embedded journalists in Iraq, the University of Central Florida (UCF) teamed up with TracStar, Inc to create a small‐scale, satellite‐based expedition transmission package to accompany a university film and digital media professor into parts of Utah and the Moab Desert that had a historical significance to American Western Films. The expedition took the group to many locations where scenes from John Wayne and John Ford movies were filmed. Students along on the trip camped out and suffered similar tough conditions as did the original film crews, experienced the wilderness, and participated in lectures and interviews with locals, who supported the films and acted as extras and stunt persons. The project brought a live experience back to the university campus in which students personally interact firsthand with the people, places, things in as real a manner as what the remote travelers encountered.This article presents details about the experiences of the first implementation of the live broadcasts from the remote desert and the reactions of focus groups to the experience. One group watched archived broadcast, convinced that they were live. Their impressions and reactions were recorded and analyzed and compared to those who were part of a control group. Conclusions and recommendations for future trips are introduced.
Detection of drug‐resistant HIV minorities in clinical specimens and therapy failure
Authors: Louvel S , Battegay M , Vernazza P , Bregenzer T , Klimkait T , Hamy F ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: February 2008

ObjectiveParticularly for therapy‐experienced patients, resistance assessment by genotypic or phenotypic methods produces discordances. This study seeks proof that differences may arise from the fact that genotyping produces a single summary sequence whereas replicative phenotyping (rPhenotyping) functionally detects and assigns resistances in mixed HIV populations.MethodsFor validation, defined mixes of wild‐type and M184V mutant were analysed by rPhenotyping or standard genotyping. Allele‐specific and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) set detection and quantification limits for minor virus populations in vitro and in authentic clinical samples showing geno‐/pheno‐discrepant lamivudine resistance.ResultsAllele‐specific and real‐time PCR methods detected down to 0.3% of mutant M184V. The functional assessment was sensitive enough to reveal <1% of mutant M184V in mixed samples. Also in discordant samples from the diagnostic routine, in which rPhenotyping had identified drug resistance, real‐time PCR confirmed minute amounts of mutant M184V.ConclusionBy utilizing the replication dynamics of HIV under drug pressure, a rPhenotyping format potently reveals relevant therapy‐resistant minority species, even of HIV known to possess reduced replicative fitness. With its rapid turnaround of 8 days and its high sensitivity, our rPhenotyping system may be a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting the early emergence of therapy‐threatening HIV minorities or the persistence of residual resistant virus.
Right and left cardiac function in HIV‐infected patients investigated using radionuclide ventriculography and brain natriuretic peptide: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kristoffersen US , Lebech AM , Gerstoft J , Hesse B , Petersen CL , Gutte H , Kjær A 
Published: February 2008

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the incidence of myocardial dysfunction in an HIV‐infected population receiving state‐of‐the‐art treatment.MethodsBetween April 2001 and July 2002, 91 HIV‐infected patients had a radionuclide ventriculography performed with determination of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as well as measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Between July 2005 and January 2007, 63 patients (69%) agreed to participate in a follow‐up study with a mean follow‐up of 4.5 years.ResultsAll patients had normal LVEF at both examinations. A minimal increase in mean LVEF of 0.02 was observed at follow‐up (P=0.01). At the initial visit, four patients [6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2–15%] had a reduced RVEF, and at follow‐up two patients (3%; 95% CI 0–11%) had slightly reduced RVEF. No significant change in mean RVEF was found. No patients had increased BNP and no change in mean plasma BNP was found.ConclusionsHIV‐related cardiomyopathy appears not to constitute a problem in closely monitored, well‐treated HIV‐infected patients. Compared with pre‐highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) studies, it seems that the improvement in immunocompetency and viral load has removed the problem of HIV‐related cardiomyopathy. Although HAART has been suggested as a possible new cause of cardiomyopathy, we did not find any evidence of this.