bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lasers in urology
Authors: Bhatta Krishna M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEver since Mulvany first described use of Ruby laser for lithotripsy, urologists have been exploiting every possible application of this technology. Laser lithotripsy in the 1980s and now laser prostatectomy in the 1990s have dominated laser usage in urology. Applications of lasers for superficial lesions (e.g., condylomata acuminata and carcinoma of penis) have found an established role. Interests in laser welding, photodynamic therapy and fluorescence continues to grow and evolve. The laser industry at the same time is striving to provide more efficient lasers. High power lasers (Hohmium:YAG, KTP:YAG) and laser machines combining double wavelengths (Nd:YAG and KTP, Ho: YAG and Nd:YAG) are commercially available. Diode lasers with their portability and reliability qualities can now provide high output powers in various wavelengths. Here, we have reviewed different lasers, laser tissue interaction and clinical laser applications relevent to urology. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of N‐acetylcysteïne on photofrin‐induced skin photosensitivity in patients
Authors: Baas Paul , van Mansom Inge , van Tinteren Harm , Stewart Fiona A. , van Zandwijk Nico 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground and Objective: One of the major side effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) employing Photofrin as the sensitizer is enhanced photosensitivity of the skin. The basic mechanism in PDT damage is believed to be the formation of singlet oxygen and radical species. N‐acetylcysteïne (NAC) increases glutathione levels and is known to prevent pathology elicited by radicals and reactive species.Study Design/Materials and Methods: NAC was tested in a randomized, open label study for its protective effect on skin photosensitivity. Twenty‐seven patients treated with PDT for central obstructive lung cancer or esophageal cancer received either “early” or “delayed” NAC, starting 5 or 10 days after Photofrin, in a dose of 3 × 600 mg per day for 5 days. Light, obtained from a halogen lamp (fluence rate 200 mW·cm−2) was used to illuminate skin patches of 2.5 cm2 on the back (10, 25, and 50 J·cm−2). Skin response was measured by using a visual scoring system and by measuring the redness using a reflectance meter.Results: Skin responses varied from no changes at 10 J·cm−2 to redness with edema at energies of 50 J·cm−2. In the absence of edema, measurements with the reflectance meter appeared to be more sensitive than visual scoring.Conclusion: In a limited number of patients, there was a trend for decreased sensitivity after NAC, but statistical analysis failed to show any significant protective effect of this short course of NAC. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐powered CO2 laser cystoscope for endoscopic bladder surgery
Authors: Fournier George R. , Kung Andrew H. , Trost David 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground and Objective: The CO2 laser is potentially useful for the surgical treatment of superficial bladder tumors. High water absorption of the CO2 laser beam and the lack of a flexible fiber delivery system has hindered development of cystoscopes designed to evaporate bladder tumors. This report describes a cystoscope capable of delivering a high‐power CO2 laser beam to all parts of the urinary bladder.Study Design/Materials and Methods: A rigid 24 Fr. cystoscope transmitting 80 Watts of power via an articulated arm and infrared waveguide was built. Beam manipulation is by reflection using a movable mirror. Smoke and urine are evacuated by continuous flow of CO2 purge gas. An isotopic laser delivering an 11.1 μm wavelength beam prevents resonant absorption. Conventional 30–70° telescopes are used. Scope performance and lesion morphology were tested in four female pigs.Results: A total of 80–85% of the incident energy is delivered to the mucosa. All areas of the bladder mucosa can be evaporated. All components tolerate wetting. Mucosa and lamina propria are evaporated with 30 Joules of delivered energy. Perforation occurs after 120–160 Joules are delivered to a single spot.Conclusion: The limitations of power, beam transmission, beam manipulation within a small cavity, and resistance to wetting have been overcome. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated lesion placement in the rabbit eye
Authors: Barrett Steven F. , Jerath Maya R. , Rylander H. Grady , Welch Ashley J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground and Objective: The objective of this research was to build a prototype feedback control system to precisely place argon laser lesions on the retina for treatment of retinal disorders.Study Design/Materials, and Methods: The prototype feedback control system was tested by placing lesions at specific locations on the retina of pigmented rabbits to simulate the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, retinal breaks or tears, and a pre‐programmed, two‐dimensional array of lesions was placed at a specific site.Results: Results of feedback‐controlled lesion placement performed in vivo on pigmented rabbits are presented. The ability to place lesions with automated feedback control is demonstrated.Conclusion: Automated feedback control placement of argon laser lesions is possible at a reasonable cost and has numerous therapeutic and safety benefits over current ballistic delivery.
Laser tissue welding: A comprehensive review of current and future
Authors: Bass Lawrence S. , Treat Michael R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractLaser techniques for joining tissue, in combination with other surgical technologies, will be a hallmark of surgery in the next century. At present, there are many clinical applications of tissue welding and soldering which are beginning to achieve wide spread acceptance. These exciting clinical developments are the result of many advances which have been made in the past few years in our understanding of the mechanism of laser tissue welding. Also contributing to this progress are many important technical refinements such as tissue solders and feedback control of the laser device. In this article, we describe in depth the history and development of laser tissue welding including key theoretical concepts as well as crucial experiments which have added to our insight into this phenomenon. We also review the evolving concepts of its clinical application and indicate clinical applications which are likely to become more important in the future. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectroscopic diagnosis of bladder cancer with elastic light scattering
Authors: Mourant Judith R. , Bigio Irving J. , Boyer James , Conn Richard L. , Johnson Tamara , Shimada Tsutomu 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground and Objectives: Recently, significant progress has been made toward the development of optical, noninvasive medical diagnostics. The goal of this study was to evaluate elastic scatter measurements as a tool for diagnosing bladder cancer. Study Design/Materials and Methods: In vivo measurements on 10 patients with suspected bladder cancer were made with the optical biopsy system (OBS) developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Elastic‐scatter spectra over the wavelength range 250–800 nm were obtained using a fiber‐optic probe through one of the lumens of a urological cystoscope. Measurements were made on putatively normal areas and areas of uncertain abnormality, as well as those suspected to be cancerous. After measurements were made with the OBS, biopsy samples were taken at the measurement sites. Comparisons of the histopathology and the optical spectra were then made.Results and Conclusions: A diagnostic algorithm for distinguishing malignant from nonmalignant tissue based on the values of the slopes over the wavelength range 330–370 nm has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97% for the limited number of patients in this Study.
Study on superabsorbent composite. XV. Effects of ion‐exchanged attapulgite on water absorbency of superabsorbent composites
Authors: Zhang Junping , Chen Hao , Wang Aiqin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA series of superabsorbent composite, polyacrylamide/attapulgite, from acrylamide (AM) and ion‐exchanged attapulgite (APT) was prepared by aqueous polymerization, using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The effects of ion‐exchanged APT on water absorbency of superabsorbent composites in distilled water and in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution were studied. The result indicates that higher cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) and lower specific surface area (SSA) of APT treated with various anions are of benefit for improving water absorbency in distilled water. The effects of AlCl3 solution concentration and Al3+‐exchanged APT content on water absorbency of the composite were also investigated. The concentration of AlCl3 solution has a great influence on water absorbency of the superabsorbent composite. Al3+‐exchange of APT could also enhance reswelling ability of the corresponding composite, which indicates that Al3+‐exchange of APT could improve gel strength and gives a direct evidence for its acting as an inorganic assistant crosslinker in the polymeric network. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:208–213, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Peri‐ and paracentric inversions in chromosome 12: Prenatal diagnosis and family study
Authors: Poulsen Hanne , Mikkelsen Margareta , Holmgren Gösta 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThree different types of chromosome 12 inversion were seen in 15 individuals out of 44 individuals examined in one 8 generation family. Type 1: a pericentric inversion inv(12) (p112; q131) was found in 7 individuals and twice at prenatal diagnosis. Type 2: a paracentric inversion inv(12) (p123; p131) was seen in two individuals. Two individuals carried both inversion chromosomes, namely type 1 and type 2. The two inversion chromosomes were transmitted from each of the parents. Type 3: a double pericentric and paracentric inversion (type 3) inv(12) (p123; p131) (p112; q131) was observed in the daughter of one of the carriers of type 1 and 2 inversions and again at prenatal diagnosis in her son. The double inversion most likely arose through crossing‐over in between the two inversion loops. A balanced translocation t(7; 13) and the inversion type 1 was observed in one individual, who transmitted the translocation only to an offspring.The frequency of inversions in amniotic fluid cells observed in our laboratory was 1·9 per cent. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
A case of a paracentric inversion inv(7)(q11q22). Prenatal detection and counselling
Authors: Ridler Michael A. C. , Sutton Simon D. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA paracentric inversion in the long arm of a number 7 chromosome was detected in an amniotic cell culture from a 41 year old woman, screened because of maternal age. The karyotype was 46, XX, inv(7) (q11q22). Her husband carried an identical inversion. The parents were advised that the pregnancy should continue and a healthy infant was born at term. Prenatal diagnosis and counselling for paracentric inversion heterozygotes are discussed in the light of published and unpublished cases.
Menkes X‐linked disease: Prenatal diagnosis of hemizygous males and heterozygous females
Authors: Horn Nina 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMenkes X‐linked disease, a copper disturbance syndrome, is detectable in cell cultures.Prenatal findings in two at‐risk foetuses suggested that prenatal diagnosis was also feasible. In this study, we report substantial evidence that therapeutic abortion can be limited to hemizygous males.Forty‐two at‐risk pregnancies from 21 European families and 1 Canadian family were monitored with 64Cu‐uptake into cultured amniotic fluid cells. In 10 pregnancies with a male karyotype an affected foetus was predicted on the basis of the copper studies. The pregnancies were terminated and the diagnosis was in each case confirmed by a markedly increased placenta copper content.Fourteen male foetuses were predicted to be unaffected and none of them has developed signs of Menkes disease after birth. In 6 of these cases the diagnosis was checked in the newborn boy by placenta copper measurements, and they all had copper concentrations within normal limits.Eighteen pregnancies with a female karyotype were also studied. 9 females could be identified as carriers on the basis of the tissue culture studies or raised placenta copper values.
Correct prenatal diagnosis of a hurler fetus where amniotic fluid cell cultures were of maternal origin
Authors: Mossman Jean , Patrick A. D. , Fensom A. H. , Tansley Linda R. , Benson P. F. , Der Kaloustian V. M. , Dudin Gertrud 
Published: March 2007

AbstractContamination of amniotic fluid cell cultures by maternal cells can be expected to lead to misdiagnosis of fetal genotype in 0·1 to 0·5/100 cultures, when assays are carried out directly on cultured cells. Chemical analysis of the cell‐free amniotic fluid supernatant may overcome this source of error and has the added advantages of speed and independence from amniotic cell culture failure. We describe a pregnancy at risk for Hurler's disease where amniotic cells cultured at amniocentesis had a female karyotype and an α‐iduronidase activity towards both phenyl and 4‐methylumbelliferyl substrates at the lower end of the normal range, suggesting a heterozygous fetus. An affected fetus was predicted, however, because of a high concentration of dermatan sulphate in the amniotic fluid. The discrepancy between these findings was shown to be due to maternal cell contamination of amniotic fluid cell cultures by the birth of a male infant with Hurler's disease.
Risk of amniocentesis and laboratory findings in a series of 1500 prenatal diagnoses
Authors: Verjaal Marianne , Leschot Nico J. , Treffers Pieter E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe experiences with 1500 midtrimester prenatal diagnoses are reported. Abnormal findings of amniotic fluid investigations led to 43 therapeutic abortions. In ± 30 percent of the chromosome anomalies diagnosed, the significance of the effect on fetal development was inconclusive. The outcomes of all pregnancies except one are known. Fetal loss and perinatal mortality involved 69 cases, 23 (33 percent) of which occurred within three weeks after amniocentesis. In these 23 cases there appeared to be a relationship between the degree of experience of the gynaecologist and fetal loss: 3·7 percent when this experience was limited to a maximum of 10 punctures diminishing to 0·3 percent with an experience of more than 50 punctures. It is concluded that the risk of an abortion due to amniocentesis decreases as the gynaecologist becomes more experienced with the puncture technique.
Maple syrup urine disease: α‐Ketoisocaproate decarboxylation activity in different types of cultured amniotic fluid cells
Authors: Wendel U. , Gamm G. , Claussen U. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThree different cell types of primary amniotic fluid cultures (AF‐, F‐, and E‐cells according to Hoehn et al., 1974) were analysed for α‐ketoisocaproate decarboxylation activity by microtechnique. This reaction using L‐[1‐14C] leucine as initial substrate is applied for prenatal diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease. Activities of α‐ketoisocaproate decarboxylation did not differ significantly for the respective cell types and comparatively small numbers of cells from any primary amniotic fluid culture can be used for the biochemical assay irrespective of the prevailing cell type.
The characterization of hCG regulation in cultured human amniotic fluid cells
Authors: Laundon Caroline H. , Priest Jean H. , Priest Robert E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe media from primary cultures and subcultures of second trimester human amniotic fluid (AF) cells were assayed by radioimmunoassay to quantitate production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Primary AF cultures produce more hCG per cell than do the corresponding subcultures. Sodium butyrate (2 mM) stimulates AF subcultures to produce 5‐13 times more hCG per cell or per mg of cellular protein than do untreated subcultures. This stimulatory effect of sodium butyrate is dose dependent between 0 and 5 mM.Addition of sodium butyrate 24 hours after subculture, while stimulating production of hCG during the subsequent 3 days, also results in fewer cells and less protein per culture. This effect on cell growth is also dose‐dependent.Previous investigators have proposed that the stimulation of hCG by sodium butyrate in other types of cell cultures is due to an effect of that agent on culture growth. Therefore, in these studies AF cells are allowed to grow to confluency before sodium butyrate was added. Production of hCG was stimulated by sodium butyrate about four‐fold during the next 5 days although no significant changes were observed either in number of cells or amount of cellular protein per culture. These results suggest that stimulation of hCG by sodium butyrate is not dependent on its effect on growth of the cultures.
Stimulation of human amniotic fluid cell proliferation and colony formation by cell plating on a naturally produced extracellular matrix
Authors: Vlodavsky I. , Voss R. , Yarkoni S. , Fuks Z. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHuman amniotic fluid cells exhibit a higher cloning efficiency and rate of cell proliferation when maintained on dishes coated with a naturally produced extracellular matrix (ECM) in comparison with the regular tissue culture plastic. In 22 out of 31 amniotic fluid samples there was by plating the cells on ECM a 2–6 fold increase in number and size of colonies and in the cell density per colony as detected by actual staining and viewing of each colony. These effects yielded, in 21 of 41 additional samples, a reduction ranging from 2–8 days, in the culture time elapsing between amniocentesis and the first harvesting of cells for chromosomal analysis. An even greater effect was obtained with primary cells that failed to attach to plastic surfaces and stayed floating in the medium but did attach and proliferate when seeded on ECM. Cells that were left firmly attached to ECM after the first trypsinization and harvesting of cells for chromosomal analysis yielded colonies ready for second karyotyping in less than half the time required for cells maintained on plastic. Studies with secondary cultures of human amniotic fluid cells have demonstrated a 5–10 fold decrease in serum requirement of cells cultured on ECM as compared with plastic. Addition of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to the cultures further potentiated the effects of ECM. The ECM induced stimulation of cell attachment and proliferation was not associated with any chromosomal anomalies, nor did it interfere with the handling procedure. ECM coated dishes may be useful to reduce the time interval between amniocentesis and diagnosis, in particular when the amniotic cells exhibit an exceedingly slow rate of proliferation on plastic or when large quantities of cells are required for enzymatic studies.
Prenatal diagnosis of morquio's disease type a (n‐acetylgalactosamine 6‐sulphate sulphatase deficiency)
Authors: Von Figura Kurt , Van De Kamp J. J. , Niermeijer Martinus F. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPrenatal monitoring of three pregnancies at risk of Morquio's disease type A by determination of N‐acetylgalactosamine 6‐sulphate sulphatase activity in cultured amniotic cells is reported. In one pregnancy prenatal diagnosis of one affected fetus was made. Enzyme determinations in tissues of the aborted fetus confirmed the prenatal diagnosis.
Prenatal diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in the third trimester using amniotic fluid bile acid analysis
Authors: Legge M. , Rippon P. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTotal bile acid concentration in third trimester amniotic fluid was determined using an enzymatic technique and fluorometry. The technique was successfully applied to the prenatal diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in a 33‐week fetus from a pregnancy presenting with polyhydramnios.
Prenatal testing for inherited immune deficiencies by fetal blood sampling
Authors: Durandy A. , Oury C. , Griscelli C. , Dumez Y. , Oury J. F. , Henrion R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe attempted to develop a prenatal diagnosis in fetuses at risk for immunodeficiency by fetal blood sampling performed under fetoscopy at 18–22 weeks of gestation. In order to obtain normal values, we first investigated thirty‐five control fetuses whose blood punctures were undertaken for the diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies. Surface markers and in vitro mitogen‐induced proliferation of the fetal lymphocytes were studied using micromethods. We then examined two fetuses at risk for two different types of severe combined immunodeficiency and established their immunological integrity, hence avoiding an unjustified termination of pregnancy. This immunological integrity was confirmed after birth.
Unexpected structural chromosome rearrangements in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Boué J. , Girard S. , Thépot F. , Choiset A. , Boué A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAmong 5315 prenatal diagnoses performed for various indications (maternal age, neural tube defect, metabolic diseases, X‐linked diseases, pathologic pregnancies) 29 unexpected structural chromosome rearrangements were found in fetal cells.Fourteen were de novo chromosome rearrangements, six unbalanced, and eight balanced. Fifteen were inherited and balanced rearrangements. This high frequency of structural anomalies is discussed.
Chemical and biochemical studies in fetuses affected with nieman‐pick disease type A
Authors: Schoenfeld Alex , Ovadia Jardena , Neri Alex , Abramovici Armand , Klibanski Chaya 
Published: March 2007

AbstractChemical and biochemical studies were performed on two unrelated fetuses affected with Niemann‐Pick disease type A, following abortion at about the 19th week of gestation. Abortion was performed as a consequence of previous findings, in amniotic fluid cell cultures, that sphingomyelinase activity was completely absent. Phospholipid analyses of various organs of the fetuses, spleen and liver were the organs mostly affected. Interestingly enough considerable accumulation of sphingomyelin was found in the placenta. The brain was the only organ in which sphingomyeiin storage could not be proved. In addition to sphingomyelin a slight accumulation of cholesterol was noticed. Deficiency of sphingomyelinase activity measured at pH 5·0 was the general characteristic of the affected tissues.It is concluded that the accumulation of sphingomyelin in various organs throughout the body of fetuses affected with Niemann‐Pick disease is suggestive of the essential role of the enzyme sphingomyelinase and its biochemical maturation, even during the early stages of gestation.
Phenotypic analysis of fetal blood leucocytes: Potential for prenatal diagnosis of immunodeficiency disorders
Authors: Linch David C. , Beverley Peter C. L. , Levinsky Roland J. , Rodeck Charles H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRecent technological advances allow the detection and quantitation of subsets of leucocytes using monoclonal antibodies. We have taken advantage of this to study the ontogeny of fetal blood leucocytes, using very small blood samples obtained at fetoscopy. By 14 weeks gestation T cells represent 35 per cent or more of fetal leucocytes and the distribution of the helper/inducer and suppressor/cytotoxic subsets is similar to that of adults. B lymphocytes before 161/2 weeks are low (4–20 per cent), but rise to a mean of 28 per cent in 17–26 week fetuses. Granulocytic cells, many of which are phenotypically immature, represent 18–34 per cent of total leucocytes. The methodology employed is very reliable and offers the opportunity for the prenatal diagnosis of some immunodeficiency disorders, since using the same reagents we have diagnosed children with severe combined immunodeficiency shortly after birth.