bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite typing of the human leucocyte antigen region: analytical approach and contribution to rheumatoid arthritis immunogenetic studies
Authors: Barnetche T. , Constantin A. , Gourraud P.‐A. , Abbal M. , Garnier J.‐G. , Cantagrel A. , Cambon‐Thomsen A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWithin the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1 locus is clearly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using a microsatellite (MSat) typing approach, we aimed to identify other loci associated with RA susceptibility and/or severity within the MHC. A panel of nine MSat HLA loci [D6S291, D6S2876 (G51152), D6S1666 (DQCAR II), D6S273, D6S2789 (TNFd), D6S2810 (MIB), D6S265, D6S2222, D6S2239], and HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 genes were typed in 170 RA cases and 282 controls. For susceptibility analysis, MSat and HLA allele distribution were compared between cases and controls, before and after stratification on HLA‐DRB1*04. Haplotype frequencies were estimated using an expectation–maximization algorithm in a permutation test procedure. For severity analysis, we compared the distribution of structural damage score at onset and after 4 years of follow‐up in RA cases carrying susceptibility alleles. Two MSat polymorphisms were positively associated with RA susceptibility: allele*136 of D6S265 [odds ratio, OR (confidence interval, CI) = 1.55 (1.11–2.17), P= 0.007], allele*116 of D6S2239 [OR = 1.34 (1–1.79), P= 0.03] and HLA‐A2 [OR = 1.46 (1.08–1.98), P= 0.01]. Two MSat polymorphisms were negatively associated with RA susceptibility: allele*133 of D6S273 [OR = 0.3 (0.1–0.75), P= 0.005] and allele*177 of D6S291 [OR = 0.72 (0.53–0.96), P= 0.02]. The association between allele*136 of D6S265 and RA susceptibility remained unchanged after stratification on HLA‐DRB1*04. The haplotypic analysis showed an overrepresentation of D6S265*136/HLA‐A*02 haplotype, which suggests an effect independent of HLA‐DRB1 locus in RA susceptibility. While HLA‐A2 and HLA‐DR4 were associated with RA severity, no MSat polymorphism was associated with structural damage score.
Multiplex family–based study in systemic lupus erythematosus: association between the R620W polymorphism of PTPN22 and the FcγRIIa (CD32A) R131 allele
Authors: Balada E. , Villarreal‐Tolchinsky J. , Ordi‐Ros J. , Labrador M. , Serrano‐Acedo S. , Martinez‐Lostao L. , Vilardell‐Tarrés M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA functional polymorphism in PTPN22, a gene encoding a phosphatase involved in T‐cell signaling, has been associated with autoimmunity. We checked for the prevalence of the PTPN22 R620W polymorphism in multiplex families affected with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. Its association with other polymorphisms in mannose binding lectin (MBL) and FcγRIIa (CD32A) genes was also studied. Deoxyribonucleic acid samples were obtained from 233 Spanish individuals who belonged to 21 families in which at least two members had been diagnosed with some autoimmune disease, mainly SLE. A healthy control population was also included (n= 129). Genotyping for the R620W single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction products. Allele frequency for the T allele was slightly higher in the families with autoimmune disease, especially when considering the affected individuals (0.094 vs 0.062). Actually, 18.8% affected family members vs 11.6% controls had the polymorphism (P= 0.179). Nineteen percent of affected individuals had both the PTPN22 T and the CD32A R131 alleles, whereas only 8.5% unaffected relatives had both susceptibility alleles simultaneously [P= 0.031, odds ratios 2.508 (95% confidence interval 1.066–5.896)]. The tendency toward finding the T allele more frequently in members affected with some particular autoimmune disorder suggests that this SNP may confer susceptibility to autoimmunity. The fact that more affected than unaffected relatives carried both the T and the R131 alleles simultaneously leads us to think about the existence of a combinatorial effect between genes that could help define individuals prone to autoimmune diseases.
The influence of polyphenol rich apple pomace or red‐wine pomace diet on the gut morphology in weaning piglets
Authors: Sehm J. , Lindermayer H. , Dummer C. , Treutter D. , Pfaffl M. W. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAlternative food ingredients, e.g. secondary plant compounds, are discussed to have beneficial effects and improve gut health. In this study, the effect of three different diets – normal piglets starter without additives, with apple pomace or with red‐wine pomace – on the intestinal morphology was investigated from 3 days prior to weaning to 4 weeks post‐weaning. At five time points, six piglets from each treatment group were slaughtered; at first time point only six animals from control group were slaughtered. Villus height, crypt depth and breadth of villi and crypts were determined in the jejunum, ileum and colon in 78 piglets. Additionally, the area of the Peyer's patches in the ileum was measured. In jejunum (p < 0.01) and ileum (p < 0.001) the villus length in the control group decreased after weaning but increased over the entire feeding experiment (p < 0.001). In the two‐pomace groups, no decrease was measured after weaning. In jejunum, an increase in villi breadth occurred, 73% in the control group and approximately 10% in both treatment groups. A 35% increase was found in the ileum in all groups. Peyer's patches area increased approximately 21% in the control group over 26 days of treatment, whereas in other groups no significant differences were found. Different polyphenol rich pomaces have diverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract. Red‐wine pomace has an inhibitory effect on the jejunum villi growth, whereas apple and red‐wine pomace have stimulating effect on crypt size in piglet colon. Apple and red‐wine pomace can reduce the GALT activation via the Peyer's patches in the ileum. In conclusion, the flavanoids rich feeding regimen showed positive effects on villi morphology, GALT activation and can improve pig health.
Effects of feeding fat‐coated butyrate on mucosal morphology and function in the small intestine of the pig
Authors: Claus R. , Günthner D. , Letzguß H. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAs shown earlier, pig rations with high starch and purine content initiate mucosal hypertrophy by stimulating mitotic activity and DNA formation in the small intestine, whereas in the colon butyrate inhibits apoptosis and thus increases crypt depth. It was the aim of this study to combine these effects by targeting fat‐coated butyrate into the small intestine where it usually does not occur, and to investigate effects on mucosal development and function. Three groups of five pigs were fed 3.6 kg/day of either a low‐energy ration [deficit group, 6.6 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg] or a high‐energy ration (13.7 MJ ME/kg) that was supplemented with brewing yeast as a source of purines. The third ration was of high energy and contained purines and was additionally supplemented with coated butyrate (13.5 MJ ME/kg; 29 g calcium butyrate/kg). Rations were fed for 5 days. After killing, tissue samples were obtained from the proximal, medial and distal parts of jejunum for histology. Chyme samples were obtained from the ileum of all animals and used for sucrase determination. Villus size was not changed by feeding, but butyrate had an effect on plica height and area mainly in the medial jejunum. Plica area in the butyrate group (4.2 mm2) was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) compared with that of the deficit group (2.3 mm2) and high‐energy group (2.7 mm2; p ≤ 0.01). For the butyrate group, sucrase activity in the ileum was 119.1 U/ml and thus significantly higher (0.05) compared with the high‐energy group (61.7 U/ml) and the deficit group (28.0 U/ml; p ≤ 0.001). Targeting butyrate into the small intestine thus improves digestive and absorptive capacities. The mechanism probably is a specific effect on enterocyte mitosis which in turn leads to an increased plica size by crypt fission.
Early use of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor after brachytherapy restores and preserves erectile function
Authors: Schiff Jonathan D. , Bar‐Chama Natan , Cesaretti Jaime , Stock Richard 
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 investigate whether the early use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) after brachytherapy (BT) is associated with better erectile function, as of men potent before BT 38–70% have erectile dysfunction afterward.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe evaluated a prospectively created database of 2500 patients who had had BT at our institution since 1992. We measured baseline age, cancer stage, Gleason grade, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level at diagnosis, implant type, use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant hormonal suppression therapy, use of external beam radiotherapy in conjunction with interstitial therapy, and follow‐up PSA levels. Men were stratified by their use of PDEIs at <1 year (early group) or >1 year after implantation (late group). We excluded all men who did not have baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) scores and at least one follow‐up SHIM score; the latter were obtained at 6‐month intervals after BT. Data were analysed using the Mann‐Whitney U‐test.RESULTSIn all, 210 men met the inclusion criteria; 85 began using PDEIs within a year of BT, and 125 started after a year. The mean time to PDEI use was 191 days in the early and 595 days in the late group. The median age was 62 years in the early and 63 years in the late group (P = 0.02). Baseline Gleason scores did not differ, nor did PSA levels between the groups. Of men in the early group, 48% received neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant hormonal suppression therapy, vs half of men in the late group. Baseline SHIM scores were not significantly different, nor were scores at the first two follow‐up assessments, but the scores at 18–36 months after BT were significantly different.CONCLUSIONThe early use of PDEIs after BT is associated with a significant improvement in and maintenance of erectile function compared with late use. Men undergoing BT should be encouraged to use PDEIs early after implantation, to preserve erectile function.
Does obesity influence the operative course or complications of robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Khaira Herkanwal S. , Bruyere Franck , O’Malley Patrick J. , Peters Justin S. , Costello Anthony J. 
Published: November 2006

Associate EditorAsh TewariEditorial BoardRalph Clayman, USAInderbir Gill, USARoger Kirby, UKMani Menon, USAOBJECTIVETo determine if obesity is associated with prolonged surgery or more complications during and after surgery in patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween December 2003 and September 2005 data were collected prospectively for all patients undergoing RALP. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m2. The duration of surgery was recorded, determining the duration of steps, including overall, robotic assistance, and vesico‐urethral anastomosis. In all, 285 patients had RALP by one of two surgeons; 236 were classified as not obese and 49 as obese.RESULTSThe characteristics of the two groups were similar before and after RALP (mean age 60.7 vs 60.3 years, prostate‐specific antigen level 7.9 vs 7.9 ng/mL, prostate weight 47.3 vs 45.3 g, length of stay 3.2 vs 3.5 days, and indwelling catheterization 8.3 vs 7.9 days). The mean duration of surgical steps was less for the non‐obese than the obese group, with urethral dissection requiring 16 vs 19.3 min (P < 0.05), anastomotic time 30 vs 36 min (P < 0.01), and port closure 11 vs 14.5 min (P < 0.001), but the total duration of surgery, at 190 vs 205 min, was not significantly different (P = 0.07). In the non‐obese group there were seven (3%) prolonged drain tube leaks, vs four (8%) in the obese group (P = 0.08).CONCLUSIONSObesity was associated with longer anastomotic times, but the overall duration was similar. Overall complication rates were not significantly different. The continuing follow‐up will determine if obesity predisposes patients to greater long‐term morbidity after RALP.
Risk and presenting features of prostate cancer amongst African‐Caribbean, South Asian and European men in North‐east London
Authors: Chinegwundoh Frank , Enver Mohamed , Lee Angela , Nargund Vinod , Oliver Tim , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine whether there are ethnic differences in the incidence and presenting features of all patients with prostate cancer presenting in North‐east London, UK.PATIENTS AND METHODSAll newly diagnosed men with prostate cancer between 1999 and 2000 who were resident in the East London and City Health Authority were identified from various sources. Key clinical features were extracted from hospital records. The age‐adjusted incidence rates for European, South Asian and African‐Caribbean patients were calculated using census denominator data.RESULTSFor men aged >50 years the annual age‐adjusted incidence rates (95% confidence interval) were 213 (186–240), 647 (504–789) and 199 (85–310) for the European, African‐Caribbean and South Asian patients, respectively. African‐Caribbean men had a three times greater risk (risk ratio 3.07, 2.40–3.93, P < 0.001) than European men. South Asian men had a lower risk of prostate cancer but this could have been compatible with chance. There was no evidence of marked ethnic differences for prostate‐specific antigen levels, clinical staging and Gleason scores.CONCLUSIONThe greater risk of prostate cancer for African‐Caribbean men in South‐east England is consistent with data from the USA and the Caribbean. Future work needs to determine whether this risk differs according to country of origin, and which genetic and/or environmental risk factors might be important in explaining these observations.
Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor in bladder cancer cells treated with the DNA‐damaging drug etoposide markedly increases apoptosis
Authors: Munk Mathias , Memon Ashfaque Ahmed , Nexo Ebba , Sorensen Boe Sandahl 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the induction of apoptosis by the chemotherapeutic agent etoposide (VP16), and to examine the effect of combining VP16 with gefitinib to see if the cell‐survival mechanism can be prevented.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe bladder cancer cell lines RT4 and T24, representing low‐ and high‐malignancy grades respectively, were treated with VP16 (10 or 50 µm) and the level of apoptosis determined using a commercial kit. EGFR receptor activity was determined by western blotting using antibodies against phosphorylated EGFR. The EGFR was either activated by heparin‐binding (HB)‐EGF (1 nm) or inhibited with the specific EGFR inhibitor gefitinib (1 or 5 µm). The pan‐caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD (30 µm) was used to test the involvement of caspase activity.RESULTSTreatment of T24 bladder cancer cells with VP16 (50 µm) for 48 h induced phosphorylation of the EGFR and activation of the EGFR prevented the apoptosis induced by VP16. Thus, treatment of T24 cells with 50 µm VP16 for 48 h resulted in 19% apoptosis. However, activation of the EGFR with HB‐EGF (1 nm) with VP16 (50 µm) significantly reduced the level of apoptosis by 25% (P < 0.05) showing that activating the EGFR has a cell‐survival function. Inhibiting the EGFR with gefitinib (5 µm) blocked the VP16‐induced activation of the EGFR. Combined treatment with gefitinib and VP16 resulted in 45% apoptotic cells, i.e. more than double the percentage of apoptotic cells with VP16 alone. This was found in both T24 and RT4 cells. Gefitinib used alone (1 and 5 µm) generated no apoptosis in the cells. Treatment of T24 cells with Z‐VAD showed that apoptosis induced by both VP16 alone and VP16 with gefitinib was caspase‐mediated.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that activation of the EGFR induced a cell‐survival function when bladder cancer cells were treated with the DNA‐damaging drug VP16, and that combined treatment with VP16 and the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib might improve the efficacy of treatment.
Ureteric embolization: an alternative treatment strategy for urinary fistulae complicating advanced pelvic malignancy
Authors: Natarajan Vaithianathan , Boucher Nigel R. , Meiring Pieter , Spencer Paul , Parys Bo T. , Oakley Neil E. ,   for the Stent (Society for Endourology in North Trent) group
Published: November 2006

Palliative procedures have been developed for use as an alternative to major surgery in patients with a short life‐expectancy due to advanced malignancy or other conditions. Authors from the UK describe a technique for ureteric embolization in such patients who have urinary fistulae, finding it to be safe and effective.OBJECTIVETo report experience with a minimally invasive technique for palliation of urinary fistula/incontinence complicating advanced pelvic malignancy or its treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe used ureteric embolization with permanent nephrostomy drainage in eight renal units in five patients for palliation of symptoms. All procedures were done under local anaesthesia as day‐case procedures. Nephrostomy tubes were changed at regular intervals on an outpatient basis. Embolization was repeated when required.RESULTSThe follow‐up was 2–84 months; four patients died from the underlying malignancy during the follow‐up. All patients were continent and had effective palliation of their symptoms. Two patients required repeat embolization. There were no embolization‐related complications.CONCLUSIONSUreteric embolization is a safe and effective minimally invasive palliative treatment option in urinary fistulae or incontinence complicating advanced pelvic malignancy.
Short‐term outcome after high‐intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of patients with high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Ficarra Vincenzo , Antoniolli Stefano Zecchini , Novara Giacomo , Parisi Alice , Fracalanza Simonetta , Martignoni Guido , Artibani Walter 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess the short‐term outcome in patients with high‐risk prostate cancer treated by transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom April 2003 to November 2004, 30 patients with high‐risk prostate cancer were enrolled in this prospective study; all had transurethral resection of the prostate before transrectal HIFU treatment, using the Ablatherm device (EDAP, Lyon, France) during the same session, associated with hormonal therapy with luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone analogues. After the procedure, all the patients were evaluated every 3 months by physical examination, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) assay and a continence questionnaire. The follow‐up schedule also included a transperineal prostate biopsy 6 months after the treatment. All the patients had a minimum follow‐up of 12 months.RESULTSThe HIFU treatment took a median (interquartile range, IQR) of 140 (100–160) min. No complications were reported during treatment. The mean (IQR) hospitalization was 2.2 (1–4) days, and the suprapubic drainage tube was removed after 12 (7–18) days. The complications after treatment were: urinary tract infections in five patients (16%), stenosis of the intraprostatic and membranous urethra in three (10%), and secondary infravesical obstruction in four (13%). At 12 months after the procedure, 28 patients (93%) were continent. Seven of the 30 men (23%) had a positive prostate biopsy. At the 1‐year follow‐up only three of the 30 patients with high‐risk prostate cancer had a PSA level of >0.3 ng/mL.CONCLUSIONSHIFU is a modern, minimally invasive therapy for prostate cancer, often used in selected patients with localized disease. The present results show that HIFU was also feasible in patients with high‐risk prostate cancer. The low complication rates and favourable functional outcome support the planning of further larger studies in such patients. The oncological efficacy of HIFU should be assessed in further studies with a longer follow‐up.
The clinical significance of bone mineral density and testosterone levels in Korean men with non‐mosaic Klinefelter’s syndrome
Authors: Seo Ju Tae , Lee Jae Seok , Oh Tae Hee , Joo Kwan Joong 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo measure bone mineral density (BMD) and testosterone levels in patients with non‐mosaic Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS), as a low BMD is common in hypogonadal men, but little is known about the relationship between BMD and serum testosterone levels in men with KS.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSThe study included 40 patients with KS and 20 healthy fertile men recruited as controls. Serum testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The BMD was obtained at the lumbar spine (L2–4), femoral neck and Ward’s triangle, by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.RESULTSThe serum testosterone level was lower, while FSH and LH were higher, in patients with KS than in the control group (P < 0.001). Patients with KS had a significantly lower mean (sd) BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and Ward’s triangle, than the controls, at 0.88 (0.13) vs 1.09 (0.10) (P < 0.001), 0.78 (0.12) vs 0.87 (0.10) (P = 0.006) and 0.65 (0.12) vs 0.76 (0.11) g/cm2 (P = 0.001), respectively. There was a linear correlation between all BMD values and serum testosterone levels in men with KS who had a low serum testosterone level.CONCLUSIONSThere was a relationship between a lower BMD and testosterone levels in patients with KS. These findings suggest that low testosterone levels cause inadequate bone development and a low BMD in men with KS; therefore, testosterone replacement might be necessary to prevent bone mineral deficiency and future risk of fractures in men with KS who also have low serum testosterone levels.
Renal cell carcinoma sub‐typing by histopathology and fluorescence in situ hybridization on a needle‐biopsy specimen
Authors: Barocas Daniel A. , Mathew Susan , DelPizzo Joseph J. , Vaughan E. Darracott , Sosa R. Ernest , Fine Ronnie G. , Akhtar Mohamed , Scherr Douglas S. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine the subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) on needle‐core biopsies of renal masses using histopathology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and to evaluate the use of interphase FISH to augment the accuracy of needle‐core biopsies.PATIENTS AND METHODSHistology correlates with prognosis in RCC but, historically, biopsies are inaccurate for histological subtype. As histological subtypes of RCC have distinct cytogenetic abnormalities (loss of 3p in clear cell, trisomy 7 or 17 in papillary and widespread chromosomal losses in chromophobe), we hypothesized that FISH would improve the accuracy of biopsies. Forty patients with renal masses underwent nephrectomy, yielding 42 tumours. Needle‐core biopsies were taken of the mass immediately after surgery. Interphase FISH was performed on one core for chromosomes 3, 7, 10, 13, 17, and 21 and the locus 3p25–26. Histopathology was performed on a second core. Results were compared in a ‘blinded’ fashion with final pathology.RESULTSIn all, 36 of 42 masses were RCC or oncocytoma. Histopathology of the biopsy correctly identified the tumour subtype in 27 (75%), while four (11%) were incorrectly classified and five (14%) were inadequate for diagnosis. With the addition of FISH, 31 (86%) were correctly subtyped, while two (6%) were incorrect and three (8%) were inadequate. In cases with adequate tissue, histology alone was 87% accurate, while the combined method was 94% accurate.CONCLUSIONNeedle‐core biopsy of renal tumours provides adequate material for evaluation of histological subtype. Adding FISH to histopathology might improve the accuracy of kidney tumour biopsies, providing important prognostic information that can guide management decisions.