bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in children with recurrent abdominal pain: 5‐year follow‐up after endoscopic sphincterotomy
Authors: Misra Sudipta , Treanor Michael R , Vegunta Ravindra K , Chen Charles C 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:   Sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction has not been reported as a cause of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children. We present a 5‐year follow‐up of a group of children with RAP and manometry proven SO dysfunction.Methods:  Retrospective chart review of children who underwent SO manometry and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for recurrent abdominal pain. Long‐term follow‐up was obtained by telephone survey.Results:  Eleven of the 12 children had abdominal pain; one had reproducible postprandial discomfort. Five children localized the pain to the upper abdomen. The same number of children had associated nausea or vomiting. On hepatobiliary scintigraphy study, three children had SO dysfunction type curve, four had low ejection fraction and nine had reproduction of symptoms on cholecystokinin (CCK) infusion. SO manometry revealed elevated pressure in 11 children. The remaining child had paradoxical contraction of the SO. On short‐term follow‐up, eight children had resolution of symptoms after ES, three did not respond and one had recurrence of symptom in 6 months. Children symptomatic for less than 1 year were more likely to respond to ES (P < 0.01). All children with upper abdominal pain with nausea and/or vomiting, postprandial pain and SO type scintiscan curve responded to ES. On long‐term follow‐up, seven of the eight responders to ES remained symptom free, one recurred with irritable bowel syndrome‐like symptoms. One child with recurrent symptoms had resolution after cholecystectomy and another non‐responder improved after an appendectomy.Conclusion:  SO dysfunction is an uncommon but treatable cause of RAP in children. Awareness of this condition may help a segment of children with RAP.
Protective effect of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on primary culture of rat hepatocytes
Authors: Sohma Ryoichi , Takahashi Morio , Takada Hiroshi , Takada Hironobu , Kuwayama Hajime 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Recently, we reported on the beneficial clinical effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) who were unresponsive to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). In this study we examined the effect of EPA on rat hepatocytes in primary culture.Methods:  Hepatocytes were isolated from rat liver by perfusion of collagenase and cultured with or without EPA. Cell damage induced by chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was assessed by WST‐8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. PGE2 and LTB4 concentrations in the culture medium were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). cDNA was made from total RNA that was extracted from hepatocytes, and TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to assess the expression of CuZn and Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA.Results:  When rat hepatocytes were cultured in the presence of EPA, the damage caused by CDCA was significantly decreased compared with cells cultured without EPA. Cytotoxicity significantly decreased in the presence of EPA. Furthermore, SOD mRNA expression was increased by adding EPA. These findings indicated that EPA protects cells by scavenging superoxide radicals (•O2–) mediated by SOD production.Conclusion:  EPA has a direct protective effect on rat hepatocytes, which is in agreement with the clinical efficacy of EPA in PBC patients.
Unveiling fungal zooflagellates as members of freshwater picoeukaryotes: evidence from a molecular diversity study in a deep meromictic lake
Authors: Lefèvre Emilie , Bardot Corinne , Noël Christophe , Carrias Jean‐François , Viscogliosi Eric , Amblard Christian , Sime‐Ngando Télesphore 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThis study presents an original 18S rRNA PCR survey of the freshwater picoeukaryote community, and was designed to detect unidentified heterotrophic picoflagellates (size range 0.6–5 μm) which are prevalent throughout the year within the heterotrophic flagellate assemblage in Lake Pavin. Four clone libraries were constructed from samples collected in two contrasting zones in the lake. Computerized statistic tools have suggested that sequence retrieval was representative of the in situ picoplankton diversity. The two sampling zones exhibited similar diversity patterns but shared only about 5% of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Phylogenetic analysis clustered our sequences into three taxonomic groups: Alveolates (30% of OTUs), Fungi (23%) and Cercozoa (19%). Fungi thus substantially contributed to the detected diversity, as was additionally supported by direct microscopic observations of fungal zoospores and sporangia. A large fraction of the sequences belonged to parasites, including Alveolate sequences affiliated to the genus Perkinsus known as zooparasites, and chytrids that include host‐specific parasitic fungi of various freshwater phytoplankton species, primarily diatoms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed five novel clades that probably include typical freshwater environmental sequences. Overall, from the unsuspected fungal diversity unveiled, we think that fungal zooflagellates have been misidentified as phagotrophic nanoflagellates in previous studies. This is in agreement with a recent experimental demonstration that zoospore‐producing fungi and parasitic activity may play an important role in aquatic food webs.
Comparison of the phylogenetic performance of neodermatan mitochondrial protein‐coding genes
Authors: Hardman Michael , Hardman Lotta M. 
Published: September 2006

We examined the ability of all protein‐coding genes of 11 neodermatan mitochondrial genomes to recover the phylogeny of their combination. We subsampled randomly selected lengths (1–6000 bp) of contiguous sequence to consider the effect of length (100–6000 bp) on performance. All genes performed as well as randomly selected regions except ND2 (better) and ND5 (worse). All expected nodes were recovered (> 90% bootstrap) when 4.0 Kb had been sampled; 40 samples of 100 performed as well as four samples of 1000.
Nuclear DNA from old collections of avian study skins reveals the evolutionary history of the Old World suboscines (Aves, Passeriformes)
Authors: Irestedt Martin , Ohlson Jan I. , Zuccon Dario , Källersjö Mari , Ericson Per G. P. 
Published: September 2006

Museum study skins represent an invaluable source of DNA for phylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics. This becomes evident by comparing the number of study skins of birds housed in museums worldwide (c. 10 million) with the corresponding number of tissue samples (probably fewer than 500 000). While the laboratory techniques used hitherto have primarily allowed PCR‐based studies of mitochondrial genes from museum skins, we present here the first avian phylogeny based on a large number of nuclear sequences. The targeted fragment sizes and the properties of the primers used are important contributory factors to obtain good amplification results. In this study we routinely amplified fragments of c. 350 bp nuclear DNA. This advance in methodology opens up a new avenue for the use of avian museum skins, as nuclear DNA is especially useful when studying ancient patterns of diversification. The phylogenetic hypothesis of the Old World suboscines (Eurylaimides) presented herein strongly supports a monophyletic origin of the pittas (Pittidae). The phylogeny further suggests that pittas could be divided into three major groups, in agreement with the external morphological variation found in this group. The broadbills (Eurylaimidae) as currently defined are, on the other hand, found to be a paraphyletic family, as both Sapayoa aenigma and the asities (Philepittidae) are nested among them. Based on the phylogenetic results we suggest a revised classification of the Old World suboscines (Eurylaimides).
Ultrasonography to visualize the upper urinary tract in children with meningomyelocele
Authors: Abrahamsson Kate , Jodal Ulf , Stokland Eira , Nordvall Anders , Sillén Ulla 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the frequency of difficulties when using ultrasonography (US, commonly used to visualize the upper urinary tract) to evaluate renal length and dilatation in children and adolescents with meningomyelocele (MMC), who have excessive obesity or a distorted spine.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe records of all children with MMC investigated during 1996–2002 were assessed retrospectively and the last investigation used for analysis. In addition to the US results, the body mass index (BMI) and angulation of the spine were recorded.RESULTSOf the 160 children investigated, US was not evaluable in 46 (29%), i.e. in 35 (22%) for renal length, in one (1%) for dilatation and in 10 (6%) for both. In 99 patients with a straight spine and mild to moderate angulation, renal length was not measurable in 14 (14%), while dilatation was not evaluable in two (2%). In 61 patients with a severely angled spine, the corresponding values were 31 (51%) and nine (15%), respectively. In eight patients with a BMI of ≥ 27 kg/m2 and a straight spine, four of the investigations were not completely evaluable, while six were not in the eight patients with both a BMI of ≥ 27 kg/m2 and severe angulation.CONCLUSIONBoth severe spinal angulation and a BMI of ≥ 27 kg/m2 significantly reduced the possibility of evaluating the urinary tract by US. However, in an unselected group of children with MMC, dilatation could be evaluated in >90% and renal length in ≈ 70%.
Improving outcomes in early prostate cancer: Part I – adjuvant treatment
Authors: Mazhar Danish , Ngan Sarah , Waxman Jonathan 
Published: September 2006

I have always stressed in the Journal the need for cooperation between urologist, and medical and radiation oncologists in the treatment of prostate cancer. The two opening mini‐reviews this month were written by medical oncologists (the papers were reviewed by two American urologists) and they present their views on how adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments can improve outcomes in prostate cancer.Genetic susceptibility to renal cancer is very much in our minds at present, and our increasing knowledge of this subject has allowed us to develop new understanding about the condition. Authors from France have written a very thorough and scientific review on low‐penetrance genetic susceptibility to renal cancer.Finally, a review from Korea on the management of neurogenic bladder and quality of life in spinal cord injury completes this section.
The effect of neoadjuvant androgen suppression on prostate cancer‐related outcomes after high‐intensity focused ultrasound therapy
Authors: Uchida Toyoaki , Illing Rowland O. , Cathcart Paul J. , Emberton Mark 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of neoadjuvant androgen suppression (AS) compared to no AS on cancer‐related outcomes after radical high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for men with presumed organ‐confined prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween January 1999 and January 2005, 250 patients underwent HIFU for presumed localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate; 154 had received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and 96 had not. The primary outcome measure was treatment failure, as defined by the presence of prostate cancer on the biopsy taken 6 months after HIFU. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine relationships between the use of HIFU with and with no neoadjuvant AS and treatment failure.RESULTSThe treatment failure rate was slightly lower in patients receiving neoadjuvant AS (31% vs 34%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.119).CONCLUSIONIn this unrandomized comparison between neoadjuvant or no AS before HIFU for men with presumed organ‐confined prostate cancer, there appeared to be little if any benefit associated with the previous administration of AS.
The effect of nephroureterectomy on glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Meyer Jon‐Paul , Delves George H. , Sullivan Mark E. , Keoghane Stephen R. 
Published: September 2006

Authors from the UK studied the effect of nephroureterectomy on the GFR; they found that this operation had a profound effect on the future estimated GFR, and that the effect was compounded in those with risk factors for renal impairments.OBJECTIVETo determine the effect of nephroureterectomy (NU) on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and to determine whether the estimated GFR after NU is influenced by age and other factors associated with renal impairment.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively identified 131 patients who had had a NU at either of two UK institutions. Their serum creatinine levels were recorded before and after NU, along with comorbidity data, and from this their GFR before and after NU was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group equation.RESULTSAt a median follow‐up of 5 years there was an 18% deterioration in estimated GFR in the 131 patients. The percentage deterioration in estimated GFR was greater in those aged ≥ 70 years than in those aged <70 years (20% vs 15% deterioration). Those with more risk factors for renal impairment had a greater percentage deterioration in estimated GFR than those with no such risk factors.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that NU has a profound effect on future estimated GFR, an effect that is further compounded in those with risk factors for renal impairment. This study therefore provides both the patient and the urologist with an idea of potential future renal function after NU and contributes greatly to preoperative counselling.
Mass screening for prostate cancer in patients with end‐stage renal disease: a comparative study
Authors: Wada Yoshihiro , Nakanishi Juro , Takahashi Wataru , Kai Nobuyuki , Nakayama Yoshiharu , Yamashita Yasuyuki , Honda Jiro , Ueda Shoichi 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine the usefulness of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), as although serum PSA is effective in the early detection of this cancer in the general population, there are few reports of its utility in patients with ESRD.PATIENTS AND METHODSBlood samples were obtained for PSA screening from April 2002 to September 2003; 1250 men with ESRD aged >50 years were compared with 1007 healthy control men aged >55 years, all in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. All men with a serum PSA level of >4.0 ng/mL were categorized as PSA‐positive and were further assessed, including a prostate biopsy.RESULTSThere was a statistically significantly greater increase in PSA level with age in the ESRD group than in the healthy controls. The rate of cancer detection among men with a PSA level of >10 ng/mL was significantly higher in patients with ESRD than in healthy controls. Thirteen patients with ESRD and five healthy control men were finally diagnosed with prostate cancer.CONCLUSIONThe serum PSA level was slightly higher and the incidence of prostate cancer at higher PSA levels appeared to be greater in men with ESRD than in healthy controls. The findings of this large study suggest that PSA screening is useful for the diagnosis of prostate cancer in these patients.
Injectable polydimethylsiloxane for treating incontinence in children with the exstrophy‐epispadias complex: long‐term results
Authors: Burki Tariq , Hamid Rizwan , Ransley Phillip G. , Mushtaq Imran , Duffy Patrick G. 
Published: September 2006

In this section authors from the UK describe their experience with plastic injections for treating incontinence in children with the exstrophy‐epispadias complex, finding that in the long term the success rate was reasonable, although the injections often needed to be repeated.Authors from Brazil present an analysis of anomalies of the epididymis and processus vaginalis in human fetuses, and in patients with cryptorchidism treated and untreated with hCG.OBJECTIVETo present our experience with the use of injectable polydimethylsiloxane (MacroplastiqueTM, Uroplasty, Minneapolis, MI, USA) for treating incontinence in children with the exstrophy‐epispadias complex (EEC), as incontinence continues to be a challenging problem in such children, and although the primary management of EEC has developed over the last few decades, with early closure and reconstruction of the penis, achieving satisfactory continence status remains elusive.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of 52 patients (41 boys and 11 girls, mean age at first injection 6.6 years, range 3.6–16.7) with EEC who had injections with Macroplastique between January 1991 and February 2004; 34 had bladder exstrophy and 18 primary epispadias. For this study we defined success as complete dryness with no use of pads or nappies. Improvement was defined as being occasionally wet but with dry intervals lasting ≥ 4 h.RESULTSThe mean (range) follow‐up was 4.6 (0.5–9) years. Twenty patients had one injection, 10 had two, 13 had three, six had four, two had six and one had seven injections. In most patients a maximum of three injections predicted the outcome. The injection of Macroplastique was successful in nine patients (17%; with an annual follow‐up, two at 1–2 years, three at 2–5 years and four at >5 years), whilst 17 (33%) improved significantly (one at <1 year, two at 1–2 years, eight at 2–5 years and six at >5 years). Those patients comprised five of 18 (27%) with epispadias and four of 34 (12%) with exstrophy. A history of previous surgery and gender had no significant effect on the outcome. Overall half the patients benefited from the procedure.CONCLUSIONSThis series confirms that injection with Macroplastique is minimally invasive, durable in significantly many patients and has a reasonable success rate. A history of previous surgery and gender had no significant effect on the outcome. Patients with epispadias are more likely to benefit from an injection with Macroplastique than those with bladder exstrophy. A maximum of three injections is predictive with reasonable certainty of any benefit from the procedure.
Chronic prostatitis during puberty
Authors: Li Yuan , Qi Lin , Wen Jian Guo , Zu Xiong Bing , Chen Zhi Yong 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the features of chronic prostatitis (CP) during puberty and the effects of biofeedback on young males with this disease.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 40 patients were divided into two groups; group 1 included 25 pubertal patients with CP (mean age 16.5 years, sd 1.1) and group 2 was a control group including 15 patients (mean age 16.2 years, sd 1.2) with a normal lower urinary tract. National Institute of Health‐Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI) scores (three parts) were assessed individually in both groups. Expressed prostatic secretions and urine samples after prostate massage from group 1 were cultured to determine whether patients were infected with bacteria, and group 1 was categorized into various NIH types. Each patients in the two groups underwent urodynamics and group 1 were treated with biofeedback.RESULTSIn group 1, there were one, three and 21 patients with type II, IIIA and IIIB prostatitis. The incidence of staccato voiding and detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia (DSD), and the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), maximum detrusor pressure (Pdetmax) and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) between the groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). The total NIH‐CPSI scores and all the subdomains between the groups before biofeedback were significantly different (P < 0.001). In group 1 the difference in NIH‐CPSI scores and Qmax before and after biofeedback was significant (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSThe main type of CP during puberty is IIIB; the dominating symptom is a voiding disorder. The impact on life and psychological effects are substantial. Pubertal boys with CP have pelvic floor dysfunction and several abnormal urodynamic values, i.e. staccato voiding, DSD, decreasing Qmax, and increasing Pdetmax and MUCP. The effect of biofeedback strategies for treating pubertal CP is satisfactory.
African‐American race is a predictor of prostate cancer detection: incorporation into a pre‐biopsy nomogram
Authors: Yanke Brent V. , Carver Brett S. , Bianco Fernando J. , Simoneaux Walter J. , Venable Dennis D. , Powell Isaac J. , Eastham James A. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVESTo construct a pre‐biopsy predictive model incorporating several clinical variables, including African‐American (AA) or Caucasian race, to predict the risk of prostate cancer detection on prostate biopsy, as traditionally AA men have had a higher incidence of prostate cancer than Caucasian men, but previous predictive tools for prostate cancer have not incorporated the effect of race.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe evaluated 9473 patients undergoing initial prostate biopsy at three equal‐access healthcare institutes from 1993 to 2003. At each biopsy session, patient age, race, serum prostate‐specific antigen level (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, number of biopsy cores taken, year of biopsy, and pathological findings were recorded. A logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate predictors of cancer detection based on pre‐biopsy variables. The model was internally validated using the bootstrap statistical method, and a nomogram was constructed.RESULTSProstate cancer was diagnosed in 1895 (33%) AA men and 991 (26%) Caucasians. AA men had a significantly higher mean serum PSA level than Caucasians, at 13.0 and 8.5 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean ages were similar between AA and Caucasian men (P = 0.23), but Caucasian men had a higher incidence of an abnormal DRE (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age, race, year of biopsy, PSA level, DRE, and number of cores taken were all statistically significant (P < 0.001). Hazard ratios were (controlling for year of biopsy); age (1.30), Caucasian race (0.74), PSA level (1.47), DRE (1.75), and number of cores taken (1.19). The predicted model had a boot‐strapped concordance index of 0.75.CONCLUSIONAA race remains an independent predictor of prostate cancer detection in men undergoing initial prostate biopsy. This nomogram is the first to individualise the risk by AA or Caucasian race in a predictive model for counselling men on their probability of having cancer at the time of their first biopsy.