bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The thyroid hormone derivative 3‐iodothyronamine increases food intake in rodents
Authors: Dhillo W. S. , Bewick G. A. , White N. E. , Gardiner J. V. , Thompson E. L. , Bataveljic A. , Murphy K. G. , Roy D. , Patel N. A. , Scutt J. N. , Armstrong A. , Ghatei M. A. , Bloom S. R. 
Published: July 2008

Background:  The thyroid hormone derivative 3‐iodothyronamine (T1AM), an endogenous biogenic amine, is a potent agonist of the G protein–coupled trace amine‐associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). T1AM is present in rat brain, and TAAR1 is expressed in hypothalamic nuclei associated with the regulation of energy homeostasis.Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the effects of T1AM on food intake in rodents.Methods:  We determined the effect of (i) intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of T1AM on food intake, oxygen consumption (VO2) and locomotor activity in mice; (ii) intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of T1AM on food intake in male rats; (iii) c‐fos expression following ventricular administration of T1AM in male rats; and (iv) direct injection of T1AM into the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of male rats on food intake.Results:  (i) T1AM (4 nmol/kg) significantly increased food intake following i.p. injection in mice but had no effect on VO2 or locomotor activity. (ii) ICV administration of T1AM (1.2 nmol/kg) significantly increased food intake in male rats. (iii) Intraventricular administration of T1AM significantly increased c‐fos expression in the ARC of male rats. (iv) Direct administration of T1AM (0.12, 0.4 and 1.2 nmol/kg) into the ARC of male rats significantly increased food intake.Conclusion:  These data suggest that T1AM is an orexigenic factor that may act through the ARC to increase food intake in rodents.
Testosterone administration to men with testosterone deficiency syndrome after external beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: preliminary observations
Authors: Morales Alvaro , Black Angela M. , Emerson Laurel E. 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the effects of testosterone supplementation in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSFive men with significant signs of TDS after treatment for localized prostate cancer with EBRT were treated with testosterone once their prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level had reached the nadir.RESULTSThe mean (range) level of testosterone before supplementation was 5.2 (1.1–9.2) nmol/L and the duration of follow‐up while on supplementation was 14.5 (6–27) months. At the last visit, the testosterone levels were 17.6 (8.5–32.4) nmol/L. One of the five patients had a transitory increase in PSA level but none had levels of >1.5 ng/mL. All patients reported a marked response in the manifestations of TDS, i.e. four each reported decreased hot flushes, decreased fatigue and improved libido, and two reported improved erectile function.CONCLUSIONMen with TDS after EBRT for localised prostate cancer are candidates for testosterone therapy. The patients must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment. PSA levels must have reached a nadir before starting treatment and the follow‐up must be particularly close. In these few patients there were no adverse effects from testosterone supplementation. There is a need for more information about the safety and efficacy of testosterone therapy in men successfully treated for localized prostate cancer, because there is evidence indicating hypogonadism in these patients, compromising their quality of life and longevity, independent of the cancer.
Risk factors for mortality and morbidity related to radical cystectomy
Authors: Boström Peter J. , Kössi Jyrki , Laato Matti , Nurmi Martti 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the risk factors for mortality and morbidity related to radical cystectomy (RC) in a medium‐sized academic centre, and to analyse the rate and trends of perioperative morbidity and mortality, as although complications related RC to are lower in modern than historic series, RC is still associated with marked risks.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 258 patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer in Turku University Hospital in 1986–2005. Basic patient characteristics and in‐hospital, early (from hospital discharge to 3 months) and combined morbidity and mortality were analysed. Risk analysis included 16 risk factors for complications. Trends were analysed by comparing the two study decades (1986–1995 vs 1996–2005).RESULTSThe total complication rate was 34%, with minor and major complications in 26%, and 11% of patients, respectively. There were no significant changes in total morbidity, but the number of myocardial infarctions and atrial fibrillations decreased significantly (P = 0.045). Operative mortality was 2.7%, with an insignificant decrease (4.2% to 0.9%, P = 0.11) over time. Salvage RC, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (≥3), extensive blood loss (>3 L), a high number of transfusions (five or more), several comorbidities (two or more), age (≥65 vs <65 years), and extravesical tumours were significant risk factors for major complications. An ASA score of ≥3 and five or more transfusions were the only factors associated with mortality. A high ASA score (odds ration 3.25, 95% confidence interval 1.08–9.74) and high number of transfusions (2.74, 1.05–7.15) were independent risk factors for major complications.CONCLUSIONAlthough RC is associated with acceptable morbidity, attention should be given to risk factors identified at the time of patient selection, and to meticulous haemostasis at the time of surgery. A predictable outcome comparable to that in high‐volume centres is also possible in a medium‐sized hospital.
Robotic nephrectomy for the treatment of benign and malignant disease
Authors: Rogers Craig , Laungani Rajesh , Krane Louis Spencer , Bhandari Akshay , Bhandari Mahendra , Menon Mani 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVESTo report our experience and describe our technique of robotic nephrectomy.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively evaluated 42 patients who underwent robotic nephrectomy at our institution from January 2004 to March 2008. Variables assessed included patient age, body mass index, operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), complications, hospital stay, analgesia requirements and specimen pathology. Radical nephrectomy (RN) was performed for suspected malignant disease and simple nephrectomy (SN) was performed for benign disease.RESULTSIn all, 42 patients with a mean (range) age of 59.4 (17–38) years, underwent robotic nephrectomy (RN 35, SN seven) using a transperitoneal (39) or retroperitoneal (three) approach. The mean operative console time was 158 min, mean EBL was 223 mL, mean tumour size was 5.1 cm, and the mean hospital stay was 2.4 days. Renal hilar vessels were controlled using robotic suture ligation (25), robotic haemolock clips (12), or laparoscopic staplers (five). No patients required open conversion. One morbidly obese patient developed a wound dehiscience (complication rate 2.6%). On final tumour pathology, the RN specimens included 34 renal cell carcinomas (clear cell 23, papillary nine, chromophobe two) and an oncocytoma. The SN specimens showed chronic xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (four) and atrophic kidneys (three). All surgical margins were negative for malignancy with no evidence of tumour recurrence at a mean (range) follow‐up of 15.7 (1–51) months.CONCLUSIONSRobotic nephrectomy is a safe and feasible option for minimally invasive surgical removal of the kidney for benign and malignant conditions and can be performed through a transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach.
Evaluation of pT2 subdivisions in the TNM staging system for prostate cancer
Authors: Hong Sung Kyu , Han Byung Kyu , Chung Jae Seung , Park Dong‐Soo , Jeong Seong Jin , Byun Seok‐Soo , Choe Gheeyoung , Lee Sang Eun 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the subclassifications of pT2 diseases in tumour‐nodes‐metastases (TNM) staging system for prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed the data of 372 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for pathologically organ‐confined prostate cancer at our institution. Pathological staging of all subjects were re‐evaluated using the 1997 and the 2002 TNM staging system for prostate cancer. Various clinicopathological features along with biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BRFS) of pT2 subgroups were assessed.RESULTSUsing the 2002 TNM staging criteria, 87 of the tumours (23.4%) were pT2a, and 284 (76.3%) were pT2c. Of all subjects, there was only one (0.3%) pathological 2002 T2b tumour identified. When subjects were classified according to the 1997 versions of the T2 subclassification (pT2a vs pT2b), the 1997 pT2a and pT2b cases showed no significant difference regarding BRFS (log‐rank P = 0.645) among those who were followed‐up for >2 years after RRP. Also, pathological stage (1997 pT2a vs pT2b) was not a significant predictor of BRFS in either uni‐ or multivariate analysis (P = 0.289 and P = 0.241, respectively). Only preoperative serum PSA level and pathological Gleason score along with positive surgical margin were significant predictors of PSA outcome after RRP on multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that two‐ or three‐tiered subclassification of pT2 organ‐confined prostate cancer via methods used in the previous or current TNM staging system may not be appropriate. Efforts should be made to upgrade the current TNM staging system for prostate cancer.
Comparison of potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate laser vaporization of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate: update of a prospective non‐randomized two‐centre study
Authors: Ruszat Robin , Wyler Stephen F. , Seitz Michael , Lehmann Kurt , Abe Constanze , Bonkat Gernot , Reich Oliver , Gasser Thomas C. , Bachmann Alexander 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the intermediate‐term clinical efficacy and the rate of complications in 80 W photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate laser (GreenlightTM, (AMS, Minnetonka, MN, USA) compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in a prospective non‐randomised two‐centre study.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom December 2003 to August 2006, 396 patients (PVP 269, TURP 127) with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia were included in the study. There was a significant difference in mean age (72 years for PVP vs 68 for TURP, P = 0.001). Patients were therefore stratified in age categories (<70, 70–80, >80 years) and compared for perioperative variables, functional outcome and complications, with a follow‐up of up to 24 months.RESULTSThe mean prostate size was greater (overall, 62 vs 48 mL, P < 0.001) and mean operative duration longer (overall 72 vs 53 min; P = 0.001) for PVP in all age categories. The rate of intraoperative bleeding (3% vs 11%), blood transfusions (0% vs 5.5%) and capsule perforations (0.4% vs 6.3%), and early postoperative clot retention (0.4% vs 3.9%) was significantly lower for PVP. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the PVP group for patients aged <70 years (3.0 vs 4.7 days) and 70–80 years (4.0 vs 5.0 days; P = 0.001). The improvement of peak urinary flow rate was higher after TURP for any age category. The International Prostate Symptom Score and postvoid residual volume during the follow‐up showed no significant difference. After 12 months the overall prostate size reduction was 63% (−30 mL) after TURP and 44% (−27 mL) after PVP. The rate of repeat TURP/PVP was higher in the PVP group (6.7% vs 3.9%, not significant) within the follow‐up of up to 2 years. The incidence of urethral and bladder neck strictures was comparable.CONCLUSIONSPVP was more favourable in terms of perioperative safety. Although patients assigned for PVP were older and had larger prostates, PVP resulted in a similar functional outcome. Further follow‐up is needed to draw final conclusions about the long‐term efficacy of PVP.
Management of recurrent anastomotic stenosis following radical prostatectomy using holmium laser and steroid injection
Authors: Eltahawy Ehab , Gur Uri , Virasoro Ramon , Schlossberg Steven M. , Jordan Gerald H. 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVETo present our experience with the management of recurrent and resistant anastomotic stenosis following radical prostatectomy (RP) using transurethral laser incision of the stenotic area and injection of steroids.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween January 1999 and April 2006, we evaluated 24 patients with anastomotic stenosis that would not allow the passage of the flexible cystoscope (17 F). Using the paediatric 7.5 F Olympus scope and a 550‐µm fibre holmium laser, deep incisions were cut at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions at the bladder neck, and then triamcinolone was injected at the incision sites. Another session was then scheduled for office cystoscopy 6 weeks later, and if that showed evidence of annularity, another incision was made, as described above.RESULTSAll 24 patients had RP for localized disease, 21 were retropubic and two were perineal, and one laparoscopic. Five patients had adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean patient age was 64 years. Nineteen (79%) patients had previous attempts to open the bladder neck: eight patients had dilatation, eight patients had internal urethrotomy, five patients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder neck, and six patients had open surgical intervention. The procedure was done once in 17 patients, and twice in seven patients. After a mean (range) follow up of 24 (6–72) months, 19 patients (83%) had a well‐healed and widely patent bladder neck. Of the 24 patients, 17 had urinary incontinence (UI) associated with the bladder neck contracture. An artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in 11 patients, three of which had to be explanted for malfunction in two, and erosion in one.CONCLUSIONHolmium laser bladder neck incision and steroid injection for anastomotic stenosis after RP had a success rate of 83% in this small series. It can be used safely as a primary treatment, or in some cases, for resistant and recurrent stenosis. It appears that insertion of an artificial sphincter can be done in patients with UI when the bladder neck remains patent for at least 8 weeks.
The impact of maternal BMI status on pregnancy outcomes with immediate short‐term obstetric resource implications: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Heslehurst N. , Simpson H. , Ells L. J. , Rankin J. , Wilkinson J. , Lang R. , Brown T. J. , Summerbell C. D. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryObesity is rising in the obstetric population, yet there is an absence of services and guidance for the management of maternal obesity. This systematic review aimed to investigate relationships between obesity and impact on obstetric care. Literature was systematically searched for cohort studies of pregnant women with anthropometric measurements recorded within 16‐weeks gestation, followed up for the term of the pregnancy, with at least one obese and one comparison group. Two researchers independently data‐extracted and quality‐assessed each included study. Outcome measures were those that directly or indirectly impacted on maternity resources. Primary outcomes included instrumental delivery, caesarean delivery, duration of hospital stay, neonatal intensive care, neonatal trauma, haemorrhage, infection and 3rd/4th degree tears. Meta‐analysis shows a significant relationship between obesity and increased odds of caesarean and instrumental deliveries, haemorrhage, infection, longer duration of hospital stay and increased neonatal intensive care requirement. Maternal obesity significantly contributes to a poorer prognosis for mother and baby during delivery and in the immediate post‐partum period. National clinical guidelines for management of obese pregnant women, and public health interventions to help safeguard the health of mothers and their babies are urgently required.
Prevalence of overweight in the Seychelles: 15 year trends and association with socio‐economic status
Authors: Bovet P. , Chiolero A. , Shamlaye C. , Paccaud F. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryWe assessed the 15‐year trends in the distribution of body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of overweight in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean, African Region) and the relationship with socio‐economic status (SES). Three population‐based examination surveys were conducted in 1989, 1994 and 2004. Occupation was categorized as ‘labourer’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘professional’. Education was also assessed in 1994 and 2004. Between 1989 and 2004, mean BMI increased markedly in all sex and age categories (overall: 0.16 kg m−2 per calendar year, which corresponds to 0.46 kg per calendar year). The prevalence of overweight (including obesity, BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2) increased from 29% to 52% in men and from 50% to 67% in women. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2) increased from 4% to 15% in men and from 23% to 34% in women. Overweight was associated inversely with occupation in women and directly in men in all surveys. In multivariate analysis, overweight was associated similarly (direction and magnitude) to occupation and education. In conclusion, the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity over time in all age, sex and SES categories suggests large‐scale changes in societal obesogenic factors. The sex‐specific association of SES with overweight suggests that prevention measures should be tailored accordingly.
Unexpected distribution of surface hydration level of the lip
Authors: Caisey L , Gubanova E , Baras D , Lévêque JL 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  The functional properties of human lips depend on their hydration level. Limited data are, however, available.Objective  To investigate water distribution through the lower lip surface.Methods  Images from the surface of the lip were recorded using a new capacitance imaging technique. Capacitance and conductance measurements were also carried out in various points of lower lip and on adjacent skin.Results  Data clearly show that the closest part of the mucosa of the lip is less hydrated than the external part. These unexpected findings could be related to the presence of a premucosa area whose structure is clearly different from that of vermilion zone.
THE POTENTIAL OF CARBONIZED GRAIN TO PRESERVE BIOGENIC 87SR/86SR SIGNATURES WITHIN THE BURIAL ENVIRONMENT*
Authors: HEIER A. , EVANS J. A. , MONTGOMERY J. 
Published: July 2008

Carbonized grains survive for millennia in many archaeological contexts. Their stable structure raises the possibility that they preserve biogenic strontium isotope signatures. This hypothesis was investigated using short‐term, laboratory experiments with modern grain immersed in Chalk solution. HCl leaching removed > 95% of secondary alteration from charred grain, and isotope ratios close to the starting value were recovered. This could not be achieved with uncharred grains. HCl leaching of archaeological carbonized grains produced comparable levels of decontamination. Although preliminary, these results suggest that strontium isotope analysis of archaeological carbonized grains from calcareous burial contexts could be used to investigate ancient trade and agriculture.
GIS proximity analysis and environmental assessment of sugar beet transport in Scania, Sweden
Authors: Ness Barry , Brogaard Sara 
Published: July 2008

Despite a heightened focus on sustainable transport and the increased use of biofuels, few studies have assessed the effects of such changes on a wider range of parameters. The aim of this study was to assess sugar beet transport in Scania, Sweden to determine how a switch to improved European vehicle standards and biodiesel impacts not only CO2 releases, but also the parameters of regional land use and air pollutants. The study estimated lorry travel distances by using a GIS‐based proximity analysis. It then calculated fuel use and air emissions from standard diesel fuel for 2003 and for the vehicle standard improvements or biodiesel alternatives. Proximity analysis results revealed that roughly 4.2M km were travelled in moving beets to sugar processing facilities, resulting in the use of 2200 m3 of diesel and release of 5700 tons CO2. The shift to newer vehicle types improved fuel use efficiency and emissions. The switch to the biodiesel alternatives resulted in general decreases in air emissions, but increased fuel use and NOX emissions. The regional land needed to grow the biodiesel feedstock for beet transport ranged from 270 to 2700 ha, which can be considered an important obstacle when a switch is made by the greater road transport system.
Is Neighborhood Access to Health Care Provision Associated with Individual‐Level Utilization and Satisfaction?
Authors: Hiscock Rosemary , Pearce Jamie , Blakely Tony , Witten Karen 
Published: July 2008

Objective.To explore whether travel time access to the nearest general practitioner (GP) surgery (which is equivalent to U.S. primary care physician [PCP] office) and pharmacy predicts individual‐level health service utilization and satisfaction.Data Sources.GP and pharmacy addresses were obtained from the New Zealand Ministry of Health in 2003 and merged with a geographic boundaries data set. Travel times derived from these data were appended to the 2002/03 New Zealand Health Survey (N=12,529).Study Design.Multilevel logistic regression was used to model the relationship between travel time access and five health service outcomes: GP consultation, blood pressure test, cholesterol test, visit to pharmacy, and satisfaction with latest GP consultation.Data Collection/Extraction.Travel times between each census meshblock centroid and the nearest GP and pharmacy were calculated using Geographical Information System.Principal Findings.When travel times were long, blood pressure tests were less likely in urban areas (odds ratio [OR] 0.75 [0.59–0.97]), GP consultations were less likely in rural centers (OR 0.42 [0.22–0.78]) and pharmacy visits were less likely in highly rural areas (OR 0.36 [0.13–0.99]). There was some evidence of lower utilization in rural areas.Conclusions.Locational access to GP surgeries and pharmacies appears to sometimes be associated with health service use but not satisfaction.
Development of a Composite Degradable/Nondegradable Tissue‐engineered Vascular Graft
Authors: Tschoeke Beate , Flanagan Thomas C. , Cornelissen Anne , Koch Sabine , Roehl Anna , Sriharwoko Marvi , Sachweh Jörg S. , Gries Thomas , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Jockenhoevel Stefan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine the feasibility of constructing a reinforced autologous vascular graft by combining the advantages of fibrin gel as an autologous cell carrier material with the inherent mechanical strength of an integrated mesh structure. It was hypothesized that the mesh and dynamic culture conditions could be combined to generate mechanically stable and implantable vascular grafts within a shorter cultivation period than traditional methods. A two‐step moulding technique was developed to integrate a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh (pore size: 1–2 mm) in the wall of a fibrin‐based vascular graft (I.D. 5 mm) seeded with carotid myofibroblasts. The graft was cultured under increasing physiological flow conditions for 2 weeks. Histology, burst strength, and suture retention strength were evaluated. Cell growth and tissue development was excellent within the fibrin gel matrix surrounding the PVDF fibers, and tissue structure demonstrated remarkable similarity to native tissue. The grafts were successfully subjected to physiological flow rates and pressure gradients from the outset, and mechanical properties were enhanced by the mesh structure. Mean suture retention strength of the graft tissue was 6.3 N and the burst strength was 236 mm Hg. Using the vascular composite graft technique, the production of tissue engineered, small‐caliber vascular grafts with good mechanical properties within a conditioning period of 14 days is feasible.