bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular phylogeny of the genus Alticola (Cricetidae, Rodentia) as inferred from the sequence of the cytochrome b gene
Authors: Lebedev Vladimir S. , Bannikova Anna A. , Tesakov Alexey S. , Abramson Natalia I. 
Published: September 2007

Central Asian mountain voles Alticola is one of the least known groups of voles both in evolution and life history. This genus includes three subgenera Alticola s.str., Aschizomys and Platycranius, and belongs to the tribe Clethrionomyini comprising also red‐backed voles Clethrionomys and oriental voles Eothenomys. In order to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships within Alticola and to examine its position within the tribe, mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene variation was estimated, and the results were compared with morphological and palaeontological data. Maximum likelihood (ML), neighbor‐joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses show that the genus Alticola does not appear to be a monophyletic group since the representatives of Aschizomys branch within Clethrionomys, whereas two other subgenera (Alticola and Platycranius) form a separate monophyletic clade. Flat‐headed vole Alticola (Platycranius) strelzowi is nested within the nominative subgenus showing close association with A. (Alticola) semicanus. Surprisingly, the two species of Aschizomys do not form a monophyletic group. The results of the relaxed‐clock analysis suggest that the Alticola clade splits from the Clethrionomys stem in early Middle Pliocene while basal cladogenetic events within Alticola s.str. dates back to the late Middle to early Late Pliocene. A scenario of evolution in Clethrionomyini is put forward implying rapid parallel morphological changes in different lineages leading to the formation of Alticola‐like biomorphs adapted to mountain and arid petrophilous habitats.Corresponding author: Vladimir S. Lebedev, Zoological Museum, Moscow State University, B. Nikitskaya 6, 125009 Moscow, Russia. E‐mail: wslebedev@hotmail.com Anna A. Bannikova, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobievy Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia. E‐mail: hylomys@mail.ru Alexey S. Tesakov, Geological Institute RAS, Pyzhevsky 7, 119017 Moscow, Russia. E‐mail: tesak@ginras.ru Natalia I. Abramson, Zoological Institute RAS, Universitetskaya nab. 1, 199034 St Petersburg, Russia. E‐mail: lemmus@zin.ru
Protective effects of cranberries on infection‐induced oxidative renal damage in a rabbit model of vesico‐ureteric reflux
Authors: Han Chang Hee , Kim Soo Hwan , Kang Sung Hak , Shin Ok Ran , Lee Hae Kyung , Kim Hee Jeong , Cho Yong‐Hyun 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the protective effects of cranberry fruit, which have known antioxidant effects, on infection‐induced oxidative renal damage in a rabbit model of vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR).MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 36 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into five groups, with a sham operation in four rabbits serving as the control (group 1). To create unilateral VUR the roof of the left intravesical ureter was incised, and VUR confirmed 2 weeks after surgery. In all, 32 rabbits with VUR were divided into four groups; 2, VUR alone (with sterile urine); 3, a group infected with Escherichia coli; 4, with intravesical E. coli instillation but fed cranberries; and 5, intravesical E. coli instillation plus an intraperitoneal injection with melatonin group. At 3 weeks after surgery the rabbits were killed, the kidneys obtained and examined histopathologically to evaluate inflammation, fibrosis and tubular changes. Oxidative renal damage was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde in the renal tissue.RESULTSGrossly, the refluxing kidney was larger than the contralateral normal kidney, and the refluxing ureter was dilated and tortuous. Microscopy of tissues from the kidneys in group 3 showed apparent periglomerular mononuclear cell infiltration, tubular dilatation and atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. The kidneys from groups 2, 4 and 5 showed mild mononuclear cell infiltration with no interstitial fibrosis. The level of malondialdehyde in the kidneys of group 3 was significantly higher than that in group 2, 4 and 5 (P < 0.05); the level in groups 4 and 5 did not differ significantly from that in group 2.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that cranberries have an anti‐inflammatory effect through their antioxidant function and might prevent infection‐induced oxidative renal damage. Thus, clinically cranberries might be used as a beneficial adjuvant treatment to prevent damage due to pyelonephritis in children with VUR.
A novel murine model for the study of human renal cryoablation
Authors: Hedican Sean P. , Wilkinson Eric R. , Lee Fred T. , Warner Thomas F. , Nakada Stephen Y. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo develop a reproducible, non‐debilitating in vivo murine model of human renal cryoablation using a standard closed argon‐delivery system.MATERIALS AND METHODSCustom engineered 2‐mm conical tip cryoprobes for use on the standard argon‐based cryoablation unit (Endocare, Inc. Irvine, CA, USA) were used to create small controllable iceballs (−160 °C) in the mouse kidney. The time to create a 4‐mm cryolesion was compared using a contact vs puncture technique in 10 mice. To show consistency of the induced‐freeze injury, a 4‐mm iceball was created in 20 murine renal units and the time to creation and the size of the resultant cryolesion measured. To investigate lesion regression and histological changes, we created a 4‐mm renal cryolesion in 28 mice and killed four each at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. The measured coronal cross‐sectional area of the cryoablation site at necroscopy was compared to the initial calculated area as a percentage. To assess renal preservation, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels at 1 week after cryoablation or sham ablation was compared (10 mononephric mice in each group).RESULTSThe time to create the desired iceball was 1.9 times quicker using the puncture vs the contact technique. The mean (sd) time to forming a 4‐mm iceball was 35.3 (4.8) s with a mean maximum length of the resultant post‐thaw injury of 5.7 (0.5) mm and a 9% coefficient of variance. Regression analysis of the two‐dimensional cross‐sectional coronal area of the cryolesion showed a statistically significant linear pattern of regression over time (P = 0.037) and classic histological findings. There was no significant difference in the BUN or creatinine levels in mononephric mice 1 week after cryotherapy compared with the sham‐ablated controls.CONCLUSIONSWe describe a reproducible, non‐debilitating, easily manipulated murine model for the study of human renal cryoablation.
Outcomes using a fourth‐generation lithotripter: a new benchmark for comparison?
Authors: Nomikos Michael S. , Sowter Steven J. , Tolley David A. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of a fourth‐generation lithotripter, the Sonolith Vision (Technomed Medical Systems, Vaulx‐en‐Velin, France) for treating single previously untreated renal calculi, and to compare the results with the reference standard HM‐3 (Dornier MedTech Europe GmbH, Wessling, Germany) in the same population originally studied by the USA Cooperative Study Group in 1986.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe Sonolith Vision uses an innovative electroconductive shock‐wave generator with an elliptical reflector specially designed to give the maximum concentration of energy on the stone. We reviewed the treatment sessions from our prospectively maintained database of the first 1000 consecutive patients with urinary stone disease who were treated with the Sonolith Vision between September 2004 and March 2006. Patients with previously untreated solitary renal calculi in anatomically normal kidneys were included. The outcome was assessed by plain films for radio‐opaque stones, and renal ultrasonography for radiolucent stones, at 1 and 3 months after lithotripsy; the results were analysed according to stone size and location.RESULTSData from 309 patients who had a complete follow‐up and with 373 renal calculi that matched the above criteria were analysed. The initial fragmentation rate was 94%. The stone‐free rate for stones of <10 mm was 77%, for 11–20 mm was 69% and for >20 mm was 50%. The overall stone‐free rate 3 months after lithotripsy was 75%. Within a month of lithotripsy, 221 patients (59%) became stone‐free. Additional procedures to render patients stone‐free after lithotripsy were needed in only 22 cases (7%). The overall efficiency quotient was 62%. The stone‐free rates for lower, upper, middle calyceal and renal pelvic calculi were 74%, 70%, 78.5% and 75%, respectively. There were no serious complications.CONCLUSIONSWhen similar populations of stone formers were assessed the Sonolith Vision achieved a high success rate, comparable with that using the HM‐3 machine but with lower analgesia requirements and very low re‐treatment rates. This method of comparison belies the commonly held view that newer lithotripters are less effective than the original spark‐gap machines.
Prostate adenocarcinoma detected after high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation
Authors: López José I. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo review specific histological variables in patients with prostate cancer who previously had diagnoses of high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and/or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP), compared with those who had no such diagnoses.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe histological characteristics of prostate cancers which were detected after a previous diagnosis of HGPIN and/or ASAP during 1998–2005 were investigated and correlated with the biopsies from patients with prostate cancer but with no such previous diagnoses.RESULTSHGPIN was followed by prostate cancer on repeat biopsy in 16.8% of patients, and ASAP in 26.7%. The mean age of patients with HGPIN or ASAP was higher than in those with no such diagnoses (P < 0.001). Similarly, patients with these previous diagnoses had a lower Gleason score (P = 0.017 and <0.001, respectively) and lower tumour volume variables (fewer tumour foci, P = 0.033 and 0.041, respectively) and shorter cancer (P = 0.048 and 0.030) in core biopsies than those without.CONCLUSIONSPatients with prostate cancer who had previous biopsies with HGPIN or ASAP were older and has lower grade‐ and volume‐cancers than those who had not.
The early use of transurethral alprostadil after radical prostatectomy potentially facilitates an earlier return of erectile function and successful sexual activity
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Pahlajani Geetu , Agarwal Ashok , Zippe Craig D. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess whether early introduction of the Medicated Urethral System for Erection (MUSETM, Vivus Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA) after radical prostatectomy (RP) results in a shorter recovery time for the return to functional erections and successful sexual activity.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a prospective study of 91 sexually active men who had a nerve‐sparing RP for prostate cancer, 56 were treated with MUSE (125 or 250 µg three times per week for 6 months) while the remaining 35 had no erectogenic aids, except as necessary when attempting sexual activity. Self‐administration of MUSE was initiated ≈ 3 weeks after RP. Treatment efficacy was analysed by the patient’s response to the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire.RESULTSThe mean patient age was ≈ 59 years and the median follow‐up 6 months; the compliance rate was 68%. Patients reported a significant improvement in all domains of the SHIM questionnaire after using MUSE. At the end of 6 months 74% of the patients who remained on MUSE were able to have successful vaginal intercourse. Of patients who completed the 6‐month course of MUSE, half were able to have successful vaginal intercourse by the end of treatment. Most of these patients reported the recovery of spontaneous erections and required no additional erectogenic aids for successful intercourse. They had a mean SHIM score of 18.9. All 56 patients who received MUSE reported mild penile aching or urethral burning, and of these, 32% discontinued treatment. In the untreated control group, 37% regained erections sufficient for vaginal intercourse at the 6‐month follow‐up, with a mean SHIM score of 15.8. Of the control patients who recovered penile function, 71% were dissatisfied with the quality of their erections and sought adjuvant therapy.CONCLUSIONSInitiating MUSE shortly after RP is safe and tolerable, and appears to shorten the recovery time to reagin erectile function.
Why potential live renal donors prefer laparoscopic nephrectomy: a survey of live donor attitudes
Authors: Chung Eric , Grant Alexander B.F. , Hibberd Adrian D. , Sprott Phillip 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVESTo address donor attitudes and reasons for selecting either laparoscopic or open donor nephrectomy (LDN, ODN), as despite the increased interest in laparoscopic procedures, organ donation continues to lag behind the demand for organs, and many new initiatives have failed to reduce the gap.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis case series comprised a 10‐year review of medical records and a transplant database on donor demographics, analgesic requirements, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. A structured telephone interview was conducted for all live donors to evaluate donor awareness, reasons for selecting LDN and the psychosocial impact of DN on donors’ rehabilitation.RESULTSBetween 1995 and 2004, 38 LDN and 38 ODN were carried out; 70% were women in both groups, with a respective mean age of 44.4 and 47.1 years. Three LDNs were converted to ODN due to technical difficulties. The mean operative duration for LDN (194.8 min) was 78 min longer than for ODN (116.8 min). As expected, the mean analgesia requirement and length of hospital stay was less for LDN than ODN, by 55.4 mg of morphine equivalent and 2.3 days. Although all renal donors were aware of the option of LDN, one patient chose ODN due to safety concerns. The primary source of donor information was derived predominantly from the donor assessment process. The main reason for choosing LDN was the earlier return to work (54%), followed by less postoperative pain (33%). In general, there was minimal psychosocial impact after renal transplantation and the overall donor experience was very positive (85%).CONCLUSIONLDN has remained a safe, less‐invasive but effective technique for allograft procurement, with minimal morbidity. Overall, there is less postoperative pain and fewer surgical complications, and an earlier return to normal functioning. The level of satisfaction with the whole renal donation process was very positive, with minimal psychosocial impact.
The incidence of chronic scrotal pain after vasectomy: a prospective audit
Authors: Leslie Thomas A. , Illing Rowland O. , Cranston David W. , Guillebaud John 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the extent of scrotal pain in men before and after vasectomy, to produce accurate data for the benefit of men considering this procedure, and hence improved informed consent about the outcomes, as chronic scrotal pain after vasectomy is a poorly quantified clinical problem.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween November 2004 and January 2006 nine surgeons carried out vasectomies in 625 men (mean age 39.9 years, sd 5.6) under local anaesthesia. A questionnaire was devised to establish the presence of any scrotal or testicular pain, and to characterize this discomfort; 6 months after the procedure a modified version of the same questionnaire was administered.RESULTSIn all, 593 (94.7%) men returned the preoperative questionnaires and were entered into the study; 488 (82.2%) of these completed the follow‐up questionnaire, giving a mean (sd) follow‐up of 6.8 (1.6) months. In all, 65 men reported new‐onset scrotal pain at 7 months (14.7%). The mean visual analogue score for this pain was 3.4/10. Four men (0.9%) in the responding group described pain after vasectomy as ‘quite severe and noticeably affecting their quality of life’.CONCLUSIONAt 7 months after vasectomy about 15% of previously asymptomatic men have some degree of scrotal discomfort. These early data indicate that chronic scrotal pain after vasectomy is a genuine entity, but a longer‐term follow‐up in this group will be important to allow further evaluation of how this pain develops with time.
The retroperitoneal laparoscopic Hellström technique for pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction from a crossing vessel
Authors: Zhang Xu , Xu Kai , Fu Bin , Zhang Jun , Lang Bin , Ai Xing , Wang Baojun , Shi Taoping , Ma Xin 
Published: September 2007

Associate EditorAsh TewariEditorial BoardRalph Clayman, USAInderbir Gill, USARoger Kirby, UKMani Menon, USAOBJECTIVETo report our experience with the treatment of pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) using the retroperitoneal laparoscopic Hellström (RLH) technique to relocate the crossing vessel.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe used the RLH technique selectively in eight patients with PUJO from an aberrant crossing vessel, according to observations during surgery. The crossing vessel was mobilized and embedded in the generous pelvic wall with 4–0 polyglactin sutures to relieve the PUJO. Follow‐up studies included intravenous urography, ultrasonography and renal functional scintigraphy at 1 month after surgery and every 3 months thereafter.RESULTSThe mean (range) operative duration was 45 (40–60) min; the blood loss was negligible. Crossing vessels were identified to be anterior to the renal pelvis in two patients and posterior in six. The hospital stay after surgery was 5 (4–7) days. No paregoric was required after surgery. The collecting systems were intact and no JJ stent was required in any patient. The mean (range) follow‐up was 13.6 (12–15) months. In all patients the obstruction was resolved or significantly improved, and there were no complications, e.g. urine leakage and infection. A long‐term follow‐up is mandatory.CONCLUSIONSThe RLH technique is a minimally invasive alternative for patients with PUJO caused by a crossing vessel. Embedding the crossing vessels in the pelvic wall is feasible and safe for such patients; empirical judgement during surgery is prudent for success.
Right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and the use of inverted kidney transplantation: an alternative technique
Authors: Simforoosh Nasser , Aminsharifi Alireza , Tabibi Ali , Fattahi Mohammadreza , Mahmoodi Hossein , Tavakoli Mahmmoud 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVESTo report a novel approach to overcome the problems associated with a short right renal vein harvested by clipping the vein during right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (RLDN).PATIENTS AND METHODSThis prospective study included 32 donors and their recipients; all donors had transperitoneal RLDN. The right renal artery and vein were ligated by Hem‐o‐lok and titanium clips, which resulted in a very short renal vein (<1.5 cm). When the kidney was positioned inverted in the recipient, the renal vein was placed posteriorly, adjacent to the external iliac vein, making a safe and simple venous anastomosis possible.RESULTSAll RLDN were completed with no conversion or re‐operation. The mean (range) warm ischaemia time was 9.59 (3–17) min and there was no malfunction of the vascular clips on the major vessels. After a mean follow‐up of 14 months the recipient survival rate was 97%. Graft function was excellent, with a mean (sd) serum creatinine level of 1.35 (0.31) mg/dL at 3 months after surgery, and there was no renal artery or vein thrombosis in any of the grafts. There were two ureteric complications (6%), i.e. one ureterocutaneous fistula resolved by secondary ureteroureterostomy, and one stricture at the site of ureteric anastomosis, which was managed by ureteroneocystostomy.CONCLUSIONThe right renal vein obtained by LDN, after clipping the renal vein, is quite short, but by placing the kidney upside‐down in the right iliac fossa transplantation is possible with no increased incidence of vascular thrombosis. This simple modification might obviate the need for removing a patch from the inferior vena cava, which is a challenging procedure for laparoscopic surgeons during RLDN.
Molecular markers and mortality in prostate cancer
Authors: Concato John , Jain Dhanpat , Li William W. , Risch Harvey A. , Uchio Edward M. , Wells Carolyn K. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate prognosis in prostate cancer by assessing the independent effect of selected molecular factors (e.g. markers of cell‐cycle regulation), in addition to the effect of traditional clinical factors (e.g. anatomical stage, histological grade), in predicting long‐term mortality among men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a community‐based population of 64 545 USA veterans aged ≥ 50 years and receiving ambulatory care during 1989–90 at nine Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centres in New England, 1274 had incident prostate cancer during 1991–95. We obtained the medical records and diagnostic tissue for these men, and then extracted demographic data and clinical information, and conducted immunohistochemical assays of molecular markers in biopsy tissue, as potential prognostic factors. In this interim analysis, data on 250 patients were analysed; the main outcome was overall mortality to 31 December 2003, providing 8–13 years of follow‐up.RESULTSIn 228 (91%) patients with available medical record and laboratory data, the median age was 72 years and the median prostate‐specific antigen level was 10.4 ng/mL. In adjusted (multivariate) analyses that included traditional prognostic factors, bcl‐2 staining (hazard ratio 2.14, 95% confidence interval 1.27–3.58, P = 0.004) and high microvessel density (1.76, 1.19–2.60; P = 0.005) had an independent effect on the outcome.CONCLUSIONSBcl‐2 and microvessel density are independent predictors of subsequent death among men with prostate cancer and might have a clinical role in assisting in deciding on treatment.
Effect of autologous blood transfusion on the rate of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Gallina Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K.‐H. , Walz Jochen , Hutterer Georg C. , Erbersdobler Andreas , Eichelberg Christian , Schlomm Thorsten , Ahyai Sascha A. , Perrotte Paul , Saad Fred , Montorsi Francesco , Huland Hartwig , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVETo test the association between autologous blood transfusion (ABT) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a large group of contemporary patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe analysed 1291 patients treated with RP; Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to graphically explore the association between ABT and BCR. Cox regression models addressed the association between ABT and BCR in univariate and multivariate analyses, after adjusting for preoperative prostate specific antigen level, pathological Gleason sum, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node invasion.RESULTSOf all patients, 205 (15.4%) received perioperative ABT. The mean (median, range) follow‐up was 43.2 (40.9, 0.3–145) months. BCR was recorded in 347 (26.9%) patients and the time to BCR was 25.2 (20.5, 0.3–107) months. Neither in univariate (P = 0.053) nor in multivariate (P = 0.2) Cox regression analyses was ABT a statistically significant or independent predictor of BCR.CONCLUSIONPerioperative ABT does not predispose to a higher rate of BCR in patients after RP.