bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing patient comfort by optimized postoperative administration of intravesical mitomycin C
Authors: Stoehr Brigitte , Mueller Tilko , Granig Thomas , Zangerl Florian , Steiner Hannes 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVETo report a prospective controlled study to compare the acceptance of two different ways of administering intravesical mitomycin C, as the immediate intravesical administration of chemotherapy after surgery decreases the risk of recurrence in patients with superficial bladder cancer, but response rates are variable, partly because of inadequate drug delivery and thus an adequate administration time is important for optimum oncological efficacy.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween October 2004 and June 2005, 60 patients were divided after transurethral resection of superficial bladder cancer into two groups. Both groups received an intravesical instillation of 40 mg mitomycin C diluted in 40 mL distilled water at ≤6 h after surgery. In group A the catheter was clamped; in group B the catheter was not clamped but the urine bag was elevated to 1 m above the level of the supine patient to enable bladder contractions with no rigid resistance, and mitomycin C was retained within the bladder by hydrostatic pressure. Discomfort and pain were documented by the patient every 15 min. The instillation was terminated after 2 h, or earlier if the pain was not tolerable. The relapse rate during the follow‐up was also recorded.RESULTSHistology and the number of tumours resected was not significantly different between the groups. In group A the mean (sd, range) instillation time was 83.4 (3.1, 15–120) min and 11 (37%) patients tolerated all 120 min of treatment. The instillation time in group B was 110.4 (20.9, 60–120) min and 25 (83%) patients completed 120 min. The mean (sd) overall pain levels measured were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in group B, at 2.7 (2.4) in group A and 1.8 (1.3) in group B. There was no remarkable difference between the groups in recurrence rates.CONCLUSIONElevation of the urine bag instead of clamping the catheter was associated with a significantly longer instillation, more patients completing the full 2 h of treatment and significantly lower pain sensations. There was no remarkable difference in the groups in recurrence rate during the follow‐up, but this might be because there were few patients in this pilot study.[Corrections made after online publication 6 August 2008]
Resurgent Metropolis: Economy, Society and Urbanization in an Interconnected World
Authors: SCOTT ALLEN J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAn urban problematic is identified by reference to the essential characteristics of cities as spatially polarized ensembles of human activity marked by high levels of internal symbiosis. The roots of the crisis of the classical industrial metropolis of the twentieth century are pinpointed, and the emergence of a new kind of urban economic dynamic over the 1980s and 1990s is discussed. I argue that this new dynamic is based in high degree upon the growth and spread of cognitive‐cultural production systems. Along with these developments have come radical transformations of urban space and social life, as well as major efforts on the part of many cities to assert a role for themselves as national and international cultural centers. This argument is the basis of what we might call the resurgent metropolis hypothesis. The effects of globalization are shown to play a critical role in the genesis and geography of urban resurgence. Three major policy dilemmas of resurgent cities are highlighted, namely, their internal institutional fragmentation, their increasing character as economic agents on the world stage and the concomitant importance of collective approaches to the construction of localized competitive advantage, and their deepening social disintegration and segmentation.RésuméUne problématique urbaine est dégagée à propos des caractéristiques essentielles des villes définies comme des ensembles d'activité humaine polarisés dans l'espace et marqués par une symbiose interne poussée. Les racines de la crise qu'a subie la métropole industrielle classique auxxesiècle sont mises en évidence. Est aussi étudié un nouveau type de dynamique économique urbaine apparu au cours des années 1980‐1990, cette dynamique étant largement fondée sur la croissance et la diffusion des systèmes de production cognitifs culturels. Parallèlement à ces évolutions, l'espace urbain et la vie sociale ont connu des transformations radicales, et nombre de villes ont entrepris de revendiquer un rôle de centre culturel national et international. Cet argument est à la base de ce qu'on pourrait appeler l'hypothèse d'une résurgence des métropoles. Il est montré que les effets de la mondialisation ont compté de façon cruciale dans la genèse et la géographie de la résurgence urbaine. Trois grands dilemmes politiques des ‘villes résurgentes’ sont soulignés: leur fragmentation institutionnelle interne; l'accentuation de leur place d'agents économiques sur la scène mondiale et l'importance concomitante des approches collectives pour construire des avantages concurrentiels localisés; ainsi que l'intensification de leur désintégration et de leur segmentation sociales.
The pattern of expression of Notch protein members in normal and pathological endometrium
Authors: Cobellis Luigi , Caprio Francesca , Trabucco Elisabetta , Mastrogiacomo Annunziata , Coppola Gabriele , Manente Lucrezia , Colacurci Nicola , De Falco Maria , De Luca Antonio 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the pattern of expression and the localization of Notch‐1, Notch‐4 and Jagged‐1 in physiological and pathological human endometrium and to evaluate the expression levels of two major regulators of the G1 checkpoint, namely cyclin D1 and p21. Sixty samples of physiological endometrium and 60 samples of pathological endometrium were used for the study. Evaluation of the expression level and the distribution of Notch pathway members and cell‐cycle proteins was performed by immunohistochemistry. In the physiological endometrium we observed an increase of Notch‐1 and Jagged‐1 from proliferative to secretory phase and an opposite trend for Notch‐4. In menopause, the level of expression of all three members of the Notch pathway decreased. We also observed a cyclin D1 increase from proliferative to secretory phase. By contrast, p21 showed a slight increase from proliferative to secretory phase. In the pathological endometrium, we observed an increase of Notch‐1 expression from polyps to carcinoma and decrease for Notch‐4 and Jagged‐1. Moreover, we observed a higher expression of cyclin D1 in all the endometrial pathologies. By contrast, the expression level of p21 slightly increased from polyps to carcinoma. We concluded that in human endometrium Notch‐4 seems to be more involved in controlling proliferation, whereas Notch‐1 seems to be more involved in differentiation programming. Deregulation of these functions may induce the onset of several endometrial pathologies from polyps to cancer.
Advances in plasma skin regeneration
Authors: Foster K Wade , Moy Ronald L , Fincher Edgar F 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPlasma skin regeneration (PSR) is a novel method of resurfacing that uses plasma energy to create a thermal effect on the skin. PSR is different from lasers, light sources, and ablative lasers in that it is not chromophore dependent and does not vaporize tissue, but leaves a layer of intact, desiccated epidermis that acts as a natural biologic dressing and promotes wound healing and rapid recovery. Histological studies performed on plasma resurfacing patients have confirmed continued collagen production, reduction of elastosis, and progressive skin rejuvenation beyond 1 year after treatment. PSR has received US Food and Drug Administration 510 (k) clearance for treatment of rhytides of the body, superficial skin lesions, actinic keratoses, viral papillomata, and seborrheic keratoses. PSR also has beneficial effects in the treatment of other conditions including dyschromias, photoaging, skin laxity, and acne scars. The safety profile of PSR is excellent, and there have been no reports of demarcation lines in perioral, periorbital, or jawline areas, as can sometimes be observed following CO2 resurfacing. PSR is effective in improving facial and periorbital rhytides and can be used on nonfacial sites, including the hands, neck, and chest. Numerous treatment protocols with variable energy settings allow for individualized treatments and provide the operator with fine control over the degree of injury and length of subsequent recovery time.
An assessment of the efficacy of blue light phototherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Ammad Sadia , Gonzales Maria , Edwards Chris , Finlay Andrew Y , Mills Caroline 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects 8 out of 10 people. It varies from mild to severe, and different treatments target various aspects of the disease. Propionibacterium acnes, one of the culprits involved in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, is the main target of all major medical treatments used. Studies conducted in recent years have shown favorable effects within the visible light spectrum for the treatment of acne vulgaris.Objective  In this study, we have evaluated the use of intense blue light within the spectral range of 415–425 nm (peak 420 nm) in the treatment of acne vulgaris.Methods  Twenty‐one patients with mild to moderate facial acne were treated with blue light phototherapy. All patients were given 14‐min treatment sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. Acne severity was assessed using the Leeds Technique for grading and lesion counts. Disability was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). In addition, standard digital and cross‐polarized light photographs were taken and graded by a blinded evaluator. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and cultures for P. acnes were carried out before starting the treatment and upon completion of the treatment.Results  Significant improvement was achieved in the Leeds Acne Grade (P = 0.001). The inflammatory (P = 0.001) and noninflammatory (P = 0.06) lesion counts also improved significantly. A similar change was noted in the DLQI (P = 0.001); a degree of significance was also achieved in the patients’ and the investigators’ VAS scores (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively). P. acnes colony counts failed to show a significant decrease at the end of the treatment and remained almost constant (P = 0.660).Conclusions  We believe that blue light does appear to have some role in the management of acne and may be beneficial for the treatment of a select group of mild to moderate acne patients.
A novel ultraviolet photography technique for assessing photodamage
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana , Klein Gregory , Biancone Gregory 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPhotography is critical to accurately capturing clinical results in cosmetic dermatology. However, this shift from film to digital photography has made the capture of true ultraviolet (UV) images more difficult. Film cameras were developed that used special lighting and film to create true UV images, but this technology has not translated into the digital realm. At present, commercial digital photography systems use computer processing to generate UV‐like images from visible light photography. This research developed a technique to obtain UV images with a UV pass glass filter placed in front of the camera lens. The UV filter was opaque to visible light (400–750 nm) with a peak transmission at 360 nm. In addition, a glass infrared (IR) block filter was also placed in front of the UV filter during photography. This research resulted in the development of an affordable digital camera system that was able to capture true UV light photographs. This technique can be used by research and clinical dermatologists to obtain photographs demonstrating changes in photodamage as a result of therapeutic intervention.
Medical rhinoplasty with hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin A: a very simple and quite effective technique
Authors: Redaelli Alessio 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective The management of nasal deformities, and in particular those with “plunging” tip, has always been a typical area of interest in surgery. In the author's experience many of these problems can be successfully approached with a new medical technique, which consists of using only hyaluronic acid for the correction of nasal angles and botulinum toxin for patients with hyperactivity of the depressor septi nasi muscle. The present study aims to illustrate this new technique and evaluates safety and results.Materials and methods Ninety‐five patients were treated between January 2006 and July 2007. The average age of the patients was 42.7 years. In 45% of the cases, botulinum toxin was employed. In all of the cases, the treatment was conducted with hyaluronic acid (24 mg/mL), the same substance used for face rejuvenation. The amount varied from 0.6 to 1.4 mL.Results Results were evaluated using a definitive graduated score calculated by patient's and doctor's satisfaction score (range, 1–10) and by photographs’ score at time 0, after 30 days, and after 180 days. It ranged from 8 to 10 (average of 9.1). No significant side effects were reported.Conclusion The medical rhinoplasty for a “plunging” nose is a simple and very effective technique with immediate results. It can be used in those cases where patients are reluctant to undergo surgery, or as primary indication in the correction of minor nose defects. Results are satisfactory and no side effects have been reported so far. Results will last for a long time.
Dermal and epidermal remodeling using botulinum toxin type A for facial, nonreducible, hyperkinetic lines: two case studies
Authors: Bowler Patrick J 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Many studies confirm the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A in a variety of clinical indications. Its use for treatment of hyperfunctional facial lines has become the most popular cosmetic procedure. These case studies comprise an evaluation of the long‐term treatment of two subjects treated with botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®, Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) for hyperfunctional, nonreducible, facial lines.Aims  This paper aims to assess the long‐term effectiveness of BOTOX treatment for hyperfunctional facial lines in two subjects over 7 years.Patients/methods  Two subjects (case 1: female aged 53 years; case 2: male age 50 years) presenting with glabelar, forehead, and periorbital facial lines were treated with BOTOX over a 7‐year period. Case 1 received a total of 24 treatments at 4‐monthly intervals, and case 2 received 21 treatments at 3‐ to 6‐monthly intervals.Results  Skin quality continued to improve over time, revealing a smoother, enhanced, yet “natural” look. In particular, nonreducible forehead lines were effaced suggesting dermal and epidermal remodeling over long‐term treatment. There was no evidence of development of any new wrinkles secondary to BOTOX use, and both subjects continue to report high levels of treatment satisfaction. No safety issues were raised.Conclusions  These case studies demonstrate that nonreducible horizontal forehead lines can show long‐term reduction with BOTOX treatment and high levels of subject satisfaction.
Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Torres Javier , Backert Steffen 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe clinical outcome of Helicobacter pylori infection is determined by a complex scenario of interactions between the bacterium and the host. The main bacterial factors associated with colonization and pathogenicity comprise outer membrane proteins including BabA, SabA, OipA, AlpA/B, as well as the virulence factors CagA in the cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI) and the vacuolating cytotoxin VacA. The multitude of these proteins and allelic variation makes it extremely difficult to test the contribution of each individual factor. Much effort has been put into identifying the mechanism associated with H. pylori‐associated carcinogenesis. Interaction between bacterial factors such as CagA and host signal transduction pathways seems to be critical for mediating the induction of membrane dynamics, actin‐cytoskeletal rearrangements and the disruption of cell‐to‐cell junctions as well as proliferative, pro‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic nuclear responses. An animal model using the Mongolian gerbil is a useful system to study the gastric pathology of H. pylori infection.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Daugule Ilva , Rowland Marion 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe review summarizes the articles published on Helicobacter pylori in children between April 2007 and March 2008. Evidence is emerging in different populations including developing countries that the prevalence of H. pylori is declining in all age groups. The reasons for this are unclear but it is unlikely that treatment of infection or improvement in socioeconomic conditions fully explains the decline. For the first time, differences in the inflammatory response between adults and children have been well characterized in a group of adults and children from Chile with similar levels of H. pylori infection. This study suggests that the reduced inflammatory response to H. pylori at a cellular level in children could be the consequence of an enhanced Treg cell response, which in turn down‐regulates H. pylori‐induced inflammation. The publication of the Paediatric European Register for Treatment of Helicobacter pylori study (PERTH) is important as it demonstrates the advantages of different centers working in collaboration for the benefit of children. It also highlights the fact that while bismuth‐based treatment is more effective than proton pump inhibitor‐based treatment in children, bismuth preparations are not widely available for use in children.
Modification of the Risk of Mortality from Pneumonia with Oral Hygiene Care
Authors: Bassim Carol W. , Gibson Gretchen , Ward Timothy , Paphides Brian M. , DeNucci Donald J. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the associations between the assignment of an oral hygiene aide staff member and risk factors for mortality from pneumonia in a nursing home and to test the hypothesis that this care would affect the incidence of mortality from pneumonia.DESIGN: Electronic medical records.SETTING: Nursing home.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty‐three residents of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) nursing home.METHODS: The electronic medical records of 143 residents of a VAMC nursing home were analyzed for risk factors for pneumonia. A certified nursing assistant had been assigned to provide oral hygiene care for residents on two of four nursing home wards. Researchers performed a longitudinal analysis of resident's medical records to investigate the association between the assignment of an oral hygiene aide with the risk of mortality from pneumonia.RESULTS: Initially, the group that received oral care, an older and less functionally able group, showed approximately the same incidence of mortality from pneumonia as the group that did not receive oral care, but when the data were adjusted for the risk factors found to be significant for mortality from pneumonia, the odds of dying from pneumonia in the group that did not receive oral care was more than three times that of the group that did receive oral care (odds ratio=3.57, P=.03). Modified risk factors included age, functionality, cognitive function, and clinical concern about aspiration pneumonia.CONCLUSION: Oral hygiene nursing aide intervention may be an efficient risk factor modifier of mortality from nursing home–associated pneumonia.
Urinary Complaints in Nondisabled Elderly People with Age‐Related White Matter Changes: The Leukoaraiosis And DISability (LADIS) Study
Authors: Poggesi Anna , Pracucci Giovanni , Chabriat Hugues , Erkinjuntti Timo , Fazekas Franz , Verdelho Ana , Hennerici Michael , Langhorne Peter , O'Brien John , Scheltens Philip , Visser Marieke C. , Crisby Milita , Waldemar Gunhild , Wallin Anders , Inzitari Domenico , Pantoni Leonardo ,   on behalf of the LADIS Study Group
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, in a cohort of nondisabled elderly people, the association between urinary complaints and severity of age‐related white matter changes (ARWMC).DESIGN: Cross‐sectional data analysis from a longitudinal multinational study.SETTING: The Leukoaraiosis And DISability Study, assessing ARWMC as an independent predictor of the transition from functional autonomy to disability in elderly subjects.PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred thirty‐nine subjects (288 men, 351 women, mean age 74.1±5.0) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐detected ARWMC of different severity.MEASUREMENTS: ARWMC severity was graded on MRI as mild, moderate, and severe (Fazekas scale). MRI assessment also included ARWMC volumetric analysis and the count of infarcts. Urinary complaints (nocturia, urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence) were recorded based on subjects' answers to four questions.RESULTS: In comparing the three ARWMC severity groups, there was a significant difference only in prevalence of urgency, with 16% of subjects in the mild severity group, 17% in the moderate severity group, and 25% in the severe group (P=.03). Adjusting for age, sex, lacunar and nonlacunar infarcts, diabetes mellitus, and use of diuretics, severe ARWMC retained an independent effect in the association with urinary urgency (odds ratio=1.74, 95% confidence interval=1.04–2.90, severe vs mild group). Subjects with urinary urgency also had higher ARWMC volumes (25.2, vs 20.4 mm3 in those without urinary urgency; P<.001). Urgency was confirmed to be associated with the severe degree of ARWMC, irrespective of complaints of memory, gait disturbances, or history of depression.CONCLUSION: In a cohort of nondisabled elderly people, severe ARWMC were associated with urinary urgency, independent of other potential confounders and vascular lesions of the brain.
Value of anaerobic culture in bacterial surveillance program for platelet concentrates
Authors: Lee C.K. , Ho P.L. , Lee K.Y. , Tsui G.T.F. , Chua E. , Tsoi W.C. , Lin C.K. 
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Short‐term aerobic bacterial culture (STABC) has been used routinely in Hong Kong since 1998 to reduce bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates (PCs) with good results. With more countries implementing routine aerobic and anaerobic cultures of PCs, a prospective study was conducted to determine the value of anaerobic culture to STABC.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PC tested by STABC was used as control. Twenty milliliters of the PC selected for this study was aliquoted and pooled for 7 days aerobic and anaerobic culture. If the initial culture was positive, samples retrieved from the original PC and their associated components were cultured for confirmation and microbiologic identification.RESULTS: A total of 10,035 PC units (2007 pools) were tested. The confirmed positive rates by aerobic and anaerobic cultures per pool were 3 (0.15%) and 13 (0.65%), respectively, which was equivalent to an increased yield from 0.03 to 0.13 percent of PC if anaerobic culture was added. Of the 10 bacteria detected by anaerobic culture only, 9 were found to be Propionibacterium acnes and the remaining one Peptostreptococcus sp. Their mean detection time from inoculation was 92.16 hours (range, 50.4‐124.8 hr).CONCLUSION: Addition of anaerobic culture to our routine STABC would significantly increase the detection rate of bacterial contaminated PC. However, since only slow‐growing bacteria were detected, and because their clinical significance was uncertain, it is concluded that there was no clear justification to introduce anaerobic culture locally if 5‐day shelf life for PCs was to be maintained.