bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of auditory evoked potential parameters for predicting clinically anaesthetized state
Authors: Kumar A. , Anand S. , Yaddanapudi L. N. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Most of the research efforts to monitor the depth of anaesthesia using the mid‐latency auditory evoked potential (MLAEP) signal in humans are based on the detection of the amplitudes and latencies of the signal peaks. Attempts have also been made to combine different time‐domain and frequency‐domain parameters. A comparison of different parameters is required to identify those which best discriminate the awake state from the anaesthetized state.Methods:  Although the sensitivity of MLAEP signal peaks is appreciable in awake and light anaesthesia states, it is reduced considerably at the moderate anaesthesia level, rendering this method unsuitable for predicting the surgical stage of anaesthesia. To overcome this problem, a numerically derived quantity – the morphology index – was used which does not require location of the peaks of the signal, but, at the same time, reflects the changes in both the latency and amplitude of the peaks. AEPs were recorded in the hospital for 18 patients during various states, i.e. awake, induction, unconscious and after regaining consciousness from halothane anaesthesia. The peak latencies, amplitudes, morphology index and peak power frequency (PPF) were calculated.Results:  The sensitivity and specificity of PPF (89% and 95%, respectively) were found to be better than those for Pa and Nb peak amplitudes, their latencies and the morphology index. In addition, PPF showed minimum inter‐patient variation. The mean value (standard deviation) of this parameter was 26.9 (0.67) during the awake state, decreased to 17.1 (1.2) during the anaesthetized state, and increased again to 26.1 (0.93) when the patients regained full consciousness.Conclusion:  PPF is the best of the four studied MLAEP parameters for the clinical characterization of the anaesthetized state during surgery.
Outcome after heroin overdose and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Boyd J. J. , Kuisma M. J. , Alaspää A. O. , Vuori E. , Repo J. V. , Randell T. T. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  The survival of heroin overdose patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest is reported to be poor. The aim of our study was to investigate the outcome and characteristics of survivors after cardiac arrest caused by heroin overdose.Methods:  This was a retrospective study in a medium‐sized city (population, 560,000). Between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2000, there were 94 combined cardiac arrests caused by acute drug poisonings. The main outcome measure was survival to discharge.Results:  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted in 19 heroin overdose patients (group A) and in 53 patients with cardiac arrest caused by other poisonings (group B). Three (16%) vs. six (11%) patients were discharged alive (group A vs. B, respectively). The survivors in group A had an Emergency Medical Service (EMS)‐witnessed cardiac arrest or the Emergency Dispatching Centre was called before the arrest occurred. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of survival. Survivors in both groups suffered from acute renal failure (two), hypoglycaemia (four) and hypothermia (three).Conclusion:  Survival after cardiac arrest caused by heroin overdose is possible if the arrest is EMS witnessed or the Emergency Dispatching Centre is called before the cardiac arrest occurs. In comparison with cardiac arrests caused by other poisonings, there was no difference in survival. The incidence and mechanism of hypoglycaemia should be examined in further studies.
Semen Technologies in Dog Breeding: an Update
Authors: Peña FJ , Núñez‐Martínez I , Morán JM 
Published: September 2006

ContentsPure dog breeding is experiencing growing interest. Assisted reproductive technologies are each time demanded more by the small animal practitioner. In this paper different semen technologies are briefly reviewed under the perspective of the authors. In addition, new trends in the evaluation of canine ejaculates, developed in the laboratory of the authors are discussed. The existence of sperm subpopulations defined based both on kinematics and morphometric characteristics of the spermatozoa is now widely accepted by the scientific community. In the laboratory of the authors new, simpler and more straightforward statistical tools have been used to disclose the sperm subpopulation structure in the canine ejaculate. The study of the sperm subpopulation structure and its changes after cryopreservation has allowed us to gain an insight into the differences in freezeability among dogs, and also predict to a great extent the outcome of a cryopreservation procedure of a given semen sample. New techniques to evaluate early membrane changes have also been recently developed in our laboratory.
Challenges in Pig Artificial Insemination
Authors: Roca J , Vázquez JM , Gil MA , Cuello C , Parrilla I , Martínez EA 
Published: September 2006

ContentsSemen extended in a liquid state, together with conventional artificial insemination (AI), is the sole sperm technology used by the pig industry. Sperm technologies known for many years, such as cryopreservation, and others developed during recent years, such as sperm sexing, have not yet been integrated into commercial use. Moreover, there has recently been an explosion of new technologies, such as sperm mediated gene transfer or encapsulated spermatozoa which need additional supportive techniques before they can be economically applied to pig breeding. The speed with which the aforementioned sperm technologies are accepted and utilized by the pig industry depends on the availability of efficient insemination procedures. Therefore, AI is entering a new dimension where it will be converted into a tool for the efficient application of current and new sperm technologies. Some new insemination procedures have been recently developed. This review examines the suitability of available insemination procedures for the efficient application of current, emergent and future sperm technology to the pig industry.
Bovine Early Embryonic Development and Vitamin A
Authors: Gómez E , Caamaño JN , Rodríguez A , De Frutos C , Facal N , Díez C 
Published: September 2006

ContentsVitamin A and its derivatives, collectively termed as retinoids, have been paid attention in recent years because of their effects in bovine reproduction. However, the role of retinoids in the pre‐implantatory period continues to be largely unexplored, in contrast to later stages of development. Retinoids control cell growth, differentiation and death through binding to specific nuclear receptors by retinoic acid and other active metabolites. This paper reviews how retinoids can influence early embryonic development in cattle through their influence on the follicle, the extrafollicular oocyte and the pre‐implantatory embryo itself.
The Application of Reproductive Technologies to Natural Populations of Red Deer
Authors: Garde JJ , Martínez‐Pastor F , Gomendio M , Malo AF , Soler AJ , Fernández‐Santos MR , Esteso MC , García AJ , Anel L , Roldán ERS 
Published: September 2006

ContentsOver the past decade, there has been increasing interest in the application of reproductive technology to the conservation and management of natural populations of deer. The application of assisted reproduction technologies within natural population of deer is in its infancy. However, its future potential is enormous, particularly in relation to genetic management or conservation. This paper reviews the present state of such technologies for a wild subspecies of red deer, the Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus), by discussing the major components of oestrous synchronization, semen collection/cryopreservation and insemination techniques. In addition, findings made during the course of studies on natural populations have enormous potential for the understanding of novel reproductive mechanism that may not be uncovered by livestock or human studies. A summary of these results are also reviewed here.
Decreased expression of G protein‐coupled receptor kinases in the detrusor smooth muscle of human urinary bladder with outlet obstruction
Authors: FURUYA YASUHISA , ARAKI ISAO , KAMIYAMA MANABU , ZAKOJI HIDENORI , TAKIHANA YOSHIO , TAKEDA MASAYUKI 
Published: September 2006

Aim:We examine the expression of mRNA of G protein‐coupled receptor kinase (GRK) subtypes and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M) subtypes in the detrusor smooth muscle of the human urinary bladder. Furthermore, we confirm the presence and the localization of GRK proteins in the detrusor smooth muscle of the obstructed bladder in comparison with the control bladder.Methods:Detrusor smooth muscle tissues of the human urinary bladder were obtained from 12 male patients; 6 patients did not have bladder outlet obstruction, and the other 6 patients had bladder outlet obstruction. Portions of the dome or anterior wall of the urinary bladder were used for the present study. Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction for GRK2, M2 and M3 was performed using total RNA extracted from human urinary bladder detrusor. Antibodies to GRK2, GRK3 and GRK4 were used to confirm the presence of the protein product in the human urinary bladder using immunohistochemical staining and the western blotting technique.Results:All complementary DNA (cDNA) transcribed from three different mRNA (M2, M3 and GRK2) were successfully amplified and size‐fractionated. The expression of GRK2 protein was strong in the human bladder detrusor, but was significantly weakened by western blotting in obstructed bladder in comparison with control bladder.Conclusions:Failure in desensitization mechanisms of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors might be related to storage symptom elicited by overactivity in obstructed bladder with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Experience and functional outcome of modified ileal neobladder in 95 patients
Authors: KOIE TAKUYA , HATAKEYAMA SHINGO , YONEYAMA TAKAHIRO , ISHIMURA HIROFUMI , YAMATO TAKASHI , OHYAMA CHIKARA 
Published: September 2006

Aims: We took advantage of the Goodwin method to develop a modified ileal neobladder. We present the operation procedure and assessed the functional results.Methods: From April 1997 and May 2005, 95 patients (75 men and 20 women), mean age 64.6 years (range: 36–80 years) underwent orthotopic ileal neobladder replacement with application of the Goodwin method. The Le Duc technique was used for antireflux procedure. However, for the last 35 patients, antireflux procedure was not carried out. The median follow‐up period was 37 months (range: 3–98 months). We reviewed the surgical outcome and complications. Continent status and urodynamic profile were also measured.Results: The mean operation time for the neobladder formation was 130 mins (range: 65–285 mins). There were no perioperative deaths. Leakage from the ileourethral anastomosis leak was found in four patients (4.2%), wound infection in nine patients (9.5%), ileal anastomosis leak in two patients (2.1%) and paralytic ileus in two patients. No hydronephrosis, neobladder‐ureteral reflux or deterioration of renal function was seen. The maximum neobladder pressure was 21 ± 13 cm (mean ± SD) at 6 months and 12 ± 11 cm at 12 months after surgery. The neobladder capacity was 293 ± 118 mL at 6 months and 312 ± 85 mL at 12 months after surgery. Of the 95 patients, 87 (91.6%) maintained complete dryness day and night.Conclusions: These results suggest that the present orthotopic ileal neobladder is simple to be carried out and achieves acceptable voiding function. Longer observation for neobladder and upper urinary tract function is necessary.
Selenium is inversely associated with bladder cancer risk: A report from the Belgian case–control study on bladder cancer
Authors: KELLEN ELIANE , ZEEGERS MAURICE , BUNTINX FRANK 
Published: September 2006

Aim: Selenium is an essential trace element with suspected anticarcinogenic properties in humans. To date, eight epidemiological studies have examined the association between serum selenium concentration and bladder cancer risk.Methods: The authors carried out a population case–control study in 178 cases and 362 controls to assess the relationship between bladder cancer risk and selenium serum concentrations. Unconditional logistic regression was calculated to determine odds ratios (OR) for bladder cancer occurrence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Effect modification by smoking status, low fruit and vegetable intake, retinol equivalent, vitamin C, vitamin E and total antioxidant status were also assessed.Results: Serum selenium level was negatively associated with bladder cancer risk. After adjustment for sex, age, smoking and occupational exposure, the OR was 0.48 (95% CI 0.29–0.79) comparing the second with the lowest tertile (serum selenium concentration >82.40 µg/L). The adjusted OR for the highest tertile (serum selenium concentration >96.00 µg/L), was 0.30 (95% CI 0.17–0.52) (P‐trend <0.001). An increase of 10 µg/L in serum selenium concentration was associated with a significant decreased bladder cancer risk (OR: 0.76; 95% CI 0.67–0.85).Conclusion: This case–control study suggests an inverse association between serum selenium concentration and bladder cancer risk.
Relevance of postcatheter removal incontinence to postoperative urinary function after radical prostatectomy
Authors: SAITO SEIICHI , NAMIKI SHUNICHI , NUMAHATA KENJI , SATOH MAKOTO , ISHIDOYA SHIGETO , ITO AKIHIRO , ARAI YOICHI 
Published: September 2006

Aim: We examined whether postoperative urinary function after radical prostatectomy is associated with immediate incontinence just after catheter removal.Patients and methods: The current study included 80 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between January 2002 and May 2004. The amount of immediate incontinence was measured with a 24‐h pad test just after catheter removal. The patients were categorized into the three groups based on the stratified grade of immediate urinary incontinence: groups I (0 g; 47 patients), II (1–99 g; 23 patients) and III (100 g and above; 10 patients), respectively. Urinary function and bother were assessed by a self‐administered questionnaire using the University of California Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The differences in scores of urinary function, bother and clinicopathological parameters were assessed in the three groups with one‐way analysis of variance.Results: No significant difference was observed in the clinicopathological parameters in the three groups. Preoperatively significant difference of urinary function scores was not evident and that of urinary bother scores was not observed in the three groups. Postoperatively urinary function scores were significantly different throughout the postoperative periods investigated, whereas difference in urinary bother scores observed at 3 months tended to disappear with time.Conclusion: Postcatheter removal incontinence might be related to postoperative urinary function after radical prostatectomy, although further investigation is necessary regarding the criteria for categorization because of a small number of the patients.
Retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty: Using reconstructive methods based on intraoperative findings
Authors: KAWA GEN , TATSUMI MOTOHIRO , HIURA YOSHIHITO , MUGURUMA KOEI , KINOSHITA HIDEFUMI , MATSUDA TADASHI 
Published: September 2006

Aim: Reconstructive laparoscopic procedures have been recognized as a less invasive treatment than conventional open procedures. However, although the laparoscopic pyeloplasty has also been accepted as useful, few findings have been reported relevant to the retroperitoneal approach. To elucidate its effectiveness and safety, laparoscopic surgery via the retroperitoneal approach was examined in our institution. Furthermore, the importance of laparoscopic observation for ureteropelvic junction and urine passage ureteropelvic junction without indwelling ureteral stent.Methods: Between July 1998 and December 2004, 13 men and 15 women underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The mean patient age was 33.6 years (range: 13–70 years). Methods of repair were determined by intraoperative findings for the relationship between the ureteropelvic junction and surrounding vessels. An indwelling ureteral stent was removed before initiating laparoscopic operation to observe the relationship between ureteropelvic junction and aberrant vessels more precisely.Results: An aberrant renal vessel was found in 13 patients (46%). Dismembered pyeloplasty was carried out in 21 patients, Y‐V plasty in five patients and Hellstrom technique in two patients. Ureteral transposition was not required in dismembered pyeloplasty cases. All patients achieved retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty without open conversion. The mean operative time was 272 min (range: 155–490 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 44 mL (range: 10–200 mL). No major complications were observed during the intraoperative period, but urinary tract infection occurred in two patients in the postoperative period. In all patients except one, obstruction was improved or resolved.Conclusions: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery is not only able to repair ureteropelvic junction obstruction, but can also be done safety and less invasively. We believe that laparoscopic observation without indwelling stent will contribute to a more appropriate choice of pyeloplasty.
Comparison of bone‐anchored male sling and collagen implant for the treatment of male incontinence
Authors: ONUR RAHMI , SINGLA AJAY 
Published: September 2006

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of transurethral collagen injection and perineal bone‐anchored male sling for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods: Seventy‐one men with SUI underwent either transurethral collagen injections (n = 34) or perineal bone‐anchored male sling (n = 37) between June 1999 and October 2003. Most of the patients in each group had radical retropubic prostatectomy and/or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in relation to the cause of incontinence. There was one patient in both groups who only had EBRT for the cause. The mean duration of incontinence were 4.2 and 4.4 years, respectively. Collagen injections were carried out transurethrally either under regional or general anesthesia until co‐aptation of mucosa was observed. The male sling was placed under spinal anesthesia with a bone drill using either absorbable or synthetic materials. Retrospectively, all patients were assessed for continence status and procedure‐related morbidity, if present. The outcome of both procedures was also compared with the degree of incontinence.Results: Ten (30%) patients in the collagen group showed either significant improvement or were cured following injections. Preoperatively, the mean pad use in collagen group was 4.5 (SD 2.8) per day, whereas it was 2.2 (SD 1.1) after the injection(s). Collagen injection failed in 24 (70%) of the patients. Patients who received the male sling had a mean preoperative pad use of 3.7 (SD 1.5) and postoperatively, the number decreased to 1.6 (SD 1.2). Most of the patients in this group were either totally dry or significantly improved (n: 28, 76%). There was a statistically significant difference between two groups in respect to success rate (P < 0.05). Analysis of treatment outcome with the degree of incontinence revealed that the male sling is most effective in patients with minimal‐to‐moderate incontinence.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the male sling, a minimally invasive procedure, is more effective than collagen implant in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate SUI in men.
Pretreatment serum level of HER2/nue as a prognostic factor in metastatic prostate cancer patients about to undergo endocrine therapy
Authors: OKEGAWA TAKATSUGU , KINJO MANAMI , NUTAHARA KIKUO , HIGASHIHARA EIJI 
Published: September 2006

Background: Overexpression of the HER2 receptor protein and amplification of the HER2 gene has been implicated in tumor development and progression, and has been associated with a poor prognosis in several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pretreatment serum HER2 levels can be used to predict biochemical recurrence‐free survival in prostate cancer patients about to undergo endocrine therapy.Methods: The study population consisted of 379 untreated patients with histologically diagnosed prostate cancer: 197 with T2N0M0, 93 with T3N0M0, 19 with TxN1Mx, and 70 with TxNxM1. Serum HER2 levels were assessed in the prostate cancer patients prior to treatment as well as in a control group of 100 patients with histologically confirmed non‐cancer. Biochemical recurrence‐free curves for the patients were investigated separately using the Kaplan–Meier method.Results: The mean level of HER2 in serum was significantly higher in prostate cancer patients than non‐prostate cancer patients (P = 0.006). Also, the serum HER2 level was significantly higher in bone metastatic cancer patients (14.3 ± 6.3 ng/mL) than in non‐metastatic patients (T2: 11.9 ± 2.3 ng/mL, P = 0.003; T3: 12.2 ± 2.8 ng/mL, P = 0.011). The metastatic patients were divided into those with low and high HER2 levels using a cutoff value of 12.6 ng/mL based on receiver‐operating characteristic curves. The biochemical recurrence‐free rate was significantly poorer in patients with a high HER2 level (P = 0.0078, log‐rank test). Multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the pretreatment serum HER2 value (P = 0.022), serum prostate‐specific antigen value (P = 0.018), and extent of disease score (P = 0.027) were independent predictors of recurrence.Conclusions: The pretreatment serum HER2 level may be a useful independent prognostic factor that is associated with a high risk of biochemical recurrence in metastatic prostate cancer patients about to undergo endocrine therapy.
Management of urethral lesions in penile blunt trauma
Authors: CAVALCANTI ANDRÉ G , KRAMBECK RENATO , ARAÚJO ALEXANDRE , RABELO PAULO HENRIQUE , CARVALHO JOÃO P , FAVORITO LUCIANO A 
Published: September 2006

Background: Traumatic lesions to the penis may extend into the corpus spongiosum, causing laceration or complete transection of the urethra. Blunt penile trauma is usually related to sexual intercourse or manipulation. The aim of this paper was to report the authors experience with the management of urethral injuries in patients with penile blunt trauma.Methods: The charts from 77 patients with penile blunt trauma were retrospectively reviewed, and the cases associated with urethral injuries associated were selected. Patient age ranged from 18 to 63 years (mean 33 years).Results: From 77 cases assessed, 11 (14.2%) patients had urethral injury, 62 (80.5%) had injury of the corpora cavernosa and four (5.2%) had injury of the dorsal vein. The etiology of urethral injuries was sexual intercourse in 10 patients (91%) and direct trauma to the flaccid penis in one patient (9%). A partial urethral disruption was presented in eight patients (72.8%) and a total disruption in three patients (27.2%). Preoperative urethrogram was performed in seven patients with a suspicion of urethral trauma. When a partial injury was present the urethra was closed over the catheter, and in the presence of a total injury an end‐to‐end anastomosis was performed.Conclusion: The data support the reported incidence of urethral injury associated with blunt penile trauma. No clinically apparent urethral structures were appreciated with primary urethral repair after a follow up of more than 6 months.