bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of the genetic variation of an endangered plant Lysimachia tashiroi (Myrsinaceae)
Authors: NAKAZAWA MIYUKI , YAHARA TETSUKAZU 
Published: March 2007

Abstract Lysimachia tashiroi Makino (Myrsinaceae) is an endangered perennial herb growing in moist places along riverbanks in restricted localities of Kyushu, Japan. The largest population known to date is located in Gokayama and is under threat of extinction because of the planned construction of a dam. To develop a conservation plan of the riverbank population of L. tashiroi in Gokayama, we examined genetic variation in the population using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). A related and widespread species, L. japonica, was included in the analysis. A total of 733 AFLP fragments were obtained from 73 accessions. An amova for L. tashiroi showed that within‐population and between‐population variability were 62% and 38%, respectively. In addition, genetic variability was higher in L. tashiroi than in L. japonica. These results are unexpected because plants of L. tashiroi propagate vegetatively and seed fertility is very low in the Gokayama population. Based on our findings, we suggest that as many genets as possible should be transplanted to appropriate habitats neighboring the dam construction area.
11C‐Choline positron‐emission tomography/computed tomography and transrectal ultrasonography for staging localized prostate cancer
Authors: Rinnab Ludwig , Blumstein Norbert M. , Mottaghy Felix M. , Hautmann Richard E. , Küfer Rainer , Hohl Kathrin , Reske Sven N. 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate and compare the role of 11C‐choline positron emission tomography (PET) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in the preoperative staging of clinically localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSFifty‐five consecutive patients with biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer had TRUS and 11C‐choline PET as a part of their clinical staging programme before radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP). The PET images were prospectively interpreted by a consensus decision of two nuclear medicine physicians and one radiologist with special expertise in the field. The TRUS was done by one experienced urologist. The criteria evaluated prospectively in each patient were extracapsular extension (ECE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and bladder neck invasion (BNI). The results were compared with the histopathological findings after RP.RESULTSAt pathology, 32 patients were classified pT2, 16 as pT3a and three had pT3b lesions. In four patients the histopathological examination showed pT4 with BNI. The overall accuracy of PET in defining local tumour stage (pT2 and pT3a−4) was 70%; the overall accuracy by TRUS was 26%. PET was more sensitive than TRUS for detecting ECE (pT3a) and SVI (pT3b) in advanced stages, and in pT4 stages. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) (95% confidence interval) in stages pT3a–pT4 for PET were 36 (17–59)% and 73 (39–89)%. The sensitivity and PPV in stages pT3a–pT4 for TRUS were 14 (3–35)% and 100 (29–100)%.CONCLUSIONS 11C‐choline PET and TRUS tended to understage prostate cancer. This series shows the current limited value of TRUS and PET for making treatment decisions in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, especially if a nerve‐sparing RP is considered. Treatment decisions should not be based on TRUS and 11C‐choline PET findings alone. In future studies, the combination of metabolic and anatomical information of PET and endorectal magnetic resonance imaging should be evaluated, as this might optimize the preoperative staging in prostate cancer.
Dysregulation of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG‐1) impairs erectile function in diabetic rats: influence of in vivo gene therapy of PKG1α
Authors: Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Kendirci Muammer , Champion Hunter C. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. , Andersson Karl‐Erik , Hedlund Petter 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the expression of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG1)α and PKG1β in the corpus cavernosum, and to evaluate the effect of adenoviral gene transfer of PKG1α to the erectile compartment on erectile function in a rat model of diabetes.MATERIALS AND METHODSDiabetic (DM; induced by streptozotocin) male Sprague Dawley rats were transfected with adenoviruses (AdCMVβgal or AdCMVPKG1α, in 10 rats each) 2 months after the induction of DM. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) during stimulation of the cavernosal nerve (CN) was assessed, and compared with mean arterial pressure (MAP). Erectile tissue was harvested for Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and total PKG activity. Ten age‐matched rats without DM served as the control.RESULTSCompared to controls, AdCMVβgal‐transfected DM rats had significantly lower peak ICP responses, ICP/MAP ratios, and filling rates during CN stimulation. In DM rats transfected with AdCMVPKG1α, peak ICP, ICP/MAP ratios and filling rates were significantly better than in DM rats transfected with the reporter gene. As assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, expression of PKG1α and PKG1β was lower in corporal tissue from DM AdCMVβgal‐transfected rats than in controls. PKG1α expression was improved after AdCMVPKG1α gene therapy. Total PKG activity was lower in DM rat corporal tissue than in controls, and PKG1α gene transfer significantly improved DM corporal PKG activity to a value greater than in the control.CONCLUSIONPKG1α and PKG1β activities are reduced in the erectile tissue of the diabetic rat, and gene transfer of PKG1α to the penis restored PKG activity and erectile function in vivo in diabetic rats. Gene therapy procedures targeting PKG1α might be an interesting future therapeutic approach to overcome diabetic erectile dysfunction resistant to oral pharmacotherapy.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography in the follow‐up of cryoablation of renal tumours: a feasibility study
Authors: Wink Margot H. , Laguna M. Pilar , Lagerveld Brunolf W. , De La Rosette Jean J.M.C.H. , Wijkstra Hessel 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVETo determine whether evaluating perfusion patterns with contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography using contrast‐pulse sequence imaging (CPS; a new imaging method that enables selective visualization of perfusion) is possible at different times after cryoablation of renal tumours, and to describe the characteristics of CPS in a small group of patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe efficacy of renal cryoablation is mainly judged using imaging. Seven randomly selected patients, each at a different time after laparoscopically assisted cryoablation of a renal tumour, were investigated with CPS and a microbubble‐contrast agent. The perfusion characteristics in the lesions were scored by two investigators and described, and the lesions were measured.RESULTSIn the seven patients treated with cryoablation for small renal tumours, eight CPS studies were performed. Five lesions showed no enhancement and one lesion, investigated 18 months after treatment was not recognized. In one patient, no enhancement was seen after 1 month but 7 months later, there were minimal contrast signals inside the treated area. The lesions could be measured with a mean standard deviation of 1.1 mm and a mean difference between the two investigators of 0.7 mm.CONCLUSIONOur first experiences with CPS imaging for the follow‐up of renal cryoablation show that this technique can be used to characterize perfusion defects at different times after cryoablation.
Radiotelemetered urodynamics of obstructed ovine fetal bladders: correlations with ex vivo cystometry and renal histopathology
Authors: Farrugia Marie‐Klaire , Woolf Adrian S. , Fry Christopher H. , Peebles Donald M. , Cuckow Peter M. , Godley Margaret L. 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVETo test the hypothesis that fetal bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in sheep causes abnormal urodynamics correlating with the initiation of renal pathology, as most boys with posterior urethral valves (PUV) have bladder dysfunction when assessed after birth.MATERIALS AND METHODSMale ovine fetuses at 94 days of gestation were assigned to BOO (four) or sham control (five) groups. In BOO fetuses, radiotelemetry catheters were inserted transurachally and intraperitoneally, and the urethra was partly occluded. In two sham controls catheters were inserted directly through the bladder wall; the remaining three had sham surgery only. Radiotelemetered cystometry was recorded daily where possible. At the end of the experiment (9 days), ex vivo cystometry, bladder contractility studies and renal tract histology were assessed.RESULTSUltrasonography showed dilated renal tracts only in BOO fetuses; three of four BOO fetuses had renal cortical cysts. The control fetuses with bladder catheters died in utero, so urodynamics were recorded only in fetuses with BOO. The baseline filling/storage detrusor pressures increased slightly (by a mean of 5 mmHg) during the first 4 days of BOO, thereafter returning to those at the outset. There were marked changes in the patterns of bladder activity from 1 to 9 days. The frequency and duration of ‘voiding’ increased; as such the higher sustained pressures of emptying activity were progressively extended and the periods of low pressure filling/storage accordingly shortened. The patterns among individual fetuses with BOO were not substantially different, except that the one with the non‐cystic kidneys had a more moderate frequency and duration of voiding. Ex vivo compliance and contractility showed no consistent differences in detrusor compliance or contractility between BOO and sham bladders.CONCLUSIONIn this fetal model of PUV, there was a progressive increase in the duration and frequency of sustained elevated ‘voiding’ pressures, with no change in bladder compliance. Fetal kidneys were sensitive to these altered dynamics, with the formation of cortical cysts by 9 days after initiating BOO.
Different prostate‐specific antigen assays give different results on the same blood sample: an obstacle to recommending uniform limits for prostate biopsies
Authors: Stephan Carsten , Kramer Jürgen , Meyer Hellmuth‐Alexander , Kristiansen Glen , Ziemer Sabine , Deger Serdar , Lein Michael , Loening Stefan A. , Jung Klaus 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVETo show the effect of different results for total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) and percentage free/total PSA (%fPSA) obtained with different assays for differentiating between benign and malignant prostate diseases.PATIENTS AND METHODSData were used for tPSA and fPSA levels from 596 patients with prostate cancer (314) or no evidence of cancer (282) within the PSA range 0.5–10 ng/mL, analysed with assays from Abbott (AxSYM), Beckman Coulter (Access), DPC (Immulite 2000), and Roche (Elecsys 2010), and with tPSA and complexed PSA (cPSA) assays from Bayer (ADVIA Centaur), as already reported. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC), specificities at assay‐dependent and fixed thresholds, and the percentages of correct classification rates of patients were calculated.RESULTSWhereas the areas under the ROC curves were no different among all tPSA assays, the assay‐specific thresholds at 90% sensitivity were 2.5–3.1 ng/mL. When using fixed 2.5 or 4 ng/mL tPSA thresholds there was a wide sensitivity range, with significant differences among almost all assays, resulting in significantly different classification rates of patients. These differences were even larger when using fixed %fPSA thresholds.CONCLUSIONSThe current situation of differences among PSA values measured with different assays do not allow the recommendation of uniform PSA limits as biopsy criteria. For that purpose, better harmonization of PSA values between the different PSA test systems must be realized.
Economic conditions and marriage quality of men with prostate cancer
Authors: Sunny Lizzy , Hopfgarten Thomas , Adolfsson Jan , Steineck Gunnar 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVETo explore the predictors of the quality of marriage of men with prostate cancer, as being diagnosed with prostate cancer affects the quality of life of the man and his partner, and while some aspects are known about the impact of the disease and its treatments on the man’s quality of life, less is known about the marriage quality (MQ) in this new situation.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe followed 591 men from Stockholm County (Sweden) who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999, and who were 50–80‐years old and alive on 1 October 2002. The men completed a questionnaire asking about their MQ, and several other sociodemographic, medical and economic characteristics.RESULTSOf 426 men who provided information and who had a spouse or partner, 168 (39.4%) reported having a lower MQ due to their disease. Increased expenditure (46.2% vs 30.9%; relative risk, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.0) and decreased income (55.4% vs 36.5%; 1.5, 1.1–2.0) as a consequence of prostate cancer reduced their MQ. Patients who had erectile dysfunction had a lower MQ (46.3% vs 11.8%; 3.9; 2.0–7.6). There was also a lower MQ in men who were depressed or had urinary leakage as a consequence of prostate cancer. Younger men (50–69 years old) with prostate cancer had a lower MQ than older men (70–80 years; 51.9% vs 33.1%; 1.6; 1.2–2.0).CONCLUSIONSMen whose economic situation is worsened by prostate cancer reported having a reduced MQ. There was also such an effect for men with erectile dysfunction, urinary leakage and depression, and among men diagnosed with prostate cancer when young.
The Impacts of Home‐Based Early Behavioural Intervention Programmes on Families of Children with Autism
Authors: Trudgeon Clare , Carr Deborah 
Published: March 2007

Background  In the UK, Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention [EIBI] programmes typically are conducted within the homes of children with autism. Despite evidence for their effectiveness in producing appreciable developmental gains in children with autism, a concern expressed about EIBI programmes is that stressful effects from the high levels of demand they place on family resources could undermine their effectiveness [The Effectiveness of Early Interventions for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A report for the DfES South East Regional Special Educational Needs Partnership. SERSEN Website, 2004]. This study investigates the positive impacts and the stressors experienced by families running EIBI programmes.Method  Sixteen parents from nine different families participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews on their experiences of running a home‐based EIBI programme. Data were analysed using the Grounded Theory process.Results  Positive and negative impacts of the programmes were reported. Analysis indicated that sources of support obtained through the programmes’ benefits offset sources of stress through the programmes’ demands.Conclusions  The interaction between programme demands and benefits and the resources available to each family strongly influences the impact of running a home‐based EIBI programme.
Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) for People with Intellectual Disability and Aggressive Challenging Behaviour: A Reliability Study
Authors: Oliver P. C. , Crawford M. J. , Rao B. , Reece B. , Tyrer P. 
Published: March 2007

Background  Reliable measures of aggressive challenging behaviour are required if interventions aimed at reducing this behaviour among people with intellectual disability (ID) are to be formally evaluated. The present authors examined the reliability of the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS), an instrument not yet formally tested in those with ID, in a sample of people who participated in a randomized trial of neuroleptic medication for aggressive challenging behaviour.Method  Sixty interviews using the MOAS were carried out by two interviewers 2–5 days apart with 23 carers of 14 people who had shown aggressive challenging behaviour. Level of agreement between these two ratings was examined for four subscales of aggression and for total MOAS score.Results  The level of agreement between the raters was high for verbal aggression (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.90), physical aggression against others (ICC = 0.90) and for total MOAS score (ICC = 0.93). Levels of agreement on the other two subscales were lower but still in the good/moderate range.Conclusion  The MOAS provides a reliable measure of verbal and physical aggression among people with ID who reside in community settings and is suitable for use in studies evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing aggressive challenging behaviour in this group.
Effects of aneuploidy on skull growth in a mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Hill Cheryl A. , Reeves Roger H. , Richtsmeier Joan T. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAdult craniofacial morphology results from complex interactions among genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Trisomy causes perturbations in the genetic programmes that control development and these are reflected in morphology that can either ameliorate or worsen with time and growth. Many of the specific changes that occur in Down syndrome can be studied in the Ts65Dn trisomic mouse, which shows direct parallels with specific aspects of adult craniofacial dysmorphology associated with trisomy 21. This study investigates patterns of craniofacial growth in Ts65Dn mice and their euploid littermates to assess how the adult dysmorphology develops. Three‐dimensional coordinate data were collected from microcomputed tomography scans of the face, cranial base, palate and mandible of newborn (P0) and adult trisomic and euploid mice. Growth patterns were analysed using Euclidean distance matrix analysis. P0 trisomic mice show significant differences in craniofacial shape. Growth is reduced along the rostro‐caudal axis of the Ts65Dn face and palate relative to euploid littermates and Ts65Dn mandibles demonstrate reduced growth local to the mandibular processes. Thus, the features of Down syndrome that are reflected in the mature Ts65Dn skull are established early in development and growth does not appear to ameliorate them. Differences in growth may in fact contribute to many of the morphological differences that are evident at birth in trisomic mice and humans.
Monitoring obstetricians’ performance with statistical process control charts
Authors: Lane S , Weeks A , Scholefield H , Alfirevic Z 
Published: March 2007

Objective  The main objective of this study was to pave the way towards proactive, continuous assessment of individuals and hospitals by demonstrating the application of evidence‐based competency standards in maternity care using statistical performance monitoring.Design  Retrospective study using data routinely collected by a large maternity hospital.Setting  A large teaching hospital.Population  Clinicians who routinely perform either amniocentesis or ventouse deliveries.Method  As a ‘proof of principle’, we have used statistical process control (SPC) charts to compare the observed complication rates for amniocentesis and ventouse delivery with the expected complication rates based on published data.Main outcome measures  The recorded complication rates for aminocentesis and ventouse delivery.Results  The SPC charts identified significant variation in complication rates within the team and showed the ways in which prospective data can be used to provide continuous feedback to individuals on their performance.Conclusion  The study shows that statistical performance monitoring and, in particular, the use of control charts can be a valuable tool in the continuous assessment of individuals and the healthcare service being provided. The control charts provide a more immediate indication of current performance and provide an alternative to performance‐based league tables for the presentation of yearly performance data.
Does hormone replacement therapy affect the use of prescription medicines in postmenopausal women: experience from the Estonian Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Trial [ISRCTN35338757]
Authors: Veerus P , Fischer K , Hovi S‐L , Karro H , Hemminki E 
Published: March 2007

Objective  To determine how postmenopausal hormone therapy (HRT) is related to the use of other prescription medication.Design  Follow up of a randomised controlled trial with a blind subtrial of hormone therapy versus placebo and a nonblind subtrial of open label hormone therapy versus nontreatment.Population  A total of 1823 postmenopausal women aged 50–64 at the time of sampling participated in the trial from 1999 to 2004.Methods  Use of prescription medication was identified by records in the central computerised database of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund.Main outcome measures  The use of 21 classes of prescription medication was compared in the hormone therapy arms and placebo or nontreatment trial arms. The influence of women’s socio‐economic characteristics on the intensity of concomitant medication use was also examined.Results  The proportion of women using any prescription medication besides hormone therapy did not differ between the arms. However, the type of prescribed drugs varied between the arms. After combining data from both hormone therapy arms, for women using HRT the combined hazard ratio was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.05–1.53) for the use of calcium channel blockers, 1.48 (95% CI: 1.10–1.99) for local vaginal treatment, 0.70 (95% CI: 0.50–0.99) for hypnotics and sedatives and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.60–0.99) for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Women who were older, who had a higher body mass index, who were unemployed and who lived outside the capital used more prescription drugs in comparison with others.Conclusions  Hormone therapy did not increase the overall use of prescription medication other than hormone therapy, but the types of drugs used in hormone therapy and nontherapy arms varied, with increased use of calcium channel blockers for hypertension and local vaginal treatments for vaginal candidiasis and decreased use of hypnotics, sedatives and SSRIs in the HRT arms.
Association of caesarean delivery for first birth with placenta praevia and placental abruption in second pregnancy
Authors: Yang Q , Wen SW , Oppenheimer L , Chen XK , Black D , Gao J , Walker MC 
Published: March 2007

Objective  To quantify the risk of placenta praevia and placental abruption in singleton, second pregnancies after a caesarean delivery of the first pregnancy.Design  Retrospective cohort study.Setting  Linked birth and infant mortality database of the USA between 1995 and 2000.Population  A total of 5 146 742 singleton second pregnancies were available for the final analysis after excluding missing information.Methods  Multiple logistic regressions were used to describe the relationship between caesarean section at first birth and placenta praevia and placental abruption in second‐birth singletons.Main outcome measures  Placenta praevia and placental abruption.Results  Placenta praevia was recorded in 4.4 per 1000 second‐birth singletons whose first births delivered by caesarean section and 2.7 per 1000 second‐birth singletons whose first births delivered vaginally. About 6.8 per 1000 births were complicated with placental abruption in second‐birth singletons whose first births delivered by caesarean section and 4.8 per 1000 birth in second‐birth singletons whose first births delivered vaginally. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CIs) of previous caesarean section for placenta praevia in following second pregnancies was 1.47 (1.41, 1.52) after controlling for maternal age, race, education, marital status, maternal drinking and smoking during pregnancy, adequacy of prenatal care, and fetal gender. The corresponding figure for placental abruption was 1.40 (1.36, 1.45).Conclusion  Caesarean section for first live birth is associated with a 47% increased risk of placenta praevia and 40% increased risk of placental abruption in second pregnancy with a singleton.