bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of banning vancomycin analogue avoparcin on vancomycin‐resistant enterococci in chicken farms in Taiwan
Authors: Lauderdale Tsai‐Ling , Shiau Yih‐Ru , Wang Hui‐Ying , Lai Jui‐Fen , Huang I‐Wen , Chen Pei‐Chen , Chen Hong‐Yi , Lai Shiow‐Suey , Liu Ya‐Fang , Ho Monto 
Published: December 2006

SummaryAvoparcin, a vancomycin analogue, was banned as a feed additive in Taiwan in 2000. A nationwide surveillance was conducted to study the prevalence of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) on chicken farms between 2000 and 2003. Among the 1021 E. faecalis and 967 E. faecium isolates studied, resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, high‐level aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol either increased or remained high except vancomycin. The proportion of VRE decreased, between 2000 and 2003, from 13.7% (22/161) to 3.7% (11/299) for E. faecalis, and 3.4% (4/119) to 0% (0/300) for E. faecium. Only 8.8% (7/80) of the chicken farms surveyed harboured VRE in 2003 compared with 25% (15/60) in 2000. All VRE were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin. All VRE possess the vanA gene but nearly all (79 of 83 isolates) were susceptible to teicoplanin, indicating VanB phenotype. Some clones were detected from different farms in various regions over the years. We conclude that the frequency of VRE in chicken farms decreased in association with a ban on avoparcin; and the continued presence of VRE may be due to the ability of some strains to persist in the farms, transfer of vancomycin resistance determinants or co‐selection by the continued use of other antibiotics.
Distribution of specific tetracycline and erythromycin resistance genes in environmental samples assessed by macroarray detection
Authors: Patterson Andrea J. , Colangeli Roberto , Spigaglia Patrizia , Scott Karen P. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryA macroarray system was developed to screen environmental samples for the presence of specific tetracycline (TcR) and erythromycin (ermR) resistance genes. The macroarray was loaded with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons of 23 TcR genes and 10 ermR genes. Total bacterial genomic DNA was extracted from soil and animal faecal samples collected from different European countries. Macroarray hybridization was performed under stringent conditions and the results were analysed by fluorescence scanning. Pig herds in Norway, reared without antibiotic use, had a significantly lower incidence of antibiotic resistant bacteria than those reared in other European countries, and organic herds contained lower numbers of resistant bacteria than intensively farmed animals. The relative proportions of the different genes were constant across the different countries. Ribosome protection type TcR genes were the most common resistance genes in animal faecal samples, with the tet(W) gene the most abundant, followed by tet(O) and tet(Q). Different resistance genes were present in soil samples, where erm(V) and erm(E) were the most prevalent followed by the efflux type TcR genes. The macroarray proved a powerful tool to screen DNA extracted from environmental samples to identify the most abundant TcR and ermR genes within those tested, avoiding the need for culturing and biased PCR amplification steps.
Prospective randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of pre‐ and postoperative administration of a COX‐2‐specific inhibitor as opioid‐sparing analgesia in major colorectal surgery
Authors: Sim R. , Cheong D. M. , Wong K. S. , Lee B. M. K. , Liew Q. Y. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPurpose  To demonstrate the opioid‐sparing effect and reduction in postoperative ileus obtained with valdecoxib 40 mg administered pre‐ and postoperatively in patients undergoing colorectal resection.Methods  Patients for elective colorectal resection from December 2002 to June 2004 were randomized to receive either valdecoxib or placebo with standard patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine. In the study arm, the first dose of valdecoxib 40 mg was administered orally as close as possible to 1 h prior to the start of surgery. Each subsequent dose was administered at 24‐h intervals up to 120 h. Patients in the control arm were served placebos at the same time‐points.Results  Forty patients were enrolled in the study arm and 39 (excluding one protocol violation) in the control arm. The groups were comparable in age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiology status, body mass index, incision length, and duration and types of operations. Mean PCA doses at 12 and 24 h were 18.6 and 28.3 mg in the study arm vs 26.2 and 41.2 mg in controls, representing a one‐third opioid reduction. Bowel sound and movement first appeared at medians of 12 and 72 h in the study arm vs 24 and 84 h, respectively, in controls (P < 0.05). Tolerance of solid diet was at a median of 60 h and discharge at a median of 4 days in the study arm vs 72 h and 6 days in controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Seven (18%) morbidities occurred in the control vs six (15%) in the study arm.Conclusions  Patients treated with a cyclo‐oxygenase 2‐specific inhibitor have a shorter recovery time when compared with patients on a standard postoperative PCA morphine‐only regimen after colorectal resection.
The effect of surgery on quality of life in patients with faecal incontinence of obstetric origin
Authors: Pla‐Martí V. , Moro‐Valdezate D. , Alos‐Company R. , Solana‐Bueno A. , Roig‐Vila J. V. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the results of surgery in the treatment of faecal incontinence of obstetric origin and assess the effect of treatment on the quality of life of these patients.Patients and methods  A consecutive series of 43 patients, who had undergone surgery for severe faecal incontinence of obstetric aetiology between March 1990 and March 2004, was studied. The following studies were carried out: clinical evaluation, anorectal manometry, anal endosonography (from 1996 on) and measurement of the pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. The degree of incontinence, both preoperative and at the end of follow‐up was evaluated using the Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS). Quality of life assessment was made using the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL).Results  The study was completed on 35 (87%) of the 43 patients. The mean age in the series was 53 years, (range 28–73). After an average follow‐up of 50.4 months (range 4–132) the mean CCS had reduced significantly, passing from 16 (range 8–20) to 6 (range 0–18; P < 0.001). Pudendal neuropathy was found to be a factor of poor prognosis. The results of the quality of life questionnaire at the end of follow‐up were: lifestyle 3.5 (SD 0.65), coping/behaviour 3.1 (SD 0.81), depression/self perception 3.7 (SD 0.75) and embarrassment 3.3 (SD 0.91). There is a statistically significant linear relationship between incontinence measured on the CCS and quality of life. For the 14 patients undergoing surgery since the publication of the FIQL questionnaire, it was possible to complete the questionnaire preoperatively, with significant improvement found on each of the four scales (lifestyle 1.7 vs 3.5; coping/behaviour 1.4 vs 3.2; depression 2.2 vs 3.8; embarrassment 1.8 vs 3.2; P < 0.001).Conclusion  Surgical treatment of faecal incontinence of obstetric origin achieves good results in a high percentage of patients and has a positive effect on their quality of life. The existence of prolonged preoperative pudendal nerve motor latency indicates a poor prognosis.
Validity of prostate‐specific antigen as a tumour marker in men with prostate cancer managed by watchful‐waiting: correlation with findings at serial endorectal magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Coakley Fergus V. , Chen Irene , Qayyum Aliya , Westphalen Antonio C. , Carroll Peter R. , Hricak Hedvig , Chen Mei‐hsiu , Kurhanewicz John 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the validity of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) as a tumour marker in men with clinically localized prostate cancer who have selected watchful waiting, by determining if serial PSA level measurements are correlated with findings of malignancy or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at serial endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively identified 69 men with biopsy‐proven prostate cancer being managed by watchful waiting, who underwent serial endorectal MRI/MRSI and who had contemporaneous serial PSA measurements. The mean (range) follow‐up was 392 (294–571) days. A panel of three experienced readers reviewed the initial and follow‐up MRI/MRSI studies, and classified findings of prostate cancer as stable or progressive. Another reader assessed BPH by calculating total gland and central gland volumes on all studies.RESULTSAt the follow‐up MRI/MRSI, 51, 17 and one patient had stable, progressive, or unevaluable prostate cancer, respectively. The mean PSA velocity was significantly greater in patients with radiologically progressive disease (1.42 vs 0.42 ng/mL/year, P = 0.04). A PSA velocity of >0.75 ng/mL/year identified those with radiologically progressive disease with a true‐positive fraction of 0.71 and a false‐positive fraction of 0.39. PSA levels were not correlated with changes in total or central gland volumes (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONSIn men with clinically localized prostate cancer who select watchful waiting, serial PSA levels are correlated with findings of malignancy but not BPH at serial endorectal MRI/MRSI, suggesting that PSA is a useful longitudinal tumour marker in this population.
Sildenafil inhibits the up‐regulation of phosphodiesterase type 5 elicited with nicotine and tumour necrosis factor‐α in cavernosal vascular smooth muscle cells: mediation by superoxide
Authors: Hotston Matthew R. , Jeremy Jamie Y. , Bloor Jonathan , Koupparis Anthony , Persad Raj , Shukla Nilima 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVESTo determine whether there is an association between vascular phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE‐5) and NADPH oxidase (NOX) in cavernosal vascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMCs), and to study the actions of the PDE‐5 inhibitor sildenafil; the pro‐erectile actions of nitric oxide (NO) are reduced by PDE‐5 which hydrolyses cGMP to inactive GMP, thus an up‐regulation of PDE‐5 and over‐production of O2‐derived from NOX might promote erectile dysfunction (ED).MATERIALS AND METHODSTo study the effects of nicotine and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on superoxide (O2‐) production and PDE‐5 expression, CVSMCs from rabbit penis were incubated with nicotine or TNF‐α, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, sildenafil citrate, or apocynin (NADPH inhibitor) for 16 h. The expression of PDE‐5 and of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (internal standard) was assessed using Western blotting. O2‐was measured spectrophotometrically.RESULTSAfter a 16‐h incubation, both nicotine (maximal at 10 µm) and TNF‐α (10 ng/mL) significantly increased O2‐formation in CVSMCs; this effect was blocked by co‐incubating with SOD, catalase, and sildenafil (1 µm). Apocynin also inhibited O2‐formation when added after 16‐h incubation with nicotine (10 µm) or TNF‐α. PDE‐5 expression was also significantly increased in CVSMCs incubated with nicotine and TNF‐α. This effect was negated by 16‐h co‐incubation with SOD, catalase, apocynin, and sildenafil.CONCLUSIONSNicotine and TNF‐α up‐regulate PDE‐5 expression in CVSMCs through ana prioriup‐regulation of NOX and formation of O2‐. As PDE‐5 hydrolyses cGMP, this effect might ‘blunt’ the pro‐erectile actions of NO. Sildenafil inhibits O2‐formation, and ‘normalizes’ PDE‐5 expression. This represents a novel pathogenic mechanism underlying ED, and a novel mechanism of action of sildenafil.
Redefining response in overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Payne Christopher K. , Kelleher Con 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate three potential definitions of treatment response in overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, based on the International Continence Society (ICS) definition of OAB, using pooled data from two large clinical trials of the antimuscarinic agent solifenacin succinate.PATIENTS AND METHODSAs the ICS definition of OAB does not rely on urodynamic observations for a diagnosis, the use of composite endpoints, such as in the definitions examined here, might provide a more relevant measure of patient benefits. Each definition was tested to assess the impact of pharmacotherapy, comparing treatment response rates based on composite endpoints. Responder definitions were validated based on the impact on quality of life (QoL). Pooled data from two 12‐week multinational, multicentre, double‐blind randomized studies of solifenacin, a once‐daily oral antimuscarinic for treating OAB symptoms, were used for this analysis. Based on the symptom data from these studies (episodes of urgency, incontinence, nocturia and voiding frequency per 24 h), response was defined as being: (i) a reduction by half or more in all baseline symptoms; (ii) a reduction by half or more in urgency and at least one other symptom; or (iii) resolution of urgency episodes and at least one other symptom. Health‐related QoL changes were recorded using the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ).RESULTSSolifenacin at 5 mg or 10 mg once daily resulted in significantly higher response rates than with placebo, irrespective of the definition of a responder (P ≤ 0.001). When assessing the most challenging definition of response (resolution of urgency and at least one other symptom), solifenacin at 5 mg and 10 mg resulted in 20% and 25% of patients, respectively, meeting the response criteria, vs 12% of placebo‐treated patients (P ≤ 0.001 for both solifenacin doses). For all three definitions of response, responders showed greater improvements in all KHQ domains than did nonresponders, and the differences were statistically significant.CONCLUSIONSThe two strictest definitions of response (halving or more in all baseline symptoms or resolution of urgency and more than one other symptom) appeared to capture QoL changes most effectively. Establishing the most appropriate definition to assess treatment‐related changes in OAB will require further investigation, but it is clear from this analysis that composite clinical endpoints, based on the ICS definition of OAB, are a valid approach for assessing the effect of treatments for OAB.
A prospective evaluation of the short‐term impact and recovery of health‐related quality of life in men undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kouba Erik , Hubbard J. Slade , Moore Dominic , Wallen Eric M. , Pruthi Raj S. 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVETo prospectively evaluate the acute and short‐term effects of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) using a validated generic HRQoL instrument that measures overall health status, as although there is increasing interest in the HRQoL of patients being treated for prostate cancer, most studies have focused on long‐term outcomes.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 121 men undergoing RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer were prospectively evaluated for short‐term HRQoL using an acute Short Form‐12 version‐2 Physical and Mental Health Survey Acute Form before and serially each week from 1 to 6 weeks after RRP. The physical (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) were calculated from the questionnaires at each time and the data analysed by random coefficient modelling. Separate models were fitted for MCS and PCS using covariates of race, age, estimated blood loss (EBL), time after RRP, and their interaction terms.RESULTSThe PCS initially declined and improved linearly. and the baseline level was not achieved by 6 weeks, but modelling lines showed an expected return to baseline at 7–8 weeks for all patients. Age had a significant relationship with the PCS; older men (>60 years) scored higher, and their PCS remained significantly higher after RRP than younger men (≤60 years) until 5 weeks. EBL also had a significant relationship with PCS; men with an EBL of >500 mL had a significantly lower PCS at 1 week and this remained significantly lower than for men with an EBL of ≤ 500 mL until ≈ 7 weeks. The MCS improved immediately after RRP and remained higher throughout the study than at baseline. Race was the only covariate for which there were significant differences in the MCS. The MCS was significantly lower at baseline for African‐Americans than for Caucasian Americans, and remained lower until 6 weeks after RRP.CONCLUSIONSThere were significant changes in HRQoL during in the short‐term after RRP. Younger men and those with a higher EBL might have a slower recovery of the PCS after RRP. African‐Americans had a slower increase in MCS and might have a different initial emotional or mental health response to RRP than have Caucasians.
Digital three‐dimensional modelling of the male pelvis and bicycle seats: impact of rider position and seat design on potential penile hypoxia and erectile dysfunction
Authors: Gemery John M. , Nangia Ajay K. , Mamourian Alexander C. , Reid Scott K. 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVETo digitally model (three‐dimensional, 3D) the course of the pudendal arteries relative to the bony pelvis in the adult male, and to identify sites of compression with different bicycle riding positions as a potential cause of penile hypoxia and erectile dysfunction.SUBJECTS AND METHODS3D models were made from computed tomography scans of one adult male pelvis (a healthy volunteer) and three bicycle seats. Models were correlated with lateral radiographs of a seated rider to determine potential vascular compression between the bony pelvis and seats at different angles of rider positioning.RESULTSPelvis/seat models suggest that the most likely site of compression of the internal pudendal artery is immediately below the pubic symphysis, especially with the rider leaning forward. For an upright rider, the internal pudendal arteries do not appear to be compressed between the seat and the bony pelvis. Leaning partly forward with arms extended, the seat/symphysis areas were reduced to 73 mm2 with standard seat and 259 mm2 with a grooved seat. Leaning fully forward, the seat/symphysis areas decreased (no space with standard seat; 51 mm2 with a grooved seat) and both the ischial tuberosities and the pubic symphysis might be in contact with the seat.CONCLUSIONA grooved seat allows better preservation of the seat/symphysis space than a standard seat, but the rider’s position is more important for preserving the seat‐symphysis space (and reducing compression) than is seat design alone. Any factors which influence the seat‐symphysis space (including an individual’s anatomy, seat design and rider position) can increase the potential for penile hypoxia and erectile dysfunction/perineal numbness.
Prostate cancer detection in men with an initial diagnosis of atypical small acinar proliferation
Authors: Mancuso Pascal A. , Chabert Charles , Chin Peter , Kovac Paul , Skyring Timothy , Watt William H. , Napaki Sabar 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine the subsequent prostatic adenocarcinoma detection rate amongst men with an initial diagnosis of atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe reviewed the Illawarra Prostate Pathology Database over a 10‐year period (January 1994 to January 2004) for specimens diagnosed as ASAP. These specimens were re‐reviewed and clinical data obtained.RESULTSOf 61 cases of ASAP, there were complete follow‐up data for 31. In this group nine patients had no further biopsies at our institution; the other 22 had at least one repeat biopsy. The incidence of prostatic adenocarcinoma in this group was 17/31 (55%). This included 13 diagnoses on second biopsy, three on third biopsy and one diagnosed at another institution.CONCLUSIONThis study showed a detection rate for prostatic adenocarcinoma of 55% after an initial diagnosis of ASAP, which indicates that an initial diagnosis of ASAP mandates re‐biopsy.
The influence of age on treatment outcomes in men with erectile dysfunction treated with two regimens of tadalafil: results of the SURE study
Authors: Wespes Eric , Moncada Ignacio , Schmitt Henry , Jungwirth Andreas , Chan Melanie , Varanese Lucio 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate whether patterns of sexual activity and efficacy over time to two dosing regimens of tadalafil differ with ageing in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).PATIENTS AND METHODSThe SURE study was a multicentre, crossover, open‐label study. In all, 4262 men with ED were randomly assigned to treatment with tadalafil 20 mg on‐demand before sexual activity, or three times per week for 5–6 weeks. After a 1‐week washout period, patients were crossed over to the alternative regimen for 5–6 weeks. This post hoc analysis evaluated the pattern of sexual attempts, efficacy and safety of these two regimens of tadalafil across several age groups.RESULTSThe mean number of sexual attempts per week decreased from a range of 2.6–2.8 at age ≤ 40 years to 1.9 at age >70 years. Age did not significantly influence the time of sexual activity after dosing. A high percentage of attempts occurred >4 h after dosing for all age groups (≈ 70% for men taking tadalafil three times per week and ≈ 50% for men taking tadalafil on‐demand). For all age groups, most attempts took place in the late evening. The mean per‐patient rate of successful attempts was similar for each interval up to 36 h after dosing and decreased with increasing age (≥75% at age ≤ 60 years, ≥ 68% at age >60 to ≤ 70 years, and ≥ 60% at age >70 years). Tadalafil was well tolerated at all ages.CONCLUSIONSPatterns of sexual activity with tadalafil 20 mg, taken on‐demand or three times per week, were similar in the different age groups. Tadalafil was effective up to 36 h after dosing for all age groups.
The penile suspensory ligament: abnormalities and repair
Authors: Li Chi‐Ying , Agrawal Vineet , Minhas Suks , Ralph David J. 
Published: December 2006

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo assess men presenting with abnormalities of the penile suspensory ligament (PSL) and its correction.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 35 men presenting with abnormalities of the PSL that were subsequently repaired were included in this series. The causes included; sexual trauma (15 men), congenital absence of the PSL/congenital penile curvature (14), and two each with venogenic erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease and penile dysmorphic disorder. The diagnosis was made clinically by the presence of a palpable gap between the symphysis pubis and the penis, together with medical history and examination of penile torsion or instability. The surgical repair used nonabsorbable sutures placed between the symphysis pubis and the tunica albuginea of the penis.RESULTSA ‘good’ surgical outcome was defined as correction of the penile deformity or instability and achieving normal sexual function. There was a good surgical outcome in 91% of men as defined, and 86% of the men were happy with the outcome. There were no significant complications, but three men needed a repeat PSL repair.CONCLUSIONMen with abnormalities of the PSL can present with a variety of clinical symptoms, but when correctly diagnosed the repair is a simple technique with a successful cosmetic and functional outcome.