bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myeloid sarcoma of the uterus presenting as vaginal bleeding
Authors: Pitz M. W. , Maslyak O. , Morales C. , Seftel M. D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractExtramedullary relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia may occur in sites such as the central nervous system, testes, and skin. Presentations in the female genital tract are uncommon and usually asymptomatic. In contrast, symptomatic uterine myeloid sarcoma is very rare. Treatment of this is generally unsuccessful, but is improved when systemic therapies are used. We study a case of a uterine relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia presenting as vaginal bleeding and successfully managed by local irradiation. The mechanism of preferential infiltration of uterine tissue requires further study.
Lead nephropathy: early leads from descriptive studies
Authors: Chow K. M. , Liu Z. C. , Szeto C. C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractChronic lead exposure is recognized as a potential cause of hyperuricaemia, kidney damage and hypertension. The fascinating story of lead poisoning and nephrotoxicity illustrates the utility of descriptive studies in the early elucidation of a new disease entity. The pursuit towards understanding lead nephropathy is presented as a successful illustration of human occupational and public health.
Archaeal diversity in two thermophilic chalcopyrite bioleaching reactors
Authors: Mikkelsen Deirdre , Kappler Ulrike , McEwan Alastair G. , Sly Lindsay I. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThis study used a culture‐independent molecular approach to investigate the archaeal community composition of thermophilic bioleaching reactors. Two culture samples, MTC‐A and MTC‐B, grown with different concentrations of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), a copper sulfidic ore, at a temperature of 78°C and pH 1.6 were studied. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that both cultures consisted of Archaea belonging to the Sulfolobales. The 16S rRNA gene clone library of MTC‐A grown with 4% (w/v) chalcopyrite was dominated by a unique phylotype related to Sulfolobus shibatae (69% of total clones). The remaining clones were affiliated with Stygiolobus azoricus (11%), Metallosphaera sp. J1 (8%), Acidianus infernus (2%), and a novel phylotype related to Sulfurisphaera ohwakuensis (10%). In contrast, the clones from MTC‐B grown with 12% (w/v) chalcopyrite did not appear to contain Sulfolobus shibatae‐like organisms. Instead the bioleaching consortium was dominated by clones related to Sulfurisphaera ohwakuensis (73.9% of total clones). The remaining microorganisms detected were similar to those found in MTC‐A.
Biochemical prey recognition by planktonic protozoa
Authors: Wootton Emma C. , Zubkov Mikhail V. , Jones D. Hugh , Jones Ruth H. , Martel Claire M. , Thornton Catherine A. , Roberts Emily C. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPlanktonic flagellates and ciliates are the major consumers of phytoplankton and bacterioplankton in aquatic environments, playing a pivotal role in carbon cycling and nutrient regeneration. Despite certain unicellular predators using chemosensory responses to locate and select their prey, the biochemical mechanisms behind prey reception and selection have not been elucidated. Here we identify a Ca2+‐dependent, mannose‐binding lectin on the marine dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina, which is used as a feeding receptor for recognizing prey. Blocking the receptor using 20 μM mannose‐BSA inhibited ingestion of phytoplankton prey, Isochrysis galbana, by 60%. In prey selection studies, O. marina ingested twice as many 6 μm diameter beads coated with mannose‐BSA as those coated with galNac‐BSA. When pre‐incubated with mannose‐BSA, O. marina was no longer able to discriminate between different sugar‐coated beads. Thus, these findings reveal molecular mechanisms of protozoan prey recognition. Our results also indicate the functional similarity between cellular recognition used by planktonic protozoa to discriminate between different prey items, and those used by metazoan phagocytic blood cells to recognize invading microorganisms.
Analysis of anomalies of the epididymis and processus vaginalis in human fetuses and in patients with cryptorchidism treated and untreated with human chorionic gonadotrophin
Authors: Favorito Luciano A. , Costa Waldemar S. , Sampaio Francisco J.B. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo analyse the incidence of epididymal anomalies and the structure of the processus vaginalis (PV) in patients with cryptorchidism treated or not with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and to compare these findings with human fetuses with testes in the scrotum.PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODSWe assessed 24 fetuses with a gestational age of 23–35 weeks, and 114 cryptorchid patients (mean age 10.3 years). The patients were divided into two groups of those who used hCG (55, 65 testes) and those who did not (59, 75 testes). The sample was divided into six groups of possible anatomical relationships between the testis and the epididymis, according to a previous classification. Two situations were considered to analyse the PV: (a) total obliteration between the internal inguinal ring and the upper pole of the testis; and (b) total patency.RESULTSEpididymal anomalies were found in 35% of patients with cryptorchidism and in only 4% of normal fetuses. Of the 47 cases of epididymal anomalies in patients with cryptorchidism 23 (49%) were treated with hCG and 24 (51%) were not. The PV was patent in 58% of patients with cryptorchidism and in only 5% of fetuses. Considering the three groups, the epididymal anomalies were more frequent when the PV was patent.CONCLUSIONSPatency of the PV and the incidence of epididymal anomalies were more frequent in patients with cryptorchidism. The existence of epididymal anomalies did not influence testicular migration in patients treated with hCG.
Impact of surgical treatment on nocturia in men with benign prostatic obstruction
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Gardener Nikki , Abraham Lucy , Boddi Vieri , Abrams Paul , Bartoletti Riccardo 
Published: September 2006

Several important topics are presented in this section, including the impact of surgical treatment on nocturia in men with BPH, pelvic floor exercises for stress urinary incontinence, chronic prostatitis in puberty, introital ultrasonography, and a systematic review published work on a stent for managing BPH.OBJECTIVESTo validate the International Consultation on Incontinence Nocturia Quality‐of‐life (NQoL) questionnaire in Italian (IT‐NQoL) and use it to evaluate the impact of surgical treatment on nocturia in men with lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic obstruction (LUTS/BPO).PATIENTS AND METHODSAll men attending one urological unit between November 2004 and April 2005 were enrolled in the study. They were assessed in two groups; those with and with no LUTS/BPO. An Italian translation of the NQoL was devised, and patients then completed this and validated Italian versions of the International Prostate System Score (IPSS), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Clinical, laboratory and instrumental data from each patient were recorded. The patients with LUTS/BPO then had surgical treatment, and 6 months later those with LUTS/BPO were asked to complete all the questionnaires again to evaluate the test sensitivity to change.RESULTSOf the 109 patients enrolled in the study, 61 were affected by LUTS/BPO and 48 were not. Cronbach’s α for the IT‐NQoL was 0.943 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.922–0.959; P < 0.001) and the intra‐class correlation coefficient was 0.999 (95% CI 0.998–0.999; P < 0.001) for the total IT‐NQoL score. The correlation between the test and the re‐test was statistically significant (P < 0.001; r = 0.999) for all items. The mean (sd) IT‐NQoL score showed an improvement in QoL from before, at 23.4 (10.1), to after treatment, at 3.09 (2.48) (P < 0.001). In the LUTS/BPO group, the IT‐NQoL correlated with the number of times when waking to urinate (Pearson’s coefficient 0.80, P < 0.001). There was also a correlation for ESS (0.796) and for the seven PSQI subscales (0.614, both P < 0.001). The decrease in sleep quality, duration and efficiency resulted in an increase in daytime sleepiness (r = 0.639, 0.642). At the 6‐month follow‐up, all questionnaire results were statistically different from those before treatment.CONCLUSIONSThe IT‐NQoL is the first validated translation of the primary instrument into another language. This version is easy to use and has the same characteristic validity as the English version. Using the IT‐NQoL showed that surgical treatment determines a decrease in the nocturia rate and an increase in QoL. There was also a significant increase in QoL after treatment as assessed by all the other questionnaires.
Identification of the retrotrigonal layer as a key anatomical landmark during robotically assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Tewari Ashutosh , El‐Hakim Assaad , Rao Sandhya , Raman Jay D. 
Published: September 2006

Associate EditorAsh TewariEditorial BoardRalph Clayman, USAInderbir Gill, USARoger Kirby, UKMani Menon, USAOBJECTIVETo define the gross and microscopic anatomy, and the surgical significance, of the newly described retrotrigonal layer of the bladder neck, as an aid during robotic radical prostatectomy (RRP).MATERIALS AND METHODSThe data for this study were obtained from five fresh cadaveric dissections and 100 consecutive RRPs. Five male cadavers with no previous pelvic or urethral surgery were dissected to expose the posterior bladder neck and identify the retrotrigonal layer. This same layer was reproducibly identified in all 100 RRPs. The gross appearance of this layer, and its relationship to neighbouring structures, was documented using still photographs and intraoperative video. The microscopic composition of this layer was assessed using routine haematoxylin and eosin stains, and special staining for smooth muscle (desmin), neural tissue (S‐100), and elastin.RESULTSGrossly, the retrotrigonal layer is a well‐defined midline strip located posterior to the bladder neck, that extends from the trigone (superiorly) to the base of the prostate (inferiorly). Microscopically, this layer was predominantly composed of smooth muscle with intervening connective tissue. The retrotrigonal layer serves as a key anatomical landmark to facilitate posterior prostatic dissection, particularly in men with large prostates, prominent median lobes, or previous transurethral prostatic surgery. Further, in our practice, this layer marks the posterior limit of dissection in which electrocautery is still used. Finally, the retrotrigonal layer serves to buttress the posterior layer of the urethrovesical anastomosis.CONCLUSIONThe retrotrigonal layer is a key landmark during the posterior bladder neck dissection in the antegrade technique of RRP.
The role of the lymphatic system and its specific growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor C, for lymphogenic metastasis in prostate cancer
Authors: Trojan Lutz , Rensch Florian , Voß Martin , Grobholz Rainer , Weiss Christel , Jackson David G. , Alken Peter , Michel Maurice S. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo compare prostate carcinoma, with and with no lymph node metastasis, to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue for lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and the expression of the lymph‐endothelial specific growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C), to determine their role in lymphogenic metastasis.PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODSLymphatic vessels were stained using lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 and assessed in standard areas. The expression of VEGF‐C was assessed by the number of positive epithelial cells. The data were compared with the clinical staging.RESULTSThe lowest LVD was found in tumorous areas as opposed to periphery and nontumorous tissue (P = 0.007; P < 0.001). The highest LVD was in BPH tissue (P < 0.001). There was no correlation with clinical staging. There was more VEGF‐C staining in pN1 than in pN0 and in BPH specimens (P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONLVD is not a prognostic variable for the process of lymphogenic metastasis in prostate cancer. VEGF‐C is up‐regulated in prostate cancer and its correlation with lymph node status suggests a role for the development of lymph node metastasis, e.g. via an increased permeability of lymphatic vessels.
Introital ultrasonography: a comparison of women with stress incontinence due to urethral hypermobility and continent women
Authors: Cassadó Jordi , Pessarrodona Antoni , Tulleuda Raquel , Cabero Lluís , Valls Marta , Quintana Salvador , Rodríguez‐Carballeira Mónica 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine if there is a variable on introital ultrasonography (IUS) that can be used to distinguish between women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to urethral hypermobility (UH) and continent women.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis single‐centre, prospective, blind, cohort, observational study comprised 383 women (245 continent and 138 incontinent) who were all appropriately informed volunteers selected according to the inclusion criteria. IUS with a convex probe was performed on all women; the measurement plane was standardized and coordinates were obtained at rest and on straining. Several distances were measured to determine if any provided an objective distinction between continent and incontinent women.RESULTSAmong all the IUS variables assessed, sliding (calculated as the difference between the distance urethra‐bladder neck, U‐BN, at rest and under stress) was the best for distinguishing continent and incontinent women. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed that with a threshold of 8 mm, sliding had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 79.6% for detecting SUI due to UH. The distances symphysis‐urethra (S‐U) and U‐BN at rest could also discriminate, but with lower significance.CONCLUSIONSIUS is an important tool for diagnosing SUI; there are three independent variables, one dynamic (sliding) and two static (distances S‐U and U‐BN), that can be used to distinguish between continent women and those with SUI due to UH. Sliding is the most reliable, as it has the highest sensitivity and specificity. We think that the simplicity, low financial cost and reliability of IUS could allow it to be a routine procedure for physicians working in incontinence units.
The changing distribution of pT stage in testicular germ cell tumours from 1976 to 2005: a single‐centre analysis of histopathological reports
Authors: Lackner Jakob E. , Koller Anke , Mazal Peter R. , Waldert Mathias , Waldhoer Thomas , Marberger Michael , Kratzik Christian 
Published: September 2006

As often happens, the huge interest in prostate cancer is reflected in the many papers which appear in press, and this is the case in this section, with other papers on renal and testicular cancer. However, the papers come from a wide variety of countries from all over the world: Austria, USA, Japan, UK, Italy, Germany and Canada. It is very pleasing to see the international motif of the Journal being maintained.OBJECTIVETo assess the changing distribution of stage in seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs), as recent reports contained no detailed information on pT stage and vascular invasion, important factors in the decision for further treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODSHistopathological reports from 1976 to 2005, from patients who had surgery for testicular tumours at the authors’ institution, were investigated with special focus on pT stage and its distribution. The whole study period was divided into six 5‐year periods. The incidence of seminoma was compared with NSGCT, defined according to the Tumour‐Nodes‐Metastasis (TNM) classification.RESULTSIn each 5‐year period the median number of tumours treated surgically was 86; the distribution of seminomas and NSGCTs remained stable during the study period (P = 0.201). pT4 and pT3 tumours declined or disappeared in both histopathological groups, while pT2 and pT1 tumours increased during the study period. Since 1996–2000, pT1 tumours decreased, whereas pT2 tumours increased in seminomas (P = 0.085) and NSGCTs (P = 0.003).CONCLUSIONThe incidence of seminoma and NSGCT has not changed over the last 30 years in Vienna. With the establishment of vascular invasion in the TNM classification in 1997, the incidence of pT1 decreased while that of pT2 increased. Since then, the incidence of pT1 tumours in seminomas was 45.8% and 29.1% in NSGCT. According to generally accepted treatment guidelines, these patients might need no adjuvant treatment after surgery.
Comparison of right and left laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy
Authors: Kay Mark D. , Brook Nicholas , Kaushik Monika , Harper Simon J.F. , Bagul Atul , Nicholson Michael L. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo compare the anatomy and function of right and left kidneys retrieved by laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LDN).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 84 transperitoneal LDNs were performed, 66 left and 18 right. Two different right‐sided LDN techniques were used: initially, the inferior vena cava (IVC) was controlled with a Satinsky clamp introduced through a 6–8 cm right upper quadrant incision, through which the kidney was also removed (six patients). Subsequently, the IVC was completely mobilized by laparoscopic retrocaval dissection (in 12 patients), allowing the use of a linear stapler‐cutter, including the caval ostium with the renal vein. The kidney was then removed through a short Pfannenstiel incision.RESULTSLeft kidneys had longer renal veins (38 vs 27 mm; P < 0.05), but there were no differences in arterial length (32 vs 31 mm). Three right kidneys required back‐table renal vein lengthening. The operative duration was shorter for right‐sided LDNs (132 vs 182 min; P < 0.05). The serum creatinine level at 3 months was 131 vs 134 mmol/L for right and left kidneys, respectively.CONCLUSIONSDespite faster surgery suggesting that the right LDN is technically easier, there is a greater need for back‐table reconstruction of the renal vein. The functional results of right and left kidneys are equivalent.
Gene expression profiles in mouse urethral development
Authors: Li Jiang , Willingham Emily , Baskin Laurence S. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo analyse the gene expression profiles of the mouse genital tubercle (GT) during urethral tube development at embryonic (E) days E14, E15, E16 and E17, as the aetiology of hypospadias, one of the most common congenital anomalies, remains unknown.MATERIALS AND METHODSDuring GT development the urethral folds fuse to form an epithelial seam; subsequently, the epithelial seam disappears, resulting in the normal tubular urethra. Abnormalities in urethral seam formation and remodelling might explain hypospadias, and elucidating the molecular developmental mechanisms underlying normal penile development might provide the basis for understanding hypospadias. Total RNA was isolated from the genital tubercle at embryonic days E14, E15, E16, and E17. Together with reference RNA, sample RNA was labelled with Cy‐3 and Cy‐5 respectively and hybridized to a 16 000‐mouse gene array that included the Incyte GEM2.1 and NIA 7k sets. Candidate genes were analysed by immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.RESULTSUsing cDNA microarrays, we identified the up‐regulation of genes involved in the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and Wnt‐Frizzled pathways, and of thrombospondin (TSP) 4, a member of a cell‐migration molecule family, all candidates for involvement in urethral tube formation. Immunohistochemistry showed TGFβ1, TGFβ receptor III, and Frizzled1 were expressed exclusively in E14–E17 urethral epithelium. TSP4 was expressed in the mesenchymal basal layer underlying E17 GT skin epidermis.CONCLUSIONSMany signalling pathways are involved in late GT development, and cell migration molecules might have an important role in urethral tube formation.
Do Enhanced Communication Technologies Inhibit or Facilitate Self‐regulated Learning?
Authors: BANYARD PHILIP , UNDERWOOD JEAN , TWINER ALISON 
Published: September 2006

The assumption tested here is whether the introduction of enhanced communication technologies in the form of high‐speed broadband connectivity has removed or ameliorated any of the barriers to efficient and effective teaching and learning.iEvidence is presented of how enhanced communication technologies have facilitated self‐regulated learning. The examples are drawn from a range of subject areas in secondary (11–18 years) and primary (5–11 years) schools in the UK. Evidence is also presented of the new challenges to self‐regulated learning that are created by enhanced communication technologies, for example, non‐selective searching, plagiarism and issues of filtering.Case studies were developed in 37 schools in the public sector, from rural and urban areas. Field workers conducted interviews with teachers and made classroom observations. Further interviews were also conducted with headteachers and ICT coordinators.These studies showed some outstanding examples of students taking ownership of the learning process. However, these enhanced communication technologies raised concerns for school management, for teacher workloads and for the parents. These findings are not parochial. International comparisons indicate that we are studying a trans‐national phenomenon. Similarly, costs and benefits of such technologies are not sector specific; the outcomes of this research can inform debate in higher education.
Circadian rhythms in the development of obesity: potential role for the circadian clock within the adipocyte
Authors: Bray M. S. , Young M. E. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObesity is one of the most profound public health problems today, and simplistic explanations based on excessive nutritional consumption or lack of physical activity are inadequate to account for this dramatic and literal growth in our world population. Recent reports have suggested that disruptions in sleep patterns, often linked to our ‘24‐h’ lifestyle, are associated with increased body fat and altered metabolism, although the cause–effect relationship for these associations has yet to be elucidated. Abnormal sleep/wake patterns likely alter intracellular circadian clocks, which are molecular mechanisms that enable the cell/tissue/organism to anticipate diurnal variations in its environment. The environment may include circulating levels of nutrients (e.g. glucose, fatty acids and triglycerides) and various hormones (e.g. insulin, glucocorticoids). As such, alterations in this molecular mechanism, in particular within the adipocyte, likely induce metabolic changes that may potentiate disrupted metabolism, adipose accumulation and/or obesity. Although diurnal variations in adipokines and adipose tissue metabolism have been observed, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms that influence these events.