bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into networks of functional microbes catalysing methanization of cellulose under mesophilic conditions
Authors: Li Tianlun , Mazéas Laurent , Sghir Abdelghani , Leblon Gérard , Bouchez Théodore 
Published: December 2008

SummaryDNA‐SIP (stable isotope probing) was conducted on anaerobic municipal solid waste samples incubated with 13C‐cellulose, 13C‐glucose and 13C‐acetate under mesophilic conditions. A total of 567 full‐length bacterial and 448 1100‐bp‐length archaeal 16S rRNA gene sequences were analysed. In the clone libraries derived from ‘heavy’ DNA fractions, the most abundant sequences were affiliated with the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, the gamma‐subclass of Proteobacteria and methanogenic orders Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales. Sequences related to the genus Acetivibrio (phylum Firmicutes) were recovered only in the ‘heavy’ DNA fraction derived from the 13C‐cellulose incubation. An oligonucleotide probe (UCL284) targeting specifically Acetivibrio was designed and used for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments. Interestingly, hybridization of the probe was detected in microorganisms aggregated around cellulose fibres, strengthening the conclusion that these microorganisms were major cellulose degraders. Sequences related to genus Clostridium (phylum Firmicutes) and to the family Porphyromonadaceae (phylum Bacteroidetes) were retrieved in large numbers from the ‘heavy’ DNA library of 13C‐Glucose incubation, suggesting their involvement in saccharide fermentation. Design and hybridization of specific FISH‐probes confirmed the abundant representation of Clostridium (CLO401, CLO1248) and Porphyromonadaceae (BAC1040), which were mostly observed in the planktonic phase. Surprisingly, in the 13C‐acetate experiment, the ‘heavy’ DNA archaeal library was dominated by sequences related to the strictly hydrogenotrophic methanogenic genus Methanoculleus. One single operational taxonomic unit containing 70 sequences, affiliated to the gamma‐subclass of Proteobacteria, was retrieved in the corresponding bacterial library. FISH observations with a newly designed specific probe (UGA64) confirmed the dominance of this bacterial group. Our results show that combination of DNA‐SIP and FISH applied with a series of functionally connected substrates can shed light on the networks of uncultured microbes catalysing the methanization of the most abundant chemical renewable energy source on Earth.
Diversity of hopanoids and squalene‐hopene cyclases across a tropical land‐sea gradient
Authors: Pearson Ann , Leavitt William D. , Sáenz James P. , Summons Roger E. , Tam Mandy C.‐M. , Close Hilary G. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryBacterial hopanoids are ubiquitous in Earth surface environments. They hold promise as environmental and ecological biomarkers, if the phylogeny and physiological drivers of hopanoid biosynthesis can be linked with the distribution of hopanoids observed across a breadth of samples. Here we survey the diversity of hopanoid cyclases from a land‐sea gradient across the island of San Salvador, in the easternmost part of the Bahamas. The distribution of lipids was determined for the same sites, for the first time overlaying quantification of bacteriohopanepolyols with sqhC phylogeny. The results are similar to previous reports: environmental sqhCs average < 65% translated amino acid identity to their closest named relatives, and sequences from putative Proteobacteria dominate. Additionally, a new and apparently ubiquitous group of marine hopanoid producers is identified; it has no identifiable close relatives. The greatest diversity of hopanoid lipids occurs in soil, but hopanoids represent a minor fraction of total soil‐derived lipids. Marine samples contain fewer identifiable hopanoids, but they are more abundant as a fraction of the total extractable lipids. In soil, the dominant compounds are 35‐aminobacteriohopane‐32,33,34‐triol and adenosylhopane. In an upper estuarine sample, bacteriohopanetetrol and 32,35‐anhydrobacteriohopanetetrol dominate; while in lower estuarine and open marine samples, the most abundant are bacteriohopanetetrol and bacteriohopaneribonolactone. Cyclitol ethers are trace components in the soil, absent in the estuary, and of moderate abundance in the open marine setting, suggesting a dominant marine source. Conversely, aminotriol and aminotetrol decrease in abundance or disappear completely from land to ocean, while 2‐methyldiplopterol shows the opposite trend. Small quantities of 2‐methylbacteriohopanepolyols are detectable in all samples. The overall hopanoid distributions may correlate to the major phylogenetic families of hopanoid producers or to the environments in which they are found.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON BLADDER NECK OBSTRUCTION1
Authors: Winsbury‐White H. P. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe data presented show amongst other things that:‐Fibrous bladder neck obstruction is more common than is generally supposed. Suprapubic prostatectomy followed by suprapubic bladder drainage can beProstatectomy and bladder neck resection equally require the decision, one Both prostatectomy and bladder neck resection can be successfully undertaken Suprapubic cystostomy for any form of bladder neck obstruction need notdone in a surgically sound manner. or two stages. without resorting to indwelling catheter drainage pre‐operatively. have a high mortality.
Artificial Urinary Sphincters around Intestinal Segments—Are they Safe?
Authors: WESTON P. M. T. , MORGAN J. D. T. , HUSSAIN J. , STEPHENSON T. P. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) were implanted around intestinal segments to achieve urinary continence in 8 patients and faecal continence in 1. In 6 patients the cuff was placed around the lower end of the cystoplasty following bladder neck (5) or urethral (1) erosion. Four are completely dry, 1 on self‐intermittent catheterisation (SIC). One has mild stress incontinence. In 1 patient the cuff eroded at 8 months.Two patients had cuffs implanted parastomally to create continent diversion. One is satisfactory on SIC and the other had her AUS explanted because of life‐threatening metabolic acidosis. The rectal cuff was explanted because of faecal impaction above the cuff.As an absolute last resort, placing an AUS round a cystoplasty appears little more hazardous than round bladder neck. The use of the AUS for continent diversion has not been pursued because of reliable techniques of non‐prosthetic continent diversion. The current model of the AUS is unsuitable for the treatment of faecal incontinence.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter Insertion in Congenital Neuropathic Bladder
Authors: O'FLYNN K. J. , THOMAS D. G. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— A series of 44 patients with neuropathic bladder dysfunction due to congenital myelodysplasia underwent implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS); in 26 patients a reconstructive procedure was performed at the same time. Five patients who initially had AUS implantation alone developed detrusor hyper‐reflexia and required a clam cystoplasty.Forty patients (90%) are continent, 2 are occasionally damp and 2 are wet and awaiting further surgery; 66% of patients who underwent AUS insertion and reconstruction were found to have significant residual urine and they perform intermittent self‐catheterisation (ISC).In patients with a good bladder capacity and normal compliance and detrusor hyper‐reflexia controlled by anticholinergic drugs, cystoplasty is not necessary at the time of AUS insertion.
Disodium Pamidronate Identifies Differential Osteoclastic Bone Resorption in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: CLARKE N. W. , McCLURE J. , GEORGE N. J. R. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— In a controlled trial the effects of the osteoclast inhibitor disodium pamidronate were studied over a 6‐month period in men with metastatic bone disease from prostate cancer. Using serial biochemical measurement of metabolic bone activity, and complementary subjective and quantitative bone histology, the effects of pamidronate were evaluated in tumour‐free and metastatic regions of the skeleton, enabling analysis of the differential mechanisms of bone destruction in this disease.Following treatment, abnormally high markers of bone breakdown fell significantly (fasting urine hydroxyproline/creatinine (OHP): P< 0.05; fasting urine calcium excretion (CaE): P<0.0001), confirming that activated osteoclasts play an integral role in the osteolytic process. Serial histomorphometry of bone from tumour‐free areas showed that pamidronate restored abnormal levels of bone erosion to normal in 93% of cases. Suppression of bone destruction was also evident within metastases, although this was incomplete.The results confirm that osteoclast overactivity is responsible for a significant proportion of the accelerated osteolysis seen in both tumour‐free and infiltrated bone in patients with prostate cancer. The differential effects in tumour‐free and infiltrated bone suggest that the mechanisms of osteoclast activation may differ in metastatic and non‐metastatic regions of the skeleton.
Renal Cortical Scarring in Acute Pyelonephritis
Authors: TSUGAYA M. , HIRAO N. , SAKAGAMI H. , OHTAGURO K. , WASHIDA H. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryA series of 14 patients with acute pyelonephritis was evaluated for the formation of renal scarring by serial computed tomography (CT) and intravenous urography. Although the urography results were normal, CT showed renal parenchymal atrophy (cortical scarring) in 6 patients. Cortical scarring was observed to occur after 61 to 187 days, and it was slower to develop in the patients with recurrent fever lasting for 2 weeks or more in total than in those with fever for less than 2 weeks. Scarring was significantly more frequent in patients with severe renal involvement than in those with mild involvement, and scars developed at the sites of the most extensive lesions seen on the initial CT scans. Cortical scars were detected in 6 of the 7 patients in whom the lesions occupied 30% or more of the renal parenchyma. We conclude that the extent of the initial renal parenchymal involvement was the most important determinant of eventual scar formation.
Cystectomy and Substitution Enterocystoplasty: Alternative Primary Treatment for T2/3 Bladder Cancer
Authors: HOLMES S. A. V. , CHRISTMAS T. J. , KIRBY R. S. , HENDRY W. F. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe optimal treatment for invasive bladder cancer remains controversial. Although external beam radiotherapy is able to eradicate the disease in a number of patients, the difficulty is selecting those who will respond. Those who do develop a local recurrence will require a salvage cystectomy combined with urinary diversion. The results of performing cystectomy and bladder reconstruction as a primary procedure are presented and the concept of combining this with chemotherapy as an alternative strategy for the management of bladder cancer is discussed.
Selective Surgical Management of Renal Stab Wounds
Authors: HEYNS C. F. , Van VOLLENHOVEN P. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Patients with stab wounds and haematuria were selected for surgical exploration if they had signs of severe blood loss, an associated intra‐abdominal laceration or major abnormality on the intravenous urogram (IVU). Patients without these signs were selected for non‐operative management, consisting of bed rest, an intravenous antibiotic for 24 h and regular observation. Of 95 patients, 60 (63%) were selected for non‐operative management (Group 1) and 35 (37%) were selected for primary surgical exploration (Group 2).At surgery in Group 2, a major renal injury and/or associated intra‐abdominal laceration was found in 31 patients. Thus a probably unnecessary operation was performed in only 4 patients (4% of the whole group of 95 patients). Renal complications occurred in 12 of the 60 patients (20%) in Group 1 and consisted mainly of secondary haemorrhage caused by an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or pseudo‐aneurysm. Management of the renal complications included segmental artery embolisation in 6, nephrectomy in 2, heminephrectomy in 1, open surgical ligation of an AVF in 1 and spontaneous resolution in 2 patients. The mean period of hospitalisation was significantly shorter in Group 1 (6.1 days) than in Group 2 patients (9.9 days).Comparing the Group 1 patients who developed renal complications with those who did not, we would recommend more aggressive selection for surgery of those patients exhibiting clinical signs of shock, a fall in haemoglobin during observation, a palpable abdominal mass, a haemothorax and/or pneumothorax ipsilateral to the renal injury, and IVU signs of extravasation, non‐function, delayed excretion or hydroureteronephrosis due to blood clots. An alternative management strategy would be to perform renal angiography before surgical exploration, with segmental artery embolisation as definitive treatment of the renal injury.
Vesicoureteric Reflux in Sibships
Authors: UEHLING D. T. , VLACH R. E. , PAULI R. M. , FRIEDMAN A. L. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— A family with 4 of 6 siblings manifesting vesicoureteric reflux is presented. Reflux could not be demonstrated in preceding and succeeding generations in this family.Genetic analysis suggests that most instances of familial vesicoureteric reflux arise secondary to expression of autosomal dominant single genes with incomplete penetrance.Screening of sibships for reflux might be most appropriately carried out by urine analysis, culture and ultrasound imaging.
P53 and Ki‐67 Immunoreactivity in Human Prostate Cancer and Benign Hyperplasia
Authors: THOMPSON S. J. , MELLON K. , CHARLTON R. G. , MARSH C. , ROBINSON MARY , NEAL D. E. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Mutation of the p53 gene is one of the commonest genetic abnormalities found in solid human tumours. This gene is probably concerned with the control of cellular proliferation and in view of this we carried out a study of human prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, comparing the expression of mutated p53 with measurement of growth fractions as assessed by staining with Ki‐67.A series of 29 patients with prostate cancer (CaP) were compared with 34 men with benign hyperplasia (BPH); 22 of 29 prostate cancers (76%) contained Ki‐67 immunoreactivity compared with 10 of 34 (29%) BPH. With respect to p53 staining, significantly more prostate cancers (17%) were stained than BPH (0%). The mean Ki‐67 score in cancers positive for p53 (4.3%) was greater than that found in cancers negative for p53 (1.2%), but no statistically significant relationship was found between tumour grade and Ki‐67 staining. The use of Ki‐67 and p53 staining may allow identification of tumours with a higher rate of cell growth and may permit development of prognostic factors.
Is Pre‐operative Imaging of the Urinary Tract Worthwhile in the Assessment of Prostatism?
Authors: WILKINSON A. G. , WILD S. R. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— The reports of routine pre‐operative imaging investigations performed on patients presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated benign prostatic hypertrophy were compared with management decisions and clinical outcome. In 175 patients with prostatism no urological abnormality which altered management was discovered on plain films of the abdomen and pelvis and ultrasound of the urinary tract which were performed routinely.Post‐micturition residual volume (PMRV), estimated by ultrasound, was compared with the maximum urine flow rate (Q max) in 57 patients. PMRV showed negative correlation with Q max. Both high PMRV and low Q max were associated with the urologist's decision to operate, but multiple logistic regression revealed that ultrasound residual volume was not a significant predictor of operation when adjusted for Q max. Urologists in this hospital therefore use flow rates as the primary indication of the need to operate.We suggest that no routine pre‐operative imaging need be performed in patients presenting with prostatism.
A three‐centre experience of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy: revisiting the initial experience, and results in 104 patients
Authors: Meyer Jon‐Paul , Blick Christopher , Arumainayagam Nimalan , Hurley Katrina , Gillatt David , Persad Rajendra , Fawcett Derek 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess, in a retrospective three‐centre series, a second analysis of the initial experience and results of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction (ONR) after an additional 4 years of follow‐up.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe medical records of 104 suitable consecutive patients undergoing RC and ONR between June 1994 and April 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. The complications, mortality, continence and cancer control rates were all recorded.RESULTSThe median (range) follow‐up was 88 (52–156) months; 90 patients had reconstruction with a ‘Studer’ neobladder, 12 with a Hautmann W pouch and 2 with a ‘T pouch’ ileal neobladder. There were 24 early complications, and one death after surgery. There were 32 late complications. The daytime continence rate was 98% and the nocturnal continence rate was 76%. Ten patients required intermittent self‐catheterization (ISC). In all, 30 patients had local and/or distant recurrences, all of whom died. Seven patients died from other causes.CONCLUSIONSONR provides excellent long‐term continence rates and both acceptable complication and mortality rates. Suitable patients undergoing RC should be offered ONR.
Effect of ageing and body mass index on prostate‐specific antigen levels among Chinese men in Singapore from a community‐based study
Authors: Chia Sin‐Eng , Lau Weber K.O. , Chin Chong Min , Tan James , Ho Siew Hong , Lee June , Cheng Christopher 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of ageing and body mass index (BMI) on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) among Chinese men from the results of the 2005 Prostate Awareness Week in Singapore.SUBJECTS AND METHODSIn all, 2714 men participated in the programme, consisting of 2431 Chinese, 114 Malays, 117 Indians and 52 ‘others’. Of these, 2410 Chinese men who had a PSA level of <20 ng/mL and were aged >50 years but <80 years were included in the analysis. Height and weight were used to calculate the BMI. The relationship between age and PSA levels was analysed using linear regression and bivariate correlation, and the associations among different groups of BMI and PSA levels were analysed using analysis of variance and covariance.RESULTSPSA levels were significantly correlated with age (correlation coefficient, r = 0.27, P < 0.001). Analyses showed a significant inverse association between PSA level and BMI; mean PSA levels decreased with increasing BMI for both standards (standard classification; geometric mean, GM, PSA of 1.08, 1.06, 0.96, 0.83 ng/mL for a BMI of <18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25–29.9 and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively, P trend <0.01; and for Asian classification, GM PSA 1.08, 1.09, 0.96, 0.91 ng/mL for a BMI of <18.5, 18.5–22.9, 23–27.5 and ≥27.5, respectively, P trend <0.001). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the age‐adjusted GM PSA levels for the groups with BMI <25 (1.05 ng/mL) and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (0.97 ng/mL). Similarly, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the age‐adjusted GM PSA levels in those with a BMI of <30 (1.03 ng/mL) and ≥30 kg/m2 (0.85 ng/mL).CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that the BMI in Chinese men in Singapore is significantly associated with PSA levels, especially among the obese men aged 70–79 years.
Bladder outlet obstruction accelerates bladder carcinogenesis
Authors: Matsumoto Seiji , Shimizu Nobutaka , Hanai Tadashi , Uemura Hirotsugu , Levin Robert 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine the correlation between partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) and bladder carcinogenesis.MATERIALS AND METHODSFemale Wistar rats (6 weeks old) were divided into three groups of 10 each: group 1 was exposed to n‐butyl‐n‐butanol nitrosamine (BBN, a carcinogen) in drinking water for 8 weeks; group 2 had PBOO induced surgically after exposure to BBN for 8 weeks; group 3 had a sham operation and the rats drank normal water (control group). After 20 weeks, all of the rats were killed humanely and their bladders analysed.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in body weight among the groups. The bladder weight of group 2 was significantly greater than either group 1 or group 3. Histopathologically, bladder smooth muscle hypertrophy was the major cause of the increased bladder weight for group 2. In group 2 there were increases in bladder wall thickness and many nipple‐shaped urothelial tumours. Basic fibroblast growth factor and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α expression were significantly greater in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3.CONCLUSIONSExposure of the bladder to carcinogens during bladder hyperplasia and hypertrophy induced by PBOO results in a greater incidence of superficial bladder carcinoma.
Can we avoid surgery in elderly patients with renal masses by using the Charlson comorbidity index?
Authors: O’Connor Kevin M. , Davis Niall , Lennon Gerry M. , Quinlan David M. , Mulvin David W. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVETo determine the safety of surveillance for localized contrast‐enhancing renal masses in elderly patients whose comorbidities precluded invasive management; to provide an insight into the natural history of small enhancing renal masses; and to aid the clinician in identifying those patients who are most suitable for a non‐interventional approach.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe conducted a retrospective chart review of 26 consecutive patients (16 men and 10 women), who were followed for ≥1 year, with localized solid enhancing renal masses between 1998 and 2006. These patients were unfit or unwilling to undergo radical or partial nephrectomy. None had their tumours surgically removed. Study variables included age, presentation, tumour size, growth rate, Charlson comorbidity index (CMI) and available pathological data.RESULTSThe mean (range) patient age was 78.14 (63–89) year, with a mean follow‐up of 28.1 (12–72) months. The mean tumour size was 4.25 (2.5–8.7) cm at diagnosis. The tumour growth rate was 0.44 cm/year; among smaller masses (T1a) it was 0.15 cm/year, vs 0.64 cm/year in the larger masses (T1b and T2). The mean CMI was 2.96. There were 11 deaths overall; 10 patients died from unrelated illnesses. One death was directly attributable to metastatic renal cancer; this patient had an initial tumour diameter of 5.4 cm and a CMI of 6. All patients who died had a CMI of ≥3.CONCLUSIONSElderly patients with small renal tumours (T1a) and comorbidity scores of ≥3 were more likely to die as a result of their comorbidities rather than the renal tumour. Surveillance of small renal masses appears to be a safe alternative in elderly patients who are poor surgical candidates, where the overall growth rate appears to be slow.