bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive Assay of Prostate‐Specific Antigen for Early Detection of Residual Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Arai Yoichi , Okubo Kazutoshi , Aoki Yoshitaka , Maekawa Shinya , Okada Takashi , Maeda Hiroshi 
Published: July 2007

Objectives: Perhaps the greatest value of PSA determination in the treatment of prostate cancer is in determining persistent disease after a radical prostatectomy. We investigated the ability of an ultrasensitive PSA assay to detect residual prostate cancer in men at risk for recurrence after a radical prostatectomy. Methods: Using the Immulite third‐generation PSA assay (detection limit, less than 0.003 ng/mL), and the standard IMx PSA assay, we determined PSA levels in 205 serum samples serially obtained from 34 men after a radical prostatectomy. The average days from surgery to serum sampling was 430 (range, 63 to 1 296). Patients were classified as having nonaggressive or aggressive cancers, based on clinicopathologic findings. A biochemical relapse was arbitrarily defined. Results: All 1 7 patients with nonaggressive cancers had PSA values of less than 0.02 ng/mL throughout the sampling period. Two of these patients (12%) had 2 or more consecutive PSA increases and were considered as a biochemical relapse. In contrast, 14 (82%) of 1 7 patients with aggressive cancers fit criteria of a biochemical relapse. All of the relapses were identified within 2 years after surgery. The IMx assay detected only 7 biochemical relapses during the same sampling period. Conclusions: Using the Immulite PSA assay, relapse detection times may be shortened allowing for most serological recurrences to be detected within 2 years after a radical prostatectomy. Patients with aggressive cancers may require frequent postoperative PSA determinations with a highly sensitive PSA assay which would allow early intervention when treatments for relapse are effective.
Treatment of Metastatic Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis: Significance of the International Consensus Prognostic Classification as a Prognostic Factor‐Based Staging System
Authors: Shinohara Nobuo , Hioka Takaya , Harabayashi Toru , Demura Takayoshi , Kashiwagi Akira , Nagamori Satoshi , Koyanagi Tomohiko 
Published: July 2007

Background: We reviewed treatment results in patients with metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis and examined the significance of the International Consensus Prognostic Classification to make appropriate risk‐based decisions concerning induction chemotherapy. Methods: We divided 37 patients treated with platinum‐based combination chemotherapy into good, intermediate, and poor prognostic groups utilizing the International Consensus Prognostic Classification. The data was analyzed for both overall survival and progression‐free survival among the 3 prognostic groups. Results: Among the 37 patients, 10 died (8 of progressive disease, 1 of pneumonia during induction chemotherapy and 1 of cyclophosphamide‐induced hemorrhagic cardiomyolitis during salvage chemotherapy). The survivors were followed for 6 to 1 84 months from the beginning of induction chemotherapy (median, 80 months). Five of the 37 patients (14%) were classified as having a good prognosis, 18 (48%) as intermediate, and 14 (38%) as having a poor prognosis. The patients in the poor prognostic group had a 5‐year overall survival of only 40%, while those in the good and intermediate groups had 5‐year overall survivals of 100% and 94%, respectively. When we applied the International Consensus Prognostic Classification to patients with advanced disease classified by the Indiana University Staging System, these patients could be clearly divided into good‐risk and poor‐risk groups. Conclusions: The International Consensus Prognostic Classification is easily applicable and accurate for risk assessment in patients with metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. This classification will now be widely used in general oncology practices and for clinical trials in these patients.
Effect of Naloxone on the Bladder Activity of Rabbits with Acute Spinal Injury
Authors: Kameoka Hiroshi , Shiraiwa Yasuo , Fukaya Yasuo , Yokota Takashi , Shishido Keiichi , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: July 2007

Background: Naloxone enhances bladder activity in patients with chronic spinal cord injury. However, there are few reports on naloxone for bladder morbidity in acute spinal cord injury. Methods: We performed a prospective, controlled study of the effects of naloxone on bladder function in rabbits with and without surgical transection of the spinal cord at the 10th thoracic vertebra. Acute and chronic stages of injury were defined according to bladder function. Naloxone was given intravenously at both stages, and intrathecally at the acute stage. Bladder activity was monitored by cystometry. Blood concentrations of methionine‐enkephalin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: Spinal cord injuries were acute 1 or 2 days after surgery, and chronic after 1 or 2 weeks. Bladder capacity significantly decreased after 0.01 mg of intravenous naloxone in uninjured control rabbits, and after 0.03 mg of intravenous naloxone in rabbits with chronic‐phase injuries. During the acute‐injury phase, 0.3 mg of intravenous naloxone, or 0.02 mg of intrathecal naloxone, was necessary to evoke the micturition reflex. No significant changes in blood enkephalin levels were seen before or after spinal cord injury. Conclusion: In rabbits with acute spinal cord injury, intrathecal naloxone evoked the micturition reflex at a much lower dose than did intravenous naloxone. Intrathecal naloxone promises to become a new therapy for the acute stage of spinal cord injury for active recovery of bladder function, and could replace current therapy.
Antiproliferative Effect of Calcitriol on Human Prostatic Cancer Cell Lines: Unrelated to the Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Antigens or Intercellular Adhesion Molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1)
Authors: Yu Da‐Min , Tokuda Noriaki , Naito Seiji , Yoshikawa Masahiro , Takahashi Koichi , Uozumi Jiro , Kumazawa Joichi 
Published: July 2007

Background: In addition to its role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, calcitriol (1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D; 1,25‐D3) demonstrates multiple effects on cell proliferation/differentiation by expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1). It has recently been reported that 1,25‐D3 inhibits the growth of prostatic cancer (PCa) cells. In this study we examined the effect of 1,25‐D3 on both the growth and expression of HLA‐ABC, HLA‐DR and ICAM‐1 antigens in PCa cells. Methods: Four human PCa cell lines (PC‐3, PPC‐1, ALVA‐41 and ALVA‐101) were examined. The cell numbers were enumerated, and the effects of interferon‐y (IFN‐y) and 1,25‐D3 on the expression of HLA‐ABC, HLA‐DR and ICAM‐1 were quantitated by flow cytometry. Results: A dose‐dependent antiproliferative effect of 1,25‐D3 was found in all PCa eel Is lines except ALVA‐41. 1,25‐D3 was approximately 10 times as potent as its analogue 24,25‐dihydroxyvitam in D3 in inhibiting the growth of PC‐3 cells. Also, the relative inhibitory ability of these compounds paralleled the strength of their binding affinities for the 1,25‐D3 receptor, indicating that the antiproliferative effect may require a receptor‐ligand interaction. HLA‐ABC was expressed in PC‐3, ALVA‐41 and ALVA‐101, but not in PPC‐1 cells, while HLA‐DR was not expressed on any of the tested cells. IFN‐y could enhance or induce HLA‐ABC but not HLA‐DR expression in the tested cells. ICAM‐1 was expressed in all cells and slightly up‐regulated by IFN‐y. Conclusion: In this study 1,25‐D3 had an antiproliferative effect on 3 of the 4 examined PCa cell lines.
Antitumor Killer Lymphocytes in the Peripheral Blood of a Patient with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Kim Chol Jang , Yuasa Takesi , Kushima Ryoji , Tomoyoshi Tadao , Seto Akira 
Published: July 2007

Background: Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with bladder cancer also contain cells possessing cytotoxic activity against autologous tumor cells. These cells are phenotypically heterogenous and include natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T cells. This study investigated the role of cytotoxic lymphocytes directed against autologous bladder cancer cells. Methods: PBL were obtained at intervals before and after surgery and analyzed for cytotoxic activity against autologous bladder cancer cells in 4‐hour51 Cr release assay. PBL stimulated with autologous tumor cells were also transformed with human T‐lymphotropic virus type‐1, establishing a cell line (KB31) which was analyzed for phenotype and cytotoxic activity against the autologous tumor cells. Results: PBL preoperative cytotoxic activity was low, but increased after surgery. Cytotoxic activity was found not only against autologous bladder cancer cells, but also against heterologous bladder cancer (KK‐47) and myeloid leukemia (K562) cells, with the highest activity against the heterologous cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of KB31 was 40|X% against autologous tumor cells 6 weeks after initiation of the cell line, but decreased to 5|X% by 6 months. This activity was lower than that against the other cell lines, and was similar to that of PBL in short‐term culture. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis demonstrated that in KB31 cells at 6 weeks, CD8+ cells were dominant, but CD56+ cells predominated at 6 months. Conclusion: These results suggest that the presence of cytotoxic activity in the peripheral blood of the patient was due to both cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. The cytotoxic activity was lowest prior to surgery and increased postoperatively.
Utility of Immunohistochemical Detection of High Molecular Weight Cytokeratin for Differential Diagnosis of Proliferative Conditions of the Prostate
Authors: Shipn Masaru , Fujita Masaki Q. , Yasunaga Yutaka , Miki Tsuneharu , Okuyama Akihiko , Aozasa Katsuyuki 
Published: July 2007

Background: Differential diagnosis of adenocarcinoma from other proliferative conditions in the prostate is often problematic. lmmunohistochemistry using an antibody (34βE12) to high molecular weight cytokeratin, specifically present in basal cells of the prostate, could clearly demonstrate the presenceor absence of these cells in the proliferating glands and thus provide an important clue in cancer diagnosis. Methods: To examine the utility of immunostaining using 34βE12, we examined 88 equivocal lesions. Twenty lesions with apparently benign and malignant features were added as controls. We compared the morphologic features of these lesions with their immunoreactivities toward 34βE12 on a personal computer display following storage on the MICROPHOT‐FXA system. Results: Proliferating glands in all 20 benign lesions had 34βE12‐reactive basal cells, but none of the malignant lesions did. The equivocal lesions were categorized on morphologic grounds into 2 groups: possibly benign and possibly malignant. Forty‐five (51.1 %)of the 88 equivocal lesions, were positive for 34βE12. These included 35 of the 45 (77.8%) possibly benign lesions and 10 of the 43 (23.3%) possibly malignant lesions. Among the equivocal lesions, 10 considered possibly benign on morphologic grounds showed negative reactivities, and 10 considered possibly malignant showed positive reactivities. Even through comparison on the computer display, no difference in morphology could be discovered between the negative and positive lesions in either group. Conclusion: lmmunohistochemical procedures using 34βE12 are indispensable in the diagnosis of equivocal prostate lesions.
Renal Tubular Apoptosis after Release of Ureteral Obstruction in the Rat Kidney
Authors: Tanji Nozomu , Yokoyama Masayoshi , Terada Nobuyuki , Shudo Masachika , Takeuchi Ken , Takeuchi Masafumi 
Published: July 2007

Background: information concerning the mechanisms underlying recovery from hydronephrosis is limited. The frequency of apoptosis during healing from hydronephrosis was studied using a rat kidney model. Methods: The presence of apoptosis was studied using an in situ DNA 3 end labeling method, electron microscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The degree of apoptosis in both the medulla and cortex gradually increased during ureteral obstruction as shown by in situ DNA 3 end labeling. Release of the ureteral obstruction resulted in a further increase in the degree of apoptosis in the medulla and cortex. The increase in apoptosis in the medulla was transient and lasted for only 4 days following release, while that in the cortex continued for at least 3 weeks. Apoptosis in the glomerulus was not observed. Electron microscopy revealed cells with aggregated chromatin in compact granular masses that abutted the nuclear membrane. Following release of ureteral obstruction, DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis was visible on agarose gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: These results suggest that apoptosis is involved in post‐obstructive tubular damage in the rat kidney.
Apoptosis and Carcinogenesis: Morphologic Observations in the Rat Bladder Treated with N‐Butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine
Authors: Zhang Xianghua , Takenaka Ikumasa 
Published: July 2007

Background: We investigated the role of apoptosis in rat bladder carcinogenesis induced by N‐butyl‐N‐ (4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN). Methods: Apoptosis was detected in BBN‐induced rat bladder lesions by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), and transmission electron microscopic examinations. Results: After administration of BBN, various pathologic changes were observed in the rat bladder after intervals of between 4 and 28 weeks. Through a comparative study in serial sections, the incidence of apoptosis, detected by either routine H&E staining or TUNEL staining, displayed marked elevation in BBN‐induced rat bladder lesions, as compared to that in the normal epithelium of the rat bladder, particularly in invasive transitional cell carcinoma. Apoptotic cells with different morphologic features were ultrastructurally demonstrated in a series of rat bladder lesions. Significant group differences in the incidence of apoptosis were seen among the BBN‐induced lesions and the normal epithelium of the rat bladder, and among the invasive transitional cell carcinomas and other lesions, before the tumor cells were seen to invade the rat bladder. Conclusion: Our data suggestthat apoptosis may be closely related to carcinogenesis and tumor invasion of the rat bladder induced by BBN, and that the comparative study of serial sections, each stained by H&E and TUNEL, combined with electron microscopic observation, may provide the most reliable informations in semiquantitative assessment of apoptosis.
Over‐expression of amyloid precursor protein in HEK cells alters p53 conformational state and protects against doxorubicin
Authors: Uberti Daniela , Cenini Giovanna , Olivari Luca , Ferrari‐Toninelli Giulia , Porrello Emanuela , Cecchi Cristina , Pensafini Anna , Liguri Gianfranco , Govoni Stefano , Racchi Marco , Maurizio Memo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHere we show that human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells stably transfected with amyloid precursor protein (HEK‐APP), expressed a conformational mutant‐like and transcriptionally inactive p53 isoform, and turned out to be less sensitive to the cytotoxin doxorubicin in comparison with untransfected cells. Treatment of HEK‐APP cells with γ‐ and β‐secretase inhibitors prevented generation of unfolded, mutant‐like p53 isoform and made the cells vulnerable to doxorubicin as untransfected cells. Changes in p53 conformational state and reduced sensitivity to doxorubicin were also found in untransfected HEK cells after exposure to nanomolar concentrations of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) and these effects were antagonized by vitamin E. The modulator effects of Aβ on p53 conformational state were, at least in part, due to the intracellular peptides as (i) treatment of HEK‐APP cells with an antibody that sequestered extracellular Aβ did not modify the capability of the cells to express the mutant‐like p53 isoform; (ii) in the presence of 1% serum exogenous Aβ peptide crossed the plasma membrane, as demonstrated by confocal analysis and ELISA, and induced p53 conformational change; and (iii) in the presence of 10% serum Aβ did not enter the cells and consequently did not influence the p53 conformational state.
Regulation of Renal Hemodynamics and the Nitric Oxide‐Arginine Pathway
Authors: Rieser Teresa M. , Otto Cynthia M. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryOver the past ten years, nitric oxide has been shown to be important in a number of biological systems. This article is a review of the literature on nitric oxide and its affects on hemodynamics in the kidney. Nitric oxide is a major contributor to basal vasodilatory tone in the renal vasculature and systemic vasculature. It also has effects on the mechanisms which comprise the tubuloglomerular feedback loop. (Vet Emerg & Crit Care, 1998; 8: 7–18)
Successful living donor liver transplantation using a graft from a hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive donor
Authors: Soejima Yuji , Shimada Mitsuo , Taketomi Akinobu , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Uchiyama Hideaki , Ikegami Toru , Nakamuta Makoto , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground/Aims: Liver transplantation using a graft from a donor with a positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been contraindicated owing to the extremely high risk for recurrent disease leading to graft loss. However, the severe shortage of donors often forces the transplant community to utilize suboptimal donors, especially in the setting of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).Method: Here, we report a case of successful LDLT for a patient with hepatitis B‐related cirrhosis utilizing a graft from an HBsAg‐positive ‘healthy carrier’ donor using a combination prophylaxis of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil.Results: To date, the patient has been doing well with normal liver function tests and liver histological findings at 4 years after the transplantation and the donor has also been doing well.Conclusions: Although virological recurrence appears to be universal despite prophylaxis, re‐evaluation of the use of a graft from a healthy HBsAg‐positive donor is warranted in this era of combination prophylaxis.
Performance evaluation of BC‐3200 hematology analyzer in a university hospital
Authors: PENG L. , BAI L. , NIE L. , WU Z. , YAN C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe BC‐3200 automated hematology analyzer was evaluated and compared with the Beckman‐Coulter AcT (Ac.T diff 2) 3‐part differential hematology analyzer. The BC‐3200 was evaluated according to guidelines published by the International Committee for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH), Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), and Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The results demonstrated no background, minimal carryover (<0.5%), and excellent linearity for hemoglobin (Hb) level, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts (>0.998). Precision was generally acceptable for all complete blood count (CBC) parameters; coefficients of variation (CVs) were within the manufacturer's claims and CVs of CBC parameters, including WBC, RBC and PLT counts, Hb and mean corpuscular volume, were <6%. Correlation between the BC‐3200 and Ac.T diff 2 was excellent (r > 0.98) for all major CBC parameters (WBC, RBC, and PLT counts and Hb). We conclude that the overall performance of the BC‐3200 is excellent and compares well with that of the Coulter Ac.T diff 2.
Restoration of innate host defense responses by oral supplementation of branched‐chain amino acids in decompensated cirrhotic patients
Authors: Nakamura Ikuo , Ochiai Kaori , Imai Yasuharu , Moriyasu Fuminori , Imawari Michio 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  It has been reported that host defense responses, such as phagocytic function of neutrophils and natural killer (NK) cell activity of lymphocytes, are impaired in cirrhotic patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of oral supplementation of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) on host defense mechanisms in peripheral blood of patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Methods:  Ten patients with decompensated cirrhosis received 12 g BCAA daily for 3 months. Phagocytic function of neutrophils and NK activity of lymphocytes as well as serum albumin levels and Fisher's ratios were determined before and at 1 and 3 months of BCAA supplementation. For quantification of phagocytic function, fluorescent intensities of cells in the neutrophil region in the cytogram were determined by flow cytometry after incubation of whole blood with fluorescent microspheres. NK activity was estimated by 51Cr release assay using K‐562 cell line as target cells.Results:  Phagocytic function of neutrophils was significantly improved by 3‐month BCAA supplementation (P < 0.01). Thechanges of NK activity were also significant at 3 months of supplementation compared with before supplementation (P < 0.01). Fisher's ratios were significantly increased at 3 months of BCAA supplementation compared with those before oral supplementation (P < 0.05), although the changes of serum albumin level were not statistically significant.Conclusions:  BCAA oral supplementation improved phagocytic function of neutrophils and NK activity of lymphocytes in cirrhotic patients. BCAA supplementation may reduce the risk of bacterial and viral infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
SU‐DD‐A3‐02: Automatic Detection of Positional and Anatomical Setup Errors in CT‐Based Image Guided Radiation Therapy
Authors: Robison B , Seibert R , Ramsey C 
Published: July 2007

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to develop a novel tool using Kernel Classification that could be used to assist in identifying patients with setup issues that result in unacceptable random and systematic errors. Method and Materials: Inter‐Fraction motion was retrospectively analyzed for 30 H&N patients that were positioned for treatment using megavoltage CT (MVCT) images acquired on a helical tomotherapy system. Manual adjustments, in the AP, SI, LAT and Roll planes, were made to ensure correct target alignment from MVCT images acquired on the tomotherapy system. Results: A total of 30 Head and Neck patients were MVCT imaged prior to treatment delivery for a total of 992 imaging sessions. All 30 patients had a decrease in the cross‐sectional volume due to a combination of weight loss and/or tissue response to radiation. Patient errors ranged form incorrect headrest to a shirt and tie that where not removed before treatment. A Principal Component Analysis was performed and showed that there was a relationship present between the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall percent weight loss, and the mean lateral, longitudinal, and vertical shift values.The kernel classification technique correctly identified 23 out of the 24 Head & Neck patients as either having normal set‐up or problematic setup using their respective shift data sets. These classifications were made using only the shift values from the first 14 treatments. The predictive performance seriously degraded when data from fewer than 14 treatments were used. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the kernel regression classification method was able to correctly identify the cause behind IGRT positioning problems for individual Head & Neck patients. The study also validated the fact that IGRT positioning problems cause abnormal problem‐specific distributions in the shift data without using the complicated, and generally time‐consuming, statistical distribution tests.