bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidentally discovered renal masses: oncological and perioperative outcomes in patients with delayed surgical intervention
Authors: Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Guzzo Thomas J. , Jarrett Thomas W. , Kavoussi Louis R. , Allaf Mohamad E. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate whether a period of surveillance before laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) affects the pathological and clinical outcomes of patients with a small renal mass, as although the standard treatment for an enhancing renal mass remains surgical extirpation, surveillance of small renal masses has become a potential option in appropriately selected patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe clinical and pathological data of 32 patients who had LPN for a small clinical stage T1a renal mass after a surveillance period of ≥3 months was analysed and compared with those from a matched group of patients who had immediate LPN.RESULTSThe mean interval between diagnosis and LPN in the surveillance group was 15.8 months. The mean tumour size at presentation was 1.97 cm in the surveillance group with a growth rate of 0.56 cm/year. The proportion of patients upstaged from cT1 to pT3a was no different between the groups. There was no difference between the groups in warm ischaemia time, blood loss, operating room time, complications and length of stay after LPN. At the last follow‐up (mean 60 months) there were no local recurrences or distant metastases.CONCLUSIONBaseline size does not appear to predict tumour malignant potential, and growth rates of malignant and benign tumours were similar in the two groups. A delay in surgery of >1 year was not associated with added surgical morbidity, nor did it preclude patients from undergoing definitive surgery via a minimally invasive approach with an equally effective early oncological outcome.
Combined low‐dose flutamide plus finasteride vs low‐dose flutamide monotherapy for recurrent prostate cancer: a comparative analysis of two phase II trials with a long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Bañez Lionel L. , Blake Gary W. , McLeod David G. , Crawford E. David , Moul Judd W. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy and tolerability of peripheral androgen blockade using combined low‐dose flutamide plus finasteride vs low‐dose flutamide monotherapy for treating biochemical relapse after the definitive management of prostate adenocarcinoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSFifty‐six men treated for biochemical relapse of prostate cancer were enrolled prospectively in a phase II trial at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 1997 to 2001. Thirty‐six men were treated with flutamide (125 mg twice daily) and finasteride (5 mg twice daily), and 20 men received low‐dose flutamide only after biochemical recurrence (prostate‐specific antigen, PSA, level ≥0.4 ng/mL). Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to compare the risk of progression between the groups.RESULTSPatients on combined and monotherapy had a median follow‐up of 54 and 43.5 months, respectively. Seven men (19%) in the combined arm remain in the study with no progression, while five (25%) on monotherapy continue and are progression‐free. Men on combined therapy had a greater decrease in their PSA level (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that men on combined therapy had significantly less risk of progression than men on monotherapy (hazard ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.63, P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the frequency of side‐effects between the groups. Toxicities were reported to be mild.CONCLUSIONSOur analysis suggests the therapeutic value of low‐dose flutamide alone or combined with finasteride as first‐line agents in a possible graduated approach for treating PSA‐only recurrent prostate cancer. Due to unwanted metabolic effects associated with traditional hormonal agents, phase III trials comparing both regimens with current therapies are warranted.
Routine surveillance cystoscopy for patients with augmentation and substitution cystoplasty for benign urological conditions: is it necessary?
Authors: Hamid Rizwan , Greenwell Tamsin J. , Nethercliffe Janine M. , Freeman Alexander , Venn Suzie N. , Woodhouse Christopher R.J. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate screening cystoscopy as the long‐term follow up in patients with an enterocystoplasty for ≥10 years.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe performed a prospective analysis of 92 consecutive patients who attended our endoscopy suite for regular check cystoscopy as per standard follow‐up. This is performed for all patients with cystoplasty performed at our institute after 10 years. The data were recorded on patient demographics, original diagnosis and type of cystoplasty. In all, 53 of these patients consented to undergo bladder biopsies at the same time.RESULTSThe median (range) follow‐up was 15 (10–33) years. No cancer was identified with either surveillance cystoscopy or on routine biopsies. Chronic inflammation was identified in 25 biopsies (27%). Villous atrophy was present in 12 (55%) ileal patch and three (12.5%) colonic patch biopsies. During this study, the first and only case of malignancy in a cystoplasty at our institution was diagnosed in a symptomatic patient. She had intermittent haematuria and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). She previously had a normal surveillance cystoscopy.CONCLUSIONSWe feel that it is not necessary to perform yearly check cystoscopies in patients with augmented bladders at least in the first 15 years, as cancer has not yet been detected with surveillance cystoscopy in this patient group. However, if the patient develops haematuria or other worrisome symptoms including suprapubic pain and recurrent unexplained UTIs a full evaluation, including cystoscopy and computerized tomography should be undertaken.
Meta‐analysis: does lidocaine gel before flexible cystoscopy provide pain relief?
Authors: Aaronson David S. , Walsh Thomas J. , Smith James F. , Davies Benjamin J. , Hsieh Michael H. , Konety Badrinath R. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo consolidate previous reports and conduct a meta‐analysis to draw further conclusions on the efficacy of the instillation of lidocaine gel before flexible cystoscopy, as it has had varying efficacy in several randomized controlled studies.METHODSWe reviewed previous reports cited in PubMed, Biosis and the Cochrane Library, identified by a professional librarian searching for English language‐only randomized controlled studies involving the keywords, lidocaine, cystoscopy, gel and pain, yielding 14 studies. Ten studies were excluded as they provided no comparison with appropriate control groups or contained insufficient data for analysis. Attempts to contact the authors of these studies yielded no additional data. A meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model.RESULTSFour studies were included in the analysis, two double‐blind and two single‐blind, totalling 411 male patients. Three of the studies found no statistical improvement and one study found a statistically significant improvement in pain relief using lidocaine gel. Studies varied on the quantity of gel instilled and on the dwell time of gel before cystoscopy. The meta‐analysis found that subjects who received anaesthetic‐impregnated gel were 1.7 times more likely not to experience moderate to severe pain (<2, 3 or 30, based on the scale used; odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.8) than subjects who did not have intraurethral instillation of gel.CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest that intraurethral instillation of lidocaine gel vs plain lubricating gel reduces the likelihood of moderate to severe pain during flexible cystoscopy.
Is there a rationale for the chronic use of phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Authors: Roumeguère Thierry , Zouaoui Boudjeltia K. , Hauzeur Claude , Schulman Claude , Vanhaeverbeek Michel , Wespes Eric 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVESTo critically review the physiological roles of phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5), to explain and support the putative impact and clinical significance of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5‐Is) in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED), both highly prevalent in men aged ≥50 years, as PDE5‐Is are very effective as a first‐line therapy for ED, and attractive for further physiological functional investigations.METHODSWe searched Medline for peer‐reviewed articles in English, from 1991 to 2008, to provide a critical contemporary review of PDE5 pertaining to the potential interest of findings supporting a role for PDE5‐Is in LUTS due to BPH. The selection of papers was based on the relevance of subject matter. A critical analysis of available fundamental and clinical data is reported.RESULTSSeveral studies assessed the role of the nitric oxide/cGMP signalling pathway in the regulation of the prostate tone, with the support of clinical observations. PDE5‐Is can also represent a potential mode of action allowing the targeting of transcriptional activity implicated in the regulation of the progression of the inflammatory process involved in BPH. PDE5‐Is can inhibit human stromal cell proliferation of the prostate mediated by cGMP accumulation. New targeting hypotheses of pathophysiological processes are also reported.CONCLUSIONSThere is evidence that LUTS and ED are strongly linked. This analysis of the regulatory basis of PDE5 biology could indicate several directions of investigation. However, it is necessary to devise well‐designed large prospective studies that would produce significant data before this approach becomes a standard of care.
Outcomes of radical prostatectomy for patients with clinical stage T1a and T1b disease
Authors: Helfand Brian T. , Mongiu Anne K. , Kan Donghui , Kim Dae‐Yun , Loeb Stacy , Roehl Kimberly A. , Meeks Joshua J. , Smith Norm D. , Catalona William J. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo compare the outcomes between patients with stage T1a/b with those of patients with T1c cancer of the prostate treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), as the appropriate management of clinical stage T1a/b prostate cancer is subject to debate; although many patients are managed expectantly, some have adverse pathological features suggesting that more active treatment might be beneficial.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom 1983 to 2003, 3478 men had RRP by one surgeon. From this group, we retrospectively identified 29 men with clinical stage T1a and 83 with clinical stage T1b disease. Using statistical analysis we compared the treatment outcomes of these patients with those of 1774 men with clinical stage T1c disease.RESULTSMen with T1a/b disease had a significantly lower preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, a greater proportion with organ‐confined disease, and a lower mean/median prostatectomy Gleason score than those with T1c disease. Also, men with T1a/b disease were less likely to be potent before surgery, although the frequency of recovery of potency was similar among all groups. On multivariate analysis with age, year of surgery, PSA level and Gleason score, there was no statistical difference in the rates of biochemical recurrence and the 10‐year overall survival rates. However, patients with T1b disease had a significantly lower cancer‐specific survival.CONCLUSIONST1a and T1b prostate cancer can be associated with aggressive pathological features and have a similar rate of progression as clinical stage T1c disease. That notwithstanding, most patients in the study were cured with RRP and had favourable long‐term functional outcomes.
Acupuncture for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review
Authors: Lee Myeong Soo , Shin Byung‐Cheul , Ernst Edzard 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVEWe evaluated the current evidence for the use of acupuncture to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).METHODSSystematic searches were conducted in 15 electronic databases, with no language restrictions. Hand‐searches included conference proceedings and our files. All clinical studies of acupuncture as a treatment for ED were considered for inclusion, and their methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score.RESULTSOf the four studies included, one randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed beneficial effects of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture in terms of response rate, while another RCT found no effects of acupuncture. The remaining two studies were uncontrolled clinical trials. Collectively these data showed that RCTs of acupuncture for ED are feasible but scarce. Most investigations had methodological flaws, e.g. inadequate study design, poor reporting of results, small sample size, and publication without appropriate peer review process.CONCLUSIONThe evidence is insufficient to suggest that acupuncture is an effective intervention for treating ED. Further research is required to investigate whether there are specific benefits of acupuncture for men with ED.
Total phallic reconstruction after penile amputation for carcinoma
Authors: Garaffa Giulio , Raheem Amr A. , Christopher Nim A. , Ralph David J. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo report our experience of total phallic reconstruction (TPR) with the use of the radial‐artery free flap (RAFF) in patients who have had a subtotal penectomy for penile or urethral cancer, as the goal of TPR is the creation of a sensate and cosmetically acceptable phallus with an incorporated neourethra that allows the patient to void while standing, and with the insertion of a penile implant to resume sexual activities, improving quality of life.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe notes of the 15 patients who had undergone RAFF TPR between January 1998 and May 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. The surgical outcome, cosmesis of the phallus, complications, eventual need for revision surgery and patient satisfaction were recorded during the follow‐up.RESULTSThis technique allowed the reconstruction of a cosmetically acceptable phallus in all patients. After a median (range) follow‐up of 20 (1–68) months all patients were satisfied with the cosmesis and size of the phallus, and 14 were able to void while standing. Among the seven patients who have subsequently had insertion of a penile prosthesis, five can now engage in sexual intercourse. Urethral strictures and fistulae were the commonest complications in, respectively, three and four cases, and one patient had his penile prosthesis explanted because of infection.CONCLUSIONSRAFF phalloplasty is an excellent technique for TPR, giving excellent cosmetic and functional results.
1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for identifying and quantifying common uropathogens: a metabolic approach to the urinary tract infection
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Dwivedi Mayank , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Gowda G.A. Nagana , Khetrapal Chunni Lal , Bhandari Mahendra 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo address the shortcomings of urine culture for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI), we used 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for identifying and quantifying Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSUrine samples from patients with suspected UTI (617), healthy volunteers (50) and commercially available standard strains of E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter, Acinobacter, Pr. mirabilis, Citrobacter frundii, Streptococcus saprophyticus and Enterococcus faecalis were assessed between 2003 and 2006. 1H‐NMR spectra were recorded on a 400 MHz spectrophotometer; to quantify the bacteria we estimated the areas under the spectral peaks of the specific metabolic product compared with the known concentration of trimethyl silyl propionic acid. All urine specimens were cultured in addition to an assessment by NMR spectroscopy.RESULTSPreliminary urinary spectroscopy of the unprocessed samples showed peaks of nonspecific metabolites such as succinate, acetate, lactate and ethanol, indicating infected samples. Based on the results from processed samples, 93% (240/256) of E. coli, 92% (101/110) of K. pneumoniae, 93% (56/60) of P. aeruginosa and eight of 10 Pr. mirabilis could be diagnosed with NMR (numerator) and urine culture (denominator). The remaining samples were sterile and/or had a bacterial population of <103 colony‐forming units (CFU)/mL. The NMR method diagnosed bacterial densities of >103 CFU.CONCLUSIONSThe identification of the common uropathogens E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Pr. mirabilis by NMR spectroscopy has a shorter reporting time and can be used to differentiate between infected, contaminated and sterile specimens.
Penile fractures: immediate surgical approach with a midline ventral incision
Authors: Mazaris Evangelos M. , Livadas Konstantinos , Chalikopoulos Dimitrios , Bisas Apostolïs , Deliveliotis Charalambos , Skolarikos Andreas 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVESTo present our experience with immediate surgical treatment of penile fractures, using a midline ventral incision, as the choice of either immediate surgical or conservative treatment in penile fractures, as well as the type of surgical incision, remains controversial.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a period of 5 years (2002–2006) eight patients were treated in our department for a penile fracture. The diagnosis was established by a history and clinical examination. In six patients ultrasonography before surgery located the fracture in the right corpus cavernosum, distally from the penoscrotal junction. All patients had immediate surgery using a midline ventral incision and were followed for a mean of 1 year.RESULTSAll patients presented with a penile haematoma, while five and two had concomitant scrotal and perineal haematomas, respectively. Penile urethral rupture was associated with corporal cavernosal rupture in one patient. In all patients a 5‐cm midline ventral incision was made at the penile raphe. There was unilateral rupture of the corpus cavernosum in seven patients and bilateral rupture with concomitant urethral rupture in one. The fascial defect was sutured in all patients and an end‐to‐end anastomosis made if there was urethral rupture. The early and late periods after surgery were uneventful. Erectile function was unaffected during the follow‐up.CONCLUSIONImmediate intervention for penile fractures, using a midline ventral incision, achieves good early and late results. Our technique has the advantage of direct access to both corpora cavernosa and the anterior urethra, with a minimal skin incision.
THEFT DETECTION WITH INVENTORY MEASUREMENT ERROR
Authors: Winsen Joseph K. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:Measurement errors introduce uncertainty into the inventory determination process. Such errors arise from human and/or instrument deficiencies. When inventories are valuable, this inventory determination uncertainty provides an opportunity for theft to be disguised as measurement error. This vulnerability is of current concern in the nuclear materials industry. This paper, which is essentially exploratory in nature, compares and contrasts classical hypothesis testing and game theory as approaches to theft detection in the presence of measurement error.
TAXATION, BANKRUPTCY COSTS, AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE DECISIONS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A MULTI‐PERIOD CAPITAL ASSET PRICING MODEL
Authors: McDougall F. M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this paper, a multi‐period version of the CAPM is used to establish conditions for an optimal capital structure in the presence of a tax on corporate earnings, and bankruptcy costs. It is shown that the optimal point is reached when the marginal tax advantage arising from an increase in debt, is equal to the marginal increase in expected bankruptcy penalties.
Restrictive Covenants and Accounting Information in the Market for Convertible Notes: Further Evidence
Authors: Stokes Don , Leong Tay Kok 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:This survey extends Whittred and Zimmer's [1986] survey of the restrictive covenants and accounting rules negotiated in debenture, unsecured and convertible note deeds by analysing the contents of 84% of convertible note deeds issued between 1976 and 1985. The paper also examines negotiated reporting obligations and controls for regulatory effects on the covenants and accounting rules. Conclusions from the survey are compared to those of Whittred and Zimmer [1986].
The Gordon‐Shapiro Dividend Growth Formula and Inflation
Authors: Lally Martin 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:The share valuation model which discounts expected dividends is widely accepted in the finance literature. Beyond some point a constant growth rate in expected ividends is assumed. The accepted specification of this growth rate involves a constant retention rate for earnings, and is valid under no inflation. This paper derives the corresponding nominal formula under inflation using a retention rate defined in terms of inflation accounted earnings, and shows that its real counterpart is the accepted formula. It is also shown under inflation that the nominal formula using a retention rate defined in terms of historic cost earnings is considerably more complicated, and that a major error in share valuation results from mistakenly assuming the accepted formula to be valid in nominal terms with a retention rate defined in terms of inflation accounted earnings.
CV OR NOT CV? THAT IS THE QUESTION
Authors: Patterson Cleveland S. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:There is considerable confusion and contradiction in the standard finance textbooks regarding the question as to whether investment risks should be estimated using the standard deviation of possible outcomes, or their coefficient of variation. This confusion arises in part from failure to distinguish between the relative risk and the relative attractiveness of alternative projects. It also arises from failure to distinguish between the risk implications of market returns variability and those of accounting returns variability.
MANAGERIAL REMUNERATION AND ACCOUNTING FOR RECURRING EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
Authors: Hoffman Tony , Zimmer Ian 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Australian standard on income statements (AAS 1) was recently amended to require that extraordinary items be non‐recurring. Although the amendment applies from 1990, the Corporations Law requires that comparative financial statements for 1989, complying with the new rule, be included with the 1990 financial statements. Comparison of these with actual financial statements for 1989 indicates how the statements would have differed in 1989 if the standard had then required extraordinary items to be non‐recurring. The differences are investigated to partially explain cross sectional differences in firms' classification criteria. Results imply that managers who are remunerated highly (relative to the magnitude of the earnings of the firm) prefer to classify gains as operating and losses as extraordinary.