bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic scar: A mimicker of Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule on positron emission tomography/CT
Authors: Setty B , Blake MA , Holalkere NS , Blaszkowsky LS , Fischman A 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPositron emission tomography/CT is an established imaging method in the diagnosis and staging of cancers. 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (FDG) is the most commonly used radiotracer in positron emission tomography/CT. It is a tumour viability agent and usually its uptake within a lesion reflects the presence of a viable tumour tissue. However, false‐positive FDG uptake is known to occur in benign processes of either inflammatory or infectious aetiology. We describe FDG uptake at the site of laparoscopic scar that mimicked Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule in a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma. Here, the knowledge of the patient’s history and subtle imaging findings helped in accurate staging of the patient. In this case report, we emphasize the value of the knowledge of the patient history and awareness of different pitfalls of FDG to achieve a correct diagnosis on positron emission tomography/CT.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy: Equipment and technique
Authors: Vilmann Peter , Săftoiu Adrian 
Published: September 2006

AbstractEndoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS‐FNA) is currently performed on a routine basis at many endoscopic centers and it is evident that this procedure has a major impact on the therapeutic management of patients by obtaining a definite tissue diagnosis from lesions outlined by endosonography. The reported yield of EUS‐FNA is about 90–95%, with an overall sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 100%, respectively. Moreover, even minute lesions down to a size of 5 mm may be imaged and consequently biopsied. This Review describes the technique of EUS‐FNA in detail, based on a literature review and the authors’ extensive experience with this method. The endoscopes and needle systems available on the market are presented in detail. The biopsy procedure is carefully explained, as well as the preparation of the cytology smears. Finally, the limitations and complications of the procedure are reviewed in brief, stressing the low rate of complications (below 1–2%), most of them being minor and self‐limiting. Currently endosonography has strengthened its position as a diagnostic and staging method, especially after establishing the method of FNA biopsy. Thus, EUS‐FNA is very useful to establish an initial tissue diagnosis of malignancy, but also to accurately stage the patients preoperatively, influencing the decision‐making process and reducing the morbidity and mortality that accompanies inappropriate surgical interventions in patients with advanced cancer.
Phytoplankton primary production, chlorophyll‐a and nutrient concentrations in the water column of mountainous Lake Phewa, Nepal
Authors: Gurung Tek Bahadur , Dhakal Ram Prasad , Bista Jay Dev 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe seasonal patterns of phytoplankton primary production, chlorophyll‐a concentration, cell number and several other limnological variables in Lake Phewa, located in the active monsoon zone in Central Himalaya, Nepal, were studied for a year beginning in April 2001. During the study period, the gross primary production and chlorophyll‐a concentrations were relatively low during the monsoon season. The phytoplankton cell number, represented by 24 genera, also fluctuated seasonally, but tended to increase in the pre‐ and post‐monsoon period. These results suggest that the monsoon plays a crucial role in the primary production and phytoplankton dynamics for Lake Phewa. Among the phytoplankton species, Microcystis aeruginosa, a representative species for eutrophic lakes, was the dominant phytoplankton. At the same time, however, it is clear that the lake is not yet heavily eutrophic. The present study suggests that the exchange of lake water during the monsoon season contributes to maintaining the health of the lake against further degradation. Nevertheless, the silt carried in the monsoon rain run‐off from the lake's catchment area suggests increasingly serious degradation problems for this small mountainous lake.
Influence of influent tributaries on water quality changes in Lake Mogan, Turkey
Authors: Taşeli Başak K. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractLake Mogan, located in the steppes of central Anatolia, is a vital Turkish ecological system, in terms of its water resources, flora and fauna. The lake also is a unique recreational area for Ankara, the capital of Turkey. However, the lake is currently threatened by severe pollution, being under the risk of serious degradation because of (i) uncontrolled urbanization; (ii) point and non‐point source pollution; (iii) inefficient sewerage systems; (iv) sediment transportation and pollution via influent creeks to the lake; (v) uncontrolled soil erosion in its drainage basin; (vi) inappropriate flood control measures; and (vii) severe degradation of the natural wetlands within its drainage basin. This study evaluates the influence of its influent creeks on the water quality of Lake Mogan, mainly because the creeks are believed to be responsible for the major pollutant load reaching the lake, and because the extensive database documenting this situation has not previously been critically evaluated. Accordingly, this study reviews (i) change in the water quality of Lake Mogan between 1993 and 2002; (ii) the water quality classification of the major influent creeks feeding Lake Mogan; and (iii) the influence of the influent creeks on the water quality of the lake between 1993 and 2004.
Planning for integrated lake management in Uganda: Lessons for sustainable and effective planning processes
Authors: Nunan Fiona 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe international consensus on the need for integrated approaches for managing water resources has led to a plethora of integrated frameworks and strategies. The development of management plans for lakes and their drainage basins is part of the ‘integrated management’ agenda. Challenging questions, however, arise in regard to what integration actually means within the context of planning processes and systems, and for the management plans themselves. The limited literature on lake management planning emphasizes the need for a lead agency for planning and implementation. A relevant question is how does lake management planning relate to planning by local governments, national government departments and other stakeholder groups. The integrated lake management efforts in Uganda have led to the development of lake management plans that build on, and complement, existing local government processes and plans. Lessons from early lake management experiences indicate that establishing clear linkages in the planning processes, and within the plans themselves between lake management structures and local government, is essential for sustainability, coordination and resource mobilization. The development of lake management plans also strengthens existing local government planning systems, by providing a forum for sharing information, ideas and lessons. The lake management planning also supports the introduction of local governments to participatory, community‐based planning, as well as promoting intersectoral coordination.
Induction of parkin expression in the presence of oxidative stress
Authors: Yang Yan Xiang , Muqit Miratul M. K. , Latchman David S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Gene mutations have been found in rare familial forms of PD, with mutations in parkin being the most common cause. Oxidative stresses have also been implicated as an important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of PD. Currently, there is accumulating evidence that parkin may play a role in maintaining mitochondrial function and preventing oxidative stress. We demonstrated here that parkin is up‐regulated when SH‐SY5Y dopaminergic neuroblastoma cells are exposed to the oxidant dopamine.The up‐regulation of parkin appeared to be due to transcriptional activation as luciferase assays confirmed that specific parkin promoter constructs could confer enhanced transcriptional activation in response to dopamine. Moreover, this effect was also seen when SH‐SY5Y cells were subjected to another oxidative stress, 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium. In parallel with these studies, we also observed similar transcriptional activation of the parkin coregulated gene by oxidative stress. This is the first demonstration that parkin expression is up‐regulated by oxidative stresses and may suggest that this might be a general neuroprotective response of parkin to oxidative stresses.
Dynamic role of kallikrein 6 in traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Scarisbrick I. A. , Sabharwal P. , Cruz H. , Larsen N. , Vandell A. G. , Blaber S. I. , Ameenuddin S. , Papke L. M. , Fehlings M. G. , Reeves R. K. , Blaber M. , Windebank A. J. , Rodriguez M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractKallikrein 6 (K6) is a member of the kallikrein gene family that comprises 15 structurally and functionally related serine proteases. In prior studies we showed that, while this trypsin‐like enzyme is preferentially expressed in neurons and oligodendroglia of the adult central nervous system (CNS), it is up‐regulated at sites of injury due to expression by infiltrating immune and resident CNS cells. Given this background we hypothesized that K6 is a key contributor to the pathophysiology of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), influencing neural repair and regeneration. Examination of K6 expression following contusion injury to the adult rat cord, and in cases of human traumatic SCI, indicated significant elevations at acute and chronic time points, not only at the injury site but also in cord segments above and below. Elevations in K6 were particularly prominent in macrophages, microglia and reactive astrocytes. To determine potential effects of elevated K6 on the regeneration environment, the ability of neurons to adhere to and extend processes on substrata which had been exposed to recombinant K6 was examined. Limited (1 h) or excess (24 h) K6‐mediated proteolytic digestion of a growth‐facilitatory substrate, laminin, significantly decreased neurite outgrowth. By contrast, similar hydrolysis of a growth‐inhibitory substrate, aggrecan, significantly increased neurite extension and cell adherence. These data support the hypothesis that K6 enzymatic cascades mediate events secondary to spinal cord trauma, including dynamic modification of the capacity for axon outgrowth.
The pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms after brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Blaivas Jerry G. , Weiss Jeffrey P. , Jones Mark 
Published: September 2006

Brachytherapy for prostate cancer has many good effects, but is also associated, like every treatment, with side‐effects, some of which have been previously reported in the BJU International. In this section, authors from New York assessed the pathophysiology underlying LUTS which persisted for at least 6 months after brachytherapy, and found a relatively high incidence of detrusor overactivity and other conditions affecting the lower urinary tract.OBJECTIVESTo determine the spectrum of pathophysiology underlying the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) persisting for ≥ 6 months after brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSA database of men from two practice settings was searched for men who developed LUTS persisting for ≥ 6 months after completing brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. Patients were evaluated with a structured history and physical examination, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 24‐h voiding diary, noninvasive free‐flow uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), cystoscopy and a video‐urodynamic study. Specific data collected included symptoms, elapsed time since brachytherapy, Gleason score, IPSS, total number of voids/24 h, maximum voided volume, cystoscopic findings, and urodynamics findings (PVR, maximum urinary flow rate, Schaefer obstruction grade, Watts factor, incidence of detrusor overactivity (DO) urethral obstruction and low bladder compliance). These data were compared with those from a previous study of men with LUTS who did not have prostate cancer.RESULTSThe study included 47 men (aged 54–88 years); the median (range) interval between brachytherapy and evaluation was 1.5 (0.5–13) years. Thirty‐seven men complained of overactive bladder symptoms (79%), and 31 of incontinence (71%), 21 of obstructive symptoms (44%), and persistent dysuria in 12 (26%). Comparison of urodynamic findings in men with unselected causes of LUTS vs LUTS due to brachytherapy revealed the following comparisons: DO in 252 of 541 (47%) unselected vs 28 of 33 (85%) brachytherapy, (P < 0.001); and urethral obstruction in 374 of 541 (69%) unselected vs 24 of 33 (73%) brachytherapy (P = 0.85).CONCLUSIONThe pathophysiology and severity of persistent LUTS in men after brachytherapy differs from that of men with LUTS in the general population. Men after brachytherapy have a much higher incidence of DO, prostatic and urethral strictures and prostatic urethral stones.
The role of prolactin levels in the sexual activity of married men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Paick Jae‐Seung , Yang Ji Hyun , Kim Soo Woong , Ku Ja Hyeon 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) including anthropometry, hormones, metabolic profiles and lifestyle, on sexual activity in married men with ED.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 261 men (mean age 53.7 years, range 23–80), who were evaluated for anthropometry, hormone levels, metabolic profiles and lifestyle factors. Erectile function was evaluated using the self‐administered International Index of Erectile Function. Patients were classified into two groups based on the six‐item erectile‐function domain, as those with sexual activity and those without.RESULTSOf all patients, 62.5% (163 of 261) had no sexual activity (erectile‐function domain score <6). There was a significant difference in mean (sem) prolactin level between patients with and with no sexual activity, at 4.8 (0.4) vs 6.8 (0.7) (P = 0.013). Of all patients, 73.7% (42 of 57) with diabetes had no sexual activity, while 59.3% (121 of 204) without diabetes had (P = 0.048). In a multivariate model, a higher prolactin level was associated with a greater likelihood of sexual inactivity (odds ratio 1.094; 95% confidence interval, 1.010–1.185; P = 0.028) but diabetes lost its statistical significance. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for prolactin was 60.5% (95% confidence interval, 52.9–68.1%; P = 0.009) for sexual inactivity. No other factors were significant in this regard.CONCLUSIONOur findings suggest that prolactin levels might play a role in sexual activity in men with ED.
An aqueous garlic extract alleviates water avoidance stress‐induced degeneration of the urinary bladder
Authors: Sağlam Beyhan , Çikler Esra , Zeybek Ali , Çetinel Şule , Şener Göksel , Ercan Feriha 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) on the water‐avoidance stress (WAS)‐induced degeneration of the urinary bladder in a rat model.MATERIALS AND METHODSWistar albino rats were exposed to WAS for 2 h/day for 5 days (WAS group), after which, AGE (1 mL/kg) was injected intraperitoneally into the rats (WAS + AGE group). Urinary bladder samples were investigated with both light and scanning electron microscopy, and lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels were also measured in the samples.RESULTSIn the WAS group there was inflammatory cell infiltration, more mast cells and ulcerated areas in the mucosa. In the WAS + AGE group there was relatively normal urothelial alignment, moderate inflammatory cell infiltration and fewer mast cells in the mucosa. The increased lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione levels in WAS rats were reversed by AGE treatment.CONCLUSIONSThese results show that AGE has a protective effect on WAS‐induced degenerative changes in the urinary bladder.
A longitudinal observational study of insulin therapy and glycaemic control in Scottish children with Type 1 diabetes: DIABAUD 3
Authors:   Scottish Study Group for the Care of the Young with Diabetes
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective/background  Our objective was to investigate glycaemic control in children with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland and to analyse the effect of changing ‘conventional’ insulin regimen strategies on outcome. DIABAUD 2 (1997–1998) (D2) demonstrated that average glycaemic control in young people with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland was poor, with mean HbA1c of 9.0%. Over 90% were then treated with a twice‐daily insulin regimen. The aim of DIABAUD 3 (2002–2004) (D3) was to determine if control had improved, and to examine changes in insulin regimen and effects on glycaemic control.Methods  In DIABAUD 3, data were collected prospectively on children aged < 15 years. in nine out of 15 centres throughout Scotland. HbA1c on 986 subjects was measured in a single Diabetes Control and Complications Trial‐aligned laboratory. The results were compared with those from DIABAUD 2, for the same nine centres. Multiple regression comparison was performed to adjust for imbalance in relevant confounders (e.g. age, duration, height and weight, insulin dose and centre).Results  For D3, the age range was 1.1–14.9 years (62% aged 10–14 years), mean (± sd) HbA1c 9.2% ± 1.5 (compared with D2, 9.0% ± 1.5). Only 9.7% achieved the target of HbA1c < 7.5%. The number of subjects in D3 on twice‐daily injections was 51% (compared with 94% in D2), 43% on three‐times‐daily injections (2% in D2) and 2.3% on four or more (1.9% in D2): HbA1c did not differ in these groups. In both the D2 and D3 cohorts, HbA1c rose with age. After adjustment for other variables in the combined datasets, insulin regimen was not a significant predictor of HbA1c (F = 0.19, d.f. = 3, 1774; P = 0.90).Conclusion  The glycaemic control in young people in Scotland remains poor and above the national target. Over 4 years, moderate intensification of insulin therapy (i.e. from two to three injections each day, usually reflecting splitting of the evening dose) across the population failed to improve the average HbA1c and reduce the increase seen with age. A national programme away from ‘conventional’ to an ‘intensive’ regimen of insulin therapy is required.
Type 2 diabetes and inheritance: what information do diabetes organizations provide on the Internet?
Authors: Van Esch S. C. M. , Cornel M. C. , Snoek F. J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  The worldwide epidemic of Type 2 diabetes necessitates preventive actions. Providing information to high‐risk populations is key. In an international comparison of websites, we aimed to investigate the presence and quality of information provided by diabetes organizations on inheritance of Type 2 diabetes and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle targeted at those with a family history or belonging to a specific ethnic population.Methods  All websites included in the International Diabetes Federation member list in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish and Japanese were included for assessment. Using qualitative content analysis, we reviewed 34 websites which provided health‐related information on diabetes.Results  Most websites mention family history as a risk factor. However, an explanation of the interaction of lifestyle factors and increased genetic susceptibility is lacking. Ethnicity is mentioned in only half of the sites describing risk factors. Although most websites do provide information on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, they do not address specific high‐risk groups. Only two websites encourage Type 2 diabetic patients to inform family members of the familial character of diabetes.Conclusions  Information on inheritance of Type 2 diabetes and prevention specifically targeted at high‐risk groups on the Internet by diabetes organizations is often of poor quality or indeed is lacking. Efforts should be made to disseminate information on heredity of Type 2 diabetes and preventive options to the general public and high‐risk populations.
Maternal glucose levels influence birthweight and ‘catch‐up’ and ‘catch‐down’ growth in a large contemporary cohort
Authors: Stenhouse E. , Wright D. E. , Hattersley A. T. , Millward B. A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  To explore the effects of maternal glucose on birthweight, infant and childhood growth in non‐diabetic pregnant women using routinely collected data.Methods  Routinely collected data were extracted retrospectively from two clinical databases. These data comprised measurements of maternal random plasma glucose, infant birthweight, infant and child weight and height at 6–8 weeks, 24–36 weeks and 96–120 weeks in 6263 cases. After data cleaning, 4681 were analysed.Results  When the data were analysed in thirds, a positive association between birthweight standard deviation scores (SDS), weight SDS and height SDS with maternal random plasma glucose (RPG) was observed. Regression analysis of birthweight SDS and RPG was significant (P < 0.001). Babies were ∼48 g heavier at birth for each 1 mmol/l increase of mother's RPG. Infants who showed ‘catch‐up’ growth (as shown by change in weight SDS) at 2 years were born to mothers with lower glucose levels than infants who showed ‘catch‐down’ growth (P < 0.001).Conclusions  Random maternal glucose concentrations (taken at 28 weeks’ gestation) in the normal range are positively related to birthweight. Glucose concentrations also predict greater weight and length in infancy. Despite this, babies born to mothers with higher glucose concentrations within the normal range show significant ‘catch‐down’ growth in infancy as shown by a fall in weight SDS.
Family average income and diagnosed Type 2 diabetes in urban and rural residents in regional mainland China
Authors: Xu F. , Yin X. M. , Zhang M. , Leslie E. , Ware R. , Owen N. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAims  To explore the relationship between family average income (FAI; an index of socio‐economic status) and Type 2 diabetes in a region of mainland China.Methods  Population‐based cross‐sectional study, conducted between October 2000 and March 2001 in administrative villages (n = 45) randomly selected from three urban districts and two rural counties of NanJing municipality, mainland China, with a regional population of 5.6 million. Participants were all local residents aged ≥ 35 years old (n = 29 340); 67.7% from urban areas, 32.3% from rural areas, 49.8% male and 50.2% female.Results  The response rate of eligible participants was 90.1%. The overall prevalence of self‐reported Type 2 diabetes was 1.9%. After adjustment for possible confounding variables (age, gender, area of residence, body mass index, educational level, smoking status, occupational and leisure‐time physical activity), participants in the higher and middle FAI categories were more than twice as likely to have Type 2 diabetes as those in the lower FAI category.Conclusions  The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is positively related to socio‐economic status (indexed by FAI) in Chinese at the population level. After controlling for potential confounding factors, people in higher socio‐economic status groups are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes. These associations are consistent with other effects of epidemiological transition and identify a need for preventive initiatives.