bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostate specific‐antigen distribution in asymptomatic Canadian men with no clinical evidence of prostate cancer
Authors: CHUN FELIX K.‐H. , PERROTTE PAUL , BRIGANTI ALBERTO , BENAYOUN SERGE , LEBEAU THIERRY , RAMIREZ ALVARO , LEWINSHTEIN DANIEL J. , VALIQUETTE LUC , GUAY JEAN‐PIERRE , KARAKIEWICZ PIERRE I. 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo examine prostate specific‐antigen (PSA) levels and percentage free/total PSA (f/tPSA) distributions as well as digital rectal examination (DRE) profiles in asymptomatic Canadian men with no established prostate cancer diagnosis, as recent data indicate that a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer is higher if his baseline PSA level is above the median for his age group.SUBJECTS AND METHODSWe used data obtained during an early prostate cancer‐detection event. An invitation to an onsite DRE, PSA level and f/tPSA assessment was accepted by 313 men. Serum PSA level and f/tPSA were measured before the DRE. A suspicious DRE and/or PSA level of ≥ 2.5 ng/mL or f/tPSA of ≤ 15% represented indications for a systematic 12‐core ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsy.RESULTSOf all the 313 men, most (235, 75%) had PSA levels of 0.01–1.53 ng/mL and an f/tPSA of >15% (285, 91.1%). The median (range) PSA level was 0.8 (0–34.2) ng/mL and f/tPSA was 27.4 (6.7–100)%. Age‐specific median PSA levels and f/tPSA were, respectively, 0.7, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5 ng/mL and 31%, 27%, 26%, 25% for men aged 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70–79 years. A suspicious DRE was recorded in 55 (17.6%) men, with eight (8.8%), 26 (20.0%), 14 (20.6%), and seven (28.9%) having suspicious DRE findings according to above age categories. Overall, seven (2.2%) prostate cancers were detected.CONCLUSIONThe median age‐specific baseline PSA levels and f/tPSA represent valuable indicators of prostate cancer risk. The population‐specific baseline median PSA level should not be >1.0 ng/mL and the baseline f/tPSA should be >30%. Men with values outside of these ranges should be considered at greater risk of prostate cancer.
Prognostic significance of the number of renal glomeruli in reflux nephropathy
Authors: MATSUOKA HIROFUMI , NAKASHIMA YUICHI , OSHIMA KAZUHIRO 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo monitor the decrease in the number of glomeruli in reflux nephropathy (RN) and to investigate its association with glomerular hypertrophy or clinical data, as some cases of RN progress to end‐stage renal failure, although the mechanism of progression remains unknown and is generally thought to depend on remnant normal renal tissue mass, i.e. the number of remnant renal glomeruli (functional nephrons).PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom 1987 onward, a renal biopsy was taken in 71 patients (mean age 8.08 years) in two institutions to estimate the prognosis of patients with RN. The number of glomeruli per unit area and glomerular size in grossly normal renal tissue specimens were determined to explore the potential association between these variables and the total renal scars, renal function (glomerular filtration rate, GFR), or daily urinary protein excretion.RESULTSThe number of glomeruli was closely correlated with the actual size of glomeruli (y = 14.783 − 0.052x, R = 0.782). To a lesser extent, the number of glomeruli was also closely correlated with the size of glomeruli expressed in sds (y = 6.264 − 0.832x, R = 0.630). There was a good correlation between the number of glomeruli and the extent of renal scarring, renal function, or daily urinary protein excretion, although its association with renal function (GFR) was least evident.CONCLUSIONThere was an association between the decrease in the number of glomeruli and glomerular hypertrophy, decreased renal function, or increased proteinuria. A renal biopsy taken from radiographically and macroscopically normal regions can be useful for assessing RN, and the size and number of glomeruli in the specimens might provide an important measure for estimating the prognosis of RN.
Gene expression profiling of renal cell carcinoma: a DNA macroarray analysis
Authors: LOVISOLO JON A.J. , CASATI BARBARA , CLERICI LIBERO , MARAFANTE ERMINIO , BONO ALDO V. , CELATO NICOLA , SALVADORE MAURIZIO 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVESTo examine differences in gene expression levels between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissue and ‘normal’ appearing renal tissue using a commercially available DNA macroarray.MATERIALS AND METHODSTissue was obtained from 47 consecutive radical nephrectomies, 29 of which were eligible. DNA macroarrays were analysed on the tumour and normal‐appearing control tissue to measure the expression of 1185 cancer‐related genes. The group of samples was also stratified according to the presence or absence of granular cells and according to tumour grade. Quantitative real‐time polymerase‐chain reaction (PCR) was also performed on seven key genes present on the macroarray.RESULTSIn all, 444 genes were over‐expressed and 33 genes were under‐expressed. Using selection criteria reduced the list to nine that were significantly over‐expressed and 23 that were under‐expressed. These significant genes belonged to the families of oncogenes, growth factors, interleukins, receptors, immune system components, cytoskeleton, matrix proteins and intracellular modulators, or they coded for proteins involved in DNA transcription and RNA translation, DNA repair, protein turnover, and metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. There were differences in gene expression according to the presence or absence of granular cells and according to tumour grade. Using quantitative real‐time PCR there was over‐expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, c‐myc, transforming growth factor‐α, vascular endothelial growth factor and vimentin, and under‐expression of TYRO3 protein tyrosine kinase. The von Hippel–Lindau gene was under‐expressed but not significantly.CONCLUSIONSA procedure for collecting and storing fresh renal tissue and subsequent gene expression profiling of RCC and normal renal tissue was established. A commercially available DNA macroarray coupled with the significance analysis of macroarrays allowed the identification of sets of differentially expressed cancer‐related genes that were characteristic of RCC, compared with apparently normal renal tissue, and which distinguished among subgroups divided according to tumour grade and histological subtype. Quantitative PCR is important to validate the results of macroarray experiments.
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: the case for nonsurgical treatment
Authors: ILIE CRISTIAN P. , PEMBERTON RICHARD J. , TOLLEY DAVID A. 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo review a 10‐year experience of medical treatment for idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), a rare condition of unknown causes, which may obstruct the ureter and for which treatment includes ureterolysis and relief of obstruction, and medical treatment with steroids with or without immunosuppressive medication.PATIENTS AND METHODSOf 31 patients with RPF treated between 1996 and 2004, 28 had idiopathic disease. Ureteric stents were used to relieve the obstruction in all patients, 12 had previous nephrostomies, 16 were given steroids and only one was treated with ureterolysis.RESULTSIn all, 28 patients were followed for a mean of 51.17 months; the symptoms were relieved in all cases. Renal function, where impaired, improved dramatically in all patients. Fifteen patients (54%) are free of stents and medication after a mean (range) follow‐up of 60.9 (24–110) months.CONCLUSIONIdiopathic RPF responds well to conservative management consisting of relief of urinary tract obstruction and steroids.
Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates embryonic urinary bladder development in organ culture
Authors: BURGU BERK , MCCARTHY LIAM S. , SHAH Vanita , LONG DAVID A. , WILCOX DUNCAN T. , WOOLF ADRIAN S. 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVESTo determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and its receptors are expressed during bladder development in mice when capillaries are forming, and whether exogenous VEGF might enhance the growth of endothelia and other types of bladder cells, using an embryonic organ‐culture model.MATERIALS AND METHODSWhole bladders from wild‐type mice, at embryonic day (E) 14, were grown in serum‐free organ culture in an air/5% CO2 atmosphere; some cultures were supplemented with VEGF and/or with VEGF receptor 1/Fc chimera (VEGFR1/Fc), which blocks VEGF bioactivity. Organs were harvested after 6 days and the expression of VEGF and related molecules assessed using immunohistochemistry.RESULTSVEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 positive cells were immunodetected in E14 and E18 bladders. Exogenous VEGF increased whole‐organ growth, as assessed by explant areas, total cell numbers, DNA and protein content; proliferation was enhanced, and apoptosis decreased, in urothelium and surrounding tissues. VEGF also increased the proportions of cells expressing endothelial (CD31) and smooth muscle (α smooth muscle actin) markers. VEGFR1/Fc blocked the growth‐enhancing effects of exogenous VEGF.CONCLUSIONSIn organ culture, exogenous VEGF not only stimulated embryonic bladder endothelial cells but also strikingly enhanced the growth of the whole organ. Whether the effects of VEGF on diverse bladder cell populations are direct or indirect requires further investigation. The finding that VEGF protein is present in embryonic bladders in vivo raises the possibility that it has similar actions during normal development. The results also illuminate the pathobiology of certain bladder diseases in which VEGF levels have been shown to be increased.
High‐grade and hormone‐treated prostate cancer express high levels of thymidylate synthase
Authors: INOUE TAKAHIRO , SEGAWA TAKEHIKO , SHIRAISHI TAIZO , YAMADA TOMOMI , KINUKAWA NAOKO , YOSHIDA TORU , TODA YOSHINOBU , SHIMIZU YOSUKE , NAKAMURA EIJIRO , KINOSHITA HIDEFUMI , KAMOTO TOSHIYUKI , OGAWA OSAMU 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the expression of thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in prostate tissue.MATERIALS AND METHODSTissue from 79 patients with localized prostate cancer was used. Thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression were determined semiquantitatively by immunohistochemistry.RESULTSThymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase immunostaining grades of benign tissue were significantly higher than those of cancer tissue (both P < 0.01). Cancer tissue with a primary Gleason grade of ≥ 4 expressed a higher thymidylate synthase staining grade than those with a primary Gleason grade of <4 (P < 0.01). Cancer tissue spots from patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy revealed significantly higher thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase grades than those with no neoadjuvant therapy (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSHigh thymidylate synthase expression in localized prostate cancer might reflect an aggressive status. High expression in high‐grade prostate cancers and prostate cancers after hormonal therapy suggest that thymidylate synthase could be a new therapeutic target for advanced prostate cancer.
Effect of dutasteride on the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and patient quality of life and discomfort, in clinical practice
Authors: DESGRANDCHAMPS FRANÇOIS , DROUPY STEPHANE , IRANI JACQUES , SAUSSINE CHRISTIAN , COMENDUCCI ANDREA 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess the improvements in symptoms, quality of life (QoL), discomfort and satisfaction in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with dutasteride in clinical practice.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a prospective, multicentre open‐label study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety in clinical practice of dutasteride, 0.5 mg/day for 24 weeks, in patients with symptomatic BPH. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving at least a 3‐point decrease from baseline in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) after 24 weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in measures of QoL (IPSS item 8 and BPH Impact Index score, BII), and patient discomfort and satisfaction (visual analogue scales, VAS) at 12 and 24 weeks.RESULTSOf the 366 patients assessed, 72.5% achieved at least a 3‐point reduction in IPSS at 24 weeks; the IPSS decreased from 15.3 at baseline to 10.2 at 12 weeks, and to 9.1 at 24 weeks. There were significant (P < 0.001) decreases in all the individual IPSS items at 12 and 24 weeks, with more marked improvements in voiding symptoms than storage symptoms. There were also significant (P < 0.001) improvements in the BII and VAS scores for patient discomfort and satisfaction at both times.CONCLUSIONSDutasteride treatment for 24 weeks significantly improved BPH symptoms, QoL and patient discomfort and satisfaction, and was well tolerated in clinical practice.
Plaque incision and fascia lata grafting in the surgical management of Peyronie’s disease
Authors: KALSI JAS S. , CHRISTOPHER NIM , RALPH DAVID J. , MINHAS SUKS 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess the outcome of using modified human fascia lata (TutoplastTM, Mentor Corp, Santa Barbara, CA, USA) in the surgical management of Peyronie’s disease (PD), as the penile deformity associated with PD can be corrected by plaque incision and saphenous vein grafting (Lue procedure).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 14 patients (mean age 51 years, range 34–59) with PD had their penile deformity corrected by plaque incision and Tutoplast grafting. Three patients had a previous unsuccessful Nesbit operation. The mean (range) penile deformity before surgery was 67.2 (20–90)° and the mean follow‐up was 31 (17–37) months.RESULTSUsing set criteria, 13 patients were satisfied (excellent or satisfactory) with the results of surgery. The penis was completely straight in 11 of 14 patients. One patient developedde novoerectile dysfunction after surgery. In 10 patients there was no penile shortening, whereas four reported penile shortening of >1 cm.CONCLUSIONFascia lata Tutoplast grafts provide a reliable and well tolerated biomaterial for penile reconstruction in PD. The outcome of using Tutoplast is similar to that from saphenous vein but without the morbidity associated with the donor site. However, there remains a significant risk of penile shortening and development of erectile dysfunction.
Nonpharmacological treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction using biofeedback and transcutaneous electrical stimulation: a pilot study
Authors: BARROSO UBIRAJARA , LORDÊLO PATRÍCIA , LOPES ANTÔNIO A. , ANDRADE JUAREZ , MACEDO ANTONIO , ORTIZ VALDEMAR 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo report a series of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) whose urge syndrome was treated by electrical stimulation, and their voiding dysfunction by biofeedback; none of the children were using anticholinergic drugs during treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 36 children who presented with symptoms of urinary urgency and/or daily incontinence completed the treatment and were prospectively evaluated. The mean (range) follow‐up was 13.8 (4–24) months, and their mean age 7 (3–14) years, 17 children were aged <5 years. The children were divided into two groups: group 1, with urge syndrome treated with superficial parasacral electrical stimulation, and group 2, with voiding dysfunction, treated with biofeedback.RESULTSIn group 1, the mean (range) number of electrical stimulation sessions was 13.1  (4–20). Of the 19 children treated, 12 had a complete clinical improvement, six a significant improvement, and one a mild improvement. In group 2, the mean (range) number of biofeedback sessions was 6 (4–14). Of the 17 children treated, there was complete improvement of symptoms in 10, significant improvement in two and mild improvement in five. Six children who had no resolution of symptoms after biofeedback had salvage therapy with electrical stimulation, after which four had complete improvement of symptoms, and two a 90% and 40% improvement, respectively. Taking the two groups together, after treatment, four children developed isolated episodes of urinary tract infection. Of 21 children with nocturnal enuresis, bed‐wetting continued in 13 (62%) after treatment.CONCLUSIONIn this short‐term follow‐up, the nonpharmacological treatment of voiding dysfunction using biofeedback, and of urge syndrome by electrical stimulation, was effective for treating LUTD in children.
Pioglitazone prevents corporal veno‐occlusive dysfunction in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: KOVANECZ ISTVAN , FERRINI MONICA G. , VERNET DOLORES , NOLAZCO GABY , RAJFER JACOB , GONZALEZ‐CADAVID NESTOR F. 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVESTo determine whether corporal veno‐occlusive dysfunction (CVOD), corporal smooth muscle (SM) loss, fibrosis and oxidative stress occur in a rat model of type 2 diabetes, and whether these are counteracted by pioglitazone, as pioglitazone is vasculoprotective, and corporal SM is an extension of arterial SM.MATERIALS AND METHODSMale obese Zucker fa/fa rats were fed chow containing 0%, 0.001% or 0.02% pioglitazone for 2 or 5 months, using untreated lean Zucker and Fischer 344 rats as controls. Functional changes were determined by dynamic‐infusion cavernosometry. Histological changes were assessed by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry followed by quantitative image analysis and/or quantitative Western blot.RESULTSCVOD was detected at 4.5 months of diabetes, accompanied by a lower corporal SM/collagen ratio, and increases in collagen, collagen III/I ratio, apoptotic index, and systemic and tissue oxidative stress. In the short‐term treatment, high‐dose pioglitazone normalized glycaemia and ameliorated fibrosis and oxidative stress, but induced CVOD, whereas the effects with the low dose were not significant. However, low‐dose pioglitazone for 5 months corrected all alterations.CONCLUSIONType 2 diabetes in Zucker fa/fa rats was associated with penile corporal fibrosis, oxidative stress, and CVOD, which were ameliorated by long‐term low‐dose pioglitazone, suggesting that this drug might protect the SM, independently from its antidiabetic effect.
Radical prostatectomy in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: HUANG WILLIAM C. , KWON ERIC O. , SCARDINO PETER T. , EASTHAM JAMES A. 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo present the complications and early outcomes in a small series of men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer, and to review reports on surgery in HIV‐positive patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSDuring 2002–2005, seven men infected with HIV underwent RP at our institution. For the five patients whose HIV status was known before surgery, we retrospectively examined preoperative variables, including HIV‐specific data (clinical category, CD4+ lymphocyte count, viral load, duration of HIV diagnosis, and opportunistic infections), and the complications and early outcomes after RP.RESULTSBefore RP all the patients were in the Center for Disease Control clinical category A (asymptomatic HIV infection). The CD4+ counts before RP ranged from 269–870 cells/µL and viral loads ranged from <50–18 700 copies/mL. Three patients were on highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) at the time of surgery. After RP, two patients had incisional wound infections, including one requiring re‐hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. During the follow‐up (median 26 months) none of the patients progressed to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or developed biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. One healthcare worker was exposed to contaminated urine and placed on prophylactic therapy, but has not sero‐converted.CONCLUSIONThe risk of peri‐operative complications in HIV‐positive patients can be minimized by carefully selecting the patient and procedure, and by measuring routine and HIV‐specific preoperative variables. The two infectious complications in this series were in patients with less favourable preoperative factors, i.e. the lowest CD4+ count and the highest viral load. Further experience is needed to determine whether the risk of surgical infections is higher in this cohort. However, our results are consistent with reports from other surgical specialities that surgery in asymptomatic HIV‐positive patients is safe and effective.
Tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of bicalutamide 300 mg, 450 mg or 600 mg as monotherapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, compared with castration
Authors: TYRRElL CHRIS J. , IVERSEN PETER , TAMMELA TEUVO , ANDERSON JOHN , BJÖRK THOMAS , KAISARY AMIR V. , MORRIS THOMAS 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the pharmacokinetics, tolerability and effect on endocrinology of bicalutamide given as once‐daily monotherapy at doses of >150 mg to patients with locally advanced (M0) or metastatic (M1) prostate cancer, with efficacy as a secondary endpoint.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients were initially enrolled to receive bicalutamide 300 mg in a non‐randomized phase, after which further patients were randomized to higher bicalutamide doses (in 150 mg increments) or castration. Overall, 248 patients received bicalutamide at 300 mg (21), 450 mg (95) or 600 mg (42), or castration (90).RESULTSSystemic exposure to bicalutamide stabilised at a dose of ≈ 300 mg, as determined by pharmacokinetic analysis. The tolerability of high doses of bicalutamide was similar to that of the 150 mg dose, with no increase in the incidence of adverse events. Patients receiving bicalutamide had early increases in the mean levels of oestradiol, testosterone and luteinizing hormone, which were maintained throughout the study. Levels of these hormones rapidly decreased in the castration group and remained low. From baseline (first day of treatment) to 12 weeks there was an equivalent reduction in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels across all four groups. At a median follow‐up of 5 years, there was no significant survival difference between patients who received bicalutamide and those who received castration, either in M0 or M1 disease.CONCLUSIONThe low median PSA level (180 ng/mL) of patients with M1 disease might account for the lack of survival difference between the treatment groups. Further studies are needed to assess whether high‐dose bicalutamide monotherapy can provide equivalent efficacy to castration in patients with M1 prostate cancer.
Functional erythropoietin deficiency in patients with Type 2 diabetes and anaemia
Authors: Thomas M. C. , Tsalamandris C. , MacIsaac R. , Jerums G. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAims  Anaemia is a common finding in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Impaired production of erythropoietin is thought to be the predominant cause, as a result of renal microvascular disease. This study aims to determine the prevalence of functional erythropoietin deficiency in a cross‐sectional survey of patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  Clinical data on 604 patients with Type 2 diabetes were obtained, including a full blood count, iron indices and detailed history of diabetic complications. Erythropoietin levels were correlated with the presence of anaemia, iron deficiency and renal dysfunction. Functional erythropoietin deficiency was defined by erythropoietin levels in the normal range despite the presence of anaemia.Results  Nineteen per cent of patients (n = 112) were anaemic, among whom erythropoietin deficiency (76%) and reduced iron availability (58%) were common findings. Over 90% of patients had erythropoietin deficiency, once those with reduced iron stores or availability were excluded. Most of these patients had moderate renal impairment (60%, n = 67). However, even in the absence of renal impairment, 71% of anaemic patients (n = 32/45) had functional erythropoietin deficiency, although most had other evidence of nephropathy. In addition, two‐thirds of patients with reduced iron availability were unable to increase erythropoietin above the normal range.Conclusions  These findings confirm the failure of the kidney to produce erythropoietin in response to a falling haemoglobin is a key component to anaemia in diabetes. The likelihood of functional erythropoietin deficiency as a cause of anaemia is not dependent on the severity of renal impairment or excluded in diabetic patients with reduced iron stores or availability.