bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Identifying patient readmission subtypes from unplanned readmissions to hospitals in Hong Kong: A cluster analysis
Authors: Chan Moon‐fai , Wong Frances K. Y. , Chang Katherine , Chow Susan , Chung Loretta , Lee Wai‐man , Lee Rance 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt has been conjectured with regard to patient readmission patterns that there might be significant differences in patient characteristics, need factors, enabling resources, and health behavior. The aim of this study was to identify the profiles of readmitted patients in Hong Kong (n = 120) based on their predisposing characteristics, needs, health behavior, and enabling resources. All the readmitted patients were recruited to the study in three hospitals from 2003 to 2005. A cluster analysis yielded three clusters: Clusters 1, 2, and 3 constituted 27.5% (n = 33), 27.5% (n = 33), and 45.0% (n = 54) of the total sample, respectively. The study results show that community nurse services do affect the rate at which patients are admitted to hospital for a second time. The findings might help by providing important information that will enable health‐care policy‐makers to identify strategies to target a specific group of patients in the hope of reducing its readmission rate.
Clinical outcome of high‐grade non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: A long‐term single center experience
Authors: Iida Shoichi , Kondo Tsunenori , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Goya Nobuyuki , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To report on the long‐term clinical outcome of high‐grade (G3) non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients treated at a single institution.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 93 patients with NMIBC treated between January 1991 and September 2005 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of treatment they received after transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder. Forty‐seven patients received adjuvant intravesical epirubicine after TUR of the bladder (Group 1). Twenty‐four patients received intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) (Group 2). A radical cystectomy (RC) was performed on twenty‐two patients (Group 3).Results:  Median follow up was 68.7 months. Overall, thirty patients (33%) experienced tumor recurrence. The survival rates of Group 3 were significantly higher than the 71 patients undergoing conservative therapy (Group 1 and 2). There was no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and 2, but treatment failure in patients treated with epirubicine was significantly higher than in those with BCG. Cases without concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS) showed statistically significantly higher survival rates than those with concomitant CIS.Conclusions:  RC provides excellent survival rates in patients with high‐grade NMIBC. Adjuvant therapy with BCG after a complete TUR of the bladder may be an effective treatment for high‐grade NMIBC. If a conservative treatment is preferred to RC, co‐existence of a concomitant CIS should be considered with caution.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and their impact on quality of life after successful renal transplantation
Authors: Mitsui Takahiko , Shimoda Naohiko , Morita Ken , Tanaka Hiroshi , Moriya Kimihiko , Nonomura Katsuya 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  To investigate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their impact on quality of life (QOL) in patients having undergone renal transplantation (RTX).Methods:  Forty‐three patients (25 males and 18 females; age 20–68 years) undergoing RTX at Hokkaido University Hospital were included in this study. Median follow‐up after RTX was 41 months (range 6–184). Pre‐transplant dialysis had been carried out in 38 patients (median: 4.3 years, range: 1 month–31 years). All patients were assessed by uroflowmetry (UFM), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), 24 h bladder diary, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). QOL score and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were used for the assessment of LUTS‐related QOL.Results:  Mean fluid intake volume and urine output volume for 24 h were 2136 mL (1150–3430 mL) and 2446 mL (1336–4733 mL), respectively. Voiding dysfunction assessed by UFM and PVR was observed in 12 patients (28%) showing higher IPSS. QOL score and overall QOL in KHQ were not different between patients with and without voiding dysfunction. Although 19 (49%) had polyuria, 20 (51%) had nocturnal polyuria, which affected nocturia in IPSS as well as sleep/energy disturbances in KHQ compared with patients without nocturnal polyuria.Conclusions:  Patients having RTX frequently present voiding dysfunction and nocturia basically caused by nocturnal polyuria. We should focus on LUTS in these patients to provide an appropriate management.
Near real‐time, autonomous detection of marine bacterioplankton on a coastal mooring in Monterey Bay, California, using rRNA‐targeted DNA probes
Authors: Preston Christina M. , Marin Roman , Jensen Scott D. , Feldman Jason , Birch James M. , Massion Eugene I. , DeLong Edward F. , Suzuki Marcelino , Wheeler Kevin , Scholin Christopher A. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryA sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) was developed to detect 16S rRNAs indicative of phylogenetically distinct groups of marine bacterioplankton in a 96‐well plate format as well as low‐density arrays printed on a membrane support. The arrays were used in a field‐deployable instrument, the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP). The SHA employs a chaotropic buffer for both cell homogenization and hybridization, thus target sequences are captured directly from crude homogenates. Capture probes for seven of nine different bacterioplankton clades examined reacted specifically when challenged with target and non‐target 16S rRNAs derived from in vitro transcribed 16S rRNA genes cloned from natural samples. Detection limits were between 0.10–1.98 and 4.43– 12.54 fmole ml−1 homogenate for the 96‐well plate and array SHA respectively. Arrays printed with five of the bacterioplankton‐specific capture probes were deployed on the ESP in Monterey Bay, CA, twice in 2006 for a total of 25 days and also utilized in a laboratory time series study. Groups detected included marine alphaproteobacteria, SAR11, marine cyanobacteria, marine group I crenarchaea, and marine group II euryarchaea. To our knowledge this represents the first report of remote in situ DNA probe‐based detection of marine bacterioplankton.
Comparative analysis of magnetosome gene clusters in magnetotactic bacteria provides further evidence for horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Jogler Christian , Kube Michael , Schübbe Sabrina , Ullrich Susanne , Teeling Hanno , Bazylinski Dennis A. , Reinhardt Richard , Schüler Dirk 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe organization of magnetosome genes was analysed in all available complete or partial genomic sequences of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), including the magnetosome island (MAI) of the magnetotactic marine vibrio strain MV‐1 determined in this study. The MAI was found to differ in gene content and organization betweenMagnetospirillumspecies and strains MV‐1 or MC‐1. Although a similar organization of magnetosome genes was found in all MTB, distinct variations in gene order and sequence similarity were uncovered that may account for the observed diversity of biomineralization, cell biology and magnetotaxis found in various MTB. While several magnetosome genes were present in all MTB, others were confined toMagnetospirillumspecies, indicating that the minimal set of genes required for magnetosome biomineralization might be smaller than previously suggested. A number of novel candidate genes were implicated in magnetosome formation by gene cluster comparison. Based on phylogenetic and compositional evidence we present a model for the evolution of magnetotaxis within theAlphaproteobacteria, which suggests the independent horizontal transfer of magnetosome genes from an unknown ancestor of magnetospirilla into strains MC‐1 and MV‐1.
High‐intensity focused ultrasound for localized prostate cancer: initial experience with a 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Challacombe Benjamin J. , Murphy Declan G. , Zakri Rhana , Cahill Declan J. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo report on the short‐term functional and oncological results, from one institution, of high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treating localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSOver a 3‐year period, 43 patients with localized prostate cancer were scheduled for HIFU in the primary (31) and salvage (12) settings using a second‐generation AblathermTM device (EDAP, Lyon, France). Oncological failure was defined by several criteria, including biochemical failure (assessed using both the Phoenix definition of the nadir + 2 ng/mL) and the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) trial endpoint of a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of ≥0.5 ng/mL, or starting salvage therapy, or the presence of cancer on biopsy after treatment.RESULTSThree patients had their procedures abandoned due to technical limitations/rectal wall thickness. The mean PSA levels in the primary and salvage groups were 9.2 and 5.1 ng/mL, respectively. The mean HIFU treatment time in the primary and salvage groups was 71.1 and 63.3 min, respectively. Using the Phoenix definition of biochemical failure, HIFU treatment failed in 13 patients in the primary group (46%) and five in the salvage group. Using the FDA trial endpoint, HIFU failed in 21 patients in the primary group (75%) and eight in the salvage group. One man died from metastatic prostate cancer 18 months after salvage HIFU. There were two urethral strictures in the primary (7%) and one in the salvage treatment group. There were two prostato‐rectal fistulae in the salvage HIFU group.CONCLUSIONSHIFU is proposed to be a minimally invasive low‐morbidity ablative treatment for localized prostate cancer, and with good efficacy. The present limited series is unable to support these claims. There were significant rates of complications and oncological failure in both the primary and salvage setting. As a result we have suspended our programme pending further evidence of its safety and efficacy.
Have phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors changed the indications for penile implants?
Authors: Cortés‐González Jeff R. , Glina Sidney 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the indications for penile prosthesis implantation in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) before and after the introduction of sildenafil.PATIENTS AND METHODSPenile prosthesis implantation was indicated in 144 men with ED at our institution between 1992 and 2007; 83 (55.6%) accepted the procedure, 55 (38.2%) refused it and six (4.2%) accepted but eventually had no surgery. Sixty‐seven patients were operated primarily, and the remainder were referred cases with complications after or dissatisfaction with primary operations done elsewhere. Thirty‐two were operated before the introduction of sildenafil (BS) and 35 after (AS).RESULTSIn the BS group the most frequent aetiology was vascular disease, with 11(34%) vs two (6%) in the AS group. The most frequent aetiology in the AS group was previous radical pelvic surgery (radical prostatectomy, sigmoidectomy, etc.) with 17 (49%) vs none in the BS group. There were no significant differences in complication rates in both groups. Satisfaction rates in patients with malleable and inflatable devices were 36 (86%) and 17 (85%), respectively.CONCLUSIONSAfter the introduction of oral therapy for ED there were some changes in the aetiology of refractory ED; ED after radical prostatectomy is gaining acceptance as the main reason for a penile implant.
Body mass index as a prognostic marker for biochemical recurrence in Dutch men treated with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Van Roermund Joep G.H. , Kok Dieuwertje E.G. , Wildhagen Mark F. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Struik Femke , Sloot Sarah , Van Oort Inge M. , Hulsbergen‐van de Kaa Christina A. , Van Leenders Geert J.L.H. , Bangma Chris H. , Witjes J. Alfred 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether body mass index (BMI) is a prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence (BCR) in Dutch men after radical prostatectomy (RP), as although epidemiological studies of obesity in relation to prostate cancer have provided conflicting results, recent studies from the USA suggest that a higher BMI is a risk factor for progression of prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSOf the 1417 patients with prostate cancer who had RP at two University hospitals, 1302 were included in the present study. BMI (kg/m2) classes were defined as normal (<25), overweight (25–30) and obese (≥30). The median follow‐up was 59 months and clinical data were obtained retrospectively from charts. BCR was defined as two consecutive prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels of >0.1 ng/mL.RESULTSIn all, 600 patients were classified as having normal weight (43.9%), 665 as overweight (48.6%) and 103 as obese (7.5%). Overall, 297 patients developed BCR after RP; the 10‐year risk (95% confidence interval) of BCR was 31.9 (26.6–37.2)%, 30.5  (25.8–35.2)% and 23.9 (14.9–32.9)% for patients in the three categories, respectively (P = 0.836). Multivariable proportional hazard regression analyses of BMI and established prognostic factors for BCR did not change these results.CONCLUSIONBMI appeared to have no prognostic value for BCR in Dutch patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and treated with RP.
Thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy in men with refractory urinary retention
Authors: Bach Thorsten , Herrmann Thomas R.W. , Haecker Axel , Michel Maurice S. , Gross Andreas 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet (YAG) laser prostatectomy in patients with an indwelling transurethral catheter due to recurrent urinary retention secondary to benign prostatic obstruction.PATIENTS AND METHODSPreoperative data and postoperative outcome, as well as complications, were recorded in 65 patients with a history of recurrent urinary retention before surgery (group A), who were compared with a group of 143 men with no recurrent urinary retention (group B).RESULTSThe mean (sd) volume of the prostate was 45.6 (22.5) and 43.1 (24.5) mL in groups A and B, respectively. The respective preoperative prostate‐specific antigen levels were 3.6 (7.8) and 2.8 (6.4) ng/mL, the surgical duration 72.4 (28.9) and 65.6 (28.6) min, the mean laser time and energy 32.5 (11.8) min/140.7 (42.1) kJ and 29.4 (11.6) min/117.6 (11.6) kJ, the maximum urinary flow rate after surgery 19.6 (11.2) and 19.1 (9.6) mL/s, and the postvoid residual urine volume 26.7 (36.3) and 20.6 (27.3) mL. Recorded complications were: bleeding, at 3% in group A and 1.4% in group B; urinary tract infection 15.4% and 4.2%; and a second procedure, 3% and 2.3%. Overall, complications were more frequent in group A (P = 0.02).CONCLUSIONThulium:YAG prostatectomy is feasible and effective, even in patients with potentially impaired detrusor function. The long‐term durability of these promising results has yet to be confirmed.
Food and eating as social practice – understanding eating patterns as social phenomena and implications for public health
Authors: Delormier Treena , Frohlich Katherine L. , Potvin Louise 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGlobally, public health agencies recognise obesity trends among populations as a priority. Explanations for population obesity patterns are linked to obesogenic environments and societal trends which encourage patterns of overeating and little physical activity. However, obesity prevention and nutrition intervention focus predominantly on changing individual level eating behaviours. Disappointingly, behaviour‐based nutrition education approaches to changing population eating patterns have met with limited success. Sociological perspectives propose that underlying social relations can help explain collective food and eating patterns, and suggest an analysis of the sociocultural context for understanding population eating patterns. We propose a theoretical framework for the examination of eating patterns as social phenomena. Giddens’ structuration theory, in particular his concept of social practices understood as an interplay of ‘agency’ and ‘social structure’ (rules and resources), is used to study food choice patterns. We discuss the application of these concepts for understanding routine food choice practices of families, elaborating how rules and resources configure the enabling or constraining conditions under which actors make food choices. The framework assists in characterising how social structural properties are integral to food choice practices, and could direct attention to these when considering nutrition interventions aimed at changing population eating patterns.
‘So forget how old I am!’ Examining age identities in the face of chronic conditions
Authors: Rozario Philip A. , Derienzis Daniel 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study examines the construction of age identity among older people with chronic conditions. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 45 participants from two senior centres. Applying symbolic interactionism and the concept of stigma to participants’ narratives, we identified three categories of age identities: definitely old; definitely not old; and ambivalent about their age identity. Further, we examined the metaphors of agelessness and the mask of ageing, the relationship between chronological age and age identity as well as the age‐related stereotypes that older people offered in their narratives of their experience of old age. Ideas about the meaning of old age itself varied, with some focusing on predominantly negative descriptors, while others saw it positively, i.e. as a time allowing for more freedom and self‐exploration. The influence of chronic conditions on older adults’ age identities is more complex and nuanced than the characterisations promoted by ageist stereotypes.
Risk factors in pregnancy for post‐traumatic stress and depression after childbirth
Authors: Söderquist J , Wijma B , Thorbert G , Wijma K 
Published: February 2009

Objective The objective of this study was to find risk factors in pregnancy for post‐traumatic stress and depression 1 month after childbirth. Furthermore, the relation between post‐traumatic stress and depression was explored.Design A prospective longitudinal study.Setting Pregnant women in Linköping and Kalmar, Sweden.Population A total of 1224 women were assessed in pregnancy, week 12–20 and 32, as well as 1 month postpartum.Methods Post‐traumatic stress and depression after delivery were assessed 1 month postpartum. Potential risk factors were assessed in early and late pregnancy. Variables measured during pregnancy were trait anxiety, depression, fear of childbirth, childbirth‐related traumatic stress, stress coping capacity, social support, parity, educational level, age, gestation week, parity, educational level, civil status, previous psychological/psychiatric counselling, and previous experience of any traumatic events. Delivery mode was assessed from the medical records.Main outcome measures Prevalence of post‐traumatic stress (criteria A, B, C, D, E, and F according to DSM‐IV) and depression (Beck’s depression inventory).Results One month postpartum, 12 (1.3%) women had post‐traumatic stress (met symptom criteria B, C, and D for post‐traumatic stress disorder according to Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition [DSM‐IV]). The most important risk factors in pregnancy were depression in early pregnancy (OR = 16.3), severe fear of childbirth (OR = 6.2), and ‘pre’‐traumatic stress (in view of the forthcoming delivery) in late pregnancy (OR = 12.5). The prevalence of depression was 5.6%. Post‐traumatic stress and depression were positively related 1 month postpartum and were predicted by mainly the same factors.Conclusions Risk factors for post‐traumatic stress and depression after childbirth can be assessed in early pregnancy. Post‐traumatic stress and depression also seem to share the same underlying vulnerability factors.
The effect of urinary incontinence status during pregnancy and delivery mode on incontinence postpartum. A cohort study*
Authors: Wesnes SL , Hunskaar S , Bo K , Rortveit G 
Published: February 2009

Objective  The objectives of this study were to investigate prevalence of urinary incontinence at 6 months postpartum and to study how continence status during pregnancy and mode of delivery influence urinary incontinence at 6 months postpartum in primiparous women.Design  Cohort study.Setting  Pregnant women attending routine ultrasound examination were recruited to the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).Population  A total of 12 679 primigravidas who were continent before pregnancy.Methods  Data are from MoBa, conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Data are based on questionnaires answered at week 15 and 30 of pregnancy and 6 months postpartum.Main outcome measures  Urinary incontinence 6 months postpartum is presented as proportions, odds ratios and relative risks (RRs).Results  Urinary incontinence was reported by 31% of the women 6 months after delivery. Compared with women who were continent during pregnancy, incontinence was more prevalent 6 months after delivery among women who experienced incontinence during pregnancy (adjusted RR 2.3, 95% CI 2.2–2.4). Adjusted RR for incontinence after spontaneous vaginal delivery compared with elective caesarean section was 3.2 (95% CI 2.2–4.7) among women who were continent and 2.9 (95% CI 2.3–3.4) among women who were incontinent in pregnancy.Conclusion  Urinary incontinence was prevalent 6 months postpartum. The association between incontinence postpartum and mode of delivery was not substantially influenced by incontinence status in pregnancy. Prediction of a group with high risk of incontinence according to mode of delivery cannot be based on continence status in pregnancy.
Regulation of the Ras‐GTPase activating protein neurofibromin by C‐tail phosphorylation: implications for protein kinase C/Ras/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 pathway signaling and neuronal differentiation
Authors: Leondaritis George , Petrikkos Loizos , Mangoura Dimitra 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPKC, Ras, and ERK1/2 signaling is pivotal to differentiation along the neuronal cell lineage. One crucial protein that may play a central role in this signaling pathway is the Ras GTPase‐activating protein, neurofibromin, a PKC substrate that may exert a positive role in neuronal differentiation. In this report, we studied the dynamics of PKC/Ras/ERK pathway signaling, during differentiation of SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells upon treatment with the PKC agonist, phorbol ester 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA). Surprisingly, we observed that, among other PKC‐dependent signaling events, TPA induced a rapid and sustained decrease of neurofibromin immunoreactivity which was not due to proteolysis. Instead, we identified a specific phosphorylation event at the C‐tail of neurofibromin. This phosphorylation was acute and correlated perfectly with the signaling dynamics of the Ras/ERK pathway. Moreover, it persisted throughout prolonged treatment and TPA‐induced differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells, concurrently with sustained activation of ERK1/2. Most importantly, C‐tail phosphorylation of neurofibromin correlated with a shift of neurofibromin localization from the nucleus to the cytosol. We propose that PKC‐dependent, sustained C‐tail phosphorylation is a requirement for prolonged recruitment of neurofibromin from the nucleus to the cytosol in order for a fine regulation of Ras/ERK pathway activity to be achieved during differentiation.