bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance Study for Clinical Stage I Testicular Seminomas and Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Suzuki Ken‐ichi , Orikasa Seiichi , Hoshi Senji , Yoshikawa Kazuyuki , Imai Yoshitada , Aizawa Masataka , Nishimura Yousuke , Okada Yasuhiro , Ohnuma Tetsutaro , Ogata Yukihiko 
Published: July 2007

Background: Optimal therapy for stage I testicular tumors is still controversial. This study evaluated the efficacy of a surveillance policy for patients with testicular stage I seminomas and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). Methods: From 1984 to 1996, 24 patients with stage I semi noma and 20 with stage I NSGCT were fol lowed after radical orchiectomy with tumor markers and imaging studies. All patients were followed for at least 2 years except for those who recurred within 2 years. Recurrent patients were treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Results: The median follow‐up periods for seminoma and NSGCT patients were 41 and 54 months, respectively. Recurrences were detected in 2 seminoma (8.3%) and 10 NSGCT (50%) patients. Eleven of the 1 2 recurrent patients (92%) were detected within 2 years after orchiectomy. The seminoma patients both recurred in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, while 70% of the NSGCT patients recurred in the lung and/or retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The recurrent seminoma patients were treated with chemotherapy and are alive without disease for 1 7 and 24 months after orchiectomy. One NSGCT patient died of cancer, but the other 9 recurrent NSGCT patients are alive without disease at 25 to 11 3 months after orchiectomy. Conclusions: Surveillance alone is reliable for monitoring patients with stage I testicular seminoma and NSGCT. The majority of recurrences occurred within 2 years, necessitating intensive follow‐up for 3 years. As the lung metastatic rates in NSGCT patients were high, a more accurate assessment for lung metastasis is desirable in these patients.
Comparative Study between Corpus Cavernosum‐Electromyography Findings and Electron Microscopy of Cavernosal Muscle Biopsies in Erectile Dysfunction Patients
Authors: Başar M. Murat , Sargon Mustafa F. , Basar Halil , Atan Ali , Ak Fikri , ÇElik H. Hamdi , Başar Ruhgün , Akalin Zuhal 
Published: July 2007

Background: Biopsy and electrical activity recordings of the corpus cavernosum are 2 new diagnostic methods for the evaluation of impotent men. We evaluated the corpus cavernosum ultrastructure and electromyography (EMG) recordings from patients with erectile dysfunction. Methods: Twenty erectile dysfunction patients with veno‐occlusive dysfunction underwent a detailed history, physical examination, biochemical tests, hormonal analysis, injection of an intracavernous vasoactive agent (60 mg papaverine‐HCI), color penile Doppler ultrasonography, cavernosometry/ cavernosography and corpus cavernosum electromyography (CC‐EMG). Thirteen patients underwent total vein ligation and 7 had penile prosthesis implantations. Tissue samples were obtained during surgery from both corpora cavernosa and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Control corporal tissue samples were taken from 3 cadavers. Results: In 15 patients, CC‐EMG recordings were 15.6 ± 0.65 μV in the flaccid state, which decreased in 13 patients after papaverine (5.61 ± 0.25 μV; P < 0.001). Five patients with diabetes mellitus had low amplitudes in the flaccid state (5.26 ± 0.45 μV), which did not vary significantly after a papaverine injection (4.99 |pL 0.75 μV). The pathology of the corpus cavernosum biopsy specimens revealed a smooth muscle cell thickened basal membrane, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, and increased numbers of fibroblasts, but ultrastructurally normal endothelial cells lining the and sinusoids. There was no difference between samples from diabetic or nondiabetic patients, or from either side of the corpora cavernosa. The only pathologic change observed in the controls was mitochondrial swelling. Conclusion: CC‐EMG is less invasive and a valuable method in patients with erectile dysfunction, whereas no specific findings were observed from penile biopsy specimens.
Establishment and Characterization of a New Human Testicular Seminoma Cell Line, JKT‐1
Authors: Kinugawa Keigo , Hyodo Fuminori , Matsuki Takakazu , Jo Yoshimasa , Furukawa Yoji , Ueki Ayako , Tanaka Hiroyoshi 
Published: July 2007

Background: A new human testicular cancer cell line (JKT‐1) was established, successfully transplanted into nude mice, and has been maintained for over 2 years. We examined the biological characteristics of JKT‐1 cells. Methods: The original material for JKT‐1 was derived from a primary lesion of a left testicular seminoma (pure, typical‐type) from a 40‐year‐old male. The tumor tissue was minced and cultured according to the explant culture method. The cells grew as a monolayer with a doubling time of 28.5 hours. Results: JKT‐1 produced neither alpha‐fetoprotein or β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, but showed strong immunoreactivities for vimentin and placental alkaline phosphatase. A chromosomal analysis revealed a modal number of 66 with loss of the Y chromosome. Morphologically, JKT‐1 cells have a pleomorphic polygonal shape, an increase in the nuclear/cytoplasm ratio, and poor development of organelle and desmosome‐like cell‐cell junctions. JKT‐1 cells were subcutaneously transplanted into the backs of 6‐week‐old nude mice, and grew classical seminomatous tissue. Conclusion: This report profiled a seminoma cell line established for both in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. Future studies are planned to investigate germ cells using this seminoma line.
Functional analysis of cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter: re‐evaluation of the role of subdomains B5, B4 and B2 in promoter activity
Authors: Bhullar Simran , Datta Sudipta , Advani Sonia , Chakravarthy Suma , Gautam Taru , Pental Deepak , Burma Pradeep Kumar 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (35S) promoter is used extensively for transgene expression in plants. The promoter has been delineated into different subdomains based on deletion analysis and gain‐of‐function studies. However, cis‐elements important for promoter activity have been identified only in the domains B1 (as‐2 element), A1 (as‐1 element) and minimal promoter (TATA box). No cis‐elements have been described in subdomains B2–B5, although these are reported to be important for the overall activity of the 35S promoter. We have re‐evaluated the contribution of three of these subdomains, namely B5, B4 and B2, to 35S promoter activity by developing several modified promoters. The analysis of β‐glucuronidase gene expression driven by the modified promoters in different tissues of primary transgenic tobacco lines, as well as in seedlings of the T1 generation, revealed new facets about the functional organization of the 35S promoter. This study suggests that: (i) the 35S promoter truncated up to –301 functions in a similar manner to the –343 (full‐length) 35S promoter; (ii) the Dof core and I‐box core observed in the subdomain B4 are important for 35S promoter activity; and (iii) the subdomain B2 is essential for maintaining an appropriate distance between the proximal and distal regions of the 35S promoter. These observations will aid in the development of functional synthetic 35S promoters with decreased sequence homology. Such promoters can be used to drive multiple transgenes without evoking promoter homology‐based gene silencing when attempting gene stacking.
Exploring the influence of gender and gaming competence on attitudes towards using instructional games
Authors: Bonanno Philip , Kommers P. A. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDigital games are evolving beyond the solitary context into a ubiquitous, social and collaborative experience. Addressing beliefs about technology and attitudes towards technology‐mediated processes is fundamental to the successful implementation of any innovation. In collaborative gaming, attitude towards gaming influences learners' interactions along the domain, technology and community dimensions. Building on various seminal works, an instrument was developed for measuring four components of attitude towards gaming—affective components, perceived control, perceived usefulness and behavioural components. The survey, including 21 statements each scored on a 5‐point Likert scale, was used with a sample of college students to investigate the influence of gender and gaming competence on attitude towards gaming. The pedagogical implications of the different attitude components are discussed in relation to game design and to the different interactions triggered by the gaming context.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Five Inpatient Units for People with Intellectual Disability and Psychiatric Disorder
Authors: Clarke David , Vemuri Murali , Gunatilake Deepthi , Tewari Sidhartha 
Published: July 2007

Background  A high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported among people with intellectual disability, especially those residing in hospital and similar settings. Surveys of inpatients have found unusually high rates of gastrointestinal malignancy, to which H. pylori infection predisposes.Methods  Helicobacter pylori antibody testing was arranged for all residents of five inpatient units for people with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour or psychiatric disorder. Eradication triple therapy was prescribed for those people with a positive result. 13C urea breath testing was attempted after eradication therapy.Results  Thirty‐seven residents were identified. It was possible to obtain blood for H. pylori antibody testing for 36 people. Twenty‐two (59%) had a positive result. Dividing the people studied according to length of stay in hospital showed that 4 of the 18 people resident in hospital for <4 years (22%) had a positive antibody test, compared with 16 of the 19 people resident in hospital for ≥4 years (84%; χ2 = 14.6; P < 0.001). Treatment led to eradication of H. pylori infection in 11 of the 12 people who were able to cooperate with testing.Conclusions  Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for H. pylori infection among people with intellectual disability who have a history of institutional care or prolonged hospital admission, especially those who have spent more than 4 years in such settings. Testing for H. pylori antibodies is well tolerated. Eradication therapy offers many health benefits, including a reduction of the risk for stomach malignancies.
The Distribution of Scaled Scores and Possible Floor Effects on the WISC‐III and WAIS‐III
Authors: Whitaker Simon , Wood Christopher 
Published: July 2007

Objective  It has been suggested that, as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Third Edition (WAIS‐III) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Third Edition (WISC‐III) give a scaled score of one even if a client scores a raw score of zero, these assessments may have a hidden floor effect at low IQ levels. The study looked for indications of this in a sample of assessments that had been given for clinical and diagnostic reasons.Design  The degree to which a hidden floor effect could be present was assessed by looking at the proportion of scaled scores of one in IQ bands: 50–59, 60–69 and 70 plus and by plotting the distribution of scaled scores in these bands for both the WISC‐III and WAIS‐III.Method  Fifty WISC‐III and 49 WAIS‐III assessments were obtained from records and analysed.Results  The distribution of scaled scores in the WAIS‐III was approximately normal with very few scale scores of one, suggesting that a hidden floor effect would only be a potential problem for IQs in the 40s and 50s. The WISC‐III had a skewed distribution of scaled scores with more scaled scores of one than any other scaled score. Scaled scores of one were shown in all IQ levels up to 70 plus.Conclusions  There is potentially a significant floor effect on the WAIS‐III at IQs in the 40s and 50s and on the WISC‐III up to IQs in the 70s. There are also indications that the WISC‐III has a much harder criterion for gaining a scaled score of two than the WAIS‐III, resulting in it producing lower IQs.
The nuclear localization of SET mediated by impα3/impβ attenuates its cytosolic toxicity in neurons
Authors: Qu Dianbo , Zhang Yi , Ma Jing , Guo Ke , Li Rong , Yin Yijun , Cao Xinmin , Park David S 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSET is a multi‐functional protein in proliferating cells. Some of the proposed functions of SET suggest an important nuclear role. However, the nuclear import pathway of SET is also unknown and the function of SET in neurons is unclear. Presently, using cortical neurons, we report that the nuclear import of SET is mediated by an impα/impβ‐dependent pathway. Nuclear localization signal, 168KRSSQTQNKASRKR181, in SET interacts with impα3, which recruits impβ to form a ternary complex, resulting in efficient transportation of SET into nucleus. By in vitro nuclear import assay based on digitonin‐permeabilized neurons, we further demonstrated that the nuclear import of SET relies on Ran GTPase. We provide evidence that this nuclear localization of SET is important in neuronal survival. Under basal conditions, SET is predominately nuclear. However, upon death induced by genotoxic stress, endogenous SET decreases in the nucleus and increases in the cytoplasm. Consistent with a toxic role of SET in the cytoplasm, targeted expression of SET to the cytoplasm exacerbates death compared to wild type SET expression which is protective following DNA damage. Taken together, our results indicate that SET is imported into the nucleus through its association with impα3/impβ, and that localization of SET is important in regulation of neuronal death.
Different responses in bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity to soil deformation by logging machinery on a Ferralsol under native forest
Authors: Schack‐Kirchner H. , Fenner P. T. , Hildebrand E. E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFerralsols have high structural stability, although structural degradation has been observed to result from forest to tillage or pasture conversion. An experimental series of forest skidder passes in an east Amazonian natural forest was performed for testing the effects of mechanical stress during selective logging operations on a clay‐rich Ferralsol under both dry and wet soil conditions. Distinct ruts formed up to 25 cm depth only under wet conditions. After nine passes the initially very low surface bulk density of between 0.69 and 0.80 g cm−3 increased to 1.05 g cm−3 in the wet soil and 0.92 g cm−3 in the dry soil. Saturated hydraulic conductivities, initially >250 mm h−1, declined to a minimum of around 10 mm h−1 in the wet soil after the first pass, and in the dry soil more gradually after nine passes. The contrasting response of bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity is explained by exposure of subsoil material at the base of the ruts where macrostructure rapidly deteriorated under wet conditions. We attribute the resultant moderately high hydraulic conductivities to the formation of stable microaggregates with fine sand to coarse silt textures. We conclude that the topsoil macrostructure of Ferralsols is subject to similar deterioration to that of Luvisols in temperate zones. The stable microstructure prevents marked compaction and decrease in hydraulic conductivity under wetter and more plastic soil conditions. However, typical tropical storms may regularly exceed the infiltration capacity of the deformed soils. In the deeper ruts water may concentrate and cause surface run‐off, even in gently sloping areas. To avoid soil erosion, logging operations in sloping areas should therefore be restricted to dry soil conditions when rut formation is minimal.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Dogs: Review of the Literature
Authors: Bateman Shane W. , Mathews Karol A. , Abrams‐Ogg Anthony C.G. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryDiagnosis of Disseminated Intravascular coagulation (DIC) is controversial in both human and veterinary medicine. This article reviews the available literature in human and veterinary medicine regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of DIC with emphasis on the diagnosis of DIC in dogs. Controversy surrounding the diagnosis of DIC arises from the complex nature of the disease itself, in addition to the absence of a consensus strategy for laboratory testing. The available literature indicates that dogs diagnosed with DIC possessed various hemostatic function testing abnormalities, typically possessed an underlying disease that predisposed to DIC, but may or may not have had clinically identifiable hemorrhage or thrombosis. Additionally, the hemostatic function testing utilized in diagnosis is not uniform. Generalizations about the usefulness of individual assays or diagnostic strategies cannot be formulated because of the marked diversity of the types of cases studied, as well as the small number of cases reported in the literature. (Vet Emerg & Crit Care, 1998; 8: 29–45)
Late‐Life Mortality in Older Jews Exposed to the Nazi Regime
Authors: Ayalon Liat , Covinsky Kenneth E. 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mortality risk associated with exposure to the Nazi regime 6 decades after the war.DESIGN: A national representative survey with 7‐year follow‐up data.SETTING: A national representative survey of Israeli Jews aged 60 and older conducted in 1997 and 1998.PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand one hundred seventy‐nine Israeli Jews participated in the study. To evaluate the mortality risk associated with exposure to the Nazi regime, Cox proportional‐hazards models were used, controlling for age, sex, education, religiousness, mental health, sleep disturbance, and baseline health.MEASUREMENTS: A 7‐year follow‐up of all‐cause mortality.RESULTS: Of the 4,179 Israeli Jews who participated in the study, 1,472 (35%) self‐identified as being exposed to the Nazi regime, defined as having lived in a country that was under the Nazi occupation or directly ruled by the Nazi regime. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate between those exposed to the Nazi regime (29.8%) and those who were not (27.5%) (adjusted hazard ratio=1.01, 95% confidence interval=0.88–1.15).CONCLUSION: Israeli Jews who survived exposure to the Nazi regime are not at greater risk for death than the general population of Israeli Jews in later life. It is unclear whether these individuals represent a particularly resilient group or whether the risks of psychological trauma on mortality are mitigated over time.
Use of Diagnostic Tests for Presumed Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Long‐Term Care Facilities
Authors: Mubareka Samira , Duckworth Heather , Cheang Mary , Loeb Mark , Simor Andrew , Liu Barbara , McNeil Shelley , Lewis David , Nicolle Lindsay E. 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES: To describe the current use of diagnostic tests for management of presumed lower respiratory tract infection in selected long‐term care facilities (LTCFs) in Canada and to correlate test use with facility and resident characteristics.DESIGN: Prospective, 12‐month multicenter cohort study.SETTING: A convenience sample of 21 LTCFs in Canada.PARTICIPANTS: LTCF residents prescribed antimicrobial therapy for presumed lower respiratory tract infection.MEASUREMENTS: Data collection included facility characteristics, patient demographics, level of care, comorbidities, clinical presentations, diagnostic testing, and outcomes. Diagnostic test use was correlated with facility access and resident and episode characteristics.RESULTS: Forty‐two percent of 1,702 episodes had chest radiography obtained, 28.5% had pulse oximetry, 23.8% had peripheral leukocyte count, and 3.3% had sputum culture. On‐site access correlated with obtaining chest radiography (odds ratio (OR)=4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI)=3.2–6.0) and oximetry (OR=30.3; 95% CI=16.4–55.8). Analyses stratified according to facility found that greater test use was associated with greater premorbid functional impairment and more‐severe presentations. Advance directives, time to stabilization, and mortality did not correlate with test use. In multivariate analysis, significant variability between facilities for chest radiography and oximetry remained after incorporating differences in access to diagnostic testing and other facility or resident variables.CONCLUSION: The use of diagnostic tests in the management of presumed lower respiratory tract infection in these Canadian LTCFs is highly variable. Access to diagnostic tests and severity of presentations correlate with test use but do not fully explain the variability in use in institutions.
A Survey of Sex Differences in 249 Pemphigus Patients and Possible Explanations
Authors: Brenner Sarah , Wohl Yonit 
Published: July 2007

Background.

Pemphigus, an immunoblistering disorder, is reported with equal or near equal frequencies in men and women despite prominent female predominance in prevalence ratios of the vast majority of autoimmune diseases.
Objective.

To assess a possible correlation between pemphigus and intake of sex hormones in a cohort of pemphigus patients.
Methods.

A prospective online survey using a specially designed questionnaire was conducted among patients with diagnosed pemphigus in the United States during a 1‐year period from September 2005 through September 2006.
Results.

A total of 249 pemphigus cases were enrolled, 158 women (63%) and 91 men (36%). The female‐to‐male ratio was 1.7:1. Age at onset of the disease ranged from 16 to 85 years, mean 4.4±12.9 years for both sexes (not statistically significant): 45.3 for women and 45.7 for men. At the time of pemphigus diagnosis, 12% (20 of 158) of the women and 4% (4 of 91) of the men reported using hormone replacement therapy. At the time of disease onset, 46% (20 of 43) of the postmenopausal women took hormone replacement therapy.
Limitations.

Possible questionnaire self‐reporting biases.
Conclusions.

The finding of a female predominance among pemphigus patients is attributed to the immunopathogenesis of the disease that makes women more susceptible to this and other autoimmune disorders and to the strikingly high proportion of hormone replacement therapy users found among postmenopausal women.
New angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker olmesartan improves portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Hidaka Hisashi , Kokubu Shigehiro , Nakazawa Takahide , Okuwaki Yuusuke , Ono Kouji , Watanabe Masaaki , Shibuya Akitaka , Saigenji Katsunori 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To evaluate the effect of the new oral angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker olmesartan on portal hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis.Methods:  From January 2005 to March 2006, 18 cirrhosis patients treated with endoscopic band ligation for primary esophageal variceal bleeding were included in the present study. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) of the patients was ≥12 mmHg at baseline measurement. The patients were given 10 mg olmesartan orally once daily for 2 weeks. Eighteen cirrhosis patients with esophageal variceal bleeding who did not receive any antihypertensive agents were included in the study as control. On day 14, HVPG, blood pressure, heart rate, and parameters of hepatic and renal function were examined after the treatment. Responders were defined as those with HVPG reduction of >20% versus baseline.Results:  Olmesartan significantly reduced HVPG by −16.8 ± 22.0% (P = 0.031) and mean arterial pressure by −13.1 ± 10.8% (P = 0.0041). Six of 18 (33.3%) patients in the olmesartan group showed >20% reduction of HVPG from baseline values. None of the patients treated with olmesartan had any complications.Conclusion:  Olmesartan reduces portal pressure and may be safe and highly effective in the treatment of portal hypertension.