bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary Catheter Structure and Testing Methods in Relation to Tissue Toxicity
Authors: TALJA M. , RUUTU M. , ANDERSSON L. C. , ALFTHAN O. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Eluates from 56 latex urinary catheters from seven manufacturers were divided into three categories according to covering material (siliconised, silicone elastomer coated and teflon coated) and tested for tissue toxicity by means of cell cultures based on the inhibition of DNA synthesis.The silicone elastomer coated catheters showed the lowest toxicity. Only 4 of 13 such catheters gave unacceptable toxic values, whereas half of the siliconised catheters were abandoned as toxic. Teflon and elastomer coatings had the best protective properties against toxic substances leaching from the catheter core. The surface contour of the catheters estimated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) did not correlate with toxicity, whereas the cracks seen on the catheters did correlate with toxicity.The simple in vivo test methods used by the manufacturers turned out to be insensitive to tissue toxicity testing of urinary catheters. The method used in this study was the most reliable for assessing the safety of latex urinary catheters. Thus manufacturers using multiple and in vitro cell culture tests had products of better quality than those using only a single test or simple in vivo tests.
Instillation of Mitomycin C and Doxorubicin in the Prevention of Recurrent Superficial (Ta—T1) Bladder Cancer
Authors: JAUHIAINEN K. , ALFTHAN O. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Both Mitomycin C (MMC) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) (ADM) prevent the recurrence of superficial papillary (Ta‐T1) urinary bladder cancers and also reduce the rate of progression. MMC appears to be more effective than ADM in buffered instillations.The number of recurrent tumours (RI/m) and the number of recurrence times (RR) before prophylactic instillation were of significant prognostic importance but the prognostic value of the grade was questionable.The buffer solution, together with methyl prednisolone, reduced the incidence of chemical cystitis.
The Use of Sacral Reflex Latencies in Detrusor Bladder Neck Dyssynergia
Authors: PARYS B. T. , WOOLFENDEN K. A. , PARSONS K. F. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Detrusor bladder neck dyssynergia (DBND) is a well recognised cause of bladder outflow obstruction, especially in the younger man. The cause is unknown, and the aim of this study was to determine if any neurological dysfunction is associated with this condition.Twenty‐five males with proven DBND had sacral reflex latency studies performed. The conduction latencies indicate that the underlying cause is unrelated to any demonstrable neuropathy. Sacral reflex latencies are not helpful in the investigation of DBND.
The Value of Testing for Unmyelinated Fibre, Sensory Neuropathy in Diabetic Impotence
Authors: FOWLER CLARE J. , ALI Z. , KIRBY R. S. , PRYOR J. P. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Measurement of thermal thresholds provides a means of assessing neurological deficit and in particular of recognising a neuropathic process affecting unmyelinated and small myelinated fibres of the peripheral nerve. These groups of fibres cannot be tested by nerve conduction studies but are particularly susceptible to disease in diabetes.Thresholds for thermal sensation on the sole of the foot were measured in 33 men presenting with erectile dysfunction. All 15 men with erectile dysfunction, which had been considered on clinical grounds to be neuropathic, had abnormal thermal thresholds. Diabetics with non‐neuropathic erectile dysfunction had normal results.Whereas tests of unmyelinated sensory fibre function were abnormal in all those with neuropathic erectile dysfunction, electrophysiological measurement of the bulbocavernosus reflex was normal in five of nine men with diabetic neuropathic impotence.
Modulated expression of human leucocyte antigen class I and class II determinants in hyperplastics and malignant human prostatic epithelium
Authors: Sharpe J.C. , Abel P.D. , Gilbertston J.A. , Brawn P. , Foster C.S. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives To determine whether human prostatic carcinoma cells express Class I and/or Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) determinants and whether they might thus be immune‐competent targets for cell‐mediated cytotoxicityMaterials and methods Immunohistochemistry, performed both before and after neuraminidase digestion. wass employed to compare 13 benign prostatic hyperplaisia with 42 primary and 44 metastatic prostatic carcinomas obtained from the United Kingdom and from the United States of America. Expression of β2microglopbulin was used as the marker of Class I and HLA‐DR as the marker of Class II expression.Results Before desialylation. Class I MHC determinants were expressed in all of the benign hyperplasias in 26% of primary carcinomas and in 14% of lymoh node meatastases. Cells expressing Class I determinants were identified in 69% of benign hyperplasias and in 2% of primary carcnomas, but in none of the lymph node metastatses. After deisalylation. Class I deternants were expressed in 100% of benign hyperplasias 59% of primary carcinomas and 34% of the lymph node meatastases. Class II determinants were identified in were expressed in 100% of benign hyperplasias. but only 19% of primary carcinomas and 5% of epithelial cells in each of the benign hyperplasias expressed MHCs, <% of the tumour cell poplulations in the positive malignant tissues (primary and metastatic)expressed MHCs, even after neuraminidase digestion. No correlation was found between expression of Class I or Class II MHC and Gleason morphological grade.Conclusions Failure to express Class I and/or Class II MHC determinants is a common feature of the majority of human prostatic carcinoma cells. Absence of these recognition moleculed may be associate with avoidance of immune‐surveillance and contribute to the metastatic dissemination of this malignancey.
Standardized in vitro mapping with multiple core biopsies of total prostatectomy specimens: localization and prediction of tumour volume and grade
Authors: HÄGGMAN M. , NYBACKA O. , NORDIN B. , BUSCH C. 
Published: December 2008

Objective To analyse the ability of systematic core biopsy mapping to provide prognostic information in patients with prostatic cancer.Materials and methods The prostates of 60 men with prostatic cancer, stages TOd‐T2, who had undergone total retropubic prostatectomy were studied. The average age of the patients was 63 years (range 49–72). Ten core biopsies (1.2 times 35 mm) were taken from the fresh specimens according to a standardized procedure. The total prostatectomy specimens were serially stepsectioned at 5 mm intervals and were assessed regarding tumour volume, grade and pT‐stage. The World Health Organization (WHO) grade obtained in the mapping biopsies was compared with that in the operative specimens. Undergrading (WHO) decreased substantially by mapping biopsies, but was still present with the Gleason system.Results The volume of extracapsular tumours with extensively positive margins was significantly larger than that of intracapsular tumours (P<0.01). In addition, the fraction of cancer obtained in the biopsies from tumours with grossly positive margins was significantly smaller than that observed in biopsies from pT2 tumours (P<0.01). The cancer volume calculated from the result of the mapping correlated positively with the tumour volume determined by planimetry (R=0.83). A weaker correlation was found when only the six dorsal mapping biopsies were taken into consideration (R=0.68), but the correlation increased to R=0.75 when the six most significant biopsies were selected with the help of a correlation matrix. Biopsies from the ventral part of the prostate were also important, to obtain an accurate assessment of the tumour fraction within the whole gland.Conclusion Mapping of the prostate gland with multiple (six or more) core biopsies is necessary for preoperative assessment of tumour volume, grade and pT stage; these are all of importance when assigning patients with clinically localized prostatic cancer to prognostic classes.
CULTURAL CIRCUMCISION IN EU PUBLIC HOSPITALS – AN ETHICAL DISCUSSION
Authors: BRUSA MARGHERITA , BARILAN Y. MICHAEL 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThe paper explores the ethical aspects of introducing cultural circumcision of children into the EU public health system.We reject commonplace arguments against circumcision: considerations of good medical practice, justice, bodily integrity, autonomy and the analogy from female genital mutilation.From the unique structure of patient‐medicine interaction, we argue that the incorporation of cultural circumcision into EU public health services is a kind of medicalization, which does not fit the ethos of universal healthcare. However, we support a utilitarian argument that finds hospital‐based circumcision safer than non‐medicalized alternatives.The argument concerning medicalization and the utilitarian argument both rely on preliminary empirical data, which depend on future validation.
HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE CLONING: A CONFLICT OF LIBERTIES
Authors: HAVSTAD JOYCE C. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTProponents of human reproductive cloning do not dispute that cloning may lead to violations of clones' right to self‐determination, or that these violations could cause psychological harms. But they proceed with their endorsement of human reproductive cloning by dismissing these psychological harms, mainly in two ways. The first tactic is to point out that to commit the genetic fallacy is indeed a mistake; the second is to invoke Parfit's non‐identity problem. The argument of this paper is that neither approach succeeds in removing our moral responsibility to consider and to prevent psychological harms to cloned individuals. In fact, the same commitment to personal liberty that generates the right to reproduce by means of cloning also creates the need to limit that right appropriately. Discussion of human reproductive cloning ought to involve a careful and balanced consideration of both the relevant aspects of personal liberty – the parents' right to reproductive freedom and the cloned child's right to self‐determination.
Effects of UCH‐L1 on α‐synuclein over‐expression mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yasuda Toru , Nihira Tomoko , Ren Yong‐Ri , Cao Xu‐Qing , Wada Keiichiro , Setsuie Rieko , Kabuta Tomohiro , Wada Keiji , Hattori Nobutaka , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Mochizuki Hideki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe rare inherited form of Parkinson’s disease (PD), PARK5, is caused by a missense mutation in ubiquitin carboxy‐terminal hydrolase‐L1 (UCH‐L1) gene, resulting in Ile93Met substitution in its gene product (UCH‐L1Ile93Met). PARK5 is inherited in an autosomal‐dominant mode, but whether the Ile93Met mutation gives rise to a gain‐of‐toxic‐function or loss‐of‐function of UCH‐L1 protein remains controversial. Here, we investigated the selective vulnerabilities of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in UCH‐L1‐transgenic (Tg) and spontaneous UCH‐L1‐null gracile axonal dystrophy mice to an important PD‐causing insult, abnormal accumulation of α‐synuclein (αSyn). Immunohistochemistry of midbrain sections of a patient with sporadic PD showed αSyn‐ and UCH‐L1‐double‐positive Lewy bodies in nigral DA neurons, suggesting physical and/or functional interaction between the two proteins in human PD brain. Recombinant adeno‐associated viral vector‐mediated over‐expression of αSyn for 4 weeks significantly enhanced the loss of nigral DA cell bodies in UCH‐L1Ile93Met‐Tg mice, but had weak effects in age‐matched UCH‐L1wild‐type‐Tg mice and non‐Tg littermates. In contrast, the extent of αSyn‐induced DA cell loss in gracile axonal dystrophy mice was not significantly different from wild‐type littermates at 13‐weeks post‐injection. Our results support the hypothesis that PARK5 is caused by a gain‐of‐toxic‐function of UCH‐L1Ile93Met mutant, and suggest that regulation of UCH‐L1 in nigral DA cells could be a future target for treatment of PD.
CREB activation in the rapid, intermediate, and delayed ischemic preconditioning against hypoxic–ischemia in neonatal rat
Authors: Lin Wan‐Ying , Chang Ying‐Chao , Lee Hsueh‐Te , Huang Chao‐Ching 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIschemic preconditioning (IP) is a defense program in which exposure to sublethal ischemia followed by a period of reperfusion results in subsequent resistance to severe ischemic insults. Very few in vivo IP models have been established for neonatal brain. We examined whether rapid, intermediate, and delayed IP against hypoxic–ischemia (HI) could be induced in neonatal brain, and if so, whether the IP involved phosphorylation of cAMP response element‐binding protein (pCREB) after HI. Postnatal day 7 rat pups were subjected to HI at 2 h (2‐h IP), 6 h (6‐h IP), or 22 h (22‐h IP) after IP. We found all three IP groups had significantly reduced neuronal damage and TUNEL‐(+) cells 24 h post‐HI than no‐IP group. Compared with control, the no‐IP group had significant decreases of pCREB and mitochondria Bcl‐2 levels in the ipsilateral cortex 24 h post‐HI. In contrast, the three IP groups had increased pCREB and mitochondria Bcl‐2 levels, and significant differences were found between three IP and no‐IP groups. The increases of cleavage of caspase‐3 and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase and of cells with nuclear apoptosis inducing factor post‐HI in no‐IP group were all significantly reduced in three IP groups. The increases of caspase‐3 and calpain‐mediated proteolysis of α‐spectrin post‐HI were significantly reduced only in 22‐h IP group. Furthermore, all three IP groups had long‐term neuroprotection at behavioral and pathological levels compared with no‐IP group. In conclusion, IP, rapid, intermediate, or delayed, in neonatal rat brain activates CREB, up‐regulates Bcl‐2, induces extensive brakes on caspase‐dependent and ‐independent apoptosis after HI, and provides long‐term neuroprotection.
When to start antiepileptic drug treatment and with what evidence?
Authors: Marson Anthony G. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryWhere possible, the decision as to when to start antiepileptic drug treatment should be informed by the results of randomized controlled trials. For patients presenting with their first seizure, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that compared to no or delayed treatment, antiepileptic drugs reduce the risk of a second seizure, but do not alter longer term seizure outcomes. A prognostic model has been developed to identify patients at low, medium and high risk of recurrence, to further inform treatment decisions. For patients presenting with two or more seizures, consensus holds that treatment should be initiated if the seizures were of significant symptomatology such that the patient would wish treatment, and they occurred over a period of less than 6–12 months. However, randomized controlled trials recruiting an unselected population of patients following two or more seizures have not been undertaken and the magnitude of any treatment effect is therefore unknown. This consensus is based upon data from observational studies that show a high rate of a 3rd or 4th seizures even with antiepileptic drug treatment. Recurrence risks for patients with two or more seizures of minor symptomatology (e.g., simple partial seizures) or seizures separated by long time periods of time have been investigated in a randomized control trial. They may wish to start antiepileptic drug treatment if they are in a medium or high recurrence risk group as defined by a prognostic model.
Debate: Should antiepileptic drugs be stopped after successful epilepsy surgery?
Authors: Cole Andrew J. , Wiebe Samuel 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThere is no consensus on whether or when to stop anticonvulsant drug treatment in patients after apparently successful epilepsy surgery. Although there are compelling reasons to consider antiepileptic drug (AED) discontinuation, there are relatively few data, and no class 1 data, to guide patient and physician decision‐making on this topic. This debate lays out a conceptual framework for considering the issue of AED discontinuation, and reviews and critiques the avaialble data. The goal is to provide physicians with the best available data, a context in which to consider it, and a full understanding of its limitations. This article also highlights an area that is ripe for further prospective study.
What is known about the mechanisms underlying SUDEP?
Authors: So Elson L. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThis article highlights studies in three major domains of potential mechanisms of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP): cardiac, respiratory, and autonomic. Ictal cardiac arrest is a clinically rare but well‐recognized potential mechanism of SUDEP. Studies have failed to identify preexisting cardiac electrophysiologic or structural abnormalities that distinguish SUDEP persons. Some degree of pulmonary congestion is a common autopsy finding, but severe pulmonary edema occurs very rarely with seizures. In contrast, periictal apnea and hypoxia occur commonly with generalized tonic–clonic seizures and, to a lesser degree, with complex partial seizures. There are several animal models of postictal respiratory arrest. Postictal respiratory arrest in audiogenic seizure mice can be induced by serotonin receptor inhibition or prevented by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs. Reduced heart rate variability occurs in patients with refractory epilepsy and can be induced in animal seizure models, but its precise role in predisposing persons to sudden death requires further investigation.
Biofilm formation of Candida albicans on the surface of a soft denture‐lining material
Authors: Boscato Noéli , Radavelli Alessandra , Faccio Daniela , Loguercio Alessandro Dourado 
Published: December 2008

Background:  Soft denture lining‐materials are more susceptible to microbial adhesion than hard denture base acrylic resin. Poor oral hygiene and Candida albicans infection are common among elderly denture wearers as these patients usually have difficulty in keeping them clean.Purpose:  To evaluate the influence of the oral hygiene methods on the formation of a biofilm over a soft denture‐lining material.Material and methods:  Twenty volunteers were randomly separated into two groups: G1 and G2. Ten volunteers performed daily hygiene of the prostheses with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. The G2 performed a treatment identical to G1 but also immersed the prostheses in sodium hypochlorite 0.5% for 20 min, once a week. Quantification of the mean score values of biofilm formation at different times were statistically analysed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05).Results:  G1 (0.65 ± 0.52) showed the lowest mean score values of biofilm formation. There was statistical difference between G1 and G2. The highest mean score values were found at 6 weeks (1.3 ± 1.08) and were statistically different from other times.Conclusion:  The oral hygiene methods had a significant effect in the formation of the biofilm over a soft denture‐lining material.
GOVERNMENT OFFICES FOR AUSTRALLA'S AGED THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE FOR THE AGED: A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Authors: Keys Alan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe Bureau for the Aged was created by the W. A. State Government in order to meet effectively the challenges of demographic trends in an ageing Australia. Through consultation with service consumers and providers the Bureau will be a focus for aged concerns. An essential link between aged people and Government will be established.The Main functions of the bureau are centred in the areas of policy development and advice on policy priorities; co‐ordination of Government activities directed to the aged and liaison with non‐government organisations; research and planning to make effective use of available resources and to identify priority areas of need, and encouragement of education programs in the community.
REVIEW OF NURSING HOMES AND HOSTELS
Authors: Rees Glenn 
Published: December 2008

AbstractReports on care of aged people are no novelty. Nor are the criticisms which have been directed at aged care services. The Review of Nursing Homes and Hostels and the 1986–87 Commonwealth Budget have at last provided the capacity to plan the provision of services over the next few years and to begin the process of redistributing resources away from nursing homes to a higher quality of care in less institutionalised hostel settings and community services.This paper assesses the significance of the 1986–87 Budget and identifies the areas for priority attention in achieving the proposed new directions:*the more effective planning of services;*the flexible development of the hostel concept;*the establishment of new and expanded assessment teams;*the resolution of issues relating to standards and user rights; and*the development of priorities and directions for the expansion and delivery of community services.
NEW CONCEPTS OF CAUSE AND MANAGEMENT OF PAIN IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: Helme Robert D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPain is a sensory and emotional experience and, as such, is always subjective. However, for many patients pain results from stimulation of nociceptors in the somatic structures. This nociceptive information is conveyed to the central nervous system by thinly myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres. Many unmyelinated fibres have polymodal nociceptors responsive to chemical as well as mechanical and thermal stimuli. These receptors also mediate neurogenic inflammation through the release of neuropeptides from the nerve terminals.The study of nociceptor and afferent nerve function in man, although in its infancy, suggests that it may be possible to assess the contribution of the peripheral nervous system to the total pain experience. One method Is to analyse the neurogenic inflammatory response of polymodal nociceptors in patients with different pain states. One hypothesis is that some treatment modalities may act to desensitize polymodal nociceptors. Some recent evidence for this view obtained in a sample of elderly patients with low back pain is presented.
THE INTRODUCTION OF A BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH INTO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CONFUSED AND DISTURBED ELDERLY IN A NURSING HOME
Authors: Bowles John R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA ‘Behavioural Approach’ was introduced into the care and management of four elderly nursing home residents as a pilot project to investigate the problems and effects of implementing such a system. Base line observations were followed by recommendations for intervention based on ‘Rules of Thumb’ guidelines. Although data was not considered reliable, conclusions were that the techniques were of value, should be practiced by all nurses and that more training was needed. Recommendations included simpler recording of behavioural events and the establishment of special areas for the care of wandering, severely demented patients.
GREY WHAT?: PENSIONER PERCEPTIONS OF GREY POWER
Authors: Wiles David 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article explores aspects of ageing and politics including pensioners' perceptions of the ‘Grey Power’ concept. First, the reasons behind the voting behaviour of some pensioners are examined, in order to illuminate the political ‘world view’ of older Australians. Then, the issue of changes in voting is investigated, with the finding that these pensioners were quite stable in their voting choices. While the majority of pensioners were unaware of ‘Grey Power’, they provided a diverse range of reactions to this political idea. Finally, strategies are suggested towards the development of Grey Power and the empowerment of the elderly.