bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling viral impact on bacterioplankton in the North Sea using artificial neural networks
Authors: Winter Christian , Smit Arjan , Szoeke‐Dénes Timea , Herndl Gerhard J. , Weinbauer Markus G. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe temporal variability of the viral impact on bacterioplankton during the summer–winter transition in the North Sea was determined and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were developed to predict viral production and the frequency of infected bacterial cells (FIC). Viral production and FIC were estimated using a virus‐dilution approach during four cruises in the southern North Sea between July and December 2000 and an additional cruise in June 2001. Supplementary data such as bacterial production, and bacterial and viral abundance were collected to relate changes in FIC and viral production to the dynamics of other biotic parameters. Average viral abundance varied between 4.4 × 106 ml−1 in December and 29.8 × 106 ml−1 in July. Over the seasonal cycle, viral abundance correlated best with bacterial production. Average bacterial abundance varied between 0.5 × 106 ml−1 in December and 1.3 × 106 ml−1 in July. Monthly average values  of  FIC  ranged  from  9% in  September  to  39% in June and the average viral production from 11 × 104 ml−1 h−1 in December to 35 × 104 ml−1 h−1 in July. The data set was used to develop ANN‐based models of viral production and FIC. Viral production was modelled best using sampling time, and bacterial and viral abundance as input parameters to an ANN with two hidden neurons. Modelling of FIC was performed using bacterial production as an additional input parameter for an ANN with three hidden neurons. The models can be used to simulate viral production and FIC based on regularly recorded and easily obtainable parameters such as bacterial production, bacterial and viral abundance.
Characterization of starvation‐induced dispersion in Pseudomonas putida biofilms
Authors: Gjermansen Morten , Ragas Paula , Sternberg Claus , Molin Søren , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe biofilm lifestyle, where microbial cells are aggregated because of expression of cell‐to‐cell interconnecting compounds, is believed to be of paramount importance to microbes in the environment. Because microbes must be able to alternate between sessile and planktonic states, it is anticipated that they must be able to regulate their ability to form biofilm and to dissolve biofilm. We present an investigation of a biofilm dissolution process occurring in flow‐chamber‐grown Pseudomonas putida biofilms. Local starvation‐induced biofilm dissolution appears to be an integrated part of P. putida biofilm development that causes characteristic structural rearrangements. Rapid global dissolution of entire P. putida biofilms was shown to occur in response to carbon starvation. Genetic analysis suggested that the adjacent P. putida genes PP0164 and PP0165 play a role in P. putida biofilm formation and dissolution. PP0164 encodes a putative periplasmic protein of previously unknown function, and PP0164 mutant bacteria are sticky, and unable to reduce their adhesiveness and dissolve their biofilm in response to carbon starvation. PP0165 encodes a putative transmembrane protein containing GGDEF and EAL domains, and PP0165 mutant bacteria are unable to increase their adhesiveness and form biofilm. We suggest that the PP0164 and PP0165 proteins are involved in the regulation of the adhesiveness of the bacteria; the PP0165 protein through c‐di‐GMP signalling, and the PP0164 protein as a transducer of the signal.
Dorsal dartos flap for preventing fistula in the Snodgrass hypospadias repair
Authors: Djordjevic Miroslav L. , Perovic Sava V. , Vukadinovic Vojkan M. 
Published: May 2005

There are three different topics covered in the paediatric urology section in this issue. Authors from Belgrade describe how a dorsal dartos flap can be used to prevent fistula in the Snodgrass hypospadias repair. The use of extracorporeal pelvic floor magnetic stimulation in children with voiding dysfunction is described by authors from Seoul. And finally, authors from Antalya write about the impact of the location of the ureteric orifice on the efficacy of endoscopic injection to correct VUR.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the importance of urethral covering using vascularized dorsal subcutaneous tissue for preventing fistula in the Snodgrass hypospadias repair.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 67 children (aged 1–11 years) who had hypospadias repaired between April 1998 and May 2003, including 51 with distal and 16 with midshaft hypospadias. In all children, a standard tubularized incised‐plate urethroplasty was followed by reconstruction of new surrounding urethral tissue. A longitudinal dartos flap was harvested from excessive dorsal preputial and penile hypospadiac skin, and transposed to the ventral side by a buttonhole manoeuvre; it was sutured to the glans wings around the neomeatus, and to the corpora cavernosa over the neourethra. Thus the neourethra was completely covered with well‐vascularized subcutaneous tissue.RESULTSAt a mean (range) follow‐up of 21 (6–65) months, the result was successful, with no fistula or urethral stenosis, in all 67 children.CONCLUSIONWe suggest that urethral covering should be part of the Snodgrass procedure. A dorsal well‐vascularized dartos flap, buttonholed ventrally, is a good choice for preventing fistula. Redundancy of the flap and its excellent vascularization depends on the harvesting technique.
The changing presentation of germ cell tumours of the testis between 1983 and 2002
Authors: Powles Thomas B. , Bhardwa Jateesh , Shamash Johnathan , Mandalia Sundhia , Oliver Tim 
Published: May 2005

Authors from London looked at patients diagnosed with germ cell tumours of the testis who presented between 1983 and 2002. They found that there was an overall increase in the percentage of patients presenting with stage I seminoma, with a significant reduction in the size of the primary tumour. The authors do not feel that they can clarify the reason for these changes.There is a 20‐year follow‐up of patients who had tumours of the ureter and renal pelvis treated with resection and renal autotransplantation. In this fascinating series from Gothenberg, it was found that in patients with a normal contralateral kidney, resection and autotransplantation was not indicated. It was possibly beneficial in patients with solitary kidneys, but only after other treatments have been considered.OBJECTIVETo prospectively investigate the presentation of germ cell tumours (GCTs) of the testis in terms of stage or histology, as the incidence of this disease in increasing.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients diagnosed with GCT of the testis between 1983 and 2002 were categorised into three periods depending on the date of diagnosis of the GCT, and the presentational characteristics assessed.RESULTSThere was a significant increase in the proportion of patients presenting with stage I disease (59% to 78%) and seminoma (43% to 58%) over this period. There was also a significant reduction in the size of the primary tumour (5 to 4 cm).CONCLUSIONA greater proportion of patients with GCT are presenting with stage I seminoma, the reasons for which are unclear, although earlier diagnosis through improved awareness of GCT may be important.
Tumours of the ureter and renal pelvis treated with resection and renal autotransplantation: a study with up to 20 years of follow‐up
Authors: Holmäng Sten , Johansson Sonny L. 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo report long‐term follow‐up data from patients treated with resection of urothelial neoplasms of the upper urinary tract combined with autotransplantation of the kidney.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a clinical and histopathological review of 23 patients who had 25 autotransplantations, they were followed for 7–20 years or until death. Nine patients had either a solitary kidney or bilateral renal pelvic tumours (group A) and 14 had a normal contralateral kidney (group B).RESULTSSeven operations were unsuccessful, ending in nephrectomy. Of the nine patients in group A two with high‐grade renal pelvic tumours survived with no dialysis and recurrences for 127 and 238 months, respectively. Three patients required haemodialysis 0–3 times weekly for 27, 85 and 108 months, respectively. Three patients with low‐grade disease developed invasive recurrences in the autotransplanted kidney after 16, 27 and 90 months, respectively, and later died from the disease. One patient died in an accident after 14 months. Of the 14 patients in group B, one developed a deeply invasive recurrence in the autotransplanted kidney after 86 months, despite frequent controls.CONCLUSIONSIn patients with a normal contralateral kidney resection and renal autotransplantation is not indicated and might even be harmful, compared to standard nephroureterectomy. The operation might be beneficial in patients with solitary kidneys but other treatments should first be considered, including open or endoscopic resection, and nephroureterectomy and haemodialysis.
Radical cystectomy in patients aged ≥ 75 years: an updated review of patients treated with curative and palliative intent
Authors: Zebic Nikola , Weinknecht Stephan , Kroepfl Darko 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the morbidity and mortality of radical cystectomy in a group of unselected patients aged ≥ 75 years who were treated with curative and palliative intent.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed 53 patients aged 75–90 years (median 78.8 years) who had radical cystectomies between May 1994 and July 2002. The patients were divided into two groups: 46 were treated with curative intent (group A) and seven with palliative intent (group B). The indications for cystectomy in group A were recurrent and otherwise therapy‐resistant bladder cancer, severe irritative voiding symptoms, and recurrent macrohaematuria. The indications in group B were advanced pelvic malignancy with severe irritative voiding symptoms, severe pain, and recurrent macrohaematuria requiring blood transfusions. Patients were categorized according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, with a score of II in 28 patients, III in 21 and IV in four. Complications and mortality before, during and after surgery, and the duration of hospital stay and clinical outcome, were assessed.RESULTSThe early mortality rate in group A was 4% (2/46); in group B two patients died after prolonged complications. The median (range) hospital stay was 28 (6–56) days, and was significantly longer in patients with complications, at a median (range) of 36 (6–70) days. The complication rates early and late after surgery in group A were 22% and 11%, respectively, and in group B, five of seven (early). The total median survival was 2 (0.33–7) years.CONCLUSIONSElderly people undergoing radical cystectomy have a greater risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality, especially those with very advanced pelvic malignancies who have had cystectomy with palliative intent. The incidence of early and late complications in patients treated with curative intent is acceptable, but the hospital stay is prolonged.
Quantitative molecular urinary cytology by fluorescence in situ hybridization: a tool for tailoring surveillance of patients with superficial bladder cancer?
Authors: Bollmann Magdolna , Heller Hildegard , Bánkfalvi Agnes , Griefingholt Harald , Bollmann Reinhard 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo determine whether it is possible to stratify patients with superficial bladder cancer into low‐ and high‐risk groups for tumour recurrence/progression based on the chromosomal pattern detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in one urine cytology specimen used for follow‐up testing.PATIENTS AND METHODSVoided urine samples from 47 consecutive patients with urinary tract neoplasms (13 with no history of urothelial malignancy and 34 under follow‐up after complete transurethral resection of superficial urothelial carcinoma of the bladder) were evaluated by liquid‐based cytology (ThinPrep®, CYTYC Corp., Boxborough, MA, USA) and UroVysion FISH (Vysis‐Abbott, Downers Grove, IL).RESULTSOf the 34 patients under surveillance, the UroVysion test was negative in four, 17 had loss of 9p21 sequences either alone or combined with low‐frequency trisomy/ies or tetrasomy/ies of chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 in single cells (low‐risk FISH), and 13 also had complex aneusomies of the remaining chromosomes (high‐risk FISH). One of the four FISH‐negative neoplasms, four of the 17 low‐risk FISH cases and five of the 11 informative high‐risk FISH‐positive patients developed recurrence. Progression occurred only in patients with high‐risk FISH results, showing high‐frequency complex chromosomal polysomies (four of 11).CONCLUSIONThe results from this pilot study indicate that the UroVysion FISH test may help to individually assess the clinical behaviour of superficial bladder cancer, based on the chromosomal pattern of exfoliated tumour cells in follow‐up urinary cytology. It might be of use to identify those patients likely to progress at earlier and curable stages of disease, and lengthen the surveillance period in those with persistent or recurrent low‐risk disease.
Imaging with radiolabelled monoclonal antibody (MUJ591) to prostate‐specific membrane antigen in staging of clinically localized prostatic carcinoma: comparison with clinical, surgical and histological staging
Authors: Nargund Vinod , Al Hashmi Dona , Kumar Priya , Gordon Stephen , Otitie Ugo , Ellison David , Carroll Melvyn , Baithun Sohail , Britton Keith E. 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the reliability of prostate scintigraphy using a radiolabelled antibody (MUJ591) raised against the external domain of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in the staging of early prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was a prospective study of 16 patients who had radical retropubic prostatectomies (median PSA 9.75 ng/mL). All patients underwent PSMA imaging using MUJ591 radiolabelled with 99mTc using a photo‐reduction technique.RESULTSThe findings of prostate imaging and histology were identical in seven patients. Scans showed understaging and overstaging in six and three patients, respectively.CONCLUSIONSPSMA scintigraphy using 99mTc‐labelled MUJ591 identifies the presence of prostate cancer, but is not sensitive in delineating micro‐invasion of the capsule, seminal vesicles or bladder neck. As in other studies it seems to be useful in detecting prostate bed recurrence and distant micrometastasis.
Prostate cancer detection in men with a ‘normal’ total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level using percentage free PSA: a prospective screening study
Authors: Rowe Edward W.J. , Laniado Mark E. , Walker Marjorie M. , Patel Anup 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo assess the utility of percentage free/total prostate‐specific antigen (f/tPSA) levels for detecting prostate cancer in a prospectively screened population of men with a ‘normal’ total PSA level.PATIENTS AND METHODSMen aged 50–65 years were contacted via their general practitioner and invited for prostate cancer screening. All had their total and f/tPSA levels measured; those meeting the biopsy criteria (PSA 1.1–3.99 ng/mL and f/tPSA ≤ 20%) were offered a biopsy. The cancer detection rate was then evaluated and compared with other methods of detection. In all, 773 men were screened, of whom 115 met the criteria and agreed to undergo a prostate biopsy.RESULTSCancer was detected in 13 of the 115 men (11.3%) of whom most would have been missed by lowering the age‐adjusted threshold for total PSA to 2.5 ng/mL. There was no significant difference in total and f/tPSA values in men with and without prostate cancer. Those cancers that could be evaluated were found to be clinically significant.CONCLUSIONIn this study prostate cancer was detected solely on the basis of a low f/tPSA value. Most men with cancer would have been missed by simply lowering the age‐adjusted threshold for total PSA. Using the f/tPSA level may allow the detection of clinically significant cancer in men at a time when they are most likely to benefit from treatment.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Davies Melissa C. , Crouch Naomi S. , Woodhouse Christopher R.J. , Creighton Sarah M. 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVESTo assess urinary symptoms in adult women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), as feminizing surgery in infancy is current standard practice for CAH and one of the indications for surgery is to reduce urinary symptoms.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSIn a case‐control study, 19 women with CAH, of whom 16 had had childhood feminizing genital surgery, and age‐matched women with no CAH, were evaluated. Subjects and controls completed the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire.RESULTSUrge incontinence was reported in 13 (68%) patients and three (16%) controls (P = 0.003); stress incontinence was present in 47% and 26%, respectively (P = 0.31). Results from the controls were comparable with those documented in larger studies on normal populations. Nine of the patients felt that their urinary symptoms had an adverse effect on their lives, compared with only one of the controls (P = 0.008).CONCLUSIONPatients with a diagnosis of CAH are more likely to have significant urinary symptoms than normal controls. At present it is not clear whether this is a result of surgery or an effect of CAH. In at least two‐thirds of patients surgery did not achieve the objective of reducing urinary symptoms.
Role of computed tomography with no contrast medium enhancement in predicting the outcome of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for urinary calculi
Authors: Gupta Narmada P. , Ansari Mohd S. , Kesarvani Pawan , Kapoor Annu , Mukhopadhyay Seema 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the usefulness of urinary calculi attenuation values from non‐contrast computed tomography (NCCT) in predicting the outcome of treatment by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe evaluated 112 patients with solitary renal and upper ureteric calculi of 0.5–2 cm undergoing ESWL. All patients had NCCT at 120 kV and 240 mA on a spiral CT scanner. During each ESWL session 3000 shock waves were given to a maximum of 3.0 kV. A final X‐ray of the kidney, ureters and bladder was taken 12 weeks after the last ESWL session. Fragments of ≤ 5 mm were regarded as clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRF). The calculi retrieved were analysed by X‐ray diffraction and the results assessed by comparing the mean density (as measured in Hounsfield units, HU) with the number of ESWL sessions and clearance.RESULTSIn all, 82 (76%) patients had complete clearance of stones and 26 (24%) had CIRF. There was a linear relationship between the calculus density and number of ESWL sessions required. Of patients with calculi of ≤ 750 HU, 41 (80%) needed three or fewer ESWL sessions and 45 (88%) had complete clearance. Of patients with calculi of > 750 HU, 41 (72%) required three or more ESWL sessions, and 37 (65%) had complete clearance. The best outcome was in patients with calculus diameters of < 1.1 cm and mean densities of ≤ 750 HU; 34 (83%) needed three or fewer ESWL sessions, and the clearance rate was 90%. The worst outcome was in patients with calculus densities of > 750 HU and diameters of > 1.1 cm; 23 (77%) needed three or more ESWL sessions and the clearance rate was only 60%. The calculus density was a stronger predictor of outcome than size alone.CONCLUSIONSThe use of NCCT for determining the attenuation values of urinary calculi before ESWL might help to predict the treatment outcome, and so might help in planning alternative treatment in patients with a likelihood of a poor outcome from ESWL.
The pitfalls of vaginal construction
Authors: Davies Melissa C. , Creighton Sarah M. , Woodhouse Christopher R.J. 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a group of young women undergoing complex vaginoplasty, which may be defined as where there has already been previous complex pelvic surgery and the patient is unsuitable for conservative treatment or minor surgical revision.PATIENTS AND METHODSAll patients who had undergone a complex vaginoplasty between 1997 and 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Information was recorded on the underlying condition, previous surgery and preoperative assessment. The operative technique and complications were noted, and the outcome in terms of menstruation and sexual activity. In all, 15 patients fulfilled the criteria (mean age 22.2 years, range 17–36) and the mean follow‐up was 4.75 (0.75–7) years.RESULTSFourteen patients had complex congenital anomalies of the lower genital tract and 11 of these had associated anomalies of the urinary and gastrointestinal system; four were XY females. The 15 patients had had 31 vaginal procedures, including ileal vaginoplasty, mobilization of perineal skin flaps and split‐skin grafting. Three patients required osteotomies to increase pelvic outlet diameter. The commonest complications were stenosis (six patients) and fistula formation (four). Eight patients are now sexually active; the remaining seven have not attempted sexual intercourse.CONCLUSIONSComplications are common and can be major; most patients require many repeat operations to achieve a patent vagina. Unfortunately at present, this is the only option for this group of young women to achieve a functional vagina. Patients with complex congenital anomalies of the reproductive and genital tracts are increasingly surviving into adulthood, and the numbers of these patients is likely to increase in the future.
The effect of location of the ureteric orifice on the efficacy of endoscopic injection to correct vesico‐ureteric reflux
Authors: Yucel Selcuk , Ucar Murat , Guntekin Erol , Kukul Erdal , Melikoglu Mustafa , Baykara Mehmet 
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVETo review our 11‐year experience and identify the mechanisms responsible for the failure of endoscopic injection for vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) with three different injectable agents, based on the location of the ureteric orifice on endoscopy.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the charts and endoscopic video‐photographs of 46 patients (26 girls, 20 boys, median age 6 years, range 2–16) with VUR treated once or twice by subureteric injection with PTFE, or polydimethylsiloxane or dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer, from 1992 to 2003. Five patients were lost to follow‐up and six ectopic and/or duplicated ureters were excluded from the analysis; in all, 52 ureters were analysed. According to the international classification, the VUR was grades I to V in four (8%), 12 (23%), 16 (31%), 13 (25%) and seven (13%) ureters, respectively.RESULTSAfter 3 months, voiding cysto‐urethrography showed that VUR continued in six of 19, seven of 12 and eight of 21 ureters (38%), respectively, after subureteric PTFE, polydimethylsiloxane and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection; after the second injection, reflux continued in two of six, four of seven and three of eight ureters, respectively. Mound displacement and/or volume loss was the most common failure with all three bulking agents after both the first (62%) and second injections (44%) (P < 0.05). The first injection failed in 32% (11 of 35) normally located ureters and 10 of 17 lateral ureters (P < 0.05). The second injection failed in 11% (four of 35) normal and five of 17 lateral ureters (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSA lateral ureteric orifice may decrease the efficacy of endoscopic injection, as the likelihood of a faulty injection is greater. However, a more careful second injection decreases the failure rate, particularly in those with low‐ to medium‐grade refluxing ureters.