bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of holmium:YAG laser with Lithoclast lithotripsy in ureteral calculi fragmentation
Authors: JEON SEONG SOO , HYUN JI‐HWAN , LEE KYU‐SUNG 
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Purpose:  Among various intracorporeal lithotriptors, Lithoclast (EMS, Switzerland) has become the widely used tool for the treatment of urinary stones. Recently, the holmium:YAG laser has been used with a wide range of potential urological applications, including intracorporeal lithotripsy of urinary calculi. The purpose of the present study is to compare Lithoclast with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy in ureteral calculi fragmentation.Methods:  Out of 51 patients with ureteral calculi, 26 underwent Lithoclast lithotripsy and 25 holmium:YAG lithotripsy using a 8/9.8F rigid ureteroscope. There were no changes to the ureteroscopes, video monitors, baskets or irrigation devices during the study period.Results:  There were no differences in patient age, sex, stone size and location of stones between these groups. The immediate stone‐free rates were 96.0% in the holmium:YAG group and 73.1% in the Lithoclast group (P < 0.05). The 3‐month stone‐free rates were 96.0% and 84.6%, respectively (P = 0.350). The mean operation time and mean period of postoperative hospitalization in the holmium:YAG group (49.8 min and 1.0 days, respectively) were shorter than those of the Lithoclast counterpart (76.9 min and 2.5 days, respectively). Post‐treatment complications, such as ureteral perforation, were encountered in only two patients who underwent Lithoclast.Conclusions:  Holmium:YAG lithotripsy was associated with shorter operation time and postoperative hospitalization period. These data also suggest that holmium:YAG lithotripsy was safe and more effective than Lithoclast lithotripsy in the aspect of immediate stone free rate. We believe that holmium:YAG laser is an excellent treatment modality for managing ureteral calculi.
Erectile dysfunction following nerve‐sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy and its treatment with sildenafil
Authors: SHIMIZU TAKASHI , HISASUE SHIN‐ICHI , SATO YOSHIKAZU , KATO RYUICHI , KOBAYASHI KO , TSUKAMOTO TAIJI 
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Background:  We retrospectively evaluated the erectile function after nerve‐sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and the efficacy of sildenafil for erectile dysfunction (ED) following RRP according to the preoperative erectile function.Methods:  We evaluated 48 Japanese patients who underwent nerve‐sparing RRP at the Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan, between January 1996 and December 2001. Erectile function following nerve‐sparing RRP was assessed by a simple mailed questionnaire that was constructed for the study.Results:  Of the 48 patients, 36 had normal erectile function preoperatively, but for 12, function was not sufficient to penetrate. The overall estimated recovery rates of any degree of erection were 50.6% at 36 months and 94.3% at 60 months. However, that of erection sufficient to penetrate was only 17.7% at 36 months and was only seen in bilateral nerve‐sparing patients. Sildenafil was effective in 9 of 13 ED patients (69.2%) in both nerve‐sparing groups. When patients were divided according to preoperative erectile function, no difference was found in the efficacy rate between patients with normal function and those with ED.Conclusions:  Even bilateral nerve‐sparing RRP can not always guarantee a sufficient erection. However, sildenafil is effective for ED following nerve‐sparing RRP regardless of the nerve‐sparing procedure or preoperative erectile function. Thus, preoperative function alone, although depending on its severity, may not necessarily be a reason for exclusion from receiving nerve‐sparing RRP if patients want to have the operation.
Ten cases of congenital urethral stricture in childhood with enuresis
Authors: SUGIMOTO MIKIO , KAKEHI YOSHIYUKI , YAMASHITA MOTOKI , MATSUKI TAKAKAZU , INUI MASASHI , TAKETA SIGEO 
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Background:  To report short‐term clinical outcomes of endoscopic correction of congenital urethral stricture in 10 boys who suffer from enuresis resistant to conservative therapy.Methods:  Fifteen boys ranging between 5 and 15 years old consulted our clinics for nocturnal and diurnal enuresis which had not been improved by medication and behavioral therapy. Among them, voiding cystography revealed bulbar narrowing (Cobb's Collar) in 10 cases and vesico‐ureteral reflux was found in four cases (seven ureters). Endoscopically, this lesion was recognized as a ring‐form stenosis just distal to the urethral sphincter. It was incised with infantile urethrotome.Results:  Vesico‐ureteral reflux was resolved in four ureters and improved in one. In all cases, daytime enuresis resolved dramatically and night enuresis became controllable.Conclusions:  Boys who suffer from diurnal enuresis should immediately be explored for the existence of congenital urethral stenosis. Early resolution may bring about better urinary behavior.
Different transformation of mature teratoma in a patient with mixed germ cell tumor of the testis
Authors: FUJIMURA TESTUYA , YAMADA YUTA , NASU MICHIYO , HAMASAKI KIMIHISA , MINOWADA SHIGERU , KITAMURA TADAICHI 
Published: June 2005

Abstract  A 44‐year‐old male was referred with a left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. A biopsy of the lymph node showed metastatic embryonal carcinoma. Tumor markers were present at high levels: alpha‐fetoprotein 253.9 ng/mL, beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin 62 ng/mL. Computed tomography (CT) showed retroperitoneal adenopathy. High orchiectomy was done. The patient was treated with three cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin, achieved normalization of the serum tumor markers and underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Pathological findings of multiple lymph nodes showed teratomatous glands without viable cells. At follow‐ups performed every 3 months, tumor markers remained within normal limits and no evidence of recurrence was observed. Eight years after first admission a CT scan revealed a cystic tumor 1 cm in diameter in the para‐aortic region. The cystic tumor continued to slowly grow, expanding by 1 cm in diameter per year without elevation of tumor markers. The para‐aortic tumor had grown to 4 cm in diameter and a left supraclavicular lymphadennopathy recurred. A resection of the supraclavicular cystic tumor showed mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, but a cystic tumor in the para‐aortic region revealed mature teratoma. Here we report a case of mature teratoma with metastases at supraclavicular and para‐aortic lymph nodes which had different transformations in spite of both regions consisting of cystic tumors.
Impact of anatomical pielocaliceal topography in the treatment of renal lower calyces stones with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: RUGGERA LORENZO , BELTRAMI PAOLO , BALLARIO RICCARDO , CAVALLERI STEFANO , CAZZOLETTI LUCIA , ARTIBANI WALTER 
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Aim:  There is wide consensus that the lowest success rate of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is in the complete clearance of renal stones located in the lower calyces. We assess the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy monotherapy for lower pole renal calculi to determine the relationship between the spatial anatomy of lower pole and the outcome of ESWL.Methods:  We evaluated 107 patients who were treated for solitary lower pole renal stones less than 20 mm in diameter with ESWL. The spatial anatomy of the lower pole, as defined by the lower infundibulopelvic angle, infundibular length and infundibular width, was measured by preoperative intravenous pyelography, while the stone location and size were determined by using abdominal plain X‐ray. All patients were followed up at 1 and 3 months with abdominal plain X‐ray and ultrasonography.Results:  Only 62 patients (58%) became stone free, while 45 (42%) retained residual fragments. A small lower infundibulopelvic angle, a long infundibular length and a tight infundibular width are unfavorable for stone clearance after ESWL.Conclusions:  ESWL is the treatment of choice for most renal and ureteral stones. However, stone clearance from the lower pole following ESWL is poor and significantly affected by the inferior pole collecting system anatomy. Therefore, we believe it is important to evaluate these anatomical factors when deciding on the best treatment for lower pole renal calculi.
Modified pluck method in en bloc nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff for upper urothelial cancer
Authors: HAYASHI MUTSUO , TANAKA GAKU , OKUTANI TAKUYA 
Published: June 2005

Abstract  Aim:  To evaluate the surgical results of the en bloc removal of the kidney and ureter with a bladder cuff by using our modified pluck method.Methods:  We employed this procedure in 28 patients with renal pelvic and ureteral cancer. The clinical stages of the 28 patients were T(1–3)N(0–1)M(0). These patients were operated on by nephrectomy with standard open or retroperitoneoscopic surgery, and then standard or blind dissection of the distal ureter. After simultaneously making a transurethral circular incision of the ureteral meatus with a J‐shaped electrode, the ureteral end was plucked out of the bladder, and en bloc removal of the kidney and ureter was performed from the wound.Results:  The mean operating time for nephroureterectomy using the pluck method was 278 min in all cases. The mean time for the pluck procedure after nephrectomy was 24 min in 22 cases, and 73 min in six cases where the nephrectomy was carried out via a new lower pararectal wound. There were no intra‐ or postoperative complications associated with these procedures. Within the mean follow‐up period of 25 months, there was no recurrence of tumors in the perivesical retroperitoneal space; however, the usual rate of intravesical recurrence was observed. Three patients died, two of metastatic urothelial cancer and one of heart disease.Conclusions:  En bloc nephroureterectomy using our modified pluck method is a useful procedure for patients with upper urothelial cancer because of the simplicity and ease of the procedure.
Almotriptan in Migraine Patients Who Respond Poorly to Oral Sumatriptan: A Double‐Blind, Randomized Trial
Authors: Diener Hans‐Christoph , Gendolla Astrid , Gebert Irmingard , Beneke Manfred 
Published: June 2005

Objective.—To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of almotriptan 12.5 mg in migraine patients who respond poorly to sumatriptan 50 mg.Background.—Poor response to sumatriptan therapy for acute migraine attacks has been documented in the literature, but few controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of an alternative triptan in this subgroup of patients.Methods.—Patients with an International Headache Society diagnosis of migraine who self‐described as experiencing at least two unsatisfactory responses to sumatriptan treated their first migraine attack with open‐label sumatriptan 50 mg. Patients who did not achieve 2‐hour pain relief (improvement of headache from moderate/severe to mild/no headache) were then randomized to treat their second attack with almotriptan 12.5 mg or placebo under double‐blind conditions.Results.—In the first attack, 221 of 302 participants (73%) did not achieve 2‐hour pain relief with sumatriptan and were randomized to treatment of their second attack with almotriptan 12.5 mg or placebo. Of the 198 sumatriptan nonresponders who treated their second attack (99 almotriptan; 99 placebo), 70% had severe headache pain at baseline. Two‐hour pain‐relief rates were significantly higher with almotriptan compared to placebo (47.5% vs 23.2%; P < .001). A significant treatment effect for almotriptan was also seen in pain‐free rates at 2 hours (33.3% vs 14.1%; P < .005) and sustained freedom from pain (20.9% vs 9.0%; P < .05). In the second attack, 7.1% of patients in the almotriptan group experienced adverse events compared to 5.1% in the placebo group (P= .77).Conclusions.—Almotriptan 12.5 mg is an effective and well‐tolerated alternative for patients who respond poorly to sumatriptan 50 mg. A poor response to one triptan does not predict a poor response to other agents in that class.
Effects on Productivity and Quality of Life of Rizatriptan for Acute Migraine: A Workplace Study
Authors: Láinez Miguel J.A. , López Arturo , Pascual Ana M. 
Published: June 2005

Objective.—To evaluate the impact of treatment with rizatriptan 10 mg on jobs and quality of life of patients with migraine.Methods.—Prospective, open‐label study at 27 work sites of 20 companies representing diverse labor sectors in Spain. Eligible patients according International Headache Society (IHS) criteria were recruited for the study by on‐site physicians and instructed to treat moderate or severe migraine attacks with one tablet of rizatriptan 10 mg. They were asked to complete the study questionnaires (ML‐96, SF‐36) at baseline, and then 3 months later.Results.—A total of 259 patients (83 men and 176 women) of a mean age of 39 (range 18 to 61 years) completed the study. Only 7% had taken triptans before for treatment of their migraine attacks. After 3 months of rizatriptan therapy, the use of medical services was significantly lower and all tested domains of quality of life had improved (P < .001). Absenteeism and days worked during migraine attacks also fell significantly during 3 months of rizatriptan therapy as compared with the 3 months before the study (P < .001). The improvement in productivity was reflected in the significant decreases in lost workday equivalents (decrease from 3.32 to 1.21 days; P < .001) and also in the total number of workdays lost (decrease from 5.16 to 1.82 days; P < .001). Two‐thirds of patients described the efficacy of oral rizatriptan as excellent or very good (62%), and 89% preferred it over their usual medications for acute treatment of migraine attacks.Conclusion.—For this employed population of patients with migraine, treatment with rizatriptan significantly improved parameters measuring direct medical costs, work and productivity, and health‐related quality of life. In accordance with these findings, direct and indirect costs related to migraine could be substantially reduced by gathering detailed information about the nature of headache, eliminating triggering factors, and instituting effective treatment of migraine attacks.
Predictors of a Negative Response to Topiramate Therapy in Patients With Chronic Migraine
Authors: Rothrock John F. , Parada Victoria A. , Drinkard Renay , Zweifler Richard M. , Key Kristin F. 
Published: June 2005

Objective.—To identify variables predictive of a negative response to prophylactic therapy with topiramate in patients with chronic migraine.Background.—While certain of the newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have emerged as promising or definitely effective therapies for migraine prevention, we continue to lack biologic or clinical variables predictive of treatment response to these or other widely used prophylactic therapies.Methods.—A consecutive series of 170 patients with IHS‐defined migraine who were experiencing 15 or more days of headache per month were treated with topiramate according to a uniform dosing protocol. Variables examined for their potential value in predicting treatment response included age, gender, prior experience with prophylactic therapy, prior experience with divalproex sodium specifically, headache frequency and, if present, duration of chronic daily headache (CDH). A positive treatment response was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in headache days during the second treatment month relative to the patient's pretopiramate baseline. Only patients who completed the treatment phase and achieved the 50 mg BID target dose were analyzed (efficacy analysis). Each variable prospectively selected was evaluated in regards to treatment outcome via a paired t‐test, and a multiple regression analysis of all variables subsequently was performed.Results.—A total of 116 patients completed at least 60 days of treatment and consequently were available for analysis. In the efficacy analysis, 45 (38.8%) of the 116 responded positively to topiramate. Neither age nor gender influenced treatment response. Those patients with CDH of more than 6 months duration, patients who previously had tried and failed more than three prophylactic agents and patients who previously had failed to respond to divalproex sodium were more likely to be nonresponders, but after multiple regression analysis the only statistically significant predictor of a negative treatment response was CDH of more than 6 months duration (P < .001).Conclusions.—Patients with chronic migraine who are treated with topiramate may respond positively at a rate approaching that reported from placebo‐controlled trials involving topiramate or other AEDs administered to less severely afflicted migraineurs. Our analysis suggests that patients with chronic migraine least likely to respond to topiramate would be those with extensive and negative previous experience with prophylactic therapy, previous failure to respond to divalproex sodium, CDH, and, most notably, CDH of more than 6 months duration.
A High Incidence of Migraine With Aura Among Morbidly Obese Women
Authors: Horev Anat , Wirguin Itzhak , Lantsberg Leonid , Ifergane Gal 
Published: June 2005

Introduction.—Nearly two‐thirds of adults in the United States and an increasing percentage of the population worldwide are overweight or obese. The relationship of obesity to headache has received inadequate attention. We evaluated the incidence of headache in a sample of morbidly obese women.Methods.—Morbidly obese women, attending the surgical preoperative clinic of Soroka University Medical Center for preoperative assessment for laparoscopic gastric banding were evaluated using a structured interview and their medical charts were reviewed.Results.—During a 2‐month period, 27 morbidly obese women were interviewed, with a mean BMI of 41.07. Ten patients suffered from migraine with aura, three from migraine without aura, and four from tension headache.Conclusion.—The unusually high incidence of migraine with aura can be attributed to extraovarian production of estrogen and estradiol in the adipose tissue. Further study is indicated to explore the therapeutic role of weight loss in headache care.
Disposing of the World's Excess Plutonium
Authors: McCormick James M. , Bullen Daniel B. 
Published: June 2005

We undertake three key objectives in addressing the issue of plutonium disposition at the end of the Cold War. First, we estimate the total global inventory of plutonium both from weapons dismantlement and civil nuclear power reactors. Second, we review past and current policy toward handling this metal by the United States. Russia, and other key countries. Third, we evaluate the feasibility of several options (but especially the vitrification and mixed oxide fuel options announced by the Clinton administration) for disposing of the increasing amounts of plutonium available today.To undertake this analysis, we consider both the political and scientific problems confronting policymakers in dealing with this global plutonium issue. Interview data with political and technical officials in Washington and at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. Austria, and empirical inventory data on plutonium from a variety of sources form the basis of our analysis.
Book Notes
Authors: Carter‐Boone La Shonda 
Published: June 2005

John C. Campbell and Naoki Ikegami, The Art of Balance in Health Policy Maintaining Japan's Low‐Cost, Egalitarian System.Terry N. Clark and Vincent Hoffman‐Martinot (Eds.), The New Political Culture.Susan E. Clarke and Gary L. Gailc, The Work of Cities.Stephen E. Condrey (Ed.), Handhook of Human Resource Management in Government.Timothy Conlan, From New Federalism to Devolution: Twency‐Five years of Intergovernmental Reform.William M. Epstcin, Welfare in America: How Social Science Fails the Poor.Malcolm M. Feeley and Edward L. Rubin, Judicial Policy Making und the Modern State: How the Courts Reformed America's Prisons.Stephen J. McGovern, Politics of Downtown Development: Dynamic Political Cultures in San Francisco and Washington, DC.William K. Nester, A Short History cf American Industrial Policies.Richard J. Payne, Getting Beyond Race: The Changing American Culture.Jon Pierre (Ed.), Partnerships in Urban Governance: European und American Experience.Mark G. Popovich (Ed.), Creating High‐Performance Government Organizations.Kalman Rupp and David C. Stapleton (Eds.), Growth in Disability Benefits: Explanations and Policy Implications.Janie S. Steckenrider and Tonya M. Parrot (Eds.), New Directions in Old‐Age Policies.
Quantification of mast cells in different stages of human periodontal disease
Authors: Batista AC , Rodini CO , Lara VS 
Published: June 2005

Objective and methods:  Among the cells involved in immune and inflammatory responses in periodontal disease, mast cells have been shown to be capable of generating a large number of biologically active substances. The present study was undertaken to identify and quantify the presence of mast cells in different stages of human periodontal disease using histochemical (toluidine blue) and immunohistochemical (tryptase‐positive mast cells) techniques.Results:  Mast cell densities (cells per mm2) were significantly increased in chronic periodontitis/gingivitis lesions compared with clinically healthy gingival tissues (Health) uniquely by immunohistochemical technique. Interestingly, mast cells were distributed specially in close apposition to mononuclear cells.Conclusions:  In human periodontal disease there is an increase in the number of mast cells that may be participating either in the destructive events or in the defense mechanism of periodontal disease via secretion of cytokines, including perpetuation of the Th2 response, and cellular migration and healing processes.
Animal models of programming: early life influences on appetite and feeding behaviour
Authors: Langley‐Evans Simon C. , Bellinger Leanne , McMullen Sarah 
Published: June 2005

AbstractEpidemiological observations of associations between early life nutrition and long‐term disease risk have prompted detailed experimental investigation of the biological basis of programming. Studies using rodent or large animal models have clearly established the biological plausibility of nutritional programming and are now yielding important information on underlying mechanisms. Nutritional interventions in pregnancy, including global food restriction, protein restriction, micronutrient restriction and excess fat feeding, determine a consistent cluster of disorders in the resulting offspring. The common association of such diverse nutritional disturbances with hypertension, glucose intolerance and adiposity suggests that a small number of simple common mechanisms are active in response to fetal nutrient imbalance. Studies of rodent models indicate that fetal undernutrition determines adult adiposity. It is unclear whether the increase in central adiposity is related to increased food intake or reduced energy expenditure, although evidence exists to suggest that both may act together. Rats subject to intrauterine protein restriction exhibit increased preference for high fat foods. Feeding of energy dense foods to rats that were undernourished in utero promotes a greater degree of obesity than is noted in animals subject to adequate nutrition in fetal life. There is evidence to suggest that programming of appetite may stem from remodelling of hypothalamic structures that control feeding and programming of the expression of genes involved in responses to orexogenic hormones. The early life programming of appetite and obesity is a complex phenomenon and our understanding of how maternal nutrition determines later energy balance is at a very early stage.