bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of palpable and impalpable cryptorchid testes using CD‐99 immunohistochemistry
Authors: Abrahams H.M. , Kallakury B.V.S. , Sheehan C.E. , Kogan B.A. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical and morphological features of impalpable and palpable cryptorchid testes, as there is debate about how much effort is appropriate to bring an impalpable undescended testicle into the scrotum.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe reviewed retrospectively 189 cases of undescended testicles in 168 patients who were explored surgically by one surgeon between August 1997 and September 2000. Operative findings of palpability, testicular size and location were collected. The mean tubular diameter (MTD), tubular fertility index (TFI) and mean number of germ cells per tubule (MGCT) were calculated using immunohistochemistry for CD‐99, a Sertoli‐cell marker, to classify germ cells more accurately.RESULTSSixty‐three testes (33%) were impalpable; the median age at the time of surgical exploration was 23 months for both groups. The mean (sd) testicular volume for the impalpable and palpable groups were 0.83 (0.38) and 1.22 (0.54) mL, respectively. Using fitted curves of size vs age, impalpable testes were smaller than palpable testes at all ages, with the difference nearly statistically significant (P < 0.06). The MTD, TFI and MGCT decreased with age in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between the groups. A sub‐analysis of abdominal and extra‐abdominal testes confirmed no significant differences.CONCLUSIONImpalpable testes are smaller at the time of exploration than palpable cryptorchid testes. However, histological factors predict that impalpable testes have a significant chance of future fertility and therefore orchidopexy is appropriate. CD‐99 immunohistochemistry makes objective morphological information easier to obtain.
Genital sensation after feminizing genitoplasty for congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a pilot study
Authors: Crouch N.S. , Minto C.L. , Laio L.‐M. , Woodhouse C.R.J. , Creighton S.M. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVETo assess sensation in the clitoris and vagina in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) who have previously had genital surgery, and to evaluate sexual function in this group as the latter, and particularly the experience of orgasm, appear to be closely related to sensitivity.PATIENTS AND METHODSSix women were recruited from a multidisciplinary clinic specialising in intersex conditions, and representing an initial cohort from a larger ongoing study. The patients were asked to complete a postal questionnaire with a specialized sexual function assessment. Thermal, vibratory and light‐touch sensory thresholds were assessed in the clitoris and vagina using a genito‐sensory analyser and Von Frey filaments.RESULTSAll six women had highly abnormal results for sensation in the clitoris. Only three of them had an introitus capable of admitting the vaginal probe, and the vaginal sensory data of all three were within the validated ranges. A self‐administered sexual function assessment was completed by the five women who were sexually active. The scores indicated sexual difficulties, particularly in the areas of infrequency of intercourse and anorgasmia.CONCLUSIONSThe sensory data for all six women were outside the normal range for the clitoris. The results for the upper vagina, which had not had surgery, were within normal ranges. These findings suggest that genital surgery may disrupt sensory input. Sexual function also appears to be impaired and this may relate to the compromised sensitivity and restricted introitus. The possibility that women with CAH have deficient clitoral sensation ab initio cannot be excluded. These striking findings must be evaluated further in the light of the controversy about the issue of genital surgery in children with CAH.
Expanded PTFE bladder neck slings for incontinence in children: the long‐term outcome
Authors: Godbole P. , Mackinnon A.E. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVETo assess the long‐term outcome of circumferential expanded PTFE (Gore‐texTM, WL Gore Associates, Scotland) bladder neck slings for achieving urethral continence in children with a neuropathic bladder.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe records were reviewed of 19 children undergoing bladder reconstruction (most with a neuropathic bladder) who had a Gore‐tex sling placed circumferentially at the bladder neck, over a 5‐year period. Of these, seven had spina bifida; two each spinal dysraphism, surgery for anorectal anomalies and an idiopathic neuropathic bladder; five who developed a neuropathic bladder from other causes, and one born with bladder exstrophy. All children had an uncompliant bladder with a low urethral leak‐point pressure on preoperative urodynamics. In all children conventional clean intermittent catheterization and pharmacotherapy had failed. Four had had previous augmentation surgery while 15 had concomitant bladder augmentation and formation of a Mitrofanoff stoma. The main outcome measure was achieving dryness. The original intention of the procedure was also to maintain urethral catheterization.RESULTSFull details of the follow‐up were available in 17 patients. Despite initial good short‐term results, at a median follow up of 7 years, in 14 patients the sling had to be removed because of erosion, often with transient urethral leakage before the bladder neck subsequently closed. A bladder calculus was associated with each case of erosion except one.CONCLUSIONAlthough in the short term this technique had favourable results, it was not a useful technique in the long term.
The phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase pathway regulates bladder cancer cell invasion
Authors: Wu X. , Obata T. , Khan Q. , Highshaw R.A. , De Vere White R. , Sweeney C. 
Published: December 2003

Three of the studies described in this section relate to bladder cancer. The first of these concerns the PI‐3 kinase pathway, which has been a topic of interest in cancer in general. The authors from Sacramento suggest that it may regulate cancer cell invasion, and hope that this may lead to translational therapeutic uses.Another study describes the pharmacological characteristics of Ro115‐1240, which is a selective alpha1A/1L adrenoceptor partial agonist, a compound which may have a future in treating stress urinary incontinence.OBJECTIVESTo investigate the role of the phosphatidylinositol (PI)‐3 kinase pathway in the invasion of bladder cancer cell lines, and to assess the activation of this pathway in primary human bladder tumours.MATERIALS AND METHODSHuman bladder cancer cells were treated with pathway specific inhibitors or were transfected with PI‐3 kinase pathway components. The invasion of cultured bladder cancer cells was analysed by an invasion assay. Bladder cancer cells lines and primary human bladder tumours were analysed for pathway activation by western blotting.RESULTSA specific inhibitor of PI‐3 kinase enzyme activity, Ly294002, potently suppressed the invasive properties of three highly invasive bladder tumour cell lines. Restoration of the PTEN gene to invasive UM‐UC‐3 bladder tumour cells or expression of a dominant‐negative version of the PI‐3 kinase target, Akt, also potently inhibited invasion, indicating a central role for the PI‐3 kinase/Akt pathway in this process. In addition, 55% of primary tumours from patients with bladder cancer had markedly high levels of phosphorylated Akt.CONCLUSIONPharmacological or biochemical inhibition of the PI‐3 kinase pathway drastically reduced the invasive capacity of bladder cancer cell lines; over half of primary human bladder tumours had high Akt phosphorylation, suggesting that the aberrant activation of this pathway may contribute to the invasion of a significant subset of bladder cancers.
Expression of CD44 protein in bilharzial and non‐bilharzial bladder cancers
Authors: Gadalla H.A.H. , Kamel N.A.H. , Badary F.A.M. , Elanany F.G. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the expression of CD44 protein in bilharzial and non‐bilharzial bladder carcinomas, and to relate the results of immunohistochemistry to the established prognostic factors, as studies clearly show that altered adhesive function of tumour cells is important in the metastatic process and CD44 is assumed to be critical in the malignant progression of many human tumours.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 55 patients with bladder carcinoma confirmed by cystoscopy and biopsy. Of the 33 patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), 19 were bilharzial and 14 non‐bilharzial, and of 22 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 12 were bilharzial and 10 non‐bilharzial. CD44 expression was measured by immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin‐embedded tissue obtained from these patients after appropriate treatment (transurethral resection, partial or radical cystectomy).RESULTSThere was significantly less CD44 expression in invasive TCC than in normal urothelium and pre‐invasive TCC (P = 0.05). The expression of CD44 was inversely related to the tumour grade and depth of invasion (P = 0.05). However, there was no such relation for SCC; there was no significant difference between CD44 expression in metaplastic squamous epithelium, pre‐invasive and invasive SCC. The presence or absence of bilharzial ova had no apparent effect on the expression of CD44, with no significant difference between CD44 expression in bilharzial and non‐bilharzial bladder carcinomas.CONCLUSIONSThese data confirm that there is a reduction in CD44 expression with increasing tumour grade and stage of TCC, and may provide an additional aid in predicting the progression of this tumour. There was no such relationship with SCC, and no difference between CD44 expression in bilharzial and non‐bilharzial bladder carcinomas.
Investigation of sequential mitomycin C and photodynamic therapy in a mitomycin‐resistant bladder cancer cell‐line model
Authors: French A.J. , Datta S.N. , Allman R. , Matthews P.N. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the hypothesis that sequential mitomycin C and 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) interact additively in both the J82 bladder cancer cell line and its mitomycin‐C‐resistant derivative, J82/MMC, and to assess the theoretical basis of this interaction by measuring the relative mitochondrial density of the respective cell lines, on the basis that the mitochondria are the intracellular site where ALA is metabolized to the active photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX.MATERIALS AND METHODSCell survival was assayed in J82 cell line and the J82/MMC derivative after treating them with sequential ALA‐mediated PDT and mitomycin C, and with the sequence of treatments reversed. Cell survival was estimated using the tetrazolium assay. The relative mitochondrial density of the two cell lines was estimated using flow cytometry to measure 123rhodamine fluorescence.RESULTSThe effect of sequential mitomycin C followed by ALA‐mediated PDT enhanced the effect of PDT in both cell lines. In J82/MMC this effect was marginally supra‐additive. When ALA‐mediated PDT was administered before mitomycin C, the combined effect was ‘sub‐additive’. 123Rhodamine fluorescence was > 10 times greater in J82/MMC than J82, suggesting a significantly higher mitochondrial density in the former than the latter.CONCLUSIONMitomycin C appears to enhance ALA‐mediated PDT when administered first. This appears to be particularly so in J82/MMC. This phenomenon may have clinical significance in recurrent superficial bladder cancer.
Pharmacological characteristics of Ro 115–1240, a selective α1A/1L‐adrenoceptor partial agonist: a potential therapy for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Blue D.R. , Daniels D.V. , Gever J.R. , Jett M.F. , O'Yang C. , Tang H.M. , Williams T.J. , Ford A.P.D.W. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVETo describe the preclinical pharmacology of Ro 115–1240, a peripherally acting selective α1A/1L‐adrenoceptor (AR) partial agonist, compared with the α1A/1L‐AR full agonist amidephrine, as AR agonists have some utility in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) but are limited by undesirable cardiovascular and central nervous system side‐effects.RESULTSIn radioligand‐binding studies Ro 115–1240 had greater affinity for α1A than for α1B and α1D subtypes. The potency and intrinsic activity of amidephrine and Ro 115–1240 relative to noradrenaline were determined in native and cell‐based assays using human recombinant α1‐ARs; they acted as selective α1A/1L‐AR full and partial agonists, respectively. In anaesthetized micropigs and rabbits, amidephrine and Ro 115–1240 produced non‐selective, dose‐dependent increases in intraurethral and arterial blood pressures but the magnitude of the pressure increases evoked by Ro 115–1240 were about a third of those with amidephrine. In conscious micropigs both agents produced dose‐dependent increases in urethral tension. Again, the magnitude of the urethral response to Ro 115–1240 was about a third of that with amidephrine. More importantly, only amidephrine produced dose‐dependent increases in blood pressure and decreases in heart rate. Ro 115–1240 produced a maximum increase in urethral tension with no effect on blood pressure or heart rate.CONCLUSIONThese results show that by combining selectivity for the α1A/1L‐AR subtype with a reduction in intrinsic agonist efficacy, Ro 115–1240 has reduced haemodynamic effects while retaining to some degree the contractile effects on urethral smooth muscle. These studies indicate that Ro 115–1240 may be useful as a novel treatment for SUI.
The tensile properties of tension‐free vaginal tape and cadaveric fascia lata in an in vivo rat model
Authors: Spiess P.E. , Rabah D. , Herrera C. , Singh G. , Moore R. , Corcos J. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVETo examine the tensile properties (break load and maximum average load), after in vivo implantation in a rat animal model, of tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) and cadaveric fascia lata (CFL), as pubovaginal slings of these materials have become popular for treating stress urinary incontinence.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwenty Sprague‐Dawley rats (300–400 g) had 1 × 2 cm strips of commercially available TVT and CFL implanted on the right and left anterior abdominal wall, respectively. Half of the animals were then killed at 6 weeks and the remainder at 12 weeks, after which the strips of TVT and CFL were removed and their tensile properties measured using a tensiometer. The tensile strength of TVT and CFL strips maintained only in normal saline served as controls.RESULTSThe TVT strips had a mean break load of 0.740 kg in the control and only 0.390 kg for CFL (P < 0.05). At 6 weeks the TVT material had a mean (sd) maximum average load of 0.634 (0.096) kg and a mean break load of 0.589 (0.249) kg, whereas the respective values for the CFL were 0.323 (0.198) and 0.167 (0.063) kg (P < 0.05). Similarly at 12 weeks, TVT had a greater mean maximum average and break load than CFL, at 0.742 (0.052) and 0.274 (0.126), and 0.737 (0.056) and 0.185 (0.128) kg, respectively.CONCLUSIONThis is the first study to assess the tensile properties of the currently used sling materials, TVT and CFL, in an in vivo model. TVT has a greater break load and maximum average load than CFL; the tensile strength of these materials does not decrease with time.
Acute prostatitis in middle‐aged men: a prospective study
Authors: Kravchick S. , Cytron S. , Agulansky L. , Ben‐Dor D. 
Published: December 2003

OBJECTIVESTo determine the clinical outcome of middle‐aged men with acute prostatitis, the optimum time for re‐assessing their prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, and to detect any possible echotextural and vascular changes that remain as a consequence of acute inflammation.PATIENTS AND METHODSPersistent fever prompted a re‐evaluation for prostatic abscess formation in 28 middle‐aged men, using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) colour Doppler imaging, undertaken at the 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month visits. The results of TRUS were compared with laboratory data and clinical outcome.RESULTSTwo abscesses were detected; 19 (68%) of the patients remained infection‐free at the 3‐month visit. Serum PSA levels were elevated in 11 (39%) of the patients at this visit; three prostate carcinomas were diagnosed. Increased intraprostatic colour flow was detected in 68% and there were hypoechoic areas in 46% of the patients.CONCLUSIONThe re‐evaluation for abscess formation should not be postponed for > 48 h. Patients with acute prostatitis tend to have persistent infection. PSA levels could be high even up to 3 months after an acute episode. Middle‐aged men with carcinoma could be missed during the acute phase of inflammation. PSA and TRUS monitoring are strongly recommended.
The Conceptual Framework as a Coherent System for the Development of Accounting Standards
Authors: Booth Brian 
Published: December 2003

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) visualized a conceptual accounting framework as a ‘coherent system of interrelated objectives and fundamentals that can lead to consistent standards that prescribes the nature, function, and limits of financial accounting and financial statements’ (FASB, 1976). To Australian standard setters, the primary purpose of the conceptual framework (CF) was only to be used as a ‘guide’ in developing and reviewing accounting standards (AASB, 1995, para. 5). The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) diminished the role of a conceptual framework even further by openly acknowledging that some standards are inconsistent with the guidelines offered by the framework (IASC, 1989 para. 12). Even though the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) supposedly pursues a policy of harmonization of conceptual frameworks and accounting standards, there are also acknowledged inconsistencies in the conceptual frameworks of the IASC.The aim of this article is to assess the coherence of the Australian (and IASC) conceptual framework. This analysis identifies confusion in drafting or construction of the conceptual framework, internal inconsistencies, and inconsistency with the legal framework within which business entities operate. Accordingly it is suggested that the adoption of a conceptual framework will not lead to consistent accounting standards, and inevitably the conceptual framework will lack credibility so long as it is inconsistent with legislation.
Implications for the Conceptual Framework Arising From Accounting for Financial Instruments
Authors: Bradbury Michael E. 
Published: December 2003

This article describes some of the issues faced by standard setters in developing guidance on accounting for financial instruments and the implications these issues have for the conceptual framework (CF). The objective is to outline issues, not necessarily to resolve them, and to consider the implications they have for further developing the conceptual framework.Given the current trend of harmonization and convergence of accounting practice towards international standards, it seems reasonable to assume that any policy implications will be most relevant to the CF inherited by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).1 Unless otherwise stated, references will be made to International Accounting Standards (IAS).
A Statement of Accounting Concepts for Level 1 of the Conceptual Framework?
Authors: Staunton John 
Published: December 2003

The type of reporting found in corporate governance includes financial reporting, but over time various arguments have developed regarding a tension found between conventional and financial type reporting, especially as to the role of financial statements. Further tensions follow from the introduction of economic and social issues within both conventional accounting and financial reports.This article argues that distinct, though related, frameworks at particular levels are required. The mingling of conventional accounting with financial and economic ideas and issues is evident in the conceptual framework (CF) project where there is reference to economic benefits and costs in making economic decisions for the allocation of resources. This results in a misconception of the function of these distinct types of information. An unravelling of particular issues will require a Statement of Accounting Concepts (SAC) for Level 1 of the CF.
The Organisational Evolution of the Childcare Regime in Germany: Issues and Dynamics of a Public‐private Partnership
Authors: Bode Ingo 
Published: December 2003

Abstract: In many European countries, institutional childcare has developed as a field shaped by both statutory and associative agency, the German system being emblematic for this. In Germany, a considerable proportion of childcare services are provided by nonprofit organizations under public regulation. Departing from a historical overview, the article elaborates on the mixed economy of welfare in that system and sheds light on recent transformations of the existing public‐private partnership. It is argued that with a range of cultural and civil‐society‐related evolutions, the system is going to adopt elements of a market regulation that are prone to change the rules of games within the partnership as such.
Sensitivity of the χ2 Goodness‐of‐Fit Test to the Choice of Classes
Authors: Mooney Jennifer , Jolliffe Ian 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe χ2 goodness‐of‐fit test is often one of the first tests of hypotheses encountered by students. When some of the expected frequencies are small, classes need to be combined. A real‐life example is given that illustrates a surprising sensitivity of the results of the test to the way in which such combinations are chosen.