bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell‐surface matrix proteins and sialic acids in cell‐crystal adhesion; the effect of crystal binding on the viability of human CAKI‐1 renal epithelial cells
Authors: Kramer G. , Steiner G.E. , Prinz‐Kashani M. , Bursa B. , Marberger M. 
Published: December 2004

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of sialic acids and cellular matrix proteins as crystal‐binding molecules in human calcium‐oxalate nephrolithiasis.Materials and methodsThe well‐defined human renal cancer cell line CAKI‐1 was used a standard cell culture system. After enzymatic digestion of various cell surface molecules, the binding of α2,6 (Sambucus nigra, SN‐) and α2,3 (Maackia amurensis, MA)‐specific lectins to CAKI‐1 cells was analysed. Simultaneously, the effect on adhesion and release of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals was investigated (eight replicates). The effect of crystal adhesion on cell viability was assessed using Trypan blue exclusion (five replicates).ResultsNeuraminidase decreased MA‐lectin binding of CAKI‐1 cells by 39% (P < 0.05) but elevated SN‐lectin binding by 812% (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, crystal binding to CAKI‐1 cells was increased by 28% (P > 0.05). Pretreatment with collagenase type I, trypsin and dispase II reduced crystal‐binding by 61–74% (P < 0.05) with no effect on sialic acid‐specific lectin‐binding. However, only collagenase type I and dispase (ratio 4 : 1) were also able to release crystals from their receptor‐binding sites (P < 0.05). An increase in the number of cell surface‐bound crystals correlated significantly with a decrease in cell viability (P < 0.05).Conclusionsα2,3‐linked sialic acids protect cells from crystal‐binding. Much greater SN‐lectin binding associated with only moderately increased crystal binding argues against α2,6‐linked sialic acids as a main target structure of crystals. In contrast, collagen type I, type IV and/or fibronectin seem to be potent crystal‐binding molecules on human renal epithelial cells, with collagen type I involved in a potential second step of crystal–cell interaction.
Differences in biopsy features between prostate cancers located in the transition and peripheral zone
Authors: Augustin H. , Erbersdobler A. , Graefen M. , Jaekel T. , Haese A. , Huland H. , Hammerer P.G. 
Published: December 2004

ObjectiveTo identify the zonal location of prostate cancers before surgery, by analysing the mapping of ultrasonography‐guided systematic sextant biopsies for differences between cancers located in the transition zone (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ); and to compare the correlation between Gleason scores of needle biopsies and those of radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.Patients and methodsIn all, 186 patients with TZ (46) and PZ cancers (140) underwent ultrasonography‐guided systematic sextant biopsy and RP at the same institution. The clinical and pathological characteristics, and the anatomical location of positive biopsies, were determined and compared using t‐tests and chi‐square tests. Differences between Gleason scores of needle biopsies and those of RP specimens were evaluated and compared by Cohen κ testing.ResultsTZ cancers had a significantly lower rate of positive biopsies in the middle (63% vs 80%) and base (50% vs 80%) of the prostate than had PZ cancers. Positive biopsies were exclusively obtained from the apex in 19.6% of TZ and 5% of PZ cancers (P = 0.002). There was exact agreement between Gleason scores of needle biopsies and those of RP specimens in 15.2% of TZ (κ = 0.02) and 55% of PZ cancers (κ = 0.25), respectively.ConclusionCompared with PZ cancers, TZ cancers had a different anatomical pattern of positive biopsies, with lower rates in the middle and base of the prostate. The finding of positive biopsies exclusively in the apex favoured prostate cancer located in the TZ. Furthermore, the correlation between needle biopsy Gleason scores and those of the RP specimens was clearly lower in TZ cancers.
Are serial bone scans useful for the follow‐up of clinically localized, low to intermediate grade prostate cancer managed with watchful observation alone?
Authors: Yap B.K. , Choo R. , Deboer G. , Klotz L. , Danjoux C. , Morton G. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the predictive value of serial bone scans as a surveillance tool for bone metastasis in men with clinically localized prostate cancer and managed with watchful observation.PATIENTS AND METHODSA prospective single‐arm study was conducted to assess the feasibility of a watchful observation protocol with selective delayed intervention for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, i.e. T1b‐T2bN0M0, a Gleason score of ≤ 7 and a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of ≤ 15 ng/mL. Patients were managed expectantly as long as they did not meet the empirically predefined criteria of clinical, histological or PSA progression. Bone scintigraphy was repeated every year for the first 2 years, then every 2 years thereafter if the patient remained on watchful observation. When the follow‐up PSA level was> 15 ng/mL the patient underwent bone scintigraphy every year.RESULTSIn all, 244 eligible patients were enrolled into the study. With a median follow‐up of 30 months, 449 bone scans were taken (150 at baseline and 299 in follow‐up evaluations); all 299 follow‐up scans were negative for bone metastasis. Hence, the true rate of positive follow‐up bone scans was estimated to be 0–1.0% (95% confidence). In all, 171 patients had at least one follow‐up bone scan; of these, the number (%) of patients who had 1, 2, 3, 4 and ≥ 5 follow‐up scans was 89 (52), 53 (31), 17 (10), eight (4.7) and four (2.3), respectively. The PSA levels (ng/mL) corresponding to all follow‐up bone scans were: 214 scans at PSA < 10, 61 at 10–14.9, 18 at 15–19.9 and six at ≥ 20 (range 20.2–24.9). The probability of a negative bone scan was estimated to be 88–100% (95% confidence interval) when a PSA threshold of 15 ng/mL was used.CONCLUSIONThe probability of positive findings in serial bone scans in untreated, localized, low to intermediate grade prostate cancer was low when the follow‐up PSA level remained < 15 ng/mL. Avoiding bone scans in this group of patients would translate into a significant cost saving and reduction in their psychological and physical burden. As for those with a follow‐up PSA of> 15 ng/mL, the role of serial bone scintigraphy remains undefined, as a longer follow‐up and a larger sample are needed.
An investigation into nonresponse bias in a postal survey on urinary symptoms
Authors: Dallosso H.M. , Matthews R.J. , McGrother C.W. , Clarke M. , Perry S.I. , Shaw C. , Jagger C. ,   the Leicestershire MRC Incontinence Study Team
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate nonresponse bias in a postal survey on urinary symptoms in people aged ≥ 40 years.SUBJECTS AND METHODSNonresponders to a postal survey on incontinence and other urinary symptoms were studied. A random sample of 1050 nonresponders (stratified for age and sex) was traced by a team of interviewers. Eligible nonresponders were asked several questions from the postal questionnaire, and their reason for not participating in the postal survey.RESULTSOnly 1% of those not responding were not traced in person or accounted for, and 12% were identified as not eligible to be in the survey sample (moved from address, deceased, residential home). Half of the eligible nonresponders (51%) did not answer the interviewer's questions, the main reason being general unwillingness or disinterest. The number in whom poor health was the reason increased with age. Comparing nonresponders who answered the interviewer's questions with a random sample of responders from the postal survey showed little difference in the reporting of urinary symptoms, although there were differences in general health and long‐term health problems. Separate analyses by age showed greater reporting of some urinary symptoms and of poorer general health in the older nonresponders (≥ 70 years).CONCLUSIONOverall, for people aged ≥ 40 years there was no evidence of a nonresponse bias in the reporting of urinary symptoms, providing confidence in such prevalence rates. However, poorer general health and greater reporting of some urinary symptoms by the older nonresponders (≥ 70 years) suggests prevalence rates in this age group may be underestimated.
A comparison of the International Index of Erectile Function and erectile dysfunction studies
Authors: Kassouf W. , Carrier S. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the ability of the five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) to diagnose the vascular aetiology and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), and to compare it with pharmacological testing and duplex Doppler ultrasonography, as such questionnaires are widely used by the pharmaceutical industry to categorize the severity of ED and to assess the efficacy of drug therapy.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 80 patients (mean age 45.2 years, sd 14.0; mean duration of ED 3.5 years) were reviewed by an examiner unaware of their IIEF scores during testing. Penile blood flow was assessed in each patient after an intracavernosal injection with prostaglandin‐E1 (10 µg), with self‐stimulation in privacy. The peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and resistive index were measured for the vascular diagnosis. Visual ratings of erectile responses were also used for analysis.RESULTSOf the 80 patients, 30 had a normal vascular response, 38 arterial insufficiency and 12 were diagnosed with venous leakage. There was no significant difference in the IIEF scores among patients with a normal vascular response, arterial insufficiency or venous leakage. Analysis of visual ratings of erections showed no difference in IIEF scores among the different groups of patients.CONCLUSIONThe IIEF was designed and developed specifically for assessing and evaluating sexual function in clinical trials. However, as shown here, the IIEF cannot and should not be used as a tool to diagnose or compare specific vascular causes of ED.
Screening for renal cell carcinoma using ultrasonography: a feasibility study
Authors: Filipas D. , Spix C. , Schulz‐Lampel D. , Michaelis J. , Hohenfellner R. , Roth S. , Thüroff J.W. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the practicability and efficacy of systematic screening for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by ultrasonography (US), as more small RCCs are being detected incidentally by US.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA 2‐year screening programme for RCC was established for the general population (aged ≥ 40 years) in two German cities, Mainz and Wuppertal. In cooperation with different health insurers, the organisers recruited general practitioners, internists and urologists in private practice who were experienced in and equipped to conduct renal US. The screening was offered in the form of cost‐free renal US in the first year and a re‐examination in the second. For any equivocal or positive renal mass, a reference ultrasonogram was provided by the urology departments at the two university hospitals.RESULTSIn all, 9959 volunteers participated in the screening programme (49% men, 51% women, mean age 61 years, range 40–94) in the first year. Of these participants, 79% returned for re‐examination in the second year. Thirteen (0.1%) subjects were found to have a renal mass, of which nine were RCC. The sensitivity of the programme was 82% (at the 1‐year follow‐up), and the predictive value 2% for equivocal findings on initial examination and 50% for positive findings. The incidence of other abnormal findings was 12%.CONCLUSIONThe screening programme was well accepted by physicians in private practice and by the eligible population. The method was effective, especially if equivocal findings were re‐assessed by reference US before using further imaging studies, e.g. computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Posterior urethral valves: prognostic factors
Authors: Lopez Pereira P. , Espinosa L. , Martinez Urrutina M.J. , Lobato R. , Navarro M. , Jaureguizar E. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine which variables besides bladder dysfunction can help to predict the outcome of renal function in boys with posterior urethral valves (PUV).PATIENTS AND METHODSAll 40 patients with PUV in this retrospective study were diagnosed and began treatment in our hospital within the first 3 months of life, and have had ≥ 5 years of follow‐up. At the time of diagnosis, 33 were in renal insufficiency (RI) and seven had normal renal function (RF). At the time of the study 16 were in chronic renal failure (CRF) and 24 had normal RF. We compared their RF (initial and during follow‐up), vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR), urinary tract infection (UTI), proteinuria, hypertension, renal echogenicity, final patient age and initial management.RESULTSThe mean serum creatinine values before and after initial treatment were worse in boys who developed CRF than in those who did not (P = 0.08); the mean glomerular filtrate rate (GFR) at 1 year old was 52 mL/min/1.73 m2in the former and 102 in the latter (P < 0.001). Proteinuria was present during the follow‐up in 79% of patients in CRF and in only 17% of those with normal RF. All patients who developed CRF had echogenic renal changes while only 53% of the others had (P < 0.01). Other variables showed no statistically significant differences (VUR, UTI, hypertension and final patient age). Of 33 patients in RI at diagnosis, nine were treated by valve ablation and 24 by temporary pyelo‐ureterostomy. The initial mean serum creatinine value was worse in the latter than in the former (20.8 vs 13.0 mg/L). However, at 1 year old the mean GFR was better in the latter than in the former (P < 0.05). These GFR differences persisted during the first years of life but had disappeared by the fifth.CONCLUSIONSThe most significant prognostic factor for the future development of CRF is the GFR at 1 year old. The onset of proteinuria during the follow‐up is associated with a worse prognosis. Echogenic renal changes may help to identify those dysplastic kidneys that will develop RI. Neonatal boys in RI who underwent pyelo‐ureterostomy had better RF during the first years of life than those who underwent valve ablation.
The evaluation of the effects of renal failure on erectile dysfunction in a rabbit model of chronic renal failure
Authors: Bagcivan I. , Kilicarslan H. , Sarac B. , Gokce G. , Yildirim S. , Ayan S. , Sarioglu Y. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine whether chronic renal failure (CRF) reduces nitrergic relaxant responses in a rabbit model.MATERIALS AND METHODSTen rabbits underwent surgery to induce uraemia (CRF rabbits) and a further 10 a sham operation (controls). Corpus cavernosal tissue was prepared and used in organ‐chamber experiments, with relaxation assessed against a background of pre‐contraction with phenylephrine. At the plateau of contraction, relaxation responses to cumulative concentrations of carbachol or sodium nitroprusside (SNP), to test endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent relaxations, respectively, were assessed. Before electrical‐field stimulation (EFS), the tissue was treated with an adrenergic nerve blocker and a muscarinic receptor blocker to eliminate the adrenergic and cholinergic components, and to determine the relaxation responses to the stimulation of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) nerves. The relaxation responses in corporal strips obtained from CRF rabbits were compared with those from controls.RESULTSWhen tissues were contracted with KCl, tensions were similar in all groups. The impairment in concentration‐dependent relaxation with carbachol was significant in CRF rabbits, but SNP‐ and papaverine‐induced concentration‐dependent relaxation responses were no different among the groups. EFS‐induced frequency‐dependent relaxations were significantly lower in CRF rabbits than in controls.CONCLUSIONCRF inhibits the NANC‐mediated relaxation of rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. Changes in NANC‐mediated and carbachol‐induced (endothelium‐dependent) relaxation of corporal smooth muscle in the rabbit are probably caused by uraemia and subsequently, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism or low testosterone levels in CRF. These results also suggest that if vasoactive agents are to be used for treating erectile dysfunction in uraemic patients, direct‐acting vasodilators and phosphodiesterase inhibitors will be useful.
Motivations and influences on the use of complementary medicine in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with curative intent: results of a pilot study
Authors: Hall J.D. , Bissonette E.A. , Boyd J.C. , Theodorescu D. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVESTo analyse descriptively the use of complementary medicine (CM) by patients with localized prostate cancer treated with curative intent, assessing the major influences on their choice to use CM, and the major critics and advocates of CM.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom January 1997 to June 2000, 351 men with stage T1c‐T3 adenocarcinoma of the prostate were treated with either radical prostatectomy (RP) or brachytherapy. On the final date all patients were mailed a questionnaire relating to their use of CM and the results analysed cross‐sectionally.RESULTSIn all, 238 (67.8%) patients returned the questionnaires, of whom 37% acknowledged using some type of CM, with a similar overall use of CM among those treated with RP or brachytherapy. Of these, 43% began using CM before and 32% after starting conventional treatment, and most indicated they would never discontinue these therapies. The most common reason for using CM was the patient's impression that it made them feel better, and secondarily that they felt it helped to cure their cancer. Physicians were the most common source of information about CM, with twice as many patients identifying physicians as being advocates rather than critics of CM. Many patients felt their urologist or radiation oncologist was neutral or chose not to discuss CM. However, when these physicians discussed CM, more patients felt that they encouraged rather than discouraged the use of CM.CONCLUSIONSThese data on the motivations for patient choices relating to CM are novel; the sources of information, both positive and negative, that patients find useful in their decision to use these therapies were explored. Interestingly, physicians were generally supportive of the use of such approaches.
Improved sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of the hyperactive detrusor: signal modification in an animal model
Authors: Seif C. , Cherwon E. , Martinez Portilló F.J. , Alken P. , Jünemann K.P. , Braun P.M. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate different stimulation signals for the peripheral nerve evaluation test (PNE, carried out before implanting a sacral neuromodulator for functional voiding dysfunction) in an animal model and to determine their efficacy, as up to 80% of patients do not respond to the PNE test.MATERIALS AND METHODSPNE foramen electrodes were placed in the S3 of 12 anaesthetized Göttingen minipigs. First, detrusor instabilities were induced by the intravesical instillation of formalin. A 10‐min stimulation phase with both a quasi‐trapezoidal (QT) signal and a rectangular signal followed. An interval of 30 min elapsed between the series of stimulations. The attained bladder pressure values were registered on a urodynamic unit and evaluated as contractions and amplitudes per minute. Six minipigs were treated in the same way but were not stimulated and served as a control group.RESULTSAfter formalin instillation, the mean (sd) number of involuntary detrusor contractions was 3.5 (0.8)/min and the sum of amplitudes 7.2 (1.1) cmH2O/min. Subsequent NaCl instillation and QT‐stimulation reduced the contractions to 0.3 (0.3)/min and the sum of amplitudes to 0.8 (0.4) cmH2O/min. Stimulation with a rectangular signal, as used in the PNE test, followed after an interval of 10 min, giving 1.1 (0.1) contractions/min and a sum of amplitudes of 5.1 (2.4) cmH2O/min. Within the control group there was no significant reduction.CONCLUSIONSThese results show that QT‐stimulation suppresses uncontrollable detrusor contractions in the minipig more effectively than the conventional rectangular stimulation presently applied in sacral neuromodulation.
High serum prostate‐specific antigen levels in the absence of prostate cancer in Middle‐Eastern men: the clinician's dilemma
Authors: Kehinde E.O. , Sheikh M. , Mojimoniyi O.A. , Francis I. , Anim J.T. , Nkansa‐Dwamena D. , Al‐Awadi K.A. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate the common causes of total serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values of> 10 ng/mL in an Arab population, as in the USA and Europe the risk of prostate cancer is considered high in men with such PSA levels.PATIENTS AND METHODSSerum total PSA was measured in men presenting to our hospital as part of the investigation for prostate cancer screening and/or in elderly men with prostatism. Men with a serum PSA level of> 10 ng/mL were further investigated by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) of the prostate and biopsy of suspicious lesions for histological diagnosis. In addition, the percentage of free PSA, PSA velocity and PSA density were determined. All the patients included in this study were men of Arab origin residing in Kuwait.RESULTSIn all, 1700 men (mean age 55.6 years, range 35–94) were assessed; of these, 161 had a serum PSA of> 10 ng/mL, attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 110 (68%), BPH with histological features of prostatitis in 33 (21%) and prostate cancer in 18 (11%). TRUS of the prostate in 143 of the 161 men with either BPH or BPH with prostatitis showed varying grades of intraprostatic calcifications in 22 (15%). Both PSA density and percentage free PSA did not contribute to determining the causes of total PSA levels of> 10 ng/mL. There was a progressive decline in PSA in all patients with BPH and prostatitis, except one who at re‐biopsy had prostate cancer (T1N0M0, G1).CONCLUSIONTotal PSA values of> 10 ng/mL in Arab men may be a result of BPH, BPH with prostatitis or prostate cancer, in that order. A gradual decline in total PSA (decreased PSA velocity) with time to < 4 ng/mL often confirms the diagnosis of BPH with prostatitis. The percentage of free PSA and PSA density may not be helpful in diagnosing prostate cancer with certainty in these patients. Compared with Caucasians in the USA and Europe, BPH and BPH with prostatitis appear to be more frequent causes of serum PSA levels of> 10 ng/mL in Arab men.