bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of sperm counts in two groups of men presenting for infertility investigations 20 years apart
Authors: CLARKE GARY N. , STEWART TANYA , BAKER H.W. GORDON 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  To compare sperm counts for two groups of men who had presented for infertility investigations approximately 20 years apart.Methods:  The study compared results for 309 men tested between 1977 and 1981 with those of 559 men tested between 1997 and 1998 using identical methodology. In order to approximate the normal population, only those men with counts above 5 million/mL were included in the final analysis. Bias, due to repeated testing after an initial abnormal result, was minimized by including only the patient's first test results. In addition, to allow for time‐dependent changes in the requirements for semen samples, results were included only if a complete sample was produced by masturbation after 3–5 days abstinence.Results:  There was a small, but statistically significant drop in ejaculate volume (3.9–3.6 mL, P = 0.015) and a significant increase in the patient's mean age (32.18 vs 35.08, P < 0.001). Both groups had median abstinence of 3 days and no difference in sperm counts with a mean (median) count for the early group of 87.9 (75) versus 92.0 (76) for the recent group (P > 0.80). The significant drop in ejaculate volume was not reflected in a difference (P = 0.45) in total sperm numbers in the ejaculate with 320.7 (255) versus 313.1 (234).Conclusion:  This study found no evidence of a decrease in sperm counts or total sperm output in men (excluding those with severe oligospermia) presenting for infertility investigations in Melbourne, Australia, over the last two decades of the twentieth century. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 211–216)
Prostate‐specific antigen relapse‐free survival in patients with localized prostate cancer treated by brachytherapy
Authors: Joseph Joji , Al‐Qaisieh Bashar , Ash Daniel , Bottomley David , Carey Brendan 
Published: December 2004

Brachytherapy has become a very popular way of treating prostate cancer worldwide, and increasing attempts are being made by radiation oncologists to find the exact type of patient for whom this treatment is the most suitable. One of the largest series has come from Leeds, and the authors present the PSA relapse‐free survival in 667 patients with localised prostate cancer treated by brachytherapy in their department.Authors from Canada report on the value of taking a repeat prostate biopsy after an initially negative one, but point out that the practice pattern of repeat biopsies is unknown. They decide what factors were important influences in deciding whether a patient would have a repeat biopsy, and particularly those factors which were helpful in predicting prostate cancer at the repeat biopsy.OBJECTIVETo report the clinical outcome after permanent implantation of125iodine seeds (brachytherapy) for early prostate cancer, after 8.2 years of follow‐up.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween March 1995 and December 2001, 667 men (mean age 63 years, range 42–77) were treated with brachytherapy at the one cancer centre; 346 (51.9%) had a short course of neoadjuvant hormone therapy. The prescribed minimum peripheral dose was 145 Gy. No patient received external beam radiation.RESULTSThe median (range) follow‐up was 31  (18–98.2) months; 41 patients were lost to follow‐up. The actuarial biochemical relapse‐free survival was 74.9%; 100 patients had biochemical relapse (international definition). In all, 20 patients had clinical relapse, and 24 died (10 from prostate cancer). The prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) relapse‐free survival was 78.3%, 66.5% and 56.4% for patients with Gleason scores of <7, 7 and > 7, respectively, and was 81.4%, 69.8% and 36.3% for those with PSA levels of <10, 10–20 and > 20 ng/mL, respectively (bothP < 0.001). There was a strong cohort effect depending on year of implant, with progressive annual improvements in relapse‐free survival (P < 0.001). Hormone therapy, tumour stage, prostate volume before implantation, age and D90 dose had no significant effect on the outcome.CONCLUSIONThe overall relapse‐free survival for all patients was 75%; the initial PSA, Gleason score and risk group were significant factors predicting the outcome. Increasing clinical experience was associated with a better outcome but neoadjuvant hormone therapy had no effect.
Variation in patterns of practice in diagnosing screen‐detected prostate cancer
Authors: Nam Robert K. , Toi Ants , Trachtenberg John , Jewett Michael A.S. , Klotz Laurence , Fleshner Neil , Bagnell P. Scott , Sweet Joan , Sugar Linda , Narod Steven A. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine the practice pattern of repeat prostate biopsies to detect prostate cancer, as there is growing evidence to support the recommendation that a repeat prostate biopsy should be taken after an initially negative prostate biopsy, the rate of cancer detection then being ≈ 30%.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe examined the practice patterns of taking a repeat prostate biopsy after an initial negative biopsy and the predictors for cancer at repeat biopsy among 1536 patients who had an initial prostate biopsy because of an elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level (>4.0 ng/mL) or abnormal digital rectal examination.RESULTSOf the 1536 men, 712 (46.4%) had cancer detected on the first biopsy; of the remaining 824 with no cancer detected, 268 (32.5%) had a repeat biopsy within a year, and 68 of these (25.4%) had cancer detected. Of the cancers detected at repeat biopsy, 31% were high‐grade. Men with abnormal histology (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypia) had an odds ratio of 3.2 (P < 0.001) for having a repeat biopsy. For men with normal initial prostate histology, those with an initial PSA of 10.0–20.0 and >20.0 ng/mL had an odds ratio of 3.6 and 4.5 (both P < 0.001), respectively, for a repeat prostate biopsy, compared with patients with a PSA of <10.0 ng/mL. However, the PSA level was not predictive of prostate cancer at repeat biopsy, but age and prostate volume were.CONCLUSIONSA third of patients had a repeat biopsy after a negative biopsy. The most important factors influencing whether a patient was to have a repeat biopsy were initial biopsy histology and PSA level. However, the latter was not an important factor for predicting prostate cancer at repeat biopsy.
Organ‐sparing surgery for invasive penile cancer: early follow‐up data
Authors: Pietrzak Peter , Corbishley Cathy , Watkin Nicholas 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo present early outcome data from patients treated for invasive penile cancers with organ‐sparing surgery, as the treatment of such malignancies has traditionally either been amputative surgery or radical radiotherapy, both associated with significant physical and psychosexual morbidity.PATIENTS AND METHODSA consecutive series of patients referred over a 3‐year period for the treatment of penile malignancy were analysed prospectively. After clinical staging and grading, those patients requiring surgery were offered either a glans‐preserving or a glans‐removing procedure.RESULTSOf the 78 patients referred, 49 required surgery, with penile‐preserving procedures in 39 of them; 32 were newly diagnosed tumours and seven were recurrences after radiotherapy. The tumour grade and stage were G1 in 11, G2 in 17 and G3 in 10 (one had melanoma and was not graded); and Ta in two, T1 in 19, T2 in 17 and T3 in one. The mean follow‐up was 16 months, with nine patients followed for ≥ 2 years. Complications included two patients who required immediate revisional surgery for positive resection margins, and one with radio‐necrosis. One patient who had a glans‐preserving procedure developed a recurrence, whereas none of those who had the glans removed did so.CONCLUSIONWith careful patient selection and meticulous follow‐up, most patients with invasive penile carcinoma can be offered penile‐preserving surgery.
Erectile response with vardenafil in sildenafil nonresponders: a multicentre, double‐blind, 12‐week, flexible‐dose, placebo‐controlled erectile dysfunction clinical trial
Authors: Carson Culley C. , Hatzichristou Dimitrios G. , Carrier Serge , Lording Douglas , Lyngdorf Peter , Aliotta Philip , Auerbach Stephen , Murdock Myron , Wilkins H. Jeffrey , McBride Trish A. , Colopy Michael W. 
Published: December 2004

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAOBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of vardenafil in patients previously unresponsive to sildenafil.PATIENTS AND METHODSA multicentre, double‐blind, 12‐week, flexible‐dose, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted, involving 463 men aged ≥ 18 years with moderate‐to‐severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and who were unresponsive to sildenafil (by history). After a 4‐week treatment‐free run‐in, patients received placebo or vardenafil 10 mg with the option to maintain current dose or to titrate by one dose level (5, 10 or 20 mg) based on efficacy and tolerability at 4 and 8 weeks. Outcome measures were the erectile function (EF) domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function, two Sexual Encounter Profile diary questions (vaginal penetration and maintenance of erection until successful completion of intercourse), and the Global Assessment Question (GAQ).RESULTSThere was significantly better EF with vardenafil than with placebo throughout the study. The least‐square mean EF domain scores increased from 9.3 at baseline to 17.6 at the ‘last’ observation carried forward (LOCF) analysis with vardenafil (P < 0.001). Overall least‐square mean per‐patient success rates more than doubled for penetration (30.3% to 62.3%) and quadrupled for successful intercourse (10.5% to 46.1%) with vardenafil. Improved erections (positive response to the GAQ) were reported by 61.8% of patients receiving vardenafil and 14.7% of those receiving placebo at LOCF (P < 0.001). Normal EF (domain score ≥ 26) was achieved by 30% of patients receiving vardenafil and 6% receiving placebo at LOCF (P < 0.001). Adverse events were infrequent and representative of the phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor profile.CONCLUSIONVardenafil is an effective and generally safe treatment for ED, even in men unresponsive to sildenafil (by history).
Retroperitoneoscopic subcapsular nephrectomy for infective nonfunctioning kidney with dense perinephric adhesions
Authors: Xu Zhang , Xin Ma , Hong‐Zhao Li , Zhong Chen , Li Long‐Cheng , Ye Zhang‐Qun 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of retroperitoneoscopic subcapsular nephrectomy for infective nonfunctioning kidneys with dense perinephric adhesions.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwelve patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic subcapsular nephrectomy; the operative duration, blood loss, intestinal functional recovery time, complications during surgery and efficacy were recorded. Dissociation and ligation of the renal pedicle was the most important step, at which the renal capsule was cut near the renal hilum using a harmonic scalpel, and the fatty tissue around the renal hilum dissected carefully. The renal pedicle was then ligated and divided using an endoscopic linear stapler‐cutter after the renal pedicle tissues had been separated to an adequate thickness.RESULTSAll 12 operations were successful and none required conversion to open surgery. The mean (sd, range) operative duration was 82.9 (22.3, 45–120) min, the blood loss 51.4 (12.2, 30–75) mL and the intestinal functional recovery time 12–48 h. There were no complications during or after the surgery, and in the follow‐up of 1–15 months the short‐term results were satisfactory.CONCLUSIONRetroperitoneoscopic subcapsular nephrectomy can be used safely to remove an infected and heavily adhesive nonfunctioning kidney, with minimal trauma and blood loss, and with faster recovery than after an open subcapsular nephrectomy.
Clinical and molecular characterization of the bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex: analysis of 232 families
Authors: Boyadjiev Simeon A. , Dodson Jennifer L. , Radford Cristi L. , Ashrafi Gerald H. , Beaty Terri H. , Mathews Ranjiv I. , Broman Karl W. , Gearhart John P. 
Published: December 2004

Authors from John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore present their study into the identifying genetic and non‐genetic factors contributing to the risk of bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex. They found it to occur most commonly as an isolated sporadic birth defect, and found no evidence of a single‐gene effect or a common environmental factor.OBJECTIVETo identify genetic and nongenetic factors contributing to the risk of bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex (BEEC).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 285 families with BEEC were invited to participate in the study, and 232 of them were recruited. Epidemiological information was obtained from 151 of the consenting families, with a detailed clinical genetic examination of 94 probands. In all, 440 DNA samples were collected from 163 families for molecular analysis.RESULTSMost of the cases were sporadic and had no family history of BEEC. Among patients, 95% were Caucasian, and males were more common in both the epispadias group (M/F, 2.2, 29 patients) and the classic bladder‐exstrophy group (M/F 1.8, 164), but in the cloacal exstrophy group the sex ratio was close to unity (1.1, 15). There was a statistically significant association with advanced parental age (P < 0.001). Birth weight, gestational age and maternal reproductive history did not appear to be significantly different from those in the general population. Information on exposures to tobacco, alcohol and drugs was collected but none appeared to act as a risk factor. Karyotype analysis on 37 cases detected two chromosomal abnormalities, i.e. 46XY t(8;9)(p11.2; q13) and 47XYY. Molecular analysis of the HLXB9 gene, which causes Currarino syndrome, did not detect mutations in the blood or bladder DNA of 10 patients with bladder or cloacal exstrophy.CONCLUSIONSBEEC most commonly occurs as an isolated sporadic birth defect with a recurrence risk of << 1%. There was no evidence of a single‐gene effect or common environmental factor in this study population. In addition to race and advanced parental age, birth order may be a risk factor for BEEC. We suggest somatic mutations in a gene(s) within the pathway regulating bladder development may be the cause of BEEC.
The long‐term outcome of the endoscopic subureteric implantation of polydimethylsiloxane for treating vesico‐ureteric reflux in children: a retrospective analysis of the first 195 consecutive patients in two European centres
Authors: Van Capelle Jan‐Willem , Haan Tjard de , Sayed Wayed El , Azmy Amir 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine the long‐term efficacy of endoscopically implanting polydimethylsiloxane (PDS, Macroplastique®, Uroplasty BV, Geleen, the Netherlands) for treating vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) in children.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 195 children treated with PDS over the past 10 years in two European centres (Netherlands and UK) and conducted follow‐up investigations where deemed necessary. In the Dutch centre patients were treated according to a prospective approved study protocol.RESULTSOf the 195 treated children, 155 had a successful outcome; in all, 311 refluxing renal units were treated, with an overall success rate of 82.3% in a mixed group of patients with unilateral or bilateral VUR and duplex systems.CONCLUSIONThe long‐term data from these two independent centres confirms the viability of PDS and the technique for treating VUR in children. We conclude that the material is safe and effective and can be used in VUR grades II–V. Treating patients with grade I VUR is recommended in those cases where there is no spontaneous resolution and ‘breakthrough’ infections.
The sociology of identity: social science or social comment?
Authors: MacInnes John 
Published: December 2004

Robert W. Connell

2002

Cambridge and Oxford
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184
pp. £

45.00

(hardback) £

12.99

(paperback)

Mary Daly and
Katherine Rake

2003

Cambridge and Oxford
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212
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50.00

(hardback) £

17.99

(paperback)

Mary, Evans

2003

Buckingham
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138
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55.00

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18.99

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Catherine, Hakim

2003

Aldershot

280
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45.00

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18.99

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Chris, Haywood and
Máirtín, Mac An Ghaill

2003

Buckingham
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190
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45.00

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18.99

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Kath, Woodward

2002

London
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183
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46.00

(hardback) £

15.01

(paperback)
The globalization of football: a study in the glocalization of the ‘serious life’
Authors: Giulianotti Richard , Robertson Roland 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSport, in particular football, constitutes one of the most dynamic, sociologically illuminating domains of globalization. This paper examines the globalization of football with particular reference to Robertson’s theorizations of global processes. We examine football’s cultural globalization through the concept of ‘glocalization’, which highlights the interdependence of local and global processes within the game’s identities and institutions. We address economic globalization in football by considering the world’s leading clubs as ‘glocal’ transnational corporations. We assess the political globalization of football with reference to the possible enhancement of democracy within the game’s international governance. We conclude by affirming the utility of sport in advancing our empirical and theoretical understanding of globalization processes.
Intravascular lasers in the treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Goldman M P 
Published: December 2004

SummaryHistorically, surgical treatments, such as high ligation or complete removal of an incompetent greater saphenous vein, were used to treat varicose veins resulting from saphenofemoral junction reflux. The relative lack of efficacy of these invasive methods, along with potential morbidity and significant patient downtime, has inspired the search for other treatments. Endovenous radiofrequency closure of the greater saphenous vein is effective and safe but its high cost, in terms of non‐reusable catheters, and its slow withdrawal rate impair its practicality.A new technique for endovenous occlusion using endoluminal laser technology offers a less invasive alternative to ligation and stripping as well as a faster and less expensive method to treat varicose saphenous trunks and junctions. Initial clinical experience in several hundred patients shows a high degree of success with minimal side effects, most of which can be prevented or minimized by minor modifications of the technique.This paper reviews the use of an intravascular laser to destroy varicose veins.Various wavelengths including 810, 940, 980, 1064 and 1320 nm have been used to produce intravascular destruction of varicose veins. The 1320‐nm intravascular laser with a motorized pull‐back system appears to be the most efficient and reproducible system to effectively close and/or destroy an incompetent greater saphenous vein.
Parents' Reflections on Managing Their Children's Diabetes With Insulin Pumps
Authors: Sullivan‐Bolyai Susan , Knafl Kathleen , Tamborlane William , Grey Margaret 
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To describe the experiences of parents managing the type 1 diabetes of their young children using an insulin pump.
Design

: Qualitative description, based on principles of naturalistic inquiry.
Methods

: Open‐ended, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 21 mothers and fathers of 16 children less than 12 years old in the eastern part of the United States. The children had been on pump treatment from 3 to 36 months. Data were managed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Findings

: Parents reported becoming comfortable with pump management 10 days to 2‐3 months after the child started using it. During this adjustment period, they had to “rethink” how they managed the disease. Although using the pump required vigilance and more frequent glucose checking than did multiple daily injections (MDI), the pump provided better glucose control, easier disease management, fewer variables to manipulate, and more flexible meal times. A few parents were tempted to more tightly control the child's glucose levels, which could potentially increase parental stress. Fathers were actively involved in the day‐to‐day management and benefited from opportunities to participate in the child's care. They emphasized the importance of practicing the tasks associated with diabetes management to improve their confidence when caring for the child alone. Parents reported that everyone in the family experienced more freedom, flexibility, and spontaneity in their daily lives.
Conclusions

: For this sample of parents, the health and management benefits of their children's use of the insulin pump outweighed the adjustment challenges involved in changing from MDI.
An Exploratory Study of Multicomponent Treatment Intervention for Tobacco Dependency
Authors: Buchanan Lynne M. , El‐Banna Majeda , White Alison , Moses Sheila , Siedlik Carri , Wood Marcy 
Published: December 2004

Purpose:

To conduct an exploratory study of two interventions to help smokers abstain over a period of 3 months. The specific aims were to describe the outcomes, test feasibility of the study design, and evaluate effect size.
Design and Methods:

A randomized experimental design was used in a sample of 42 patients who received multicomponent treatment intervention (MTI) or standard care (SC) in a midwestern city in the United States. Variables were behavioral (quit rate, self‐efficacy, motivation), psychosocial (depression, partner interaction), and symptom management (use of nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results:

The typical participant was Caucasian, middle aged, nicotine dependent, married or partnered, and employed, and had a high school education. Participants in the MTI group were more likely to use NRT and to have higher self‐reported quit rates at follow‐up. Statistically significant differences were found between groups over time for self‐efficacy and positive to negative behavior ratio. Barriers to quitting were relapse, stress, weight gain, lack of support, and depression that were more frequent in the SC group. For effect size (0.25), probability level (.05), and power (.80), a sample size of 140 patients was calculated.
Conclusions:

The MTI group had higher quit rates, more NRT, higher self‐efficacy, and more positive behavioral interactions. Limitations of the study included self‐report of tobacco use, small sample, and attrition. The investigators suggest a future study with a larger sample to test whether multicomponent interventions with telephone calls after discharge are more effective than is standard care in helping patients to quit and continue to abstain from smoking.
Work‐Related Disability in Canadian Nurses
Authors: O'Brien‐Pallas Linda , Shamian Judith , Thomson Donna , Alksnis Christine , Koehoorn Mieke , Kerr Michael , Bruce Shirliana 
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To determine factors contributing to high registered nurse (RN) injury claim rates in Canadian hospitals.
Design

: Cross‐sectional study of secondary 1998‐99 data for RNs (N = 8,044) in Ontario, Canada, linked at the hospital level (n = 127).
Methods

: Descriptive statistics, correlations, and logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results

: The odds of a high RN lost‐time claim rate increased by 70% for each quartile increase in the percentage of RNs reporting more than 1 hour of overtime per week. The odds of a high RN musculoskeletal lost‐time claim rate decreased by 64% for every one unit increase in the hospital‐level score on the nurse‐physician relationship subscale.
Conclusions

: To retain and optimize scarce hospital nursing resources, strategies to address overtime, sick time, and nurse‐physician relationships might provide fiscal and human benefits.