bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Particulate Matter in the Ross Sea: a Spreading Model
Authors: Tucci Sergio , Bergamasco Andrea , Capello Marco , Carniel Sandro 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. Within the framework of the C.L.I.M.A. Project, a part of the Italian Research Program in Antarctica, the Total Particulate Matter (TPM) was used as a natural marker to characterise the water masses. The dynamics of TPM was estimated by using a numerical model capable of following the evolution of the basin during the ice absence in summer.The first numerical simulation, with horizontally constant initial conditions and the absence of TPM source areas, merely reveals how TPM passive dispersion is strongly influenced by the Ross Ice Shelf and bathymetry.The second simulation, with TPM concentration horizontally variable and vertically decreasing layers, shows a dynamic evolution of TPM that is in agreement with experimental data. On the surface, in correspondence with the shelf‐break, an out‐flowing flux with particulate matter contribution coming from Ross Ice Shelf is recognised.The TPM concentration may be linked to the ice melting due to the Antarctic Surface Water, with production of Shallow Ice Shelf Water. The numerical model produces, near the Drygalski area, two cells with high concentration. This numerical evolution is confirmed by the 1990 data (Spezie et al, 1993) that clearly show these two areas and their correlations with the Drygalski contributions (the inner area) and with the thermo‐haline front (the external one). This condition is evident in the 1994‐1995 data too (Bu‐dillon et al, 1999). In this case the authors observed that the Circumpolar Deep Water penetrates onto the shelf at about 174°E; then, modifying its properties, it follows a southward path for about 200 km. The Antarctic Shelf Front (ASF) separates CDW from the colder shelf water with a high concentration of suspended matter.At the 300‐meter level, the diffusion of the particulate matter directed under the RIS, towards the continental shelf, seems to be an important feature. Very high TPM values are also present in the deep water in the area off the Drygalski Glacier; this evolution agrees with the –400 m data collected during the 1990–1991 cruise (Spezie et al., 1993).
Determination of gelatinase A using a modified indirect hemagglutination assay in human prostate cancer screening and assessment of its correlation with prostate‐specific antigen parameters
Authors: KHORRAMIZADEH MOHAMMAD REZA , AALIZADEH NASTARAN , PEZESHKI MOHAMMAD , GHAHARY AZIZ , ZERAATI HOJAT , BERAHMEH AZAR , SAFA OMID , SAADAT FARSHID 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground:Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy affecting men and is a major cause of cancer death. There are increasing data on novel tumor markers, such as gelatinase A, which play a key role in tissue invasion and metastasis.Objectives:We designed a study to evaluate total gelatinase A content using a simple and applicable Indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test in harmony with gelatinase A activity in serum samples as compared with prostate‐specifc antigen (PSA) parameters.Methods:In this study, we analysed the circulating form of gelatinase A (MMP‐2) in patients suffering from either benign prostate hyperplasia (n = 54) or prostate cancer (n = 26) versus normal individuals as control (n = 26). The gelatinolytic activity was determined by zymography and total MMP‐2 content was measured by a novel IHA method. Total PSA and free PSA were quantified using a standard ELISA technique.Results:Correlation of densitometric analysis of gelatinase A activity and IHA titer is significant at the 0.01 level (P < 0.01, rho = 0.916). Correlation of PSA and IHA titer is significant at the 0.01 level (P < 0.01, rho = 0.746). Correlation of free PSA and IHA titer is significant at the 0.01 level (P < 0.01, rho = 0.749). Borderline of IHA titer in patients with prostate cancer was 512 ± 1 tube titer, in benign prostate hyperplasia patients was 128 ± 1 tube titer and the titer in normal individuals was 8 ± 1 tube titer.Conclusions:These results demonstrate that assessment of gelatinase A might be a promising procedure for monitoring and screening patients with prostate cancer.
Effect of urothelium on bladder contractility in diabetic rats
Authors: KOŞAN MURAT , HAFEZ GAYE , ÖZTÜRK BÜLENT , ÖZGÜNES OZAN , GÜR SERAP , ÇETINKAYA MESUT 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAim: It is known that physiopathological changes in diabetes affect the function of the bladder. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the possible effects of diabetes on the urothelium during this physiopathological process.Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats by tail vein injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin. Eight weeks later, intact and denuded bladder strips were prepared from these rats. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.5–32 Hz), carbachol (10−8−10−3 mol/L; cumulative dosage‐response curves) and KCl (120 mmol/L) were used for the evaluation of the contractile responses. All responses were expressed as mg tension developed per mg of bladder tissue. Weights of rats and of their bladders, blood glucose levels, and frequency‐ and concentration–response curves were compared using anova, the paired t‐test and the independent t‐test. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05.Results: Although no differences related to the weight of bladders of the control and diabetic groups were observed, there were differences in blood glucose levels and body weights between the two groups. Similarly, although there were no differences between the data obtained with EFS and KCl from tissues with intact and denuded strips in the control group, carbachol responses significantly differed between intact and denuded strips in the non‐diabetic group. These differences were not observed in the diabetic group. In the control groups, in the presence of additional strips with intact urothelium placed in the medium containing denuded tissue, the differences in contractile responses between the intact control strip and the denuded strip disappeared.Conclusions: Diabetes possibly changes the interaction between the relaxant factors that are released from urothelium and muscarinic stimulation, but these interactions are not completely understood yet. Consequently, the response of the bladder to contractile stimulants is also affected. Further studies are required to reveal the mechanism by which diabetes influences the urothelium.
Accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of non‐palpable testis
Authors: KANEMOTO KAZUHIRO , HAYASHI YUTARO , KOJIMA YOSHIYUKI , MARUYAMA TETSUJI , ITO MASATO , KOHRI KENJIRO 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground: Studies were needed to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing non‐palpable testis, and to study the clinical usefulness of US and MRI before surgical exploration.Methods: Fifty‐six patients with non‐palpable testis aged 1–12 years were examined between 1993 and 2002. Forty‐six patients (55 non‐palpable testes) underwent US. Forty patients (47 non‐palpable testes) were examined using MRI. Both US and MRI were used in 29 patients (34 non‐palpable testes). We used Fisher's exact probability test to compare the results of these graphic examinations with the surgical or laparoscopic findings for the non‐palpable testis.Results: Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 76%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 84% in the diagnosis of non‐palpable testis, whereas MRI had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 79%, and an accuracy of 85%.Conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences in the accuracy rates of US and MRI for diagnosing non‐palpable testis. Laparoscopy or inguinal exploration should be performed even if these graphic examinations demonstrate the absence of a testis, because some patients with a non‐palpable testis were found to be false negatives. We recommend US as the first step after clinical examination, and MRI could be performed when the US findings are negative preoperatively for a non‐palpable testis.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED  Trends in prostate cancer incidence and survival in various socioeconomic classes: A population‐based study
Authors: DUTTA ROY SUBHAJIT , PHILIP JOE , JAVLE PRADIP 
Published: July 2005

AbstractObjectives: Prostate cancer is currently the commonest cancer in men of all ages in UK, but robust demographic data of its distribution in various socioeconomic classes is lacking. We aimed to analyze its incidence, mortality and survival trends in West Midlands, England, from 1986 to 2000 in terms of socioeconomic deprivation.Methods: Data were collated from the regional cancer registry database and a well‐validated demographic score, the Townsend band, was employed as an indicator of social deprivation, including four variables as proxy indicators of socioeconomic status. Individual cases were allocated to one of five deprivation categories using postcode at diagnosis. Regression trend analysis at 1 and 5 years was performed and a P‐value derived from the t‐test statistic.Results: In the mid‐1980s, the incidence rate ratio in affluent:deprived classes was 0.9, with age‐standardized rates of 35.23 and 39.53 per 100 000 people. This ratio increased to 1.5 by 2000 with age‐standardized rates of 95.98 and 63.13, respectively (172% increase in affluent compared with 60% in deprived). The affluent groups had a 7 and 13% survival advantage at 1 and 5 years; the survival advantage at 1 year was statistically significant (P = 0.03).Conclusions: The preferential changes in incidence and survival in the affluent social classes are likely to be due to heightened awareness, resulting in increased prostate‐specific antigen testing, which captures early and relatively slow‐growing tumors with a better overall prognosis. If these bipolar trends are allowed to persist, then the gap between the affluent and deprived will continue to widen.
Expression of sialylated MUC1 in prostate cancer: Relationship to clinical stage and prognosis
Authors: ARAI TAKAHIRO , FUJITA KAZUHIKO , FUJIME MAKOTO , IRIMURA TATSURO 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAim:MUC1 is distributed among a variety of normal epithelial tissues, and overexpression of MUC1 is detected in several human cancers. This study aimed to elucidate whether sialylated MUC1 expression correlated with: (i) clinical stage of prostate cancer; (ii) pathological grade of prostate cancer; (iii) pretreatment serum level of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA); or (iv) the disease prognosis in patients with prostate cancer who received endocrine therapy.Methods:We collected 57 biopsy specimens from prostate cancer patients treated with only endocrine therapy, and 10 specimens of normal prostates. These specimens were stained immunohistochemically by using a novel monoclonal antibody, MY.1E12, to detect sialylated MUC1. The levels of expression, clinical stages, pathological grades, pretreatment serum level of PSA and the prognoses of the patients were statistically analyzed for correlations.Results:There were statistically significant correlations between the expression of sialylated MUC1 and pathological grades (WHO grade,P < 0.01; Gleason score,P < 0.05). Expression increased according to the progression of the disease (existence of clinical metastasis,P < 0.05; clinical T‐stage,P < 0.01). Patients with high serum levels of PSA had higher expression than those with low levels (P < 0.01). The level of sialylated MUC1 significantly correlated with progression‐free survival (P < 0.01) and cause‐specific survival (P < 0.01) according to univariate analyses. Furthermore, the level significantly correlated with progression‐free survival according to multivariate analysis.Conclusions:These results suggest that sialylated MUC1 plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer, and that its expression level in the primary lesion is a useful marker for the prognoses of patients undergoing endocrine therapy.
Clinical characteristics of prostate cancer in Japanese men in the eras before and after serum prostate‐specific antigen testing
Authors: OKIHARA KOJI , NAKANISHI HIROYUKI , NAKAMURA TERUKAZU , MIZUTANI YOICHI , KAWAUCHI AKIHIRO , MIKI TSUNEHARU 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground: We retrospectively reviewed a large series of Japanese men with histologically proven prostate cancer to assess the clinical characteristics of the cancer in three different eras of prostate cancer management since prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing started in 1988.Methods: The medical records of 1125 patients treated between 1975 and 2002 were reviewed with respect to age, chief complaints, clinical stage, tumor grade, treatment options at each stage, and prognosis. We classified the patients as follows: those treated in the pre‐PSA era between 1975 and 1988 (n = 182), those treated in the PSA era between 1988 and 1997 (n = 301; PSA era phase 1) and the PSA era between 1998 and 2002 (n = 642; PSA era phase 2).Results: Compared with the pre‐PSA era, there were significant increases in the proportion of well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma with respect to the biopsy tumor grade (24 vs 35%, P < 0.01), in the proportion of clinically organ‐confined disease (21 vs 43%, P < 0.001), and in the proportion of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (13%vs 20%, P < 0.01) after PSA testing was introduced. In addition, there was a significant difference in the proportion of subjects who were 70–79 years of age between the pre‐PSA era (52%, 95/182) and the PSA era phase 2 (42%, 270/642, P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in the proportion of patients who underwent surgical castration between the pre‐PSA era (78%) and PSA era phase 2 (10%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients participating in prostate cancer screening increased from 3% (pre‐PSA era) to 11% (PSA era phase 1 and PSA era phase 2, P < 0.05). In all clinical stages, there were significant differences between the pre‐ and post‐PSA eras in cause‐specific survival rates (5‐year: 74 vs 94% in stages A and B, P < 0.01; 54 vs 89% in stage C, P < 0.001; 32 vs 53% in stage D, P < 0.001).Conclusions: Migrations in the age of patients (toward younger patients), the stage of the cancer (towards earlier stages) and the histological findings (toward favorable findings), in addition to changes in treatment options, have contributed to the prolonged survival of Japanese men with prostate cancer after the PSA testing was introduced.
Effect of tamsulosin on the number and intensity of ureteral colic in patients with lower ureteral calculus
Authors: RESIM SEFA , EKERBICER HASAN , CIFTCI AHMET 
Published: July 2005

Abstract Background: We aimed to objectively determine whether tamsulosin as an α1‐blocker was effective in patients who had ureterolithiasis located in the lower part of the ureter.Methods: Sixty patients with lower ureteral calculi (juxtavesical or intramural portion) were included in the present study. Conservative treatment, such as hydration and tenoxicam as a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, was given to group 1 (30 patients). Group 2 (30 patients) was given tamsulosin (0.4 mg daily) in addition to the conservative treatment. All patients were followed up and questioned about the numbers and intensity of ureteral colic, and the rates of spontaneous passage after the procedure.Results: Spontaneous passage was observed in 22 of the 30 patients in group 1 (73.3%) and 26 of the 30 patients in group 2 (86.6%). The difference within groups 1 and 2 was not significant (P = 0.196). The difference between both groups was not statistically significant either, with the stone diameter being 6 mm (P = 0.635) or >6 mm (P = 0.407). As group 1 patients were passing their stones, they had more ureteral colic episodes than group 2 patients. This difference was statistically significant and correlated well with the administration of tamsulosin (P = 0.038). Group 1 patients reported higher scores according to a visual analog scale than group 2 patients. Also, this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000).Conclusions: We think that the treatment of α1‐blockers decreased the number of ureteral colic episodes and the intensity of pain during spontaneous passage at the lower ureteral calculi. Also, it will be beneficial to patients’ quality of life.
Urinary control after the definitive reconstruction of cloacal anomaly
Authors: SHIMADA KENJI , MATSUMOTO FUMI , TOHDA AKIRA , AINOYA KEIKO 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPurpose: Urinary control after definitive repair of a cloacal anomaly is difficult to achieve. The present report aims to describe the clinical course of urinary control, and the need for the management of bladder dysfunction after reconstruction.Methods: The present consecutive series consisted of 11 girls who underwent definitive repair of cloacal anomalies over a period of 11 years. Eight patients were associated with hydrocolpos. Radiological examination included a plain X‐ray radiograph of the lumbosacral spine and a voiding cystourethrography with or without a urodynamic study.Results: Reconstruction of the cloaca was performed on patients aged between 1 and 3 years using a posterior sagittal approach. Vaginal reconstruction was carried out 13 times in 11 patients using tubularized vaginal flap, distal rectal segment, perineal skin flap, or total urogenital sinus mobilization. Cystostomy or vesicostomy was carried out in four newborns/infants. Another seven patients could void spontaneously but incompletely with residual urine. Occult spinal dysraphism was found in five patients and hemisacrum in two patients. After definitive reconstruction, most patients acquired an adequate to normal bladder volume for 1‐year‐olds. Normal detrusor–sphincter function was seen in three patients. Detrusor areflexia was seen in two patients who underwent in utero vesico‐amniotic shunt. Detrusor underactivity was observed in six patients. Bladder compliance was good in all patients except for one. No patients in the present series showed persistent urinary incontinence from the bladder neck or urethral dysfunction.Conclusion: It is postulated that wetting after definitive repair may be the result of overflow incontinence and poor bladder contractility rather than sphincter injury. The main clinical characteristic of bladder dysfunction was a failure to empty. We could not define the exact etiology, but iatrogenic injury from extensive dissection can lead to the higher risks of peripheral nerve damage. Accomplishment of definitive repair involves not only anatomical reconstruction, but also postoperative urinary control, including the initiation of clean intermittent catheterizations under repeated urodynamic evaluations.
Molecular evaluation of the SRY gene for gonads of patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis
Authors: MIZUNO KENTARO , KOJIMA YOSHIYUKI , TOZAWA KEIICHI , SASAKI SHOICHI , HAYASHI YUTARO , KOHRI KENJIRO 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAim: To determine whether the SRY gene is present in the gonads of patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD).Methods: Molecular analysis was performed in three patients with MGD. Polymerase chain reactions were used to test for the presence of the SRY gene in the peripheral lymphocytes, testes and streak gonads.Results: Chromosome analysis revealed 45,XO/46,XY in two patients, and 46,XY in the third patient. In the peripheral lymphocytes and testicular tissue, the SRY sequences were positive in all cases. However, the SRY sequence was detected in the streak gonad in only two of the three patients.Conclusions: It is interesting that we identified both SRY‐positive and SRY‐negative streak gonads. Although the SRY gene has a very important role in testicular differentiation, genes other than the SRY gene might also influence the development of the indifferent gonad in MGD.
When summative computer‐aided assessments go wrong: disaster recovery after a major failure
Authors: Harwood Ian 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThis case study outlines the events of a recent summative computer‐aided assessment (CAA) failure involving 280 first‐year undergraduate students. Post‐test analysis found that the central server had become unexpectedly overloaded, thereby causing the CAA to be abandoned. Practical advice on just what to do in the event of a summative CAA failure is virtually non‐existent in the related literature. In response, this paper provides a detailed account of the post‐failure analysis and recovery activities from a practitioner's (ie, academic) viewpoint. Supported by empirical evidence, the research shows how the concept of “optional substitution” was developed as a pragmatic, equitable, and broadly acceptable solution to the problem.
Building an evaluation culture and evidence base for e‐learning in three Hong Kong universities
Authors: McNaught Carmel , Lam Paul 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe paper presents a strategy for the systematic evaluation of course websites built under the project e3Learning that operates across three universities in Hong Kong. Tailor‐made evaluation plans were produced for each website; the evaluation was conducted by an evaluation officer, and a report was provided to each teacher, thus supporting continuous development. To date, 58 cases of evaluation data have been collected. In this paper, a meta‐analysis across these cases is presented in order to see which are the most useful web‐assisted functions currently in use in Hong Kong universities. This study indicates the following four functions as being most useful: learning tools such as glossaries, notes and PowerPoints, assessment tasks associated with grades, and creation and exhibition of multimedia projects. The reasons for these rankings are postulated.
Building learning communities: foundations for good practice
Authors: Davies Alison , Ramsay Jill , Lindfield Helen , Couperthwaite John 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe School of Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham provided opportunities for the development of student learning communities and online resources within the neurological module of the BSc Physiotherapy degree programme. These learning communities were designed to facilitate peer and independent learning in core aspects underpinning clinical practice, thus laying the foundation for the development of effective clinical reasoning.This paper examines some of the problems that staff encountered, including the lessons that they learnt through the design, development, and implementation processes of the module, and the subsequent modifications that were made. Student experiences of this course are also included, as they provided staff with further insights into the ways in which these problems impacted upon their preparation for clinical practice and how the module might be improved for future cohorts. From an analysis of the problems that staff encountered and then sought to resolve, and of student experiences of the course, this paper identifies foundations for good practice in the development and delivery of innovative learning and teaching methods.
Creating an information‐rich learning environment to enhance design student learning: challenges and approaches
Authors: McGill Lou , Nicol David , Littlejohn Allison , Grierson Hilary , Juster Neal , Ion William J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe use of technology with engineering design students is well established, with shared workspaces being particularly supportive of the collaborative design process. This paper reports on a study where a design knowledge framework involving three learning loops was used to analyse the effectiveness of shared workspaces and digital repositories in supporting design education. The issues discussed include the relationship between knowledge and information structures, the importance of integrating information literacy support, and the need for different systems within the learning environment to support formal and informal storage of resources. These issues are explored within the context of experiences of working in a multidisciplinary team with different approaches, research methodologies, and discourses.