bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early juvenile development of deep‐sea asteroids of the NE Atlantic Ocean, with notes on juvenile bathymetric distributions
Authors: Sumida Paulo Y. G. , Tyler Paul A. , Billett David S. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe postmetamorphic ontogenesis of 11 deep‐sea asteroid species is described. Juvenile bathymetric distributions are compared to adults. The deep‐sea juvenile asteroids of the NE Atlantic could be distinguished to species level from a very early stage of development. In all species, except Porcellanaster ceruleus and Plinthaster dentatus, the arms grow faster than the body. In Porcellanaster ceruleus and Plinthaster dentatus, early growth is nearly isometric. In the appearance of the epiproctal cone, the change in form of the furrow and apical spines, the early development of the cribriform organ adjacent to the madreporite and the appearance of sediment in the stomach indicate that Porcellanaster ceruleus is likely to undergo a shift in habitat and diet during the juvenile phase. Porcellanaster ceruleus is probably a predator on meiofauna and small macrofauna during the early stages of life, changing to a burrowing lifestyle ingesting sediment particles. Juvenile sea stars showed wider bathymetric distributions than their adult counterparts, suggesting that events occurring during the early stages of life are important for the maintenance of the local population structure and diversity in the deep NE Atlantic.
A study to detect Gardnerella vaginalis DNA in interstitial cystitis
Authors: Agarwal M. , Dixon R.A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To investigate the possible role of Gardnerella vaginalis in interstitial cystitis (IC), using molecular methods to avoid difficulties with the culture and recovery of viable organisms, and the problems associated with the recovery of low numbers of culturable organisms. Materials and methods Thirty‐three bladder biopsy samples (29 paraffin‐embedded and four freshly frozen) from patients with IC, diagnosed according to National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases criteria, were assessed. Biopsy samples were used as urine samples may be contaminated by normal vaginal flora. A positive control comprised a ‘normal’ biopsy sample from a patient with a previous bladder tumour, seeded with G. vaginalis NCTC 10915. Microbial DNA was extracted from all paraffin‐embedded and fresh specimens, and subjected to in vitro amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with G. vaginalis‐specific primers. Results The anticipated PCR product of 333 base pairs was obtained with the positive control, whereas none of the other biopsy samples showed positive amplification specific for G. vaginalis. Conclusion As there was no G. vaginalis DNA in any of the samples from patients with IC, it is an unlikely candidate in the pathogenesis of IC.
Is sexual intercourse a significant cause of haematuria?
Authors: Harris N.M. , Yardley I. , Basketter V. , Holmes S.A.V. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To determine whether recent sexual intercourse might be a cause of microscopic haematuria in patients referred to a urological unit following dipstick detection of urinary haemoglobin. Subjects and methods Forty‐eight volunteers (24 men and 24 women) consented to have heterosexual intercourse with their regular partner, and to provide samples of urine for testing before and from the first void on the morning after intercourse. After appropriate instruction, volunteers tested their own urine for the presence of blood using standard dipsticks. Any volunteer with haematuria either before or after intercourse was offered a standard haematuria assessment. The results were analysed using the chi‐squared test. Results None of the volunteers tested positively for haematuria immediately before sexual intercourse; six of the 24 women (25%), but no men, became positive after intercourse (P < 0.01). Only one of the six women accepted the offer of a haematuria evaluation and no pathology was identified. Conclusion These results suggest that up to a quarter of women develop microscopic haematuria as a direct result of sexual intercourse. A history of recent sexual intercourse should therefore be considered when assessing the clinical significance of microscopic haematuria in women.
Nicotine toxicity to the ultrastructure of the testis in rats
Authors: Aydos K. , Güven M.C. , Can B. , Ergün A. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To investigate the influence of nicotine exposure on the ultrastructure of the rat testis. Materials and methods Twenty rats were injected with nicotine at a dose of 0.4 mg/100 g body weight daily for 3 months; a group of 20 control rats matched for weight and age were injected with saline only for the same duration. The testes were then harvested and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Results Rats given nicotine showed: thickening of the tunica propria, caused by an increase in the collagen fibres under the irregular basal lamina; degeneration of junctional specializations between the Sertoli cells, with malformed nuclei showing condensed chromatin; Sertoli cells with numerous polymorphic mitochondria with irregular cristae and an electron‐dense matrix. The germ cells were degenerated, spermatids retained excess cytoplasm and accumulated electron‐dense lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. The acrosomes were irregular and abnormally configured. Conclusion There were ultrastructural alterations in rats exposed to nicotine that could be attributed to the detrimental effects of nicotine on germ cells, peritubular structures and Sertoli cells.
Evaluation of antidiuretic hormone before and after long‐term treatment with desmopressin in a group of enuretic children
Authors: Chiozza M.L. , Plebani M. , Scaccianoce C. , Biraghi M. , Zacchello G. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of long‐term desmopressin therapy in enuretic patients on the levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) during and after the end of therapy.Patients and methodsThe study comprised 25 outpatients (18 boys and seven girls) aged 8–12 years at the start of therapy and 12–16 years at the end. The morning (08.00 hours) plasma ADH level was determined before treatment (T0) with desmopressin and 2 years after (T1) ending the therapy. Seven of the 25 patients evaluated had monosymptomatic (simple enuresis, SE) and 18 had other symptoms (complex enuresis, CE).ResultsIn the patients with SE, the mean (SD) duration of therapy was 305 (183) days and they were re‐evaluated 2.5 (0.67) years later. Of 18 patients with CE, eight were treated only with desmopressin for 204 (117) days. In 10 with an incomplete response after 30 days with only desmopressin, oxybutynin (5 mg twice daily) was added; the duration of their therapy was 255 (152) days and they were re‐evaluated 3.9 (0.6) years later. The mean (SD) ADH level in those with SE and CE was 2.14 (0.93) ng/L and 2.53 (1.16) ng/L), respectively, both significantly lower (P< 0.001) than in controls, at 5.1 (1.6) ng/L. On re‐evaluation at T1, there was a significant (P<0.001) increase in ADH levels over those at T0 in both groups, at 5.2 (0.8) and 5.3 (1.9) ng/L, respectively.ConclusionThese results seem to confirm the role played by ADH in the pathophysiology of enuresis.
The objective assessment of urinary incontinence in children
Authors: Imada N. , Kawauchi A. , Tanaka Y. , Watanabe H. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo assess urinary incontinence objectively in children.Patients and methodsThirty‐three children (mean age 8.2 years, range 5–12) were examined, of whom 23 suffered from incontinence and 10 did not. The first method of assessing incontinence was the 1‐h pad‐weighing test proposed by the International Continence Society in 1983 and the second was a test in which the pad was weighed between one urination and the next. At the end of the tests the volume of normally voided urine was measured and the total voided volume during the test calculated. The volume of urine lost during incontinence and the ratio [incontinence volume/(incontinence volume+voided volume)] were evaluated; the ratio was used because the bladder capacity in children differed with age.ResultsIn both tests, no wetting occurred in any of the 10 patients not complaining of incontinence. In the 1‐h pad‐weighing test, no wetting occurred in 14 of the 23 patients complaining of incontinence but did in the nine remaining patients, the loss being 1–30 g, and the incontinence ratio 0.5–14.8%. In the second test, no wetting occurred in 12 of the 23 patients complaining of incontinence but did so in the 11 remaining patients, with losses of 2–50 g and incontinence ratios of 1.5–80.6%.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference between the tests in the incidence of incontinence. However, the second method seemed to be more closely related to the clinical symptoms than was the 1‐h pad‐weighing test and may be useful in the assessment of incontinence in children.
Colorectal dysfunction and faecal incontinence in children with spina bifida
Authors: Ponticelli A. , Iacobelli B.D. , Silveri M. , Broggi G. , Rivosecchi M. , De Gennaro M. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivesTo quantify colorectal neurogenic dysfunction in children with spina bifida and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of appropriate rehabilitation performed by the coloproctologist in the spina bifida team.Patients and methodsThe bowel function of 73 patients with congenital (67) and acquired (six) spinal lesions (age 7–25 years) was evaluated by one physician. Evacuation habit was classified as full bowel control, mild and severe constipation or incontinence. Fifty‐two children had mild or severe incontinence or constipation, 22 of whom were treated by the coloproctologist using biofeedback or conventional therapy; 30 were not treated. The outcome was compared between the groupsResultsBowel constipation remained stable in 90% and was complicated in 10% of the untreated patients, while it ameliorated in 59% of patients who received specialist treatment.ConclusionNeurogenic bowel dysfunction needs specialist management to achieve better results, using the concept of controlled incontinence. There was no significant difference between conventional therapy and biofeedback methods.
Comparison of the Danish prostatic symptom score with the International Prostatic Symptom Score, the Madsen‐Iversen and Boyarsky symptom indexes
Authors: Hansen  , Mortensen  , Mensink  , Flyger  , Riehmann  , Hendolin  , Nordling  , Hald  ,   the ALFECH Study Group*
Published: March 2003

Objective To compare the Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN‐PSS) with the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), Madsen‐Iversen and Boyarsky symptom indexes in a clinical setting, and to evaluate the potential significance of any differences in information obtained from these questionnaires.Patients and methods The study comprised two substudies: in the first, 205 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), a Madsen‐Iversen score >6 and a maximum flow rate of <10 mL/s were randomized to receive either placebo or alfuzosin in a double‐blind study of 16 weeks. The symptoms were assessed using the Madsen‐Iversen, DAN‐PSS and the IPSS questionnaires. In the second, 138 patients with LUTS suggestive of BOO were selected for treatment with transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT, 52°C for 60 min, microwave energy 200 kJ) and their symptoms assessed using the Boyarsky and the DAN‐PSS questionnaires. Patients were then followed for one year. Rank correlation coefficients and regression lines were calculated using Spearman’s non‐parametric test. The relative changes, i.e. responsiveness, calculated for the DAN‐PSS, IPSS and Boyarsky indexes were compared pairwise using the Wilcoxon‐Pratt test.Results The DAN‐PSS, IPSS and Madsen‐Iversen indexes were correlated on a pairwise basis. The DAN‐PSS and IPSS indexes have significant construct validity in terms of correlation with the Madsen‐Iversen system (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, rs=0.51 and rs=0.45, respectively). The DAN‐PSS and the IPSS indexes were correlated (rs=0.61). The DAN‐PSS was more sensitive than the IPSS to changes after pharmacological treatment, with scores decreasing 70% and 29% (P<0.05), respectively, after treatment with an alpha‐blocker for 4 months, and 50% and 29% (P<0.05), respectively, after 4 months on placebo treatment. Finally, the responsiveness of the Boyarsky and DAN‐PSS indexes to TUMT showed that the DAN‐PSS system was significantly more responsive than the Boyarsky index, with scores decreasing 57% and 15% (P<0.05), respectively, after one year.Conclusions The DAN‐PSS index is more sensitive than the IPSS, Madsen‐Iversen and Boyarsky symptom indexes, incorporates important outcome events, includes a patient‐weighting of each symptom, thereby reflecting better the patients’ global assessment of outcome.
Transversely tubularized ileal segments for the Mitrofanoff
Authors: Sugarman  , Malone  , Terry  , Koyle  
Published: March 2003

Objective To assess the use of a transverse tubularized segment(s) of ileum in the Mitrofanoff or Malone antegrade colonic enema (MACE) procedures.Patients and methodsEleven patients in three centres underwent the formation of a continent conduit to bowel (MACE, eight patients) and/or bladder (Mitrofanoff, four) using either a single segment of transverse tubularized ileum (10 patients) or two segments of ileum anastomosed and tubularized into a single conduit (two).ResultsWithin a follow‐up of 8 weeks to 6 months, all conduits were continent and catheterized easily. One stomal stenosis required a revision procedure.ConclusionThis method for forming a continent catheterizing conduit, based on the Mitrofanoff principle, appears to be effective and is recommended in cases where the appendix cannot be used or where a second conduit is required.
Placebo therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 25‐month study
Authors: Nickel  
Published: March 2003

Objective To analyse the efficacy, correlations and adverse‐event profile of placebo therapy from the initial placebo run‐in period to beyond 2 years of treatment.Patients and methods The effects of placebo therapy on prostate size, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ) and symptoms were analysed, and adverse drug experiences documented, for a period of 25 months in 303 patients randomized to the placebo arm of a controlled trial evaluating finasteride in the treatment of BPH (the Canadian PROSPECT study).Results For all variables, the values during follow‐up were significantly different from baseline (P≤0.001). Transrectal ultrasonography confirmed a progressive increase in prostate volume over 25 months (+8.4%) but Qmax improved for the first 5 months (to 1.4 mL/s over baseline) and remained 1.0 mL/s more than baseline at 25 months. The total symptom score improved by −2.9 points in the first 2 months on placebo and was ultimately 2.3 points below baseline at 25 months. The extent of the placebo response for symptoms (r=0.08, P=0.180) and Qmax (r=0.04, P=0.550) was independent of age, but the response correlated with the initial severity of symptoms (r=−0.394, P≤0.001) and initial Qmax (r=−0.134, P=0.023). Patients with a prostate of ≤40 mL had a clinically more important placebo response than those with larger prostates. In all, 246 patients (81.2%) reported adverse events thought to be secondary to placebo therapy. The most common complaint was urogenital (40.3%), specifically impotence (6.3%) and decreased libido (6.3%); 13.2% of patients discontinued placebo therapy because of significant adverse reactions.Conclusions Placebo therapy rapidly produces a significant improvement in Qmax and symptoms of BPH but also causes clinically important adverse effects. The beneficial effect fades but remains after 2 years.
Correlation between genito‐urinary anomalies, semen analysis and CFTR genotype in patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens
Authors: De La Taille  , Rigot  , Mahe  , Vankemmel  , Gervais  , Dumur  , Lemaitre  , Mazeman  
Published: March 2003

Objective To evaluate the incidence of renal and seminal vesicle (SV) abnormalities, and the presence or absence of CFTR gene mutations, in a cohort of patients referred for congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD).Patients and method Forty‐one patients with CBAVD, confirmed by surgical exploration, were evaluated by ultrasonography for renal and SV anomalies. Semen variables (pH, fructose level and ejaculate volume), sweat chloride levels and mutations of the 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14b, 17b, 19, 20 and 21 exons of the CFTR gene were determined.Result In eight patients with renal anomalies there were no detectable mutations of CFTR, compared with 23 in the 33 patients with no renal anomalies (P<0.02). SV anomalies were not related to the presence or absence of mutations (11 of 23 vs 11 of 18), or in compound heterozygote patients carrying two mutations (eight of 13 vs three of 10). Semen variables (pH<7.2, fructose <1 g/L and ejaculate volume <2 mL) did not differentiate patients with or without anomalies of the kidney, SV or with mutations, except in patients with a pH<7.2 for which renal anomalies were less frequent (two of 25 vs six of 16, P<0.05) and mutations more frequent (19 of 25 vs five of 12, P<0.01).Conclusion Renal anomalies associated with CBAVD should be considered as supporting maldevelopment as a cause, but analysis of CFTR mutations in these cases should not be omitted. Unlike anomalies of the SV, a low ejaculate volume or low fructose level, a semen pH of <7.2 is the only nonspecific variable in patients with CFTR mutations.
Does incision of the tunica vaginalis during the Palomo procedure prevent post‐operative hydrocele?
Authors: Tsikopoulos  , Roussis  , Georgakis  , Papouis  , Tryfonas  
Published: March 2003

Objective To assess whether incision of the tunica vaginalis of the ipsilateral testis during the Palomo procedure affects the incidence of post‐operative hydrocele.Patients and methods Forty‐two patients with varicocele were treated between 1992 and 1996, all undergoing the Palomo procedure. In 15 patients, incision of the tunica vaginalis of the ipsilateral testis was performed with the Palomo procedure, to prevent the formation of hydrocele. All patients were followed at regular intervals, for 3 months to 4 years.Results Of 27 patients who underwent the Palomo procedure alone, four developed post‐operative hydrocele requiring operation. None of those who underwent incision of the tunica vaginalis with the Palomo procedure developed a hydrocele. The duration of hospital stay was the same in both groups (mean 2.5 days). During the follow‐up, there was no difference in the size of the testes, as assessed with the Prader orchidometer, between the two groups.Conclusion Incision of the tunica vaginalis of the ipsilateral testis in addition to the Palomo procedure prevents the development of post‐operative hydrocele and causes no adverse sequelae.
Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal tumours: a review of 35 years’ experience
Authors: Xiao  , YE  , Shi  , Cheng  , LI  , Zhou  
Published: March 2003

Objective To review and analyse clinical data on the diagnosis and management of patients with adrenal masses.Patients and methods Patients admitted with adrenal masses between 1960 and 1995 were reviewed. The series comprised 116 males (mean age 41.4 years, sd 10.5, range 3–77) and 95 females (mean age 36.9 years, sd 11.6, range 1–62); eight patients were <14 years old and the overall mean (sd) age was 39.4 (12.8) years. The diagnosis was based on symptoms, signs, hormone levels and imaging studies. All tumours were confirmed by surgery, and pathology and results of analysis assessed statistically.Results Over the last 35 years, the incidence of adrenal tumours was 1.7% of all patients admitted with genitourological diseases or 9.7% of patients with genitourinary tumours at our institution. The prevalence of adrenal tumours in males and females was similar but Cushing’s syndrome was 3.1 times more frequent in females than in males and phaeochromocytoma 1.9 times more frequent in males than females. Most patients with adrenal tumour were aged 30–50 years. Of 211 adrenal tumours, 151 (72%) were functional, with a prevalence of benign tumour, and 60 (28%) were nonfunctional, with 35% malignant. There were 78 ‘incidentalomas’ which included 18 functional tumours. Overall, 210 tumours were removed and one was explored. Correlation analysis between tumour size and character or hormone levels showed that size was significantly positively correlated with tumour character (r=0.4010, P<0.001), but there was no relationship between tumour size and hormonal levels. The postoperative complication rate was 3.3% and the mortality 0.5%.Conclusions Based on this analysis we recommend that computed tomography is the first method used to define and localize the adrenal masses, that hormone levels should be determined in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients with adrenal masses, and that functional adrenal tumours and solid incidentalomas of any size should be removed surgically.
Zonal variation of apoptosis and proliferation in the normal prostate and in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Colombel  , Vacherot  , Gil Diez  , Fontaine  , Buttyan  , Chopin  
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine whether benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) results from an imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the extent to which the rates of these opposing processes are altered with the expression of the anti‐death oncoprotein bcl‐2.Materials and methods Ten prostate glands from normal men (mean age 43.7 years) were sampled according to McNeal’s zonal anatomy, in addition to 30 prostate adenomas obtained from prostatectomy specimens from symptomatic patients (mean age 61.4 years). Tissue samples were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Proliferation and bcl‐2 expression were assessed by immunostaining using Mib‐1 and anti‐bcl‐2 antibodies, while apoptotic bodies were specifically stained using in situ nick translation. The percentage of positive cells was determined by optical microscopy.Results In normal epithelium, the rates of proliferation and apoptosis were increased in the peripheral zone (Mib‐1 1.7%, apoptotic bodies 3.3%) compared with the central (0.2% vs 1.4%) and transition (0.1% vs 1.8%) zones. Proliferation was significantly greater in BPH than in normal prostate tissue (3.7%), contrasting with a stable rate of apoptosis (1.4%). In the normal prostate, bcl‐2 was expressed by glandular and basal cells in the peripheral zone. In the central zone, bcl‐2 was overexpressed in basal cells and in most glandular cells of the intraluminal ridges. Bcl‐2 expression in the transition zone was limited to dispersed basal cells. In BPH, bcl‐2 was strongly expressed by basal cells in mature glandular formations and in most cells of young small nodules.Conclusion BPH may result from both an increase of proliferation within the basal compartment and a failure of apoptosis to counterbalance basal cell proliferation. Increased expression of bcl‐2 may participate in this process by blocking apoptosis.