bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in neurogenic urinary bladders treated with intravesical resiniferatoxin
Authors: Apostolidis A.N. , Yiangou Y. , Brady C.M. , Ford A.P. , Baecker P.A. , Jacques T.S. , Freeman A. , Fowler C.J. , Anand P. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) immunoreactivity in bladder biopsies from patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) before and after treatment with intravesical resiniferatoxin, and compare this with control material; the distribution of two other vascular markers, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was also studied.PATIENTS AND METHODSFlexible cystoscopic bladder biopsies from eight controls investigated for asymptomatic microhaematuria and 19 patients with refractory spinal NDO enrolled in a clinical trial of intravesical treatment with escalating doses of resiniferatoxin were immunostained with polyclonal rabbit antibodies for eNOS, vWF and VEGF. Fewer baseline NDO specimens (eight) were available for vWF and VEGF staining. Computerized image analysis was used to quantify immunoreactivity, and the Mann–Whitney test for statistical analysis.RESULTSeNOS immunoreactivity was found in the suburothelium and less often in the urothelium, with a distribution indicating a location in small blood vessels at the urothelium‐suburothelium junction. Immunostaining for vWF showed a similar location. There was a trend to higher eNOS values before treatment in those responding than in those not responding to resiniferatoxin (P = 0.059), and a significant reduction in eNOS immunoreactivity after successful treatment (P = 0.016). VEGF staining was weaker but there was a significant increase in pretreatment biopsies of responders to resiniferatoxin (P = 0.048). Clinical and histopathology features were similar in both groups.CONCLUSIONSThe trend for higher eNOS expression in patients with NDO who responded to resiniferatoxin suggests that increased vasculature or vasodilatation in the suburothelium may be necessary for successful intravesical treatment. Further studies with more patients are required to confirm this relationship and to examine the mechanisms underlying changes in vasculature with levels of bladder overactivity.
Ten years’ experience of retrograde balloon dilatation of pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction
Authors: Lewis‐Russell J.M. , Natale S. , Hammonds J.C. , Wells I.P. , Dickinson A.J. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo analyse the long‐term success of retrograde balloon dilatation (RBD) of pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO).PATIENTS AND METHODSThe records of 58 adult patients (mean age 48 years, range 18–94) who had RBD between 1990 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. All symptomatic patients were included and assessed by dynamic renography. Success was judged as a symptomatic and/or functional improvement. Recurrence of symptoms was recorded and any evidence of deterioration of function despite improved symptoms. Complications were also recorded.RESULTSIn all, 44 (76%) patients were asymptomatic after RBD. There was no relationship between symptomatic change and renographic improvement; some patients who were rendered pain‐free had either no improvement or even deterioration in their split renal function. Conversely, some patients who had a demonstrable improvement in their renal function continued to be symptomatic. However, a long‐term follow‐up (mean 6.1 years) of nine patients who were symptomatically improved showed good maintenance of split renal function.CONCLUSIONRBD is an effective treatment for PUJO and its success is maintained in the long term.
Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for solitary lower calyceal stone: a statistical model
Authors: Srivastava A. , Zaman W. , Singh V. , Mandhani A. , Kumar A. , Singh U. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of inferior calyceal radiographic anatomy, number of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) sessions and stone size on the successful clearance of solitary inferior calyceal calculi after ESWL.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a prospective study between January 2001 and November 2002, 66 renal units with a solitary inferior calyceal calculus of ≤ 2 cm were treated with electrohydraulic ESWL. The infundibulopelvic angle (two definitions), infundibulovertebral angle, inferior calyceal infundibular diameter, infundibular length, cortical thickness over the lower pole, number of minor calyces and stone size were determined from intravenous urography before treatment. The number of ESWL sessions was also included in the analysis. Treatments which produced residual fragments not clearing within 3 months of satisfactory fragmentation were considered as failures. All patients in whom the treatment failed were treated successfully by percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The data were then analysed using two different statistical methods; first by intravariable differences using the test of proportion (Fisher's test) and then all the variables together using logistic regression.RESULTSAt 3 months 78.8% of the renal units were clear of stone. All intravariable differences were statistically significant except stone size (<1 cm, 1–2 cm). In a multivariate analysis of all variables, only stone size was the most important predictor for successful stone clearance (P = 0.03).CONCLUSIONSESWL is the initial treatment of choice in selected patients with inferior calyceal stones. The stone size appears to be the most important predictor for stone clearance.
The ‘modified prone position’: a new approach for treating pre‐vesical stones with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Köse A.C. , Demirbas M. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate the utility of a new ‘modified‐prone’ position for treating pre‐vesical stones with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), usually considered an acceptable and effective treatment for such stones, but for which many different body positions have been used in an attempt to increase its efficacy.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 268 consecutive patients with a solitary pre‐vesical stone who underwent ESWL either prone (69) or in the modified‐prone position (199) between May 1999 and August 2001. Only those with one stone between the ureteric orifice and 1 cm proximal to the vesico‐ureteric junction were included. In each case the stone diameter, days to stone clearance, number of shock waves applied per treatment, and number of sessions required to become stone‐free were recorded. If the treatment failed this was also noted. Success rates in the prone and modified‐prone groups were compared and analysed to assess which of the variables influenced success with ESWL.RESULTSAfter ESWL, 95.5% of the 268 patients were stone‐free; the rates in the prone and modified‐prone groups were 89.9% and 97.5%, respectively (P = 0.015). The probability of success with ESWL therapy for pre‐vesical calculi in modified‐prone position was about five times (odds ratio 4.56, 95% confidence interval 1.2–17.7) greater than that expected with when prone. The modified‐prone position was an independent factor most significantly influencing success with ESWL in these patients.CONCLUSIONThe modified‐prone position for ESWL is a new and very effective way to treat patients with pre‐vesical stones.
Renal autotransplantation
Authors: Wotkowicz C. , Libertino J.A. 
Published: February 2004

The Department of Urology in the Lahey Clinic has a considerable reputation in the treatment of renovascular conditions, and this month they have produced a review of renal autotransplantation. This interesting, if infrequently used, surgical technique is potentially useful to urologists in several different situations.Intermittent androgen suppression was introduced based on solid laboratory evidence, and has been accepted by many as a way of treating advanced prostate cancer. The authors from Vancouver, from the department where it was introduced, present a review on its use.Laser prostatectomy has gone through interesting developments since it was introduced some years ago. Many techniques and types of laser have come and gone, after initial excitement, but some have lasted the course. The author from New York, who has extensive experience in this area, has written an interesting review on the subject.The work of the Department of Urology in Bern relating to ileal orthotopic bladder substitution is well known, and their technique has been presented in last month's Surgery Illustrated Section in this Journal. Here they present a review of the postoperative management of such patients.
A framework for short‐term humanitarian health care projects
Authors: Walsh D. S. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Background: This opinion piece, based on the experiences of the author, outlines the planning involved for a short‐term assignment. With growing demand for humanitarian health care assistance to underserved countries, a framework for organizing short‐term trips to such areas would be beneficial to the trip organizers. Content: The key to a successful project lies in focusing on specific populations and interventions while still in the planning stages. The hurdles that need to be cleared before actually embarking on the project are also discussed. Outcomes: The lasting result of such ventures lies in the learning experiences of the participants, the care that the population receives, and a deeper appreciation for global health and disparity.
Exploring the health care status of two communities in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Carman S. K. , Scott J. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Background: This article looks at two impoverished communities in the Dominican Republic that are working in collaboration with a USA‐based organization to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of the children in these areas. Method: An exploratory descriptive study was performed to establish baseline information. The knowledge gained from this study will provide guidance in the development of effective school‐based strategies to meet the physical, emotional, and nutritional needs of the children. Data gathered from health records obtained during medical clinics in these two communities were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were performed to examine demographics, chief complaints, diagnoses, and treatments of approximately 1500 Dominicans. Findings: Results support that living conditions and the lack of primary care continue to underpin the majority of health issues within these communities. Outcomes: School‐based health initiatives along with a well child‐screening programme are being developed to enhance the health of the children in these communities.
Evolution of
Staphylococcus aureus
by Large Chromosomal Replacements
Authors: Robinson D. Ashley , Enright Mark C. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Conjugative transfer and replacement of hundreds of kilobases of a bacterial chromosome can occur in vitro, but replacements in nature are either an order of magnitude smaller or involve the movement of mobile genetic elements. We discovered that two lineages of
Staphylococcus aureus
, including a pandemic methicillin-resistant lineage, were founded by single chromosomal replacements of at least ∼244 and ∼557 kb representing ∼10 and ∼20% of the chromosome, respectively, without the obvious involvement of mobile genetic elements. The replacements are unprecedented in natural populations of bacteria because of their large size and unique structure and may have a dramatic impact on bacterial evolution.
The
sufR
Gene (
sll0088
in
Synechocystis
sp. Strain PCC 6803) Functions as a Repressor of the
sufBCDS
Operon in Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biogenesis in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Wang Tao , Shen Gaozhong , Balasubramanian Ramakrishnan , McIntosh Lee , Bryant Donald A. , Golbeck John H. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The
suf
operon is composed of four genes (
sufB
,
sufC
,
sufD
, and
sufS
) and is highly conserved in the genomes of cyanobacteria. Open reading frame
sll0088
in
Synechocystis
sp. strain PCC 6803 is located near the 5′ end of the
suf
operon but is transcribed in the direction opposite that of the
suf
operon. We previously reported the isolation of two independent suppressor strains of C14S
PsaC
that mapped to
sll0088
and restored photoautotrophic growth. The protein encoded by
sll0088
has two significant features: (i) a DNA-binding domain near the N terminus and (ii) four highly conserved cysteine residues near the C terminus. The protein has high sequence similarity to transcription regulatory proteins with a conserved DNA-binding domain and can be classified in the DeoR family of helix-loop-helix proteins. The protein falls into a further subclass that contains a C-X
12
-C-X
13
-C-X
14
-C motif near the C terminus, which may represent a metal-binding site. The expressed Sll0088 protein harbored an iron-sulfur cluster as shown by optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Compared to the wild type, expression levels of the
sufBCDS
genes were elevated when cells were grown under conditions of oxidative and iron stress and were even higher in a null mutant of
Synechococcus
sp. strain PCC 7002 in which the
sll0088
homolog was insertionally inactivated. In agreement with the proposed role of the
sufBCDS
genes in iron metabolism, the growth rate of the null mutant was significantly higher than that of the wild type under iron-limiting conditions. We propose that the protein encoded by
sll0088
is a transcriptional repressor of the
suf
operon, and we name the gene
sufR
.
Genetic and Structural Characterization of the Core Region of the Lipopolysaccharide from
Serratia marcescens
N28b (Serovar O4)
Authors: Coderch Núria , Piqué Núria , Lindner Buko , Abitiu Nihal , Merino Susana , Izquierdo Luis , Jimenez Natalia , Tomás Juan M. , Holst Otto , Regué Miguel 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

The gene cluster (
waa
) involved in
Serratia marcescens
N28b core lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis was identified, cloned, and sequenced. Complementation analysis of known
waa
mutants from
Escherichia coli
K-12,
Salmonella enterica
, and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
led to the identification of five genes coding for products involved in the biosynthesis of a shared inner core structure: [
l
,
d
-Hep
p
IIIα(1→7)-
l
,
d
-Hep
p
IIα(1→3)-
l,d
-Hep
p
Iα(1→5)-Kdo
p
I(4←2)αKdo
p
II] (
l,d
-Hep
p
,
l
-
glycero
-
d
-
manno
-heptopyranose; Kdo, 3-deoxy-
d
-
manno
-oct-2-ulosonic acid). Complementation and/or chemical analysis of several nonpolar mutants within the
S. marcescens waa
gene cluster suggested that in addition, three
waa
genes were shared by
S. marcescens
and
K. pneumoniae
, indicating that the core region of the LPS of
S. marcescens
and
K. pneumoniae
possesses additional common features. Chemical and structural analysis of the major oligosaccharide from the core region of LPS of an O-antigen-deficient mutant of
S. marcescens
N28b as well as complementation analysis led to the following proposed structure: β-Glc-(1→6)-α-Glc-(1→4))-α-
d
-GlcN-(1→4)-α-
d
-GalA-[(2←1)-α-
d,d
-Hep-(2←1)-α-Hep]-(1→3)-α-
l,d
-Hep[(7←1)-α-
l,d
-Hep]-(1→3)-α-
l,d
-Hep-[(4←1)-β-
d
-Glc]-(1→5)-Kdo. The D configuration of the β-Glc, α-GclN, and α-GalA residues was deduced from genetic data and thus is tentative. Furthermore, other oligosaccharides were identified by ion cyclotron resonance-Fourier-transformed electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, which presumably contained in addition one residue of
d
-glycero-
d
-
talo
-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Ko) or of a hexuronic acid. Several ions were identified that differed from others by a mass of +80 Da, suggesting a nonstoichiometric substitution by a monophosphate residue. However, none of these molecular species could be isolated in substantial amounts and structurally analyzed. On the basis of the structure shown above and the analysis of nonpolar mutants, functions are suggested for the genes involved in core biosynthesis.
Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis in the free-living marine nematode Anticoma possjetica (Enoplida: Anticomidae)
Authors: Yushin Vladimir 
Published: February 2004

Abstract- Spermatogenesis of the free-living marine nematode Anticoma possjetica was studied with electron microscopy. The spermatocyte cytoplasm is filled with numerous ribosomes, mitochondria, cisternae of RER and Golgi bodies. After completion of meiosis the nucleus of the spermatids is surrounded by a newly formed nuclear envelope. The first membranous organelles (MO) appear in the early spermatids, in the late spermatid they, together with mitochondria, surround the nucleus. The ribosomes, RER and Golgi bodies are concentrated inside the residual body. The nuclei of immature spermatozoa assume a bullet-like shape and are surrounded by mitochondria and a mass of MO. The mature spermatozoa possess a small anterior pseudopod anchoring them to the spermatheca wall. The spermatozoon cytoplasm is filled with densely packed MO interspersed with mitochondria. During spermatogenesis of A. possjetica, no organelles resembling the fibrous bodies (FB) found in the spermatozoa of other nematodes were observed. The ultrastructural peculiarities of spermatogenesis in A. possjetica differentiate it from many of the other nematodes studied, although important similarities with other enoplids (reconstitution of nuclear envelope) and other Enoplia (late MO formation) are present.
Efficacy of Rehabilitative Experience Declines with Time after Focal Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Biernaskie Jeff , Chernenko Garry , Corbett Dale 
Published: February 2004

To maximize the effectiveness of rehabilitative therapies after stroke, it is critical to determine when the brain is most responsive (i.e., plastic) to sensorimotor experience after injury and to focus such efforts within this period. Here, we compared the efficacy of 5 weeks of enriched rehabilitation (ER) initiated at 5 d (ER5), ER14, or ER30 after focal ischemia, as judged by functional outcome and neuromorphological change. ER5 provided marked improvement in skilled forelimb reaching ability and ladder-rung- and narrow-beam-walking tasks and attenuated the stroke-induced reliance on the unaffected forepaw for postural support. ER14 provided improvement to a somewhat lesser extent, whereas recovery was diminished after ER30 such that motor function did not differ from ischemic animals exposed to social housing.To examine potential neural substrates of the improved function, we examined dendritic morphology in the undamaged motor cortex because our previous work (Biernaskie and Corbett, 2001) suggested that recovery was associated with enhanced dendritic growth in this region. ER5 increased the number of branches and complexity of layer V neurons compared with both social housing and control animals. Dendritic arbor after ER14 (although increased) and ER30 did not differ from those exposed to social housing. These data suggest that the poststroke brain displays heightened sensitivity to rehabilitative experience early after the stroke but declines with time. These findings have important implications for rehabilitation of stroke patients, many of whom experience considerable delays before therapy is initiated.
HONG KONG HAZE
Authors: Stern Rachel E. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Preliminary data show that Hong Kong's poor suffer increased exposure to air pollution. People in lower-class areas may be up to five times as likely to be hospitalized for respiratory illness as their counterparts in high-income areas. In addition, variation in household income may explain up to 60% of Air Pollution Index (API) variation between districts. Despite this, air pollution has not been seen as a class issue because of the invisibility of Hong Kong's poor, the nature of environmental activism, and a relative lack of class tensions.
Two of Asia's most significant trends are deepening income inequality and increasing environmental degradation. Yet, these two trends are often examined separately, as parts of entirely different spheres. Using air pollution in Hong Kong as a case study, this article argues that environmental issues and social class are intimately intertwined. Environmental burdens, such as air pollution, disproportionately affect the poor. Social class—who is generating pollution and who is affected—also determines how environmental issues are perceived and addressed. However, little combined analysis of social class and the environment exists outside the United States. Hong Kong's struggle to improve air quality in the post-handover period provides an unusual opportunity to examine the relationship between social class and the environment in Asia.
El comercio México —Estados Unidos, 1870–1929: Reconstrucción estadística y tendencias generales
Authors: Ficker Sandra Kuntz 
Published: February 2004

This article aims at reconstructing the yearly values of the bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States in the era of liberal capitalism, that is, between 1870 and 1929. It provides with new series of commodity imports and exports, specie flows, and the balance of trade between the two nations. Based upon the new series, the article analyses the evolution of bilateral trade and the role of the United States in Mexico's external commerce. It follows the process by which the United States became Mexico's main trading partner, and points to some of the forces that drove this process.Este trabajo se propone reconstruir los valores anuales del comercio bilateral entre México y Estados Unidos en la era del capitalismo liberal, esto es, entre 1870 y 1929.Ofrece nuevas series anuales de las importaciones y exportaciones de mercancías, de los flujos de metálico y de la balanza comercial entre las dos naciones. Con base en las nuevas series, el artículo analiza la evolución del comercio bilateraly elpapelde Estados Unidos en elcomercio exterior de México. Al hacerlo, sigue el proceso por el cual Estados Unidos se convirtió en el principal socio comercial de México, y apunta a algunos de los factores que impulsaron ese proceso.
Learning Democracy in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Camp Roderic Ai 
Published: February 2004

This essay explores how Americans, Mexican Americans, and Mexicans learn about politics, and specifically, their notions of democracy, using a comprehensive cross-national survey funded by the Hewlett Foundation. It identifies significant differences and similarities across groups, and raises important questions about the socialization process, about the resistance of certain attitudes to transformation in new cultural settings, and the ease with which major political views are altered within months of changing national residence. Language facility proves to be a significant variable in this process.Este ensayo explora cómo los estadounidenses, los mexicano-americanos y los mexicanos aprenden sobre la política y, específicamente, investiga las nociones de democracia, a través de una encuesta comprensiva y nacional patrocinada por la Hewlett Foundation. Se identifican diferencias y similitudes significativas en los grupos y se plantean preguntas importantes sobre el proceso de socialización, sobre la resistencia de ciertas actitudes a la transformación en nuevos formatos culturales, y sobre la facilidad con que algunas visiones políticas principales son alteradas a sólo meses de haber cambiado de residencia de país. La facilidad de la lengua demuestra ser una variable significativo en este proceso.