bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early tissue reactions in the rat bladder wall after contact with three different synthetic mesh materials
Authors: Murat Samli M. , Demirbas M. , Guler C. , Aktepe F. , Dincel C. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVESTo investigate bladder tissue reactions to three types of implanted mesh material, i.e. polypropylene, polyglactin and polypropylene‐polyglactin combined.MATERIALS AND METHODSForty‐eight adult female Wistar albino rats were randomized to four equal groups, i.e. group 1 (sham‐operated controls), group 2 (polypropylene mesh), group 3 (polyglactin mesh) and group 4 (polypropylene‐polyglactin mesh). A laparotomy incision was made to access the bladder and fix a 0.5 × 1 cm piece of mesh directly on the bladder wall. Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups of six animals, killed at 7 and 14 days after mesh implantation, respectively, to study mesh and tissue features with time. Bladders were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical investigation. Microvessels that developed around the mesh were detected with the avidin‐biotin peroxidase system, using antibody to Factor VIII‐related antigen as an endothelial marker. Vessels were counted in the most intensely stained area of one section from each animal's bladder.RESULTSCompared with the other groups, group 4 had more inflammatory reaction at 7 days but the tissue reactions to all mesh materials were similar at 14 days; the mesh penetrated the bladder muscularis propria at 14 days in all six rats in group 2, in one in group 3, and two in group 4. Group 4 tended to have a greater microvessel density at 14 than at 7 days. In contrast, groups 2 and 3 had lower microvessel densities at 14 than at 7 days.CONCLUSIONThe rat bladder wall had a similar early response to all three types of mesh materials. Penetration was more marked with polypropylene mesh than with the other materials. This nonabsorbable material persists in tissue and is currently widely used for clinical applications. These results for penetration suggest that the use of polypropylene mesh risks serious postoperative complications, e.g. urethral tissue erosion.
Retropubic repair of genitourinary fistula using a free supporting graft
Authors: El‐Lateef Moharram A.A. , Abd El‐Raouf M.A. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo report the repair of genitourinary fistulae using a retropubic extraperitoneal transvesical approach using a support graft (free graft) from the anterior abdominal wall fat.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 26 women with genitourinary fistulae (25 with vesicovaginal and one uterovesical) were operated using the free graft method.RESULTSAll patients had no leakage after surgery; while 15 developed urgency three had recurrent urinary tract infection and one developed a small bladder capacity.CONCLUSIONThis operation has the advantages of a short operative duration, an easy technique and fewer postoperative complications with a high success rate.
Home‐dilatation of the urethral meatus in boys
Authors: Searles J.M. , MacKinnon A.E. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the efficacy of dilatation of the stenotic urethral meatus in boys at home.PATIENTS AND METHODSEighteen boys aged 3–15 years, or their parents, were taught to dilate the urethral meatus at home. The cause of the stricture was balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) in five and consequent upon hypospadias surgery in 12, of whom two were complicated by BXO, and one after circumcision for cultural reasons. One boy was re‐referred after an interval of 3 years because of apparent deterioration of the stream of urine. Meatal dilatation was taught in the home by one of the authors (J.M.S.)RESULTSNine patients were cured by the first course of dilatation, four relapsed early after initial success but responded to further treatment, and three proceeded to meatoplasty because they had no response. Two relapsed late and one responded to further dilatation but the other required surgery.CONCLUSIONDilatation of the urethral meatus can be taught successfully to boys or their families at home, thus avoiding repeated hospital attendance and often general anaesthesia.
Serotonin‐induced potentiation of cholinergic responses to electrical field stimulation in normal and neurogenic overactive human detrusor muscle
Authors: Chapple C.R. , Radley S.C. , Martin S.W. , Sellers D.J. , Chess‐Williams R. 
Published: February 2004

The smooth muscle cells of the urinary tract are again the subject of much study, as is reflected by the papers in this section. Authors from Sheffield evaluate the effects of 5‐HT on the potentiation of cholinergic responses in isolated strips of detrusor muscle. In another study authors from France compare the effects of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on neurally evoked increases of bladder neck and seminal vesicle pressures in rats. The smooth muscle of the renal artery is assessed by authors from Germany, where they investigate the involvement of signal‐transducing GTP‐binding proteins in renal artery smooth muscle contraction.OBJECTIVETo compare the serotonin (5‐HT)4‐receptor‐mediated effects of 5‐HT on the potentiation of cholinergic responses to electrical‐field stimulation (EFS) in isolated strips of detrusor muscle from patients with normal or neurogenic overactive bladders.MATERIAL AND METHODSStrips of detrusor muscle were field‐stimulated (10 Hz, 0.01 ms duration, 60 V for 5 s) at 100‐s intervals until consistent responses were obtained. In the presence of methiothepin, ketanserin and ondansetron (all 1 µmol/L) to block 5‐HT1, 5‐HT2 and 5‐HT3 receptors, respectively, the cumulative administration of 5‐HT or the selective 5‐HT4 agonist cisapride, produced concentration‐dependent enhancement of responses to EFS in both types of tissue.RESULTSThe maximum potentiation induced by 5‐HT in neurogenic overactive detrusor muscle was reduced (P < 0.05) by about half compared to normal detrusor muscle, but EC50 values obtained in normal and overactive tissue were not significantly different. Cisapride was less potent than 5‐HT and acted as a partial agonist relative to 5‐HT. The selective 5‐HT4 receptor antagonist RS‐100235 was a potent antagonist of the 5‐HT‐induced potentiation of responses to EFS. At 3 nmol/L RS‐100235 antagonized the effects of 5‐HT in both groups of tissues without affecting the maximum responses. The affinity estimates (apparent pKB values of 9.2–9.5) for this antagonist were similar in normal and overactive detrusor muscle.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that 5‐HT4 receptor‐mediated potentiation of field‐stimulated responses is lower in the neurogenic overactive detrusor muscle than in normal tissue. 5‐HT4 receptor antagonist affinity is unchanged in the neurogenic overactive bladder.
Prevalence of overactive bladder in Asian men: an epidemiological survey
Authors: Moorthy P. , Lapitan M.C. , Quek P.L.C. , Lim P.H.C. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo study the epidemiology of overactive bladder (OAB) and the influence of demographic factors on its incidence in Asian men.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA survey based on a self‐administered questionnaire (locally translated in participating countries) was conducted between March 1998 and May 1998 to quantify the prevalence of OAB in a random sample of men (2369, aged 18–70+ years) visiting other than urology clinics in 26 centres in 11 Asian countries. The questionnaire was divided into two parts, i.e. social and demographic factors, and OAB symptoms. For OAB the questionnaire primarily focused on symptoms, degree of bother and treatment measures. The degree of bother was quantified by classifying it as mild, moderate and severe. The statistical relationship between demographics and OAB was assessed using the chi‐square independent test.RESULTSThe prevalence of OAB was 29.9% (709 men); OAB was more common in professional workers (43%), the high‐income group (26%, income of > US$ 800) and urban dwellers (64%). With increasing age the incidence of OAB increased, i.e. the prevalence was 53% in men aged > 70 years; the family history and type of toilets used had some relationship with OAB. Frequency (37%), urgency (34%), and frequency and urgency (10%) were the most common symptoms of OAB. Urge incontinence symptoms were reported by 13%. Some degree of bother was recorded in 32% of those with OAB, of whom only 5.9% received treatment for their OAB, with general practitioners and specialists being preferred equally.CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of OAB in Asian men is high and more common in older patients. The treatment rate for the symptoms was much lower than in western countries, suggesting a need for better education of patients and more research for effectively managing the OAB.
Nocturnal polyuria in community‐dwelling women
Authors: Swithinbank L.V. , Vestey S. , Abrams P. 
Published: February 2004

In this section there are papers describing studies into nocturnal polyuria, the overactive bladder in Asian men and the use of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation for female urinary incontinence. There are also papers which evaluate the cost implications of microwave thermotherapy, the accumulation of proteoglycans in prostatic hyperplasia, and the presentation and management of urethral calculi. The last two papers in this section have nothing directly to do with the lower urinary tract. Indeed, they do not fit into any of the groups of papers in the journal but I felt that they were of general interest to the readership of the BJU International, and so felt they could really be put into any section!OBJECTIVETo determine the age prevalence of nocturnal polyuria among older women in the community, and to investigate the relationship between nocturnal polyuria and nocturia.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 1183 women aged ≥ 50 years, who were registered with a family doctor practice and who had taken part in a prevalence study, were sent brief questionnaires and a frequency/volume chart (FVC) to complete.RESULTSThere were 227 FVCs with adequate data and 264 completed questionnaires available for analysis. The prevalence of nocturnal polyuria increased disproportionately with age. There was no clear relationship between nocturia or nocturnal polyuria and daytime frequency, nor was there a clear relationship between diuretic use and nocturnal polyuria.CONCLUSIONNocturnal polyuria is common among women in the community and not obviously related to daytime frequency. Night‐time symptoms are common in women as well as men, and are troublesome to them.
The sexual habits of British men and women over 40 years old
Authors: Eardley I. , Dean J. , Barnes T. , Kirby M. , Glasser D. , Solanki J. 
Published: February 2004

The first study in this section was conducted to give a better understanding of the sexual habits of men and women over 40 years old in the UK. This large population‐based study has provided the first report on the frequency and timing of sexual activity in British men and women; it also suggested that there were subtle differences in attitudes between men and women.OBJECTIVETo obtain a greater understanding of sexual behaviour and habits among men with and without erectile dysfunction (ED), and their female partners, to improve the management of ED in heterosexual men.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA population‐based study was conducted amongst men and women aged > 40 years. None of the subjects were partners in the same sexual relationship. Interviews were conducted on the Internet via a panel‐based questionnaire.RESULTSIn all, 225 (32%) men had self‐reported ED and 88 (26%) women reported that their partner had ED. For all men (with or without ED) the mean time from first thinking of intercourse to beginning intercourse was just under 1 h. During their most recent period of sexual activity, 87% of men with and 78% of men without ED had intercourse with ejaculation at most once within 24 h; 81% of men and 89% of women felt that it was neither very nor extremely important to have intercourse with ejaculation more than once in a 24‐h period.CONCLUSIONSThis study reports for the first time the frequency of sexual activity in British men and women in heterosexual relationships, and describes the usual timings of sexual events. Few significant differences were identified between men with or with no ED.
Involvement of signal transducing GTP‐binding proteins in renal artery α1‐adrenoceptor mediated smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Karsten A.J. , Eckert R.E. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine the participation of GTP‐binding proteins (G‐proteins) in the cellular mechanism of the phenylephrine‐induced renal artery vasospasm by using swine renal artery smooth muscle rings in a standard organ baths, as increased noradrenaline release from perivasal and intramural sympathetic nerve endings during renal ischaemia results in increased vascular smooth muscle tone that is important in the loss of kidney function during renal transplantation and nephron‐sparing surgery.MATERIALS AND METHODSFresh swine kidneys were transported in cold calcium‐free Tyrode solution to the laboratory. Adipose tissue around the arteries was removed, the organ de‐capsulated and interlobar arteries dissected. The contractile properties of renal artery smooth muscle rings were assessed in a standard organ bath, the rings pre‐tensioned at 2 g. Contractions were evoked by applying the α1‐adrenoceptor selective agonist phenylephrine (1 nmol/L to 0.3 mmol/L). Isometric contractions of the tissue were registered and stored digitally. Dose‐response curves were obtained sequentially with a wash‐out of 20 min between each concentration; the maximum contractility of an individual muscle ring was set at 100%. Dose‐response curves of inhibitory agents (e.g. WB4101, cholera and pertussis toxins) were determined by comparing the remaining contractility after incubating with the respective drug with a control contraction that was evoked three times (10 µmol/L phenylephrine) and the mean set at 100%.RESULTSPhenylephrine induced dose‐dependent and fully reversible isometric contractions with a threshold concentration of 100 nmol/L and an EC50 of 0.8 µmol/L. The receptor was identified as the α1A‐subtype by the selective antagonist WB4101. Pre‐treatment of tissue rings with 5 µg/mL pertussis toxin (120 min, 37 °C) inhibited the control contraction by a mean (sem) of 52.0 (4.6)%, whereas pre‐treatment with 1 µg/mL cholera toxin (60 min, 37 °C), leading to a permanent activation of the GS‐protein via blockade of the GTPase activity, decreased the response by 39.0 (8.2)%.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest a coupling of α1A‐adrenoceptors in renal vascular tissue to the heterotrimeric GS‐protein and to heterotrimeric G‐proteins of the GI‐ and/or GO‐family in the phenylephrine‐induced contraction.
Epstein‐Barr virus infection in urothelial transitional cell carcinoma tissues
Authors: Chuang C.‐K. , Liao S.‐K. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo explore a possible correlation of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection with urothelial tumours, as the mutation of oncogenes, inactivation of tumour suppressor genes and viral infections may be important in the tumorigenesis of urothelial tumours, and EBV has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of lymphoproliferative disorders and several epithelial neoplasms.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 104 surgical specimens of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were obtained from urological operating rooms, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed for in situ hybridization using DNA probes, to locate the signal of EBV‐encoded RNAs (EBERs). Immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD20 and EBV‐encoded latent membrane protein‐1 (LMP‐1) was used on EBER‐positive tumour specimens.RESULTSThirty‐one tumour specimens were positive for EBER hybridization in 100 evaluable specimens. Of these positive specimens, 21 were positive in both the infiltrating B lymphocytes and TCC tumour cells, seven only in B lymphocytes and three only in TCC cells. Of 31 EBER‐positive tumour tissues, 26 (84%) had LMP‐1, suggesting that EBER is more sensitive than LMP‐1 for detecting EBV infection.CONCLUSIONThere is a strong association between EBV infection and a significant proportion of primary urothelial TCC tumour cells.
Increased and localized accumulation of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans in the hyperplastic human prostate
Authors: Cardoso L.E.M. , Falcão P.G. , Sampaio F.J.B. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo analyse by immunohistochemistry the expression of chondroitin sulphate (CS) (detected in the hyperplastic prostate and possibly affecting the proliferation of prostate cells) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to determine its distribution and location.MATERIALS AND METHODSSamples of BPH were obtained from 11 patients (aged 58–83 years) and controls consisting of the transitional zone of five prostates from young men aged 19–27 years. Tissue sections were labelled with antibodies against CS, perlecan, type IV collagen, laminin, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) α‐actin. The amount of CS immunostaining was estimated by semi‐quantitative scoring and correlated with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and prostate size.RESULTSThe anti‐CS antibody faintly stained the stroma of normal prostates, but in BPH samples the staining was intense and concentrated around acini, including the periphery of adjacent SMCs. This staining pattern was totally absent in the normal samples. Type IV collagen, perlecan and laminin were homogeneously distributed in the whole stroma of both normal and BPH samples. There was no significant correlation between intensity of CS staining and either PSA or prostate size.CONCLUSIONSThe expression of CS proteoglycans is increased in BPH, where they co‐locate with basement membranes of the acinar epithelium and of peri‐acinar SMCs. This enhanced expression is specific for these proteoglycans, as other basement membrane components are unaffected, and this may result from the regulatory effects of local factors that are active in BPH.
The cost of feedback microwave thermotherapy compared with transurethral resection of the prostate for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Kobelt G. , Spångberg A. , Mattiasson A. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy of a new microwave thermotherapy for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the ProstaLund Feedback Treatment (PLFT®, ProstaLund Operations AB, Lund, Sweden) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in a clinical trial to their effectiveness in clinical practice over 1 year, to estimate their cost over 1 year, and to evaluate the cost of re‐interventions over a longer period (2–3 years).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a large randomized international 1‐year clinical trial PLFT was as effective as TURP in improving symptoms of BPH and urinary flow. Because PLFT is an outpatient procedure it was less costly than TURP. However, the cost‐effectiveness of the new procedure depends on its long‐term effectiveness in clinical practice. All 146 patients in the randomized clinical trial were included in the present analysis. The outcome was based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the bother score, and costs were estimated from treatment‐related adverse events and hospitalization. To validate the estimates based on the clinical trial 1‐year data on effectiveness and complete resource use in clinical practice were collected in a retrospective observational study from hospital charts and patient questionnaires of 88 patients who had undergone either TURP or PLFT. To assess the number of re‐interventions after TURP after the first year information was obtained from hospital and surgical procedure data in the Swedish inpatient registry. The 3‐year data for a total of 52 010 patients who had an index hospitalization for TURP between 1990 and 1995 were available for the analysis. The estimate of long‐term consequences of PLFT was based on complication and re‐intervention data for 87 patients who had undergone PLFT between 1997 and 1999.RESULTSThe mean 1‐year costs in the clinical trial were estimated at €1763 for PLFT and €3209 for TURP. When all treatment‐related resource use in clinical practice for 88 patients was included the costs were estimated at €1924 and €3264 for PLFT and TURP, respectively. The IPSS and bother scores were not significantly different between the groups in both datasets. Using the registry data the cost of TURP including re‐interventions (TURP and bladder neck incisions) was estimated at €3159 over 2 years and €3185 over 3 years; the respective costs for PLFT were €2121 and at €2151.CONCLUSIONSIn the 1‐year clinical trial PLFT was as effective but less costly than TURP, but long‐term data are still lacking. However, the preliminary analysis over 3 years indicates that the average cost of the procedure remains lower than the total cost of TURP for the same period.
Sling procedures for urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Kassardjian Z.G. 
Published: February 2004

SUMMARYThere are many different techniques of sling surgery for female incontinence and numerous materials are available for use as a suburethral sling. Autologous materials are associated with more success and fewer complications than cadaveric material. The objectives of this review are to identity the benefits and adverse effects of suburethral sling procedures. There is no evidence that suburethral slings are better or worse than other surgical or conservative management because no trials have addressed this comparison.
The Profits of the Dutch East India Company's Japan Trade
Authors: Camfferman Kees , Cooke Terence E. 
Published: February 2004

This article analyses the eighteenth‐century accounting practices of the Japanese trading station or factory of the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost‐Indische Compagnie or VOC). The factory's trade and its reported profits declined during the eighteenth century, but because of the complexity of the accounting issues involved, contemporaries held different views on whether the accounting data supported a continuation of the factory's operations. For similar reasons, some historians have argued that the maintenance of the factory in the face of declining profits illustrates the poor quality of the VOC's management, while others have argued in favour of the economic viability of the factory. The purpose of this article is to a more comprehensive analysis of the accounting issues facing the Japanese factory present in the eighteenth century than offered to date, in order to propose a way in which the accounting records may be approached as a source of data for historical research.The conclusions are twofold. First, there were three main accounting issues facing the factory that should be considered when interpreting the accounting records. These issues can be summarized as transfer pricing, currency translation and overhead allocation. While all these issues have been recognized in the literature at some stage, they have never been considered in combination. Second, we tentatively conclude that if the recorded accounting figures are adjusted as proposed, they support the view that keeping the factory open was a correct decision from a commercial point of view.
The Single Market and Geographic Concentration in Europe
Authors: Aiginger Karl , Pfaffermayr Michael 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe stylized fact that regional concentration is lower in Europe than in the USA has led to the prediction that the creation of the Single Market might increase spatial concentration in Europe. This has raised some fears that the social and political burden of rapid change might counterbalance the economic gains, that the core might win to the detriment of the periphery, and that concentration of industry might make countries more vulnerable to asymmetric shocks in the Monetary Union. This paper uses a new disaggregated dataset to substantiate whether spatial concentration increased during the 1990s. Most other studies have not extended beyond the early 1990s or have used less comprehensive and detailed datasets. The main result is that geographic concentration did not increase, but rather decreased during the 1990s. Industrial patterns of geographic concentration and its dynamics partly conformed to the hypotheses provided by economic geography, trade theory, and industrial organization.