bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy of two α1‐adrenoreceptor antagonists, doxazosin and alfuzosin, in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: De Reijke T.M. , Klarskov P. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVESTo compare doxazosin and alfuzosin in patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 210 men with LUTS were randomized to receive doxazosin 1–8 mg once daily or alfuzosin 5–10 mg divided in two or three daily doses in a 14‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, baseline‐controlled, dose‐titration study. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maximum urinary flow rate were used to assess the efficacy of the treatment.RESULTSAt study completion, the mean dose of doxazosin was 6.1 mg/day and alfuzosin 8.8 mg/day. The least squares mean (se) change from baseline in total IPSS was −9.23 (0.6) for doxazosin and −7.45 (0.6) (both P < 0.001) for alfuzosin. The respective mean change from baseline in irritative symptoms was −3.5 (0.2) and −2.8 (0.3) (both P < 0.001). The differences between the treatment groups were statistically significant in favour of doxazosin (total IPSS, P = 0.036; irritative symptoms, P = 0.049). The improvement between groups was also significantly different for postvoid residual urine volume, at −29.19 (8.6) and + 9.59 (8.9) mL for doxazosin and alfuzosin, respectively (P = 0.002). Improvements in mean and maximum urinary flow rates were similar for both treatments, at + 1.5 and + 1.2, and + 2.8 and + 2.5 mL/s, respectively. Doxazosin and alfuzosin were both well tolerated, with most all‐cause adverse events reported as mild or moderate.CONCLUSIONSThe mean doses of doxazosin and alfuzosin used in this study were not equipotent. Doxazosin 6.1 mg/day produced significantly greater improvements than alfuzosin 8.8 mg/day in total and irritative urinary symptom scores and postvoid residual urine volume in men with moderate to severe LUTS. Changes in maximum and mean flow rates were comparable. Doxazosin and alfuzosin were both well tolerated.
The actions of sodium nitroprusside and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor dipyridamole on phasic activity in the isolated guinea‐pig bladder
Authors: Gillespie J.I. , Drake M.J. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate the actions of the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, which purport to affect intracellular cGMP levels, on the phasic activity generated by agonist stimulation of the isolated whole bladder of the guinea pig.MATERIALS AND METHODSIsolated whole bladders from female guinea pigs (270–300 g) were used in all experiments. Each bladder was cannulated via the urethra and suspended in a chamber containing oxygenated solution at 33–35 °C. Bladder pressure was recorded and pharmacological agents added to the solution bathing the abluminal surface of the bladder.RESULTSIn the unstimulated bladder, SNP at up to 300 µmol/L caused only small (<2 cmH2O) rises in intravesical pressure. In the presence of phasic activity induced by either muscarinic or nicotinic stimulation, SNP at > 30 µmol/L, produced a dose‐dependent increase in the frequency of the transients. The cells responding to SNP with an increase in intracellular cGMP were identified by immunofluorescence, and were in the suburothelial layer and within the muscle bundles. Smooth muscle cells of the detrusor body did not show a rise in cGMP. Exposure to the cGMP/PDE inhibitor zaprinast had no effect on phasic activity, but exposure to dipyridamole produced a transient rise in frequency, followed by an inhibition. Dipyridamole also significantly increased the amplitude of the phasic activity.CONCLUSIONThese data show an excitatory role for NO/cGMP in the integrated regulation of phasic bladder activity. One population of cells which may be involved may be in the suburothelial layer and within the muscles. The differential sensitivity to PDE inhibitors affecting cGMP suggests that the cells responsible express specific isoforms of these regulatory enzymes. The importance of these observations, their possible role in the integrated physiology of the bladder and origins of bladder pathology, are discussed.
DCC protein expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dekel Y. , Kugel V. , Livne P.M. , Gal R. , Koren R. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVESTo investigate whether the expression of protein from the ‘deleted in colorectal cancer’ (DCC) gene, which predicts a poor outcome for patients with colorectal carcinoma, can also serve as a prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).PATIENTS AND METHODSThe expression of DCC was evaluated immunohistochemically in 94 paraffin‐embedded tumour samples from patients with stage T1, T2, and T3 clear cell RCC. The mean follow‐up was 52.3 months. The endpoints of the study were recurrence of disease and death from disease.RESULTSThe under‐expression of DCC protein was detected in 63% of patients who died from the disease and in 36% with no evidence of disease. DCC protein under‐expression was detected in all patients with T1 tumours who died from the disease, in half the T2 tumours and in two‐thirds of T3 tumours.CONCLUSIONDCC protein under‐expression correlated with more aggressive tumour behaviour and a greater risk of death from RCC. However, a larger cohort of patients should be assessed before drawing definitive conclusions.
The role of video‐urodynamic studies in managing non‐neurogenic voiding dysfunction in children
Authors: Soygür T. , Arikan N. , Tokatli Z. , Karaboga R. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively evaluate the role of video‐urodynamics (VUD) in the diagnosis and management of voiding dysfunction in children.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe records of the 128 children with dysfunctional voiding symptoms were retrospectively evaluated. All patients had a noninvasive screening assessment consisting of a detailed voiding history, ultrasonography and uroflowmetry, and measurement of residual urine. All the patients had also undergone VUD with no selection criteria. The results of VUD were compared retrospectively with the noninvasive screening assessment results.RESULTSIn 84 patients with urge syndrome VUD showed detrusor overactivity in 72 (86%); the bladder configuration and voiding‐phase results were normal. Three (3.5%) patients had low‐grade reflux. In 38 patients with voiding dysfunction VUD showed an intermittent flow pattern and/or increased electromyographic activity with a ‘spinning top’ deformity of the bladder neck and increased detrusor pressure during voiding. Five (13%) of these children had low‐grade reflux. In six infrequent voiders VUD revealed increased bladder capacity with fractionated flow patterns, with concomitantly increased abdominal pressures. There was decreased detrusor pressure during voiding with significant residual urine volume in only two patients; there was no reflux in any of the patients in this group.CONCLUSIONWe do not recommend routine VUD in children with non‐neurogenic voiding dysfunction, as it does not generally change the management and treatment. A detailed voiding history and physical examination is usually sufficient for a correct diagnosis.
Updated meta‐analysis of clinical trials of Serenoa repens extract in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Boyle P. , Robertson C. , Lowe F. , Roehrborn C. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVESTo determine, by analysing all available clinical trial data, the clinical efficacy against placebo of an extract from the fruit of the American dwarf palm tree, Serenoa repens (Permixon®, Pierre Fabre Médicament, Castres, France), as there is controversy about the use of phytotherapeutic agents in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).METHODSAll clinical trial data published on Permixon, comprising 14 randomized clinical trials and three open‐label trials, involving 4280 patients, were analysed. These trials were of different size (22–1100 patients) and duration (21–720 days). The peak urinary flow rate and nocturia were the two common endpoints. The statistical analysis was based on a random‐effects meta‐analysis.RESULTSPermixon was associated with a mean (sem) reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 4.78 (0.41). The mean placebo effect on peak urinary flow rate was an increase of 1.20 (0.49) mL/s. The estimated effect of Permixon was a further increase of 1.02 (0.50) mL/s (P = 0.042). Placebo was associated with a reduction in the mean number of nocturnal voids of 0.63 (0.14); there was a further reduction attributable to Permixon of 0.38 (0.07) (P < 0.001). There was some heterogeneity among the studies for nocturia; one over 2 years involving 396 patients and showing no difference between placebo and Permixon had a large effect on the results.CONCLUSIONSThis meta‐analysis of all available published trials of Permixon for treating men with BPH showed a significant improvement in peak flow rate and reduction in nocturia above placebo, and a 5‐point reduction in the IPSS.
The effect of intracalyceal distribution on the clearance of renal stones of ≥ 20 mm in children after extracorporeal lithotripsy
Authors: Ather M.H. , Noor M.A. , Akhtar S. 
Published: March 2004

In this section there are five papers covering a range of topics. Authors from Pakistan, Hong Kong, England, Greece, Canada and Turkey have written about different issues: intra‐calyceal distribution, dynamic MR urography to assess drainage in dilated pelvicalyceal systems, perineal pain after enterocystoplasty in bladder exstrophy, PSA assessment in childhood, and the use of video‐urodynamics in managing non‐neurogenic voiding dysfunction.OBJECTIVESTo determine the effect of the intracalyceal distribution of renal stones on clearance rates after treating paediatric nephrolithiasis with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe assessed a retrospective case series of children (aged ≤ 14 years) undergoing lithotripsy on an MPL 9000 (Dornier GmbH, Germany) echo‐guided lithotripter. Patients were identified using an international coding and indexing system and ESWL registry. In all, 125 children were treated during 1990–2003, but 21 had stones of ≥ 20 mm. Stone clearance was assessed at 1 and 3 months, the stone‐free state being defined as no radiological evidence of stone or fragments of ≤ 3 mm. Failed treatments were analysed to identify any correlation with stone site.RESULTSThe overall stone‐free rate was 81%; in four children the treatment failed (all girls) and subsequently they required ancillary procedures. Nineteen patients (90%) received up to three sessions of ESWL; two required four or more sessions. Of the four children in whom treatment failed, two had JJ stents; the stones were in the lower pole calyx in two, and the renal pelvis and lower pole calyx in two. The mean stone size in those where treatment failed was 25 mm, vs 21 mm in the stone‐free group. The complication rate was 19%, but only one child required admission to hospital.CONCLUSIONSESWL is very effective for renal stones in children, with minimal morbidity. Lower pole and partial staghorn stones with a major component in the lower pole calyx should preferably be treated by a percutaneous approach.
Assessment of serum prostate specific antigen in childhood
Authors: Antoniou A. , Papanastasiou P. , Stephanidis A. , Diamandis E. , Androulakakis P.A. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo investigate serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels with age and sex in childhood.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis prospective study included 205 children (123 boys, 82 girls; mean age 59.27 months, sd 3.78, range 2 days to 204 months) with no urogenital or endocrine disorders. PSA levels were measured using a highly sensitive, ‘third‐generation’ PSA (time‐resolved immunofluorometric) assay, able to detect PSA levels of ≥ 1 ng/L (0.001 ng/mL). Children were divided into four groups by age, i.e. A (0–12 months; 34 boys/20 girls); B (13–48, 37/21); C (49–144, 41/32); and D (> 144, 11/9). The data were analysed statistically using analysis of variance.RESULTSAn accurate measurement of PSA was possible in both sexes using the assay. The median (sd, range) PSA level in boys was 38.41 (1.318, 1–2768) ng/L, and in girls 4.059 (1.392, 1–287) ng/L. There were no significant differences between girls at all age groups, or between the sexes for groups A–C, but levels were significantly higher in boys in group D (30 times that in girls), at 142.59 (1.53) and 4.85 (1.58) ng/L (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSPSA levels do not differ significantly between boys and girls until 12 years old, after which there is a significant and steep increase in PSA in boys, reflecting the development of the prostate. Assessing PSA in children could be used as a potential marker in the diagnosis and follow‐up of urogenital disorders.
Over‐expression of anti‐CD75 reactive proteins on distal and collecting renal tubular epithelial cells in calcium‐oxalate stone‐forming kidneys in Egypt
Authors: Kramer G. , Steiner G.E. , Neumayer C. , Prinz‐Kashani M. , Hohenfellner M. , Gomha M. , Ghoneim M. , Newman M. , Marberger M. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the nature, distribution and expression pattern of CD75, a neuraminidase‐sensitive lymphocyte cell surface differentiation antigen, in calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone disease, as cell‐surface sialic acid might be involved CaOx crystal binding, and lectin‐binding assays suggest that sialic acid in the α2,6 position is upregulated in stone‐forming kidneys.MATERIALS AND METHODSHuman CaOx stone‐forming and normal kidneys (13 each) and primary kidney epithelial cells (CAKI‐1, three samples) were analysed. The protein pattern, distribution and expression of CD75 were analysed using Western blotting, immunohistology and semi‐quantitative confocal laser scanning microscopy (cLSM). Production was investigated by α2,6‐sialyltransferase specific reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.RESULTSWestern blotting showed one strong band at ≈ 43 kDa that reacted with anti‐CD75 when renal epithelial and CAKI‐1 tumour cell extracts were analysed. However, in renal tissue extracts of CaOx stone formers there were additional bands at 120 and 205 kDa. Image processing after cLSM showed that anti‐CD75 reactivity was significantly greater on E‐cadherin‐positive distal and collecting tubular cells from CaOx stone‐forming kidneys, at a mean (sd) intensity of 87 (7), than on those from normal kidneys, at 41 (5) (P = 0.005).CONCLUSIONCD75 expression in human kidney was primarily on the luminal surface of distal tubules and collecting ducts. Whether increased epithelial CD75 expression in CaOx stone disease is a cause or result of the disease remains to be clarified.
Surgical AtlasOrthotopic bladder substitution in women after cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Ghoneim M.A. 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARYOrthotopic bladder substitution after cystectomy in women isfeasible. The rate of continence is comparable to that in men who havebeen similarly treated. Over continence (which is common) is causedby posterior and caudal displacement of the neobladder. Preventionof this descent can reduce the incidence of this complication. Further follow‐upis needed to evaluate the oncological outcome.
Adaptive antioxidant response and photoaging
Authors: Wlaschek M. , Scharffetter‐Kochanek K. 
Published: March 2004

As the skin is always in contact with oxygen and is increasingly exposed to environmental and artificial ultraviolet (UV) irradiation the risk of photooxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species – finally leading to phototoxicity, photoaging and skin cancer – has increased substantially.The term reactive oxygen species (ROS) includes oxygen centered radicals like the superoxide anion radical and the hydroxyl radical, but also non‐radical species such as hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen – all being produced in skin upon UV irradiation. In response to the attack of reactive oxygen species the skin has developed a complex antioxidant defense system including enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants. As a first line of the enzymatic antioxidative defense, superoxide dismutases reduce superoxide anion radicals to hydrogen peroxide which subsequently is detoxified to water by catalase and glutathione peroxidases.We were interested whether the antioxidant enzymes manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and glutathion peroxidase (GPx1) are inducible upon UV irradiation and whether repetitive UV exposure, as practiced for the light‐hardening during phototherapy of photodermatoses, can even enhance the adaptive antioxidant response. To address this question skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes were exposed in vitro to single and repetitive UV low dose irradiation in different time intervals and afterwords challenged by high dose irradiation. The antioxidant response was measured in terms of steady state mRNA levels and activity changes of SOD2 or GPx1 as well as of the viability after challenge with high dose UV‐irradiation.Interstingly, only UVA but not UVB irradiation was able to induce the mRNA steady state levels and the activity of SOD2 in fibroblasts. However, fibroblasts incubated with the supernatants from UVB‐irradiated epidermal cells responded with an increase in SOD2. This increase on mRNA and activity levels was mediated by paracrine acting secreted factors produced by the keratinocytes. If fibroblasts were exposed repetitively to sublethal UVA doses the further up‐regulation of SOD2 correlated with the protection against high UV doses. Importantly, SOD2 basal levels of protein content and activity substantially differed within cultivated cells and skin biopsies from different individuals. These results provide evidence for an adaptive antioxidative UV response of the skin. Interindividual differences might account for differences in the susceptibility to develop photodermatologic disorders related to photosensitivity, photoaging, and skin cancer.
Understanding pressures on fishery resources through trade statistics: a pilot study of four products in the Chinese dried seafood market
Authors: Clarke Shelley 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis study investigates the dried seafood trade, centred in Chinese markets, in order to better understand the pressures its demand exerts on global marine resource stocks. Using Hong Kong, the region's largest entrepôt, as a focal point, the trade in shark fins, abalone, bêche‐de‐mer and dried fish is characterized in terms of product history, volume, source fisheries and species composition. Trends identified in the Hong Kong market are interpreted in the context of the larger Chinese market. Shark fin imports grew 6% per year between 1991 and 2000, most likely because of market expansion in Mainland China, posing increasingly greater pressures on global shark resources. In contrast, the quantities of dried abalone traded through Hong Kong remained steady, but inferences based on this trend are discouraged by suggestions of increasing preferences for fresh product forms and growing domestic production in Mainland China. Hong Kong's imports of dried bêche‐de‐mer (sea cucumber) have decreased, while the percentage of imports re‐exported has remained steady, suggesting that Hong Kong continues as an entrepôt for Mainland China despite declining domestic consumption. Few conclusions can be drawn regarding dried fish products, including whole fish and fish maws, because of a lack of product differentiation in customs data, but a market survey was conducted to provide information on species composition. Comparison of Hong Kong dried seafood trade statistics to those of other key trading partners indicates that, in general, Hong Kong's duty‐free status appears to encourage more accurate reporting of traded quantities. Under‐reporting biases ranged from 24 to 49% for shark fin and bêche‐de‐mer, respectively. Comparison to United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) databases indicates additional under‐reporting for shark fin such that an alternative minimum estimate of world trade is at least twice the FAO estimates in 1998–2000. The results of a survey of Hong Kong traders provide insight into their attitudes toward harvest, economic and regulatory factors, and suggest that conservation efforts are unlikely to emerge from, or be actively supported by, dried seafood trade organizations. The market's apparent sensitivity to economic sentiment, however, reveals an opportunity for consumer education to play a role in shaping future market growth and resource conservation. Recommendations are provided for improving trade statistics and for developing better analytical techniques to complement traditional methods for monitoring the exploitation and management of fisheries resources.
Ancestry and amphidromy in island freshwater fish faunas
Authors: McDowall R M 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAmphidromy is a frequent attribute of fish faunas of remote islands, where the presence of freshwater fishes creates perplexity as to how such remote places came to have ‘freshwater fish’. Not infrequently, the fact that amphidromous species spend part of their lives in the sea is invoked as indicating that such species have marine ancestries, and this is the implied explanation for presence of freshwater fishes on islands. However, examination of the ranges of some amphidromous species, and of the distributions of genera to which amphidromous fishes belong, strongly suggests that amphidromy, especially in the gobies of the subfamily Sicydiinae, is a widespread, probably ancestral trait. Rather than such amphidromous fish having a marine ancestry, their marine life stages are themselves the likely key element in explaining their distributions.
Laser ablative resurfacing for photorejuvenation based on more than a decade's experience and 1200 patients: personal observations
Authors: Trelles Mario A. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground Before lasers, the rejuvenation of photoaged skin, presented clinicians with many problems. Conventional methods, such as dermabrasion and various peels, gave inconsistent results with the potential for adverse side‐effects. Lasers have dramatically changed resurfacing procedures and results, although the potential for severe side‐effects still exists.Patients and methods The author's experience of over a decade in the use of the pulsed and continuous wave CO2, Er:YAG, and combined CO2and Er:YAG lasers in ablative resurfacing in more than 1200 patients is summarized. Parameters are discussed, and laser/tissue interactions are investigated.Results Among the CO2lasers used, the C/W system proved more effective in the long term than the pulsed system. For the Er:YAG laser, a novel dual‐mode approach was developed which was seen to give better results than the usual ablative Er:YAG settings. The combined Er:YAG/CO2system proved, in the author's hands at least, to be an ideal laser ablative resurfacing system when used with the collimated hand‐piece and a 50% overlap, which achieves a two‐pass equivalence in a single pass. Representative case reports are presented.Conclusions Laser ablative resurfacing with the CO2or Er:YAG dual‐mode lasers has the potential to produce excellent and long‐lasting results, but at the cost of patient downtime and unpleasant side‐effects. The combined Er: YAG/CO2system, in combination with good wound management techniques has helped reduce downtime and adverse effects.