bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for renal cysts
Authors: Terada N. , Arai Y. , Kinukawa N. , Yoshimura K. , Terai A. 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVETo examine the risk factors for renal cysts in a large population‐based health survey, as we previously reported that the prevalence of renal cyst increases with age, there is a difference in incidence between the sexes and other studies show an association between renal cysts and hypertension.SUBJECTS AND METHODSData were collected on 17 914 individuals who participated in a multiphase health‐screening programme at our institution in 2000. Ultrasonography was used for diagnosing renal cysts. Logistic analysis was used to examine various risk factors for renal cyst, including sex, age, serum creatinine, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking habits. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure of > 140 mmHg, a diastolic blood pressure of > 90 mmHg, or current use of antihypertensive medication. In 45 patients with renal cysts who were followed for a mean (range) of 6 (4–7) years the sequential changes in the size of the cysts and the systolic blood pressure were plotted in relation to age. The relationship of the mean changes in these variables was also examined.RESULTSThe prevalence of renal cysts was 9.9%, ranging from 3.8% for subjects in their third decade to 18.5% in their sixth. Cysts were detected in 13.0% of men and 5.8% of women (P < 0.001). The mean serum creatinine was 83 mg/L in those with cysts and 76 mg/L in those without (P < 0.001); the respective mean systolic blood pressure was 123 and 118 mmHg (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (P < 0.001), sex (P < 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.0022) and serum creatinine (P = 0.021) had a significant influence on the occurrence of renal cysts. Enlargement of the cysts was not correlated with the increase in blood pressure.CONCLUSIONSThe risk factors for a renal cyst are age, male gender, renal dysfunction and hypertension. Hypertension might cause renal dysfunction, which leads to the development of renal cysts.
Identification of multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 and glutathione as multidrug resistance mechanisms in human prostate cancer cells: chemosensitization with leukotriene D4 antagonists and buthionine sulfoximine
Authors: Van Brussel J.P. , Oomen M.A. , Vossebeld P.J.M. , Wiemer E.A.C. , Sonneveld P. , Mickisch G.H.J. 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the involvement of the multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1) and the glutathione pathway in the multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype of prostate cancer in vitro.MATERIALS AND METHODSChemoselection of human prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145 with etoposide resulted in the resistant cell lines PC3‐R and DU‐R. Resistance against etoposide, doxorubicin and vincristine, and its reversal with leukotriene D4 antagonists MK‐571 and zafirlukast, and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), was assessed using tetrazolium‐dye viability assays. Western blot analysis of MRP1 expression and glutathione content were measured, and MRP1 function assessed in fluorescence assays.RESULTSMRP1 was increased in the MDR models; the glutathione content was significantly higher in PC3‐R but there was no increase in glutathione in DU‐R. Adding non‐toxic doses of MK‐571, zafirlukast or BSO significantly increased the sensitivity of the MDR models to cytotoxic drugs. MRP1 function was inhibited with MK‐571 in the MDR models.CONCLUSIONMRP1 and glutathione mediate MDR in newly developed prostate cancer models.
Papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential: reliability of diagnosis and outcome
Authors: Campbell P.A. , Conrad R.J. , Campbell C.M. , Nicol D.L. , MacTaggart P. 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine the ability of pathologists to reproducibly diagnose a newly defined lesion, i.e. the papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP) using the published criteria, defined by the 1998 World Health Organisation/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) classification system; in addition, debate remains about the clinical behaviour of these lesions, thus the rates of recurrence and progression of PUNLMP lesions were assessed and compared with low‐grade papillary urothelial carcinomas (LG‐PUC) and high‐grade (HG‐PUC) over a 10‐year follow‐up.PATIENTS AND METHODSForty‐nine cases of superficial bladder cancer (G1–3 pTa) representing an initial diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma made in 1990 were identified and re‐graded using the 1998 WHO/ISUP classification by two pathologists. Inter‐observer agreement was assessed using Cohen weighted κ statistics. After re‐classification the clinical follow‐up was reviewed retrospectively, and episodes of recurrence and progression recorded.RESULTSThe inter‐observer agreement was moderate, regardless of whether one (κ 0.45) or two (κ 0.60) pathologists were used to grade these lesions. Re‐classification identified 12 PUNLMP, 28 LG‐PUC and nine HG‐PUC. PUNLMP lesions recurred in 25% (3/12) of cases; no progression was documented. Recurrence rates were 75% (21/28) and 67% (6/9) for LG‐ and HG‐PUC, respectively, and progression rates were 4% (1/28) and 22% (2/9).CONCLUSIONThe 1998 WHO/ISUP classification of urothelial neoplasms can be reproducibly applied by pathologists, with a moderate level of agreement. There is evidence that PUNLMP lesions have a more indolent clinical behaviour than urothelial carcinomas. However, the risk of recurrence and progression remains, and clinical monitoring of these patients is important.
Prevention of recurrent bacterial cystitis by intravesical administration of hyaluronic acid: a pilot study
Authors: Constantinides C. , Manousakas T. , Nikolopoulos P. , Stanitsas A. , Haritopoulos K. , Giannopoulos A. 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVESTo assess the effect of bladder instillations of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the rate of recurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI).PATIENTS AND METHODSForty women (mean age 35 years) with a history of recurrent UTI received intravesical instillations of HA (40 mg in 50 mL phosphate‐buffered saline) once weekly for 4 weeks then once monthly for 4 months. The UTI status was assessed over a prospective follow‐up of 12.4 months and compared with the rates of UTI before instillation, determined by a retrospective review of patient charts covering 15.8 months.RESULTSAfter HA treatment no patients had a UTI during the 5‐month treatment phase and 28 (70%) were recurrence‐free at the end of the follow‐up. The mean (sd) rate of UTI per patient‐year was 4.3 (1.55) before treatment and 0.3 (0.55) afterward (P < 0.001). The median time to recurrence after HA treatment was 498 days, compared with 96 days beforehand (P < 0.001). The tolerability was excellent, as side‐effects were limited to nine patients who reported mild bladder irritation; no patient interrupted the treatment.CONCLUSIONSIn this preliminary study, bladder instillations of HA had a significant effect on the rate of UTI in women with a history of recurrent UTIs. The bladder instillation of HA is an acceptable and promising therapeutic alternative in patients with recurrent UTI. Expanded placebo controlled clinical trials examining this application of HA are currently underway.
Transurethral incision of duplex system ureteroceles in neonates: does it increase the need for secondary surgery in intravesical and ectopic cases?
Authors: Castagnetti M. , Cimador M. , Sergio M. , De Grazia E. 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relevance of ureterocele ectopia and associated reflux on the outcome of duplex system ureteroceles (DSU) after neonatal transurethral incision (TUI).PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 41 neonates with a diagnosis of DSU; the ureterocele was ectopic in 24 (58%). Before TUI, vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) was present in 13 lower moieties (32%) and seven contralateral ureters (17%). TUI was always performed within the first month of life. The follow‐up and management were tailored for each patient from the findings at ultrasonography, voiding cysto‐urethrography and renal scintigraphy. Results of intravesical and ectopic DSU were compared using Fisher's exact test.RESULTSTUI was effective in allowing ureteric decompression in all but one patient (2.4%). After TUI, VUR ceased in six lower ipsilateral moieties and in two contralateral ureters, while new VUR occurred in three contralateral kidneys. De novo VUR in the punctured moiety appeared in 13 cases (32%). Nine upper poles were not functioning. Twenty‐one patients (51%) required secondary surgery. Ureteric reimplantation was indicated exclusively for reflux in the punctured moiety in only in two cases (5%), while in a further two iatrogenic reflux in a nonfunctioning upper moiety required total heminephro‐ureterectomy. There was no significant difference between intravesical and ectopic ureteroceles in the occurrence of VUR in the punctured moiety, rate of nonfunctioning upper poles or need for secondary surgery.CONCLUSIONSAbout half of the patients with a DSU need secondary surgery, but this is rarely indicated for de novo reflux in the punctured moiety only. The need for secondary surgery was greater whenever there was associated reflux before endoscopic incision. There was no difference in the outcome of intravesical and ectopic ureteroceles and such distinction seems no longer to be of clinical relevance.
Predictors of androgen independence in metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Sim H.G. , Lau W.K.O. , Cheng C.W.S. 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the factors that influence the onset of androgen independence (AI, which heralds a dismal outcome) in patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe records of 361 consecutive patients with prostate carcinoma diagnosed and treated in the authors’ institution from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 1999 were reviewed retrospectively; 92 with metastatic prostate carcinoma were assessed (median age 71.0 years, range 42–93). Patients were included if they developed metastatic disease from prostate cancer at the time of diagnosis. The nadir for prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was defined as the date of the lowest PSA level after hormonal therapy, and AI was defined as the date of the third consecutive PSA increase above the nadir value by any threshold.RESULTSThe median Gleason sum was 8 and the modal Gleason score 4 + 5. The median (range) pretreatment PSA level was 274.0 (1.3–2179) ng/mL. Of the 92 men, 57 (62%) attained a nadir PSA, including 23 with a nadir of < 2 ng/mL; 32 (35%) progressed to AI within 2 years and 27% reached a nadir PSA but did not develop AI. The mean (sd) time from diagnosis to the nadir PSA was 13.7 (11.8) months, while the mean time from diagnosis to progression to AI was 30.3 (15.6) months. Univariate analysis showed that a nadir PSA level after treatment of ≥ 1 ng/mL (P = 0.0128) was an early predictor of progression to AI; a nadir PSA level of ≥ 2 ng/mL (P = 0.0216) was a predictor of poor overall survival.CONCLUSIONFailure to attain a nadir PSA of < 1 ng/mL after treatment predicts progression to AI and a nadir PSA of > 2 ng/mL predicts poorer overall survival. The development of skeletal events predicts the onset of AI but occurs late in the disease and is unsuitable as an early prognostic marker.
Sentinel lymph node investigation in melanoma: detailed analysis of the yield from step sectioning and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Gietema H A , Vuylsteke R J C L M , de Jonge I A , van Leeuwen P A M , Molenkamp B G , van der Sijp J R M , Meijer S , van Diest P J 
Published: May 2004

Aims:To evaluate in detail the extent to which step sectioning and immunohistochemical examination of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with melanoma reveal additional node positive patients, to arrive at a sensitive yet workable protocol for histopathological SLN examination.Methods:The study comprised 29 patients with one or more positive SLN after a successful SLN procedure for clinical stage I/II melanoma. SLNs were lamellated into pieces of approximately 0.5 cm in size. One initial haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained central cross section was made for each block. When negative, four step ribbons were cut at intervals of 250 μm. One section from each ribbon was stained with H&E, and one was used for immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results:When taking the cumulative total of detected metastases at level 5 as 100%, the percentage of SLN positive patients increased from 79%, 83%, 83%, 90% to 93% in the H&E sections through levels 1–5, and with IHC these values were 83%, 86%, 90%, 97%, and 100%, respectively. One of six patients in whom metastases were detected at levels 2–5 only had metastases in the subsequent additional lymph node dissection.Conclusions:Multiple level sectioning of SLNs (five levels at 250 μm intervals) and the use of IHC detects additional metastases up to the last level in melanoma SLNs. Although more levels of sectioning might increase the yield even further, this protocol ensures a reasonable workload for the pathologist with an acceptable sensitivity when compared with the published literature.
Resistance to scrapie in PrP ARR/ARQ heterozygous sheep is not caused by preferential allelic use
Authors: Caplazi P A , O’Rourke K I , Baszler T V 
Published: May 2004

Background:In sheep, susceptibility to scrapie, which is similar to human prion diseases such as Kuru and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), is determined by prion protein (PrP) gene (Prnp) polymorphisms. Sheep with genotype ARQ/ARQ, denoting polymorphisms at codons 136, 154, and 171, are susceptible, whereas those with genotypes ARR/ARQ and ARR/ARR are resistant, indicating dominance of ARR over the ARQ allele.Aims:Based on familial CJD E200K, 129V, where preferential use of the 200E allele in EK heterozygous individuals confers resistance, heterozygous ARR/ARQ sheep were used to test the hypothesis that resistance is caused by preferential use of the ARR allele.Methods:After assessment of equivalent PrP expression across genotypes, allele use was analysed by sequencing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction derived DNA clones containing the Prnp gene coding sequence.Results:The ARR to ARQ ratio was 1.1 in 133 clones, representing Prnp mRNA from three ARR/ARQ sheep, indicating equal use of both alleles.Conclusions:Dominance of the resistant associated allele in sheep scrapie involves mechanisms other than the absence of PrP derived from the disease associated ARQ allele.
High resolution microarray comparative genomic hybridisation analysis using spotted oligonucleotides
Authors: Carvalho B , Ouwerkerk E , Meijer G A , Ylstra B 
Published: May 2004

Background:Currently, comparative genomic hybridisation array (array CGH) is the method of choice for studying genome wide DNA copy number changes. To date, either amplified representations of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs)/phage artificial chromosomes (PACs) or cDNAs have been spotted as probes. The production of BAC/PAC and cDNA arrays is time consuming and expensive.Aim:To evaluate the use of spotted 60 mer oligonucleotides (oligos) for array CGH.Methods:The hybridisation of tumour cell lines with known chromosomal aberrations on to either BAC or oligoarrrays that are mapped to the human genome.Results:Oligo CGH was able to detect amplifications with high accuracy and greater spatial resolution than other currently used array CGH platforms. In addition, single copy number changes could be detected with a resolution comparable to conventional CGH.Conclusions:Oligos are easy to handle and flexible, because they can be designed for any part of the genome without the need for laborious amplification procedures. The full genome array, containing around 30 000 oligos of all genes in the human genome, will represent a big step forward in the analysis of chromosomal copy number changes. Finally, oligoarray CGH can easily be used for any organism with a fully sequenced genome.
Tissue invasiveness and non-acidic pH in human candidiasis correlate with “in vivo” expression byCandida albicansof the carbohydrate epitope recognised by new monoclonal antibody 1H4
Authors: Monteagudo C , Viudes A , Lazzell A , Martinez J P , Lopez-Ribot J L 
Published: May 2004

Background:The morphogenetic conversion between yeast and hyphal growth forms appears to be crucial in the pathogenesis of invasive candidiasis, and can be regulated by environmental signals such as extracellular pH.Aims:To characterise the epitope recognised by monoclonal antibody 1H4, and to evaluate the expression of its corresponding epitope inCandida albicanscells under different conditions of pH and temperature, and “in vivo”, in tissue samples from patients with human candidiasis.Methods:Monoclonal antibody 1H4 was generated against the 58 kDa cell wall mannoprotein ofC albicans(mp58), and was further characterised by immunoblot analysis, periodate treatment of the antigenic preparations, and agglutination experiments ofC albicansstrains 3153A, SC5314, and 412, cultured under different environmental conditions (growth media and pH). An immunohistochemical study was performed in 24 human tissue samples from patients with mucocutaneous and systemic candidiasis.Results:1H4 recognises a pH sensitive carbohydrate epitope on the surface ofC albicanscells, and this epitope is not restricted to mp58, but is shared with other cell wall mannoproteins. Immunohistochemical findings indicated that expression of the 1H4 epitope onC albicanscells in tissue sections from human candidiasis correlates with tissue invasion and pH of the niche. 1H4 immunoreactivity was also found in candida remnants within macrophages.Conclusions:The fact that 1H4 epitope expression selectively identifies invasive forms ofC albicans, in addition to candida remnants within macrophages, supports its potential value in the diagnosis and management of human candidiasis.
DoToxoplasma gondiiRH strain tachyzoites evolve during continuous passage?
Authors: Mavin S , Joss A W L , Ball J , Ho-Yen D O 
Published: May 2004

Aim:To examine three lineages ofToxoplasma gondiiRH strain in terms of performance in the dye test, culture, and gene expression.Methods:Historical data (culture growth and performance in the dye test) from three lineages of RH strain tachyzoites (B, J, and Q) that had been continuously cultured in HeLa cells was assessed. Tachyzoite harvests obtained during continuous cell culture were retrieved from liquid nitrogen and cultured in HeLa cells, providing mRNA that was extracted and used to study gene expression using random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis at different stages of lineage adaptation to continuous culture.Results:The B and Q lineages consistently produced tachyzoites that were successfully used in the dye test and their gene expression was stable after multiple passages. The J lineage had unpredictable growth, tachyzoites unsuitable for use in the dye test, and changing gene expression with multiple passage.Conclusion:This study has explained some anomalies in the performance of different stocks ofT gondii, and suggests that lineages that are still evolving in cell culture should be avoided.
Use of multiple displacement amplification to amplify genomic DNA before sequencing of the α and β haemoglobin genes
Authors: Mai M , Hoyer J D , McClure R F 
Published: May 2004

Aims:To evaluate the technique of multiple displacement amplification (MDA) for whole genome amplification from small volume blood samples before sequencing in a clinical test to identify haemoglobin gene mutations.Methods:Phage φ29 DNA polymerase was used to perform MDA, starting with either 1 μl of blood or 1 ng of previously isolated blood DNA from 23 patients. The amplified products were then evaluated using a clinical test that involves sequencing the haemoglobin genes to detect mutations. The results were compared with the current clinical test method that uses genomic DNA isolated using column based technology.Results:The MDA technique produced large quantities (theoretically approximately 2 mg) of DNA. The amplification procedure was extremely easy and took about four hours (less than one hour of hands on technician time and three hours for amplification). When MDA products were used in the same clinical test protocol as genomic DNA isolated using column technology, there was 100% concordance for detection of a variety of point mutations in the α1, α2, and β globin genes.Conclusions:The MDA technique is useful for overcoming the problem of insufficient genomic DNA in clinical specimens requiring haemoglobin gene sequencing and could be useful for other clinical applications.
Systemic mastocytosis with associated clonal haematological non-mast cell lineage diseases: a histopathological challenge
Authors: Horny H-P , Sotlar K , Sperr W R , Valent P 
Published: May 2004

Aims:Although systemic mastocytosis (SM) with an associated clonal haematological non-mast cell lineage disease (SM-AHNMD) is a major subtype of SM, little is known about its frequency among myelogenous neoplasms, and mastocytosis in particular, or about AHNMD subtype frequencies.Methods:Approximately 19 500 routine bone marrow biopsies were evaluated. Immunostaining with antibodies against tryptase, KIT, and CD25 and molecular analysis for detection of C-KIT point mutations were performed in approximately 550/4100 myelogenous malignancies including mastocytosis, almost all subtypes of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative syndrome (MDS/MPD), MPD, and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).Results:SM was rare—it was diagnosed in only 64 bone marrows (0.3%) and made up 1.5% of myelogenous tumours. SM-AHNMD was the second most frequent subtype (20). SM-AHNMD was never included in the clinical differential diagnoses and was confirmed histologically in most cases only after appropriate immunostaining. The abnormal mast cell phenotype was confirmed by immunohistochemical demonstration of tryptase and CD25 coexpression. The following associated haematological neoplasms were found: MDS/MPS, AML, MPS, MDS, plasma cell myeloma, and unclassifiable myelogenous malignancy. C-KIT point mutations were detected in 16 of 20 cases.Conclusions:SM-AHNMD can be diagnosed histologically in bone marrow trephines only after immunostaining with antibodies against tryptase, KIT, and CD25. Eighteen of 20 AHNMDs were of myeloid origin. C-KIT point mutations were present in 16 of 20 cases. The prognostic relevance of detecting SM associated with another haematological neoplasm remains unclear, but mast cell resistance to most cytoreductive agents is of major importance for treatment planning.