bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Label‐free detection of 16S ribosomal RNA hybridization on reusable DNA arrays using surface plasmon resonance imaging
Authors: Nelson Bryce P. , Liles Mark R. , Frederick Kendra B. , Corn Robert M. , Goodman Robert M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn this paper, we describe the detection of bacterial cell‐extracted 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) using an emerging technology, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging of DNA arrays. Surface plasmon resonance enables detection of molecular interactions on surfaces in response to changes in the index of refraction, therefore eliminating the need for a fluorescent or radioactive label. A variation of the more common SPR techniques, SPR imaging enables detection from multiple probes in a reusable array format. The arrays developed here contain DNA probes (15–21 bases) designed to be complementary to 16S rRNA gene sequences of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis as well as to a highly conserved sequence found in rRNAs from most members of the domain Bacteria. We report species‐specific hybridization of cell‐extracted total RNA and in vitro transcribed 16S rRNA to oligonucleotide probes on SPR arrays. We tested multiple probe sequences for each species, and found that success or failure of hybridization was dependent upon probe position in the 16S rRNA molecule. It was also determined that one of the probes intended to bind 16S rRNA also bound an unknown protein. The amount of binding to these probes was quantified with SPR imaging. A detection limit of 2 µg ml−1 was determined for fragmented E. coli total cellular RNA under the experimental conditions used. These results indicate the feasibility of using SPR imaging for 16S rRNA identification and encourage further development of this method for direct detection of other RNA molecules.
Molecular diversity and characterization of nitrite reductase gene fragments (nirK and nirS) from nitrate‐ and uranium‐contaminated groundwater
Authors: Yan Tingfen , Fields Matthew W. , Wu Liyou , Zu Yuangang , Tiedje James M. , Zhou Jizhong 
Published: March 2003

SummaryNitrate‐contaminated groundwater samples were analysed for nirK and nirS gene diversity. The samples differed with respect to nitrate, uranium, heavy metals, organic carbon content, pH and dissolved oxygen levels. A total of 958 nirK and 1162 nirS clones were screened by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis: 48 and 143 distinct nirK and nirS clones, respectively, were obtained. A single dominant nirK restriction pattern was observed for all six samples and was 83% identical to the Hyphomicrobium zavarzinii nirK gene. A dominant nirS pattern was observed for four of the samples, including the background sample, and was 95% identical to the nirS of Alcaligenes faecalis. Diversity indices for nirK and nirS sequences were not related to any single geochemical characteristic, but results suggested that the diversity of nirK genes was inversely proportional to the diversity of nirS. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the sites based on geochemistry grouped the samples by low, moderate and high nitrate but PCA of the unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) distributions grouped the samples differently. Many of the sequences were not closely related to previously observed genes and some phylogenetically related sequences were obtained from similar samples. The results indicated that the contaminated groundwater contained novel nirK and nirS sequences, functional diversity of both genes changed in relation to the contaminant gradient, but the nirK and nirS functional diversity was affected differently.
Prediction of colonoscopic yield of neoplasia
Authors: Sarela  , Russell  , Windsor  , O’Riordain  , Guillou  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo identify criteria which may predict yield of neoplasia at colonoscopy.Patients and methodsClinicopathological characteristics of patients undergoing colonoscopy for either surveillance for neoplasia or investigation of colorectal symptoms were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to analyse risks for detection of adenoma and carcinoma.ResultsA total of 493 consecutive colonoscopies was reviewed. In the surveillance group, risk for detection of adenoma was two‐fold greater in the elderly (>65 years), in male patients and in those with a previous history of adenoma as opposed to carcinoma. In symptomatic patients, risk for detection of any neoplasm was three‐fold greater in the elderly but was independent of gender and presence or absence of rectal bleeding.ConclusionThese data support a case for prioritization of elderly patients for colonoscopy. The value of surveillance colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer appears greater in patients with a previous history of adenoma as opposed to carcinoma. Strict selection of patients with non‐bleeding symptoms may result in a colonoscopic yield of neoplasia comparable to that in patients with rectal bleeding.
Interstitial cells of Cajal in slow transit constipation and megabowel
Authors: Hagger  , Finlayson  , Kumar  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveDisordered gut motor activity is a feature of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are thought to modulate gut motility. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is an abnormality of the density of distribution of ICC in slow transit constipation and megabowel.Patients and methodsICC were identified by immunohistochemistry using an anti‐c‐kit antibody. Six patients (slow transit constipation n=3; megabowel n=3) were compared with normal controls. The density of distribution of ICC was assessed in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers, and in the intermuscular plane of the colon. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and χ2 test.ResultsNo consistent pattern of difference in the density of ICC could be identified between the constipated and control groups.ConclusionThe density of ICC in the constipated patients was not significantly different from normal colon. The results in these patients suggest that if ICC have a role in the causation of slow transit idiopathic constipation or megabowel then an abnormality of function rather than distribution is implicated.
Artificial bowel sphincter (ABS) for severe faecal incontinence: a clinical and manometric study
Authors: Dodi  , Melega  , Masin  , Infantino  , Cavallari  , Lise  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveAs experience with artificial sphincters for severe faecal incontinence is still limited, the authors’ aim was to report on the outcome following implantation of the ABS in their series.Patients and methodsEight women (mean age 56 years, range 48–64 years) with severe faecal incontinence refractory to conservative treatment underwent ABS implantation. This condition was idiopathic in six of the patients, due to trauma in one and due to malformation in the remaining one. The mean preoperative score for incontinence (AMS classification) was 96.2 (range 70–108). Two of the patients had rectal prolapse and three anterior colpocele.ResultsTwo patients had post‐operative infection requiring implant removal. In the six other patients (mean follow up 10.5 months, range 4–23 months) the mean incontinence score was 19.4 (range 0–61). Continence to solid stools was achieved in all six patients, although one complained of occasional episodes of incontinence to liquid stools and another of episodes of soiling; none had intolerance to the device, which functioned satisfactorily.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the ABS implant is well tolerated and may be a valid option in the treatment of severe incontinence, even in the presence of complex pelvic disorders, although the risk of infection must always be borne in mind. Studies on larger series with longer follow ups are required to confirm these preliminary findings.
Effect of acute changes in sacral nerve stimulation amplitude on anorectal function in faecal incontinence
Authors: Malouf A. J. , Kamm M. A. , Nicholls R. J. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveSacral nerve stimulation improves faecal continence. Preliminary evidence suggests that the effect may be mediated via altered rectal and anal smooth muscle activity, as well as facilitation of external sphincter contraction. Clinical benefit however, appears unrelated to whether stimulation amplitude is above or below that required to produce threshold perineal sensation. Formal evaluation of the effect of different levels of stimulation has not been undertaken. This study aimed to assess the effect of varying stimulation amplitude on pelvic floor motor and sensory function in patients permanently implanted for faecal incontinence.Patients and methodsThree female patients with passive faecal incontinence secondary to internal sphincter weakness, rendered continent with a permanently implanted sacral nerve stimulating electrode and pulse generator a mean of 19 months previously, were assessed. Patients underwent a series of anorectal physiological tests whilst stimulating amplitude was altered but all other stimulation parameters were kept constant. Baseline studies were initially performed at the stimulation amplitude providing continence over recent months for individual patients. Amplitude was then initially reduced, and then increased, in increments of 0.2 V, initially down to zero, and then to the maximal tolerated stimulation amplitude, at which pain was felt. Anorectal physiological testing was repeated 10 min after adjustment to each new amplitude of stimulation.ResultsProcedures were well tolerated by all patients. There were no significant differences in any of the physiological variables measured dependent upon intensity of stimulation between zero and the maximum tolerated stimulation. The recto‐anal inhibitory reflex was unaltered in the one patient in whom it was demonstrable prior to stimulation.ConclusionAcute changes in stimulation amplitude alone do not produce acute measurable differences in standard anorectal physiological variables. The clinical benefits of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence are not mediated primarily by improvement in anal canal pressures or alteration of anorectal sensation. Trials of different stimulation parameters over weeks or days may be necessary to demonstrate other functional differences.
Intestinal spirochetosis: clinicopathological features with review of the literature
Authors: Alsaigh N. , Fogt F. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical presentation of patients with intestinal spirochetosis, as it is has not been well described in the literature.MethodsWe studied 15 patients with colonic biopsies that showed spirochetosis. The study group consisted of 11 males and 4 females, 10 of the males were heterosexual and one was homosexual. None of these patients were clinically immunocompromized. A colonoscopy was performed for evaluation of different symptoms. The histological diagnosis of spirochetosis was made on H&E examination and confirmed by Giemsa and/or Steiner stain. There was no evidence of associated active or any specific colitis in any of the cases. The control group consisted of 30 patients, 16 males and 14 females that were matched for age and clinical indications for obtaining a colonic biopsy.ResultsColonic mucosa with prominent brush border‐like surface colonized with large amounts of spirochetes was noted in all 15 cases in the study group and in none of 30 cases in the control group. The clinical presentation in patients with spirochetosis was compared to the control group. Of the spirochetosis patients 86% presented with some form of clinical symptoms compared with 13% of controls. These symptoms included chronic watery diarrhoea in 40% spirochetosis patients vs 5% in controls; a change in bowel habit was present in 33% of spirochetosis patients vs 3.3% in controls. The endoscopic appearance in spirochetosis patients was reported as normal in six patients, `polyoid' in seven patients, erythematous in one patient and `lesion' in one patient.ConclusionThese findings suggest that colonic spirochetosis affects a heterogenous group of patients, the majority of whom presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. The variable clinical findings may be related to the infecting organism and the condition may not be harmless in all patients.
Diagnostic lessons learnt from a series of enterovesical fistulae
Authors: Daniels I. R. , Bekdash B. , Scott H. J. , Marks C. G. , Donaldson D. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective  An enterovesical fistula (EVF) is an uncommon condition requiring careful and sometimes extensive preoperative investigation. Our experience over a 10‐year period has been reviewed with emphasis on the diagnostic investigations performed.Patients and method  Forty‐two patients (30 male) have been studied. Presenting symptoms, diagnostic investigations, and subsequent treatment have been reviewed.Results  The site of the fistulae were; 37 colonic, 2 rectal, and 3 ileal. The commonest presenting symptoms were; pneumaturia 75%, faecaluria 63% and urinary tract infections 57%. The positivity rate of the investigations performed were; cystoscopy 89%, urine cytology 86%, barium enema 65%, computerized tomography (CT) scanning 55%, IVP 35%, and cystography 27.5%. The causes of the fistula were; diverticular disease 71%, carcinoma 20%, Crohn's disease 7%, and radiotherapy 2%.Conclusions  We recommend cystoscopy and urine cytology for faecal material as the first‐line investigations in all patients with a suspected enterovesical fistulae. CT scanning and barium enema should not be first line investigations but may be performed subsequently to help determine the aetiology and planning of surgery.
Rectal flap advancement – a simple and effective approach for the treatment of rectourethral fistula
Authors: Dreznik Z. , Alper D. , Vishne T. H. , Ramadan E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective  Rectourethral fistula is a rare complication of prostatic surgery and other pelvic procedures. We report our experience of surgical repair of using a rectal advancement flap.Patients  Three patients with rectourethral fistula following prostatic surgery were treated. Two patients had an anterior partial thickness of rectal flap advancement via a trans‐anal approach without urinary or faecal diversion. In one patient a rectal flap repair was performed through a posterior transsphincteric approach following urinary and faecal diversion.Results  No significant postoperative complications occured. Healing was successful in each patient and faecal and urinary continence was normal.Conclusion  Transanal rectal advancement flap is a simple and effective technique for the treatment of a rectourethral fistula with no need for urinary or faecal diversion.
A prospective audit of stomas‐analysis of risk factors and complications and their management
Authors: Arumugam P. J. , Bevan L. , Macdonald L. , Watkins A. J. , Morgan A. R. , Beynon J. , Carr N. D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim  To prospectively audit stomas and to determine the nature and rate of complications and their relationship with various risk factors and their management.Materials and methods  The study was performed prospectively on 97 consecutive patients who had stomas formed between January 2000 to August 2000. Patients were followed up for one year. Risk factors including age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative siting, contour of the abdominal wall, smoking, grade of operating surgeon, emergency or elective procedure, diabetes, type of stoma and suture material used were noted. The type of surgery, and indications for surgery were also recorded. The complications were documented by two qualified stoma nurses and a photographic record taken. Statistical analysis comprising both univariate and multivariate methods, was performed by SPSS 10.Results  The mean age was 65 years (standard deviation 16.01, range 16–99) and mean body mass index was 24.5 (standard deviation 4.66, range 15–37). Forty‐nine of 97 (50.5%) stomas developed one or more complications. Twenty‐three patients experienced retraction, 18 had stomas sited in a skin crease, 16 had early and 12 had late skin excoriation, 12 had detachments and a further 12 had parastomal hernia. Eleven further stoma complications were noted including prolapse, necrosis, ischaemia and sloughing. None of the risk factors achieved statistical significance when analysed against the overall complication rate. However, when the risk factors were analysed against individual complications using univariate logistic regression, a high body mass index was associated with more retractions (P = 0.003), early skin excoriation (P = 0.036) and poor siting (stoma in crease) occurred more commonly in emergencies (P = 0.022). Diabetes was associated with late skin excoriation (P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regressions confirmed an independent association of body mass index, diabetes and emergency surgery with complications. Forty‐five of 49 patients who had complications needed some conservative management such as a convexity appliance. Four patients needed refashioning.Conclusion  Body mass index, diabetes and emergency surgery were the significant risk factors identified in our study. Overall complications compare favourably with other series. We found that preoperative siting by stoma nurses and the grade of operating surgeon did not affect the outcome.
A b3‐adrenergic agonist increases muscle GLUT1/GLUT4 ratio, and regulates liver glucose utilization in diabetic rats*
Authors: Milagro F. I. , Gómez‐Ambrosi J. , Forga L. , Martínez J. A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAim: Previous studies have reported that β3‐adrenergic agonists reduce plasma glucose levels in situations of hyperglycaemia and diabetes in rodents. Nevertheless, the mechanisms still remain unclear. In this context Trecadrine®, a novel compound with affinity for β3‐adrenergic receptors, has been tested in alloxan‐diabetic rats for its potential use as an anti‐diabetic drug, but also to elucidate the role of muscle/liver glucose utilization in the process.Methods and results: Daily oral administration (1 mg/kg) to alloxan‐diabetic Wistar rats (n = 10) for 4 days caused a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels (from 15.0 to 8.3 mmol/l) with no apparent effects on insulin secretion. Furthermore, Trecadrine® administration tended to normalize glucose storage (estimated by measuring glucokinase activity) and output (by measuring glucose‐6‐phosphatase activity) in the liver of diabetic animals. On the other hand, Trecadrine® administration for 4 days resulted in an increase in GLUT1 gene expression in gastrocnemius muscle as compared to insulin‐dependent glucose transporter GLUT4. Furthermore, a significant stimulation of 2‐deoxy‐
d‐glucose uptake in extensor digitorum longus muscle and, in a lesser degree, in gastrocnemius, but not in soleus muscle and in white adipose tissue, occurs.Conclusions: Trecadrine® reduces glucose output from the liver, thus thus contributing to the reduction of plasma glucose levels to achieve the values of control rats. Furthermore, Trecadrine® administration stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, especially in those muscles with predominant glycolytic fast‐twitched fibres, apparently by a direct non‐insulin‐dependent mechanism, involving a relative increase in the content of GLUT1 in the plasma membrane as compared with GLUT4. In conclusion, Trecadrine® shows a potent hypoglycaemic effect in the alloxan‐induced model of diabetes in rats by decreasing hepatic glucose output and improving muscle glucose uptake.
Unfavourable impact of growth hormone (GH) discontinuation on body composition and cholesterol profiles after the completion of height growth in GH‐deficient young adults
Authors: Kohno H. , Ueyama N. , Honda S. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Aim: Growth hormone (GH) plays an important role in the regulation of body composition and metabolism. GH deficiency is associated with obesity and hypercholesterolemia, which respond to GH treatment. In this study we evaluated changes in body composition and cholesterol profiles after discontinuation of GH therapy to assess atherogenic risk factors in GH‐deficient patients. Methods: We studied 18 male patients with GH deficiency 17–20 years of age at the time of discontinuing GH therapy. Body composition and cholesterol were measured 6 months before discontinuation of GH therapy with a weekly dose of 0.5 IU/kg (≈ 0.19 mg/kg), and immediately, 2 months, and 6 months after the end of GH therapy. Results: Two months after termination of GH therapy the percentage of body fat and fat mass increased from 7.4% to 9.4% and from 3.8 kg to 5.0 kg, respectively, and remained high thereafter. Lean body mass decreased gradually, but the change was not significant. Lean body mass : fat mass ratio decreased from 14.7 at termination of GH therapy to 10.9 at the end of study. Total cholesterol (TC) showed a significant linear increase from 156 mg/dl immediately after discontinuation to 169 mg/dl 6 months after discontinuation of GH, whereas high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) showed no change during the study. The TC to HDLC ratio showed a slight but insignificant trend toward an increase. There were no significant changes in any variables during the last 6 months of GH therapy. Conclusion: GH therapy in patients with GH deficiency can reduce risk factors for obesity‐related diseases and atherosclerosis. These beneficial effects are reversed after discontinuation of GH therapy. Further long‐term studies of the effects of the GH withdrawal on lipid profiles, adiposity and life expectancy must be performed.
Comparative efficacy study of atorvastatin vs. simvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin and placebo in type 2 diabetic patients with hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Gentile S. , Turco S. , Guarino G. , Sasso C. F. , Amodio M. , Magliano P. , Salvatore T. , Corigliano G. , Agrusta M. , De Simone G. , Gaeta I. , Oliviero B. , Torella R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAlthough there is little information from primary or secondary prevention trials on cholesterol‐lowering medication in diabetic patients, the reduction of elevated cholesterol is widely recommended for this group. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends drug therapy in diabetic patients if low density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol remains at > 130 mg/dl, or > 100 mg/dl in patients with macroangiopathy, after dietary intervention. When cholesterol‐lowering medication is indicated, the choice of the drug must take into account the other lipid abnormalities that are often present and the need to maintain optimal glycaemic control. In the present study we compared the efficacy and safety of the novel HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin at the dose of 10 mg/day with simvastatin , lovastatin and pravastatin at doses of 10, 20 and 20 mg/day, respectively, and placebo, in type 2 diabetic patients with moderate elevation of LDL‐cholesterol with or without elevation of triglycerides. All the quoted agents are enzyme inhibitors effective in lowering LDL‐cholesterol in humans. The efficacy endpoints were the mean per cent changes in plasma LDL‐cholesterol (primary), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol concentrations from baseline to the end of treatment (24 weeks). Atorvastatin at a dose of 10 mg/day produced: (1) a significant reduction in LDL‐cholesterol (− 37%) in comparison with equivalent doses of simvastatin(− 26%), pravastatin (− 23%), lovastatin (− 21%), and placebo (− 1%); (2) HDL‐cholesterol increases (7.4%) comparable to or greater than those obtained with simvastatin (7.1%), pravastatin (3.2%), lovastatin (7.21%), and placebo (− 0.5%); (3) a significantly greater reduction in total cholesterol (− 29%) than that obtained with simvastatin (− 21%), pravastain (− 16%), lovastatin (− 18%), and placebo (1%); and (4) a significantly greater reduction in triglycerides than that obtained with all the other drugs and placebo. In all treatment groups no significant variation in fibrinogen concentration was observed. All reductase inhibitors studied had similar levels of tolerance. There were no incidents of persistent elevations of serum aminotransferases or myositis.