bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine gene polymorphisms in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Riha R. L. , Yang I. A. , Rabnott G. C. , Tunnicliffe A. M. , Fong K. M. , Zimmerman P. V. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract Pro‐ and anti‐fibrotic cytokine gene polymorphisms may affect expression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The aims of the present case‐control study were to examine polymorphisms in the IL‐6, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin‐1 (IL‐1)Ra genes in patients with IPF (n = 22) ­compared to healthy controls (n = 140). Genotyping was performed on DNA extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes, using polymerase chain reaction − restriction fragment length polymorphism with gene polymorphisms determined according to ­published techniques. The following sites were examined: (i) IL‐1Ra*1−5 (86 bp variable tandem repeat intron 2), (ii) IL‐6 (−174G > C), (iii) TNF‐α (−308G > A) and (iv) TGF‐β1 (Arg25Pro). The TNF‐α (−308 A) allele was over‐represented in the IPF (pcorr = 0.004) group compared to controls. Risk of IPF was significant for heterozygotes for: (i) the TNF‐α (−308 A) allele (A/G) (odds ratio (OR) 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2−7.2; P = 0.02), (ii) homozygotes (A/A) (OR 13.9; 95%CI 1.2−160; P = 0.04) and (iii) carriage of the allele (A/A + A/G) (OR 4; 95%CI 1.6−10.2; P = 0.003). The distribution of alleles and genotypes for IL‐6, TGF‐β1 and IL‐1Ra between the two groups was not significantly different. This is the third study to independently confirm that there is a significant association of the TNF‐α (−308 A) allele with IPF. Further research is needed to assess the utility of cytokine gene polymorphisms as markers of disease ­susceptibility. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 126−129)
Recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Wallace R. A. , Schluter P. J. , Webb P. M. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract Although Helicobacter pylori infection is very common among particular groups of adults with intellectual disability, the rate of recurrence (reinfection or recrudescence) is unknown in this population. Thirty‐six months after successful treatment of H. pylori, 28 adults with intellectual disability were retested using the faecal antigen test. Six (21%) of 28 patients tested positive, giving an approximate yearly recurrence rate of 7%, a rate considerably higher than that in the general popu­lation (<1%). It is recommended that adults with intellectual disability who have had successful treatment of H. pylori be retested for an interval of 3−5 years after treatment. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 000−000)
Community‐acquired pneumonia: influence of management practices on length of hospital stay
Authors: Laing R. , Coles C. , Chambers S. , Frampton C. , Jennings L. , Karalus N. , Mills G. , Town G. I. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract Aims:  To identify variation in the management of ­community‐acquired pneumonia between two New Zealand hospitals and the factors that may account for any differences.Methods:  A 12‐month, prospective two‐centre study was conducted. Between July 1999 and July 2000, 474 adult patients with community‐acquired pneumonia were enrolled: 304 in Christchurch Hospital and 170 in Waikato Hospital. The patients were similar in age, sex, prior antibiotic use and comorbidity. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes for the patients at the two centres.Results:  The mean duration of i.v. antibiotic therapy was 1.7 versus 3.0 days (P < 0.001) and length of stay (LOS) was 3.0 versus 5.9 days (P < 0.001) for Waikato and Christchurch Hospitals, respectively. Using multivariate analy­sis, we could account for 61% of the observed vari­ation in LOS. Duration of i.v. antibiotic therapy independently accounted for 16% of variation in LOS compared with age (2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, duration of fever, intensive care unit admission and centre of admission (all <1%). For the duration of i.v. anti­biotics, centre of admission, largely reflecting clin­ician practice at each centre, independently accounted for 13% of variation, compared with duration of fever (5%), admission to the Intensive Care Unit (4%), Pneumonia Severity Index score (3%) and bacteraemia (3%).Conclusion:  Of the identifiable factors, variations in clin­i­cian behaviour outweighed the influence of patient factors on the duration of i.v. antibiotic therapy, which in turn was the major determinant of LOS for patients hospitalised with community‐acquired pneumonia. An early switch from i.v. to oral antibiotic therapy in conjunction with early discharge planning may significantly reduce LOS without compromising patient outcomes. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 91−97)
Community analysis of methanogenic archaea within a riparian flooding gradient
Authors: Kemnitz Dana , Chin Kuk‐Jeong , Bodelier Paul , Conrad Ralf 
Published: March 2004

SummaryAnoxic soils in river floodplains (or riparian soils) are a source of methane emission. However, little is known about the ecology and community structure of archaeal methanogenic microbes, which are a crucial component of methane flux in those habitats. We studied the archaeal community in the vertical profile of four different sites along the River Waal in the Netherlands. These sites differ in their annual flooding regime ranging from never or seldom to permanently flooded. The archaeal community structure has been characterized by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and comparative sequence analysis of the archaeal SSU rRNA gene and the mcrA gene. The latter gene codes for the α‐subunit of methyl‐coenzyme M reductase. Additionally, the potential methanogenic activity was determined by incubation of soil slurries under anoxic conditions. The community composition differed only slightly with the depth of the soil (0–20 cm). However, the diversity of archaeal SSU rRNA genes increased with the frequency of flooding. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of mcrA gene amplicons confirmed the results concerning methanogenic archaea. In the never and rarely flooded soils, crenarchaeotal sequences were the dominant group. In the frequently and permanently flooded soils, Methanomicrobiaceae, Methanobacteriaceae, Methanosarcinaceae and the uncultured Rice Clusters IV and VI (Crenarchaeota) were detectable independently from duration of anoxic conditions. Methanosaetaceae, on the other hand, were only found in the permanently and frequently flooded soils under conditions where concentrations of acetate were < 30 µM. The results indicate that methanogens as well as other archaea occupy characteristic niches according to the flooding conditions in the field. Methanosaetaceae, in particular, seem to be adapted (or proliferate at) to low acetate concentrations.
(5Z)‐4‐bromo‐5‐(bromomethylene)‐3‐butyl‐2(5H)‐furanone reduces corrosion from Desulfotomaculum orientis
Authors: Ren Dacheng , Wood Thomas K. 
Published: March 2004

Summary(5Z)‐4‐bromo‐5‐(bromomethylene)‐3‐butyl‐2(5H)‐furanone (furanone) from the red marine alga Delisea pulchra was found previously to inhibit the growth, swarming and biofilm formation of Gram‐positive bacteria (Ren et al., 2002, Lett Appl Microbiol 34: 293–299). In the present study, the Gram‐positive sulphate‐reducing bacterium (SRB), Desulfotomaculum orientis, was used to study the inhibition of mild steel corrosion due to the addition of furanone. The weight loss from batch coupon experiments incubated with 40 µg ml−1 furanone was reduced fivefold compared with samples that lacked furanone. Analysis of the metal surface with environmental scanning electron microscopy further confirmed the protection afforded by the addition of furanone. In agreement with the corrosion inhibition, most probable number (MPN) analysis showed that 20 and 40 µg ml−1 furanone inhibited 58% and 96% of the D. orientis growth respectively. Hence, furanone has the potential to inhibit microbial‐induced corrosion related to Gram‐positive bacteria.
The use of DGGE analyses to explore eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea marine picophytoplankton assemblages
Authors: Zeidner Gil , Béjà Oded 
Published: March 2004

SummaryIn vast areas of the oceans, most marine photosynthetic production is performed by cells smaller than 2–3 µm (picoplankton). Here, we report on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses of naturally occurring marine oxygenic picophytoplankton using the conserved photosynthetic psbA gene. The psbA gene proved to be a good indicator for picophytoplankton presence and was shown to work with DGGE. The DGGE results show the distribution of photosynthetic marine groups belonging to cyanobacteria and the eukaryotic prasinophytes (green algae) in the Red and eastern Mediterranean Seas in the seasons examined. The present study demonstrates the value of DGGE as a tool for rapid analyses of natural marine communities of picophytoplankton.
Storage symptoms of the bladder: prevalence, incidence and need for services in the UK
Authors: McGrother C.W. , Donaldson M.M.K. , Shaw C. , Matthews R.J. , Hayward T.A. , Dallosso H.M. , Jagger C. , Clarke M. , Castleden C.M. ,   the MRC Incontinence Study Team
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo establish valid and reliable prevalence and incidence rates for urinary incontinence and storage disorder, and estimate the extent of healthcare need and requirement for the UK.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis was a cross‐sectional and longitudinal population‐based study involving registrants with 108 general practices in Leicestershire and Rutland counties (UK). In all, 162 533 (prevalence study) and 39 602 (incidence study) people aged ≥ 40 years were approached by postal questionnaire, with response rates of 60% and 63%, respectively; 1050 non‐responders were followed up. The main measures were incontinence (involuntary leakage) storage disorder (including incontinence or urgency or frequency or nocturia above clinically defined thresholds), storage symptoms (as for storage disorder, above epidemiologically defined thresholds), professionally defined healthcare need (storage disorder, or storage symptoms with an impact on quality of life, QoL), and healthcare requirement (using services or wanting help among those with a healthcare need), all within the last year.RESULTSThe period prevalence was: moderate or greater incontinence, 16.1%; storage disorder, 28.5%; storage symptoms with impact on QoL, 30.4%; healthcare need, 37.1% and requirement 20.4%. Among those with storage disorders 81% reported effects on QoL. Annual incidence rates were: incontinence, 6.3%; storage disorder, 14.1%; healthcare need, 15.6% and requirement 8.4%. The remission rates were substantially greater in men than women. The problem becomes increasingly established and less likely to remit with age.CONCLUSIONSIn the UK over a 1‐year period, over a third of people aged ≥ 40 years are estimated to have a healthcare need for urinary storage symptoms (i.e. 9 million) and a fifth (i.e. 5 million) are estimated to require healthcare, with unmet requirement affecting 3 million. This represents a major public health problem. Apparent inconsistencies between prevalence, impact and uptake of services are explained.
Parallel changes in bladder suburothelial vanilloid receptor TRPV1 and pan‐neuronal marker PGP9.5 immunoreactivity in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity after intravesical resiniferatoxin treatment
Authors: Brady C.M. , Apostolidis A.N. , Harper M. , Yiangou Y. , Beckett A. , Jacques T.S. , Freeman A. , Scaravilli F. , Fowler C.J. , Anand P. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo compare PGP9.5 and transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) suburothelial immunoreactivity between controls and patients with spinal neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) before and after treatment with intravesical resiniferatoxin, as suburothelial PGP9.5‐staining nerve fibres decrease in patients with spinal NDO who respond to intravesical capsaicin, and TRPV1 is present on these suburothelial nerve fibres in normal and overactive human urinary bladder.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients with refractory NDO were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial using escalating doses of resiniferatoxin to a maximum of 1 µmol/L. Flexible cystoscopic bladder biopsies obtained at baseline, 4 weeks after each instillation and at the time of maximum clinical response were compared with biopsies taken from control subjects. Frozen sections were incubated with rabbit antibodies to TRPV1 and PGP9.5, and assessed using standard immunohistochemical methods. PGP9.5 nerve density was analysed using a nerve‐counting graticule by an observer unaware of sample origin. Another two independent observers unaware of each other's results used a random grading scale to evaluate TRPV1 nerve fibre density and intensity. The immunohistochemistry results were compared with histology findings (haematoxylin‐eosin), and the Mann–Whitney test used to assess any differences (P < 0.05 significant) and the Pearson test for correlation.RESULTSThere were eight controls and 20 patients with spinal NDO, 14 (five clinical responders and nine not) who received the maximum dose of resiniferatoxin. There were more PGP9.5 and TRPV1 nerve fibres in patients with NDO than in controls (P = 0.007 and 0.002, respectively). Immunoreactivity before resiniferatoxin was similar in both groups for both PGP9.5 and TRPV1. In responders there were fewer PGP9.5 and TRPV1‐positive fibres after treatment (P = 0.008 for each) but no change in those not responding. Changes after treatment for TRPV1 correlated well with those for PGP9.5 (r = 0.88, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThe decrease of PGP9.5 and TRPV1 immunoreactive nerve fibres in responders to resiniferatoxin (to levels in control tissues) suggests that the increased numbers of nerve fibres in patients with NDO are mainly of sensory origin and express TRPV1. As baseline nerve fibre values were similar in responders and nonresponders, an additional factor may account for the difference in treatment outcome.
Tissue‐engineered buccal mucosa for substitution urethroplasty
Authors: Bhargava S. , Chapple C.R. , Bullock A.J. , Layton C. , MacNeil S. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo develop tissue‐engineered buccal mucosa (TEBM) for use in substitution urethroplasty, as urethral reconstruction is limited by the amount and type of tissue that is available for grafting, and BM has become the favoured tissue for use as a urethral substitute in the last decade.MATERIALS AND METHODSAfter enzymatic treatment of a small (0.5 cm) BM biopsy the epidermis and dermis were mechanically separated. Oral keratinocytes were isolated from the epidermis and oral fibroblasts from the dermis. These cells were expanded and applied to sterilized de‐epidermized dermis (DED) to obtain a full‐thickness TE oral mucosa. Horizontal migration of keratinocytes on the DED was assessed using a tetrazolium‐blue (MTT) assay. The TEBM was assessed histologically after mechanical stressing in vitro using catheterization and meshing.RESULTSHistologically the TEBM closely resembled the native oral mucosa after culturing at an air–liquid interface for 2 weeks. The MTT assay showed good horizontal migration of keratinocytes on the DED. Serial histology revealed a gradually increasing thickness of the epidermis and remodelling of the dermis by the fibroblasts from day 1 to day 14. Despite subjecting the TEBM to mechanical stress the integrity of the epidermal‐dermal junction was maintained.CONCLUSIONSWe report the successful culture of full‐thickness TEBM for substitution urethroplasty, which is robust and suitable for clinical use.
Effect of time of castration and tumour volume on time to androgen‐independent recurrence in Shionogi tumours
Authors: So A.I. , Bowden M. , Gleave M. 
Published: March 2004

The understanding of the timing and development of the recurrence of androgen‐independent prostate cancer is limited and has significant clinical implications. The paper by So et al. addresses, for the first time, the concept of recurrence after androgen ablation in an animal model. They show clearly in this well designed and conducted study that the recurrence of an androgen‐independent cancer depends on both the initial size of the tumour and the delay leading to castration. These results have significant clinical importance in the understanding and treatment of prostate cancer.OBJECTIVETo use the androgen‐dependent Shionogi tumour model in mice to help define the effects of the timing of androgen ablation on the development of androgen resistance in prostate cancer, as the timing of androgen ablation remains controversial.MATERIALS AND METHODSGroups of nine mice were castrated at 1, 3, 6, 10 and 14 days after tumour inoculation, with a similar‐sized group of mice castrated before tumour inoculation serving as a control. The time of first palpable tumour recurrence and tumour volume was monitored after castration.RESULTSAll mice were observed for ≥ 80 days after castration. Only mice castrated at 10 and 14 days had palpable tumour at the time of castration. Mice castrated at 14 days had the highest rate of early tumour recurrence (all nine) while mice castrated before inoculation or at 1 and 3 days afterward had a significantly lower rate of tumour recurrence (four of nine; P < 0.01). Mice castrated at 14 and 10 days had tumour recurrence significantly earlier than mice in the other groups. When calcium‐channel blockers were administered to inhibit apoptosis, all mice had a similar time to recurrence and time to death regardless of the time of castration.CONCLUSIONSLarge tumour volume and corresponding delay in castration reduced the time to androgen‐independent tumour recurrence and survival. Earlier androgen ablation, at the time of subclinical (impalpable) disease, significantly delayed the rate and time to androgen‐independent recurrence compared with delayed therapy when the tumour burden was high.
The value of (−7, −5)pro‐prostate‐specific antigen and human kallikrein‐2 as serum markers for grading prostate cancer
Authors: Bangma C.H. , Wildhagen M.F. , Yurdakul G. , Schröder F.H. , Blijenberg B.G. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of the precursor form (−7,5pro) of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and human kallikrein‐2 (hK2) for detecting and grading prostate cancer, as better serum markers with improved specificity are needed in men with lower ranges of total (t)PSA.PATIENTS AND METHODStPSA, free PSA (fPSA), the precursor (−7,5)proPSA and hK2 were measured in a subset of participants of the European Randomised Study of Screening of Prostate Cancer. In a pilot study, sera from 143 men biopsied but with no prostate cancer, 142 with BPH, and 146 with prostate cancer were analysed to determine the relative value of serum markers for differentiating between the groups. Then , in 141 men with prostate cancer who had a radical prostatectomy, these serum markers were related to the pathological grading to analyse their value as prognostic variables.RESULTSLevels of (−7,5)proPSA, hK2 and fPSA could be used to distinguish between BPH and cancer, but proPSA and hK2, alone or combined, did not improve the specificity of fPSA for discriminating BPH and cancer. There was also no correlation between these serum markers and pathological tumour grade.CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect of using (−7,5)proPSA or hK2 for detecting and grading prostate cancer remains limited.
The use of a fibrin tissue sealant during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Pruthi R.S. , Chun J. , Richman M. 
Published: March 2004

The use of a fibrin tissue sealant in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is described by authors from Chapel Hill. They used it in 15 patients after electrocauterization and argon‐beam coagulation; it was helpful in haemotasis and in preventing urinary leak.OBJECTIVETo assess the feasibility and efficacy of commercially available fibrin tissue sealant as a haemostatic agent and collecting‐system sealant during hand‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).PATIENTS AND METHODSFifteen consecutive patients underwent LPN for enhancing renal masses suspicious for renal cell carcinoma via a transperitoneal approach and with the use of a hand‐assistance device. Monopolar electrocauterization and argon‐beam coagulation were initially used to slow bleeding from the resection site. Through a laparoscopic applicator, TisseelTM fibrin sealant (Baxter Inc., Deerfield, IL) was applied to the transected partial nephrectomy bed while the surgeon's hand maintained adequate compression and partial haemostasis. No further haemostatic measures were required in any patient; the patients were evaluated for acute and delayed bleeding or urinary extravasation.RESULTSIn all cases electrocauterization and argon‐beam coagulation followed by the application of Tisseel was successful in obtaining strict haemostasis of the surgical bed, with no evidence of bleeding during or after surgery on immediate and extended follow‐up. In addition, there was no evidence during or after surgery of any urinary leak. There were no immediate or delayed complications in any of the patients; a short‐term outpatient follow‐up (12–60 weeks) revealed no additional problems.CONCLUSIONSConventional haemostatic measures of electrocauteriztion and argon‐beam coagulation combined with commercial fibrin sealant allows successful haemostasis during LPN. In addition to haemostatic properties, fibrin sealants appear to have sealing properties that may help to prevent complications of urinary leakage by helping to seal or close the small defects in the urinary collecting system. The use of this compound may facilitate the ability of the urological laparoscopist during LPN.
Evaluation of the safety of sildenafil for male erectile dysfunction: experience gained in general practice use in England in 1999
Authors: Boshier A. , Wilton L.V. , Shakir S.A.W. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo examine the safety of sildenafil, the first of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors licensed for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (ED), as used in general medical practice in England, quantifying the incidence of a range of events in patients treated with sildenafil, and identifying any previously unrecognized adverse drug reactions.METHODSIn a postmarketing observational cohort study using prescription‐event monitoring (PEM), exposure data were derived from dispensed prescription details for patients who started treatment between April and August 1999. Outcome data were derived from ‘green form’ questionnaires (GFs) returned by general practitioners (GPs).RESULTSIn all, 24 835 (54.7%) of GFs posted to GPs were returned, of which 22 473 contained useful data for 22 471 male and two female patients. The major primary indications/clinical context of prescribing were impotence (16 583, 73.8%) and diabetes mellitus (183, 0.8%); 145 events were reported as adverse drug reactions to sildenafil. GPs recorded 3951 reasons for stopping sildenafil, and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in 135 patients was the commonest clinical reason reported. The clinical condition reported most frequently in the first month of observation was diabetes mellitus and/or hyperglycaemia (in 99 events). A standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for deaths caused by IHD in the first 8893 of 22 473 patients was 31.41 (95% confidence interval 18.29–50.29), using the comparator population of males in England in 1998.CONCLUSIONThis study identified the safety profile of sildenafil as used in the community, showing no unexpected events. The SMR analysis of deaths from IHD provided no evidence to suggest a higher incidence of deaths in the study cohort than in the male population in England.